What really sets Geoff’s version apart for me is the sound design. He put so much work into the background sounds and instruments that create this wonderful, dark atmosphere at the beginning and then builds into something grand at the end. It’s a masterpiece!
Loved how AJ's mouth was hanging open for the last part of the song.....lol. This is my personal favorite version of this song, even over the original. Great reaction guys.
Thurl Ravenscroft is the singer you referred to , he recorded quite a few songs for Disney "Grim Grinning Ghosts" ,"Headless Horseman", "You're a Mean One Mr Grinch" song you talked about, "Saddle Up" and many others. Geoff and VP have covered all the songs I listed . As others have stated he 's a fan.
This (for me) is a mesmerizing cover of the song. Ya’ll mentioned the goosebumps it inspires - even after many, many listens. His rendition and visuals feel to me as if he is echoing on an empty, black stage. Visually indicating that ‘vision softly creeping’ as if it is all happening in his mind. I have a visceral reaction to it. And regarding the mention of the singer of “The Grinch” - that would be Thurl Ravenscroft (I’m pretty sure I got that right?). He is apparently Geoff’s ‘bass hero’, so I think Geoff would feel even more blessed to hear you say that. And come Christmastime, ya’ll will really need to check out VoicePlay’s “Grinch”.
Oh man, with Christmas coming up you guys should react to VoicePlay's cover of The Grinch. Geoff hits a pretty high note at the end of that one too. He way up there and then drops right back into the basement. Also, Geoff's cover of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen has become a Christmas classic for me. I absolutely love it.
A very on point description that I read under another reaction, and that I share, has been: The original by S&G was like "We should pay attention to this"; Pentatonix was like "We could still fix it, if we work on it together; Disturbed was like "You were warned, didn't listen, and now you MUST PAY!"; Geoff is like "I'm so, so sorry..." I also love what Geoff did with the arrangement... As always. He's very VERY good at that. 🙂 I'm not familiar with Tim Foust and Peter Hollens version, I'll have to listen to it. 🙂 Thanks for this chance to go through all these versions. Each of them kind of highlights different sides, aspects and emotions in the song. Very, very interesting. 🙂 See you next time! EDIT: just watched Hollens/Foust version. Very good, likely the most reminiscent of the original, with a genius final. Yet, emotionally, it still is the most similar to the original, and (at my ears) the less "defined" emotionally. Of course it may be me 🙂. And I may be wrong, it tends to happen often enough, and I'm getting used to it 😅. I definitely suggest you to react to Disturbed's version of this song. It'll be worth the while. 🙂
On AJ's point about "the guy who sang You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" - that was Thurl Ravenscroft. He's also the original voice of Tony the Tiger, so there's that. And Geoff really admires Thurl Ravenscroft as a singer - so much that he's actually used the techniques that Thurl used to darken and change his vocal tone. If you think back to Geoff's I See Fire - that first verse that Geoff (Thorin Oakenshield) sang was using Thurl's techniques to "artificially" darken Geoff's tone, so it sounds deeper than it actually is. The 2nd (clean-shaven) Geoff was using Geoff's normal singing tone, with perhaps a little breathiness thrown in, as Geoff normally has full vocal-fold closure even in his lower notes. As for Geoff's version of the song, it took me a few listens before I fully (I think) appreciated what Geoff was doing, and how much detail he included in the song. Even to "echoing" the lyric of "echoed" at 07:15 (the second time) of your reaction. There are points where he strayed slightly from the original melody for a few bars, but he always comes back quickly, and it just serves to make the song his version, not a copycat of the original. This is certainly in the top 3 of versions of the song I've heard, and maybe top 2.
Geoff is more rock high where as Tim is doo wop high. Geoff is finally showing us what he has always been capable of. Geoff has a way of reaching deep down into your soul with his voice.
This was the first time Geoff sang harmony without showing the clones. I think it was a smart move on his part, they would have gotten in the way of the lyrics. This arrangement is my favorite. Loved your reaction!! There are singers who sing higher and lower than Geoff. What is impressive to me is the clarity of his tone. Brilliant!!
