Hey everyone! Thanks for watching 👌 Just a few notes on this one: • The transcription comes right at the end, so be sure to stick around for it if you want to see it! • For any new viewers: my reactions contain analyses of what we've just heard, split into sections. Just a heads-up if this isn't what you're after. There's a lot to say in this one! • I mention the use of multi-tracking a couple of times. This was filmed before my reaction to God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman went live (link to that below), so I didn’t know that it was confirmed that they do use multi-tracking at the time of filming. • And finally…I haven't been able to get this out of my head since filming! 🤯 ====== Update: • If there is an ad mid-video, this is not me who put it there. Because I lost the copyright dispute, the ad is placed automatically and I'm unable to remove it. ====== Check out this reaction next! ua-cam.com/video/BQk3neFJHDg/v-deo.html
There is a live version from their "Christmas Under the Stars" TV special that will make you question whether or not Mitch is in fact an alien with 6 lungs.... or if he is just the absolute master of breath control and circular breathing... It does look like the original video has been taken down (booo) but I did find a link where they edited the video a bit visually, but not vocally. There are also dozens of reactions to thar particular performance as well. I don't know how you feel about commenters posting links, so if you can't find it, let me know and I'd be glad to point you in the right direction! P.S. You'll know it's the right performance if you see them wearing all black, standing in a circle, and facing away from each other...
@@SirHairless here ya go! I challenge you to catch Mitch taking a breath.... I'm sure it's there, I just haven't been able to find it 😁ua-cam.com/video/JtS58SE8HAg/v-deo.htmlsi=asy68u2VtcGmj9Ev
@@SirHairless This performance is indeed their best recorded performance of this song (studio setting). It was from 2-3years ago, so with Matt. Also, it is exclusively from BYUtv app (not UA-cam), only accessible during christmas time. So when someone posted it to UA-cam, it was often taken down. However I saw some reaction videos to this, are still on youtube. Still I don't recommend for you to make a reaction video to it... Maybe you could watch it, and add your opinion on other PTX reaction video, because I am dying to know on what you think about that.
@@tammykiernan1839 How would he be able to catch anything in that video? I mean, he might be able to hear something but I doubt anyone can see anything in that kaleidoscope video. 😵💫🙈
Man, I love your reactions! With your musical knowledge, seeing your enjoyment of the arrangements and hearing your thoughts sets you apart from other reactions. Great job as always and hope you realize what your doing is really enjoyed by a lot of people!
@@SirHairless Fully agree with that; as soon as I see you've posted I instantly drop what I'm doing. I'm married to a composer so it's fun to see the emphasis on the crafting of the arrangement!!
I was looking for something to listen to as I came out of the store to finish my errands….I saw SirHairless posted a PTX reaction. I sat in my car in the parking lot to WATCH! You can not just “listen” to his reactions…..they are a must watch! I love and really appreciate him!
Mitch doesn't breathe. Some think he's an alien but I'm convinced he's one of the 'little people' from the hollow hills (ask the Irish, they know all about them).
Love your reactions. I know you would like "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by PTX. Not only did they win a Grammy for this performance, but they did so by NOT singing a single word or playing a single instrument. Really mind blowing.
I’ve watched 100s of PTX reactions and you are the most complete reactor musically I have found! Keep up the amazing work, I thoroughly enjoy watching your reactions!
There's a quite recent concert recording of them singing this if you'd like to check it out, given some of the doubling! The staggered breaths are on full display; you still don't always have any idea when Mitch breathes, haha. You can also tell that they know the song inside and out by then. Thank you so much for your thorough and delighted reactions! I am reiterating my suggestion of 'My Heart With You' as PTX themselves have placed it on their Christmas albums and do it at Christmas concerts! The concert version is superior (there's no reverb as in the recording), and to hear the entire audience pin-drop quiet as they sing is a marvel in and of itself. Lots of suspensions and 'filthy' (love that) chords!! Edit: Hollywood Bowl 2022
Thank you! I've got my Christmas schedule all booked up now - I do try to get as many reactions in as I can, whilst not just doing one artist. That said, I do plan on doing 3 PTX reactions in a row in the build-up to Christmas! My Heart With You isn't in this schedule, but I have a list of all recommendations, with emphasis on the ones that are recommended more frequently. We'll get there eventually! Thanks for watching 👍
@@SirHairless Just so you are aware Sir...we pentaholics would have zero issue if you wanted to continue the PTX Christmas reactions past Christmas. Just sayin. 😉
I love the new live video of this song even more than the original! I'm just happy that you can hear Mitch breathe at all in that one! I was so concerned he was circular breathing the whole time, which would make him so dizzy... Glad to find proof of a healthier solution.
@@SirHairless ..and I enthusiastically agree! Btw.. look at those numbers flying right through the 3k heading for 4k any moment now! And if you’ve had a glance at their catalog, you won’t be worrying about running out of ptx material Ever.. and then there’s all the various side projects that are their bit of magic… thanking whomever brought ptx to your attention)
I am so happy when I see that you’ve done a new reaction. The way you explain the music is so valuable for those of us who don’t have that formal music education. Loved seeing the transcription, particularly the insane density of Mitch’s part. Thanks for this one, love the Santa hat! Peace …
I can't emphasise enough how much i love your reactions. Getting an actual musical breakdown just adds so much to the experience of listening to this group. Thank you
I suppose the darkness in this "carol" may come from its origin as a Ukrainian folk song, before English words and arrangement were put to it well over 100 years ago. It's nice that it's retained some of that which sets it apart, and what a wonderful job PTX did with this one. It's a must for Christmas time in my house, as is a good chunk of the PTX X-mas repertoire. Great video! Love that you managed to take the time to do the transcription, yet still kept the video short. That said, I could watch you go on about this one for 10 more minutes, honestly. Great job Sir ❤
For sure! Eastern European can be so beautiful, especially considering the tribulations historically in some of these countries. Thanks for your comment! I try to keep my videos as short as I possibly can....I really struggled with this 😅So much I didn't include. Glad you enjoyed the transcription
I prefer this period of their development because I was just getting used to this new sound I was hearing with their incredible harmonies that always sounded new and different. Very creative arrangements. Coffee every morning and Pentatonix. They are still quite good, but this early period will always be special to me. Just beyond good. I got to see them just before Avi left and it was unbelievable how they sounded live.
This is their early days. Filming on an iPad No budget. They put Scott in a hole so he wouldn’t look so tall. 😀 I love them so much. They worked so hard on their craft they just couldn’t be denied. This is when they were all living next to each other in LA and singing together everyday to improve and improve Your reactions are so great. Thank you. Think you will really enjoy the behind the scenes video of PTX making thier album Evergreen.
I too had heard they hiked imto the woods with camera equipment in search of a supposed waterfall. They did not find the waterfall so they stopped in the words and indeed dig a small hole so Scott would not be so tall. ❤
I LOVE your analysis videos! Your ear is insane, the way you can pick out everything despite the intricate wall of sound these groups serve up! And all the effort you put into transcribing the music so we can see what's going on is above and beyond. New subscriber and fan of your content!
