bicker said:
Bo Bice was a little more watery than Chris Daughtry to start with, though I feel Bo was marginally more talented than Chris (at least in terms of breadth, which is not necessarily a good thing for a rock musician). Chris had a lot more options to choose from, so in his realm, I think he's much more positively regarded. It might not garner him as many fans, but I suspect that they know that keeping him pure to his musical style will garner him more loyal fans, long-term, and that still means something in the music biz.
In terms of the whole package, Bo has a much more unique look and sound. I can go into House of Blue, Hard Rock Live, Will's Pub. the Haven, the Back Booth, the Social, or any of the other gin mills around here any night that there's a rock band playing, and find not only someone onstage, but 18 guys in the audience who look just like Chris. I'm hard pressed to find more than one that looks like Bo, and he's usually not onstage, rather hanging out at the bar doing shots of Jack with his buddies. And his sound is something I haven't heard since Ronnie Van Zandt, and not at all "run of the mill." On the other hand I can name five singers with major label deals right now who Chris sounds like.
One thing I've noticed that's an absolute is that the bands with a uniqueness about them in terms of visual style are almost always the ones with the most lasting power. It's not about good looks, it's about a unique look. I get probably 10-15 press kits and CD's a month in my box from various PR outlets, and can often tell just by the photo if the band will make it or not, just by the look. Avenged Sevenfold are barely competent musicians (and cocky, arrogant, buttheads in person) but they have a look that sets them apart, and have sold millions and millions of CD's. On the otherhand, another newer band who has been around for about the same amount of time, Breaking Point, are significantly better musicians, and the nicest guys you want to meet, also radio friendly, but their look kind of "blends in" and they continue to struggle. Of course there are other factors at play, some of it just dumb luck, but "that look" certainly does help.
I haven't seen Chris live yet, but I'm sure I will sometime in the next year, and I'll be happy to give my impressions of the two as far as the live show goes.
Let me conclude by saying I went to see Bo Bice with an open mind but not really sure what to expect. A friend and fellow journalist and I were both cautiously optimistic, but quite wary of all the hype. By the end of the show both of us were on our feet cheering, something I very seldom do, and I've never seen him do before. That in itself says something.
Anne
Talk about separated at birth!!!
