Mouth Off 06.28.09

Posted on June 28, 2009 by admin

Listen to the show right here:

Or use this link to download the mp3 and take it with you.

Opening Michael Jackson is among the most covered artists in a cappella. A brief tribute features aca versions of Smooth Criminal, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Human Nature, Thriller, Billie Jean, Black or White, and Workin’ Day and Night.

Musical Mouthful The BU Dear Abbeys divide and conquer in “The Ascent of Stan” from their album Abbeys Road.

This is Not an Instrument Bubs’ “Come Sail Away” is probably better than the original, but Christopher is more amazed that it has no instruments!

In Your Earbuds Dave’s old high school classmates have a band called Forrest Day that stretches the boundaries of singing with a filthy, devil-may-care sound every a cappella singer could learn from.

Classical Corner Don’t be distracted by Christopher’s British accent; the important thing is to remember our collective a cappella musical roots. Eric Whitacre FTW.

Album Review Italian powergroup Cluster sings the best wrong chords ever on their new album Steps. Dave has the album on repeat, while Christopher wants to join the group. Pick up the album on iTunes when it drops July 7.

Comments

Lisa on June 29th, 2009

You mentioned me!!! I officially love you guys more than anything in the world. *grin*
Shannon on June 29th, 2009

I just discovered your show. I am a recovering a cappellist meaning I sang all through high school and college (I too was a voice major) and then the “real” world got me and my a cappella went with it. I love your show. What a great way to keep in touch with all the great groups out there. I for one cannot wait to pick up Cluster’s new album as it is right up my alley. I am a new fan!
Prince on July 1st, 2009

Wonderful CLUSTER!!!
Great Steps!!!
alan on July 2nd, 2009

You guys are awesome, thanks for the MJ clips and the dedication. It was the only memorial to MJ i’ve seen or heard that didn’t make me violently ill. MJ brought percussion sounds to a mainstream worldwide audience.
Michael Hartshorn on July 4th, 2009

I have to agree with Chris on the clip of Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine…THAT WAS BREATHTAKING!!!! I found a high school version, but didn’t really like the sound of it. Is there any group that performs it that you would recommend listening to?
Andrea Asuaje on July 5th, 2009

@Michael Hartshorn The BYU Singers perform an incredible version of “Leonardo.” I would STRONGLY recommend buying Eric Whitacre’s “The Complete A Cappella Works: 1991-2001,” as it includes “Leonardo” and my favorites, “Three Songs of Faith” by e.e.cummings. A group called Polyphony also has a great recording of many of his works (the CD is called “Cloudburst and Other Choral Works”), so I recommend Polyphony as well. Hope that helps!
Kim Dupre on July 8th, 2009

First of all, a big thank you to Chris and Dave for reviewing Cluster’s new CD! I’ve been looking forward to it for quite a while. I want to say, though, I’ve noticed that iTunes doesn’t have “Steps” available yet. However, you can buy the CD off of their website at clustervocal.com.

And to Andrea, those two albums are my favorite Eric Whitacre CDs ever! Great recommendations.
T.C. on July 14th, 2009

AAAGH! Here it is July 14th, and I still can’t get Cluster’s “Steps” on iTunes! AAAAGH!!!!!

cant…. take… much…. more…. waiting!
admin on July 14th, 2009

I heard it’s available on their website, FWIW. -DB
Bill Hare on November 6th, 2009

Due to a label switch, the release of “Steps” was delayed – until now. It was released yesterday on the largest Italian digital store as an exclusive for this week, where it is already #2 on the site (http://www.dada.it – check it out). November 13, it FINALLY hits iTunes! As a bonus, a whole other Cluster album will also drop in November – “Christmas Present” on November 28. You can probably guess what type of songs are on that album, and you’ll probably hear a preview from Dave and Christopher soon anyway!
-B