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« The Next Great American Band
Episode Recap: Top 6 Perform
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you all decided not to take a vacation this week simply because chatting with me is way too important to miss. No, no, no. Instead I’m hoping that Sunday night you’ll pull it off the DVR and comment Monday morning.
The first thing I must say is holy cleavage batman! Sheila E. got them out and up to the chin this week. It was even the first thing my wife noticed.
Apart from Sheila, this was an odd week for me. For the first time this season, I thought the overall show was pretty boring. As a rock fan, I have loads of respect for The Rolling Stones (I guess I should say “Mick Jagger and Keith Richards” since that’s how the show labeled every song). I understand how talented they are, but overall they never really excited me. But that’s not at all why I thought this was boring because aside from “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” I enjoy all the originals. In fact, I simply thought it was dull because no one chose “One Hit (To The Body)”! [wink, wink]
Tres Bien: Cody and his invincible titanium jaw chose a good song in “Get Off My Cloud”. The singer was more dynamic than usual and lost the guitar this week. But the judges were right on with the issues. The key change was poor and the riff of “Satisfaction” in the middle didn’t really work.
Denver: Hearing Denver do his Aaron Neville impersonation was the highlight of the show for me. I’m a huge Aaron Neville fan. Not because of his music, but because of the huge Milk Dud on his face. In this superficial world where you have to look good to be a star, I’ve always been fascinated that a man that walks around with a donut attached to his mug could have had such a fine career. Anyway, their cover of “I’m Free” was not good at all. I had the same problem with Denver as I have had in the past few weeks; He’s just an average frontman. He's got a good voice but lacks the persona. Dicko and I were really on the same page for a change because I agreed that this was out of their genre. They played this in a rock style and they aren’t a rock band. It didn’t fit them well and in turn they were kind of weak.
Sixwire: Their drummer Chuck played with Engelbert Humperdinck! Engelbert friggin’ Humperdinck. I’d like to say that’s cool, but I’m not sure. It’s not like playing with Tom Jones which is undoubtedly cool. It’s not like playing with Avril Lavigne which would be like totally not cool. I suppose it’s somewhere in the middle, but closer to Mr. Jones.
Tonight, for the first time, Sixwire had a ton of energy. It was nice to see that side of them, but at the same time it really showed me how generic they are. There’s nothing unique about any of their performances. Really, nothing. Still, I can’t say they were that bad.
Light of Doom: I always get a kick out of their videos. Statements like “when he was younger he used to race motorbikes” are just laughable. Younger! Like what, 9?
And that one kid is a “freestyle walker.” Oh c’mon, that just can’t be real. I fart a whole bunch of ways too, so I guess that makes me a freestyle farter? Don’t try stealing that one, I’m copyrighting it.
The performance was a mess. The kid couldn’t sing in that key and he even admitted it. So why chose that song? It’s not like there aren’t hundreds of other Stones songs that they could have done. I know I’ve been saying their style isn’t very original, but when they take the metal out of the song and perform just rock music, they sound even more generic. I admit that I hate “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by itself, so that adds to my distaste for this, but the performance of it wasn’t good either.
Clark Brothers: This is the most baffling band for me personally. I’ve listened to this performance four times now. The thing I noticed in all four is that I loved the slide guitar using the flying V. Very cool. Listening to it live, I thought “Gimme Shelter” really needed drums to get the full impact. But then the second time, I really took to Ashley’s vocals and by the fourth time I’m just sitting there marveling at the overall musicianship of these guys without giving one thought to the missing backbeat. I still don’t think they will win it, but I am starting to come around to where most of you guys are in thinking they certainly have the most talent of any of the bands still left.
Dot Dot Dot: Man, the one dude puts the dots on his face with a Sharpie. C’mon, show some dedication and tattoo those suckers there. I mean, that’s like a dollar store inking. Three sticks and you’re done.
One thing Dot Dot Dot does well, is picking a good cover to do. “Let’s Spend the Night Together” was a really solid choice, but as Dicko pointed out, the keys were very cheesy so the song didn’t come off with as much power as it should have. They had a chance to be the best of the night and didn’t quite make it this week. I’m not sure I agree with Dicko though that Adam should present himself like he commands attention not like he’s desperate for it. Maybe Dicko should listen to and watch some of the bands in Dot Dot Dot’s genres first. The desperate vibe is given off by 90% of the successful bands in emocore, screamo and retro new wave scenes.
