Weird night tonight.... Light of Doom has been eliminated.
Denver and The Mile High Orchestra - September (Earth, Wind & Fire)
I HATE that song. Denver's vocals were really flat and without energy.
The Clark Brothers - Change the World (Clapton)
I didn't like it. Vocally, Ashley was great. But I didn't like the arrangement. They took out the melody of the song, and for me, that really didn't work. I appreciated the added lyrics at the end tho. It added a lot to the song.
Sixwire - Reeling in the Years (Steely Dan)
This was well sung, well played, but somehow it left me a bit cold. Lack of energy maybe? The guitar was killer (I think I have a crush on Steve!).
Round 1 - slight edge to Sixwire
Denver and The Mile High Orchestra - Vehicle by Ides of March
No. Just. No. It's too bad, because musically, this is a great song for the band. But Denver ruins it with uninspired lyrics that lacked some serious energy. It was better by the end, when Denver added a bit of spunk to the vocals.
The Clark Brothers - Amazed by Lonestar
OMFG. They gave me chills. This was beautifully played, beautifully sung. Damn Ashley is nervous tho. Nothing that really challenged them tho.
Sixwire - I'd Really Love to See You Again (Dan & Foley)
Like the Clark Bros, this song didn't challenge the band at all. It was nice, beautiful even. The harmonies were great.... Guitar playing awesome.
Round 2: Slight edge to The Clark Brothers
Denver and The Mile High Orchestra - Original
Best of the night for them. But again, there's something lacking.
The Clark Brothers - This Little Light of Mine
I absolutely adored that they sung the song that first got them in this competition. They needed this after their other two songs. That was amazing!
Sixwire - Good to Be Back
Great, great song. Glad they came back to that. This song is ready to be played on the radio.
Round 3: Slight edge to Sixwire.
I felt like tonight was a bit off for everyone. It's weird - Ashley seemed awfully nervous tonight. Andy's singing was very flat, and Denver's was even more so than usual. My feeing is that the producers want Sixwire to win - they are more easily marketable, and seem to have great material that is radio ready. But I would love The Clark Brothers to win....
This week, the Top 4 bands sing songs from Queen, as well as an original song. Contrary to the other weeks, instead of playing the two songs one after the other, they play the Queen songs first, then each band comes back to play their original.
The eliminated band was Dot Dot Dot. Since they were eliminated after the first half of the show, they didn't get an exit interview or anything. It made for a very anticlimactic reveal.
The Clark Brothers - “These Are The Days of Our Lives” and “Homestead”
Taking Dicko's advice to heart, The Clark Brothers added two members to their band this week - a drummer and a bassist. I'm not sure if it really was necessary, but it certainly made for a fuller sound. I just simply adore that band, and think they are just amazing. I love when they explode with the instruments, it always sell their performances to me. Every. Single. Time. Great, great, great version of the Queen song.
The Clark Bros original was really nice, too. I sort of agree with Dicko about the lyrics (it could have been a bit better), but it didn't make me enjoy the song any less. It's catchy - I had it in my head for a few days in a row. Again, explosion of instruments and vocals - FREAKING AWESOME!!!!
I disagree with Dicko about Ashley needing to embrace his inner rockstar - the fact that he and his brothers are humble and down to earth is one of the things that are very attractive about that band.
Light of Doom - “We Will Rock You” and “A Matter of Time”
Their Queen song was baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad. I kinda liked the beginning of it with the big huge drums played by everyone. But then they launched into a weird speed metal version that didn't do justice to the song. They virtually stripped away the song of it's melody. Bad, bad, bad.
Their original song was not much better. Their lack of experience really showed with this song. The lyrics were uninteresting, and while they all played their instruments rather well, the song doesn't have a melody for any of those instruments to shine. That was just noise. Bad noise. On the positive side, the singer's vocals really is improving.
Sixwire - “Fat Bottomed Girls” and “Go On”
Very happy that one of the bands decided to do that song. Even happier that Sixwire did it. The harmonies are killer, once again. Rocking version with a little country flavor that really worked for the song. I enjoyed the guitar solo at the end... Awesome!
Their original song was the strongest of the night. Great hook, beautiful melodies, killer harmonies. This song could be a hit. I m with Sheila - I wanna hear that song again, I wanna hear it in its entirety!
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra - “Sleeping on the Sidewalk” and “Big White House”
Argh.... DMHO just does. Not. WORK!!! Stop saying that! I quite enjoyed the song. Denver is pushing is vocals again, and he's sounding better and better all the time.
