Rockstar Supernova and Number 74

Tonight concluded the summer CBS tv series Rockstar: Supernova bringing an end to the speculation of who would be the lead singer for the supergroup. Singer Lukas Rossi, a singer who looks and sound like a cross between STP's Scott Weiland and Oasis' Liam Gallagher took the prize defeating the over emotional yet talented Dilana. Rossi will record an album as frontman for a band that includes drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), bassist Jason Newsted (Metallica) and guitarist Gilby Clarke (Guns N Roses). Veteran mainstream rock producer Butch Walker will be on board for the album.

On paper, this looks like a terrific television show and a can't miss rock band but faults in both show on closer inspection. The television show is mediocre, it has a wooden pinup host (model Brooke Burke), a license to maybe twelve songs (Evanescence's "Bring Me Back To Life" was used three times by three different singers) and a spotty bunch of would-be rock stars for contestants. The band has name players, but none of the members were the "key" performers of their respective former bands. Tommy Lee has the biggest name of the supergroup, but his reputation has absolutely nothing to do with any musical talent (though he is said to have a BIG drumstick, if you know what I mean and I think you do).

So, why did I watch the show? Well, one reason is I love rock music and this show is one of the few media outlets left to hear new music and musicians. Also, I was a big fan of Dilana (the goth rocker had a gravelly blues mama voice and an alternative rock edge) who repeatedly gave impressive performances through much of the show. Unfortunately, Dilana's ego got carried away and she trashed her opponents in the press. The resulting audience backlash took the wind out of her sails, Dilana's performances floundered and could not regain her footing until the final episode.
While Dilana dissolved into an emotional wreck, Aussie Toby Rand stepped up his game to become a crowd pleasing arena rocker while Lukas Rossi's assured, cocky stage presence and displayed growth in his singing style at the urgings of Jason Newsted.

Another reason was the show had a bit of whackiness this year. Early contestant Zayra turned every song into a screechy, stiff rhythm techno bit. Zayra butchered songs week after week in a way that took originality in presentation and zero musical talent. You haven't heard "867-5309 Jenny" until you've heard it done as if she was a spanish Grace Jones. She was fun. Jill Gioia couldn't decide if she was a teasing sexpot, Courtney Love or bar band floozie resulting in her dismisal. Ryan Starr showed development from stage panicked singer to being the American Coldplay. but his bizarre hoody mohawk gimmick backfired on him hilariously.

At this time, the 90's band Supernova has successfully sued to protect their name so the Rock Star band now has no name at all. The handful of new songs written by the new group all sucked big time. But hearing new music and musicians rise to the occasion, such as on Toby Rand's self penned pop punk song "Throw It Away" or Dilana's spinetingling renditions of haunted ballads like "Roxanne" or "Time After Time" makes it all worth while.

In the meantime, the band may need a new name like Motleygunsica or Metalliroses Crue to remind audiences of who they are. No matter what they call themselves, they will never come up with a name as good as Number 74:

Van Halen - Van Halen I (1977)

The album that revolutionized hard rock and turned a nation of teenage guitarists into finger tapping monsters, Van Halen I was the hard rock album to beat for many years. The band attacked listeners with an onslaught of audio and visual data in their performances. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen's "hammer on" technique created a souped up guitar sound with faster than light solos and speed demon fills. Visually, lead singer David Lee Roth redefined the role as an acrobatic circus clown. Roth's martial arts training gave him the ability to launch huge jumps off the stage or drum riser to give a visceral flair to the songs. His overconfidence bordered on insanity as he pushed every element in his life (womanizing, extreme sports, partying) beyond its limit.

Best of all, Van Halen grabs the listener by the collar and doesn't let go on every song. The band matches the fleetfingered guitarwork and Roth's amateurish vocals to fast paced songs like "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" and "Atomic Punk" that barrel down the road at top speed. More midtempo, popier songs effectively catch the listener's ear ("Jamie's Cryin" and "Feel Your Love Tonight"). A hyperactive remake of the Kink's "You Really Got Me" blows the doors of the original thanks to Eddie Van Halen's scorching guitar solo.

But the best song is the lead track, "Running With The Devil". "Devil" is set to a steady, anthemic guitar/ bass riff spiked with dazzling guitar runs during the fills and solo. Meanwhile, Roth struts his casually crass attitude in creating a memorable rock anthem.

All of the songs on this album are winners and that's why it's the Number 74 selection.