Unfortunately, my favorite group on the show, Cliff Wagner & The Old #7 go home this week. They all seemed quite grateful for the opportunity at least, but I can’t picture this will expand their sound like they claim. And are they really friends with all the other bands? Will it be weird when one of the Light of Doom moms come home and find their son in the basement playing PS3 with Cliff Wagner? Oh yes, it will.
Despite it being an unspectacular week for me, I still have a vote to cast and thanks to the fourth listen, it will be for The Clark Brothers. And again, I say Denver is next to go home.
Until next week, friends.
Rock out to the Clark Brothers and the rest of the bands in our online video guide.
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Nov 23, 2007 10:54 PM
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I'm not sure why I'm commenting as I pretty much agree with everything David said.
I thought LoD gave their worst performance and 6wire gave their best. It was nice to see Sheila brought the twins with her tonight. Wow! I was surprised at some of the song choices. I think DDD and TB both chose the right song but both didn't perform them all that well. TB sped up the time, was in the wrong key, and the Satisfaction riff didn't work. DDD had poor singing (again,) uninspired keyboards, but a very nice guitar solo. I thought 6Wire would do "Wild Horses" and I was surprised at their song choice, but I think they were the best of the night. LoD were correct in picking a rocker, but maybe it was the wrong one for them. The singing was off, the band sounded like their amps were set to 2 9instead of 11,) and they just weren't very good last night after the best performance ever last week. The song choice that most surprised me was Clark Brothers. He is the best singer and is a storyteller with his performances, but I was shocked they did Gimme Shelter. Nice job though. Denver picked the wrong song and their performance was not good. I think since the Bluegrass band went this week that it will be the Big Band that goes next week. Bye Bye Denver and MHO. Darkhorses to go will be TB and LoD.
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Nov 24, 2007 9:09 AM
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whoo hoo! This might be the first time anyone has ever agreed with everything I said! 
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Nov 24, 2007 9:50 AM
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I believe that Sixwire is the more commercial band on the show.They are all very good musicians and decent singers.With that said,my favorite band on the show is the Clark Brothers.I voted for those two and would like to see them in the final two.
Light Of Doom were horrible but they wouldn't leave because of the teen vote (they might even win).Denver's band is excellent he isn't...Tres Bien and Dot Dot Dot are decent enough and fun.I have voted every week and have not gotten a busy signal once.That tells me not many people are watching this show.
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Nov 24, 2007 10:14 AM
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Just a quick note this week.
Loved The Clark Brothers! Again, a totally amazing performance for which I rewarded them with all of my votes.
It was funny when Sheila said that they are the best band. The brothers didn't look like they wanted to hear that. Remember she said the same thing about Franklin Bridge, and they're gone.
Happy Thanksgiving, David, and all posters!
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Nov 24, 2007 10:11 PM
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The music of the Rolling Stones...
I can't say I was unhappy to see Cliff and his group go. I never found them exciting in the least. I'm also not surprised they went. I thought they might after last week's ho hum performance.
Also, at the beginning of the show, Dominick said that the Judges are going to be shocked about the results (or something similar..but the word "shock" was used). So I suspected it would either be Sixwire or Cliff Wagner. As it got close to the end, I knew because I don't think Dot Dot Dot would be a shock to the judges.
Anyway...The Rolling Stones.
TRES BIEN: Get Off My Cloud
I think this band is so much fun and I really like Michael and the whole group. I don't think they'll make it to the end, but I do hope they continue and expand because I'd love to see them perform live.
DENVER and THE MILE HIGH ORCHESTRA: I'm Free
Not the best song and not the most familiar of the Stones repertoire so I'm kind of worried about them. I like this group alot and I think Denver has what it takes, but I don't feel this was the most exciting song they've performed and would have much preferred another number. I would also like to see Denver outshine his musicians. If there is any downfall with this group it would be that IMO.
SIXWIRE: The Last Time
I thought this was their best performance to date and probably saved themselves tonight.
LIGHT OF DOOM: Jumping Jack Flash
It seemed like the lead was off key, but it appeared the key was too low for him. I still am amazed at them because of their age although I don't think they were terrible tonight. I actually think they are may win this thing or come in second. Not because I think they're that great, but I think they're pretty popular.
THE CLARK BROTHERS: Gimme Shelter
Once again with this group, I can't decide whether I like them or whether I don't like them. The song for me started out almost unrecognizably. I thought the guitars overpowered the vocals which started to get manic for me, but then again that seems to be what they were striving for because of the nature of the song. I guess the judges love them because they gave them a standing O.
