Mouth Off

Around the Horn SingStrong was amoizing, Accidentals are ICCA South champs, ICCA West Semis are next weekend (+ Dave + Sonos), Deke says getting the pitch is key, Sweeps is on babyyyy, Ithacappella was on the Price is Right!, Happy Birthday to Bobby McFerrin, Sonic Audio has a new studio, SpringSing is coming up, Alex Green 2.0, The Sing-Off got picked up for a second season! In Your Earbuds Christopher is STILL in love with Theresa Andersson, who finally released a live version of his favorite track. Music from the Future Dave looks into his crystal ball and predicts that OSU Outspoken’s next album Do Not Disturb will be freaking stunning. Better than the Original In the ongoing debate of “Gravity” vs. “Gravity” (vs. “Gravity”), Christopher declares that the version originally recorded by Sara Bareilles is better than the later version recorded by… Sara Bareilles.  And get this: the original is the a cappella one.  Just listen to the segment and we’ll explain. Album Review Dave & Christopher offer some constructive criticism on Stratosphere, the debut album from go-getter group University of Wisconsin-Madison Fundamentally Sound.  It’s a solid first draft, but D&C predict better days ahead.

Fan Favorites Show! This week we Facebooked and tweeted and called and shouted and asked and begged and tried to find out some of your favorite segments from the show in the past several months.  Thanks so much to everyone for all your responses!  While Dave is out of town being so faaaancy at SingStrong, Christopher brings you some of YOUR very favorites.  We hope you enjoy! This is Not an Instrument 7/26/09 — Denise Reis sings a better trumpet than pretty much everyone. Head 2 Head 8/23/09 — Christopher pits the Cornell Chordials against UPenn Off the Beat in a battle for the best take on Imogen Heap’s “The Moment I Said It.” Names You Should Know 7/5/09 — If you don’t know the name Gene Puerling, then listen up!  As the brain behind The Hi-Lo’s and the Singers Unlimited, he’s the original king of vocal and a cappella arranging. Girl Power 12/13/09 — R&B lady legends Destiny’s Child bring their typical sass, style, and power to “Carol of the Bells.”  Ohmygoodness. Album Review 10/18/09 — The Real Group’s most recent CARA-decorated record The Real Album blew away Dave and Christopher, and is certainly worth a second take!  (and third and fourth and ninth and fiftieth…) Final Thought 9/13/09 — Top Ten Signs You’re an Aca-addict.

Around the Horn Voices Only 2010 is open for submissions, a cappella music in commercials is still hot, Nota was a hit at the NBA All-Star Weekend, SingStrong is the place to be, Straight No Chaser’s new album cover, FREE live Rockapella track, ICCA Semifinals lineups are complete (and Dave is emceeing), all-female MD LoLo Barreiro hates all-female groups, Paul & Storm, Naturally 7 has a new album coming out, Vocal Blog babyyyy, Sam Tsui and Kurt Schneider were ON OPRAHHHHH! [and here's their new "Fireflies" vid] The Good Ol’ Days Dave explains how the Persuasions went from their humble beginnings on basketball courts, garages, and street corners in 1960′s Brooklyn to become the Godfathers of A Cappella. Names You Should Know Christopher profiles a modern-day a cappella pioneer, singer, producer, acaworkhorse James Cannon. Girl Power Sweet Honey in the Rock has been using song and sign to tell the story of people of color, especially women, for generations.  Dave shares the story of their tremendous influence. Album Review Despite its flaws, the boys really like Ithaca College all-female group Premium Blend‘s third album Ten.  The solos and arrangements really stand out, but the percussion is a mixed bag.  The potential for their next record is through the roof.

This is Not an Instrument Christopher loves CLUUUSSSTTTEEERRRR‘s version of “Mi Sono Innamorato de Te.”  Seriously, this is not a saxophone. Head 2 Head Dave compares muchas versiones of the Beatles classic “Got to Get You into My Life.”  The King’s Singers, Calmus Ensemble, Talk 2 The Hand, Overboard, Earth Wind & Fire, Cosmos, and firedrill! each give their unique take. Monster Mash Yannick Morgan and the UGA Accidentals somehow manage a thoughtful interpolation of N*Sync’s “Gone” into Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Did You Know? Back by popular demand, Catherine Lewis shares the tainted history behind “Tainted Love.” [PandmoniUM here] Album Review Dave & Christopher both declare their undying Valentine’s love for Club For Five‘s CARA-nominated album You’re the Voice. [Order the album here]

