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Rock Reality Show Recap: The Clark Brothers Dominate Rolling Stones Week on “The Next Great American Band”

11/26/07, 9:30 am EST


The producers of American Idol think they can find The Next Great American Band on TV (and no, they’re not talking about the next great Grand Funk Railroad). We think we can find some pleasure in this pursuit with our Rock Reality Show Recaps. Here’s our sixth report:

Two Great American Reality Hours in Three Sentences:
Somehow-still-around bluegrass band Cliff Wagner and the Old No. 7 finally gets sent home after a nail-biting showdown with somehow-still-around goth-punk band Dot Dot Dot. The six remaining acts cover the Rolling Stones — Tres Bien notabably giving “Get Off My Cloud” a funky lilt and a Broadway key change. Also, Daniel from Light of Doom is revealed to be a freestyle walker.

Best Great American Band: Dicko may be getting tired of Sixwire’s all-harmonies-all-the-time platform, but America isn’t. Kicking up the Stones’ “The Last Time” a few bpm and adding their signature rock-twang, they wowed the judges (Dicko: “At last, some masculinity!”). But they still couldn’t touch the band to beat, the Clark Brothers. Their version of “Gimme Shelter” (played on a steel guitar shaped like a Flying V, no less) brought Vietnam-era terror, apocalypse and grief to a bunch of lazy Americans loafing at home on a Friday night. Plus, a dude who prays before he goes on stage made a electric steel neck slide sound like a bomb dropping. If only there was a huge clusterfuck of a war to make this really relevant!

Worst Great American Band: No one set it better than Denver himself: “How can we take [a Rolling Stones song] that is so edgy and so raw and just make it very much Denver and the Mile High Orchestra?” Obviously, by taking the edginess and rawness out of it, adding clinical horn blasts, horking a wack sax solo and doing the funk-lite schtick that Dicko’s been blasting them about for three weeks straight. Honestly their version of “I’m Free” sounded worse than the shit-tronica remix featured in a Chase credit card commercial ten minutes later in the show.


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Comments

un-reality | 11/26/2007, 2:31 pm EST

Id rather watch american idol 24 ours a day, 7 days a week. (ick).

Clarkgirl | 11/26/2007, 3:56 pm EST

Christopher R. Weingarten you are a human word processor and a genius. Your words warm my heart and make me smile at my computer.

mmmmm | 11/26/2007, 6:08 pm EST

You’re desciption of the Clark Brothers doing Gimme Shelter was hilarious and spot on!

maybe not... | 11/27/2007, 1:22 am EST

….ummm…..is it possible you just don’t like what Denver and co do? clinical horn blasts? a “wack” sax solo?

maybe you just don’t ever listen to the kind of thing they do….their the tightest band on the show hands down, and the arrangements are killer. of course they took I’m Free somewhere else. they’re not a ROCK BAND. doesn’t make them terrible.

Bulldog 629 | 11/28/2007, 4:36 pm EST

The Clark Brothers are original, they mix the challenges briliantly and I am thrilled they do not do a cover by cheapening it. These guys are the real thing.

mike parker | 11/30/2007, 9:10 pm EST

the clark brothers are the real thing and they will go the distance in winning the next great American band

still rockin | 12/2/2007, 2:56 pm EST

The Clark Brothers are amazing. I’m sure not into Christian music and not all that fond of Bluegrass, but these guys can play, oh yes they can. They are original and you can see their music comes from the soul. It also doesn’t hurt that they are pretty cute.

Like Six Wire too and I hate country music as a whole. They are a very tight band. Also, not hard to look at.

My favorite to win is the Clark Brothers with Six Wire the runners up.

Sandy G. | 12/3/2007, 3:13 pm EST

The Clark Brothers play with more passion and conviction than any band I have ever seen live. What they do on stage is truly magical. Television does not do justice to the on stage performance these guys give. They are blessed!!!

Well | 12/3/2007, 9:01 pm EST

It wasn’t Denver’s best week for sure but I think you are going way over the top calling them “the worst great American band”. They have so much talent it’s ridiculous.

FastRBud | 12/4/2007, 2:49 pm EST

I’d buy a Clark Brothers CD in a heartbeat. They own a song from the first chord. Dicko’s suggestion they bring another “Brother” made me ask — WHY?

Nordie | 12/8/2007, 2:58 am EST

I am actually really enjoying this show more then AI. I will stay home rather then go out with friends just so I can watch it! I don’t like it though that the band that is leaving doesn’t get to perform the song they worked on all week .They should get one last stage appearance and goodbye like they get on AI!These performers are so much more real and themselves then what ends up happening to the AI contestants.
I love it that 2 professing Christian bands are still in the mix! It goes to show that even us Christians know what good music is and how to be passionate about the talents given to us from the Lord. And boy what diversity there is too!
Looking forward to next week and I think The Clark Brothers will win it too!

