|
Post by reTrEaD on May 11, 2016 11:24:21 GMT -5
I'll never give up my guitar. Never. But I've become increasingly interested in other forms of music. For the past couple of years, A cappella has caught my ear. Unfortunately it's a very difficult medium. Maintaining intonation and balance between a group of singers without the benefit of any musical instrument as a pitch reference is a very difficult task.
For the most part, I've always found choirs to be somewhat boring. Most of the arrangements were uninspired and cluttered. Either watered down versions of popular songs or the same old traditional songs that we've heard a million time before. Some of what I've heard lately doesn't fit that description at all. And when the performances are done in a studio, the intonation and balance issues can be managed.
In some cases the new-school voice-only approach uses the voices to mimic instruments and percussion. Sometimes this works quite well. In other cases, it seems a bit trite. I've noticed a high level of proficiency in many of today's beat-boxers. It really has become an art form.
BYU - Noteworthy (and their male counterparts BYU - Vocal Point) have produced some videos that I find to be rather amazing. I thought I'd present one of the videos here and get your opinions. It is a boring, traditional song but with a fresh arrangement. I think it works. And I really want to find the location of that stream. The acoustics there are incredible. lol
|
|
col
format tables
Posts: 464
Likes: 24
|
Post by col on May 11, 2016 21:10:42 GMT -5
Hi reTrEaD,
That's a 'not my cup of tea' from me. And, yep, I found it 'boring'.
I've a couple of examples. The first, Voices, by Claire Hamill. I rather liked it at the time (even buying the album). As far as I'm aware, this is the first album of this type (where the voice is used exclusively (as source) and so adapted across the frequency range to produce something which does indeed replace musical instruments.
Another, truer a Capella album I have, Medúlla, by Bjork. Normally, I like Bjork (a lot), but this album left me cold. Struck me as very self-indulgent. Others seem to love it. I really should attempt another listen sometime. Anyway:
Of course, both of these albums (and Hamill's in particular) are dependent upon studio tweaking.
|
|
|
Post by sumgai on May 12, 2016 0:59:51 GMT -5
Well, I also happen to have a variety of music on my player....
A capella, you say? The Granddaddy of 'em all would be Straight No Chaser. This particular one is a better example of their humor, as well as their arranging ability:
There are many such YouTube videos, but most of them are audio only, with album covers. Lots of interesting takes on old standards. (And yes, I could've posted them doing Amazing Grace, but I for one find the song to be less than all it can be, if there ain't no bagpipes!)
Next up, howzabout Rockapella?
Next up, here's Pentatonix:
There are lots of this kind of thing on YouTube (and elsewhere, I'm sure). Sadly, my all-time favorite for massed vocal groups is not truly acapella, they do use musical instruments. However, a taste, if you please:
You'll never hear Pink Floyd sound the same way again!
Now that the ball is rolling, I think I might trot out some of the more esoteric stuff I've been collecint/listening to - stay tuned!
sumgai
|
|
col
format tables
Posts: 464
Likes: 24
|
Post by col on May 12, 2016 14:16:42 GMT -5
Hi reTrEaD,
That's a 'not my cup of tea' from me. And, yep, I found it 'boring'.
I've a couple of examples. The first, [i]Voices[/i], by Claire Hamill. I rather liked it at the time (even buying the album). As far as I'm aware, this is the first album of this type (where the voice is used exclusively (as source) and so adapted across the frequency range to produce something which does indeed [i]replace[/i] musical instruments.
[video src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOWG03-xnXU"][/video]
Another, truer a Capella album I have, [i]Medúlla[/i], by Bjork. Normally, I like Bjork (a lot), but this album left me cold. Struck me as very self-indulgent. Others seem to love it. I really should attempt another listen sometime. Anyway:
[video src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKNGL3ab-3k"][/video]
Of course, both of these albums (and Hamill's in particular) are dependent upon studio tweaking. Technical question (I quoted my last post (above) in a code box so that you can see what I did in my previous post): Why do my embedded videos not show up? The video block appear in preview mode. Do I need to place the video tags within paragraph tags - that's only difference I see between my video tags and sumgai's. Odd. I guess I'll test it here (using 'p' tags): And, it has just occurred to me: I've added Youtube videos here in the past with no problems.
|
|
col
format tables
Posts: 464
Likes: 24
|
Post by col on May 12, 2016 14:20:13 GMT -5
I have no idea why I cannot add videos. Instead, here are the links.
