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« The Next Great American Band
Episode Recap: Top Four Perform
So how many of you were like me tonight and turned on the TV at the normal time, only to see Wayne Brady instead of kids playing metal? OK, so I admit it’s a little sad that I work at TV Guide and I didn’t know the timeslot moved, but I think it’s understandable that I was a little thrown off. I mean, sure, I suppose Fox thinks moving it to 9 pm near the end of the show will get more viewers — but on a Friday? Actually, I expect the ratings to be lower. The later you move it on a Friday night, the more people have already went out to start their weekend.
That doesn’t really matter though. What matters is this question I’m about to pose to you. What the heck show am I watching? Seriously, am I watching a different show than the voting public? A different show than the judges? I watch American Idol every season and I can usually predict that pretty well. I’ve watched and blogged Rockstar and was able to do a pretty good job figuring out who was going home there as well. This show, I have no clue. I mean, I said just last week that Dot Dot Dot was going to win it and they got eliminated this week. And frankly, I can’t imagine who’s actually watching this show that Denver or Light of Doom made it this far. I’m baffled.
Unfortunately, pretty much every performance baffled me as well. I watch this show with my wife — she’s usually the barometer to know if I’m just in a cranky mood and not being objective at all — and she didn’t like most of these performances either.
I was happy to hear the bands were going to perform a cover and an original but the end results really disappointed me. I think one of the reasons this show isn’t working as well as it could be is how they do the covers. They either need to go the Rockstar route and pick the hits out for the bands, just letting them choose the ones they want or they need to start doing things like making the theme No. 1 songs from the '80s or something like that. Whatever is going to generate actual hits being performed because performing an album track and a song from Queen’s final album when you could have chosen from dozens of hits is preposterous.
On to the music, starting with The Clark Brothers. I can’t stress enough how much I hate that they were able to bring in some "friends from Nashville" to play along with them. So are they a three-piece or a five-piece now? It’s pretty lame to change up your band with only three weeks left, and to be honest, I thought they took a major step backwards with it. First they performed "These Are the Days of Our Lives" from Queen’s final record in 1991, which to me is silly to begin with, but what was the drummer really needed for in this? For 75 percent of the song, he was completely invisible. I thought this was their most generic performance in weeks. And again, the craziest thing happened with their original — the drummer actually made them sound worse. Nothing you could have told me would have helped me predict that, but they were better without the backbeat. The original was sloppy and really looked just like they pulled in a drummer for the first time.
Then there was Sixwire. Those guys are creative, aren’t they? Three words to describe yourself — "guitars, vocals, more guitars." Sigh. But, "Fat-Bottomed Girls" is a song you choose when covering Queen. One of my personal favorites from the catalog, it’s such a fun song that I wish the guys had shown more energy on stage but this was probably the best performance of the night. Fortunately for me, the judges don’t program what gets played on the radio though as the original "Go On" didn’t even remotely sound like a hit to me like it did to them. It got better as it moved into rock territory but still sounded a bit jumbled.
Light of Doom was an absolute train wreck. I can’t say one nice thing about them this week. Well okay, I did like the way they began “We Will Rock You” with the drums but every note after that was brutal starting with a very strange transition to metal. I don’t understand why they had to go metal with Queen. Queen rocks hard enough and brutalizing a classic like this was one of the worst things they could have done. As for the original, I actually can’t say it better than John did — “all of your influences and none of you.” Well, not all of their influences because what started out as metal quickly turned into a chorus I would have expected from Kip Winger circa 1989. And these guys were not influenced by Winger. Jani Lane, maybe.
Finally, there was Usher doing “Singing in the Rain” and Fergie wearing leather while writhing around like Axl Rose. What? That wasn’t American Band? Oh, sorry. I guess I flipped to that CBS tribute to music in movies and heard Usher, one of the best voices in music today.
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra was actually the last band to perform this week. Anyone else think “DMHO” sounds pretty lame? I go with initials if they spell COOL or POOP. Maybe just COOL. Anyway, I suppose choosing “Sleeping on the Sidewalk” was a decent choice for them but an album cut? I’m sure a lot of you have heard this song before since it’s from the same album as “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions” but it wasn’t a hit for them and I think at this point you need to perform songs that everyone will know, not just fans of the band. At least Denver himself had some energy this week. Unfortunately, their original didn’t blow me away, but even so it was the best original song of the night.
