Easily.
Showing posts with label The Sing-Off. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Sing-Off. Show all posts
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
The Sing-Off 4.7 -- Finale
It's finale night, I'm baking cookies, I'm wrapping gifts, I'm trying to clean the house...it's a crazy time! But I didn't want to wait to watch tonight's finale.
Here we go!
Group Performance: "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson
That sounded nice. I'm glad that the eliminated groups still got to chime in.
Nick Lachey, Jewel and the groups: "It Had to Be You"
The Acoustikats: "Jingle Bell Rock"
That's cute that they're letting the eliminated groups do Christmas songs for the bumpers. I would expect something more rockin' from this song, especially with the AcoustiKats. I guess Rockapella's version is just the best version to me, so I want everyone's to be less boring.
Ten with Shawn Stockman: "Joyful Joyful" from Sister Act 2
Anyone that gets to have Shawn sing their solo has an unfair advantage. I mean, it's Shawn! This is one of my favorite songs from that movie. (My favorite is "His Eye is on the Sparrow"). Nice energy, but not as much as in the movie. Actually, I think that Shawn has the most energy of all of them, so that doesn't really work for me when it's the group that's competing, not Shawn.
Street Corner Renaissance: "White Christmas"
I've always liked this doo-wop version. They always look so sharp!
The Filharmonic: "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"
That was great! It was upbeat and in tune, and I miss them even though they were only eliminated 4 days ago.
So then all the groups get to talk to Pentatonix, and they give them some advice.
Pentatonix: "I Need Your Love" by Ellie Goulding
They rock. Seirously. Why don't I have any of their CDs yet? That needs to be remedied soon.
Calle Sol: "Feliz Navidad"
Well, no other group up there should sing this song tonight.
Home Free: "I Want Crazy" by Hunter Hayes
So they don't need a judge to sing with them...unless they're getting one later. I've never heard this song before, but like it, especially the way they sing it. Yes, please include that awesome bass voice solo when you're in the finale! Thanks! I applauded. Oh, the judges are talking after this one, so I guess the "Joyful Joyful" thing wasn't judged. My bad.
98 Degrees: "I'll Be Home For Christmas"
Nick gets to sing a lot tonight! They sound really nice. Nick asked to be judged. Cute. Almosr as cute as Nick's dimples. How has she not seen them live before? Has she been strapped for cash?
Princeton Footnotes: "Deck The Hall"
i liked that rendition! I also like the plaid.
Secret Santa time with the judges and Nick. Why isn't Nick giving that gift to everyone watching the show? :)
Vocal Rush with Ben Folds: "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth"
That sounded nice. I don't think I've ever heard the lyrics that clearly before. Maybe I was just always freaked out by the Bowie/Bing combination.
Element: "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"
I like her voice in that range.
Voice Play:; "Jingle Bells"
I like that last "Jingle Bell Jingle Bell Jingle". Been waiting to hear that since I heard the promos, and it wasn't sung nearly enough in the song tonight.
Ten: "Love On Top" by Beyonce
I don't know this song. Nice key change! That blonde-haired woman can wail, man! Haha, "a box of assorted chocolates". Shawn demonstrated his Stank Face, and Ten is happy.
Home Free with Jewel: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Pretty. But why is she now sounding like some other singer? Like some old-time crooning singer? It's kinda strange.
So, are people actually learning any musical terms from this show?
Pate Benatar, Neal Giraldo and a bunch of groups: "We Belong"
I so totally love this song, and it lends so well to hearing that multitude of voices. Also, Pat Benatar has still got a great, powerful voice.
Vocal Rush: "Roar" by Katy Perry
Great performance. They really are a great group.
My pick: Home Free
Results
3rd Place: Vocal Rush
2nd Place: Ten
1st Place: H O M E F R E E !!!!!!!!
YES! I'm so very happy for them. They were, indeed, solid from the start, and I wish them the best with their newfound fame. Congratulations, guys! (I told you that 5 guys is the best ensemble, didn't I?).
Rub the beard!
Here we go!
Group Performance: "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson
That sounded nice. I'm glad that the eliminated groups still got to chime in.
Nick Lachey, Jewel and the groups: "It Had to Be You"
The Acoustikats: "Jingle Bell Rock"
That's cute that they're letting the eliminated groups do Christmas songs for the bumpers. I would expect something more rockin' from this song, especially with the AcoustiKats. I guess Rockapella's version is just the best version to me, so I want everyone's to be less boring.
Ten with Shawn Stockman: "Joyful Joyful" from Sister Act 2
Anyone that gets to have Shawn sing their solo has an unfair advantage. I mean, it's Shawn! This is one of my favorite songs from that movie. (My favorite is "His Eye is on the Sparrow"). Nice energy, but not as much as in the movie. Actually, I think that Shawn has the most energy of all of them, so that doesn't really work for me when it's the group that's competing, not Shawn.
Street Corner Renaissance: "White Christmas"
I've always liked this doo-wop version. They always look so sharp!
The Filharmonic: "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"
That was great! It was upbeat and in tune, and I miss them even though they were only eliminated 4 days ago.
So then all the groups get to talk to Pentatonix, and they give them some advice.
Pentatonix: "I Need Your Love" by Ellie Goulding
They rock. Seirously. Why don't I have any of their CDs yet? That needs to be remedied soon.
Calle Sol: "Feliz Navidad"
Well, no other group up there should sing this song tonight.
Home Free: "I Want Crazy" by Hunter Hayes
So they don't need a judge to sing with them...unless they're getting one later. I've never heard this song before, but like it, especially the way they sing it. Yes, please include that awesome bass voice solo when you're in the finale! Thanks! I applauded. Oh, the judges are talking after this one, so I guess the "Joyful Joyful" thing wasn't judged. My bad.
98 Degrees: "I'll Be Home For Christmas"
Nick gets to sing a lot tonight! They sound really nice. Nick asked to be judged. Cute. Almosr as cute as Nick's dimples. How has she not seen them live before? Has she been strapped for cash?
Princeton Footnotes: "Deck The Hall"
i liked that rendition! I also like the plaid.
Secret Santa time with the judges and Nick. Why isn't Nick giving that gift to everyone watching the show? :)
Vocal Rush with Ben Folds: "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth"
That sounded nice. I don't think I've ever heard the lyrics that clearly before. Maybe I was just always freaked out by the Bowie/Bing combination.
Element: "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"
I like her voice in that range.
Voice Play:; "Jingle Bells"
I like that last "Jingle Bell Jingle Bell Jingle". Been waiting to hear that since I heard the promos, and it wasn't sung nearly enough in the song tonight.
Ten: "Love On Top" by Beyonce
I don't know this song. Nice key change! That blonde-haired woman can wail, man! Haha, "a box of assorted chocolates". Shawn demonstrated his Stank Face, and Ten is happy.
Home Free with Jewel: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Pretty. But why is she now sounding like some other singer? Like some old-time crooning singer? It's kinda strange.
So, are people actually learning any musical terms from this show?
Pate Benatar, Neal Giraldo and a bunch of groups: "We Belong"
I so totally love this song, and it lends so well to hearing that multitude of voices. Also, Pat Benatar has still got a great, powerful voice.
Vocal Rush: "Roar" by Katy Perry
Great performance. They really are a great group.
My pick: Home Free
Results
3rd Place: Vocal Rush
2nd Place: Ten
1st Place: H O M E F R E E !!!!!!!!
YES! I'm so very happy for them. They were, indeed, solid from the start, and I wish them the best with their newfound fame. Congratulations, guys! (I told you that 5 guys is the best ensemble, didn't I?).
Rub the beard!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
The Sing-Off 4.6
It's Semi-Finals night!
Group Performance: "Shake It Out" by Florence + the Machine
Challenge: "Judges' Choice"
Judges picked songs that bring out the best in each group. Nick is the mentor.
The Filharmonic: "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'" by The Four Tops
Thank you for mentioning NKOTB, Shawn! Cool that Nick is singing a little with them: "98 Degrees of Filharmonic!" I like the suits, guys! VJ's voice is so pretty. I like that pelvic thrusty move during "Got to have all your lovin'". Yes, Shawn, the choreography was slick. Shawn wanted more than just the one level, but their harmonies were right on point. And then Jewel talks about being frustrated when she can't reach the climax. Oops!
Ten: "Proud Mary" by Ike & Tina Turner
I Zumba to this song. I like that intro! They did not Zumba to the song.
Home Free: "Colder Weather" by Zac Brown Band
Hmmmm...I heard a little bit of dissonance in the intro chords. But the song is pretty, and I like that tenor voice. Ben heard the pitch problem at the beginning, too, owing it to nervousness.
Vocal Rush: "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" by Fall Out Boy
I do not know this song. I am old. OK, I don't like that opening, where they just sounded like they were yelling at me, you know, like trying to out-sing each other. It got much better, and then I recognized the song and didn't feel that old.
My pick: The Filharmonic
Results:
Safe for next show
Home Free
Vocal Rush
Ultimate Sing-Off: "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash
The Filharmonic vs. Ten
Cute choreography by Fil with "time". I like the male solo from Ten. Ooh, that's a tough one. Represent us, Joe!
