Mouth Off

Music from the Future Dave gazes into the crystal ball and predicts that the Penny Loafers will tear it up on their yet-to-be-released version of “Roses.” Boyfriend of the Week This week Christopher is dating the voice of THE Adam Levine (from Brandeis VoiceMale).  His lead on Stevie Wonder’s “Lately” is… just… tasty. In the Basement Russia-based Jukebox Trio is freaky.  And their bass/perc on “Scary Movie” is snortilicious. In Your Earbuds THAT’S NOT MY NAME. Album Review Rutgers Casual Harmony‘s highly decorated sophomore release Casual Harmony has energy in spades.  Dave loves everything except the lead on Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy.”  And Christopher is too hungover to spell correctly.

Around the Horn Hyannis turns 15, Mosaic’s Got Talent, a cappella groups are like magicians, A Cappellastock, Ben Folds acadocumentary, rehearse live across the miles, ACAFEED. Spit Loud Keith Terry and SLAMMIN the body band are the essence of a cappella.  Imitate at your own risk. Arrangement Spotlight Simply put, “Kivinen Tie” by Rajaton is simple. And simply good. Listener Mailbag Recap In a follow-up to the July 12 show, Dave and Christopher continue the ongoing conversation about adding “unnatural” effects to an a cappella recording.  Bill Hare’s article, once again, proves insightful. Sexypella Christopher gets aroused by WashU After Dark’s cover of “Mama’s Room.” Album Review Take It to the Bridge by U.Va. Sil’hooettes is not bad, but Dave and Christopher use the album to make broader points about common mistakes and the state of a cappella innovation in general. Final Thought Pop music is fairly vacuous. Ode to Beyonce.

Around the Horn Basix’s'z’ new album, Vocaluptuous, RARB forum woes, The A Cappella Party, group retreats, Bill on “sounding live,” Dietz on HS kids being “professional,” Straight No Chaser has a new EP coming out! This is Not an Instrument Denise Reis. Trumpet, and then another trumpet. Perfection. Song Suggestion Some all-female group needs to cover Katie Herzig’s “Hologram” muy soon. High School Focus 5-Alone from Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter High School in South Hadley, MA, is ultra promising.  And the soloist! Yum.  Woo woo woooooo. Better than the Original After encouraging self-abuse, Christopher argues that Ryan Adams’ cover of Oasis’ “Wonderwall” is better than the original.  And then he argues that UGA Noteworthy‘s a cappella cover of Ryan Adams’ cover is even better than that!  (Did you catch that?) Album Review Firedrill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soup2Nuts Special In this week’s special episode, Dave gives an in-depth report of his recent experience at the famous Soup2Nuts 5-day a cappella recording seminar. For more info on the seminar, visit the Soup2Nuts website. To download mp3s of the group’s cover of Jamiroquai’s “Cosmic Girl” and the hip-hop original track “Royalty,” visit this page. And don’t miss these videos of what it was like inside the studio.  Thanks to Cy for posting those. Got any questions about Soup2Nuts?  Feel free to ask… just click on the “Contact” page above.

Head2Head Dave pits supergroups Cluster and Fork head to head in a timely matchup of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”  Both versions pay homage to MJ’s attitude, but which will emerge the victor? Listener Mailbag Alex from the Tufts Amalgamates wrote in asking for Christopher and Dave’s opinion of production effects and studio tricks when creating an a cappella recording.  Dave and Christopher give their suggestions, but what do *you* think?  Drop a comment below. [Editor's note: Great article on CASA.org from Bill Hare explaining his point of view on this topic.] Song Suggestion Gary Go’s new single “Wonderful” is wonderful.  And some a cappella group should cover it. My New Boyfriend Christopher is currently dating the voice of Alex Green who sang “Say (All I Need)” at the January 2009 Soup2Nuts seminar.  Turns out they already know each other in real life… awkward? Album Review The Brown Jabberwocks are 60 years old, but their latest album Breaking and Entering reflects the beauty and immaturity of a 20-year-old.  For once Dave and Christopher agree, except on the song “Dance with My Father.”

