I was wondering, with the tons of Octet standards and new songs which are arranged by each years groups, how the songs were picked for each of the Octet cds. So I asked Brandon Swansfeger from the 01-03 Octet, and this was the reply I got.

"The first two criteria are quality and popularity. The next factor is whether the song has been on a previous recording, and if so, how long has it been since that recording was published (we try to keep things fresh and new). Lastly, we try to get as many people doing solos as possible, but sometimes the first three criteria limits who can solo on each cd so that not everyone has a recorded solo."

Makes sense to me.

Now, go and head on to Brandon's YouTube channel to check out his videos and show him some Octet-love. (He solos in "Somebody's Crying" on his page and has an incredible voice!)
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Link to Brandons youtube page
Oh, and you might want to pick up the Octet's most recent CD, "High Octane", which features the '03-06 Octet. Information on how to purchase the cd is on the Links page.
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Have you ever had one of those days when every part of your life was crashing down around your ears, and then at just about midnight on April Fool's Eve, someone does something to make you smile? Well, I have. I'm not sure who it was, but someone sent me a YouTube link with 2 fantastic Octo-videos on it. I mean Old school videos. Like '03-04 Old School! And they made me smile. Not that everything is all great right now, but smiling in the midst of being absolutely lost and not knowing what to do next is pretty okay.
I've seen DoReMi done a few times by the Octet, on Sproul and in concert - videos of course. The guys Left to Right are "Fraulein" Robin Kong, Jordan "Liesl" Meyer, Rafa"Louisa" de Leon, Max "Frederich" Cowan, Parker "Kurt" Sims, Brian "Brigitta" Boshes and Josh "Marta" Chang. (Jason "Gretyl" Mabie left the group earlier in the semester for personal reasons, but is alive and well and still enjoys a good song.) Robin clearly steals the show as Fraulein Kong. All the guys are having fun, and the audience obviously loves it. (Looks like it was an audience request.) Also, according to the YouTube site, this was the first annual Unbuttened show. Good on you, men.
So, this is R. Kelly's Ignition Remix. I've never heard the original but this sounds good to me. I'm just enjoying the video. :D Can't stop smiling. "Bounce bounce bounce." 

Again OMGOMG, thanks for the link.
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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.)

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'He reminds me of Jack Black.'
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'4:02 is jack black'...
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'Is it just me, or does he look like jack black?'
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'4:05 dude look like jack black'

And, of course, Jason's comments make it even funnier.

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'Does anyone else get a sort of jack black essence...'
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'The guy around 4:20 looks like jack black.'
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'hahaha the lead dude looks like a young jack black'
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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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