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« The Next Great American Band
Episode Recap: "Auditions"
I have to tell you right up front that I’ve been totally stoked for this show for months now. If you know nothing about me or my blogs, I’ll simply tell you that I’m a music geek. At any given point you can hear Culture Club, Slayer, Tim McGraw and yes, Sheila E. and the Goo Goo Dolls on my iPod. My favorite artist is Prince and I think Nickelback is the anti-Christ. That should give you a good enough look into why this show is my cup of tea.
So without Rock Star to fall back on, this is the next best thing. I mean, it’s tough for me to throw the metal horns high for Next Great American Band, but hey, it’s not always about rockin’ the joint. Sometimes it’s about throwing them into a bluegrass frenzy as well.
Before we even talk about the music, my first question is this: Why do they get a foreign host to find the next American band? Nothing against this Dominic Bowden guy, but wouldn’t an American host have been nice? Then again, the McGrathbot hosting PCD didn’t exactly make me tingle with excitement, so maybe we have Seacrest and nothing else here in the good old U.S. of A. But at least he could have pronounced John Rzeznik’s name correctly. I really wonder how Johnny feels when he hears the host call him “REES Nick.” You’d think they would have edited that until they got it right.
I am very happy that the start of this season was much better than the first season of American Idol. Years of practice helps, of course, because as I go back and watch the rewind shows of AI, I realize just how bad they were until they got Dunklebutt out of there and figured out a good format. This was much better, although I think we are probably all questioning the logic behind having everyone in the 107-degree Las Vegas desert heat.
I still have to get used to the judges together. It’s very difficult to not hear “dawg pound” over and over again or to actually see a coherent woman in the middle, but I’m sure they will all grow on me over time. And I do admit that I didn’t laugh as I much as I do during the AI audition shows, but fewer people are trying out, so they can’t all be William Hung.
Let’s take a look at some of the bands. There were just too many to talk about them all, but we’ll break them into categories and discuss some.
Rejected:
Big Toe: I felt like it was dollar-draft night at the corner bar. These guys looked like the bands I make fun of all the time. Well, I try not to make fun of the armless, but these were mostly just old men playing old music and thinking they relate to teenagers.
Northmont: The singer clearly has that Chris Daughtry thing going for him, but the judges were right on; his band sucked. Wimpy music played by a wimpy band. I did kind of feel bad for the band, though, and I wonder if any of these guys will remain friends after the singer seemed to turn on them after the judges went off.
Fifi LaRue: This was the saddest of all of them. First of all, his name is Fifi and his mama called him that, too, so it can’t even be a stage name. Secondly, he was butt-ugly, and finally, his guitarist was wearing corpse paint and smiling. When I don my corpse paint to go to work, all thoughts of smiling go out the window. (Note: If you are planning on wearing some, this is pretty close to what you should look like). Oh, and here’s a pet peeve of mine, too: Label yourself correctly. He was neither gothic or metal, yet claimed he was both.
Taken (but not really that good):
Light of Doom: I have to like that they are influenced by ninjas, boobs and explosions. Shouldn’t we all be? But they looked gimmicky up on stage. The typical metal leg kick and the pathetic toss of the guitar should go. Yes, I realize they are 13, but I think they’d be much better if they just played music for now and worried about copying all their favorite bands later.
Rocket: These five ladies sounded just fine covering Blitzkrieg Bop. I won’t argue that point. But the first thing they said was that their sound is not typical. Um, that was a straight-forward cover of a song that every punk band in the world has played at one point. What’s not typical about that?
The Hatch: They performed "Use Me" by Bill Withers, which was a weird song for them to audition with since there wasn’t much musically to showcase them as a band. I can’t imagine anyone will vote for them.
Taken (and quite good):
Sixwire: Very impressive. But then again, they should be. They were signed to Warner Brothers in 2002, released an album and had two songs chart on the Billboard country chart. I dislike their inclusion here since they've had a major label deal, but they were still very good.
Cliff Wagner and the Old #7: You have to give it up for them bluegrassing “Like a Virgin” on the spot. Excellent performance, really. But are they really going to be able to perform anything else other than bluegrass? I don’t see many people out there text-messaging for a bluegrass band. Just seems like the wrong show for them, but they are talented.
Franklin Bridge: These guys were the best by a long shot. I’m not just saying that because I’ll be traveling over the Ben Franklin Bridge tomorrow, either. A nice mix of R&B and rock with a great vocalist. Again, though, I don't know how theme weeks won’t hurt them. Although if any of these groups has a chance to pull off everything from Sinatra to Bon Jovi, it might be these guys. My favorite of them all.