The Pilgrims | 12/13/2007, 3:35 pm EST

From the first day at the desert lake, we knew The Clark Bros. were going to be in the finals. Even if they SOMEHOW don’t make it, They’ve already stolen the show as far as we’re concerned. I’d like to place advance orders for ALL their upcoming CD’s. Where can we do that?

Melissa | 12/14/2007, 11:05 pm EST

I love the Clark Brothers & the show. much better then AI. I am so impressed by The Clark Brothers they are trulu gifted,humble, and deserve to win. No one on this show can do what they do. They make every song their own. I am not even a fan of country music & WILL buy their music. Sixwire is good at doing the cover, and that’s it. Good musicians but never change it. Always the same tone. Denver what can I say, just can’t get it. Boring! Like watching a wedding band. The Clark Brothers deserve this more than anyone.

Melissa | 12/14/2007, 11:05 pm EST

I love the Clark Brothers & the show. much better then AI. I am so impressed by The Clark Brothers they are trulu gifted,humble, and deserve to win. No one on this show can do what they do. They make every song their own. I am not even a fan of country music & WILL buy their music. Sixwire is good at doing the cover, and that’s it. Good musicians but never change it. Always the same tone. Denver what can I say, just can’t get it. Boring! Like watching a wedding band. The Clark Brothers deserve this more than anyone.

Melissa | 12/14/2007, 11:08 pm EST

I have to add that I’m not a practicing Christian & don’t think that that is what this is about. It’s talent, sencerity, and hardworking. All which the Clark Brothers possess.

ryork | 12/15/2007, 3:26 am EST

THE CLARK BROTHERS ARE ABSOLUTELY
THE BEST THING IVE SEEN IN A LONG
TIME!!! THEIR VERSION OF GIMME SHELTER GAVE ME CHILLS! IVE BEEN A
MUSICIAN FOR 47 YEARS,TAKE IT TO
THE BANK THESE GUYS WILL WIN!!!

Char | 12/15/2007, 10:22 pm EST

The Clark Brothers seem to take every song and give it new life. These guys are so genuine, sincere and work so hard to strive for perfection. The Clark Brothers will win this. Not saying that Denver or Sixwire is not good and have don’t talent, but Sixwire is just your run of the mill cookie cutter band, every song they sing sounds the same and is sung with no emotion. Then Denver is just not… well… just not the band. Clark Brothers will win. But if for some freak reason they don’t, they will have record labels standing in line to sign them anyway.

Judy | 12/17/2007, 12:42 pm EST

To echo what many others have said, I believe that The Clark Brothers deserve to win. They bring something so unique as to not be quantifiable; I’m not sure what it is, but I feel riveted to the screen whenever they perform. Amazing talents!

Musicfan | 12/21/2007, 10:16 pm EST

I am so happy to see The Clark Brothers win. If any band deserved it, it was them. They may not be mainstream music, but if you have seen them perform, you know that they bring their soul and conviction in their belief into the music they do. I hope they stay humble and keep their faith strong with their success. They’ll go very far

afanofthe show | 12/21/2007, 10:22 pm EST

cute-talented-professional.
t hey catch the audience’s attention at the very first note
they were a shoe-in from the very beginning and i can’t wait to see them make it big time
God bless, Clark brothers!

lous | 12/22/2007, 2:35 am EST

AI can’t touch what I witnessed tonight on tngab. I hate reality TV, and the lounge singers AI pumps out. Two weeks ago I turned on the show and was blown away by The Clark Brothers. They have soul, edge, country, and rock in one big string onslaught. Adding a percussion layer will only make them that much better. This is why the world loves American music. Seem like good family guys and I wish them the best of luck and I cant wait to download their first album.

CBRules | 12/22/2007, 11:02 am EST

Congratulations to the Clark Brothers!!! I really enjoyed The Next Great American Band show in general, it was nice to see all the different acts and generes as it has helped to broaden my musical horizons. I think The Clark Brothers are great and can’t wait to check out their album.

beegeejames | 12/22/2007, 2:03 pm EST

I was so happy last night when the the clark brothers were announced as the winners of the Next great American Band. I have it recorded and watched it 3 times already! I even told my husband the second they record a CD we HAVE TO HAVE IT!!!!!

diane | 12/22/2007, 3:31 pm EST

Oh my God! Clark Brothers have my eyes glued to the screen mesmorized. Give Me Shelter was their standout as well as Your in My heart. I hope their CD includes more of a mainstream sound and not the “Eating Fried Chicken with the girls in the yard” variety. If they have a good producer they’ll keep the hokiness such as those lyrics are out and stick to modern country/rock. I will definitely get their CD.

