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« The Next Great American Band
Episode Recap: Top 3 Perform
We’re almost there friends! Next week is the finale and we now have three bands to choose from. I believe Dominic Bowden said that there were 3,000,000 votes last week. At least I think that’s what he said. I had to go get some Q-tips and clean out my ears after that, as I swore he said that a show that averages less than 3 million viewers each week got more votes than people watching. I suppose it’s possible, but if he’s telling the truth I will um…I will buy the Dot Dot Dot CD when it comes out.
This week we have to do some serious predicting as well. The website I visit to follow the off-season baseball moves, always gives predictions on where a player will sign, how much money they will get and what their chances are to be worth the money. So I thought it might be fun to do something like that this week.
Denver and The Mile High Orchestra
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire should have been perfect for them to showcase their exciting side and instead the vocals were kind of average and the keyboards sounded cheesy. While the world class horns were their usual selves, Denver had the typical moves down like he has rocks in his shorts. Dicko says he doesn’t like them playing disco. And this is the guy these bands are supposed to take advice from?
Their best performance of the entire competition was the “we” pick (who exactly is “we” anyway). The Ides of March’s “Vehicle” was a great song for them. Denver even tried to show some personality in this one. Dicko asks them what kind of album they want to make and they cop out by saying something about joy and love. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Isn’t that what every band says? Okay, so Slayer doesn’t really say that, but you get my point.
“The Way You Move Me” was an original they wrote and while it was a solid song, the stage presence for all of them wasn’t good. And what was that leg kick by Denver? It looked like he was 80’s and had arthritic knees.
Predictions:
Finish: 3rd.
Max People at any given Denver show in 2008: 250
Number of those people who are annoyed they have to scream to their friend over “some band that just happen to be here while we were trying to drink”: 246
Number of years until they do nothing but covers: 5
Chances of American Band 2 if they win: No way Jose.
The Clark Brothers
What the heck was the first song they sang? That wasn’t “Change The World” by Eric Clapton. That was another one of those unrecognizable arrangements of a classic song that only work about 25% of the time. This was not one of those times. It wasn’t as bad as Light of Doom with “We Will Rock You” but it was pretty odd. Tough to put my finger on what exactly I didn’t like, but it felt like change for the sake of change and that’s never been a favorite of mine.
The “we” pick was a terrible choice. The judges were right, Lonestar’s “Amazing” was a song suited for Sixwire. The Clark Brothers need upbeat tracks that can have that off the wall slide guitar hitting you across the face. That really is a great tune to begin with so it’s a shame that The Clark Brothers couldn’t do it justice. Not bad, but nothing spectacular.
And tell me if you could have predicted that a group up for Next Great American Band would close out their performances for your votes, with “This Little Light Of Mine”? Best one they did this night but that ain’t going to make me buy the CD.
Predictions:
Finish: 1st
First week sales of their debut CD: 35, 500 ranking them #91 on the Billboard Album Chart.
Number of Drugs Ashley does while they are on their big US tour in 2008: Zero. God wouldn’t approve.
What 2009 looks like: Dropped by label. Records Gospel CD. Is known only by those that listen to radio on Sunday morning.
Chances of American Band 2 if they win: Well, the writers are still on strike…
Sixwire
I think Steely Dan’s “Reeling in the Years” was a decent choice for them, though I would have liked to have seen “Heartache Tonight” by the Eagles instead. I mean, every time I see the four up front in a line I think of Don, Glenn, Timothy etc…just like I did tonight when the did the foursome of guitar heroics at the end and every single time they sang harmonies.
The “we” choice was interesting only because when was the last time you heard anyone mention England Dan & John Ford Coley? The original version of “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight” is a pretty boring song and so was this. And how could this possibly be a “we”. There’s no way that multiple people said “oh yeah dude, England Dan is the bomb.” There had to be one producer that had a hankerin’ to hear this for some reason.
Then they played the song that got them on the show in the first place, “Good To Be Back.” Well, I mean got them on the show if you don’t believe the Randy Jackson through the back door story. Either way, this is the first single should they get to put one out. And it might even be a minor country hit too.
Predictions:
Finish: 2nd.