Independence Day Special! Around the Horn Mouth Off has over 500 FB fans, acappellanow, MJ acatributes are everywhere, Mister Tim says to edit yourself, CASA.org has muchos album reviews, Happy Birthday to our acafriends, Sweet Honey in the Rock sang for the Obamas again, Dolphin Voices. Arrangement Spotlight Gaither Vocal Band sings a STELLAR arrangement of the Star-Spangled Banner. Cool Chord of the Week The tag of the Acoustix’ version of “God Bless America” is coooool. Better than the Original The Hyannis Sound‘s “Longtime” is aaaaaalmost better than the original by Boston. (Editor’s note: Although this Hyannis album is available for purchase, it is not yet available online. The guys should put it up soon, we hope.) Names You Should Know Gene Puerling is a true a cappella pioneer.  His work with the Hi-Lo’s and Singers Unlimited was groundbreaking and legendary, and his arrangements continue to be popular even today. Album Review Dave likes the style and energy of Redhot & Blue of Yale University’s latest album Riot, but hates the super antiquated recording techniques.  Christopher finds the recording refreshing, but doesn’t love the style or lack of energy.  Yin and Yang! Final Thought Christopher is hot.

Opening Michael Jackson is among the most covered artists in a cappella.  A brief tribute features aca versions of Smooth Criminal, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Human Nature, Thriller, Billie Jean, Black or White, and Workin’ Day and Night. Musical Mouthful The BU Dear Abbeys divide and conquer in “The Ascent of Stan” from their album Abbeys Road. This is Not an Instrument Bubs’ “Come Sail Away” is probably better than the original, but Christopher is more amazed that it has no instruments! In Your Earbuds Dave’s old high school classmates have a band called Forrest Day that stretches the boundaries of singing with a filthy, devil-may-care sound every a cappella singer could learn from. Classical Corner Don’t be distracted by Christopher’s British accent; the important thing is to remember our collective a cappella musical roots.  Eric Whitacre FTW. Album Review Italian powergroup Cluster sings the best wrong chords ever on their new album Steps.  Dave has the album on repeat, while Christopher wants to join the group.  Pick up the album on iTunes when it drops July 7.

Around the Horn iPhones FTW, VoicesOnly 2009 track list, Betteracappella.com, new promo for Glee, Deke gives ideas for breaking new aca ground, Firedrill album is out and the group is going on hiatus and Christopherisdyinginside, Petra Haden in more aca Toyota commercials, curing your summer aca blues, Mister Tim’s three-fold behind-the-scenes look at America’s Got Talent, Happy Birthday Alli!, CASA.org is looking for writers, Billy Joel is single, Sounds Good to Me, Jonathan Wong and Tat Tong have a SICK new single out, Hyannis Sound is up and running on the Cape. (Editor’s note: In the show we mistakenly said that Jonathan Wong was the former MD of the Cornell Chordials, when in fact he was the MD of Cornell Last Call.) Sexypella Carolina Tar Heel Voices performing “Secret” off of Would You? makes Christopher SWEATT. High School Focus Kettering High School’s Eleventh Hour is leading the charge in the high school a cappella world.  “Go Their Own Way” off their 2008 album Evolution has some tasty solos hanging over a thoughtful arrangement.  Recruit them now! The Good Ol’ Days Christopher’s first EVER a cappella experience was “I’m Your Baby Tonight” by the Tufts Amalgamates featured on BOCA 2001.  That’s like 1965 in a cappella years. Spit Loud Who is beatboxing in this LL Cool J song “Hush”??  See the comments section of this post for the answer. Album Review Six13′s 2008 album Yesh Chadash is ready for the radio (especially in New York).

