First, a few words from YouTubers.
And me?
First thing's first. I don't know Ben Sae-Tang from Adam, but if I were to pick an Octet song to represent him, it would be Blackbird. Ben seems sweet natured and quiet/peaceful (in contrast to the shouty Boot Camp Ben in the Spring 03 opening video.) But, again, I don't know him.
Whenever I watch this video I really appreciate how appropriately understated the backs are. No one is showboating, not even Ben, which makes them great fun to watch. It's great when the cameraman pans over the guys singing backup. Jason, if you're reading this: Thank your father again. :)
The Octet work together to make the song sound beautiful. And mad props to Rick for his whistling tour de force. I base much of my admiration of others on what they can and I cannot do. Whistling on demand without a major bout of the giggles is one of them. Singing is another. It's no wonder I am such an Octet fan.
As you can tell from the above YouTube post, I had something of an A Cappella epiphany with this song. Listening to it, I realized what a beautiful musical instrument the human voice is. So, if your keeping track, Not Pretty Enough introduced me to te Octet, Lets Stay Together made me fall in love, and Blackbird made me appreciate the concept of A Cappella.
Now, I have to say that I am a follower of A Cappellism. I am a devout A Cappellist and my devotion is first and foremost to the UC Men's Octet: who are giants in the collegiate a cappella community.
Nirvana Medley is one of the two videos I use to introduce people to the Octet. I think it showcases their talent and humor + the youngsters love their hippy music. (Just kidding.)
I live in Seattle at the moment, and in the late 1990's - 2004 I lived in Aberdeen, Washington (home of Kurt Cobain - well, I've seen the memorial bridge, anyway.) I should know more about Nirvana, but I don't. I know Kurt's house was sold for a buttload of money while I lived in the Tri-Cities. I was never into the music or the grunge movement, but Nirvana Medley makes 'Happy" because of the Octet. Well done, Octet.
The songs in the Medley are: All Apologies, Lithium and Smells Like Teen Spirit. I enjoyed the Octet video before I ever heard a Nirvana song. The researcher in me wanted to catch the comparison, so I saw the orignial Nirvana videos and they were pretty good. After watching some of the Nirvana videos on YouTube I think I appreciated the Octet's skill even more.
So, the first soloist, Jason Mabie, does he bear any resemblence to any one famous? A lot of people on YouTube seem to think so.
The following are unsolicited responses from a few of the videos that were posted on YouTube (Nirvana Medley being one of them.)
'He reminds me of Jack Black.'
'4:02 is jack black'...
'Is it just me, or does he look like jack black?'
'4:05 dude look like jack black'
And, of course, Jason's comments make it even funnier.
'Does anyone else get a sort of jack black essence...'
'The guy around 4:20 looks like jack black.'
'hahaha the lead dude looks like a young jack black'
I can honestly say this is my favorite YouTube post.
Okay, confession time. I never called Jason Mabie "the guy who looks like Jack Black". I would never stoop that low...well, okay, around my house Jason has been called "Nirvana Guy" by the roomies. Guess who started that. And then, a couple of months ago he bacame "Jaaaayson." Buy you'll read more about that later. Is that better or worse than Jack Black?
So, a few of the Octet have passing resemblances to other well known (and not so well known) celebrities. We can discuss that at a later date, as well.
On to other business...I'm thinking of taking down or revamping the Forum. My thoughts are that either 1.) People don't want a forum 2.) People are shy or 3.) No Octet fans have seen the page, and looky-loos don't post. So, if you're an Octet fan: please post.
Another thought is that there are too many topics, or what I'm posting is too weird/boring/whatever. Hmmm...feedback is awesome. Tell me what you want and I'll do my best to oblige.
Till next time.
Tiff-a-nater
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