I think my overall worry right now is that none of these groups is going to sell any records when this is over. Out of all of them, are any of them really modern enough to do so? Tres Bien sound a bit like Jet and the Strokes, but be honest, is that really in anymore? Dot Dot Dot have the look of a My Chemical Romance, so they have that going for them. And Franklin Bridge certainly sounds current. But why do I feel like The Likes of You will be the band to watch out for? They only showed 15 seconds of their performance for some reason, almost leading me to believe they were so good that they didn’t want people thinking that no one else had a shot before it even began.
The Muggs might play good music, but image is everything these days and these old farts don’t have a shot. The Clark Brothers sounded good, but they better be able to do something other than “This Little Light of Mine,” because that’s going to go nowhere.
I really want to see these bands inside on a stage, though. It’s hard to pass true judgment until I see more from each, but of the 12 I can only see three or maybe four of these bands being worth a dime when this is finished, so it doesn’t seem like we’re starting out Season 1 with the strongest crew.
Feel free to comment and let me know what you thought overall and what you think of some of the bands.
(In a crazy stroke of weirdness, just as I was finishing this blog, “Forever Your Girl” comes up on my iPod. Guess Mama is lookin’ out for her sibling.)
Until next week, friends.
Check out clips from American Band over in our Online Video Guide.
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Oct 19, 2007 11:42 PM
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David, I'm SOOOO glad you're the one doing this blog.
Hey, what happened to the zombie band? They were better than the all chick group. I guess they had to include the gals for "representation."
I was so looking forward to this series, and it's started off well, but I wonder why it is that all of these "Next America" this or that has to have a foreign guy as a judge? I mean, come on. Dicko is a pretty well known and respected guy, but nobody from America was available? Plus, the host is from New Zealand? Oy. Anyway, onto the bands.
First, there sure seemed to be a bunch of bands from Tennessee. Also, several bands were using electric mandolins. Who knew?
Tres Bien fits in with the Jet, Strokes, Hives and Vines crowd, but The Hives already all wear black and white.
I actually liked Light of Doom. They're really talented for that age, and has nobody ever heard of the Jackson 5, the Osmunds, New Edition, Silverchair, or Hanson? I don't know how far they'll go, how they'll do with different themes, or when the novelty will wear off, but I thought they were decent.
The Hatch. Not impressed. The Zombie band was better, and I don't care how "good looking" the lead singer was, he was the worst part of the band. Put the singer from Northmont here and then you'll have a good group.
I liked the Clark Brothers. I liked the sound of the steel guitar, guitar and electric mandolin all together. I also don't know how they'll do with the theme weeks, but I like them.
Dot Dot Dot sucked sucked sucked. They basically formed just prior to this show, and it showed. Lead singers are known to copy other lead singers. For years it was Jagger or Daltry. This guy stole Lucas Rossi from Rockstar:Supernova's fashion and stage antics, but doesn't have as good of a voice...and I'm not a big fan of mumblemouth's voice either.
The Muggs! Go Detroit! They sounded the best as a band musically, but I didn't like the singer's voice much and don't see these "old farts" lasting too long. Congrats to the bass on piano player for overcoming his stroke. Bass on a piano...again, who knew?
Denver & Mile High were good but I just don't see big band going far.
Sixwire. Umm, there's only 5 of them. I think that having had a major label release shouldn't have allowed them to compete, but ok. They could go far since Country is still a big draw. The lead singer looks like if Sawyer from Lost and Matthew McConaughey from Dazed and Confused were crossed and given 30 extra pounds.
Old No. 7 were interesting, but Bluegrass? They won't make it very far.
The Likes of You. Hey, Xerxes from 300 survived and heads up a band with a kind of falsetto. Kewl. I wonder if these guys are the darkhorse and that's why they got so little time. I mean, the zombies got more time and made it to the next round, but didn't make the 12 while these guys did, so something must be up.
Franklin Bridge were really good, but I don't think they're the ones to beat. They have talent and the lead singer has a nice, soulful voice, but I wonder how they'll do in the themes as well. I like that funk-rock fusion they have going on, but will they survive country week (if there is one?)
Rocket just didn't impress me at all. There are a LOT of really good all gal bands out there, and this wasn't one of them. Too band The Candyband didn't try out, those moms ROCK!