Random fun fact about the video. There was supposed to be a waterfall in the background. But they carried around the generator for ages and didn't find the waterfall so they put the generator down and filmed there! Haha. Early days for sure. Which makes this even more impressive
Another one that will amaze you with the live version! People's first reaction to PTX singing these seemingly impossible songs is either disbelief or just total belief! For those reactors without a real musical background, they normally are amazed but don't question the difficulty. Those with a musical background tend to question their ability to perform the song live. I always love a live version first because then it is believable but all of us have to wait a whole length of time before it's believed! It's a whole ordeal that wears me out! lol! Matt has been doing a wonderful job with all of the songs that originated with Avi! We all miss Avi but Matt has been very impressive! Thank you so much for indulging all of us Pentaholics with your wisdom and impressive ear! We appreciate you!
Thanks! I plan on getting round to the live versions too. Would it be in poor taste to maybe do a reaction or comparison out of season, e.g. in the new year? Otherwise I probably will need to wait until next year's Christmas season Thanks for your kind words ☺
@@SirHairless Not in poor taste at all! Whatever the time of year, so many of us would love to see any and all PTX content! I'm sure that's the same with any group's fans! Put out any PTX, the fans will come! ❤
Great reaction. All of us Pentaholics appreciate when you can get a video approved by mirroring it. You would love The Recording of Evergreen. 17 minutes of pure magic watching their process in their studio. Pentaholics have a great attention span and love when true music gurus react. You understand with 5 people they have to almost plan their breaths as well as the singing so they don’t all breath at once and have unintended silence. Look forward to more! ❤
Your explanation of what they do is really good love your reaction, I recommended watching TH record of Evergreen , is a short video 20-25 minutes on how Ptx work with Ben Braum, is really good, and from their last charismas album, witch was nominated to the Grammy,
PTX and Sir H... what a super way to start my day! The Santa hat is great for the lighter mood of the season, the altered screen for those darker moments. Great visuals. And your detailed transcriptions... they beg repeat viewings to get a handle on all the information. I really enjoy watching your eyes as you focus on taking in everyone's part. You're even beginning to appreciate Kevin's artistry, if those half smiles mean anything. I know Kevin's input is slightly out of your wheelhouse, but he's such a key player in the PTX sound. Wonderful reaction for a classic Christmas carol. Going back again to catch some more of that "good filth." 🥰
@@SirHairless , I'm looking forward to that one! Thanks muchly for this wonderfully educational dissection of a complex song/carol. I always thought that Mitch was doing circular breathing...taking in a quick breath on a high note....in various parts of this piece.
@@Gwennedd Me too! I posted this in response to another comment...let me find what I wrote and copy below: "I thought it may be due to circular breathing - a technique used by e.g. crazy good trumpeters. But after some research, it seems it's physically impossible to use to one's advantage whilst singing"
You have a gift for explaining the intricacies of what's happening in a way that's easy to understand. Thank you for enhancing the listening experience.
Pentatonix songs are such a treat for people that appreciate music theory. You could probably do a whole college course on music theory with songs by Pentatonix.
Oh, for sure! And I've only just scratched the surface of their full repertoire (of which I'm told is hundreds of songs/performances). Could probs do a whole college course on this song alone! 😅
Thanks for pointing out the “darkness” of this carol. That explains why it works so well in one of my favorite tv episodes, which is a Christmas episode of the series The West Wing. No spoilers, but one of the characters is going through some serious stuff, and this carol ends the hour on a rather ominous note, literally.
Though I don't read music, seeing it written out in the parts is amazing! #1, that you took the time to do it (wow!) and then to see Mitch's bazillion notes and how the others wind around it. Every time I hear this (which is a LOT), I'm amazed at the complexity. And, when DOES Mitch breathe??? :) Thanks for another excellent reaction.
This is such a beautiful piece of music from their very early days. I really enjoy your reactions and the way you are able to pick the music apart to recognize and show us the intricacies of their arrangements. You've become one of my favorites for PTX reactions.
I love this version by PTX. Harmonies are beautiful! Subscribed a couple of days ago because I enjoy your reactions. Appreciative of your knowledge and analysis of PTX music. Looking forward to future videos. Great job!
I'm enjoying your reactions so much! Thank you for taking the time and effort to include transcriptions; I appreciate the added insights! I am a long-time Pentaholic, and it's wonderful to see new reactors appear, especially when they are as knowledgable as you are.
I love watching your facial expressions when you hear something particularly great. lol I think I mirror those expressions myself, I just never knew what they were doing to elicit my own reactions. I have always put this song at the top of my all time favorites by PTX. This song has always mesmerized me as they are all singing something different, but it works together. Thanks for the break down of why I love it so much!
Glad you're enjoying! I've been listening to this on repeat...especially the part I transcribed. Am I mad? Maybe. When will I stop? Who knows. Pray for me 😅
LOL -- I love this so much, I keep listening to it even when it is not Christmas time, so I don't think there is too much hope for you. Enjoy! @@SirHairless
Best reaction ever to this video. Superb analysis. You will enjoy hearing a live performance. Hope you get to see them the next time they tour near where you live.
Newer here and I be watching your reactions. Loving them, especially because you are a musician yourself and have a wonderful ear at hearing how amazing they truly are! Pentaholics often refer to this one as "breathe Mitch!" His section is so extricate
The live version in "Christmas under the stars" is a great one, unfortunately it is no longer available unless through another reactor (at least I have not been able to find it)
Not available on UA-cam maybe, but Google "byu christmas under the stars" then choose the episode "Pentatonix" -- the full 55 minutes including interviews. 🙂
Ahh! Thank you for this excellent reaction!! I've eagerly anticipated it ever since you commented that it was coming. I've listened to this so many times and I still don't pick out half as much as you do. Also re your transcription: even when you do read music (as I do, if not that well) it is still really helpful with the coloured notes highlighting the parts which match, particularily in a song as fast as this one 😊 Thank you for taking the time to do it. Out of all the PTX reactions out there, yours belong in the exclusive and very rare category of "reactions worth watching several times". Looking forward to more PTX ❤
Loving your reactions and how much care and knowledge you bring to it! It's super fun. If you're doing Christmas music then the only song you really can't miss by PTX is Mary Did You Know. Or The Prayer. Both are in my top 5 list of their very best of all time. Angelic is really the only word. After Christmas...Daft Punk is very early PTX and it's unlike anything you've seen them do. It's wild. Oh, and they won their first Grammy for the video which they shot in their closet for like $400. Yeah, who says you can't do EDM without instruments. It's truly filthy in the best way.
Thank you! I guess you could say it brings me...joy (if you'll pardon that absolutely horrific pun) 😅 I'm sure you've heard that a lot before so please forgive me I'm hoping to release my reaction to Mary Did You Know next, so expect that - assuming the video doesn't get removed due to copyright! I'll get round to Daft Punk after the new year at some point - I do enjoy the good filth 🎶 Thanks for watching!
