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« The Next Great American Band
Episode Recap; We Have a Winner!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everybody! My Christmas gift to you is that you can now leave your house on a Friday night. Just kidding. I’m looking forward to going out to eat with my wife again, but at the same time I’m really going to miss this show. Admittedly the show was not progressing very well near the end, but it was still entertaining.
I guess could talk about the cheesy Christmas medley featuring many of bands that got cut this season or I could talk about how the other band members in Northmont must feel to once again essentially be told, “you suck” while the singer gets praised. Then again, I could talk about The Likes of You opening the show with the best song I’ve heard in the past three weeks or the weird editing that put Sheila E. saying “Thank you, goodnight” in the middle of the show. Maybe even the fact that Jesus got a heck of a lot of props from Ashley’s wife or the awkward way of telling Denver and the Mile High Orchestra they were cut. But I won’t.
Instead, I just want to talk about the fact that for the first time in the entire run of this show, I finally predicted something right! No, no. Let’s instead give it up to The Clark Brothers. Of the three remaining bands, I’m happy they took the title and the guaranteed record deal (though you can assume Sixwire will get a deal as well). They were not my favorite of the bands, but you definitely can see how much better they are than most of them. It’s funny how I never noticed it more than during the medley at the end, where the only part that made me stop taking notes and look at the screen was their performance of “Last Christmas”.
I’ll be very curious to follow these guys now and see what kind of album they make and if they actually sell any copies. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I have a feeling this will be a one-and-done deal, but who knows. Strange things happen in music these days and there have been a lot of comments over the weeks from many of you that are completely gung-ho over these guys. So maybe they’ll sell a couple million and go on to be superstars. Or will they go the reality route of Flickerstick. I guess only time will tell now.
Thanks to all of you that commented on the blog this season. Give me one last comment to tell me what you thought about The Clark Brothers winning it all and let’s also dig way deeper into Dominic’s “until next year” comment than we need to.
Take care, friends.
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Dec 21, 2007 10:47 PM
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David, great comments. I will say that I predicted Sixwire to win it all based on all their history. They will get a deal as well, but I think your right, both bands will be one and done. You see here in nashville these bands have had their chance and national television exposure will not give them any more than what was there to begin with. Clark Brothers came to the table every night and brought right out of the gates. Sixwire a little slow for the first several weeks but picked it up. I think if they replaced Andy with a different lead singer, they would have won. America doesnt vote solely on voice but on personality, looks and being yourself. Im sorry but Andy just didnt do it, great voice, but highlights to cover the gray hair, and that stare into the camera as if hes already a star, haunted them. Hats off to everyone that made it not only to the show, but to Vegas. Will they have again next year? Mark my word on these band's! I think Sixire should try getting a pop rock deal and have well lets just say mr goo goo doll himself, johnny boy to produce them. Thanks to everyone, I ve enjoyed reading what you all had to say. Your blog was great.
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Dec 21, 2007 11:51 PM
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WOOT! Yeh, I actually pegged it, The Clark Brothers won and deservedly so!
I think you should run back through that Christmas Medley sans note taking, David. That was one of the best XMAS mixes I've ever seen. It was great to see the different band members tucked into each highlighted band, especially the LoD kid on the tamborine during Tres Bien's bit. Yes, I agree that Ashley's rendition of Last Christmas was amazing, but I always thought he made pretty much anything he did pretty darn amazing, but I think it was likely the dobro that helped them win it. I'll definitely be on the lookout for their CD. Hopefully it won't take too long.
What did you think of Sheila E's song? Me, I could have done without it. I did enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls though. I have to admit that while I've certainly heard of them and know they are big, I couldn't have named one song they did, but I enjoyed them.
It was great seeing Likes of you again. I still can't get over them leaving the first week. What a waste. Wasn't at all impressed with Northmont, his voice was completely lost in all the extra band members so I think we didn't miss much with them not being included in the show.
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Dec 22, 2007 12:39 AM
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If that was cheese pass the crackers because I LOVED IT! It put me more in the Christmas Spirit that anything has so far this season.
I thought the show moved well. I enjoyed how they mixed the bands up and let them play together. I actually had a moment or two saying "Aww" to Light of Doom, the kid with the tamborine was adorable.
Sheila E. was great, she had the prettiest drum set I've ever seen.
This show and Clash of the Choirs proved to be upbeat, wholesome and plain ole' fun. There's nothing wrong with that!
Merry Christmas to you all!!
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Dec 22, 2007 2:21 AM
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Merry Christmas and a big Thank You for doing this blog!
I think this was the best results show I've ever seen. It wasn't drawn out like AI with looks at the past and groups that had nothing to do with the show.