You all are fairly new to my channel rotation, and I want to tell you first how much I have been enjoying your reaction videos. I will probably check out the podcast tomorrow. I was around when Simon and Garfunkel released this song (and many others, too, lol. I am olde) and I am enjoying watching the reactions. So far you have a stellar line-up, and I would be hard-pressed to rank the acts, but Geoff does indeed have that once-in-a-generation voice. He's also very easy on the eyes, lol. His phrasing, and his mastery over the technical gymnastics he runs his instrument through are awe-inspiring. He emotes while singing in a manner that transcends what could have been merely a recorded vocal performance, lifting it into the performance of a one-act play. As familiar as this song is to me, this was something else. Paul Simon wrote a song back in the 60s, lamenting the ills that were befalling society; he recorded it with his friend (at the time) Art in the folk-rock style and it owned those of us who were listening. Lo, these many years later it is being reinvented by Geoff, and others who also do more than simple justice to their renditions of the song. Geoff though, he really is something else, isn't he? So far he is in the lead for my nod. Thanks, y'all, you make me laugh!
I grew up with Simon & Garfunkel was 10 in 1964. My granddaughter introduced me to Disturbed's cover. I was already a fan of Geoff's hit in All the Feels. Good luck guys I have my own list. The Grinch singer was Thur Ravenscroft. The other two guys you were trying to remember are Tim Foust for the Growl and David Larson for the subharmonics.
Great reaction! For me, this is up there with David Draimen's version, though they're different enough that they can't really be compared, they're both amazing, but it would take a novel to explain how and why, for either version! Just a friendly suggestion-when you pause a video, when you go back to it, rewind in maybe 10 or so seconds. That way you don't risk missing anything, and we get to re-listen to whatever you just commented on.
AJ! Great shirt! Voiceplay just released "Whiskey In The Jar," an old Irish ballad. It's extremely different from anything they've done before. While I personally am not super fond of the lyrics, the singing is fantastic.
I had to go back to rewatch your reactions to the other groups and I’d have to say in this reaction video that’s the quietest I’ve seen y’all. You all were so riveted by Geoff’s performance, that reaction of reverent silence speaks for itself in my opinion. It shows that Geoff crafted his cover so well, The music, lighting choice, when to start building onto the harmonies etc are so attention catching that you almost hate to pause the video until it’s played through the whole thing. Not just from watching it for the first time, but every time it’s watched (at least that’s how I am with his version). Haha I’m seriously in awe with how quiet you guys were (this is why I listen to Geoff and Voiceplay when I need to get things done, they are able to quiet the voices in my brain so I can focus on getting tasks done start to finish. AJ I know you love the original, but I think Geoff takes the cake (at least for me).
Well I think the guys liked it lol. Geoff is a very talented man, he has an incredible range and his visual effects were very effective for this song, I love that his voice can stand on its own so well as well as his layered voice filling so much space up. Very enjoyable, gave me goosebumps most of the way through, double thumbs up. Came across a cover of this song recently by Corvyx, although his voice is kind of the other end of the range from Geoff, his sustained high notes also made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
I love Simon and Garfunkel's original, I loved the version by Disturbed, and I love this one. All good, all different. But Geoff brings the goosebumps. :) He knows exactly how to do that.
I always loved the original, but my favorite version of this song belongs to Disturbed, with Geoff coming in second. I just feel so moved by Geoffs arrangement and the choices he made for this song. It's beautiful. ❤ Looking forward to hearing your guys final verdict on your fav Edit* speaking of the Grinch, you guys should do a battle of that for December. There are rock/metal versions, the original (from Thurl Ravenscroft), Pentatonix did it and VoicePlay did it. That would be fun!
This is now my official 3rd favorite version of this song and it feels like an injustice that its not higher. Disturbed is still my favorite and the hope PTX brings to the song makes it number 2 but there is no denying how great this version is and I would not be surprised if some people like it the most. It's that good. The crime is that Simon & Garfunkel are now 4th. They are the originals. NONE of these better versions would even exist without them.