Good original song. It's true there is no real hook to it, but I'm not sure it really needs it. It worked well I thought. Finally Denver REALLY pushes his vocals, and he really shines. He looked so much more comfortable than on any other performance they've done so far.
These guys get better every week. Good song choice for them, it really worked. The back vocals worked well this week. Weird comment to the keyboardist...
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra - Baby Jane
It bugs me to no end that he calls himself and the band DMHO. It just does. Not. WORK! They were really good again this week. Denver just doesn't have vocals powerful enough to really take on the leader's role tho. I do think he has been pushing his vocals a lot the last 3 shows... But he is still not quite there...
Sixwire - Hot Legs
Those guys are such pros.... This was perfect for them. Awesome performance, although the singer's voice seemed a bit drown out by the band at times. Love the guitars on this, and while I liked the bass solo, it WAS in a weird spot. Steve's back vocals were again really nice.
Clark BrothersYou’re in My Heart
Ashley's vocals were a bit shaky at first, but then he shook it off, and it was beautiful. I loved the mandoline on this, and how Ashley was doing the rhythm with the guitar. And the background vocals really worked with the lead. It didn't bring me to tears like Sheila, but it made me misty eyed - it was passionate, as always, gorgeous and totally unique. I always listen to them with a sort of religious attention.
Light of Doom - Infatuation
Vocals were so much better this week. I thought it was the guitar that ruined it for them this week - way too much of it, way too loud and way too many fancy things done with it.
So Tres Bien goes home. I would have rather see them stick around one or two more weeks... But at this point, the bands who leave the competition are really good... So it's par for the course!
I have to say - when the season started, I was not sure about this show. But the more into the season we get, the more I get into it. The bands are good, real musicians who for the most part have been there, done that. In that regards, TNGAB comes closer to RockStar then American Idol. The music showcased is great, too. None of those recycled, rewashed and re-recycled songs we constatnly hear on AI. I gotta say, I enjoy watching!
This week, the bands sing songs from Mig Jagger and Keith Richards - The Rolling Stones!!!!
Cliff Wagner and the Old #7 goes home. The judges spent a lot of time praising them, and rightfully so.
Tres Bien - Get Off Of My Cloud
The lead singer is so good. His voice was good, and he's just such a dynamic front man. It was a fun performance!
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra - Free
I disagree with the judges - I feel this band is showing off exactly what they are about. The horn section ws once again phenomenal. I always feel that Denver is the weak link in te band, but he's been improving a lot lately. He physically stepped up to the front for this performance, and for me, it did wonders. He's pushing his voice, and it's sounding great.
Sixwire - This Will Be The Last Time
I absolutely adore the harmonies this band produces. It felt good to have an uptempo song from them this week. I also really enjoy when they showcase Steve on the guitar. Wow, he's good! This was a fun, dance your feet off kind of performance, and I loved it!
Light of Doom - Jumping Jack Flash
Eric started in too low of a key, and he had troubles hitting some of the lower notes. All in all, solid performance musically, but the vocals were really suffering.
The Clark Brothers - Gimme Shelter
Right off the bat, the electric guitar grabbed me. Austin is such an awesome player, it's incredible. Adam on the mandoline/whateveritscalled was brilliant in between the chorus. WOW! And Ashley's vocals? Phenomenal, as usual. I kinda wished he didn't scream as much at the end, but it fitted the song, fitted the urgency they had been building throughout the performance. It ws dark, it ws powerful and it ws goosebump inducing. Last week, it was Ashley's vocals that made the song. This week, it was Austin's guitar. I can't say it enough, those guys are AMAZING.
Dot Dot Dot - Let's Spend The Night Together
I really didn't like this performance. The harmonies between the two girls were totally off, and Adam's vocals were just not up to par. The fact they showcased the girls and then Rose again felt like they are desperate. It's too bd they reverted to that, the lst two performances were really good. But not this one.
So, I'm thinking that Denver and TMHO will be the next band to go... LOD seems to have a good following, so I expect them to stick around... Then again, Denver and TMHO seem to have quite a bit of fans, too... Maybe it'll be Dot Dot Dot who will go? That would be a first, the band that goes last going home....
This week, the bands sing songs from Lieber and Stoller.
Franklin Bridge goes home.
Light of Doom- “Jailhouse Rock”
That might be my favorite from them so far. The guitar solo put forward what the problem is with that group; the lead singer. Although, I have to admit, he did much much much better vocal wise than ever before.