Aaaahhhh, Carol of the Bells.... also known as the Carol Where Mitch Does Not Breath.... btw, thank you so much for all reactions to Pentatonix. Please keep up the good work, and hope to get more reactions beyond Christmas.
My Christmas schedule is already fully booked with reactions 😭Too many recommendations in not enough time! Stay tuned for more PTX though - there's a lot more to come!
@@SirHairless I hope Daft Punk Medley and Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy is on the list, theses are the 2 songs they won Grammys for Best Pop Vocal Arrangement and the academy changed the description to include a cappella so they could be nominated
Just found this video in my recommended and wow! Your analysis and the time put into this is incredible! As an avid fan of ptx, this really allowed me to appreciate the little details in their work! Thank you!!
So much to say...your analysis really helped me hear so much more than I did before. So much detail in their arrangement. I have always appreciated their talent and work ethic but knowing that they learned these complicated arrangements really puts them in the highest of tiers musically for me. (I didn't think I could think better of them) When you played it with the organ, I felt like I was in a cathedral hearing this and appreciating it with no vocals. It put me over the moon. I want to hear you play the entire thing on the organ!!! NEXT: Oh, Come All Ye Faithful! You've NEVER heard it this way! Once again, I can't thank you enough for your detailed reaction. I find it VERY enlightening and enjoyable. I also love seeing you being amazed and loving their work.
When I try sing along with this one, I end up making myself dizzy! The perfect breathing and breath control is immaculate among these wonderful people. Love your educated analysis. If you want to hear a grammy winning track, listen to “dance of the sugar plum fairy”… no lyrics and no instruments to perform a song from a ballet. Brilliant and creative. And masterfully executed. I’d love to hear your thoughts. The video came out around the same era as “God rest ye merry gentleman”. And the video has a similar feel of popping in and out with each singer’s part. 😀
Put my transcription on a loop and sing until you fall asleep 😉 Yes, I'm a Tchaikovsky fan and it's been requested to me a lot so I will be reacting to it before Christmas
Their rendition of this song,along with their version of Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy,are my absolute favorite versions I've ever heard!! Pure magic to my ears both song renditions... Seriously I would LOVE To get your take on Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy as well...hope you consider checking it out as it won them a Grammy.😃looking forward to more PTX reactions... Also would love to get your Pont of view on Home Free's version of Mary Did You Know as I believe its by far the best rendition I've ever heard of that song as well...Home Free are also a vocally superior acapella group who are fantastic also.thank you for this informative reaction.🎶❤✌
Correction to above recommendation...I mistyped...Home Fred's version of Do You Hear What I Hear?...NOT their version of Mary Did You Know...that would be Pentatonix's version I meant to type...Home Free DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?.lol,sorry.😂✌
I listen to Pentatonix every December (it used to be Jim Reeves or Mariah Carey) because they sing such gorgeous carols. Five different sounds spiraling together, flying apart and then joining up again. Goosebumps! And I'm so happy 😂 And then I discovered Dimash 😊 but that's a totally different thing, on a whole other level. You should take a look at Dimash's 'Opera 2' on the Singer 2017. Fun fun fun and mind blowing
I didn't know that they used multi tracking for this song. Their Christmas albums have always been less strict Acapella, with backing tracks, choirs and Instruments. While for their non-Christmas albums, they were trying to limit those. But their last non-christmas albums, The Lucky One and its Deluxe version have multi tracking, synth/effects, etc , as they are trying to be more Mainstream. Maybe you don't know, but their Chistmas songs are usually on Radios, TVs, etc., but their non-Christmas songs got almost no media coverage (except some promotional performances on talkshows).
@@SirHairless For christmas songs, they use percussive backtracks (clapping, stomping, etc.) when performing live for "I saw three ships" or "White winter hymnal". Also Kevin used to do live with stomp pad, but it hurted his feet, so now stomping backtrack when they do songs with stomping, i.e. Hallelujah, Sing. They have proven themselves over 10years that they can do pure acapella and perform as good as their studio versions. Now, the fans don't really mind of them experimenting with non-traditional stuffs... But I still prefer their songs that they can perform as good as studio recording without backtracks.
They do have a version of them singing this song live in concert. I'm not sure if you know it or not, but Avi is able to sing 2 notes at the same time or overtone singing.🙂
Thanks! Yes, I reference this in a couple of my previous reactions (such as 'ET', you can find it in the description). I don't think there are any overtones in Carol Of The Bells though
I enjoy warching reactors who know what they are talking about, the vocals, the recording technicals, beatboxing analysis, videography... it’s always an education. You have such good ears! Thank you again. 🤗
One last request that I also believe is a superior Christmas cover they sing is Mary Did You Know?...its recorded in a cave by where I live the acoustics are AMAZING!!!😃m sure there's some after recording production to help the quality of sound and small things,but I think it was mostly natural acoustics in the video....I think you will really love their version and agree its one of,if not THE BEST rendition ever recorded in vocals only. Just subbed to watch more of your insightful reactions😄🎶❤✌
Thanks for a great reaction and all the insights. Please react to their amazing mashup from last year: Love Came On Christmas w/ Joy to the World and Grace Lokwa’s Kumama Papa. It didn’t get the love it deserves since it doesn’t have a video. Just astonishing!
Wonderfully informative, as always. Thank you. I'd never noticed the suspensions before. The transcriptions are wonderful - I've never seen any other reviewer use them. I've never understood the underlying structure of the songs so well.
I love your reactions to PTX! The intricacy of your breakdown is amazing and I much prefer a reactor who can appreciate their musicality and raw talent. I’m no expert by any means. I break a guitar string just by looking at it and I’m pretty much tone deaf, but I know great talent. I really do enjoy an informed reaction by a musical intellect. Anyway… SUBSCRIBED 🫶🇬🇧
Just wanted to say, props to you man. The amount of thought and effort (and knowledge!) you put in to these is superb and I really enjoy hearing your take on things. (side note, you have the most beautiful lips XD)
You should see them perform this live! 💖 You know they're choir nerds when they perform a Madrigal version of a song! 😅 BTW - You do realize Avi often sang 2 notes at the same time, right? Not just his amazing overtones and throat singing, but 2 actual notes! He really is an amazing talent! Plus Scott adds bass notes on the off beats of his obvious parts. Listen to the live version. It's a little different now because Matt doesn't produce dual notes, but Scott still adds bass notes to hist obvious syncopation. They're amazing! 💕
New to your channel I really enjoyed your reaction and analysis! It was easy to listen (not pretentious and pompous as one would expect a classic musician would/might do it 😉), yet full of merit, interesting and genuine. Cheers!
There was a performance of Carol of the Bells from a performance called "Christmas Under the Stars" that was wonderful. Unfortunately it isn't available anymore except from other reactors reacting to it.
What I would consider the best live recording of this song is on the BYU channel, something like Christmas In The Stars. It's quite a fabulous recording and can be found on that channel currently (it was recorded in 2022,I believe).