Winner: Ten
Aw, so sorry, Filharmonic. I'll miss you. I think that they already have a big fan base, though, so they'll likely get a contract from someone somewhere.
Finale is on Monday!
Group Performance: "Shake It Out" by Florence + the Machine
Challenge: "Judges' Choice"
Judges picked songs that bring out the best in each group. Nick is the mentor.
The Filharmonic: "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'" by The Four Tops
Thank you for mentioning NKOTB, Shawn! Cool that Nick is singing a little with them: "98 Degrees of Filharmonic!" I like the suits, guys! VJ's voice is so pretty. I like that pelvic thrusty move during "Got to have all your lovin'". Yes, Shawn, the choreography was slick. Shawn wanted more than just the one level, but their harmonies were right on point. And then Jewel talks about being frustrated when she can't reach the climax. Oops!
Ten: "Proud Mary" by Ike & Tina Turner
I Zumba to this song. I like that intro! They did not Zumba to the song.
Home Free: "Colder Weather" by Zac Brown Band
Hmmmm...I heard a little bit of dissonance in the intro chords. But the song is pretty, and I like that tenor voice. Ben heard the pitch problem at the beginning, too, owing it to nervousness.
Vocal Rush: "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" by Fall Out Boy
I do not know this song. I am old. OK, I don't like that opening, where they just sounded like they were yelling at me, you know, like trying to out-sing each other. It got much better, and then I recognized the song and didn't feel that old.
My pick: The Filharmonic
Results:
Safe for next show
Home Free
Vocal Rush
Ultimate Sing-Off: "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash
The Filharmonic vs. Ten
Cute choreography by Fil with "time". I like the male solo from Ten. Ooh, that's a tough one. Represent us, Joe!
Winner: Ten
Aw, so sorry, Filharmonic. I'll miss you. I think that they already have a big fan base, though, so they'll likely get a contract from someone somewhere.
Finale is on Monday!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
The Sing-Off 4.5
Yay! They opened with Tim's voice!
Group Performance: "I've Had the Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Jewel is the mentor tonight.
Challenge: "Movie Night" -- Songs made famous by a movie
Judges will send 2 teams home, after 3 Ultimate Sing-Offs.
Home Free: "Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison
Well, I'm glad that the 5-guy group is singing the song that I associate with my beloved Rockapella. Nice opening VP! I like the tempo change in the middle when he sang to Jewel. I thought that it was a little bit too straight-laced, though. And now I'm having Rockapella-Fangirl-on-Stage memories.
Vocal Rush: "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins
Ooh, the VP gal is going to sing solo! That's like Pella's JT singing, making us all listen intently. Nice transition into her VP role, too. Ooh, modulate! Nice.
The AcoUstiKats: "Old Time Rock and Roll" by Bob Seeger
The morning-after bachelor party thing was cute! I like all of the different musical styles they inserted into the song. Of COURSE they did a costume change into the boxer shorts! They really are entertaining.
The Filharmonic: "Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith
I like those chords at the intro, especially when Joe came in. They're so calm with this song, and I really like how it's working for them. That was great, guys! Nick: "The ladies are swooning yet again." Joe's so cute, being overwhelmed by his emotions. Interesting tip from Ben about not using cymbals in beatboxing. Does he understand that it's not just beatbox? Oh, wait. I've said that in a previous season. The high hat can be useful if your VP is acting as a drum kit. I prefer that, like with JT, instead of trying to sound like some kind of boom box. But then again, I prefer drums over synthesizers most days, unless I'm dancing in a club.
"The Sing-Off! Keep it tuned!" -- Has Nick been saying this on every show, and I've missed it until now?
Voice Play: "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds
I now think of this song as part of my favorite arrangement/mash-up in "Pitch Perfect", so this is now an a cappella-ready song for me. Not sure I like the chords during the "la la" part, but I was OK with the rest of it. Be vulnerable, folks! That is the message of the day.
Ten: "Skyfall" by Adele
They get better with every performance, and you can tell that they're really starting to gel with each other. That was great! I agree that it was great to hearDee's solo be reserved. See? Shawn agrees with me that they're getting better and better.
My pick: The Filharmonic
Ultimate Sing-Off
AcoUstikats vs. Voice Play: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
That was fun. I agree with Ben: it was more like a collaboration than a battle. But that's because a cappella peeps are used to working *together* instead of against each other.
Vocal Rush vs. Ten: "Fame" by Irene Cara
OK, they've decided to team up with each other so that the judges can't decide and they're both safe. I like that they're practicing some stepping. I love when Shawn talks about his high school days at the performing arts high school. :)
Home Free vs. The Filharmonic: "I'm All Right" by Kenny Loggins
"You're kind of coming out of the ocean like a mermaid." I enjoyed that choreography. Make it sexy now, VJ!!! Sexy like a mermaid. I love it: A VP battle! Love the stuff going on behind them, too. Easily my favorite battle of the night, maybe because it's my two favorite bands in this competition. Nick, please stop with the golf puns. Oy. Shawn doing the gopher move is also awesome. I love that Jewel has trouble focusing because she's giggling so much. I have no idea what that's like. :) I prefer my "VP Battle" title over "Beatbox Off".
Results:
Going to next show:
Vocal Rush
Home Free
Ten
Saved by the judges: The Filharmonic
Thank you, judges!!!! Phew! I would have been upset if they went home after that amazing battle.
Tomorrow night: The Final Four
Group Performance: "I've Had the Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Jewel is the mentor tonight.
Challenge: "Movie Night" -- Songs made famous by a movie
Judges will send 2 teams home, after 3 Ultimate Sing-Offs.
Home Free: "Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison
Well, I'm glad that the 5-guy group is singing the song that I associate with my beloved Rockapella. Nice opening VP! I like the tempo change in the middle when he sang to Jewel. I thought that it was a little bit too straight-laced, though. And now I'm having Rockapella-Fangirl-on-Stage memories.
Vocal Rush: "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins
Ooh, the VP gal is going to sing solo! That's like Pella's JT singing, making us all listen intently. Nice transition into her VP role, too. Ooh, modulate! Nice.
The AcoUstiKats: "Old Time Rock and Roll" by Bob Seeger
The morning-after bachelor party thing was cute! I like all of the different musical styles they inserted into the song. Of COURSE they did a costume change into the boxer shorts! They really are entertaining.
The Filharmonic: "Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith
I like those chords at the intro, especially when Joe came in. They're so calm with this song, and I really like how it's working for them. That was great, guys! Nick: "The ladies are swooning yet again." Joe's so cute, being overwhelmed by his emotions. Interesting tip from Ben about not using cymbals in beatboxing. Does he understand that it's not just beatbox? Oh, wait. I've said that in a previous season. The high hat can be useful if your VP is acting as a drum kit. I prefer that, like with JT, instead of trying to sound like some kind of boom box. But then again, I prefer drums over synthesizers most days, unless I'm dancing in a club.
"The Sing-Off! Keep it tuned!" -- Has Nick been saying this on every show, and I've missed it until now?
Voice Play: "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds
I now think of this song as part of my favorite arrangement/mash-up in "Pitch Perfect", so this is now an a cappella-ready song for me. Not sure I like the chords during the "la la" part, but I was OK with the rest of it. Be vulnerable, folks! That is the message of the day.
Ten: "Skyfall" by Adele
They get better with every performance, and you can tell that they're really starting to gel with each other. That was great! I agree that it was great to hearDee's solo be reserved. See? Shawn agrees with me that they're getting better and better.
My pick: The Filharmonic
Ultimate Sing-Off
AcoUstikats vs. Voice Play: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
That was fun. I agree with Ben: it was more like a collaboration than a battle. But that's because a cappella peeps are used to working *together* instead of against each other.
Vocal Rush vs. Ten: "Fame" by Irene Cara
OK, they've decided to team up with each other so that the judges can't decide and they're both safe. I like that they're practicing some stepping. I love when Shawn talks about his high school days at the performing arts high school. :)
Home Free vs. The Filharmonic: "I'm All Right" by Kenny Loggins
"You're kind of coming out of the ocean like a mermaid." I enjoyed that choreography. Make it sexy now, VJ!!! Sexy like a mermaid. I love it: A VP battle! Love the stuff going on behind them, too. Easily my favorite battle of the night, maybe because it's my two favorite bands in this competition. Nick, please stop with the golf puns. Oy. Shawn doing the gopher move is also awesome. I love that Jewel has trouble focusing because she's giggling so much. I have no idea what that's like. :) I prefer my "VP Battle" title over "Beatbox Off".
Results:
Going to next show:
Vocal Rush
Home Free
Ten
Saved by the judges: The Filharmonic
Thank you, judges!!!! Phew! I would have been upset if they went home after that amazing battle.
Tomorrow night: The Final Four
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Sing-Off 4.4
It's a new week of The Sing-Off!