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on May 12, 2016 21:48:34 GMT -5
I wasn't aware of her before you posted that. I kinda liked it. I looked around on Youtube for other songs from Voices. I think I liked Sleep and Leaf Fall even more. Pace tends to be slow and there isn't much drama but the textures are appealing.
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on May 12, 2016 22:42:16 GMT -5
I guess we'll agree to disagree on that. If I never hear Amazing Grace on bagpipes again it will be too soon. Good call on everything else. Straight No Chaser - Extremely polished. Rockapella - No discussion of Acapella could be complete without tipping our hats to these guys. They were doing acapella before acapella was cool. I have to wonder how many of today's singers in this genre were influenced by them. Pentatonix - They got their big break on The Sing-Off. Made good use of it, too. They've established a huge following, building on that early publicity. Another group who competed against them during that season was Sonos. They changed their name later (Probably because of the confusion with audio equipment manufacture who uses the same name.) They're now called Arora. Not as prolific as PTX, but they have a few nice pieces of work such as this: Gregorian & Vangelis - I wasn't intending to detour so soon toward vocal-heavy productions that also use instruments but since you shoved us out on that tangent, do you remember a band called 10cc? Here's the backstory on one of their songs that used 624 voices. At one point the production was meant to use only the voices as the backing track for the featured vocals but they liked the way the guide tracks on the guitar and piano worked in conjunction with the vocal backing track that they included the instruments in the final production. Now that the ball is rolling, I think I might trot out some of the more esoteric stuff I've been collecint/listening to - stay tuned! You have my attention . . .
|
|
|
Post by gumbo on May 13, 2016 9:13:08 GMT -5
Some great stuff there... ..thanks to all for your contributions.. I would like to add The Idea of North... ..personal favo(u)rites Down Here..who, co-incidentally are playing in our home town tomorrow.. g-f-b
|
|
|
Post by sumgai on May 13, 2016 13:24:23 GMT -5
col, Technical question: Why do my embedded videos not show up? The video block appear in preview mode. Do I need to place the video tags within paragraph tags - that's only difference I see between my video tags and sumgai's. Odd. I guess I'll test it here (using 'p' tags): And, it has just occurred to me: I've added Youtube videos here in the past with no problems. I found the answer quite by accident, as the SNC clip I wanted to use (Merry Christmas Can-Can, an honest-to-Gawd you'll-die-laughing clip if I ever saw one!) has the same problem as your links - there's a dash (hyphen, for you lexiphons) in the link-name that ProBoards' linking tool can't handle. Any link to a vid without that dash, and all is well.... insert a dash (as YouTube does, randomly of course), and we have caa-caa poo-poo on our hands. I think that the reason it shows up in preview mode is that it's nothing more than a place holder (where it says "video will appear here) - I can only guess that ProBoards doesn't actually attempt to get the vid in question during preview, it's merely showing you that it recognizes that there will be a video forthcoming.... then blows up in your face. Additionally, I've recently determined that (at least for YouTube links), if you include a "list" parameter as part of the link, ProBoards will choke on that too. Just a word of caution, tha's all. Not sure what to think about Sonos/Arora. They're good, no doubt, but when I see the title "Wicked Game", I expect at least a passing nod to the original, not a song so completely different that it should've been named something else. Two demerits for them. I guess we'll agree to disagree on that. If I never hear Amazing Grace on bagpipes again it will be too soon. Good call on everything else. That's sad. But I have to admit, bagpipes are like another fine product of Scotland - single malt whiskey. They are an acquired taste, and not for all and sundry. But remind me to never pull out my GR-55 and use the patch that has Tone #391 - any hair you might have left on your noggin will remain so placed, if I don't throw that one at you.