I appreciate your reference to Mitch's "cheating." This piece routinely is referred to as "the one where Mitch breathes through his ears." 😂 I've seen lots of comments over the years suggesting that singers can utilize circular breathing - which we cannot, as our breathing mechanism and instrument are one in the same. There's no magic other than extraordinary skill. Cheating/sneaking breaths like Mitch does here requires years upon years of practice physical control, and I'm so grateful that you pointed it out! (BTW I am a new subscriber and am loving your reactions!)
Hey, thanks for the comment! Spot on - I've said this in my replies to some other comments, that I suspected circular breathing but, when it comes to singing, it's impossible to utilise it to our advantage! Thanks for subbing - see you around on this journey!
This is one of those carols that I would skip on any other album. Sang it in high school choir and didn't like it at all. They breathed new life into a stale old carol. Avi stated long ago that especially he and Kevin added little nuggets in studio recordings, but that they don't take away from live performance. I believe now that they do some very intimate backgrounds, such as in The Prayer and I Saw Three Ships, where when they do them in concert they use a backing track. It is still all them, but multiplied. Edit, you will notice in many videos that Scott will look at one of the other members in complete appreciation of what he is hearing. It kind of humorous, actually. When Kevin has his cello bit mid show, Kevin's Fifth, you should check it out, the others are in the wings just grooving along. They really admire each other's talents.
PTX revived my enjoyment of this song. I had a bad high school experience too. For some reason the arrangement divided the altos into low and high parts, and while the sopranos and tenors were sparkling along, the second sopranos, high altos and baritones sang a lovely counterpoint, we low sopranos and the basses were stuck with the most deadly dull part in the history of choral music, a series of slow, deliberate series of "Ding. Dong. Ding . Dong"s, each of them sung in unison using exactly three notes. In performance it sounded fine. Without the other parts, we sounded like what what would happen if ten Eeyores went caroling.
I know you are doing Christmas....but you have said a few times that Kevin was remarkable. He has his own channel KO (Kevin Olusola cover of Down) is an excellent example of some of the genius he performs and how he can layer music. It is worth a listen to understand a little more of Pentatonix (aka PTX). Also the making of Evergreen. How they work together. I love your reactions and analysis. esp. PTX and Home Free. Looking forward to more! Thanks.
The Pentatonix arranger, in addition to the group themselves, is (and has always been) Ben Bram. You may eventually want to watch the brief documentary The Recording of Evergreen, which shows their process, working with Ben and each other while they record Evergreen, the holiday album from 2 years ago. You might want to watch/listen to some of the songs from that album first: The Prayer, Over the River, and It's Been a Long Long Time all have official videos, and there are a couple of good live versions of I Saw Three Ships from television interview and news shows.
Hey everyone! Thanks for watching 👌 Just a few notes on this one:
• The transcription comes right at the end, so be sure to stick around for it if you want to see it!
• For any new viewers: my reactions contain analyses of what we've just heard, split into sections. Just a heads-up if this isn't what you're after. There's a lot to say in this one!
• I mention the use of multi-tracking a couple of times. This was filmed before my reaction to God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman went live (link to that below), so I didn’t know that it was confirmed that they do use multi-tracking at the time of filming.
• And finally…I haven't been able to get this out of my head since filming! 🤯
======
Update:
• If there is an ad mid-video, this is not me who put it there. Because I lost the copyright dispute, the ad is placed automatically and I'm unable to remove it.
======
Check out this reaction next! ua-cam.com/video/BQk3neFJHDg/v-deo.html
There is a live version from their "Christmas Under the Stars" TV special that will make you question whether or not Mitch is in fact an alien with 6 lungs.... or if he is just the absolute master of breath control and circular breathing... It does look like the original video has been taken down (booo) but I did find a link where they edited the video a bit visually, but not vocally. There are also dozens of reactions to thar particular performance as well. I don't know how you feel about commenters posting links, so if you can't find it, let me know and I'd be glad to point you in the right direction! P.S. You'll know it's the right performance if you see them wearing all black, standing in a circle, and facing away from each other...
Perfectly happy for you to post a link to it!@@tammykiernan1839
@@SirHairless here ya go! I challenge you to catch Mitch taking a breath.... I'm sure it's there, I just haven't been able to find it 😁ua-cam.com/video/JtS58SE8HAg/v-deo.htmlsi=asy68u2VtcGmj9Ev
@@SirHairless This performance is indeed their best recorded performance of this song (studio setting). It was from 2-3years ago, so with Matt.
Also, it is exclusively from BYUtv app (not UA-cam), only accessible during christmas time. So when someone posted it to UA-cam, it was often taken down.
However I saw some reaction videos to this, are still on youtube. Still I don't recommend for you to make a reaction video to it... Maybe you could watch it, and add your opinion on other PTX reaction video, because I am dying to know on what you think about that.
@@tammykiernan1839 How would he be able to catch anything in that video? I mean, he might be able to hear something but I doubt anyone can see anything in that kaleidoscope video. 😵💫🙈
Man, I love your reactions! With your musical knowledge, seeing your enjoyment of the arrangements and hearing your thoughts sets you apart from other reactions. Great job as always and hope you realize what your doing is really enjoyed by a lot of people!
Thank you, Kevin. This comment has really made my day! Glad you're enjoying 🙏
@@SirHairless Fully agree with that; as soon as I see you've posted I instantly drop what I'm doing. I'm married to a composer so it's fun to see the emphasis on the crafting of the arrangement!!
I was looking for something to listen to as I came out of the store to finish my errands….I saw SirHairless posted a PTX reaction. I sat in my car in the parking lot to WATCH! You can not just “listen” to his reactions…..they are a must watch! I love and really appreciate him!
@@darsynia @Anna-xx1lv
😀 Thanks for watching!!
@@darsynia I remember you mentioning that in one of my earlier videos. What does your husband compose for, or mostly composes in which style?
Really recommend the live version… it’s the when does Mitch breathe song
I was wondering that when watching this - Mitch never breathes!!!
Mitch doesn't breathe. Some think he's an alien but I'm convinced he's one of the 'little people' from the hollow hills (ask the Irish, they know all about them).
Love your reactions. I know you would like "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by PTX. Not only did they win a Grammy for this performance, but they did so by NOT singing a single word or playing a single instrument. Really mind blowing.
The Grammy is for the arrangement
I've probably contributed at least 500 of those views over the years. This is one of my favorites. So gorgeous. 😊
I don't blame you. I think I'm about to overtake you tbh 😂
I’ve watched 100s of PTX reactions and you are the most complete reactor musically I have found! Keep up the amazing work, I thoroughly enjoy watching your reactions!
Means a lot, thanks!