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Oct 20, 2007 1:22 AM
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I do NOT think it's fair that a band, SIXWIRE, who already had a deal with Warner Brothers and charted on the Billboards be allowed to compete. This rings of deceit to me!! I'm anxios to see how it did in the ratings b/c I would rather DVR this and watch FNL!!
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Oct 20, 2007 7:25 AM
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woot...i too miss Rockstar and this seems like it may fill that void...here we go
Tres Bien: yes yes...vines, hives, strokes but i also got a little white stripes feel when they were performing...we'll see what that means for them
Light of Doom: those little kids were awesome...now they weren't the best and yes the novelty will wear off but those kids have talent...i'm excited to watch them grow a little
the Hatch: uh bad Maroon 5...the singer sounded awful...good looks only get you so far
Clark Brothers: will win this competition from what i saw last night...they were super talented and they sounded amazing....rocca deluca (sp) w/ the steel guitar and the singer's voice...i think they will be amazing
Dot Dot Dot: AFI singer w/ a big punk backing...not very good...i've seen it before and i've seen it better
The Muggs: not going to be diverse enough IMO...the singer was not good...good instrumental talent tho
Denver and the Mile High blah blah blah: 10 years to late for those boys
Sixwire: you dont sound like my granddaddy's country BUT you do sound like a quarter of the country music out there...just stereotypical and average at best...i was expecting a harder more rock guitar sound w/ a country singer and lyrics...idk disappointingly average
Old Number 7: cute...bluegrass wont win and if it does it wont sell (taylor hicks style)...no diversity
The Likes of You: you say they might be way better than everyone (which could be very true from the little we heard) but i say maybe they were an alternate that made it in cuz someone dropped out after everything was edited
Franklin Bridge: i wanted a more Living Colour feel just a more rocky edge...but they were very good and very talented musicians...i'm excited to see what they can do too
Rocket: i like chick bands when they embrace that they are chicks...the Donnas are a perfect example of that...these girl do not have that attitiude...i was disappointed and that Ramones song wasnt that difficult...i wanted to hear an original by them to really see what they've got
OK and lastly Northmont wasnt that good it was an average cover of Matchbox 20s Long Day and the singer was just doing a straight up impression of Rob Thomas in the performance and then their original (i think) was wuss rock...not as good as the judges and the show made him out to be
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Oct 20, 2007 8:35 AM
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David! I was hoping you would recap this one. Did you notice how the chair assignments for the judges were just like AI? "Rock" person on the end, woman in the middle, foreign person on the other end. Who is that guy anyway? Where these really the "hippest" people they could find to judge this? Again, like AI, are these REALLY the best unsigned (well mostly unsigned) bands in the US? I've seen better local bands at night clubs. Although, some of them may feel it's a sellout to go on a show like this. Totally agree on your Nickelback comment! ![]<img border=](http://community.tvguide.com/images/emoticons/devil.gif) ">
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Oct 20, 2007 8:39 AM
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I assume the reason SixWire was allowed on the show was that they fell within the guidelines of the show. Which means to me they have just as much right to be there as anyone else! They are not an average sounding band; go visit their myspace if you don't want to take my word for it. Also, they aren't named because they can't count - a six-string guitar inspired their name.
The Clark Brothers were also signed with other members of their family to Curb Records under the name The Clark Family Experience.
The Likes of You toured with Hall and Oats. The Hatch and Rocket have both opened for major artists.
I'm sure they all already have different levels of fan bases and experience. How in the world would you even that playing field?
The point is, you probably haven't heard of them before and now you have!
If I have a complaint about the show it certainly isn't about the competitors, it would be about so many people from other countries picking an "American" band.
I also question the sanity of the production team picking the middle of the desert for auditions.
I love that this show includes all genres of music. I also love that we already know more about these contestants that we do at the end of the season on American Idol!