Group Performance: Medley "My Generation/We Will Rock You/(I Don't Know the Title)"
I love that bass voice from the Home Free guy. Really, Sher, you need to learn his name already.
tonight's Challenge: "My Generation: Chart Toppers that Span the Decades"
Ben is the coach for this group of voices.
Home Free: "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash
I've been looking forward to this song since seeing the commercials for the show. Seriously, that BASS!!!! YES. I love that the judges were totally taken aback by that last note. Nick: "People in Pasadena just called and reported a seismic event." "The singing refrigerator guy", Ben? What?! His description of their beginning/middle/end was priceless, though.. Apparently, the bass' name is "Country Boy". That doesn't help me! So I looked it up. His name is Tim. Hi, Tim! Wow. Your voice is amazing.
VoicePlay: "Don't Speak" by No Doubt
They were in high school when this song was released. I had graduated from college already. I'm old. I'm not really fond of that arrangement. Maybe I love the original too much.
Element: "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes
I like that they work out and sing together at the same time. They did a good job with it, not screechy, just right with the balance. Shawn likes to tell the ladies that they look lovely. Such a smooth talker.
Vocal Rush: "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler
The only high school ever to reach this point in the competition. They deserve to. They really are great. Yeah, they weren't even born when this song was released. Remember how I'm old? I love how they're talking all Valley Girl. Their voices have some old kind of souls in them or something, because they sound so mature and cohesive! Well done, young 'uns.
My pick: Home Free
Results:
Staying in the Competition
Home Free (Yeah, I typed that before Nick even announced it)
Voice Play
Ultimate Sing-Off: "I'm a Survivor" by Destiny's Child
Element s. Vocal Rush
Element was a little too squealy for me. Vocal Rush kept it much more in control with their voices..and that rap! They so totally won that battle for me.
Winner: Vocal Rush
OK, I still have faith in the judges. Phew!
Next episode: Wednesday, with a 6-team battle and a double elimination. Yikes!
Group Performance: Medley "My Generation/We Will Rock You/(I Don't Know the Title)"
I love that bass voice from the Home Free guy. Really, Sher, you need to learn his name already.
tonight's Challenge: "My Generation: Chart Toppers that Span the Decades"
Ben is the coach for this group of voices.
Home Free: "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash
I've been looking forward to this song since seeing the commercials for the show. Seriously, that BASS!!!! YES. I love that the judges were totally taken aback by that last note. Nick: "People in Pasadena just called and reported a seismic event." "The singing refrigerator guy", Ben? What?! His description of their beginning/middle/end was priceless, though.. Apparently, the bass' name is "Country Boy". That doesn't help me! So I looked it up. His name is Tim. Hi, Tim! Wow. Your voice is amazing.
VoicePlay: "Don't Speak" by No Doubt
They were in high school when this song was released. I had graduated from college already. I'm old. I'm not really fond of that arrangement. Maybe I love the original too much.
Element: "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes
I like that they work out and sing together at the same time. They did a good job with it, not screechy, just right with the balance. Shawn likes to tell the ladies that they look lovely. Such a smooth talker.
Vocal Rush: "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler
The only high school ever to reach this point in the competition. They deserve to. They really are great. Yeah, they weren't even born when this song was released. Remember how I'm old? I love how they're talking all Valley Girl. Their voices have some old kind of souls in them or something, because they sound so mature and cohesive! Well done, young 'uns.
My pick: Home Free
Results:
Staying in the Competition
Home Free (Yeah, I typed that before Nick even announced it)
Voice Play
Ultimate Sing-Off: "I'm a Survivor" by Destiny's Child
Element s. Vocal Rush
Element was a little too squealy for me. Vocal Rush kept it much more in control with their voices..and that rap! They so totally won that battle for me.
Winner: Vocal Rush
OK, I still have faith in the judges. Phew!
Next episode: Wednesday, with a 6-team battle and a double elimination. Yikes!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Sing-Off 4.3
It's the 3rd night of the Sing-Off! I'm in Rockapella withdrawal while they're singing in Connecticut, so having some a cappella to watch is a good thing for me.
Group Performance: "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel
Hi, VJ! Shawn is doing some singing along. That was pretty cool.
4 of the top 8 perform tonight. Taking a tip from The Voice, Shawn is playing mentor to this week's groups. Charles of Street Corner Renaissance: "I've watched them GROW from Boyz to Men!"
Tonight's Challenge: "Favorite No. 1 Hits"
Ten: "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin
I don't like their opening chords. They were in tune, but I didn't like them. Actually, I'm not liking most of their chords. I feel like they're missing something in the middle. The judges liked it, though, so maybe I just don't get it on that song.
The AcoUstiKats: "Amazed" by Lone Star
Wow, that was supposed to be Boyz II Men's?! Sing to me! I'll give you something to be confident about. Oh, yeah, I typed that out loud. I like how lush their chords were, and they showed that they're not just a bunch of fun college kids, but they've got great vocals, too. Aaaaannnd, I"m crying. Congratulations, Mike and Maggie!
Street Corner Renaissance: "Forget You" by Cee-Lo Green
I really like these guys, and they're not afraid to wear bright pink. They're just so much fun, and they are smoooooth. "Don't say that, brother."
The Filharmonic: "One More Night" by Maroon 5
I didn't know that VJ was the Filipino Adam Levine! It works, because he's a cutie. Dance! Modulate! Do it! I liked that. I disagree with Ben, and agree with Shawn. They sounded much tighter tonight to me than on other nights. Yeah, VJ was too smiley for the lyics, but have you SEEN those dimples?!
My pick: The Filharmonic
Results:
Staying in the Competition:
Ten
AcoUstiKats
Oh, great. 2 of my top 3 are vying against each other. I'll be sad for either one of them.
Ultimate Sing-Off:: "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Good Bye" by
Street Corner Renaissance vs. The Filharmonic
Great battle. I'm upset that it had to come down to these two.
Winner: The Filharmonic
Mabuhay,Pinoy!!! I'm really sorry to see SCR go, though.
Looking forward to next week.
Group Performance: "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel
Hi, VJ! Shawn is doing some singing along. That was pretty cool.
4 of the top 8 perform tonight. Taking a tip from The Voice, Shawn is playing mentor to this week's groups. Charles of Street Corner Renaissance: "I've watched them GROW from Boyz to Men!"
Tonight's Challenge: "Favorite No. 1 Hits"
Ten: "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin
I don't like their opening chords. They were in tune, but I didn't like them. Actually, I'm not liking most of their chords. I feel like they're missing something in the middle. The judges liked it, though, so maybe I just don't get it on that song.
The AcoUstiKats: "Amazed" by Lone Star
Wow, that was supposed to be Boyz II Men's?! Sing to me! I'll give you something to be confident about. Oh, yeah, I typed that out loud. I like how lush their chords were, and they showed that they're not just a bunch of fun college kids, but they've got great vocals, too. Aaaaannnd, I"m crying. Congratulations, Mike and Maggie!
Street Corner Renaissance: "Forget You" by Cee-Lo Green
I really like these guys, and they're not afraid to wear bright pink. They're just so much fun, and they are smoooooth. "Don't say that, brother."
The Filharmonic: "One More Night" by Maroon 5
I didn't know that VJ was the Filipino Adam Levine! It works, because he's a cutie. Dance! Modulate! Do it! I liked that. I disagree with Ben, and agree with Shawn. They sounded much tighter tonight to me than on other nights. Yeah, VJ was too smiley for the lyics, but have you SEEN those dimples?!
My pick: The Filharmonic
Results:
Staying in the Competition:
Ten
AcoUstiKats
Oh, great. 2 of my top 3 are vying against each other. I'll be sad for either one of them.
Ultimate Sing-Off:: "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Good Bye" by
Street Corner Renaissance vs. The Filharmonic
Great battle. I'm upset that it had to come down to these two.
Winner: The Filharmonic
Mabuhay,Pinoy!!! I'm really sorry to see SCR go, though.
Looking forward to next week.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Sing-Off 4.2
Made it in home with just a few minutes to spare for tonight's Sing-Off!
Group Performance: Medley of party anthems
Looks like everybody's ready to get down! Nick: "Tonight is B.Y.O. Pitch Pipe".
Top 9 here tonight.
Tonight's Challenge: "Party Anthems"
So the vocal percussion will be the focus tonight, I'm guessing. Bring it, mouth drummers!
Vocal Rush: "Gonna Make You Sweat" by C+C Music Factory
Aw, the parents. I zumba to this song. I wonder if I'll be typing that more than once tonight. It's fun to do your own echo! Right on pitch, they did a great job. See? Ben's already focusing on the beat, or, in this case, the back beat. I'll try to listen for that for the other groups, although I'm not much of a drumming expert.
Home Free: "Life Is A Highway" by Rascal Flatts
Uh-oh, they're going to try dancing. I'm OK if a group doesn't dance, if it means that their vocals are still as spot-on as Home Free's. Gosh, I love that bass. "Jump back in the box" -- Shawn. Funny. "It has a beginning, a middle and an end....That's how you do a cappella music." Yes, Shawn, YES.