Thurl Ravenscroft did the cartoon version of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Geoff is heavily influenced by him, he does several of his songs. ANNNND Voiceplay does a version of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" that is delightful and awesome and fun...just don't look away, and make sure you watch (maybe in the next month or so?) to the VERY END! I mean, let the video actually stop!
Loved Simon & Garfunkel's music which is also poetry. Geoff's version is so beautiful. I think his version carries hope as well. I see you all with goosebumps. VoicePlay dropped a new video - Whiskey in the Jar - an old, old Irish song.
With the 4 we've heard so far. 1. PTX (I 'm an Pentaholic so I'm biased. The singing. The harmonies. The hope.) 2. Geoff (An instant like. I'd never heard this version it's so so so so good.) 3. Simon & Garfunkel (NONE, ZERO of these cover would exist without them. They should be #1 for that reason alone.) 4. PH & TF (A very good version of the song but in my opinion it just can't break the top 3.)
Isn't it wonderful that there are such fantastic covers that it is REALLY hard to rank them? Geoff reigned himself in on this one - to the betterment of the song. As for his range, Tim always says that to extend your lower end, you have to push your upper limit - and it sounds like Geoff has been working there, too. I don't think I've heard him quite as high and light before. this was a great version. #1? Not sure. We will see.
I enjoyed the version and he has a great voice. Vocally he is second to none. Only thing lacking for me emotion coming from him. I think it's the best of the four I heard.
Geoff just makes the mood match the lyrics like no other. Ptx version is technically great but to me lacks emotion. I didn't think disturbed mood matched the words. I've always loved the original. But this is now my favorite
PTX did a great cover, but it’s Disturbed’s cover done acepella. This sounds very different with a more hopeful feeling. S&G was the warning, Disturbed is the anger, depression and anxiety for ignoring the warning and Geoff is the hopefulness to change . The only part I’m not 💯on with this cover is one bass note that doesn’t feel like it needs to be there. 10/10 regardless
This one is right up at the top for me, closely followed by the Disturbed version. I always found the original to be a little to upbeat for the lyrics imo.
I'm of the (probably very unpopular) opinion that Geoff plays too much with his range. But, in this, Geoff actually used his range masterfully to highlight the meaning and emotion of the song. I will fair and wait until all versions sung. This has been an interesting journey. Looking forward to the last two.
I agree with Butcher, I love what Geoff does. In most cases. Not knowing what your next two are, so we will see. As far as the original, it's lovely but when you listen to more current interpretations, Paul and Simon are still lovely but feels dated.
Geoff is incredible! He is so extremely talented. Love your reactions!
Couldn't agree more!
What really sets Geoff’s version apart for me is the sound design. He put so much work into the background sounds and instruments that create this wonderful, dark atmosphere at the beginning and then builds into something grand at the end. It’s a masterpiece!
Loved how AJ's mouth was hanging open for the last part of the song.....lol. This is my personal favorite version of this song, even over the original. Great reaction guys.
Thurl Ravenscroft is the singer you referred to , he recorded quite a few songs for Disney "Grim Grinning Ghosts" ,"Headless Horseman", "You're a Mean One Mr Grinch" song you talked about, "Saddle Up" and many others. Geoff and VP have covered all the songs I listed . As others have stated he 's a fan.
This (for me) is a mesmerizing cover of the song. Ya’ll mentioned the goosebumps it inspires - even after many, many listens. His rendition and visuals feel to me as if he is echoing on an empty, black stage. Visually indicating that ‘vision softly creeping’ as if it is all happening in his mind. I have a visceral reaction to it.
And regarding the mention of the singer of “The Grinch” - that would be Thurl Ravenscroft (I’m pretty sure I got that right?). He is apparently Geoff’s ‘bass hero’, so I think Geoff would feel even more blessed to hear you say that. And come Christmastime, ya’ll will really need to check out VoicePlay’s “Grinch”.
