Billy Joel. A big challenge for most of the bands, as evidenced by not only the comments from the bands during the intro video, but also in how few of them really embraced the song and made it their own. Most bands performed the cover in their own style, but few acted like it was their song.
On with the show...
Franklin Bridge
For as tight as this band is, wow, another disappointing week. Vocally, it was horrendous. The bass and drums were locked in, but the vocals were incredibly loose, both in timing and pitch. The keyboard programming was beyond poor as well. The lead guitarist is a solid pianist, so why they didn't shake it up and have him playing keys this week is a wonder to me. It would have really shown their diversity, which right now appears to be lacking.
After this performance, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't make it. Taken as a whole, they took the biggest step back this week of all the bands.
Cliff Wagner and the Old No. 7
I'm glad these guys are still in the show, but their performance of "You May Be Right" was a little off. Dicko was right when he eluded to it being boring. It was. It didn't come across as a hit, it came out as a "filler song" performed for fans who like the song, but still an afterthought. The vocal harmonies at the end were off as well. If they squeak by this week, it will be on personality, and not because of the performance.
Denver & the Mile High Orchestra
Yes, this is my favorite band in the show. I'm biased. I also hope that the film of Denver's new baby has the same endearing effect that Cliff Wagner's videos have had on previous shows.
Their performance this week was technically as accurate as any previous show. In fact, this may have been the band's best playing yet.
Here's what may hurt them: Show placement - third isn't great placement, and the song wasn't overly memorable.
The judges comments were very edited for these guys. Dicko was almost right, the band is already making a living playing live. Let's hope they make it so we can see what they do next week to address the "timelessness" that the judges are looking for.
Dot Dot Dot
Pressure was a great tune for Dot Dot Dot to play. It fit their style, and was a fairly strait forward arrangement to put together. However, the TV mix was thinner than it was live. They sounded fairly tight which (pleasantly) surprised me. They are definitely listening to the judges and working on their musicality. The arrangement was a bit thin, I think the keyboard player could focus more on parts if his boards were stacked instead of across from each other. That would allow for more concentration on filling in some of the musical gaps because you can see both hands at the same time and visualize the sound more. They are making a good effort at showmanship, but have already proven that it can get in the way of their musicality. These guys should be safe for next week.
Sixwire
Typically strong, their vocal performance was not as tight this week. The song didn't sound like it pushed them either. However, these guys have to really blow it in order to be worried. Again, safe for next week. The question is, will their fans keep voting?
Tre's Bien
It's tough to follow Sixwire. Fortunately there was a commercial break to separate the performances, but it was difficult to listen to this song. Vocally, while not horrendous, had some big problems. Reznik was right about aggression though, "You ought' a know by now" needed a more intense performance.
Another instance when the judges were edited. Sheila took more time to explain herself and her comments about the guitar solo being too simple. I think Tre's Bien may have reached their musical limits.
The Clark Brothers.
Wow. "She's Got A Way" sounded better coming from these guys than Billy Joel. I had to stop typing just to listen. I really, really hope they are still in it next week. The performance was so intense with so little. I could have done without the solo at the end, it took away from the sensitivity of the song. But what it did do was remind everyone they can play.
Light of Doom
I was sitting behind the parents of Light of Doom, and that's a challenge by itself. I'm going to take some time and post my thoughts about them in particular for my next post. Right now though, here's how I feel about the band itself.
Starting with "sacrifices" that had to be made to be in a band as a 13 year old is almost a joke. It's like saying, I had to give up my cookies so I could have ice cream.
Live, they are a one trick pony. "Look mommy, we can "rock"!" And yes, at thirteen, they can. But it has a decidedly late eighties/early nineties sound, and at this stage, it would be impossible to ask them to do anything else. They simply can't.
I'm very, very disappointed in the judges for not having the integrity to say anything. But again, let's not hurt their feelings.
Stay tuned, let's talk about the parents next , shall we?
Conclusion
The show is definitely getting better. Hopefully more people will tune in and give these bands some exposure. I've been enjoying going out to LA and watching the taping, then seeing how it comes together on TV. My thoughts about the live performances don't always line up with the translation on television. Thanks for checking in...
GO DMHO!
chs
5 comments:
Clint, good review. A couple of thoughts though. DMHO in trying to please the judges may be hurting themselves. Denver needs to get back up front and win over the crowd. Secondly, I was not wowed by The Clark Brothers. Sure he's a good singer but the dobor was so out of tune I couldn't bear listening.
I chalked that up to the style. It's a slide thing. Vocally, it was so moving and intense that it came across really well.
I actually think Billy Joel was a great choice (I predicted they would be doing his covers beforehand--guess I've watched too many of these music/talent shows!). The songs are solid, the problem comes in comparing the bands to the original version. If you try a close copy, you're doomed. Didn't like Franklin Bridge either--the leader singer had an oddly placed guitar solo towards the end that left me scratching my head. Cliff Wagner and the Ol' No 7 made it their own, but with a boring, Lawrence Welk level of excitement and creativity. Just sounded dated to me. Denver was solid and enjoyable, though didn't dazzle me. I hate to admit it, but Dot Dot Dot improved tremendously. Vocals were much better. Sixwire was good, but didn't raise the bar for themselves. Tres Bien needs some polish. They have decent raw materials to work with, but need practice. Clark Bros are my favorite along with DMHO. I do think we must have lost some of the emotion of their song on tv. Sometimes when they do all of the zooms and cuts, it takes away from the continuity of the performance. But it still sounded great and was emotionally touching. I thought the solo at the end was cool, but indulgent for the song style. Tom and I laughed about the so-called sacrifices of LOD too. I would have less problem with their ages if they were at least current. They seem to have taken their parents old albums and let that define their definition of what a 'rocker' is, and have no clue how lame it comes across. They are clones of each other too, which bothers me. Have to admit the lead singer has some pipes though, esp for his age.
Beck, you're absolutely right. I hardly ever watch these shows. You and musikman are the two people I'd turn to for an in depth understanding of how these shows come together.
I'm a little bothered by my improving impressions of dot dot dot. I really didn't want to like them, but they are growing on me, and showing a level of maturation that their look belies.
thanks for the comments!
chs
'Bothered' is a good way to put it. I don't want to like Dot Dot Dot either, but I guess it does them credit that they are impressing even the most reluctant viewers. A word on the judges--Sheila and Dicko usually give helpful critiques, sometimes Sheila seems too easy--though I don't know what's being edited. I'm beginning to wonder if Goo Goo Doll head even knows what he's talking about, or if he's just too positive to be useful--the 'Paula Factor.' The judges were hand-picked for a reason--I don't think I've seen a reality talent show yet where all 3 judges were both knowledgeable and helpful to the contestants. The Powers That Be must think that's the best combo.
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