I am so glad the Clark Bros won. I liked them from the beginning and their music isn't something I would usually go for. I don't know that they will be a big hitmaker tho. They should probably go into Christian rock or country. I always thought that Ashley looked so uncomfortable when Johnny would say things about all of the women wanting him. They just seem to sweet to be run through all of the Hollywood hype.
I liked that they had all of the past bands back for a big Christmas jam. It put me in the Christmas spirit that's been lacking this year.
Cliff Wagner was perfect for Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer. But was he wearing a silk robe? It looked kind of strange.
I figured out why I never really liked Dot Dot Dot. Their music wasn't bad but they looked like they were trying to hard with the hair, clothes etc. I did like what the lead singer said. "Kids lock up your mothers it's Sixwire".
Sixwire reminded me too much of local country bar bands. There's been a couple of local bands that went to Nashville, got a deal, cut a cd, got dropped.
Light of Doom were cute. If I were 12 I would probably be in love. I think they will probably get their own Disney show if they keep their shirts on.
Tres Bien were fun to watch. I liked the MHO but they should get rid of Denver. He just wasn't as good as the rest of the band.
I don't know if this show will be back but it wasn't too bad. I think Friday night wasn't a good night for it and I don't remeber seeing much promotion.
I still miss Rockstar. This just wasn't as good.
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Dec 22, 2007 4:41 AM
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splotchie - with Prince being my favorite artist, I have a soft spot for everyone that has a connection with him. So natually, I think Sheila E. is great. That whole breakdown she did in the song is completely Prince influenced. Even her band was a female clone of what Prince's has looked like in the past. It all works for me. However, it would have been nice to hear more of it. We only got one verse, but we got to hear "Broadway" in it's entirety.
I also went back this morning and watched the Chrismas medley. Still thought it was cheesy, though I admit, the light of doom kid with the tambourine was cute. And I've always liked Cliff Wagner, so I thought Grandma Got Run Over By A Raindeer was good and a perfect choice for them.
But what happened, no Muggs? No Rocket? The Hatch? 
In2TV - I miss Rockstar too!
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Dec 22, 2007 10:35 AM
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Hi David, thank you once again for delivering great blogs for the entirety of this show.
I'm so happy that the Clark Brothers won! Like I said last week, after the auditions , I never would have predicted them winning it all. I think that's part of the fun of a show like this. I can't believe these guys just played in their living room and sent in their audition tape as an afterthought. Incredible.
I also loved the Christmas songs!!! I thought it was great to see all the bands back and playing together. They really seemed to be having a good time, and I had one just watching them.
I also enjoyed the idea of the 'Smooth' performance. Mixing the horns and other band members with Northmont's voice was a great concept. However, I think the microphone was turned off or something. I remember that guy's voice being really powerful, but perhaps I was wrong.
It was really nice to see 'The Likes of You' again. Apparently, the producers recognized their talent and wanted to acknowledge the shame that they were kicked out way too soon.
I'm definitely going to look for The Clark Brothers CD. I hope they do a mix similar to Amy Grant's 'Heart in Motion' or Jars of Clay self-titled CD with some pop rock songs as well as Christian songs. I think they would get some success that way.
David, I loved Ashley's blog, but is there any chance for an interview with them?
Thanks again, and here's hoping for a second show! As you pointed out, AI wasn't that strong their first year, so I hope the producers are listening!
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Dec 22, 2007 11:24 AM
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David, I was so impressed with the Clark Brothers from the very start. I have to admit I was kind of partial since I had seen their older brothers perform at my church when the current Clark brothers were little. Their father and all the boys are a very talented family. What I found the most impressive in these younger Clark Brothers is that they are willing to keep their faith and at the same time add some fresh sounds while maintaining their passion. 6-Wire was my next favorite band and I know both bands will do well as long as they don't lose any of their authenticity. Thank you FOX Network for giving us such great TV viewing.
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Dec 22, 2007 12:56 PM
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I'm beyond happy that the Clark Brothers won, and as for their future success, it's not hard to see them going very far. With Ashley's melancholy, solid conviction and beautiful vocals, and all of their instrumental genius, it makes it something that I've never quite heard before. With the likes of Lifehouse and Switchfoot who bring gospel and hardly any profanities in their music, I can see them being alike to them but with their own unique style. I can honestly say I'm already a fan and will support their future career. And once again, I am so glad!!!
Also, Sixwire will surely have a great career. Andy has so much soul in his voice and they have a very pop/rock sound. I will definitely be supporting them as well!