Number of US pop stations to play their first single: 3
World Tour in 2009? You betcha. Opening up for Big & Rich’s opening band.
Number of interviews where they talk about getting the shaft from major labels years ago: 2
Number of interviews after this show is over. 2
Chances of American Band 2 if they win it: Very slim.
Can you believe it too? Light of Doom is gone! About 5 weeks too late, but better than nothing. Personally, I’d be shocked if we heard from them within 5 years and if we do, it will be kind of a joke.
Final prediction of the night:
Chances of me buying the winning band’s CD? Aw, hell no. I have Rockstar Supernova. That’s taking up enough space as it is.
Gimme your thoughts and tell me who you think is going to win it!
Until next week, friends.
Check out our Online Video Guide for some cool music clips. You might even stumble across some England Dan & John Ford Coley!
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Dec 14, 2007 11:41 PM
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Good going, Dave with the last minute prediction last week! It worked! The babes are back in toyland.
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra
First choice seemed like it should be a good one. Denver's falsetto was seriously lacking.
Vehicle suited them and the band was fantastic, Denver stepped it up some, but not enough.
The original lost my attention.
I'm still not positive what exactly is wrong with his voice. He has a recognizable sound, maybe it's just because I have to strain to hear it to be able to recognize it. That's why I think the opposite of what the judges keep saying. I think his voice would be strengthened in a studio.
The Clark Brothers
First song was horrible.
Second not much better.
I liked the third, but I think I preferred it the first time they did it rather than this one. Dave, it might sell records, Bruce Springsteen did it (google it) and I think he’s sold an album or two.
Sixwire
I seriously doubt the Randy Jackson rumor is true, that particular poster came across as having less than stellar credibility. But even if it were accidentally true these guys deserve to be exactly where they are, and they deserve to win it all.
Sixwire has been completely consistent and versatile throughout. Their harmonies are amazing and their talent is undeniable. I’m not ashamed to say it - they make me swoon.
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Dec 15, 2007 2:28 AM
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David, I think you are unnecessarily snarky tonight. Your mean-spirited comments make you seem jealous that they're getting the attention and you're not. Keep it on the positive; it will lend your opinion credibility sorely lacking in today's entry.
As for the bands, I really wasn't sure who I was going to vote for going into tonight's performances. But when all was said and done, I had to give it to Sixwire. They are just "ready." They were completely polished in their performances, but not in a robotic way. They are super talented and authentic, and ready to hit the ground running should then get this contract. Heck, they've even got a hit right out of the gate with "Good to Be Back." And I believe MANY stations will be happy to play their songs, as they are as good if not better than much of the other stuff being played on radio today.
I still have high hopes for the Clark Brothers, whom I adore. I think they are so interesting to listen to. They have talent and they have heart. And that's a rare commodity in today's synthetic world of music. I DO think they will get a recording contract. I just hope they are not pressured to compromise their musical integrity for the sake of the almightly "hit single" because I think their material may be best displayed as a complilation of songs, instead of just one. They came SO close to getting my vote, but I just don't think they were "on" tonight whereas Sixwire came out blazing.
Denver & the Mile High Orchestra have a fierce horn section that I would LOVE to see/hear live. But I do agree with Johnny Reznik that their performance may not translate well to a CD. Still, they have given us some really great performances this season, and I hope they go on to great success.
Overall, when the season started, I really wasn't sure I wanted to watch the show. But I have a habit of always giving a show at least one episode to "grab" me and this show did that. I enjoyed listening to many of the bands, and I'm particularly glad to see that music in it's many formats is alive and kickin' in the USA.
I don't know if this show will get renewed, but if it does, I will definitely tune in again. And before I forget, I just want to say how much I enjoyed this panel of judges. Johnny, Sheila, and Dicko were very fair in their critiques and gave some excellent advice to all the bands throughout the season. I hope these judges all return if the show comes back for a second season.
Cheers!
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Dec 15, 2007 3:49 AM
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David, your predictions are deliriously funny!!!! I'm still laughing because THEY ARE SO TRUE!!!!!
Pisces, this is called a sarcastic comment and it's right on the money!
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Dec 15, 2007 8:11 AM
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The backdoor story to Randy Jackson is true. Steve hand delivered it to him. I know this b/c I know Steve.
