Realm Of The Magicaddict

...the following is what happens when you put seven guys who really know how to harmonise on the Paris Metro.

Meet Naturally 7, and their rendition of Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight.



This is one of the tightest acapella groups I have ever heard (yes, perhaps Pentatonix have that sewn up, but these guys run them very close). The harmonies are amazing, and the arrangements are innovative - they are pretty much flawless.

It is unfortunate that this particular video, which is the best live performance, is only on Youtube at such low resolution, because it doesn't allow you to appreciate some of the finer points of the harmony, but it's enough to show you the quality of the arrangement. It plays to the strengths of each of the performers - the melody rings out over the top of a number of lower sections of the mix, sometimes counterpoint, sometimes harmony, and some of the very best human beatboxing you'll find (well, the best you'll find as part of a group). It's an almost complete reimagining of the original track, while still keeping enough of it that it is instantly recognisable, and draws your attention inwards to appreciate every part of it.

My favourite part of the entire thing is the outro, where they are picking out single notes that together form a tune, but for which are so hard to get the intonation right. It's very easy to come out flat or sharp when you're making a single, percussive note with your voice, and these guys get every single one right. It's pure class, and only the most rabidly conservative of the other passengers are not moved to interact in some way with the performance. It's just that kind of music - so accessible, so well put together, that you can't help but appreciate it.

Oh Lord...

...this one brings together a selection of excellent things: A fantastic soloist, and excellent group, and a very good song.

Below are Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling collaborating to cover Radioactive (originally by Imagine Dragons). Note that this is not the last time that Pentatonix, Lindsey Stirling or Radioactive covers will be featured in my lists.



Lindsey Stirling is flat out awesome - a violinist that makes Vanessa Mae look more than a little bit pedestrian. Pentatonix are possibly even better - they are an acapella group where you are often genuinely pushed to notice that there aren't any other instruments (other than occasionally a cello). Radioactive is...pretty good, and imagined wonderfully in the video in a post-apocalyptic world, where someone clearly pressed the red button and it all went a little bit wrong.

Violin and cello seamlessly combine with voices, good video production and editing, and make a wonderful video that sounds amazing, looks fantastic and really showcases just how good these performers are. The five singers are individually excellent, and come together to harmonise beautifully. Lindsey moves like only a dancer can, adding extra dynamics to the performance before her violin even comes into play.

It's lots of really talented people working together. Listen, experience and enjoy.