Thanks! Ya know, I have so much stuff (about 1.3 terabytes, give or take a gig or two...) that I honestly think that not just me, but absolutely every NutzHouse member could listen to some significant portion of it for the rest of their life/lives, and never repeat a tune or a song. Seriously. Why? Why have so much stuff that I'll never get around to listening to it all? Well, it's a long story, but the Cliff Notes would go something like "for learning purposes", or words to similar effect. Trust me, I'm not a torrent seeder or anything like that, I just like to collect old music, usually instrumental in nature, but I do have an affinity for DooWop, and girl groups, and.... We'll see if I have warrented/earned your attention. sumgai
|
|
col
format tables
Posts: 464
Likes: 24
|
Post by col on May 13, 2016 16:36:14 GMT -5
col, Technical question: Why do my embedded videos not show up? The video block appear in preview mode. Do I need to place the video tags within paragraph tags - that's only difference I see between my video tags and sumgai's. Odd. I guess I'll test it here (using 'p' tags): And, it has just occurred to me: I've added Youtube videos here in the past with no problems. I found the answer quite by accident, as the SNC clip I wanted to use (Merry Christmas Can-Can, an honest-to-Gawd you'll-die-laughing clip if I ever saw one!) has the same problem as your links - there's a dash (hyphen, for you lexiphons) in the link-name that ProBoards' linking tool can't handle. Any link to a vid without that dash, and all is well.... insert a dash (as YouTube does, randomly of course), and we have caa-caa poo-poo on our hands. I think that the reason it shows up in preview mode is that it's nothing more than a place holder (where it says "video will appear here) - I can only guess that ProBoards doesn't actually attempt to get the vid in question during preview, it's merely showing you that it recognizes that there will be a video forthcoming.... then blows up in your face. Additionally, I've recently determined that (at least for YouTube links), if you include a "list" parameter as part of the link, ProBoards will choke on that too. Just a word of caution, tha's all. Ah. I've come across similar problems in other forum software. With SMF, exclamation marks ('points', to you) would break URLs, but there was workaround for that (just use URL BBC tags). I can't see a way around this bug. Well, links well enough. Thanks, sumgai.
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on May 13, 2016 20:27:09 GMT -5
Spacious harmonies and perfect intonation. It's obvious this quartet has been together for a good long time.
|
|
|
Post by gumbo on May 14, 2016 7:14:11 GMT -5
Spacious harmonies and perfect intonation. It's obvious this quartet has been together for a good long time. Just got home from the sold out concert...once again just blown away... ...and yes, they just keep getting better! As the Financial Controller said on the (long!) drive home tonight.."You hardly hear the individual voices at all anymore..it's just one complete sound.." We've been following them now for over 10 years, and are lucky enough to have become friends as well ..(real !) tears-in-the-eyes stuff tonight..just beautiful ! g-f-b & co.
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on May 14, 2016 10:45:43 GMT -5
As the Financial Controller said on the (long!) drive home tonight.."You hardly hear the individual voices at all anymore..it's just one complete sound.." Yes, she hit the nail squarely on the head. Very pleased to hear your concert experience was fulfilling. Too often these days, it's more about the name on the marquee and less about the music.
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on May 14, 2016 11:01:56 GMT -5
when I see the title "Wicked Game", I expect at least a passing nod to the original, not a song so completely different that it should've been named something else. Two demerits for them. Aca-scuse me? This reminds me of all the folks who gave Jimi flak because he took such liberties with his version of The Star Spangled Banner. There, and in the case of Sonos with their version of Wicked Game, it's a difference worth celebrating. Not to diminish the value of the original, but I welcome bold new approaches to the familiar. Speaking of The Star Spangled Banner ...
|
|
|
Post by sumgai on May 14, 2016 15:03:25 GMT -5
'TrEaD.
Well, most "old fogies" took exception to J.H.'s interpretation of something that they hold a little near and dearer to their heart. I'd guess that's because it was not so long after a major war, and during a "police action" that looked an awful lot like a war (at least it did from my perspective). As we get older, we become more resistant to change, and at that particular time in history, there was a much wider gap in the generational ages than we see now. Even I, nearing 70, have to remind myself every day that just because it worked that way in the past, that doesn't mean that it can't work some other way today. Part of the reason we try to keep the place "family friendly" is to attract those who are too young to drink (legally), in an effort to keep up to date with what's going on, to participate in it first hand, and not just read about it in the funny papers.
Now, that said, I spoke of familiarity. Jimi most certainly turned the Star Speckled Banana on its ear, but I defy anyone to not recognize it within the first 4 seconds. Taking a short clip out of the middle, that's out of context, and not fair to make someone guess what the song might be... but taken in the whole, even non U.S. citizens will likely recognize it (thanks in great part to the innerwebs, if nothing else).
Whereas, that bit by Sonos... I gave it two full listenings, just to be sure. Either my ears are fully out of sync with the world, or else there aren't three notes in there that even attempt to duplicate the original (which I have on my 'puter, by several artists), let alone evoke faint memories of such. Make no mistake, it was nice, very much so, but I feel sorry for artists who pen wildly popular tunes/songs with names that take on "household" status, only to have that name usurped later by someone else, for entirely different reasons, not just for a re-arrangement of the original. Sure, there's no law against it, and it really is "the breaks of the game", but it's also misleading. As things stand now, I personally view Sonos as a group that attempts to draw in listeners via the fraudulent use of something they did not intend to follow through on. In legal terms, that's called "bait and switch", and if it were merchandise for sale instead of a song, the Attorney General would be interested in hearing from parties so affected.