Robin | 12/22/2007, 5:27 pm EST

I thank the LORD that the Clark Bros won! They are absolutely a gift to the world at this time! I can’t wait to see what they do next. I will be first in line for their CD! The Lord SHINES through their lives…. Something supernatural happens to me when I watch them play! I am PSYCHED! Gimme Shelter gave me CHILLS! They have a POWERFUL gift!

dee | 12/22/2007, 7:32 pm EST

LOVE the Clark bros! They definitly have thAT Special something..I cant wait to hear their CD..I would love to see them rock it up a bit and not only play country…

annieoakland | 12/23/2007, 8:09 pm EST

The Clark Bros are simply incredible ! Ashley’s vocals and Austin’s amazing playing gives me chills. It’s a whole new intensity and sound that music has been lacking. They have an amazing ROCK sound in them if they would just let it happen!

Psychonaut | 12/24/2007, 9:11 am EST

Just imagine Rick Rubin producing The Clark Brothers!

hildegarde | 12/24/2007, 10:56 am EST

I was thinking the same thing about Rick Rubin. He would understand and appreciate their spiritual side AND make an album that showcases their raw talent.

Hannah D. | 12/24/2007, 1:50 pm EST

Well Adam, Ashley, and Austin…by looking at these posts, most everyone seems to really like your music! Thats fantastic. I’m so very glad that you guys won and that you gladly give the glory to God.
The Clark Brothers truely are humble, even behind the scenes. And they are the best musicians I know. Love you guys!

worldpeacebeginswithinnerpeace | 12/31/2007, 11:45 pm EST

They Won!
They Won!
They Won!
&& They Deserved it!
I love the sooo Much!

xintherius | 1/1/2008, 11:47 pm EST

I’m more into metal and screamo type of music but I really really really love The Clark Brothers!

charles peters | 1/2/2008, 2:37 pm EST

when and where will there be a clark brothers cd available?

LoveLoveLove this band | 1/6/2008, 1:54 am EST

First there was Beethoven … then Led Zeppelin … and now the Clark Brothers … thank God for thrilling, unique, passionate musicians

Dave House | 1/14/2008, 12:16 am EST

Hey Guys…Just wanted to say i’m thinking about you and hope you are doing well.

Uriah | 1/14/2008, 8:33 am EST

I’m from England and am delighted that for ONCE, the American public got it right.
Can’t wait for the album.

Carmela | 1/16/2008, 12:30 pm EST

I am so proud for you guys, you deserve it!

Anonymous | 4/3/2008, 2:54 pm EST

this is the stuff that bugs me so much about music today.
you have a few brothers like this that just play in the living room for fun,and they could probably outplay any member of the 20 biggest rock bands around the world right now blindfolded.
genuine skill,genuine passion.
i loved the clark brothers through the whole show but there gimme shelter just left me speechless.they totally made an amazing song thier own.i hope i pray they include it on thier album when ever it comes out.

jonarra | 4/3/2008, 10:50 pm EST

stage presence.. amazing, playing the instruments …WOW .singing gave me chills can’t wait for some songs to down load from the clarks

v.tach | 4/4/2008, 9:37 pm EST

I thought it was only me who’d been floored by the Holy flames pouring from THE CLARK BROTHERS these young guys WOW!!! This music… That passion… WHERE IS THE CD????

David | 4/6/2008, 5:16 pm EST

Would somebody PLEASE let Me konw if these Guys have a CD in the World to buy!

Brenda | 5/4/2008, 4:44 pm EST

The Clark Brothers first CD is scheduled for release in June, with much awaited anticipation from impatient fans like myself. You can download their single: “This Little Light/Jesus on the Mainline” from their live AI performance, on I-tunes. Enjoy!

Robin | 5/7/2008, 11:34 am EST

I loved these guys, I will be in line when their CD arrives-Let us know the day. Thanks guys for good music!

Lori | 5/18/2008, 10:43 pm EST

What are you guys doin? Everyones waitng for your cd. Thank you for giving us hope that there is still some genuine good, heartfelt, killer jammin’ music left out their.keep on pickin’ and fiddlin’ guys! God Bless!

Brenda | 5/20/2008, 2:24 pm EST

For those lucky enough to live in and around the Nashville area, The Clark Brothers will be performing live on stage, on June 6 at the Sommet Center, during the CMA Music Festival. Tickets are free. Have a great time!

CB fan | 5/22/2008, 3:17 am EST

I don’t like country music in general, but these three guys hooked me into watching GAB; I watched it only to see them. How incredibly talented they are! Their version of “Gimme Shelter” was astonishing–real artisty–and I desperately hope they will include it on their forthcoming CD. If they do, I will buy that CD.

a fan | 11/1/2009, 1:58 pm EST

They changed their name to Sons of Sylvia and they are doing a duet with Carrie Underwood. Ashley’s vocals are astonishingly beautiful.

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