I really enjoyed the finale! When I first read it would only be an hour and not a two-hour special, I was thinking we'd hardly get anything out of it -- and I was wrong! I loved The Likes Of You opening the show with their beautiful song, and Northmont once again covering Rob Thomas in all his glory. And my personal biggest highlight special guest artist of the night? GOO GOO DOLLS! I've been waiting to see Johnny show everyone how it's done from the beginning. It's still a wonder to me that his beauty goes unnoticed.
And yes, as cheesy as it may have been, the Christmas Medley filled me with glee! Everyone really had a lot of fun, and it was nice to see that after all the pressure.
The Next Great American Band was a great ride, and my main reason initially was to stare at Johnny Rzeznik as a judge, which is the coolest thing ever that he's even on a television show, but surprisingly I found a few new groups I'll be keeping my eye on. In my opinion, better than American Idol talent-wise -- these people play friggin' instruments!
P.S. I hope this is not the last we see of Johnny Rzeznik on television. I'm not talking reality. I want to see him perform everywhere. But that's just my wishful thinking!
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Dec 22, 2007 3:13 PM
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I thought the song The Likes of You performed was good, but the guitar solo was all wrong. It should have been more of a tortured wail, than a speedy riff. I also didn't like the falsetto howl. I liked Northwood with the "all star band." Heck, I'd BUY that if it was a single.
I enjoyed most of the Christmas mix. Trés Bien with the LoD kid was fun, and one of my favorite Christmas songs. It also looks like the lead singers of DotDotDot and Trés Bien are buds, they seemed to ham it up when they sang together and at the end when they were additional vocalists. If they did a small club tour together, I'd go see them. Heck, if nothing else but to see the guitar player from DDD up close. I FINALLY figured it out who she reminded me of: she's like the real life version of "Noodle" from the cartoon band "The Gorillaz" only older.
I thought 6Wire would pull it out, and probably sell more albums, but I'm glad the Clark boys won. I really like them, but I still just see them on the Grand Old Opry tour or part of a Christian music tour and not selling a ton of albums. We'll see.
I enjoyed the finalé on the whole, and I do hope it comes back next year, albeit "revamped." Maybe this will spur them on to bring back Rockstar, especially with the writer's strike, to show how it's supposed to be done.
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Dec 22, 2007 3:22 PM
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I'm hoping that, unlike many other reality show winners, The Clark Brothers will be able to realize the success they deserve. Though I have never been a country music fan, their talent and obvious sincerity took them outside the obvious paramaters of a music genre to a place of, (as corny as this seems) musical magic. I realize that not everyone fell under their spell, but I (surprisingly to me) did. When friends asked why I bothered watching a show with such low ratings, I said, "The Clark Brothers... that's why. Tune in and check them out." I believe that Sixwire may have been more polished than the Bros, but just didn't have their level of almost other-worldly magnetism. I was completely riveted by their performances and honestly, had not been so awestruck since I was a 12 year old girl watching The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. Now, I'm not trying to compare, here, but trying to convey the message that, for some of us, these guys are complete originals... and it's their authenticity that draws you in, not to shortchange their musical prowess, of which they have an abundance. Anyway, to me, it would be a change to let this show, or idea for a show, go by the wayside. My husband and I enjoyed it much more than the American Idol format... even the judges and host succeeded. I WILL be buying my first country CD in my life with the Brothers get one released. May their "je ne sais quois" not be spoiled by their potential success. Best of luck, and thank you so much for your insights throughout this suddenly "too-short" season! Great job!
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Dec 22, 2007 3:24 PM
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I heard the show was fixed and the producers already knew who was going to win.So you call that a fair show and that our voting didn't really matter .What a great show.
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Dec 24, 2007 9:22 AM
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The Clark Bros. definitely deserved to win and, if 19 can market them right, they should find a nice niche in the rock/bluegrass country field where some very interesting things are being done. If they try to steer them into mainstream C&W I don't think it will work. Sixwire could chart some singles but the singer's voice just isn't the standard country baritone that seems to dominate the airwaves. Still, they could find their place alonside the Sawyer Brown's of the world. Denver & the Mile Highs could do well in the christian rock field with the right material but they could make a darn good living playing the corporate parties and convention circuits for the next 30 years or so. No doubt the exposure didn't hurt any of the bands but it always comes down to the songs, my friends. Just ask Bo Bice. Good show overall and if they do it again next year perhaps they'll have a better batch of bands to include.
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Dec 26, 2007 11:17 AM
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This was an enjoyable show. I actually looked forward to hearing some real talent and for the most part the judges weren't trying to make everyone have one formula sound a la IDOL.
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Feb 24, 2008 8:05 PM
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