I am not recommending that anyone else take my viewpoint as gospel, it is only my personal viewpoint. And to be fair, I can't sing for scheisse, so I don't get to say much, do I.
[/not-quite-a-rant, but close]
sumgai
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on May 14, 2016 18:15:23 GMT -5
There aren't three notes in there that even attempt to duplicate the original? whatisthisidonteven
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on May 16, 2016 10:49:02 GMT -5
Let's take a turn toward the avant garde.
transit's cover of Imogen Heap's Hide and Seek
Imogen creating a layered vocal version of her song Just For Now, as we watch.
|
|
col
format tables
Posts: 464
Likes: 24
|
Post by col on May 16, 2016 14:33:03 GMT -5
col, Technical question: Why do my embedded videos not show up? The video block appear in preview mode. Do I need to place the video tags within paragraph tags - that's only difference I see between my video tags and sumgai's. Odd. [...] And, it has just occurred to me: I've added Youtube videos here in the past with no problems. I found the answer quite by accident, as the SNC clip I wanted to use (Merry Christmas Can-Can, an honest-to-Gawd you'll-die-laughing clip if I ever saw one!) has the same problem as your links - there's a dash (hyphen, for you lexiphons) in the link-name that ProBoards' linking tool can't handle. Any link to a vid without that dash, and all is well.... insert a dash (as YouTube does, randomly of course), and we have caa-caa poo-poo on our hands. I think that the reason it shows up in preview mode is that it's nothing more than a place holder (where it says "video will appear here) - I can only guess that ProBoards doesn't actually attempt to get the vid in question during preview, it's merely showing you that it recognizes that there will be a video forthcoming.... then blows up in your face. Additionally, I've recently determined that (at least for YouTube links), if you include a "list" parameter as part of the link, ProBoards will choke on that too. Just a word of caution, tha's all. [...] sumgai Well, in case you didn't notice, the videos are now embedded. Did one of you happen to contact Proboards about this and they fixed it!? Just seems unlikely, as I'm sure they must have been long aware of the problem.
|
|
|
Post by newey on May 16, 2016 22:00:01 GMT -5
sg and I contact Proboards tech staff the absolute minimum number of times we can. Not one of our fave hangouts. So, not I, and I doubt sumgai as well. We may be being watched. That's all I'm sayin'. . . And, I haven't chimed in on this topic yet, for while I have the utmost respect for any one (or groups) of vocal gymnasts, I've become less and less enamored of vocal music. My working theory is that my interest level in vocals has waned in inverse proportion to the Nielson Rating numbers for "American Idol" and "The Voice". But even that doesn't make much sense, since I never watched the damned shows anyway. But what's in heavy rotation in my playlists? Instro-surf stuff, which I've always had a soft spot for, but which has more recently pretty well taken over. Lately, it's been The Madeira and The Stingrays. Vocals? Meh. But, hey, I'm a dinosaur. Perhaps my tastes were more varied when I was younger. Maybe I'm just being judgmental. EDIT: I also note that the poll choices above aren't mutually exclusive. I think some of the stuff posted is indeed stunning, but at the same time it's still not my cup of tea . . .
|
|
|
Post by sumgai on May 17, 2016 0:45:13 GMT -5
col,
Like newey said, I can't take any direct responsibility either....
As to my favorite type of music, the one I'd play more often than anything else, that would also be surf music. Note: for those of you who think "Beach Boys", that's not surf music (although they did record a few pieces of such, and it was pretty good) - that's beach music. The difference is, with one - and only one - exception, beach music is vocal, and surf music is not. The single exception is Surfer Joe, by the same guys who brought you Wipeout, back in 1963.