So bye bye bye to Dot Dot Dot. For some reason, I’m going to miss this band that I absolutely hated at the beginning.
I was so unimpressed this week that I’m not voting for anyone. So there. And my futile projections about who’s going home are done. I hope the final two shows are better than this one. I certainly want to end this show on a positive note. Disagree with me this week? Let me know. I love reading your comments.
Until next week, friends.
Check out some music from Freddy Mercury and the guys in Queen over in our online video guide.
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Dec 7, 2007 11:08 PM
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Sorry I missed a week, but I'm back.
Yes, I was totally thrown by the time change. I was out, and rushed thru the show and voted quickly as it was nearing 11:00. Then I noticed it was past 11, and I could still vote. WTF? Then I checked the time recorded. I agree, David, I don't think this new time slot will boost the ratings, but maybe Fox has given up on the show. It's too bad, because I enjoy it much more than American Idol.
I wasn't as bothered by tonight's performances as David. I actually enjoyed some of them.
Clark Brothers - I also didn't like the fact that they are allowed to bring in extra band members so late in the competition. And I totally agree that the new members added NOTHING. When the judges said they were so happy that they brought in the two new members, I was completely confused. Whatever. I still enjoyed their performances. I know that 'These are the Days of our Lives' wasn't one of Queen's hits, but it fit the Clark Brothers style, which is probably why they chose it. I agree with Dicko though that they could rock out more. I did love their original though. Personally, I have never bought an American Idol CD, but I would buy one from the Clark Brothers. So they got me votes again this week.
Light of Doom - When they started with the drums, I got excited. I thought 'finally, something different from them'. Then my hopes were dashed. Back to the electric guitars and the same old, same old. Their original wasn't even a song to me--it was just noise. I want them to go, but I fear they will stay.
Sixwire - They are getting better. I loved their cover, and their original was pretty decent--though not as good as the judges made it sound. Still, I gave them some votes, because they're my 2nd choice after the Clark Brothers.
Denver - His vocals were better than before tonight. So kudos for that. However, even before Dicko mentioned his clothes, I was thinking that he's not standing out enough. What happened to his red shirts? Overall performance though ranks 3rd.
Very disappointed that Dot Dot Dot went home tonight though not surprised. I said it before that it will come down to the family and friends votes. Just look at Denver's band size--if they get all their family members on the phone, then it's no wonder they are still around. Same with Light of Doom. I can just see the parents rallying the neighborhoods, the kids' schools, etc. to vote for them.
My choice for the final two would be 'The Clark Brothers' and 'Sixwire', but if my fears are true, then I don't see how they stand a chance.
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Dec 8, 2007 3:10 AM
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I tuned in at 8 and saw Wayne Brady and immediately thought that Fox had cancelled the show.I came back at 9 just to check and there was the show.I missed part of the Clark Brothers first song,and I agree that adding the drummer was not a good move.Ashley is certainly the best front man of the band's left (with Andy from Sixwire right there as well).There orginal was fun but Dicko was right that the lyrics were country 101.I still gave the Clark Brothers 10 votes.
Light Of Doom-Both songs were just awful and hopefully by ruining such a rock anthem like "We Will Rock You" will sink the band this week.
Sixwire-Nice take on "Fat Bottomed Girls" and I agreed with the judges that "Go On" could be a hit.Sixwire got 10 votes from me.
DMHO - John is right,they are square.I love the arrangements and the band is good but Denver is smaltzy..a lounge act at best.I still gave them 1 vote hoping that LOD will be gone next week.
Best of luck to Dot Dot Dot.