Agreed
There's a quite recent concert recording of them singing this if you'd like to check it out, given some of the doubling! The staggered breaths are on full display; you still don't always have any idea when Mitch breathes, haha. You can also tell that they know the song inside and out by then. Thank you so much for your thorough and delighted reactions! I am reiterating my suggestion of 'My Heart With You' as PTX themselves have placed it on their Christmas albums and do it at Christmas concerts! The concert version is superior (there's no reverb as in the recording), and to hear the entire audience pin-drop quiet as they sing is a marvel in and of itself. Lots of suspensions and 'filthy' (love that) chords!! Edit: Hollywood Bowl 2022
Thank you! I've got my Christmas schedule all booked up now - I do try to get as many reactions in as I can, whilst not just doing one artist. That said, I do plan on doing 3 PTX reactions in a row in the build-up to Christmas! My Heart With You isn't in this schedule, but I have a list of all recommendations, with emphasis on the ones that are recommended more frequently. We'll get there eventually! Thanks for watching 👍
@@SirHairless Just so you are aware Sir...we pentaholics would have zero issue if you wanted to continue the PTX Christmas reactions past Christmas. Just sayin. 😉
Cool, good to know, thanks!@@tasia2174
I love the new live video of this song even more than the original! I'm just happy that you can hear Mitch breathe at all in that one! I was so concerned he was circular breathing the whole time, which would make him so dizzy... Glad to find proof of a healthier solution.
@@SirHairless ..and I enthusiastically agree! Btw.. look at those numbers flying right through the 3k heading for 4k any moment now! And if you’ve had a glance at their catalog, you won’t be worrying about running out of ptx material Ever.. and then there’s all the various side projects that are their bit of magic… thanking whomever brought ptx to your attention)
They did this live and I swear Mitch must have been breathing thru his ears!!😮
Babytonix ❤️ thanks for covering the bit about where is Mitch taking a breath, because this is aka the breathe Mitch breathe song
Haha it simply had to be covered!
I am so happy when I see that you’ve done a new reaction. The way you explain the music is so valuable for those of us who don’t have that formal music education. Loved seeing the transcription, particularly the insane density of Mitch’s part. Thanks for this one, love the Santa hat! Peace …
Pleasure as always 🙌
Same!!
I can't emphasise enough how much i love your reactions. Getting an actual musical breakdown just adds so much to the experience of listening to this group. Thank you
Hello again! Thanks for your ongoing support - means a lot and is what keeps me going with these reactions 👌 Glad you're enjoying
I suppose the darkness in this "carol" may come from its origin as a Ukrainian folk song, before English words and arrangement were put to it well over 100 years ago. It's nice that it's retained some of that which sets it apart, and what a wonderful job PTX did with this one. It's a must for Christmas time in my house, as is a good chunk of the PTX X-mas repertoire.
Great video! Love that you managed to take the time to do the transcription, yet still kept the video short. That said, I could watch you go on about this one for 10 more minutes, honestly.
Great job Sir ❤
For sure! Eastern European can be so beautiful, especially considering the tribulations historically in some of these countries. Thanks for your comment! I try to keep my videos as short as I possibly can....I really struggled with this 😅So much I didn't include. Glad you enjoyed the transcription
i think Pentaholics like long reaction videos@@SirHairless
I prefer this period of their development because I was just getting used to this new sound I was hearing with their incredible harmonies that always sounded new and different. Very creative arrangements. Coffee every morning and Pentatonix. They are still quite good, but this early period will always be special to me. Just beyond good. I got to see them just before Avi left and it was unbelievable how they sounded live.
You would probably really like Gangnam style too:
ua-cam.com/video/_nLLECY6m_Q/v-deo.htmlsi=GUKXh63-IKdzc_5j
I love the live version of this. Mitch's breath control is insane.
This is their early days. Filming on an iPad No budget. They put Scott in a hole so he wouldn’t look so tall. 😀
I love them so much. They worked so hard on their craft they just couldn’t be denied.
This is when they were all living next to each other in LA and singing together everyday to improve and improve
Your reactions are so great. Thank you.
Think you will really enjoy the behind the scenes video of PTX making thier album
Evergreen.
👌
I too had heard they hiked imto the woods with camera equipment in search of a supposed waterfall. They did not find the waterfall so they stopped in the words and indeed dig a small hole so Scott would not be so tall. ❤
Watch live version from Christmas Under The Stars..INCREDIBLE!
I LOVE your analysis videos! Your ear is insane, the way you can pick out everything despite the intricate wall of sound these groups serve up! And all the effort you put into transcribing the music so we can see what's going on is above and beyond. New subscriber and fan of your content!
Thank you so much, and welcome
This last polyphony section moved me to tears first 50 times I heard this song by PTX just by pure beauty of it! I became their instant fan❤️
I've had it on repeat for the last...well....let's just say A LOT.
Random fun fact about the video. There was supposed to be a waterfall in the background. But they carried around the generator for ages and didn't find the waterfall so they put the generator down and filmed there! Haha. Early days for sure. Which makes this even more impressive
Cool to know! I was wondering why you can hear water trickling at the start!
Another one that will amaze you with the live version! People's first reaction to PTX singing these seemingly impossible songs is either disbelief or just total belief! For those reactors without a real musical background, they normally are amazed but don't question the difficulty. Those with a musical background tend to question their ability to perform the song live. I always love a live version first because then it is believable but all of us have to wait a whole length of time before it's believed! It's a whole ordeal that wears me out! lol! Matt has been doing a wonderful job with all of the songs that originated with Avi! We all miss Avi but Matt has been very impressive! Thank you so much for indulging all of us Pentaholics with your wisdom and impressive ear! We appreciate you!
Thanks! I plan on getting round to the live versions too. Would it be in poor taste to maybe do a reaction or comparison out of season, e.g. in the new year? Otherwise I probably will need to wait until next year's Christmas season
Thanks for your kind words ☺
@@SirHairless Not in poor taste at all! Whatever the time of year, so many of us would love to see any and all PTX content! I'm sure that's the same with any group's fans! Put out any PTX, the fans will come! ❤
@@SirHairlessIt is always a good time for
Pentatonix Christmas music.
@@SirHairless Sir, we love your actions out of sequence, in sequence, upside down or inside out. You are our favorite Reactor of all time!
@@occamsrazor5376 Really appreciate it, thank you
This one always blows my mind live, because when does Mitch breathe!
Can't wait to get around to the live version!
You can hear him sipping tiny little breaths whenever there is the opportunity!
@@SirHairless , this is the one I found: A concert in Lexington in 2022:
ua-cam.com/video/l55vp0eVl58/v-deo.htmlsi=kWvM1i8Ag4-inbVW
Great reaction. All of us Pentaholics appreciate when you can get a video approved by mirroring it.
You would love The Recording of Evergreen. 17 minutes of pure magic watching their process in their studio. Pentaholics have a great attention span and love when true music gurus react.