Voice Play: "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry
I didn't know that they were all DJs. Did I miss that the first time? I thought that they were amusement park performers. Nice rap, girl! I thought that there was a phasing problem with the rhythm section, like one of them was slightly behind the other on the offbeat or something.
Street Corner Renaissance: "Do You Love Me" by The Contours
Yay, classic doo-wop! I love that they learn the beat box stuff from the young'uns. Those red shoes remind of Geo's Christmas Red shoes that he doesn't wear anymore. Ooh, he's got moves!
Element: "Raise Your Glass" by Pink
I could use more beat. Actually, I could use more vocals, too, what with the number of people in the group.
AcoUstiKats: "Hey Ya!" by Outcast
Ooh, I like the little pause. Nice touch with the "Shake It". That was a weird ending to such a party song, though. I forgot to pay attention to the rhythm, but Ben found fault with it.
Calle Sol: "Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin
They're professional dancers. So are they professional singers, too? Should our Voice people go on "So You Think You Can Dance"? I'm still missing that middle sound when the guy stops singing lead. Yes, Shawn, arrangement is, indeed, EVERYTHING. I completely agree. That's why I'm such a fan of the genius Scott Leonard. :)
Ten: "Hot in Here" by Nelly
I like that opening. I like this whole arrangement, actually. That rocked. Ben: "Nick, you know I can't even begin to defrock until it's...98 degrees."
The Filharmonic: "This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan
Aw, Niko, my heart is with you, dude. They are so much fun! Those yellow shoes are cool. I like their sound.
My pick tonight: Ten
Heading to Next Show
Ten
The Filharmonic
Voice Play
Home Free
Street Corner Renaissance
Vocal Rush
Element
Ultimate Sing-Off: "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson
Calle Sol vs. The AcoUstiKats
Honestly, if it's a battle of voices, I couldn't care less about your sexy dance moves, ladies. Their voices just aren't as strong as the guys', numbers aside.
Winner: The AcoUstiKats
Phew! I don't have to worry about the alto-less dancing winning over the alto-inclusive vocals.
Next up: Top 8, tomorrow.
Group Performance: Medley of party anthems
Looks like everybody's ready to get down! Nick: "Tonight is B.Y.O. Pitch Pipe".
Top 9 here tonight.
Tonight's Challenge: "Party Anthems"
So the vocal percussion will be the focus tonight, I'm guessing. Bring it, mouth drummers!
Vocal Rush: "Gonna Make You Sweat" by C+C Music Factory
Aw, the parents. I zumba to this song. I wonder if I'll be typing that more than once tonight. It's fun to do your own echo! Right on pitch, they did a great job. See? Ben's already focusing on the beat, or, in this case, the back beat. I'll try to listen for that for the other groups, although I'm not much of a drumming expert.
Home Free: "Life Is A Highway" by Rascal Flatts
Uh-oh, they're going to try dancing. I'm OK if a group doesn't dance, if it means that their vocals are still as spot-on as Home Free's. Gosh, I love that bass. "Jump back in the box" -- Shawn. Funny. "It has a beginning, a middle and an end....That's how you do a cappella music." Yes, Shawn, YES.
Voice Play: "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry
I didn't know that they were all DJs. Did I miss that the first time? I thought that they were amusement park performers. Nice rap, girl! I thought that there was a phasing problem with the rhythm section, like one of them was slightly behind the other on the offbeat or something.
Street Corner Renaissance: "Do You Love Me" by The Contours
Yay, classic doo-wop! I love that they learn the beat box stuff from the young'uns. Those red shoes remind of Geo's Christmas Red shoes that he doesn't wear anymore. Ooh, he's got moves!
Element: "Raise Your Glass" by Pink
I could use more beat. Actually, I could use more vocals, too, what with the number of people in the group.
AcoUstiKats: "Hey Ya!" by Outcast
Ooh, I like the little pause. Nice touch with the "Shake It". That was a weird ending to such a party song, though. I forgot to pay attention to the rhythm, but Ben found fault with it.
Calle Sol: "Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin
They're professional dancers. So are they professional singers, too? Should our Voice people go on "So You Think You Can Dance"? I'm still missing that middle sound when the guy stops singing lead. Yes, Shawn, arrangement is, indeed, EVERYTHING. I completely agree. That's why I'm such a fan of the genius Scott Leonard. :)
Ten: "Hot in Here" by Nelly
I like that opening. I like this whole arrangement, actually. That rocked. Ben: "Nick, you know I can't even begin to defrock until it's...98 degrees."
The Filharmonic: "This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan
Aw, Niko, my heart is with you, dude. They are so much fun! Those yellow shoes are cool. I like their sound.
My pick tonight: Ten
Heading to Next Show
Ten
The Filharmonic
Voice Play
Home Free
Street Corner Renaissance
Vocal Rush
Element
Ultimate Sing-Off: "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson
Calle Sol vs. The AcoUstiKats
Honestly, if it's a battle of voices, I couldn't care less about your sexy dance moves, ladies. Their voices just aren't as strong as the guys', numbers aside.
Winner: The AcoUstiKats
Phew! I don't have to worry about the alto-less dancing winning over the alto-inclusive vocals.
Next up: Top 8, tomorrow.
Monday, December 9, 2013
The Sing Off 4.1
The Sing-Off is back! And here we all thought that maybe it had been canceled forever. But, you know, the show that shot Pentatonix to stardom just can't be denied now, and 2 years later, here it is!
Tonight is the first night of the 4th season, and here we go! I'll try to post the same night as the actual airing, but I already foresee a couple of conflicting dates, so those will have to wait. This also means that my Rockapella Holiday show posts will be delayed. I'm a mess! On to tonight's show...
Group Performance: fun. medley
We got introduced to all of the groups, and there's choreography and awkward neck bopping. I'm just sayin'. But I love the band fun., so I'll stop with my teasing now. Actually, I liked the harmonies so much that I listened to it twice, and now I"m behind. ACK!
Our judges this year: Shawn Stockman and Ben Folds are back, and replacing Sara is Jewel. I'm going to confess to y'all right here that I'm not that crazy about Jewel. I bought her CD back when she debuted, thinking that I'd like her songs, and the recording just didn't please me at all, and I got rid of it somehow. I guess I felt like whatever I was hearing on the radio just didn't match my CD. Maybe it was a bad CD. I don't know, but now I don't like hearing her sing. I hope she judges better than how I think she sings.
Vocal Rush: "Bottom of the River" by Delta Rae
They are from Oakland, CA, and they are out to prove that Oakland is not a place made up of scary people. For much better bios of the groups, see the CASA website. They have a great sound, and I like their energy. How would they not have energy? They're in high school! Very nice solo, too. I like this song. Why haven't I heard it before tonight? I'm old. Choreography was fun, too.
Home Free: "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line
Ooh, Country A Cappella! Why is this such a novelty, when so many country songs are so great with their harmonies? Ooh, I like that bass voice! Seriously, how can I not love these guys? There are 5 of them, and they have a great sound. I really liked that a lot. Ben feels bass in his butt. Perhaps he needs to have that checked by a doctor. The bass went up to a Tenor I? Whoa, that's awesome.
Princeton Footnotes: "I Knew You Were Trouble" by Taylor Swift
Well, that was fun, and the lights added a lot to their performance. The sound was good, especially on the low end. Aw, they love Ben. I don't really agree with Jewel that the bass part needed to be stronger, but I appreciate her musical knowledge.
Calle Sol: "Pon de Replay" by Rihanna
Their name means "sun street", and they're from Puerto Rico. And now I have "America" from West Side Story in my head. I do not remember the original song having Spanish in it, but I like that they made the song their own. I could have used some more alto, but maybe the gal singing lead is the alto, and the other 3 are sopranos. Or maybe they meant it to be like that, like Supremes-like.
Street Corner Renaissance: "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction
Yay, Doo-Wop! How much do I love that they doo-wopped a pop song? I LOVE IT!!! Can you tell that I have a soft spot for groups with only 5 voices? Hmmm....wonder what that's about. That's so cute that Shawn felt the need to hug them right after they sang. "Children, take notes. Y'all talk about swag, this is swag."
My pick for this group is Home Free.
Heading to next show:
Street Corner Renaissance
Vocal Rush
Home Free
Calle Sol
Going to the Ultimate Sing-Off:
Princeton Footnotes
Ten: "Tell Me Something Good" by Rufus and Chaka Khan
Nice lead! I wonder if they actually need all of those voices, though, since their arrangement isn't full of different notes in the chords. I mean, the chords aren't lush 6-part harmonies or anything like that.
Element: "Burn" by Ellie Goulding
This song suits them, because it's not too high, which is what usually turns me off from all-female a cappella. I like that they have a good balance in the lower register. Nice and strong.
Voice Play: "Feel This Moment" by Cristina Aguilera
I Zumba to this song, so I immediately wanted to dance. I did a little from my chair. I like the vocal percussion break.