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Dec 8, 2007 8:44 AM
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The voters got it wrong. DMHO should have been the band to go, not DotDotDot. DDD actually got better as this series went on, while DMHO got worse, if anything. I thought the Clark Bros were ok, but I wish they would have used the "band" for Queen, and just been themselves for their original. The original was ok, but yes, hokey. I don't have a problem with them using other musicians, they would if they were cutting an album, but I hope they only use the "band" sparingly. LoD had its worst night and should be eliminated. I liked the drum concept with WWRY, but the rest wasn't good at all. The guitarist has been decent, but this week showed that he still needs to work harder to be as good as this 13 year old. 6Wire did a fine job with FBG, but their original was like so many other country songs on the radio...so, it'd probably be a hit. DMHO stunk. Their cover, while a good choice for them, wasn't very good, and their original (like all of their originals they've played on the series) was terrible. Again, they should have been voted out not DotDotDot who I didn't like at first, but they really did seem to improve. This week it should be LoD and if not, DMHO.
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Dec 8, 2007 8:56 AM
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Here's my theory- there are so few people left watching this show that Light of Doom will win because their middle school is voting for the lead singer and his sisters and no one else in America is voting for anyone. Denver will be second because there are simply 10,000 of them and with their families voting they are a small town in and of themselves. The Clark Brothers (my old favs) totally lost me by bringing in a drummer & some other totally non-descript person and Sixwire is my new fav but sadly they don't stand a chance between the junior high crowd and the small town folks. I guess the only good thing is that both Sixwire and Clark Brothers got great exposure. No one will buy a LOD CD outside of family members and school friends and no one will buy Denver's CD period. I was really hoping this would be the next Rockstarbut it has been a joke. Any word on whether Rockstar will return since regular programming has been changed by the strike? Hey, a girl can hope!
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Dec 8, 2007 11:44 PM
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allie08 - I wasn't expecting Rockstar - but I was expecting something with fewer glaring flaws than this since it was the AI franchise. A few tweaks here and there and this could be excellent.
As far as Rockstar goes - no dice on a third season - unless some popular lead singer goes into rehab sometime soon.
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Dec 9, 2007 12:18 PM
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I knew about the time slot change but since I read a spoiler about DDD going home I skipped the show. With DDD gone the only band left that I like are the Clark Brothers and I can just watch their performances on YouTube. After reading the comments here it seems like I made a good decision. The idea for this show was good but things took a wrong turn somewhere. Bah, I wish that Rockstar had been brought back. At least on that show it was more about talent than popularity. Except for Lukas winning but that is a rant for another day.
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Dec 9, 2007 8:45 PM
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David, I'm so in agreement with you this week and glad. I thought I would be the only one not singing praises this week.
All I can say is BAH HUMBUG. First the very entertaining (yes I knew they wouldn't win, but were fun) Tres Bien goes and now my favorites Dot, Dot, Dot.
First let me say, that I'm so tired of all the singers, mostly male, that talk about big bad fast paced L.A. GET A SPINE GUYS. It won't eat you alive. And if you think it will, then don't waste my time by coming on a show that purports to find the Next Great American Band. You don't play in L.A., you won't get my vote and I won't come to see you. So grow up.
Now...The Clark Brothers. The drums did not enhance them and once again Ashley goes a bit too intense at the end of the song. The original could only be called "common".
Light of Doom picked We Will Rock You. The drums at the beginning were a good catch, but all they sang was We Will Rock You. One verse and then 3 minutes of chorus. The original I don't even remember.
Sixwire picked a good song in Fat Bottom Girls, but I could have predicted that would be the song they would choose. As for the original, it was the best one of the night, but recordable? A best seller? Maybe back in the 80s, right there with Amie from Pure Prairie League, but not in today's world. They have nice harmonies, but they're nothing special in my opinion.
Denver and The Mile High Orchestra aka DMHO who may be channeling ELO was a favorite of mine at the beginning, but 4 weeks of being able to select great songs by great artists and picking the worst of the bunch has left me wonder what I saw in them. They're starting to bore me.
So...I miss Tres Bien and Dot Dot Dot. I loved Dot Dot Dot. If not for their vocals for their charisma and entertainment factor.
Many singers don't have the most amazing voices around, but they know how to entertain. The ones left...I can start a snoozefest by.
Maybe I should have voted, but I hate Fox's voting system. They should get a clue from Dancing With The Stars. I hate voting endlessly, so I don't vote.
So that's my Bah Humbug opinion of the week. My opinion and mine alone.
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Dec 9, 2007 9:11 PM
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Clark Brothers – I don’t like that they brought in two new band members either. I don’t blame them though, the judges mentioned it so often I’m sure the brothers felt like they had no choice. I don’t think it hurt them with the Queen song, but the cymbal happy drummer was distracting in what would otherwise been a very enjoyable song.
