TV REVIEW : ‘TOP OF POPS’ DEBUTS WITH LIP-SYNC STARS

Do we really need another “Solid Gold”? One is bad enough. Yet CBS has come up with a show that’s even worse--a transatlantic version of the venerable British music series “Top of the Pops.” The one-hour network program debuts tonight (11:30 p.m. on Channel 2, midnight on Channel 8).

There’s been a lot of hype about the supposedly glamorous format--a half-hour from the United Kingdom interspersed with a half-hour from Hollywood. But it only means that you have the luxury of being bored from both sides of the Atlantic in the same hour.

What you get is a succession of stars lip-syncing one song each in front of a studio audience. The show looks like a series of cheapo rock videos.

The lineup of guests is impressive--Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Bryan Adams, Mr. Mister, Bananarama, Level 42, Loverboy, Jellybean and Ric Astley--but their efforts are halfhearted, brimming with fake enthusiasm. Yet you can’t really blame them. How do you get revved up to perform with canned music?

There’s nothing innovative about the show. There aren’t even any interesting extras, such as interviews, gossip or glimpses of backstage activities. Some lively banter and humor could help, but don’t expect much from the hosts--Nia Peeples in the United States and Gary Davies in the United Kingdom. They’re limited to making introductions.