The Filharmonic: "Treasure" by Bruno Mars
They're cute, they can sing, they can dance, and they are first generation Pinoy. YES! That's the way to play to the judges. :) Her name IS "Jewel", after all. Oh, those are called "love notes"? I may use that. "Motown Manila back again!" -- Nick. Aura later told me that VJ from Down 4 The Count is in this group, which explains why one of them looked so familiar to me. He's a cutie, and according to Au, a nice guy. Awwww.
Nick's wife is half-Filipino? That's cool.
AcoUstiKats: "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke
One of the guys was in Phantom Regiment, one of my favorite drum corps. I do enjoy how the college guy groups have so much fun on stage. Also, they sounded good. "Acousticatastrophe", "Acoustishower", "Acousticommercial" -- what is going on here? :)
My pick: The Filharmonic
Heading to next show:
The Filharmonic
Ten
AcoUstiKats
Elements
Going to the Ultimate Sing-Off:
Voice Play
Ultimate Sing-Off: "Bye Bye Bye" by N'Sync
Princeton Footnotes vs. Voice Play
Ooh, BATTLE TIME! That's some fun stuff. I have no favorite. Is it going to be the same song every week? They all seemed really prepared for it.
Winner: Voice Play
Oh, no Swan Song anymore.
Next show is on Wednesday. Good night, A cappella Fans!
Tonight is the first night of the 4th season, and here we go! I'll try to post the same night as the actual airing, but I already foresee a couple of conflicting dates, so those will have to wait. This also means that my Rockapella Holiday show posts will be delayed. I'm a mess! On to tonight's show...
Group Performance: fun. medley
We got introduced to all of the groups, and there's choreography and awkward neck bopping. I'm just sayin'. But I love the band fun., so I'll stop with my teasing now. Actually, I liked the harmonies so much that I listened to it twice, and now I"m behind. ACK!
Our judges this year: Shawn Stockman and Ben Folds are back, and replacing Sara is Jewel. I'm going to confess to y'all right here that I'm not that crazy about Jewel. I bought her CD back when she debuted, thinking that I'd like her songs, and the recording just didn't please me at all, and I got rid of it somehow. I guess I felt like whatever I was hearing on the radio just didn't match my CD. Maybe it was a bad CD. I don't know, but now I don't like hearing her sing. I hope she judges better than how I think she sings.
Vocal Rush: "Bottom of the River" by Delta Rae
They are from Oakland, CA, and they are out to prove that Oakland is not a place made up of scary people. For much better bios of the groups, see the CASA website. They have a great sound, and I like their energy. How would they not have energy? They're in high school! Very nice solo, too. I like this song. Why haven't I heard it before tonight? I'm old. Choreography was fun, too.
Home Free: "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line
Ooh, Country A Cappella! Why is this such a novelty, when so many country songs are so great with their harmonies? Ooh, I like that bass voice! Seriously, how can I not love these guys? There are 5 of them, and they have a great sound. I really liked that a lot. Ben feels bass in his butt. Perhaps he needs to have that checked by a doctor. The bass went up to a Tenor I? Whoa, that's awesome.
Princeton Footnotes: "I Knew You Were Trouble" by Taylor Swift
Well, that was fun, and the lights added a lot to their performance. The sound was good, especially on the low end. Aw, they love Ben. I don't really agree with Jewel that the bass part needed to be stronger, but I appreciate her musical knowledge.
Calle Sol: "Pon de Replay" by Rihanna
Their name means "sun street", and they're from Puerto Rico. And now I have "America" from West Side Story in my head. I do not remember the original song having Spanish in it, but I like that they made the song their own. I could have used some more alto, but maybe the gal singing lead is the alto, and the other 3 are sopranos. Or maybe they meant it to be like that, like Supremes-like.
Street Corner Renaissance: "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction
Yay, Doo-Wop! How much do I love that they doo-wopped a pop song? I LOVE IT!!! Can you tell that I have a soft spot for groups with only 5 voices? Hmmm....wonder what that's about. That's so cute that Shawn felt the need to hug them right after they sang. "Children, take notes. Y'all talk about swag, this is swag."
My pick for this group is Home Free.
Heading to next show:
Street Corner Renaissance
Vocal Rush
Home Free
Calle Sol
Going to the Ultimate Sing-Off:
Princeton Footnotes
Ten: "Tell Me Something Good" by Rufus and Chaka Khan
Nice lead! I wonder if they actually need all of those voices, though, since their arrangement isn't full of different notes in the chords. I mean, the chords aren't lush 6-part harmonies or anything like that.
Element: "Burn" by Ellie Goulding
This song suits them, because it's not too high, which is what usually turns me off from all-female a cappella. I like that they have a good balance in the lower register. Nice and strong.
Voice Play: "Feel This Moment" by Cristina Aguilera
I Zumba to this song, so I immediately wanted to dance. I did a little from my chair. I like the vocal percussion break.
The Filharmonic: "Treasure" by Bruno Mars
They're cute, they can sing, they can dance, and they are first generation Pinoy. YES! That's the way to play to the judges. :) Her name IS "Jewel", after all. Oh, those are called "love notes"? I may use that. "Motown Manila back again!" -- Nick. Aura later told me that VJ from Down 4 The Count is in this group, which explains why one of them looked so familiar to me. He's a cutie, and according to Au, a nice guy. Awwww.
Nick's wife is half-Filipino? That's cool.
AcoUstiKats: "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke
One of the guys was in Phantom Regiment, one of my favorite drum corps. I do enjoy how the college guy groups have so much fun on stage. Also, they sounded good. "Acousticatastrophe", "Acoustishower", "Acousticommercial" -- what is going on here? :)
My pick: The Filharmonic
Heading to next show:
The Filharmonic
Ten
AcoUstiKats
Elements
Going to the Ultimate Sing-Off:
Voice Play
Ultimate Sing-Off: "Bye Bye Bye" by N'Sync
Princeton Footnotes vs. Voice Play
Ooh, BATTLE TIME! That's some fun stuff. I have no favorite. Is it going to be the same song every week? They all seemed really prepared for it.
Winner: Voice Play
Oh, no Swan Song anymore.
Next show is on Wednesday. Good night, A cappella Fans!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Boy Band Bonanza
NKOTB -- The Package Tour
Friday, July 5, 2013
Staples Center -- Los Angeles, CA
I had a slight crisis in the morning when I couldn't locate my tickets for this show. Then I seriously doubted that I ever received them, because they were not in my designated ticket place. Luckily for me, Ticketmaster understood and waived the email fee to have my tickets printed. I picked up Karla after I got off of work, and we went to Panera for dinner so that we wouldn't have to deal with trying to eat expensive concessions food at Staples Center. We drove under 2 train trestles to get to the Del Amo Metro station, bought new TAP cards without the assistance of the scary people whom offered it, and rode the Blue Line to Pico station, which is just a couple of blocks away from Staples Center. The $3.00 we paid for the Metro was much, much better than the $30.00 parking lot that was located kitty korner from Staples. We saw people dressed in costume, and KP correctly guessed that there must be an Anime convention in town. I saw food trucks over there. Hey, had I known, we might have done those instead, but my Shrimp Roll from Panera was satisfying and tasted good.
I didn't really want any of the merchandise offered, which is probably a good thing, but I would have liked to buy a program that had pictures of all 3 groups inside. I mean, it's a "package", right? But nothing was offered as a package aside from our tickets. I guess they don't want my money. We went to our seats, which were in Section 102. KP and I had bought our tickets separately, so I was in row 20, seat 19, which was on the aisle, and it was the back row of my level, so I could stand up and not worry about who was sitting behind me. We took pictures of each other and then got ready for lots of guys to sing. The stage was really cool because it extended all the way to the middle of the arena, so we had a good vantage point.
 |
| Video Board |
The set lists below are from the tour's Wikipedia site, because I didn't write anything down, and there were way too many songs to remember. Before each act, the video board showed the group's name, and then showed each individual with their name so that people like me would remember who the heck they are. Unfortunately, I didn't get very many facial details from the camera on my phone. I thought about bringing my camera, but didn't want it to get confiscated, as I had no car in which to put it in case they wouldn't allow it inside.
Boyz II Men
Set List:
 |
| Petal Confetti Falling on Everyone |
- The Boyz looked really good. They were all dressed in white, and I wanted their white baseball caps.
- They sounded great, too.
- When they mentioned that they were going to go way back to when they were singing together in high school, Karla and I both yelled out, "GEORGE!!!" We're crazy.
- During "I'll Make Love to You", confetti shaped like rose petals fell from the rafters. That was really cool. They were also giving out roses during the song, and I thought of Aura's story of a previous B2M concert.
- My favorite: "Motownphilly". I love watching them dance and still sing in the amazing way that they do.
- I still miss hearing a bass. I know that I need to get over it, but, well, you know.
98 Degrees
Set List:
"Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)"
"Girls Night Out"
"Invisible Man"
"The Hardest Thing"
"Ayo"
"My Everything"
"Can't Get Enough"
"I Do"
"Impossible Things"
"Because of You"
"Microphone"
 |
| 98 Degrees |
- I'm a bad boy band fan because I maybe knew 4 of those songs.
