Mouth Off

BOCA Special Around the Horn BOCA 2010 is announced, ICCA & ICHSA lineups announced, Joey C and AcappellaU are back!, register for the American Beatbox Championships NAOUGH, sing six is on Amazon mp3, UPenn Off The Beat releases their new album, Myspace is…dying, Michael Eldredge did some aMAHzing photo documenting of SoJam ’09, McGill U. Effusion and Soulstice to sing for the Winter Olympics, and Nick Lachey will be hosting the Sing Off. The Good Ol’ Days Dave shares two early BOCA hits that have become a cappella staples- “Insomniac” (opb Billy Pilgrim) by the Virginia Gentlemen and “In The House Of Stone And Light” (opb Martin Page) by the Brown Derbies. Arrangement Spotlight Christopher got arrested because “Billie Jean/No Diggity” by the Stanford Everyday People got him so pumped he drove three…or four…or fifteen miles over the speed limit. LOL Dave and Christopher laugh their faces off (ew) at Wasting Our Parents’ Money, the little known but highly hilarious humor album from the BOCA series. My New Girlfriend Christopher reconsiders some things after Anne Foster’s ridiculous “Where Would You Be” (opb Martina McBride) with BOCA regulars the UVA Sil’hooettes smashes through his earbuds. Special Report: BOCA- Best of College A Cappella In honor of the announcement of BOCA 2010, the boys give you all the dish on the background, selection, and purpose of BOCA via the two aca-dorks who know the most about it: Deke Sharon of Total Vocal and the House Jacks and Amanda Newman, BOCA co-owner and Varsity Vocals director. They follow that up with some commentary (and of course, CLIPS!) and discussion about the newest incarnation of the compilation.

Okay, okay friends and fans! We’ve read your emails and heard your cries. You want to know about SoJam! Well in this episode, the boys dig deep into their trove of SoJam audio to bring you some highlights from the unforgettable weekend. Around the Horn SoJam pwned, sing six is available! (and free for CASA members), Duwende is auditioning and Dave is fainting, Ryan Grajo reviews Firedrill, another Mouth Off fan milestone (FB here and Twitter here), CARA nominator and judge applications are DUE, Straight No Chaser’s new Xmas album is out (tour schedule here), The Sing-Off will debut Monday  Dec. 14. Podcast Update NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me is hilarious, and NBC News anchor Brian Williams’ recent appearance on the show surprised Dave with a great vocal instrument imitation. Sexypella Christopher loves playlists, and UPenn Counterparts “Volcano” is a perennial favorite on his sexypella playlist. SoJam Wrap-Up Oodles of festival goodness (and don’t miss Christopher’s collegiate competition summary here). [Correction: During the SoJam wrap-up, we played a clip from Aural Pleasure's yet-to-be-released track "Hallelujah." Because VocalSource and Ed Boyer have a big hand in the album, we assumed Ed had mixed that track, when in fact it was mixed by Bill Hare. Apologies for the mixup.]

Hey listeners! We had a tremendously fun weekend at SoJam. It was a thrill to interact with so many of you and to meet so many new friends. Stay tuned next week for a more complete wrap-up of the event, complete with audio clips of some of our favorite moments. Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy this week’s show! My New Boyfriend Christopher is crushing BIGTIME on the voice, creativity, and accomplishments (and face) of Joseph Bates. Listener Mailbag Another take on why the ICCA West keeps dominating the competition, a re-hash of the boys’ review of Basix Diversity and the role of original music in pro a cappella, and a sleewww of comments and emails trying to convince Christopher that the a cappella community can take ownership of the hit Fox show Glee. Young and Original “As You Go” by the Duke Pitchforks is an incredible example of students writing great original a cappella music. Music from the Future Though the album won’t be released for a couple more weeks, Dave gazes into his crystal ball and predicts that the University of Michigan Dicks & Janes’ new album Acousticophilia will be extremely not terrible. Album Review Brandeis VoiceMale’s latest release Suit Up. offers some of the best solos the boys have ever heard from an all-male college group. Christopher isn’t in love with the song selection, which of course means Dave is. Both agree that the arrangements are sometimes too thick like a long, heavy meal. Christopher wants a salad.

