Brand-new Tampa art-rock ensemble The Tape Delay has beaten out, um, well, let's just assume it was millions of other bands whose members work in the advertising industry to reach the finals in Advertising Weekly magazine's National Battle of the Ad Bands.

Fans can get access to the finalists sounds, and vote on their favorite act, here, until August 29. The five top vote getters will be invited to play in New York City (all together now - "New York City?!") during Advertising Week in late September.

Now, many of you out there know my personal feelings regarding Battles of the Bands - i.e., they suck. But this isn't some way to goad newbie musicians into playing for free by preying on their dreams of stardom - it's just an industry lark, a bit of fun. And it would be really cool to see a Tampa band beat out a bunch of dudes from much larger ad firms located in bigger cities.

Plus, The Tape Delay is really good. You can see for yourself when they play with Dish and The Wedding Party this Saturday, August 23 @ New World. Then go online and vote for 'em, 'cause they need our help in sticking it to, er, other guys just like them.