- KP and I agreed that we would have felt like total poseurs if we had been picked to sit on stage while they sang.whatever song it was that they sang. I was happy for the people they picked, though, and had a flashback to the time I was on stage with Rockapella.
- The usher near me commented that they should have done "The Hardest Thing" last because that's their best song. I was just happy that I knew that song.
- Also, I only remember Nick Lachey out of all 4 of those guys, mostly because of "The Sing-Off".
- I would have liked to hear "True to Your Heart". See? I do know something, because it was in "Mulan". But maybe then they'd need Stevie Wonder. Then my head might explode.
<Intermission>
KP and I walked around the lobby instead of standing around by our aisle seats. We asked usher Patrick to take a picture with us because he was nice to us. KP thinks of him as a Curtis. So he has the wrong name.
 |
| Us with "Curtis" |
NKOTB
The video board showed that we deserved to have fun tonight. We earned it. We were told to vow to party and enjoy ourselves. So, at this point, I screamed a lot. A LOT. I screamed a bit for B2M, too, but at this point I wondered if I'd be able to sing the next day.
"We Own Tonight" -- The guys were wearing white jackets and t-shirts with black/white geometric patterns, and black pants. There were several costume changes throughout the show. As soon as they got to the mid-arena stage, I saw the floor and figured that it would turn, like the stage in Les Miz. I can't remember what song it was that it happened, but it turned. Then it went UP. OMG, how totally cool! There were also 5 individual stages that popped up really high and KP and I both figured that Jon did not like that height thing.
"Block Party"
"Summertime"
"You Got It (The Right Stuff)" -- We all went crazy as soon as they did the dance steps from the video.
The blue lights on the microphone stands are awesome. Pella needs those.
 |
| 5 Blue Microphones |
"The Whisper"
"Survive You"
"Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)"
"Valentine Girl" -- Yay, Danny's singing solo, even for just a line or two.
 |
| New Kids Butts |
"If You Go Away"
"Please Don't Go Girl" -- This was the coolest part of the staging for me. Joe sang his solo from the center of the arena, the platform lifted up, and the lights around him were awesome. KP says that Scott Leonard needs a stage like this. I agree.
 |
| End of "Please Don't Go, Girl" |
"Remix (I Like The)" -- I think this is when Jordan did a dance solo. Or it was during Right Stuff.
"Single" -- So, um, Donnie made out with someone in the VIP area. Yeah, if I had money, I'd pay for that place, too. Although I would have been happier to see him kiss my fellow NKOTB fan, Mercedes. Many of us lived vicariously through the woman anyway. I mean, HELLO.
Medley: "Baby, I Believe in You" / "Tender Love" / "Click Click Click" -- They sat on stools and the stage turned them all around, while the musicians were on the stationary smaller stages adjacent to the middle. Aw, I miss seeing them pose at the end of Click3. I really liked "Tender Love".
Medley: "Faith" / "Kiss" / "Sexy and I Know It" / "Hot In Here" -- Joe sang the lead on "Faith", which was pretty damn hot. Jordan kicked it up a notch for "Kiss" and I almost lost my mind when he had his whole torso showing. They were both on the individual tall stages during their solos.
"Dirty Dancing" -- More sexiness. I wondered if Donnie would ever put his shirt back on. HIs pants were low, so, um, yeah.
 |
| The Backside of Donnie |
"Step By Step" -- We love those dance steps! I sang the 5 steps at the top of my lungs.
"Cover Girl" -- Oh, Donnie, I love you even when you sing flat.
"Games" -- Yay, Danny is breakdancing!
"Tonight" -- Joe brought out his very cute son and he did the intro. He's adorable.
"I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" -- Jordan had the middle stage to himself, which rose up. The other 4 guys were on the big stage singing back up. Jordan was like an angel singing up there. Perfect.
Encores:
"Hangin’ Tough" -- I refuse to cheer for a Boston team when we are in the House That The Lakers Built. KP laughed whenever she looked at me and I was shaking my head.
I waved goodbye to Patrick and we had a quiet Metro Ride home, although I may have received a contact high from all of the weed that I smelled at the Pico station and for a little while on he train.
 |
| Bye, Staples! |
That was fun. I deserved it. Great show!
Can we please have a New Edition / NKOTB tour now? Pretty please?
Can we please have a New Edition / NKOTB tour now? Pretty please?
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Sing-Off Season 3 Finale
So now I'm avoiding Twitter and Facebook in case there are any spoilers. Because tonight is the Live (on the East Coast) finale!
As you recall, I was torn last week, and decided not to vote. I held to that only because I totally forgot about it.
Group Performance: "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson
I like that sexy, slow opening. I also like how the Aires finally get to sing directly with girls. :) That was a pretty cool arrangement.
Pentatonix spent their charity time with The Trevor Project, which provides help to bullied kids.
Pentatonix: "Without You" by David Gueta feat. Usher
I didn't really like that opening. This is now the time where I wish that they could have done last week's show live, so that we could hear them without any fancy editing to influence our votes. No, I don't mean that they do their songs over, but sound levels and such make a strong impact on performances. Here, it's a negative effect for me. Don't get me wrong: I like Pentatonix. I just wonder how much of the other shows were more "produced" than tonight.
A little ditty from Vocal Point: "The Way You Look Tonight"
Oh, Will Arnett lookalike, how I've missed you.
Urban Method donated food to the Sickle Cell Foundation.
Urban Method: "Stereo Hearts" by Gym Class Heroes feat. Adam Levine
I'm again wondering about production, but not as much as with Pentatonix.
The Dartmouth Aires helped out Saving Strokes.
Dartmouth Aires: "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf
Michael's just awesome, and he's a good guy, too! Awwww. Wait. Who's that girl? She looks familiar. Oh, that's Amy from Delilah. How nice of her to join them!
Now it's time for the groups to sing with the regulars.
Pentatonix with Nick Lachey: "Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)" by 98 Degrees
I like how NIck said that they were the boy band that *didn't* dance. I was going to type that they sound great, then I heard a bad pitch, and then a bad chord. But they redeemed themselves.
A little ditty from The Deltones: "Edge of Glory"
Urban Method with Sara Bareilles: "Gonna Get Over You" by Sara Bareilles
They're kind of overpowering her sound, and hello, she's the LEAD.
A little ditty from Afro-Blue: "Let Your Hair Down"
I think that Shawn would have sung with Afro-Blue if they had made the finals. That would have been awesome. Alas, no.
Dartmouth Aires (with the studio audience), conducted by Ben Folds: "Not the Same"
See? Shawn's not singing with any of the groups! Instead, we're being told what to do by Ben, and I heard a bad note from Mr. Folds (ssshhh...don't tell him I said so). Shawn isn't even singing in this song.
A little ditty from the Yellowjackets: "And Then It Goes Back" (or something)
All-Girls: "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
Go, Girls!!! That was cool. Except for that last weird chord. Loved seeing all of the diva-ness.
A little ditty from North Shore: "The Lazy Song"
All-Boys: "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen
Awww. why aren't they all wearing sexy Springsteen jeans? I would have liked that. I like hearing the leads together. Great job! That was my favorite of the night.
A little ditty from Delilah: "Grenade" She sang that while siting down?! Wow.
Folger's commercials without Rockapella during "The Sing-Off"?! Sacrilege!
Smokey Robinson with Afro-Blue: "You've Really Got A Hold On Me"
See, even Smokey wants to sing with A-B. That was a nice balance between Smokey and the group. They could be his new Miracles. :)
A little ditty from The Collective: "I Will Survive"
Results
3rd place: Urban Method
Can we please lay the "rapapella" word to rest for now? Or forever, whatevs. You know, because I'm not the one that coined the word. ;)
Urban Method's Swan Song: "Coming Home" by Diddy Dirty Money & Skylar Grey
Aw, she's crying. It's really difficult to sing like that.
Now we get to look back on the journeys for the top 2.
The Dartmouth Aires' Michael needs a recording contract. If not with the Aires, then some other way, because the man has major talent.
Pentatonix is just too cool and innovative for words. So what were they called when they were just a trio? Did they ever say that? Kristi looks like she's going to cry no matter what happens.
1st place: Pentatonix
Congratulations!!!
New Champions Pentatonix song: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
So the Aires don't get a swan song? Bummer.
Next week: Sing-Off Christmas, Live
I don't think that I'll be blogging about that one, so until next season...Sing. Sing a song.
As you recall, I was torn last week, and decided not to vote. I held to that only because I totally forgot about it.
Group Performance: "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson
I like that sexy, slow opening. I also like how the Aires finally get to sing directly with girls. :) That was a pretty cool arrangement.
Pentatonix spent their charity time with The Trevor Project, which provides help to bullied kids.
Pentatonix: "Without You" by David Gueta feat. Usher
I didn't really like that opening. This is now the time where I wish that they could have done last week's show live, so that we could hear them without any fancy editing to influence our votes. No, I don't mean that they do their songs over, but sound levels and such make a strong impact on performances. Here, it's a negative effect for me. Don't get me wrong: I like Pentatonix. I just wonder how much of the other shows were more "produced" than tonight.