Girlfriend of the Week Dave is dating the voice of Jessica Drennon from the UVA New Dominions.  Christopher wants to make it a quintuple date. Arrangement Spotlight “The” UofO Divisi can make tremolo guitar sounds with their tongues. Better Than the Original The vocal band Eclipse performs “Owner of a Lonely Heart” better than the original version by Yes by using a killer lip buzz instead of an octavized bass.  See?  High tenors can be basses too. In Your Earbuds Lately Christopher has been listening to Theresa Andersson, who uses live looping to make amazing music.  You can do it too!  WATCH THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO.  Repeat. Album Review Foooooooooooooork!  Was there any question we’d like this album?  Ssso sensssual.

Head2Head Brown Jabberwocks face off against BYU Noteworthy in a battle of the sexes to see who can take home the title for best cover of “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.”  It’s a close one! Spit Loud Marty Gasper breathes cool. Song Suggestion Christopher’s love is “My Love” by the Bird and the Bee. Don’t Quit Your Day Job Dance beats where they don’t belong… what is this?? We’re So Excited! Listen to this sneak peek of the still-unreleased FIREDRILL ALBUM!  Zombie Christopher is wetting his pants. Album Review Off the Beat hasn’t changed since 1929. (Edit: We’ve received some enquiries about the clips played during Dave’s Final Thought on this show about female a cappella.  Our keen-eared listeners noticed that the first one was from our recent “Don’t Quit Your Day Job” segment, which means we won’t reveal the identity of the group.  But the second one we’re proud to say was “Apologize” from BYU Noteworthy’s recent album Green Means Go.)

Around the Horn Mouth Off is a hit!, GLEE is the critics’ new fave, USA Today loves stripped down aca, the ladies pwn Sweeps, RARB weighs in on the latest OTB album, CASA Board picks up new members, Deke is still telling you how to get an aca career, Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix on Bonnie, betteracappella.com, Soup2Nuts is chock full. Cool Chord of the Week Christopher gets electrified by Duwende. Names You Should Know Deeeeeeeeke. (Edit: Our new friend Amy thoughtfully wrote in to ask us where each of the clips from this segment came from.  Good question!  Deke’s solo and muted trumpet clips come from “Summertime” off the House Jacks album Get Down Mr. President.  The arrangement clips appear in this order: House Jacks singing “The Way It Makes Me Feel” from Funkwich, Colorado College The Back Row singing “Gone” from Unleash the Periscope, The Alleycats singing “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” from Meow: That’s What I Call Music, University of Oregon Divisi singing “Two Points for Honesty” from Roots, House Jacks singing “This Man’s Pride” from Fitchy & Grikko.  Thanks Amy!) Better than the Original Frou Frou is dang good.  But Cornell Chordials rawk on. Girlfriend of the Week Dave is currently dating the voice and arranging brain of Jazzy Danziger. Album Review USC SoCal VoCals’ Unanimous: too perfect?  Christopher and Dave recommend buying this album, but not without some reservations.

Musical Mouthful OTB.  WTF. Head2Head WashU Amateurs and UVA Academical Village People face off with their versions of “This Love” opb Maroon 5.  It’s a close contest.  James Gammon + tremolo organ = tasty. This is Not an Instrument Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the UNC Clefhangers. Don’t Quit Your Day Job Halalala.  Hahahaha Album Review Dave loves the latest album Play the Game from the Tufts Beelzebubs, and Christopher wants to marry it.  Can you marry a recording in Virginia?

Around the Horn Sweeps are done, BITH on The Today Show, acappellanow, Aarhus, sign up to compete on MTV, Glee, A Cappella Records, get an a cappella career, why the West keeps dominating the ICCA, an a cappella house, Tunes to Teens sends aca CDs to Kenya, melodyne vs. autotune. My New Boyfriend Nate Altimari ruins Christopher daily. Better than the Original “Broken Wings” by Mr. Mister is a classic.  But Naturally 7 does it better.  Period. Cool Chord of the Week WWAAAAAAAALLLLL. The Good Ol’ Days Take 6′s debut album is old, but it will never get old. Album Review Ben Folds Presents: University A Cappella. Uhh… at least Ben Folds likes it.