Beach music is meant to be shared by a bunch of surfers around a campfire, on the beach, with nothing more than an acoustic guitar along for the ride. (Although there was a short period where bongos enjoyed some popularity. Thankfully that didn't catch on!) OTOH, surf music was meant to capture the essence of the ocean, as it rushed to shore in a show of Mother Nature's power. Not much to share about that, one can only attempt to recreate or replicate the feeling, and for that, one has to go to one's bones, not one's vocal cords. It's a very physical thing, surf music, and there are varying sub-genres from around the globe, but when all is said and done, a good instrumental should hold you in awe at how much you just sweated, listening to anything by Dick Dale, or The Chantays, or The Surfaris, or The Vara-Tones, or The Atomic Mosquitos, or The Fathoms, or Madeira, or The Eliminators, or Slacktone, or Satan's Pilgrims, or The B-i-t-c-h Boys (remove the hyphens), or Pollo Del Mar, or Jon & The Nightriders, or Doctor Legume, or The Verb, or The Boss Martians, or Los Meltones, or.... need I go on? And those are just some of nearly 500 artists I have in my main surf directory, there are others that I consider to be only on the fringe of the field, like Laika & The Cosmonauts, and Ray Corvair, and The Mermen, and The Aqua Velvets, and Teisco Del Rey, and ..... geez, I can't seem to stop!
But I listen to other stuff too, including vocals - make no mistake.
sumgai
|
|
mikesr1963
Meter Reader 1st Class
Posts: 99
Likes: 3
|
Post by mikesr1963 on Jun 7, 2016 23:36:31 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on Aug 13, 2016 14:10:07 GMT -5
I also note that the poll choices above aren't mutually exclusive. I think some of the stuff posted is indeed stunning, but at the same time it's still not my cup of tea . . . I can relate to that. Music is primarily an emotional experience. If something doesn't captivate you on your own terms, you might appreciate it on an intellectual level without being moved. Your references to The Voice and American Idol were interesting. Those shows were definitely vocal-heavy but after the auditions, they moved to featuring each vocalist with a band behind them. Anyway ... I stumbled across another video worthy of sharing. Twisted Measure, an acapella group from Elon University, performing Chandelier by Sia. (best experienced at high volume) Nicely controlled. Starts delicately with plenty of open spaces throughout. Dynamic swells and an overall crescendo until they pull out all the stops around the 3:10 mark.
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on Aug 13, 2016 14:20:20 GMT -5
Yeah, gotta love it. He has so much happening all at the same time. Like a one-man-band.
|
|
numpty
Rookie Solder Flinger
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
|
Post by numpty on Aug 30, 2016 14:21:22 GMT -5
Years ago I was introduced to Gregorian Chanting by the trance type pop song Sadeness pt1 by Enigma(?). It has fascinated me ever since. It probably comes from a time when all instruments were a bit rudimentary and unamplified. I am unsure how to provide links as I am brand new, not only to this forum, but to any other forum also. If someone more versed in posting links than I could put one up I'd be grateful. One could certainly imagine that, way before pipe organs, this form of music could certainly fill a whole cathedral with sound, It is also hauntingly beautiful.
|
|
col
format tables
Posts: 464
Likes: 24
|
Post by col on Aug 30, 2016 21:31:23 GMT -5
Years ago I was introduced to Gregorian Chanting by the trance type pop song Sadeness pt1 by Enigma(?). It has fascinated me ever since. It probably comes from a time when all instruments were a bit rudimentary and unamplified. I am unsure how to provide links as I am brand new, not only to this forum, but to any other forum also. If someone more versed in posting links than I could put one up I'd be grateful. One could certainly imagine that, way before pipe organs, this form of music could certainly fill a whole cathedral with sound, It is also hauntingly beautiful. Here you go (not sure if it entirely fits with the spirit of this thread though): That does take me back (a very long way) to a girlfriend who was very into that album. Anyway, your mentioning of Gregorian Chanting reminded me of Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares. I overlooked this when I posted earlier to this thread because it's on vinyl; I have not had working turn table in years. The choir makes unusual use of quarter-tones; maybe this will be of some particular interest to some of the music theorists here.
|
|
col
format tables
Posts: 464
Likes: 24
|
Post by col on Aug 30, 2016 21:33:42 GMT -5
Just noticed that you are new here, numpty. So, a belated welcome to Gnuts!
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on Oct 20, 2016 13:04:21 GMT -5
With Halloween fast approaching, this seems an appropriate addition.
Based loosely on the Wizard of Oz, it includes snippets of songs that are slightly related by
Carrie Underwood Katy Perry The Chordettes Kelly Gillette Lulu and The Lampshades Frank Ocean Danity Kane Miley Cyrus Taylor Swift Kanye West Lady Gaga Motley Crue Daughtry Phillip Phillips and Michael Buble
|
|
|
Post by reTrEaD on Dec 1, 2019 10:46:43 GMT -5
Here's one I just discovered.
|
|