You understand with 5 people they have to almost plan their breaths as well as the singing so they don’t all breath at once and have unintended silence. Look forward to more! ❤
Your explanation of what they do is really good love your reaction, I recommended watching TH record of Evergreen , is a short video 20-25 minutes on how Ptx work with Ben Braum, is really good, and from their last charismas album, witch was nominated to the Grammy,
PTX and Sir H... what a super way to start my day! The Santa hat is great for the lighter mood of the season, the altered screen for those darker moments. Great visuals. And your detailed transcriptions... they beg repeat viewings to get a handle on all the information. I really enjoy watching your eyes as you focus on taking in everyone's part. You're even beginning to appreciate Kevin's artistry, if those half smiles mean anything. I know Kevin's input is slightly out of your wheelhouse, but he's such a key player in the PTX sound. Wonderful reaction for a classic Christmas carol. Going back again to catch some more of that "good filth." 🥰
❤ Appreciate you taking the time to write this comment - it's made my day!
Thank you ❤❤❤ Can't wait to hear your reaction to Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy ❤❤
Thanks! Expect this one to come out close to Christmas (that's the plan, anyway!)
@@SirHairless , I'm looking forward to that one! Thanks muchly for this wonderfully educational dissection of a complex song/carol. I always thought that Mitch was doing circular breathing...taking in a quick breath on a high note....in various parts of this piece.
@@Gwennedd Me too! I posted this in response to another comment...let me find what I wrote and copy below:
"I thought it may be due to circular breathing - a technique used by e.g. crazy good trumpeters. But after some research, it seems it's physically impossible to use to one's advantage whilst singing"
@@SirHairless Interesting! Now I wonder just how he's managing to breathe in some of those long passages!
@@Gwennedd Impeccable posture, breath control, vocal control, pitch control and...probably the most important part...raw, unique talent
You have a gift for explaining the intricacies of what's happening in a way that's easy to understand. Thank you for enhancing the listening experience.
🙏
Brooo you need to listen to them perform this song live... its 🤯
I know! It's testing my will power holding out from listening to it...as I'd like to react to it; possible compare it to this version
@@SirHairless Oh please do a comparison!
@@SirHairless A comparison would be 🔥
♥ Love the reactions! Wait until you get to O Come, All Ye Faithful. It's ridiculously good!
Watch this space! Hoping to get that out next week
Pentatonix songs are such a treat for people that appreciate music theory.
You could probably do a whole college course on music theory with songs by Pentatonix.
Oh, for sure! And I've only just scratched the surface of their full repertoire (of which I'm told is hundreds of songs/performances). Could probs do a whole college course on this song alone! 😅
Thanks for pointing out the “darkness” of this carol. That explains why it works so well in one of my favorite tv episodes, which is a Christmas episode of the series The West Wing. No spoilers, but one of the characters is going through some serious stuff, and this carol ends the hour on a rather ominous note, literally.
I can't find any good emojis for 'dark', but if I could, I'd put them here
I agree with everyone. It's a joy to see the joy on your face. You are officially a pentatonic. Congratulations 😊
❤
Thank you so much for doing these analysis of PTX for us. Finally, we get to explore the incredible arrangements for them
Happy to help!
Though I don't read music, seeing it written out in the parts is amazing! #1, that you took the time to do it (wow!) and then to see Mitch's bazillion notes and how the others wind around it. Every time I hear this (which is a LOT), I'm amazed at the complexity. And, when DOES Mitch breathe??? :) Thanks for another excellent reaction.
Thanks so much!
This is such a beautiful piece of music from their very early days. I really enjoy your reactions and the way you are able to pick the music apart to recognize and show us the intricacies of their arrangements. You've become one of my favorites for PTX reactions.
Glad to hear it, thank you ☺
I love this version by PTX. Harmonies are beautiful! Subscribed a couple of days ago because I enjoy your reactions. Appreciative of your knowledge and analysis of PTX music. Looking forward to future videos. Great job!
Thank you so much
Love seeing your excitement. Tbh listening to Pentatonix means constant goosebumps and awe ❤
I'm enjoying your reactions so much! Thank you for taking the time and effort to include transcriptions; I appreciate the added insights! I am a long-time Pentaholic, and it's wonderful to see new reactors appear, especially when they are as knowledgable as you are.
This has been my absolute favorite reaction to this video.
Means a lot, thank you
Lovely reaction, your transcription always adds so much for me.
Glad you enjoyed!
Love watching your videos on Pentatonix. The way you dissect and explain everything is very interesting.
Cheers!
The one question everyone asks is when does Mitch take a breath lol
Yes! Loved the transcription at the end. Knew you would love this one. Thanks for the reaction and the analysis!
🙏
I love watching your facial expressions when you hear something particularly great. lol I think I mirror those expressions myself, I just never knew what they were doing to elicit my own reactions. I have always put this song at the top of my all time favorites by PTX. This song has always mesmerized me as they are all singing something different, but it works together. Thanks for the break down of why I love it so much!
Glad you're enjoying! I've been listening to this on repeat...especially the part I transcribed. Am I mad? Maybe. When will I stop? Who knows. Pray for me 😅
LOL -- I love this so much, I keep listening to it even when it is not Christmas time, so I don't think there is too much hope for you. Enjoy! @@SirHairless
@@SirHairless Love your humor! And please never stop!
The MIDI transcription is a wonderful addition.
Thanks! It's not a MIDI transcription btw, it's my own input into Sibelius, created from scratch
@@SirHairless OMG! 🔉
Me expecting Mitch to fall over gasping for breath at the end every time I listen to this one. 😍
Just the beauty of these glorious voices, their tone, always gives me so much pleasure. Avi, so much so.
Best reaction ever to this video. Superb analysis. You will enjoy hearing a live performance. Hope you get to see them the next time they tour near where you live.
Wow Dennis, that means a lot - thanks! I'll be sure to keep an eye out for their next tours
Newer here and I be watching your reactions. Loving them, especially because you are a musician yourself and have a wonderful ear at hearing how amazing they truly are!
Pentaholics often refer to this one as "breathe Mitch!" His section is so extricate
The live version in "Christmas under the stars" is a great one, unfortunately it is no longer available unless through another reactor (at least I have not been able to find it)
It not the Christmas Under The Stars one, but the one at Oakland in 2022:
ua-cam.com/video/n65P_RdZrbQ/v-deo.htmlsi=4t2dD2NcgXu0f0ld
This is from the concert in Lexington, 2022 ( same concert, different city):
ua-cam.com/video/l55vp0eVl58/v-deo.htmlsi=kWvM1i8Ag4-inbVW
Not available on UA-cam maybe, but Google "byu christmas under the stars" then choose the episode "Pentatonix" -- the full 55 minutes including interviews. 🙂
Enjoying ur PTX reactions, u add a lot of interesting info. This will always be in my PTX top 10 🤘
👌
Brilliant reaction, your in-depth analyses are such a treat!
Happy to hear it ☺
Ahh! Thank you for this excellent reaction!! I've eagerly anticipated it ever since you commented that it was coming. I've listened to this so many times and I still don't pick out half as much as you do.
Also re your transcription: even when you do read music (as I do, if not that well) it is still really helpful with the coloured notes highlighting the parts which match, particularily in a song as fast as this one 😊 Thank you for taking the time to do it.
Out of all the PTX reactions out there, yours belong in the exclusive and very rare category of "reactions worth watching several times".