The Clark Brothers - “Saved”
After the first verse, I was thinking that the song had too fast a pace for Ashley to really do well vocal wise. Boy ws I wrong. After his fantastic fiddle solo (damn he's good!), the passion was unleashed in his voice. His vocals were not spot on, but they were passionate, emotional, felt like he wrote the song himself. I believed everything he sang, and even through my crappy computer speakers, I let myself get into the performance because they draw me in. WOW!
Dot Dot Dot - “Love Potion #9″
Adam's vocals were really good this week. It was a good, solid performance. Not as great as last week, but I felt that when Adam dials it down, they do so much better!
Cliff Wagner and the Old #7 - “Poison Ivy”
I liked it! It was a fun performance, and the harmonizing was pretty cool on the chorus.
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra - “Ruby Baby”
I'm glad they mde it, I like them!!! I felt like Denver was pushing his voice more this week, and it sounded GREAT! I really wish he had some backup vocals tho, and that he'd clearly step up as the leader of the band. The showcase of the horns was AWESOME!
Sixwire - “I Keep Forgettin’”
LOVE the harmonies. This sounded more pop rock than country, and I enjoyed that very much. The guitar solo was amazing! Sexywire. *LOL*
Tres Bien! - “Some Other Guy”
I think the band did really, really well. Great song that fitted their style so very well. The singer is a great frontman!
8 of the 10 remaining bands were performing songs from Billy Joel. Side note - I LOVE me some Billy Joel. His songs are beautiful, his lyrics are gorgeous and his music is timeless.
All the bands were really good tonight. It'll really be a question of preferences from now on. Excellent song choice all around, too.
Franklin Bridge - Big Shot
I thought their sound was much cleaner compare to last week. Still, I felt that made them a bit sloppy, if that makes any sense. Still, it was a good performance. The singer flubbed an awful lot of the lyrics tho...
Cliff Wagner and the Old No. 7 - You May Be Right
I thought it was a nice arrangement. A bit monotone for such an energetic song, but all in all, I thought it worked. It was fun!
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra - Tell Her About It
Awwwww... Denver had a baby!!! So cute. Anywya, he band sounded AWESOME on this. This song was tailor-made for them! Great, great, great performance. Denver sang it well, but I wish he had a bit more oumph to his voice... The end was really good tho.
Dot Dot Dot - Pressure
Totally awesome song choice. Adam toned his teatrics down, and boy did it work. He was much more focused on his vocals, and it sounded great! Great version. The keyboardist didn't get props tho - and he should have! He was incredible. I really enjoyed them tonight!
Sixwire - She’s Always A Woman
Beautiful. The soft beginning, the slow harmonies... It was perfect. VERY well done. And I LOVED what the singer said to Dicko when he asked why he sang such a mesogynic song. It celebrates all different kinds of women! Love it. They are clearly the band to beat.
Tres Bien - Moving Out
Again, great song choice. The arrangement was good, although I felt like it never really took off. The front guy doesn't have the best voice in the word, but he's good and has a great personality.
Clark Brothers - She’s Got A Way
Dicko keeps on telling Sixwire that they have the housewife vote... Well the Clark Brothers have stolen some of them with that beauitul, heartfelt performance. Ashley's voice ws gorgeous, emotional. I only wish he started singing with mor power a bit earlier.... But it doesn't matter. This was the performance of the night. Wow, simply wow.
Light of Doom - The Stranger
Alright. Light of Doom is the last band to make it. they sound better than they have so far. The singer sounded really good. Their best up until now. Their version of the song was a bit weird tho....
So Rocket and the Muggs went home. And as Dicko said, it really was “death by lead singer" in both cases.
Who will be going home next week? It'll be hard one to guess... I'm thinking maybe the big band and Tres Bien???
First, I think aside from two bands, the performances were really good this week. Everyone upped their game, and it showed! Also, love the judges. I may disagree at times with them, but all in all, they give good comments and critics to the bands, and I really appreciate that.
This week, the bands were to perform original songs and a song by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. I have to say that I really disliked that they did the original first. To me, it was a bit anticlimatic. But still, the bands seemed to have had an easier time making the songs of Elton and Bernie their own, as opposed to last week with Dylan's songs.
We also find out this week which two bands will go home. The show starts with all 12 bands, and each band is given an opportunity to sing an original and a cover except for two bands, who will be going home. The Likes of You and The Hatch unfortunately didn't go through.