DOT DOT DOT: Let's Spend The Night Together
I find Adam's on stage personna charismatic and endearing and this alone makes me love this band. I'd like to see them go further. I thought they did really well tonight and I'm glad to see them improving each week. Part of the reason is because they seem to be able to pick songs that suit them to a tee which I don't think the others necessarily do.
Going Home: Tough call this week, but I think and fear it may be Denver. If I had my druthers...I'd pick Light of Doom or SixWire.
Next week: The songs of Rod Stewart. I'm hoping it's his old stuff rather than the American Songbook songs.
Oh and btw and totally OT...I think Aaron Neville has one of the best voices in pop music today. Steve Perry being another one. Now that milk dud on his face...I'd have it removed if it were mine. Don't shoot me. I'm just stating my opinion.
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Nov 25, 2007 1:56 PM
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Ms. Scarlett - if it was me - yes, I would have had it removed long ago as well, but now that kind of makes him recognizable. Can't get rid of it now. Kind of like Lemmy from Motorhead. That mole is terrible looking, but without it he just wouldn't be Lemmy.
Aaron Neville does have a great voice. Steve Perry too. I've always been partial to Peter Cetera, Paul Carrack and Michael McDonald personally. And John Mayer - though I don't really like him at all.
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Nov 25, 2007 2:36 PM
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Sorry David, I thought about you on Friday when Cliff Wagner and the boys were sent home. Glad you took it well.
I agree with most of your comments. I liked the Sixwire performance but you're right, it did seem to highlight their lack of that IT factor.
Got home too late for Tres Bien so no comment, Denver was just meh, Light of Doom was very bad I'm sorry to say. Unlike you David, I predict this will have been their final performance. I think that having the guitar player off the stage was a mistake too, he really lends something to the visual that was missing tonight and the singer really couldn't handle that register.
Dot, Dot, Dot gets better every week, surprisingly enough. I think they will ultimately come in second to my other disagreement with you, the Clark Brothers. I've said it all along they are the band to beat. Each week they bring something new and unexpected to the show. They've got a great look and a saleable sound so they are my pick to win.
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Nov 25, 2007 5:14 PM
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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend!
Tres Bein - Get Off My Cloud
I really enjoyed it and thought it was their best performance yet.
Denver and the Mile High Band - I'm Free
Denver's voice seemed stronger tonight. I thought it was a good performance, as always the band was amazing.
Sixwire - The Last Time
They were great!! Finally they didn't play it safe and let loose! They are just my style of music, they suit me.
Light of Doom - Jumpin Jack Flash
Musically they sounded good, vocally it was horrific.
The Clark Brothers - Gimme Shelter
I couldn't envision how they were going to do the Stones, but they were awesome. How they make three instruments sound that strong is amazing.
Dot Dot Dot - Let's Spend the Night Together
I thought they did good too. This band grows on me more each week.
I wasn't sad to see Cliff and the boys head home.
If Light of Doom goes home next week, I'll be happy with whoever wins this thing. (Though you KNOW I'll be happiest if my boys from Sixwire win!)
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Nov 25, 2007 7:51 PM
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David- I bet your wife is super excited you are a free style farter. That's one talent to pass onto the kids. But about the show, I watch this every week with my husband and we see eye to eye on a lot of bands. I am waiting for the fembots with Austin Powers to show up during Tres Bien performance. I like the Clark Brother, along with a lot of other ladies, but I miss the sound of drums. They will go far but I don't think they will walk away with the prize. Oh yeah...what is the prize? Just the title of Best American Band?
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Nov 27, 2007 10:13 AM
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See David what have I been telling you about DDD ,theur not bad.And i think the clark brothers need to go and six wire and LOD Really has to go.Their songs always sound the same .Go DOT DOT DOT.Lets all sat DOT DOT DOT Go
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Nov 28, 2007 1:15 PM
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jackpack - they get a recording contract with 19 entertainment. That's the same company as almost all of the famous AI stars are with.
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Nov 29, 2007 5:54 PM
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Its been a while, but I will say that I think Sixwire is one of the next two bands to go. Their last weeks performance was good, but not enough to keep them on. They do not have the energy that the other bands have. If you will goggle all the bands and look at the videos live, you will see that Sixwire has no energy on stage ever, best musicians hands down, nobody can touch them. If they could step it up and be energetic from here on out, but hey they are all mid 40's what do you think. I go with dotdotdot or clark brothers to take this show. We shall see.
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Nov 30, 2007 5:14 PM
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