Looking forward to more PTX ❤
Glad you enjoyed! And thanks for your kind words ☺ Appreciate your support, as always
Listen to this live
I don't see where you've done it yet, but I'm dying to see your reaction to a newer release "kiss from a rose" (live). It is mind-blowing!!!
Loving your reactions and how much care and knowledge you bring to it! It's super fun. If you're doing Christmas music then the only song you really can't miss by PTX is Mary Did You Know. Or The Prayer. Both are in my top 5 list of their very best of all time. Angelic is really the only word. After Christmas...Daft Punk is very early PTX and it's unlike anything you've seen them do. It's wild. Oh, and they won their first Grammy for the video which they shot in their closet for like $400. Yeah, who says you can't do EDM without instruments. It's truly filthy in the best way.
Thank you! I guess you could say it brings me...joy (if you'll pardon that absolutely horrific pun) 😅 I'm sure you've heard that a lot before so please forgive me
I'm hoping to release my reaction to Mary Did You Know next, so expect that - assuming the video doesn't get removed due to copyright!
I'll get round to Daft Punk after the new year at some point - I do enjoy the good filth 🎶 Thanks for watching!
Aaaahhhh, Carol of the Bells.... also known as the Carol Where Mitch Does Not Breath....
btw, thank you so much for all reactions to Pentatonix. Please keep up the good work, and hope to get more reactions beyond Christmas.
The Prayer should be next, maybe
My Christmas schedule is already fully booked with reactions 😭Too many recommendations in not enough time! Stay tuned for more PTX though - there's a lot more to come!
@@SirHairless I hope Daft Punk Medley and Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy is on the list, theses are the 2 songs they won Grammys for Best Pop Vocal Arrangement and the academy changed the description to include a cappella so they could be nominated
@@camillep3631 Yes, both on the list! Sugar Plum will hopefully be out just before Christmas 🩰
@@SirHairless :D yippee!!
Just found this video in my recommended and wow! Your analysis and the time put into this is incredible! As an avid fan of ptx, this really allowed me to appreciate the little details in their work! Thank you!!
🙏 Happy to hear it! I've only just started so if you want to check out my other PTX reactions, please feel free!
So much to say...your analysis really helped me hear so much more than I did before. So much detail in their arrangement. I have always appreciated their talent and work ethic but knowing that they learned these complicated arrangements really puts them in the highest of tiers musically for me. (I didn't think I could think better of them)
When you played it with the organ, I felt like I was in a cathedral hearing this and appreciating it with no vocals. It put me over the moon. I want to hear you play the entire thing on the organ!!! NEXT: Oh, Come All Ye Faithful! You've NEVER heard it this way!
Once again, I can't thank you enough for your detailed reaction. I find it VERY enlightening and enjoyable. I also love seeing you being amazed and loving their work.
Dang! So beautiful!! It seems like some instruments are playing but there are none. BEAUTIFUL! Thanks!
🙌
It's very catchy isn't it, Rayna? Thanks
When I try sing along with this one, I end up making myself dizzy! The perfect breathing and breath control is immaculate among these wonderful people. Love your educated analysis. If you want to hear a grammy winning track, listen to “dance of the sugar plum fairy”… no lyrics and no instruments to perform a song from a ballet. Brilliant and creative. And masterfully executed. I’d love to hear your thoughts. The video came out around the same era as “God rest ye merry gentleman”. And the video has a similar feel of popping in and out with each singer’s part. 😀
Put my transcription on a loop and sing until you fall asleep 😉 Yes, I'm a Tchaikovsky fan and it's been requested to me a lot so I will be reacting to it before Christmas
Their rendition of this song,along with their version of Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy,are my absolute favorite versions I've ever heard!! Pure magic to my ears both song renditions... Seriously I would LOVE To get your take on Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy as well...hope you consider checking it out as it won them a Grammy.😃looking forward to more PTX reactions...
Also would love to get your Pont of view on Home Free's version of Mary Did You Know as I believe its by far the best rendition I've ever heard of that song as well...Home Free are also a vocally superior acapella group who are fantastic also.thank you for this informative reaction.🎶❤✌
Correction to above recommendation...I mistyped...Home Fred's version of Do You Hear What I Hear?...NOT their version of Mary Did You Know...that would be Pentatonix's version I meant to type...Home Free DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?.lol,sorry.😂✌
Greetings @SirHairless - Wanted to thank you for the wonderful reaction. Great fun!! 😃 Love the HAT!
Haha thanks! I don't think you'd love it if you knew how itchy it is 👀
Really enjoy your PTX reactions. Thanks
Thank you for your support, Mary 🙏
You add a lot to reactions of Pentatonix like I have never seen. You are truly gifted, and you really know you shit, hahaha. Keep on going! Big fan!
Haha thank you!
You MUST listen to “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”! Kevin’s influence shines through beautifully.
Coming soon, watch this space 🎄
I listen to Pentatonix every December (it used to be Jim Reeves or Mariah Carey) because they sing such gorgeous carols. Five different sounds spiraling together, flying apart and then joining up again. Goosebumps! And I'm so happy 😂
And then I discovered Dimash 😊 but that's a totally different thing, on a whole other level. You should take a look at Dimash's 'Opera 2' on the Singer 2017. Fun fun fun and mind blowing
Yes I've received a lot of Dimash requests - my list for his requests is ever-growing. We'll get there eventually 🦾
@@SirHairless Dimash fans can be a bit overwhelming 😂 thanks for replying btw, I wasn't expecting one and I appreciate it.
This song is also affectionately called "When does Mitch Breathe?" Great review! 🩷
So I've heard! Still seeking answers...😅 Thank you!
I didn't know that they used multi tracking for this song.
Their Christmas albums have always been less strict Acapella, with backing tracks, choirs and Instruments.
While for their non-Christmas albums, they were trying to limit those.
But their last non-christmas albums, The Lucky One and its Deluxe version have multi tracking, synth/effects, etc , as they are trying to be more Mainstream.
Maybe you don't know, but their Chistmas songs are usually on Radios, TVs, etc., but their non-Christmas songs got almost no media coverage (except some promotional performances on talkshows).
I'll need to listen to the live version so the comparisons - particularly re multi tracking - should be obvious. Thanks for the info!
@@SirHairless For christmas songs, they use percussive backtracks (clapping, stomping, etc.) when performing live for "I saw three ships" or "White winter hymnal".
Also Kevin used to do live with stomp pad, but it hurted his feet, so now stomping backtrack when they do songs with stomping, i.e. Hallelujah, Sing.
They have proven themselves over 10years that they can do pure acapella and perform as good as their studio versions. Now, the fans don't really mind of them experimenting with non-traditional stuffs...
But I still prefer their songs that they can perform as good as studio recording without backtracks.