Around the Horn Jeff Thacher will be at SoJam, Eric Whitacre’s virtual choir, Vocomotion Studios are beautiful, Vienna Boys Mixed Choir, Zing! wins Sweet Adelines championship, Kindacappella, review of Sonos in concert, Dave & Christopher are going to be busy at SoJam, Naturally 7 on Buble’s new album, M-Pact’s Britt Quentin is playing the king of pop. In the Basement A cappella pioneer Richard “Bob” Greene is singing lower than ever. This is Not an Instrument Cluster‘s “One Note Samba” features great trumpets voices that sound exactly like trumpets. A Cappella Alumni Former UNC Clef Hangers singer Brendan Ernst James is now a big pro star with a record deal.  His debut album The Day is Brave is beautiful. Monster Mash NYC-based Contemporary A cappella League group the Red States‘ mashup of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and Rihanna’s “Disturbia” is tasteful and clever. Album Review Kettering High School Eleventh Hour‘s latest album Like Clockwork sets the bar high for teenage singers.  The group’s immaturity shows, but their sophisticated talent shines through.

Cool Chord of the Week Christopher can’t contain the coolness of this chromatic cool chord clip.  We dare you to sing any note along with OTB‘s “Because.” Spit Loud Matt Murphy, from Groove Society and The Saurus and a big ol’ bunch of big bad groups, WILL BE LOOPING IN CONCERT AT SOJAM. (Click here to hear Matt and Mister Tim’s interview on NPR’s All Things Considered.) Monster Mash In honor of Halloweeny, Christopher shares one of his favorite aca-mashups: Matt Emery’s arrangement of Gnarles Barkley’s “Crazy” apb Duke Rhythm & Blue. Good Ol’ Days The King’s Singers‘ arrangement of “And So It Goes” is aaaaalmost as legendary as the King’s Singers themselves. Album Review The boys go yin and yang on different aspects of Black Diamond, the latest album by the Wellesley Widows.

Around the Horn AcappellaFest, Mile High Vocal Jam, Ripple Effect: Constructive Interference, John He & Bruin Harmony in Hollywood, SoJam collegiate competitors have been chosen, BOCA submissions due Nov 1, Penn Masala sang for Obama, album reviews at CASA.org, lovely listener emails, Sonos is good live, the Bubs have been selected for NBC’s The Sing-Off. Podcast Update Dave offers a quick introduction to the AcaPodcast, A Cappella Originals, AcappellaU, American A cappella, and the Pitch Pipecast. LOL BYU Vocal Point‘s “Super Mario Medley” makes Christopher laugh out loud.  Denim denim denim. Classical Corner The Real Group‘s “Gee Mine or Mozart’s” is a great example of how to add your own flare to a classic(al) song. Album Review The Real Group‘s new release The Real Album is really, really good, for reals.  Dave offers the perspective of a long-time fan, and Christopher repents for his Real Group ignorance and pledges allegiance.

Better than the Original Christopher thinks the Apes & Babes version of the 80′s song “Rock Me Amadeus” is better than the original by Falco.  Dave thinks both are weird. In Your Earbuds The Stanford Harmonics are creepy in their yet-to-be-released song “Spiel Mit Mir,” Andy McKee combines novelty and beauty music on his album Art of Motion (watch the YouTube vid here), and Cluster jingles all the way. Head2Head Christopher pits the UB Buffalo Chips against Clemson Tigeroar in an all-male battle comparing their two unique takes on Coldplay’s megahit song “Viva La Vida.” Listener Mailbag Dave & Christopher open up their mail and read your words on the air.  Q&A FTW. (Twitter account here) Album Review The boyz give their take on Imprint, the latest album by the UGA Accidentals.  Production by breakout aca-producer Charlie Forkish, upbeat energetic songs, arbitrary syllables, and dreamy boys take center stage.  The last song on the album takes their breath away, and Christopher names the best male solo he’s heard this year.

Around the Horn AcappellaFest, Whiffs turn 100, Basix was on TV (and so was Bill Hare!), Club For Five’s waygood new album, CNN and Washington Post and WSJ are talking about Glee, SoJam college competition vids are due!, Psych goes aca, 21 Tips for Ruining Your Rehearsal, Buble loves Naturally 7, DeltaCappella is honored, how to digitally market your aca music, the Real Group has a new Real Album and a Real Community. Really. Music from the Future Kendall Young from Kettering High School’s group Eleventh Hour is 17 going on 30.  Her performance on their yet-to-be-released Bareilles track “Bottle It Up” is like whoa. Song Suggestion Christopher wants someone to arrange Muse‘s “Resistance” and send it to him.  Kthxbai. Names You Should Know On the eve of Don Gooding‘s retirement from a cappella, Dave takes a moment to laud Don’s tremendous contributions to the a cappella community.  And Don appreciates the compliment about his mustache. Arrangement Spotlight Lilli Lewis‘ style of arrangement and performance is super organic, and it reminds us all that we don’t always need fancy tricks and jens and jos to make good music.  Just clap yo’ hands and sing. Album Review Hunky Danish sextet Basix has delivered a double-disc, all-original album for your listening pleasure.  Dave loves the first disc, and especially the funky, groovy tracks; but he uses the boring songs on the second album to teach a lesson about editing yourself.  Christopher had a few favorites, but the obvious song lyrics and faux boy band style sometimes felt like a big dude in the gym trying to express his feelings.

