Will have to agree with Chaz that if this is the best the producers could come up with those thousands of submissions either there are many more marginal bands then expected or that the back story and potential mass appeal of the band were more important factors then actual talent. Don't think we were shown much more than 50 percent of the 60 chosen as possible contenders. Hard to believe so many did covers...
The bands I'd like to see stick around the longest are Detroit Rockers The Mugg and 60's Influenced Tres Bien. Had the judges passed on Tres Bien the second band of the show, I'd would have turned it off there and then. Of interest the guitarist for the Mugg also plays with The Paybacks.
The band to beat in terms of musical talent and versatility in the different challenges will be Sixwire the country rockers from Nashville.
The bluegrass band Cliff Wagner and the Old #7 will go far due to the strong personality and gumption of the leader.
Don't expect those kids, The Light of Doom, doing the 80's metal ala Iron Maiden to last very long due to their one noteness.
The Hatch will unfortunately become big contenders being easy on the eyes and the watered down funk sound.
The dark horses are The Clark Brothers, The Likes of You who weren't shown much in the debut, and Franklin Bridge whose rock tinged R&B I found intriguing
Expect the swing band Denver and the Mile High Orchestra to either get bounced early or linger in the middle for several weeks.
Lastly, I can believe two bands with insipid covers made it in the final 12. Looking like a band shouldn't be the criteria, so hopefully Dot Dot Dot and the all girl band Rocket are simple gimmick picks that wouldn't be around to stink up the place.
Tonight's show is the bands doing an original and Dylan cover.
