Hey Octet Fans! 

Another review piece for the "Gold" CD. This time, it's the Octet's arrangement of "Hair" from the 1960's hippy musical that goes by the same name. Since the Octet's version was my first encounter with the song, I'd like to begin by letting you see and hear the original. Well, it's from the movie...made in 1979. 
You can see it in the video: youth, anti-establishment, free-love, violent prison beatings...oh well, there have to be some drawbacks to having long hair, eh. It's an entertaining clip. 

But this was my introduction to the musical. 

The Octet's version actually begins with "She asks me why I'm just a hairy guy." I took the sample from a several seconds into the song. 
The arrangement is wonderful. The soloist has a great/strong voice, and the backing singers really make this song fly. Every time I hear this song, I'm literally bopping my head to the music and singing  loudly with the Octet (much to the chagrin of those around me.) 

For me, since I heard the Octet version before the movie version, I have to say that the Octo-version sounds "more correct". The perfect version. 

This is one of my 3 FAVORITES on the Gold CD (and, indeed, one of my favorites for all the Octet music I have or have heard.) I like all of their music. I love most of their music. But this. This is spec-freaking-tacular!

So...I guess I'll just be doing spot-reviews. I did figure out what I did wrong with the uploads. No. It wasn't the computer. It was me. I take all the blame for that. 

And, with that, I shall review again. Possibly Friday. But I procrastinate, so don't hold me to it. 
 
 
Hey Octet Fans. I'm going to post this review in a few installments because after my computer returned from being repaired it decided it was INSANE. So...I'm working with what it will allow me to do at the moment. 


Gold was released in the YEAR 2000, and features the ICCA award winning members of the UC Men's Octet. The ICCA's are a big deal. It's like the Grammy Awards of the collegiate a cappella world. (Well, maybe not exactly)  and the Octet are the only group who won 2 years "in a row". (Why is "in a row" in quotes? Well, between the first and second year that the Octet won the ICCA's, there were no regional championships.) 

That being said. Onto the music. (Tracks 1-3 of 18) 
Let's begin with "Eight's Company" - a parody of the 70's/80's theme song "Three's Company". I spent my early childhood watching this show, and I love how the Octet arranged this song. If you compare it to the original, you will find that it's quite different from the memorable theme song, but the Octet arrangement is quite good and enjoyable as they have it. Eight's Company showcases their humor as well as their musical ability. I think this is a great song, and wish it were actually longer - but what can you do with a theme song - unless you incorporate it into a "medley". Well, I guess it would still be short...never mind.
Teenager In Love - originally recorded by Dion and the Belmonts in the late 1950's, is higher energy than the original. The speaking parts and included add character to the song, as does the humorous backing vocals.  ((Soloist:) I cried a tear, for nobody but (Backs:) whoever he points to..)
This is another case where I have found that my love of the UC Men's Octet has introduced me to music I never would have been interested in listening to otherwise. They continue to open doors for my love of music. 
Next, Little Red Riding Hood, originally by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs   is another song that I had not known pre-Octet, and it is one of my favorites. It must be very popular, because it is included in at least 4 Octet albums. 

The song presents the wolf as pursuing Little Red, a "little big girl" and encourages her to trust her as he walks with her to gammas place in his "sheep suit". Enjoyable the whole way through. Especially the "listen to me" scale and the ending "ruff." 
I will try to add to the review and I am able. 
Track 4 will be "Hair" from the musical of the same name. 
Track 5 "She's Got A Way" (Billy Joel) 
Track 6 "Silhouettes" (The Rays) will be the next few songs in the review. 

Authors Note: I was nearly thrown out of the coffee shop I was in because I plugged my headphones into the wrong hole and had the volume WAAAY UP...Maybe it's not the computer, but the operator that has issues, eh? So, as my computer allows me, I will add to the review a few songs at a time. Thank you all for your patience. 
 
 
The UC Men's Octet will be performing a FREE show Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 8 pm. The show will be at 155 Dwinelle Hall. It will be an amazing show! Go if you can. Current Members. New Members. Audience Participation & a cappella fun! 
Update: Also, May 1st is SUPER SPROUL (every song the Octet knows!), another free show. I believe it begins at 1:00 pm 
 
 
A big congratulations to the newest members of The UC Men's OctetRochit Gupta,Raymond Sun, and Charles Murray
 
 
Hey Octet fans. I let you down again. My mother passed away this week, and my thoughts and attentions lie elsewhere. 

Thank you for your understanding. Gold review will be upcoming...but it might be a while. 


 
 
Welp, my computer is in the shop, and I'm on a loaner - so I guess I can actually finally do my "Gold" review. I'll try to make it happen on my next day off (Wednesday). Here's hoping! :D 

Update - still trying to figure out how to get the music into the review in a streamlined way. I'm thinking Friday. See ya then...
 
 
ENJOY!
 
 
 
 
 

Now! 

03/09/2013

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http://www.ustream.tv/ucmensoctet

It's happening now!
Go there. 
The '02-'03 Guys did BoRhap. I'm freakin'! 
I am so proud to be a fan of the UC Men's Octet. What I was able to see, the '02-'03 guys did Not Pretty Enough and Bohemian Rhapsody - and they were fantastic! I think Max Cowan stepped in for Jason Mabie. 
The current group BLEW MY SOCKS OFF! Wow! What a night! 

I was so fortunate to get to see at least some of the show. I found the link after I was released from work early - I was supposed to work until 11:30 p.m., but got off at a little after 8 p.m.), and then found the link on facebook. 

(If you missed the March 9 show, they'll be back tomorrow, and I'm sure they will stream it using the same link. So tomorrow at 8:00 pm. Be there!)

 

UC Men's Octet, Men's A Cappella, Music, Fan Page