So, on with the bands!!!!
Sixwire - Got to Get Away (original) and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (John/Taupin)
The original was really good! Very catchy, it's got a little bit of pop, rock and country. HUGE cross-over appeal for these guys. Excellent musicianship, great quality vocals. I agree with Dicko - the fact the lead singer stepped up a bit really works for them. To me, these guys are the front runners. The cover started out a bit shaky, but it got back on track really quickly, and it turned out pretty darn good. They kept the original melody and just added a touch of rock country to it. Fesh little twist on an overplayed classic. VERY well done.
Tres Bien - How I Feel (original) and Love Lies Bleeding (John/Taupin)
This original song was really good. Love the Beatles-ish, 60's pop feel to it. Agree with Dicko - the front man is great when not hiding behind a guitar. I thought the cover was well done, I liked the arrangement and how they adapted it to their sound. I thought the vocals were sloppy tho.
Franklin Bridge - Love’s Fool (original) and Philadelphia Freedom (John/Taupin)
I liked their original song much better than last week. It is still too busy for me, but it was good. I really liked that the drummer was put at the forefront. Love his drumming and his shouts throughout the song.... Really good! The cover was good. I didn't think it was overarranged... I thought it suited them very well. Thought the cover was better than the original tho...
The Clarks - Country Time (original) and Country Comfort (John/Taupin)
I adore these guys. They look like they are having fun! Great musicians, great and good looking singer. Original not as great as last week's, but still really catchy and good. The cover was amazing. The song suited them so well, it could have been theirs. Love that they did something more low key, show some versatility. The singer's voice was beautiful on that. LOVED the mandolin!
Light of Doom - Light of Doom (original) and Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (John/Taupin)
Alright, alright. They are good. VERY good. Amazing. For kids. But I'm with Dicko - I just can't get past the fact they are kids. They are amazing musicians - the guitars and the drums, WOW! But the singer really isn't anything to write home about. I hated the original - lyrics were painful..... The cover was better, suited them well, but again, the vocals were not great.... In fact the singer was out of tune most of the song.
Dot Dot Dot - Stay (original) and Your Song (John/Taupin)
Ok, the singer really bugs. His constant smile, his over abundant energy, he's just too much. And if his vocals were great, I think I could take him. The thing is, his vocals are NOT that great... The original was pretty good. Much, much better than last week. A litte bit of an 80's flavor there. The cover - goo idea as far as the arrangment, but unfortunately, they fell short as far as vocals.
Cliff Wagner & the Old #7 - Little White Chapel on the Strip (original) and Honky Cat (John/Taupin)
The original song was so catchy and full of fun. Made me want to dance! Very good! The cover was good, but seemed to lack energy. Seems to me the singer forgot his lyrics, too... Not as good as last week, but they were still pretty good!
The Muggs - Should’ve Learned My Lesson (original) and I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (John/Taupin)
I absolutely adore their sound. Pure rock, really good! The guitarist is simply amazing. But damn! His voice is relly awful. It's not even that he is out of tune, it's just that his voice is not pleasant. The original was good, love the guitar riffs. The cover was PAINFUL. The singer really looked pissed when the judges were critiquing his voice.
Rocket - Future Ex-boyfriend (original) - Rocket Man (John/Taupin)
Ouch. Both songs were pretty bad. The cover was the worst. The band sounds good, but the singer.... OUCH! She sounds really bad. She ws very emotional as the judges critiqued her.
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra - All Night (original) and I’m Still Standing (John/Taupin)
I liked the original very much. The dance music feel of it was a nice change. The cover was even better I thought. I would love to see Denver be more at the front, showing more that he is the front man of the band.
So to me, it goes like this:
Sixwire Clark Brothers
Tres Bien Franklin Bridge Cliff Wagner and the Old #7 Light of Doom Denver and The Mile High Orchestra Dot Dot Dot
The Muggs Rocket
Who will go home this time! Tune in on Friday to find out!
Good show! I liked the one cover, one original format. The songs seemed a bit short tho... This week, the covers were songs from Bob Dylan. The judges were good - I disagreed with them sometimes, but all in all, they gave good criticism.
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra - Freight Train Blues (Dylan) and One Time Show (original)
I think this is one of the best band. They are tight and versatile. However... The singer really doesn't have a strong enough voice. There's no depth to it, no swing, no real personality. I agree with Sheila, I think Denver should include his band mates more and put them at the forefront once in a while. Both songs were decent enough to keep them around another week. But going first might kill them...