It is incredible what you can hear….😲
They do have a version of them singing this song live in concert. I'm not sure if you know it or not, but Avi is able to sing 2 notes at the same time or overtone singing.🙂
Thanks! Yes, I reference this in a couple of my previous reactions (such as 'ET', you can find it in the description). I don't think there are any overtones in Carol Of The Bells though
I enjoy warching reactors who know what they are talking about, the vocals, the recording technicals, beatboxing analysis, videography... it’s always an education. You have such good ears! Thank you again. 🤗
Pleasure as always, Elaine
The transcription was a great idea. Thank you!
Pleasure is mine! Hope it helped!
I had to come back again this year to re-watch your Christmas reaction countdown
I'd like to recommend Dance of the Sugarplum fairy and where are you Christmas, also Thank you.which is a original Christmas song
One last request that I also believe is a superior Christmas cover they sing is Mary Did You Know?...its recorded in a cave by where I live the acoustics are AMAZING!!!😃m sure there's some after recording production to help the quality of sound and small things,but I think it was mostly natural acoustics in the video....I think you will really love their version and agree its one of,if not THE BEST rendition ever recorded in vocals only. Just subbed to watch more of your insightful reactions😄🎶❤✌
Thanks for a great reaction and all the insights. Please react to their amazing mashup from last year: Love Came On Christmas w/ Joy to the World and Grace Lokwa’s Kumama Papa. It didn’t get the love it deserves since it doesn’t have a video. Just astonishing!
I love this album so much.. it’s brilliant 🌎🌍🌏
Wonderfully informative, as always. Thank you. I'd never noticed the suspensions before. The transcriptions are wonderful - I've never seen any other reviewer use them. I've never understood the underlying structure of the songs so well.
I create them myself so maybe that's why - happy that they could be of help! Cheers 🙌
You have the most discerning ear! I love your reaction & dissections.
Thanks Donna!
I love your reactions to PTX! The intricacy of your breakdown is amazing and I much prefer a reactor who can appreciate their musicality and raw talent. I’m no expert by any means. I break a guitar string just by looking at it and I’m pretty much tone deaf, but I know great talent. I really do enjoy an informed reaction by a musical intellect. Anyway… SUBSCRIBED 🫶🇬🇧
Haha 😂 RIP guitars. (Just kidding). Glad you enjoyed - welcome aboard, and thanks for watching!
Excellent reaction! Thank you for highlighting the polyphonic parts!
Pleasure! My favourite part - been stuck in my head for the last few days
Just wanted to say, props to you man. The amount of thought and effort (and knowledge!) you put in to these is superb and I really enjoy hearing your take on things. (side note, you have the most beautiful lips XD)
Thank you! I appreciate your comment (including the side note 😂)
You should see them perform this live! 💖 You know they're choir nerds when they perform a Madrigal version of a song! 😅
BTW - You do realize Avi often sang 2 notes at the same time, right? Not just his amazing overtones and throat singing, but 2 actual notes! He really is an amazing talent! Plus Scott adds bass notes on the off beats of his obvious parts. Listen to the live version. It's a little different now because Matt doesn't produce dual notes, but Scott still adds bass notes to hist obvious syncopation. They're amazing! 💕
I'll need to hear this two notes simultaneously! Sounds crazy
New to your channel I really enjoyed your reaction and analysis! It was easy to listen (not pretentious and pompous as one would expect a classic musician would/might do it 😉), yet full of merit, interesting and genuine.
Cheers!
Kirstie has a beautiful lower register! It's notably shown in "Rather Be", "Where Are You Christmas", and "Shallow".
There was a performance of Carol of the Bells from a performance called "Christmas Under the Stars" that was wonderful. Unfortunately it isn't available anymore except from other reactors reacting to it.
I would love to see you react to their A,Ha.
Thank you for explaining their perfection!
What I would consider the best live recording of this song is on the BYU channel, something like Christmas In The Stars. It's quite a fabulous recording and can be found on that channel currently (it was recorded in 2022,I believe).
Thank you Sir Hairless! Another enjoyable reaction❤
Pleasure!
I appreciate your reference to Mitch's "cheating." This piece routinely is referred to as "the one where Mitch breathes through his ears." 😂 I've seen lots of comments over the years suggesting that singers can utilize circular breathing - which we cannot, as our breathing mechanism and instrument are one in the same. There's no magic other than extraordinary skill. Cheating/sneaking breaths like Mitch does here requires years upon years of practice physical control, and I'm so grateful that you pointed it out! (BTW I am a new subscriber and am loving your reactions!)
Hey, thanks for the comment! Spot on - I've said this in my replies to some other comments, that I suspected circular breathing but, when it comes to singing, it's impossible to utilise it to our advantage!
Thanks for subbing - see you around on this journey!
Love your reactions. Please react to Pure imagination/Christmas time is here. it is stunning!!!
I am learning so much through your reactions. Thank you!
Oh Come All Ye Faithful soon please!
Thank you! Watch this space for Oh Come All Ye Faithful
I look forward to your PTX reactions! THANK YOU! 🎄❤️
🙏
Watching your face during their singing is a joy.
This is one of those carols that I would skip on any other album. Sang it in high school choir and didn't like it at all.
They breathed new life into a stale old carol.
Avi stated long ago that especially he and Kevin added little nuggets in studio recordings, but that they don't take away from live performance.
I believe now that they do some very intimate backgrounds, such as in The Prayer and I Saw Three Ships, where when they do them in concert they use a backing track. It is still all them, but multiplied.
Edit, you will notice in many videos that Scott will look at one of the other members in complete appreciation of what he is hearing.
It kind of humorous, actually.
When Kevin has his cello bit mid show, Kevin's Fifth, you should check it out, the others are in the wings just grooving along. They really admire each other's talents.
PTX revived my enjoyment of this song. I had a bad high school experience too. For some reason the arrangement divided the altos into low and high parts, and while the sopranos and tenors were sparkling along, the second sopranos, high altos and baritones sang a lovely counterpoint, we low sopranos and the basses were stuck with the most deadly dull part in the history of choral music, a series of slow, deliberate series of "Ding. Dong. Ding . Dong"s, each of them sung in unison using exactly three notes. In performance it sounded fine. Without the other parts, we sounded like what what would happen if ten Eeyores went caroling.
I know you are doing Christmas....but you have said a few times that Kevin was remarkable. He has his own channel KO (Kevin Olusola cover of Down) is an excellent example of some of the genius he performs and how he can layer music. It is worth a listen to understand a little more of Pentatonix (aka PTX). Also the making of Evergreen. How they work together. I love your reactions and analysis. esp. PTX and Home Free. Looking forward to more! Thanks.
Thank you for the comment and recommendations! They're all on my radar 👌The next Home Free reaction is coming out in about 5 hours 🎶
The Pentatonix arranger, in addition to the group themselves, is (and has always been) Ben Bram. You may eventually want to watch the brief documentary The Recording of Evergreen, which shows their process, working with Ben and each other while they record Evergreen, the holiday album from 2 years ago. You might want to watch/listen to some of the songs from that album first: The Prayer, Over the River, and It's Been a Long Long Time all have official videos, and there are a couple of good live versions of I Saw Three Ships from television interview and news shows.
Mitch has mentioned that this is one of his favorites.