Around the Horn CARA nom nom nom, Avenue X aca musical goodness, Get your SingStrong tix now!, SpringSing in Athens, ICHSA and ICCA Finals in NYC, Vegas summit seeking headliners, Sweeps apps due NAOUGH, RARB announces 2009 picks of the year, musical collaboration across the miles, BBC Radio loves Voces8 (and Bill Hare), Ithacappella sings with the NYC kiddos, Dylan Bell writing an a cappella arranging book??, Joey C turns one year more handsome, World Choir Games select Cincinnati as next host, acappellablog has an ICCA Drinking Game, Chase DeLuca offers fantastic founder tips, Brody says singing valentines = cash and publicity um yes please, ACA voting is now open (VOTE FOR MOUTH OFF!!!). Music from the Future Dave gazes into his magical aca crystal ball, and predicts that the NYC-based all-male septet Invisible Men will put out a pretty dang good album in 2010. Better than the Original Christopher digs late ’90s R&B, but Groove Society does it much groovier. A Cappella Alumni John Stephens drove the UPenn Counterparts to ICCA and BOCA success before starting a fantastic pro career as phenom John Legend. Album Review UPenn Off the Beat continues to lead the pack when it comes to energy and solos, but Dave and Christopher still say din-da-NO to their repetitive syllables.

Competition Update It may be January, but it’s time to start the spring competition season!  CARA nom’s are on their way, Harmony Sweepstakes applications are due, and the Varsity Vocals competitions have already begun.  Dave and Christopher highlight groups to watch for in your ICHSA and ICCA aca-brackets. Classical Corner Christopher declares that even if you don’t love Renaissance music, you’ll still probably like Lumen Valo. Names You Should Know Bobby McFerrin. The voice. For a great peek inside McFerrin’s brain, click here to watch him at the World Science Festival. New segment! Did You Know? Prolific music writer and critic Catherine Lewis makes her Mouth Off debut with a new guest segment highlighting the interesting history of frequently covered songs in a cappella. This week, Catherine traces the path of “Feelin’ Good” from its musical theatre roots through various interpretations to Michael Buble. Album Review Mëdlz is a successful pro all-female group, which by itself is worthy of good press. But unfortunately on their latest album aufgetaucht, the group’s icy cool groove is overshadowed by some bland repetition and a bit of an identity crisis.

Around the Horn The ICCA/ICHSA begins, CARA nominations are on the way, win $25,000 singing the Folgers jingle, lots of aca-lumni on American Idol, The Choir comes to England, The Sing Off goes international?, Bill and Dio talk mastering on RARB, CASA.org features a great interview with Troy Horne, AcaPolitics is a riveting dramatic new novel about aca, LA/AF is THIS WEEKEND!, and Sing Off winners Nota will be headlining SingStrong! My New Boyfriend Christopher can’t believe the arranging and vocal prowess of Overboard director, Nick Girard. The Good Ol’ Days Dave tells us about the Grammy-decked, pioneering voices of Manhattan Transfer. It’s all about the music, baby. I Just Gotta Say Christopher wants to know…where’s the bass? A short rant about the rumblings (or lack thereof) in recorded a cappella Album Review: Momentum- Face The boys give a little bit of tough love to the Sing Off featured rockers from Colorado, Face. These guys want the big time, so there recordings need more oomph…big time. Around the Horn The ICCA/ICHSA begins, CARA nominations are on the way, win $25,000 singing the Folgers jingle, lots of aca-lumni on American Idol, The Choir comes to England, The Sing Off goes international?, Bill and Dio talk mastering on RARB, CASA.org features a great interview with Troy Horne, AcaPolitics is a riveting dramatic new novel about aca, LA/AF is THIS WEEKEND!, and Sing Off winners Nota will be headlining SingStrong! My New Boyfriend Christopher can’t believe the arranging and vocal prowess of Overboard director, Nick Girard. The Good Ol’ Days Dave tells us about the Grammy-decked, pioneering voices of Manhattan Transfer. It’s all about the music, baby. I Just Gotta Say Christopher wants to know…where’s the bass? A short rant about the rumblings (or lack thereof) in recorded a cappella. Album Review: Momentum- Face The boys give a little bit of tough love to the Sing-Off-featured rockers from Colorado, Face. If these guys want the big time, their recordings need more oomph…big time.