Oh man, with Christmas coming up you guys should react to VoicePlay's cover of The Grinch. Geoff hits a pretty high note at the end of that one too. He way up there and then drops right back into the basement. Also, Geoff's cover of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen has become a Christmas classic for me. I absolutely love it.
Going to echo that about "God Rest..." It is a stellar rendition!
This one 100 percent it is so unique and he really plays with the “sounds” of silence. This is a sophisticated version the best by far
Geoff brings new definition to the song.
Confusion is adorable on all of you. This is what I was hoping for when yall told me this reaction was coming. Great job guys.
A very on point description that I read under another reaction, and that I share, has been:
The original by S&G was like "We should pay attention to this";
Pentatonix was like "We could still fix it, if we work on it together;
Disturbed was like "You were warned, didn't listen, and now you MUST PAY!";
Geoff is like "I'm so, so sorry..."
I also love what Geoff did with the arrangement... As always. He's very VERY good at that. 🙂
I'm not familiar with Tim Foust and Peter Hollens version, I'll have to listen to it. 🙂
Thanks for this chance to go through all these versions. Each of them kind of highlights different sides, aspects and emotions in the song. Very, very interesting. 🙂
See you next time!
EDIT: just watched Hollens/Foust version. Very good, likely the most reminiscent of the original, with a genius final. Yet, emotionally, it still is the most similar to the original, and (at my ears) the less "defined" emotionally. Of course it may be me 🙂. And I may be wrong, it tends to happen often enough, and I'm getting used to it 😅.
I definitely suggest you to react to Disturbed's version of this song. It'll be worth the while. 🙂
You're right. That the best description I ever heard! Or read, as it were.
Geoff redefined this song with this cover, I love it! Thanks for the reaction!!
One of the things about this version that I love was the various sounds of static and distortion that are what "silence" actually sounds like to me.
On AJ's point about "the guy who sang You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" - that was Thurl Ravenscroft. He's also the original voice of Tony the Tiger, so there's that. And Geoff really admires Thurl Ravenscroft as a singer - so much that he's actually used the techniques that Thurl used to darken and change his vocal tone. If you think back to Geoff's I See Fire - that first verse that Geoff (Thorin Oakenshield) sang was using Thurl's techniques to "artificially" darken Geoff's tone, so it sounds deeper than it actually is. The 2nd (clean-shaven) Geoff was using Geoff's normal singing tone, with perhaps a little breathiness thrown in, as Geoff normally has full vocal-fold closure even in his lower notes.
As for Geoff's version of the song, it took me a few listens before I fully (I think) appreciated what Geoff was doing, and how much detail he included in the song. Even to "echoing" the lyric of "echoed" at 07:15 (the second time) of your reaction. There are points where he strayed slightly from the original melody for a few bars, but he always comes back quickly, and it just serves to make the song his version, not a copycat of the original. This is certainly in the top 3 of versions of the song I've heard, and maybe top 2.
Geoff is more rock high where as Tim is doo wop high. Geoff is finally showing us what he has always been capable of. Geoff has a way of reaching deep down into your soul with his voice.
This was the first time Geoff sang harmony without showing the clones. I think it was a smart move on his part, they would have gotten in the way of the lyrics. This arrangement is my favorite.
Loved your reaction!!
There are singers who sing higher and lower than Geoff. What is impressive to me is the clarity of his tone. Brilliant!!
Great reaction told you it was good. Sorry I had a small laugh when AJ mention Mr Grinch You're A Mean One because VoicePlay does that one song too.
You all are fairly new to my channel rotation, and I want to tell you first how much I have been enjoying your reaction videos. I will probably check out the podcast tomorrow.
