We know. We tried to gather up some kind of enthusiasm for the American Idol spinoff show, The Next Great American Band. We really did, because we (heart) AI around here. Not even kidding.

But we just couldn't find it in our little party hearts to stay home every Friday to watch it. That doesn't mean we won't talk about it if there are odds, and we've actually got some for you. betUS was kind enough to put up some odds on all the bands left in the competition. (To see the odds, click on a number, then "Future/Props," then "Entertainment Props," then "The Next Great American Band."):

Sixwire (+250): They're a little older bar band from Nashville (which gives them a little country tinge) whose lead singer looks just like Kenny Loggins, but has nice charisma when he sings. If they're going for the Adult Contemporary route, they might be able to make it all the way. But is this show really the demographic they're looking for? Doesn't seem like it, but they're more solid that most of the groups left.
Franklin Bridge (+350): In their bio they have a wide array of pop and hip-hop acts as influences, which is interesting for an R&B-ish band from Philadelphia. They sound like a party band that is waiting for that sweet cover to come by in the competition so they can knock it out of the park. And I hope they do.
The Clark Brothers (+250): A trio of adorable brothers from Nashville, they've played for SHeDaisy and Carrie Underwood (surprise, being that this is an American Idol spinoff). They're a solid act, but the thing about country singers, and the reason why Carrie won her season, was versatility. Would they be able to pull out the pop if they had to?
Tres Bien (+450): This Florida band has a bit of a Fall Out Boy look to them, which is worrisome. They're going for a British Invasion (think Kinks) kind of sound, which is a good sound to cop for this kind of show. But watching their videos, they don't seem to quite make the covers their own.
Dot Dot Dot (+750): Are these guys for real? With a new-wave aesthetic, anime haircuts, and a glam-punk sound, it just seems way too overdone. I get it, I get it-- post-irony-indie-pop-culture-doohickey-whatever. Whatever happened to just playing music just because?
Light of Doom (+550): Oh. My. God. A pre-pubescent metal band from San Diego. I love them. They're too cute. But you know the weird thing? They're actually good... when they can remember the lyrics. (Man, and that's not even 'cause they're on drugs. Well, hopefully.)
The Muggs (+2000): I'm sure these guys were doing well in Detroit before they came on this show, but it just seems like they're really out of place here. I mean, they look like they're having fun, but that's about it. And their odds reflect that.
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra (+1000): No kidding, there are 12 people in this band. Awesome. The unfortunate thing is that they draw the line between being great musicians (like Chicago) and sounding like a jazz/swing parody (like Richard Cheese). That just doesn't go far with pop bands.
Rocket (+2500): They're an all-girl punk-ish band from (surprise) L.A. who list Mr. Belvedere as an influence (a plus in my book). The thing about their performance is that they try and do the coy little girl routine that just falls flat. I mean, who can top The Go Gos at this point, right?
Cliff Wagner and the Old #7 (+800): A cute little bluegrass band from Los Angeles of all places, they're a solid band, but bluegrass doesn't really go far in pop circles unless you're willing to go all the way and just do an all bluegrass version of The Wall or something.

Labels: American Idol, BetUS, reality, The Next Great American band

posted by Kari at 12:59 PM