Around the Horn The London A Cappella Festival, competition time babyyyy, aca American Idols, Chanticleer loves Leno’s chin, Blue Jupiter is auditioning lead tenors, is a cappella getting cooler?, Evan Feist’s interview with Sean Altman, songs collegiate groups should cover in 2010, Brad Stephenson’s arrangements are on sale, Wes Carroll is on Rock Band!, Exit 245 founder Danny Ozment has a new aca studio in DC, FOCS has BitH’s back, Dave will be at LA/AF! Monster Mash Straight No Chaser knows how to mash up Stevie Wonder. Arrangement Spotlight Wes Carroll is a brilliant songwriter and arranger. His song “Light of Stars” done by the House Jacks can teach us all a thing or three. Listener Mailbag Calls and emails this week from all corners of the globe. Album Review High school pioneers! Dave and Christopher review A Lesson in Tightropes, the latest album from the 18 Wheelers at the Wheeler School in Providence, Rhode Island.

In Your Earbuds Catchy hits are flowing into Dave’s ears from all directions.  The Model Cars are jumpin’, and Maykish nailed it with Amanda Jenssen. Head2Head Christopher pits University of Maryland PandemoniUM against Stanford Testimony in a best-of battle for Sia’s “Breathe Me.”  Pandemonium got the 2009 BOCA nod for this track, but Testimony really converted Christopher. This is Not an Instrument Cadence‘s jazz knows no limits.  Dave is thrilled by their vocal marimbas on Beady Belle’s “Game.” Song Suggestion Christopher dares someone to tackle “The Gash” by the Flaming Lips. It’s a real doozy, but a killer studio aca version could be legendary. Album Review Reigning ICCA Mid-Atlantic champs Ithacappella‘s latest release Breakdown offers the boys much food for thought.  As usual, Dave and Christopher disagree on much of the album, but the closing track “Down to Earth” wins them both over.

Happy New Year! Around the Horn Acappellablog announces a 2010 ICCA bracket, LA-AF is the place to be and it’s coming up soon!, Mike Boxer releases the all-Jewish The KolCast, Euphonism releases EP Scene Stealers, Kettering Fairmont HS is seeking a headliner for their 2010 A Cappella Festival, advertisers love aca, AP piece on Straight No Chaser’s success, Pitch Perfect blog interviews Glee studio singer Chris Mann, Primarily A Cappella re-launches Primarily A Cappella Radio, Tunes to Teens is giving CDs away to people who help them give away CDs to middle- and high-school choirs. LOL Aussie group Suade has Christopher laughing out loud with the song “Singin’ in My Underwear” from their all-original album Home Brew. New segment! Five Minutes With… Alex Green.  Dave sits down with aca mover and/or shaker and Christopher’s vocal boyfriend Alex Green from the Tufts Amalgamates, and the two chat up the group’s recent “teaser” recording release called Teaser, their pick for sing six: sunny-side up, lessons from the Soup2Nuts seminar, The Sing-Off, and Alex’s musical plans for the future.  AND A FREE GIVEAWAY JUST FOR MOUTH OFF LISTENERS. New segment! Praisacappella Christopher finds great inspiration from Stanford’s co-ed faith-based group Testimony. Their song “Dead Man” (opb Jars of Clay) from their album When You Say Go is good art with a good message. Album Review Riltons Vänner is not only gorgeous, but their half-new release Japanmix is making waves well beyond Asia.  Christopher thinks it’s sheer perfection, and he’s dead yet again.  Dave thinks it’s beautiful, but not that repeatable.

Sing-Off Wrap-Up Dave and Christopher offer their final reactions on The Sing-Off, and share several messages from YOU the fans. (Thanks to all who called the Mouth Off Hotline–you’re the best!) First Annual Mouth Off Awards The boys look back on some of the best a cappella moments in 2009.

Sing-Off Update Dave and Christopher offer their thoughts on the success of the Sing-Off, the set, the judges, the groups, the results, and everything in between.  Noteworthy’s co-directors Amy and Courtney react to the once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Fans offer their predictions on the result. Cool Chord of the Week Holiday a cappella singing is a cottage industry.  Dave points out that even if holiday singers can’t get too crazy with an arrangement, they sure can milk the chords for all they’re worth.  Crimson 4 and Ricky Parkinson are a prime example. Arrangement Spotlight Christopher says his favorite Christmas song is “O Holy Night,” and one of his favorite arrangements is the tasty version by Sonos (ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE U.K.!). Around the World Arrangement Spotlight Religious Segment Young and Original Six13 takes a Cthanukah classic and re-works it. Check out their version of “Al Hanissim.” Album Review Cluster has done it again with Christmas Present, taking holiday classics (and an original!) and infusing them with new, sulky, tasty, meaningful, gravity-defying life. Christopher dies yet again. Final Thought Courtesy of Cluster, Dave and Christopher give every listener the gift of vocal brass. “Jingle Bells” is one of the best tracks of the year.