I was around when Simon and Garfunkel released this song (and many others, too, lol. I am olde) and I am enjoying watching the reactions. So far you have a stellar line-up, and I would be hard-pressed to rank the acts, but Geoff does indeed have that once-in-a-generation voice. He's also very easy on the eyes, lol. His phrasing, and his mastery over the technical gymnastics he runs his instrument through are awe-inspiring. He emotes while singing in a manner that transcends what could have been merely a recorded vocal performance, lifting it into the performance of a one-act play. As familiar as this song is to me, this was something else. Paul Simon wrote a song back in the 60s, lamenting the ills that were befalling society; he recorded it with his friend (at the time) Art in the folk-rock style and it owned those of us who were listening. Lo, these many years later it is being reinvented by Geoff, and others who also do more than simple justice to their renditions of the song. Geoff though, he really is something else, isn't he? So far he is in the lead for my nod.
Thanks, y'all, you make me laugh!
I grew up with Simon & Garfunkel was 10 in 1964. My granddaughter introduced me to Disturbed's cover. I was already a fan of Geoff's hit in All the Feels. Good luck guys I have my own list. The Grinch singer was Thur Ravenscroft. The other two guys you were trying to remember are Tim Foust for the Growl and David Larson for the subharmonics.
I’m with Jerezy who said right away it was his favourite version ❤🏴
Great reaction! For me, this is up there with David Draimen's version, though they're different enough that they can't really be compared, they're both amazing, but it would take a novel to explain how and why, for either version!
Just a friendly suggestion-when you pause a video, when you go back to it, rewind in maybe 10 or so seconds. That way you don't risk missing anything, and we get to re-listen to whatever you just commented on.
Great suggestion! The easiest way to navigate that is to use UA-cam's built-in keyboard shortcuts. Pressing J rewinds the video 10 seconds.
@@missconstrues True, that's the best way.
He left us with the echo of his sound of silence in our ears.😊
His rumble is still in my bones!
AJ! Great shirt! Voiceplay just released "Whiskey In The Jar," an old Irish ballad. It's extremely different from anything they've done before. While I personally am not super fond of the lyrics, the singing is fantastic.
Beautiful... 🕊
❤❤❤❤
Geoff Castelucci and Dan Vasc are my favorite versions
Oh!!! I like this song ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love from Mordor ❤️🇷🇺❤️🥰
I had to go back to rewatch your reactions to the other groups and I’d have to say in this reaction video that’s the quietest I’ve seen y’all. You all were so riveted by Geoff’s performance, that reaction of reverent silence speaks for itself in my opinion. It shows that Geoff crafted his cover so well, The music, lighting choice, when to start building onto the harmonies etc are so attention catching that you almost hate to pause the video until it’s played through the whole thing. Not just from watching it for the first time, but every time it’s watched (at least that’s how I am with his version). Haha I’m seriously in awe with how quiet you guys were (this is why I listen to Geoff and Voiceplay when I need to get things done, they are able to quiet the voices in my brain so I can focus on getting tasks done start to finish.
AJ I know you love the original, but I think Geoff takes the cake (at least for me).
Need to do Hound and the Fox featuring Adam Chance from Home Free singing Sound of Silence
Very good reaction... just speak your mind! Thank you...🎉😊❤
Always!
Well I think the guys liked it lol. Geoff is a very talented man, he has an incredible range and his visual effects were very effective for this song, I love that his voice can stand on its own so well as well as his layered voice filling so much space up. Very enjoyable, gave me goosebumps most of the way through, double thumbs up.
Came across a cover of this song recently by Corvyx, although his voice is kind of the other end of the range from Geoff, his sustained high notes also made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
I love Simon and Garfunkel's original, I loved the version by Disturbed, and I love this one. All good, all different. But Geoff brings the goosebumps. :) He knows exactly how to do that.
I always loved the original, but my favorite version of this song belongs to Disturbed, with Geoff coming in second. I just feel so moved by Geoffs arrangement and the choices he made for this song. It's beautiful. ❤ Looking forward to hearing your guys final verdict on your fav
Edit* speaking of the Grinch, you guys should do a battle of that for December. There are rock/metal versions, the original (from Thurl Ravenscroft), Pentatonix did it and VoicePlay did it. That would be fun!
From the Middle i liked it👂🎼❗️
I thought the piano overpowered him in the first part of the song. But, given the message of the song, I am pretty sure that was the intention.