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Dec 15, 2007 9:24 AM
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i created a profile just so i could respond to the lies that get posted on here about sixwire. i'm not sure who tvdiva is or that nashscot assh@le but the randy jackson story is an absolute lie. randy jackson has never, EVER had a conversation with sixwire. when the competition started they knew a guy that knew randy jackson and said he could get their video to him so he could give it to the producers, but it never happened. that is the facts! sixwire mailed in their entry just like everyone else and got a call back. randy jackson isn't even involved with this show. seriously people, quit spouting rumor as fact! and david, if you hate this show so much, why do you bother watching it. if it's your job, then you must be one miserable man, if not then you're just a bitter jerk who didn't get enough hugs from his mommy.
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Dec 15, 2007 12:08 PM
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whyareyoulying - hugging wasn't allowed in my family.
I don't recall ever saying I hated the show. In fact I love the show. Just cause I don't like some songs and don't think it has any shot of coming back next year doesn't mean I don't like it.
Thanks for taking the time to set up an account and comment for the first time one week before the show ends.
Do me a favor and don't post again if you're going to call one of my readers an a**h**e. You can love the bands, you can hate the bands, you can say whatever you want about me - but don't start cursing at my readers.
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Dec 15, 2007 12:31 PM
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I'm still amazed that my prediction from last week about LOD winning isn't true! Not because I liked them but because I figured that their entire school was voting and no one else was. Actually Dave, I think they said 2 million votes - which is still amazing because there's probably only about 200 people watching this show - that is a lot of votes per household!
One thing I noticed was how much the judges are pushing for the Clark Brothers to win. I thought their first two songs were pretty bad and although their last was ok, they have done it before and the judges didn't mention that - but they were quick to point out that Sixwire did a repeat.
I pick Clark Brothers to win b/c the lead is young and cute and he'll pick up the teeny bopper vote now that LOD is gone. If I'd voted, which I did not, I would have voted for Sixwire.
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Dec 15, 2007 2:28 PM
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allie08 - I had this fear that you would be correct with your prediction too. That would have been terrible.
I'll be shocked if Denver makes it to the final two - but heck, I already am shocked they made it this far. If Sixwire or the Clark Brothers go home first next week, then that can only mean that Nashville split their votes and everyone else picked Denver.
Debbie - thanks for pointing out that The Boss did cover This Little Light of Mine. However, there's a big difference in my mind. This is now twice The Clark Brothers played it, so that says to me this is the song they want to push to define them and sell records (maybe not a single)...Bruce never recorded it to sell records. More power to The Clark Brothers if they want to go that route but I think they should have performed something they could release as a single instead.
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Dec 15, 2007 2:53 PM
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I also predicted many weeks ago that LOD and Denver would be in the finals due to their family and friends vote. I'm so glad that I was wrong, however.
After the bands' first performance on stage, I said that three bands stood out from the rest: The Likes of You, Franklin Bridge and The Clark Brothers. Sadly, The Likes of You were never given a chance. Franklin Bridge did themselves in. But if you had told me that The Clark Brothers would go on to win it all, I wouldn't have believed you. Not because I didn't think they were good enough, I just didn't expect them to have the audience appeal that I assumed a band like Franklin Bridge would have.
It seems that Ashley and the brothers didn't think they would make it either. In fact, Ashley said so, which is why I think they weren't prepared for their final performance.
I'm not excusing them either, because I think if you don't 100% believe you can win something and are willing to do all that it takes, then you shouldn't enter the competition at all.
They did ditch the extra band members which is the one good decision they made.
Sixwire was prepared, and given their age and previous experience, I would expect nothing less.
Denver is lucky to have made it this far.
Based on last night's performance, Sixwire should win. However, based on their performances as a whole, I still think that The Clark Brothers should win. Also, I feel that with some confidence-boosting and some good coaching, of the three bands, they will put out the best CD. And yes, I'm still planning on buying it.
Also for the record, if the produces pay attention to this blog at all, I will gladly watch a 'Next Great American Band 2'. I love this show, and I think that the quality of the bands competing will only get better from here out.