A little ditty from Vocal Point: "The Way You Look Tonight"
Oh, Will Arnett lookalike, how I've missed you.
Urban Method donated food to the Sickle Cell Foundation.
Urban Method: "Stereo Hearts" by Gym Class Heroes feat. Adam Levine
I'm again wondering about production, but not as much as with Pentatonix.
The Dartmouth Aires helped out Saving Strokes.
Dartmouth Aires: "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf
Michael's just awesome, and he's a good guy, too! Awwww. Wait. Who's that girl? She looks familiar. Oh, that's Amy from Delilah. How nice of her to join them!
Now it's time for the groups to sing with the regulars.
Pentatonix with Nick Lachey: "Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)" by 98 Degrees
I like how NIck said that they were the boy band that *didn't* dance. I was going to type that they sound great, then I heard a bad pitch, and then a bad chord. But they redeemed themselves.
A little ditty from The Deltones: "Edge of Glory"
Urban Method with Sara Bareilles: "Gonna Get Over You" by Sara Bareilles
They're kind of overpowering her sound, and hello, she's the LEAD.
A little ditty from Afro-Blue: "Let Your Hair Down"
I think that Shawn would have sung with Afro-Blue if they had made the finals. That would have been awesome. Alas, no.
Dartmouth Aires (with the studio audience), conducted by Ben Folds: "Not the Same"
See? Shawn's not singing with any of the groups! Instead, we're being told what to do by Ben, and I heard a bad note from Mr. Folds (ssshhh...don't tell him I said so). Shawn isn't even singing in this song.
A little ditty from the Yellowjackets: "And Then It Goes Back" (or something)
All-Girls: "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
Go, Girls!!! That was cool. Except for that last weird chord. Loved seeing all of the diva-ness.
A little ditty from North Shore: "The Lazy Song"
All-Boys: "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen
Awww. why aren't they all wearing sexy Springsteen jeans? I would have liked that. I like hearing the leads together. Great job! That was my favorite of the night.
A little ditty from Delilah: "Grenade" She sang that while siting down?! Wow.
Folger's commercials without Rockapella during "The Sing-Off"?! Sacrilege!
Smokey Robinson with Afro-Blue: "You've Really Got A Hold On Me"
See, even Smokey wants to sing with A-B. That was a nice balance between Smokey and the group. They could be his new Miracles. :)
A little ditty from The Collective: "I Will Survive"
Results
3rd place: Urban Method
Can we please lay the "rapapella" word to rest for now? Or forever, whatevs. You know, because I'm not the one that coined the word. ;)
Urban Method's Swan Song: "Coming Home" by Diddy Dirty Money & Skylar Grey
Aw, she's crying. It's really difficult to sing like that.
Now we get to look back on the journeys for the top 2.
The Dartmouth Aires' Michael needs a recording contract. If not with the Aires, then some other way, because the man has major talent.
Pentatonix is just too cool and innovative for words. So what were they called when they were just a trio? Did they ever say that? Kristi looks like she's going to cry no matter what happens.
1st place: Pentatonix
Congratulations!!!
New Champions Pentatonix song: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
So the Aires don't get a swan song? Bummer.
Next week: Sing-Off Christmas, Live
I don't think that I'll be blogging about that one, so until next season...Sing. Sing a song.
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Sing-Off 3.8
It's the Final Four.
Group Performance: Mash-up of a bunch of songs by Gwen Stefani, The Verve, Katy Perry and The Who
I'm really annoyed by Nick saying that a challenge is "all-vocal". What the hell else would it be on this show, Nick?! OK, I know that he's reading a teleprompter, but he needs to say something to the writers of this show, or else I'll continue to think he's an idiot.
First Challenge: Master Mix of 2 songs with different tempos and styles
Pentatonix: "Forget You" by Cee-Lo Green and "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
The key of the Cee-Lo is too low for the female lead, because she had an intonation problem in her solo. I don't really like the chord progression of the KC song. I like the way the lyrics in the mash-up mix, but I don't like the music. I do agree that the rhythm section was great, though.
Urban Method: "Hot in Here" by Nelly and "Fever" by Peggy Lee
Ooh, those are really differently styled songs. Let's see how they do. I like that! Go, girls with the "I wanna take my clothes off" move! Sexy. See? Sara agrees with me.
Afro-Blue: "I Believe I Can Fly" by R Kelly and "Fly" by Nicki MInaj & Rihanna
A little trouble with those opening chords, guys. It got a lot better, though, and turned into the lush jazz that I'm used to from them. The rap kicked butt, Mariah!
Dartmouth Aires: "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga and "Sympathy for the Devil" by the Rolling Stones
So what's with the palm leaf fans? Is that a devil thing? I like the pause before the battle between the leads. Very cool.
My pick for this set: Urban Method
Second Challenge: Judges' Pick
Pentatonix: "Dog Days are Over" by Florence + the Machine
I like how they start the song slower than I'm used to, then the beat picks up. They did this song really well, and redeemed themselves from the first song. 19 year olds?! Wow, that's incredible.
Urban Method: "All of the Lights" by Kanye West
I don't think it's much of a challenge to give a hip-hop song to the hip-hop group. Oh, they want to combine talents. I see. Ooh, what was that spacey sound that they all did together? That was neato.
Afro-Blue: "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke
That's a great choice of song for them. Kristi's voice is really smooth and comforting, I just sit back and smile when I listen to it. Sara, if y'all didn't confuse them along the way, you sure as hell confused me. Thank you for accepting who they are, even if it's just for today.
Dartmouth Aires: "Shout" by The Isley Brothers
This should be fun! But, wait. If you want them to show that they're not just entertainers but also recording artists, then why would you give them a song that is automatically entertaining? I don't get it, but I do love the way they perform this song. Michael's very bendy.
This is a diffcult one....my pick for this challenge is Afro-Blue.
Results
Moving on to the finale: Urban Method & Pentatonix
I'm so tired of Afro-Blue being in the bottom, especially when other groups' pitch issues are brought up, and they don't have that problem most of the time.
Reprise do-or-die encore for Afro-Blue: "American Boy" from episode 3.2.1
Dartmouth Aires: "Somebody to Love" from episode 3.5
Hmm...both of those were the favorites of the judges...but they're considering that song along with all of the other live performances from the season.
Sara's choice: Dartmouth Aires (emotionally moved her every time)
Shawn's choice: Afro-Blue (could have a long-standing career in music)
BTW, I'm feeling like this is contrived, but whatever.
Ben's choice: Dartmouth Aires (going with the most consistent)
You all know how I feel about the judges trying to change Afro-Blue's style every frickin' week. So just imagine how annoyed I am at this moment. How is someone supposed to be consistent when they're being told that their own style is wrong every week? AUGH!
Afro-Blues' swan song: "We've Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters
Man, how could they let this group go home?! Stupid judges. The song was gorgeous.
So it's our turn to vote. Hmmmm....I really don't have a favorite out of the remaining 3, nor do I hate any of them enough to vote against them. So maybe I'll just sit out from this voting session. Or maybe I just won't tell anyone in this post. :)
Next week: The Finale
Group Performance: Mash-up of a bunch of songs by Gwen Stefani, The Verve, Katy Perry and The Who
I'm really annoyed by Nick saying that a challenge is "all-vocal". What the hell else would it be on this show, Nick?! OK, I know that he's reading a teleprompter, but he needs to say something to the writers of this show, or else I'll continue to think he's an idiot.
First Challenge: Master Mix of 2 songs with different tempos and styles
Pentatonix: "Forget You" by Cee-Lo Green and "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
The key of the Cee-Lo is too low for the female lead, because she had an intonation problem in her solo. I don't really like the chord progression of the KC song. I like the way the lyrics in the mash-up mix, but I don't like the music. I do agree that the rhythm section was great, though.
Urban Method: "Hot in Here" by Nelly and "Fever" by Peggy Lee
Ooh, those are really differently styled songs. Let's see how they do. I like that! Go, girls with the "I wanna take my clothes off" move! Sexy. See? Sara agrees with me.
Afro-Blue: "I Believe I Can Fly" by R Kelly and "Fly" by Nicki MInaj & Rihanna
A little trouble with those opening chords, guys. It got a lot better, though, and turned into the lush jazz that I'm used to from them. The rap kicked butt, Mariah!
Dartmouth Aires: "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga and "Sympathy for the Devil" by the Rolling Stones
So what's with the palm leaf fans? Is that a devil thing? I like the pause before the battle between the leads. Very cool.
My pick for this set: Urban Method
Second Challenge: Judges' Pick
Pentatonix: "Dog Days are Over" by Florence + the Machine
I like how they start the song slower than I'm used to, then the beat picks up. They did this song really well, and redeemed themselves from the first song. 19 year olds?! Wow, that's incredible.
Urban Method: "All of the Lights" by Kanye West
I don't think it's much of a challenge to give a hip-hop song to the hip-hop group. Oh, they want to combine talents. I see. Ooh, what was that spacey sound that they all did together? That was neato.