I really want to leave a like... but it is at 420. Cant change that one!!! Lmao good stuff guys!
This is now my official 3rd favorite version of this song and it feels like an injustice that its not higher. Disturbed is still my favorite and the hope PTX brings to the song makes it number 2 but there is no denying how great this version is and I would not be surprised if some people like it the most. It's that good.
The crime is that Simon & Garfunkel are now 4th. They are the originals. NONE of these better versions would even exist without them.
This is a great cover, but the Tim and Peter one is still my favorite. BUT - that intermittent low rumble in the background is fabulous.
Thurl Ravenscroft did the cartoon version of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Geoff is heavily influenced by him, he does several of his songs. ANNNND Voiceplay does a version of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" that is delightful and awesome and fun...just don't look away, and make sure you watch (maybe in the next month or so?) to the VERY END! I mean, let the video actually stop!
Loved Simon & Garfunkel's music which is also poetry. Geoff's version is so beautiful. I think his version carries hope as well. I see you all with goosebumps.
VoicePlay dropped a new video - Whiskey in the Jar - an old, old Irish song.
FYI Geoff sang “You’re a mean one Mr Grinch” with VoicePlay 🤭🤭🤭🤭
With the 4 we've heard so far.
1. PTX (I 'm an Pentaholic so I'm biased. The singing. The harmonies. The hope.)
2. Geoff (An instant like. I'd never heard this version it's so so so so good.)
3. Simon & Garfunkel (NONE, ZERO of these cover would exist without them. They should be #1 for that reason alone.)
4. PH & TF (A very good version of the song but in my opinion it just can't break the top 3.)
Isn't it wonderful that there are such fantastic covers that it is REALLY hard to rank them?
Geoff reigned himself in on this one - to the betterment of the song. As for his range, Tim always says that to extend your lower end, you have to push your upper limit - and it sounds like Geoff has been working there, too. I don't think I've heard him quite as high and light before. this was a great version. #1? Not sure. We will see.
I enjoyed the version and he has a great voice. Vocally he is second to none. Only thing lacking for me emotion coming from him. I think it's the best of the four I heard.
Check out Dan Vasc’s cover of Disturbed’s. A must hear!
Geoff just makes the mood match the lyrics like no other. Ptx version is technically great but to me lacks emotion. I didn't think disturbed mood matched the words. I've always loved the original. But this is now my favorite
PTX did a great cover, but it’s Disturbed’s cover done acepella. This sounds very different with a more hopeful feeling. S&G was the warning, Disturbed is the anger, depression and anxiety for ignoring the warning and Geoff is the hopefulness to change . The only part I’m not 💯on with this cover is one bass note that doesn’t feel like it needs to be there. 10/10 regardless
Still hoping for Dan Vasc and Adam Chance versions. Not sure my favorite, all are so good!
I would like to hear your opinion on Geoff Castellucci’s Big Iron
We will look into it!
Did you move the clock this past weekend? It's still 8:30 for you, but it's shifted by an hour for me, 9000 miles away.
We definitely moved out clocks back, Tg
This one is right up at the top for me, closely followed by the Disturbed version. I always found the original to be a little to upbeat for the lyrics imo.
I'm of the (probably very unpopular) opinion that Geoff plays too much with his range. But, in this, Geoff actually used his range masterfully to highlight the meaning and emotion of the song. I will fair and wait until all versions sung. This has been an interesting journey. Looking forward to the last two.
AJ, VoicePlay does you're a mean one mr. Grinch cover.
Oooooooo, that sounds interesting!
I agree with Butcher, I love what Geoff does. In most cases. Not knowing what your next two are, so we will see. As far as the original, it's lovely but when you listen to more current interpretations, Paul and Simon are still lovely but feels dated.
To be fair...
What show is that from?
Answer below
Letterkenny
I get only 4Vidios
Also peyton Parrish played this song to .
will he come on here in the battle or Disturb🙂👂🎼
Episode 5 comes tomorrow and 6 comes Sunday!
Disturbed
Thanks❤