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Dec 15, 2007 7:43 PM
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I still like Clark Brothers and want them to win. Granted the songs weren't that great but I think Ashley has the best charisma out of the all the bands. Then again it might be that I think he's really cute. But I agree that if they are going to do a Christian rock cd then I probably won't buy it. Though I would be okay with Sixwire winning as long as Denver and the MHO don't win or make it into the final 2. While the band is great Denver's vocal ability is no where near to the level of his band. I too would like a second season but I agree that this was a one time deal.
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Dec 16, 2007 2:48 PM
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David, I thought he said 2 million votes.
I could be wrong, but I thought he said 2 not 3. Votes does not equal viewers. Look at American Idol, same thing. If 5 people watch the show and they each vote 10 times, that's 50 votes but still only 5 viewers.
Denver is a 1 note act, and not such a good one at that. They are a live band and would not sell many records. While I'm glad they did EW&F, I'm surprised they didn't do an early Chicago song. Vehicle, seriously? That was Bo Bice's song on AI 3 seasons ago, so the same producers dug it out again and gave it to DMHO. Ugh.
The Clark Bros are a 2 note act. They either sing very heartfelt ballads with all of the emotion that they can muster while only singing one verse and the chorus over and over, or they take a song, any song, and start out moderate, then build up the tempo, then go into a crazed frenzy again singing one verse and the chorus over and over.
As much as I dislike 6Wire and believe that they shouldn't have been allowed in this competition as they already had had a record contract, they're the one band that has the most potential to generate the most album sales. Modern Big Band is not a big seller. Anywhere. Gospel Folk is not a big seller, it's a niche market. Countryfied rock, or rockified Country sells to country fans and crossover. Lonestar anyone. So, regardless of how the votes truly went, 6Wire will most likely win. Just like, regardless of how the votes went last week, LoD was gone. No way they were going to be allowed to win. The judges wouldn't stand for it and made their cases last week by overly bashing them (even if it was deserved.) If they stay together, or if they all pursue rock bands, they could all achieve some success as they are pretty good for their age although wildly inconsistent.
So, my money is n 6Wire with Clark Bros the dark horse. No way does DMHO win this. The only way this series returns (regardless of the winner) is if the writer's strike continues, and even then only after a MASSIVE overhaul.
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Dec 17, 2007 2:43 AM
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darclyte - 2 million does make more sense - thanks to you and Allie for pointing that out. I'm not sure I even beleive that. But that doesn't really matter in the end.
The only MASSIVE thing I think they need to do if it comes back, is get better bands. I liked the variety. I mean, I was a big supporter of Cliff Wagner the entire time. But let's face it, if we're truly looking for the "NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND" not one band that started this competition had a shot at that anyway. Not one of these groups is going to stand up with the sales of say, Fall Out Boy. (And by no means am I saying they are good, with that statement - just saying they sell a lot) And in order to be a great American Band you have to be bubblegum pop, hip-hop, emocore, or country crossover. Which made Sixwire and Dot Dot Dot the only bands which had a decent chance at selling records after this is over.
Have you seen a list of the bands that were picked and auditioned? Half of them were either jokes or the New Amsterdam Flute Playing Society. Does American Idol discriminate with who they pick to be on the show? Absolutely. But it works. American Band needs to be pickier with their bands and get a better starting crop.
Personally, I love the concept and will watch another season no matter who's on it. Even going back and watching American Idol Rewind now - their first season was nothing spectacular either, so there could be hope.
Oh and one more massive change - move it to a night where people watch TV.
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Dec 17, 2007 8:39 AM
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So David, how WAS that Rockstar Supernova CD???  Loved both seasons of the Rockstar show but knew I wasn't going to buy either of the CDs. Just as I know I would never buy a CD from DMHO. The other two bands, hard to say right now. I'm not sure if I would watch another season or not, but I'm sticking in there until the end of this one.
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Dec 17, 2007 11:41 AM
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You know each band was to play three songs, one the judges picked, one the show picked and one they picked from songs they had already performed.
All three bands did the song they auctioned with, including DMHO.
Isn't it funny that people remembered what the Clark Brothers, and Sixwire the played when they auctioned but not Denver. So much for a lasting first impression.
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Dec 17, 2007 2:15 PM
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