Sixwire – Oh, you know I loved them. They rocked the Queen song and the original was beautiful. Tonight was a perfect example of their versatility.
Light of Doom – What was that? The hysteria of the little girls in the crowd proves you give any teenage guy a guitar and a microphone and the pre-pubecent girls will swoon, musical ability is secondary or thirduary...
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra – They went far away from the Chicago type sound I love and ended out in the 1940’s somewhere.
I would have far preferred Light of Doom going home rather than the watchable, entertaining Dot Dot Dot.
David, could you just once say that Light of Doom was going to win so we can get rid of them?? 
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Dec 10, 2007 3:43 AM
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David, could you just once say that Light of Doom was going to win so we can get rid of them??
Debbie - that's hilarious! I love it.
Here it goes. Light of Doom is my favorite band ever, I can't wait for them to win this competition and become major superstars!
Cross your fingers Debbie.
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Dec 10, 2007 7:34 AM
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As much as I love you and you know I do David, it isn't often that I can say that I agree with every word you've said, but this is one of them.
Light of Doom was absolutely hideous, that transition from the drums should have been cool, but blew. Couldn't believe I was wrong in my prediction for a second week, but surely after this performance they will go home next week. So for the third week in a row I predict that LoD will leave us next week - threes a charm right?
Right before it happened I said well Denver has got to go because Dot, Dot, Dot isn't going anywhere for awhile and lo and behold off they go. The demo for this show has got to be seriously skewed.
I didn't care for the added drummer with the Clark Brothers, but I didn't think it was that bad either. I agree they made a poor song choice. There were plenty of Queen hits for them to choose from and they should have.
At first I loved that Sixwire had chosen Fat Bottomed Girls, but then I realized that the parts I love really aren't family hour appropriate so it just ended up sounding blah and awkward.
I didn't like the DMHB bit, that didn't fit their image at all. Didn't like their song choice either.
I was excited about the originals being back but was let down with pretty much all of them. Sixwires was good, followed by Clark Brothers, Denver and LoD.
To be so excited going in because of the Queen theme, I sure was let down. Very poor showing for the most part.
Was there an announcement for theme next week?
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Dec 10, 2007 10:19 AM
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One wouldn't be surprised with the picks if one considers the audience that is tuning in to this show: Old folks and youngsters 16 and under. DDD didn't appeal to either group and that's why they are gone. (No big loss, though, they'll never sell) The only act with an iota of talent/uniqueness is the Clark Bros. but even that may not be enough to overcome the barrage of speed-dialing that billions of 12-year-old girls are employing to see Light of Doom get their 15 minutes of fame before becoming a reality TV footnote in history. A smart Nashville record exec could carve out a really nice niche for the Clarks with the right songs and exposure so their career might have a good chance of surviving this idol-wannabe show.
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Dec 10, 2007 10:29 AM
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Does anyone know how you are able to bring in extra musicians? And are only the Clark Brothers allowed to do that? I mean why can't DMHO call in their old pal Harry Connick to sing or LOD invite Ozzy to sing? If the C Bros sound is just them playing, that's how they should perform.
Also, my husband is a HUGE Queen fan and he couldn't believe the lame choices. "These are the days of our lives" was recorded when Freddie was literally at the end of his life. It is a very sad song when you watch the video and see Freddie almost dead. And I can't even recall hearing "Sleeping on the Sidewalk" before! My husband said he thinks it's on Night at the Opera. Lame choice. Queen has SO many hits.
LOD should have done Sheer Heart Attack bc it's almost a metal song already. Metallica once covered that song and it sounded almost the same as the original.
Does anyone know if the bands have help with their arrangements or if they have to do that themselves? On Rockstar, they had help which makes a huge difference.
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Dec 10, 2007 12:51 PM
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Sleeping on the Sidewalk- Sorry it's on News of the World.
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Dec 10, 2007 12:58 PM
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To bad ddd is gone but they'll do ok.To bad LOD is going tonight and hope fully sixwire is next or the clark brothers.
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Dec 14, 2007 10:53 AM
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