SoJam Special In this special theme show, Dave and Christopher feature groups that have appeared and will appear at the world-class SoJam A cappella Festival, sponsored by CASA and co-sponsored by Mouth Off.  This year’s SoJam will take place in Durham, North Carolina, on Nov. 6-8, 2009.  Learn more about the weekend-long event here; the collegiate competition produced by Christopher here; and the workshops taught by Dave, Christopher, and other pros here. Musical Mouthful Firedrill! is always a dreamy audience favorite at SoJam.  Dave loves their FEH. This is Not an Instrument The a cappella community met soulful music geniuses Naturally 7 at SoJam 2007.  They sing trumpets better than Christopher. My New Girlfriend(s) Dave is an a cappella playa… he has TWO new girlfriends this week!  Abbey Janes from Duwende is that confident lady you just wanna get with.  And Fork’s Mia Renwall is beyond hot. Her curves and high cheekbones are right up Dave’s alley.  The whole conversation is completely lost on Christopher. Names You Should Know Dave Sperandio founded SoJam on a shoestring, and under his direction and vision it has become the UberEvent in the a cappella world.  Christopher lauds Dio’s work with transit, his hip hop Timbaland ways, and his work creating the VocalSource network of a cappella production pros.  Today he runs diovoce studios and serves as CASA’s Director of Festivals and Events.  And he’s just a good dude. Cool Chord of the Week Eclipse, the boy band of the a cappella world, will be singing their cool chords at SoJam 2009.  Dave is already getting goosebumps, especially when listening to their latest album Grateful Praise. Sexypella The House Jacks are the original rock band without instruments, and they’ll bring their sexy music to Durham, NC, this year to headline at SoJam 2009. 20 Questions Christopher asks 20 questions of 20 people involved in SoJam.  These producers, performers, and participants share their love for the event and urge you to be there this year. N.B.: The first groups to buy tickets get first dibbs on masterclasses.  If your group would like to have a one-on-one masterclass with Dave and Christopher, purchase tickets here and let us know you’re interested.  We look forward to meeting you!

Around the Horn Michael Jackson medley goes VIRAL, submit your SoJam Collegiate Competition materials NOW!!, Yale’s Baker’s Dozen gets PWNED (again), ICCA is now accepting applications and Dave is the new ICHSA director, it’s aca-festival season!: Mile High Vocal Jam, Las Vegas A Cappella Summit, Acappellafest, and SoJam are all on their way, and CASA & ACR have made the entire Sing compilation series available on iTunes and Amazon mp3! In Your Earbuds Need some sexy walking music? Want some hott beatz to blow dry your hair to? Christopher says “look no further” than the New Young Pony Club for all your indie dance party in your living room needs. High School Focus Aca-genius Robert Dietz and Ascending Height are trailblazing the high school a cappella scene with amazing production and brilliant original music. The Good Ol’ Days Christopher thinks this old recording of  “In The Hall Of The Mountain King” is rad, but has no idea who performs it! A free copy of SONOSings to the person who figures it out and posts/emails the answer! Arrangement Spotlight What do you get when you put Ed Boyer, the Tufts Beelzebubs, Bill Hare and Peter Gabriel in an aca-blender? You get the arrangement perfection that is “Diggin’ In The Dirt”. Album Review Dave thinks you should pay attention the debut album by moody, pale sextet Sonos. Christopher thinks that they sing the music in his heart.  Both think the fact that they’re signed to a major record label is exactly what the a cappella community needs!

Around the Horn Sing Off auditions are this week, Glee premiere, SYTYCD is back already, Harmonics in WSJ, AcaU host JoeyC has a new blog, Sean Algaier is a big loser, you should buy a HS aca CD, Sing VI is taking submissions, Sam Tsui and Kurt Schneider go viral, youshouldcompeteatSoJam. In the Basement Troy Horne from Home Free can sing lowwwww. Musical Mouthful The ladies from Duke OOTB: grinka? gringka? green card? I Just Gotta Say Dave agrees with Bill Hare and Barry Carl that everyone should stop overarticulating rhythmic syllables. Christopher isn’t so sure it’s that simple. My New Boyfriend Relationship Christopher is currently dating every single voice in the Swedish group Riltons Vanner.  And it doesn’t hurt that they’re gorgeous. Album Review Midwest super hardworking crazy touring quartet Tonic Sol-Fa put out another fantastic mainstream album, Just One of Those Days. Dave and Christopher discuss the pros and cons of simple, fun albums, as well as the group’s curious interpretation of Randi Newman’s “Sail Away.” (Deke’s blog post is here.)