The Hatch - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (Dylan) and Stretch Out The Time (original)
I was bit disappointed. I really don't feel like they are living up to what we were expecting of them. The Dylan song was much better than the original, which felt so chaotic, with no real hook...
Light of Doom - All Along The Watchtower (Dylan) and Eye of the Storm (original)
Alright, they are 12. And for 12 yos, they are PHENOMENAL. But they just don't belong there. The singer is really bad. And I agree with the judges - they should really keep their shirts on...
The Likes of You - Blowin' in the Wind (Dylan) and Love and Gravity (original)
I liked them. Liked them quite a lot. It's true the singer was using his falsetto a bit too much. Other than that I thought he and the band sounded really good! The Dylan cover was really, really nice. The original was not bad, but they are missing a hook big time.
Rocket - Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Dylan) and Mean To You (original)
To me, they sounded out of tune at all times. Really didn't like it at all. The punkyfied Dylan cover was actually good, but the singer's voice ruined it for me.
Cliff Wagner & the Old #7 - Don't Think Twice, It's Alright (Dylan) and Old Fire (original)
Damn they are good. The Dylan cover was really good. The harmonies were awesome, the mandoline was really cool! The original? Who doesn't love a little bit of tender love and diesel fuel? A really fun song, the kind you can't help but dance to!
The Muggs - Meet Me In The Morning (Dylan) and Slow Curve (original)
The band is tight, and I like their sound. But the singer's voice really grates.... Greasy Detroit Rock&Roll, I like! I can't believe the sound they are producing with only a guitar, a drum and a bass. Really amazing. The singer might not sing well, but he's a damn good guitar player!
The Clarks - Maggie's Farm (Dylan) and Billy The Kid (original)
They were absolutely amazing. AMAZING!!! I absolutely love the singer's voice. And what great musicians! I really, really, REALLY want to hear them play with a drum - they'd be the total shit. The Dylan cover totally rocked, but their original? Totally awesome and catchy. One of my favorite band in this competition!
Tres Bien - Subterranean Homesick Blues (Dylan) and Easy To Love Me (original)
They were good... Not great, but good. Like the 60s pop inspired music. Their original was much better than the Dylan cover.
Franklin Bridge - Tangled Up In Blue (Dylan) and Incredible (original)
The singer has a good voice and good stage presence. The band's playing really well, too... However, I didn't like their original at all. Weird, no hook, spastic I'd even say. I thought the cover was much better. Sheila's going crazy predicting they will win... Not so sure about that. There is some stiff competition out there.
Dot Dot Dot - Like A Rolling Stone (Dylan) and Another Stupid Love Song (original)
I was totally disappointed. I was expecting a whole lot more from them. Singer's ok, but he is so over the top it is grating. Enough with the smiling already.... He's got a good voice tho. the Dylan cover was much much better than the original.
Sixwire - Mr. Tambourine Man (Dylan) and Good To Be Back (original)
They were by far and away the best tonight. The cover was great, very well done, the original was catchy and freaking good. The lead singer has a great voice, great stage presence, beautiful eyes... The band sounds amazing, tight. I love that they are country but could easily cross over to rock.
My favorites were Sixwire and The Clark Brothers. I'd expect Denver and the Mile High Orchestra and Rocket to go back home.
Yes! Another music show to blog about! I will be posting my thoughts every week on the performances. For now, here are the 12 bands that made it through and will be performing for us each week. Videos of the audition performances can be found at rickey.org for the moment. I will update with links and pics as I find them...
Top 12
Tres Bien http://www.myspace.com/tresbien
Members: Mikey B!, Cody Michael Wilson, Michael James Crowe and Ryan Parker Metcalf
Light of Doom http://www.myspace.com/lightofdoom http://www.lightofdoom.com/
Members: Erik: Vocals Dillon: Lead Guitar/Sexy Mitchell aka "Mitch Mitchell": Drums Lucas: Bass/Style Daniel aka "Bonaduce": Lead Guitar
The Hatch http://www.myspace.com/thehatchmusic
Members: Sean Douglas, Jesse Macht, Austin Schumacher, Gary Atturio
The Clark Brothers http://www.myspace.com/ashleyclarkmusic
Mom Has Stacked Dinner Party Roster
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GOLDEN, CO—Their eyes widening in amazement as the 43-year-old rattled off
the names of heavy hitter after heavy hitter, impressed members of the
Dreesh...