Around The Horn Ripple Effect: Constructive Interference is out!, CARA Nominating has begun, Guys doing GaGa = awesomesauce, VEVO launches this week, Ithacappella has a new album, UMichigan Dicks & Janes duke it out PBS style with Michigan State’s Capital Green, and The Sing-Off on NBC starts tomorrow! Sing-Off Preview The boys give an overview of the Tufts Beelzebubs, Voices of Lee, BYU Noteworthy, the SoCals, Maxx Factor, Face, Solo, and Nota, along with each group’s strengths and weaknesses.  Show arranger Deke Sharon gives some insights behind the production, and judge Ben Folds shares his view from the judging bench. New segment! Girl Power “Opera of the Bells” by R&B female legends Destiny’s Child is just the right mix of sass, style and power. No wonder they continue to sell MILLIONS of records. Arrangement Spotlight Check out Dave’s spotlight of the only Grinch cover (via the ever-incredible Rockapella) that might compete with the original for its sheer style. Album Review The guys have a jolly ol’ time checking out Christmas Cheers, the newest release from YouTube sensation turned major label group Straight No Chaser. Dave and Xtopher agree that what the album lacks in production value, it more than makes up for with creativity, energy, charm and humor!

ALL FEMALE EPISODE!! For today’s show, the boys showcase some of the finest a cappella to come out of all-female groups across the country and across the globe! My New Girlfriend Dave is crazy about the beauty, talent and charisma of the red-headed force from the UNCG Sapphires, the lovely Blair Baldwin. Arrangement Spotlight Christopher can’t contain all of the superlatives when talking about the fabulous, amazing, wonderful, gorgeous, engaging, remarkable, exciting and very good arrangement of “In The Waiting Line” from the UO Divisi’s Roots. Young and Original Nabby Parkinson’s reinterpretation “Lord, I Would Follow Thee” breathes beautiful new life into an old hymn and cements her position as a talented, original and upcoming songwriter. (And her Star Spangled Banner ain’t so bad either.) Names You Should Know Christopher’s ongoing a cappella education bus makes a stop in San Francisco as he shares a bit about the quirky, silly, and important songs of Mary Schmary, one of the first all-female pro groups of the modern era. Around The World In a new segment premiere, Dave tells us about the amazing ladies that make up the famed Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares from Bulgaria. Eastern Europe is where it’s at. Album Review: Houses Kill – JMU Bluestones The guys discuss the newest release from the JMU beauties- Christopher thinks the content’s excellence stands alone but wants more intense mixing, and Dave wants groups to fix some bass lines and use the full breadth of studio capabilities to do more than capture the live sound.

Around the Horn Duwende claims Casual Harmony’s Aaron Boykin as their newest dude, Boston-based Overboard’s Beatles tribute Help! is FREE, A Cappella helps a man with Alzheimers (seriously, read this right now), AcaTunes might release an iPhone app?, and the Sing Off lineup is announced! Dave basically couldn’t be more proud that BYU Noteworthy is among the contenders! Head-2-Head Christopher gets down and dirty with two stellar versions of Taxi Ride’s “Get Set”. It’s an artistic brawl between the Northwestern Undertones and the Stanford Harmonics (thanks James Ranson!). [Edit: Both songs are available on iTunes here: Undertones - http://bit.ly/7kQ9Jb and Harmonics - http://bit.ly/4JjVpw] My New Girlfriend Noteworthy-love abounds as Dave tells us about the mega-talented songwriter, producer, engineer, singer, teacher, directer and Mouth Off! theme song writer, the lovely Catherine Papworth. In Your Earbuds Of COURSE Christopher’s been all about the new GaGa, but the new Norah Jones is moody and sophisticated and playing on repeat in his earbuds. Album Review This time, the boys are more yin and yin as they discuss the latest release Twist from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill all-male supergroup, the Clef Hangers. This meaty album is high quality, squeaky clean and great fun, but could maybe stand for a more sensitive touch.