Idol Chatter & Voice Views

I was on vacation last week, so I missed the exciting news.

Fans can now pre-order Jason Castro’s debut album through his Web site, for about $400.

OK, that’s just the most expensive of three packages being offered.

But, wow! I figure someone’s really going to have to be a fan of dreadlocks to spend that kind of cash. Especially after listening to the very ho-hum single from the album posted on Jason’s new Web site.

Of course, you get much more than just the album for the pre-order deluxe pack purchase price of $399.99. The package also includes …

* A one-year membership to the new Jason Castro fan club, access to a special message board and early access to tickets and meet and greets.

* A meet and greet with Jason Castro or a 5-minute phone call.

* A special fan plaque highlighting Jason’s debut album and first single.

* A personalized outgoing voice message.

* An autographed, limited edition poster.

* An instant MP3 download of the single, “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again.”

* An instant download of a Jason photo book, that includes never-before-seen pictures.

* A t-shirt.

* A 2010 calendar.

* A video message from Jason.

* An extra video content of Jason from the studio and on the road.

Or you could hold onto most of your money, listen to the single as many times as you want on his Web site, listen to his video messages to fans, too, and purchase one of the less expensive pre-order packages, which sell for $29.99 or $79.99 (still a big ‘no thanks’ in my book).

All joking aside, I wish Jason best of luck with his album. The season seven Idols were among the most talented ever.

We’ve already gotten solid debut albums from David Cook and David Archuleta. Not to mention shockingly good albums from Michael Johns, Brooke White and Amanda Overmyer. The only clunker to date: Kristy Lee Cook’s post-Idol country CD.

Jason’s album, on Atlantic Records, is set for a Nov. 17 release.