Afro-Blue: "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke
That's a great choice of song for them. Kristi's voice is really smooth and comforting, I just sit back and smile when I listen to it. Sara, if y'all didn't confuse them along the way, you sure as hell confused me. Thank you for accepting who they are, even if it's just for today.
Dartmouth Aires: "Shout" by The Isley Brothers
This should be fun! But, wait. If you want them to show that they're not just entertainers but also recording artists, then why would you give them a song that is automatically entertaining? I don't get it, but I do love the way they perform this song. Michael's very bendy.
This is a diffcult one....my pick for this challenge is Afro-Blue.
Results
Moving on to the finale: Urban Method & Pentatonix
I'm so tired of Afro-Blue being in the bottom, especially when other groups' pitch issues are brought up, and they don't have that problem most of the time.
Reprise do-or-die encore for Afro-Blue: "American Boy" from episode 3.2.1
Dartmouth Aires: "Somebody to Love" from episode 3.5
Hmm...both of those were the favorites of the judges...but they're considering that song along with all of the other live performances from the season.
Sara's choice: Dartmouth Aires (emotionally moved her every time)
Shawn's choice: Afro-Blue (could have a long-standing career in music)
BTW, I'm feeling like this is contrived, but whatever.
Ben's choice: Dartmouth Aires (going with the most consistent)
You all know how I feel about the judges trying to change Afro-Blue's style every frickin' week. So just imagine how annoyed I am at this moment. How is someone supposed to be consistent when they're being told that their own style is wrong every week? AUGH!
Afro-Blues' swan song: "We've Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters
Man, how could they let this group go home?! Stupid judges. The song was gorgeous.
So it's our turn to vote. Hmmmm....I really don't have a favorite out of the remaining 3, nor do I hate any of them enough to vote against them. So maybe I'll just sit out from this voting session. Or maybe I just won't tell anyone in this post. :)
Next week: The Finale
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Sing-Off 3.7
We're down to the top 5, and it's R&B night.
Group Performance:Medley of "I Feel Good" by James Brown, "ABC" by The Jackson 5, "Crazy In Love" by Beyonce
First Challenge: Contemporary R&B
Dartmouth Aires: "Ignition (Remix)" by R Kelly
Uh-oh, they're getting really intense in rehearsal. I don't know this song. I like the "bounce bounce", though. I heard a couple of dissonant chords in there that my ear didn't like, but they're fun, as usual. Shawn's all tripping out on the sexy stuff. I'd like to hear them do all of "Trapped in the Closet", too, Ben. :)
Um, Nick: aren't all of the groups here an "all-vocal crew"? WTF?!
Urban Method: "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson feat. Kanye West
Yeah, I don't know this song, either. Again we're seeing that Katie has the strongest voice out of all of the women. Maybe they should force the other gals to sing a power song so that they can get the confidence they need, too.
Vocal Point: "Every Little Step" by Bobby Brown
I thought they were doing contemporary stuff? I guess that doesn't mean "songs Sherry doesn't know". ;) They wear their names on their sleeves. Some of these chords are just not working for me, guys, probably because people are not in tune. I like that all of the vocal percussionists get to show off with this genre. Tanner got to shine in this one! I love how Shawn is jealous of the bass men. Is Sara the only one with ears? How did the other judges get so snowed by all of the dancing? I mean, the dancing was fun, but the intonation was not as good as it should have been at this point in the competition. Maybe it's a sound balance thing that's off on the TV and not in the studio. Or maybe it's because I'm listening more than I'm watching so my senses aren't all distracted.
Afro-Blue: "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey
Uh-oh. There are a lot of lyrics to remember. The tempo is slower than I prefer, but they sound really good. Ack, except for that one chord. She has sparkly eyeshadow. Now Ben feels like they're really getting somewhere. Oh, Ben. They were somewhere a long time ago. Sometimes I feel like the judges' comments on the arranging are being said by the producers of the show who only want something they can control later on with the record company.
Pentatonix: "OMG" by Usher feat. Will.I.Am
Aw, Kevin is having a hard time with the explicit lyrics. So they couldn't pick a different song? I feel like the key is too low for the lead, but they pulled it off well.
My pick for this challenge goes to Pentatonix.
Second Challenge: Classic R&B
Dartmouth Aires: "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight & the Pips
A couple of chords were off, but I love hearing Michael sing. Sometimes there are just too many of them singing and it takes away from how simple the song should sound.
Urban Method: "It's Your Thing" by The Isley Brothers
There's more strength from the women! Thank you!
Vocal Point: "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations
OK, y'all know that I KNOW this song. :) Wait. They don't have a girl on stage to drag around. They did not disappoint me, making sure that they use Temps moves in their choreography. Where did Ben get the soul for that last run? And why didn't he use it for the whole song? Show them how it's done, Shawn!
Afro-Blue: "Best of My Love" by The Emotions
I absolutely love this song, so I'm glad that it's this group singing it. Interesting transitions to their jazzy style and back to the original. That made me smile a lot. So, what is it, Judges? Do you want them to do their style or don't you? Augh!
Pentatonix: "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
Wait. So Kevin is OK with these lyrics? That was awesome, and Shawn sure loved it!
My pick for this challenge: Pentatonix
Results
Moving on to next week: Pentatonix, Urban Method, Dartmouth Aires, and Afro-Blue
Vocal Point's Swan Song: "Let Me Go Home" by Michael Buble
Oh, Will Arnett Lookalike, I'll miss you.
Next week: America gets to vote
Group Performance:Medley of "I Feel Good" by James Brown, "ABC" by The Jackson 5, "Crazy In Love" by Beyonce
First Challenge: Contemporary R&B
Dartmouth Aires: "Ignition (Remix)" by R Kelly
Uh-oh, they're getting really intense in rehearsal. I don't know this song. I like the "bounce bounce", though. I heard a couple of dissonant chords in there that my ear didn't like, but they're fun, as usual. Shawn's all tripping out on the sexy stuff. I'd like to hear them do all of "Trapped in the Closet", too, Ben. :)
Um, Nick: aren't all of the groups here an "all-vocal crew"? WTF?!
Urban Method: "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson feat. Kanye West
Yeah, I don't know this song, either. Again we're seeing that Katie has the strongest voice out of all of the women. Maybe they should force the other gals to sing a power song so that they can get the confidence they need, too.
Vocal Point: "Every Little Step" by Bobby Brown
I thought they were doing contemporary stuff? I guess that doesn't mean "songs Sherry doesn't know". ;) They wear their names on their sleeves. Some of these chords are just not working for me, guys, probably because people are not in tune. I like that all of the vocal percussionists get to show off with this genre. Tanner got to shine in this one! I love how Shawn is jealous of the bass men. Is Sara the only one with ears? How did the other judges get so snowed by all of the dancing? I mean, the dancing was fun, but the intonation was not as good as it should have been at this point in the competition. Maybe it's a sound balance thing that's off on the TV and not in the studio. Or maybe it's because I'm listening more than I'm watching so my senses aren't all distracted.
Afro-Blue: "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey
Uh-oh. There are a lot of lyrics to remember. The tempo is slower than I prefer, but they sound really good. Ack, except for that one chord. She has sparkly eyeshadow. Now Ben feels like they're really getting somewhere. Oh, Ben. They were somewhere a long time ago. Sometimes I feel like the judges' comments on the arranging are being said by the producers of the show who only want something they can control later on with the record company.
Pentatonix: "OMG" by Usher feat. Will.I.Am
Aw, Kevin is having a hard time with the explicit lyrics. So they couldn't pick a different song? I feel like the key is too low for the lead, but they pulled it off well.
My pick for this challenge goes to Pentatonix.
Second Challenge: Classic R&B
Dartmouth Aires: "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight & the Pips
A couple of chords were off, but I love hearing Michael sing. Sometimes there are just too many of them singing and it takes away from how simple the song should sound.
Urban Method: "It's Your Thing" by The Isley Brothers
There's more strength from the women! Thank you!
Vocal Point: "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations
OK, y'all know that I KNOW this song. :) Wait. They don't have a girl on stage to drag around. They did not disappoint me, making sure that they use Temps moves in their choreography. Where did Ben get the soul for that last run? And why didn't he use it for the whole song? Show them how it's done, Shawn!
Afro-Blue: "Best of My Love" by The Emotions
I absolutely love this song, so I'm glad that it's this group singing it. Interesting transitions to their jazzy style and back to the original. That made me smile a lot. So, what is it, Judges? Do you want them to do their style or don't you? Augh!
Pentatonix: "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
Wait. So Kevin is OK with these lyrics? That was awesome, and Shawn sure loved it!
My pick for this challenge: Pentatonix
Results
Moving on to next week: Pentatonix, Urban Method, Dartmouth Aires, and Afro-Blue
Vocal Point's Swan Song: "Let Me Go Home" by Michael Buble
Oh, Will Arnett Lookalike, I'll miss you.
Next week: America gets to vote
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