Voices Only Special In recognition of the collegiate a cappella compilation Voices Only 2009 being released this past week, the boys dedicate this episode to some discussion of the double-disc compilation, including some of its standout tracks. Cool Chord of the Week The high tenors of the UNCG Spartones really know how to wail.  Their rendition of Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration” has some very cool chords. Sexypella UMD Faux Paz + Tat Tong + Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights” = sexified magic. My New Girlfriend It was love at first sound when Dave heard Kristen Jones of the Harvard Callbacks singing “Jane Doe” opb Alicia Keys. I Just Gotta Say Christopher gays it up in a rant about the Spice Girls, as he praises the Wellesley Tupelos‘ rendition of “2 Become 1.” Arrangement Spotlight In an unusual arrangement spotlight, Dave has kind words for the thoughtful arranging style of Christopher Diaz in FSU All-Night Yahtzee‘s version of Ben Folds’ “Missing the War.” Interview Christopher sits down with Corey Slutzky, the producer of Voices Only, to discuss the compilation’s origins, purpose, and audience.  Corey also offers insightful thoughts on some of the latest developments in a cappella.

Around the Horn Acappellastock was a success, Imogen Heap has a new album out, The Sing Off auditions are coming up, Kevin Wright is leaving Rockapella, Rockapella is looking for a new tenor, Keith Olbermann mentioned Hyannis Sound, Nate Tao is our friend, THIS video, Deke cuts into TSF’s “Sail Away,” SoJam tickets are on sale and you should go. Music from the Future Dave predicts the future and gives a teaser of Teaser by the ‘Mates. Song Suggestion Christopher thinks someone should cover “Cosmic Love” by Florence + The Machine because it’s his LIFE. This is Not an Instrument Cadence sings a mean harmonica. Better than the Original The UNC Loreleis‘ version of “In the Backseat” is better than the original by Arcade Fire. The Good Ol’ Days Go back to 1994 and Jack it Up! Album Review The Stanford Harmonics have always pushed the envelope and encouraged innovation, but their latest heavily decorated album Escape Velocity and their live show “Amped” have truly launched the group beyond the collegiate a cappella orbit.

Musical Mouthful ChanJackieChanJackieJackieChanChan. Classical Corner Bin-nam-ma by Alberto Grau sounds like rain drops, especially when sung by this Taiwanese group. Spit Loud Ed Chung from Duwende is one of the most consistent, groovy spitters around. Head2Head UPenn Off the Beat vs. Cornell Chordials: two fantastic interpretations of Imogen Heap’s “The Moment I Said It.” Album Review Duke OOTB‘s braaaand new release Flywheel showz you how it’s done.

A Cappellastock Special Created just five years ago in northern Utah, A Cappellastock has already become one of the largest a cappella events anywhere.  Drawing almost 3,000 fans to the Ogden City Amphitheatre, the event displays some of the country’s most impressive a cappella talent on a big outdoor stage in a quality production that appeals to young and old, rich and poor. In this special episode, Dave and Christopher talk about the event, visit with the producers, and feature music by the talented acts appearing at this year’s event, which happens this Saturday, August 22. Around the Horn A Cappellastock, Gary Go is iTunessingleoftheweekandit’sfree, Mosaic on AGT, Ball in the House wins Best of Boston Award, a cappella is like a frat, NBC’s The Sing Off is auditioning, Jonathan Wong is so hawt right now, Matisyahu has a new album (YouTube vid of his single), Bobby McFerrin hacks your brain, Straight No Chaser is HUGE. Cool Chord of the Week Paul Sperrazza, of Toxic Audio fame, will be hosting this year’s A Cappellastock.  Christopher is in love with Toxic’s cover of “Voices Carry.” My New Girlfriend Dave has always loved the pretty solo voice of Kindra Clemence, formerly with Mountain Blue. Names You Should Know Mister Tim is a freak.  The best kind of freak. Arrangement Spotlight Pop/rock a cappella quartet Blue Jupiter knows how to take songs and give them a Blue Jupiter flair.  You should follow their lead; take a song and make it your own. Interview Dave sits down with A Cappellastock producers, T Minus 5, to get the inside scoop on how they produce the event. They tell their secrets for attracting huge crowds, and they share their thoughts on a cappella’s place in mainstream music.