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Oct 20, 2007 12:57 PM
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I agree with Darcylte on everything. Especially the band Sixwire. I live in Nashville and follow country music. These guys had a record deal on Warner Brothers, had two (2) singles on the Billboard Country Charts. In fact if you do the research I believe "LOOK AT ME NOW" went top 25. The second single flopped. I am not sure why they let these guys in the competition. It really isnt fair to the others in the show, and those that could have been in their spot. Rumor in Nashville is that they were picked because of a connecton between a member and a american idol connection. He apparently walked their video to the front. Dont get me wrong these guys are good. The lead singer had a previous solo deal on RCA back in the 90's and lost his deal. I believe he was replaced by a guy name Kenny Chesney, does that ring a bell to anyone. They also play aound town. Its really strange that all of the sudden they replace their website with their myspace. Hum. If you also check out the guitarist myspace and website, you will see he is also a writer for label president. Now why hasnt this Nashville Record Executive not given these guys a deal. You would think that if they were good enought to be America's Next Band that Nashville would have already signed them again. America's Next Band is not this band, there's too many other acts on there that blow them off the stage. Tres Bien or Clark Brothers will take the show. I agree with the comment of the lead singer being an overweight wanna be rockstar/movie star with bad highlights. These guys are all in their forty's, not America's Next Band. If they had a new lead singer maybe. Dont get me wrong they are great musicians, thats why they are also the house band for Nashville Star's television show. America thought the show was about a band becoming the Next Great Band, not trying to get another record deal.
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Oct 21, 2007 11:02 AM
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I just watched the show on my DVR. I was actually going to delete it when I saw the ratings. I've seen Franklin Bridge live here in Philly and they absolutely rock! Of course I'll be rooting for them..I just hope they keep the show on long enough. I'm really glad that we won't have to sit through weeks of bad auditions. This show is no Rock Star, but it'll have to do.
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Oct 21, 2007 11:35 PM
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Why is Nickelback the anti-Christ?
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Oct 22, 2007 10:55 AM
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Well well well. I guess the ratings tell it all. This show is no American Idol. The ratings for the first week came out really bad. It will be a miracle if the show stays on. Fox can not risk it hurting the next American Idol, which is what the viewers want to see. Not a bunch of groups that have already had major label deals, or that were sneaked in thru the back door some way. America wants to see it from the floor up. Take raw talent and develope it into the next american great band. Isnt that what the show is all about. I thought so too. Give me my Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Daughtry and Kelly back. American Idol want come soon enough.
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Oct 22, 2007 11:31 PM
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I'm disappointed to hear that the ratings weren't good. I miss Rockstar and am looking forward to watching this one as well. I really hope they don't cancel it. I wonder if it's the night they picked? Most people who would want to watch are out partying on a Friday night!
Anyway, loved the Clark Brothers. I'm a fan of Bluegrass so I'm glad Old number 7 mad it, but I agree that they probably won't go far.
Light of Doom played well, but the lead singer's voice needs to mature more. He strained on the high notes. Also, I just think they're too young.
Agree about the host. When he started talking, I went WTF? I can't believe they couldn't find a good American host! And auditioning in the desert? Again WTF? The producers must have been drunk when planning this pilot.
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Oct 23, 2007 1:16 PM
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earthgirl - my wife hates that I chose a blog on Friday night. So I completely understand the poor choice of days. The ratings were pretty bad, I have to admit. There's nothing I hate more than seeing a reality show cancelled mid-season but who knows. They did that with my favorite reality show ever - The Mole. And I have never forgiven them. Okay, I have.
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Oct 24, 2007 11:08 PM
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It will be a miracle if this show survives the ratings. I just read another site where they were discussing Sixwire. Apparently there lead singer is a struggling songwriter in nashville who is still trying to land a cut on an album, like us all. He basically does corporate shows down in Tunica, a rock & roll story review that is excellent. He needs to be on the stage in Branson or Vegas. The rest of the band are nashville sessions players, and damn good ones I may add. If they were not 45 years old and older then they would of one this this or at least placed int he top three. They may anyway, but nothing will come of the winner its sad. maybe a little tour that will flop as did the last idol tour. you can read the numbers at www.pollstarpro.com Good luck to all the other bands, that band dot dot dot has this wrapped up it looks like. Wow have you seen there fan base. They have 2500 fans that have traveled to LA for the show. Its amzing. Someone knows how to market.
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Oct 25, 2007 7:43 PM
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I'm already frustrated with NGAB. I know of bands that auditioned in Vegas that didn't even get sound bytes, but are far and away better than some of the bands that made it through!
I agree with most of the comments here. I didn't see any bands that would sell records if they won. They are all either gimmicky, or doing something that's already been done.
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Oct 26, 2007 11:32 AM
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] and the guitarist was astounding but I have to say that I was pretty creeped out with 13 yr old boys strutting around without their shirts on - way to sexualized for my taste. How many of them were related? 'cause they all looked pretty much alike, but there were a ton of parents there so...
Although I liked the Like A Virgin gag.
