Bass Singer REACTION & ANALYSIS - Pentatonix | You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

[@PeterBarber]

Alright alright alrightttt my reaction/analysis for the PTX version of this Christmas bass singer anthem is finally here! Here we get to hear the amazing Matt Sallee take on this iconic solo, and what a marvelous job he does. FYI this video is currently in a copyright dispute, but the 30-day dispute window won't resolve until after Xmas, so I'm going to release it now and assume/hope that it will resolve without an issue like the rest of them. Hope you enjoy and happy holidays!

[@Lord_lost13]

Love the reaction I saw you in the live chat for Tomis new marry did you know, you should do a reaction for it if you want

[@tschana18]

You should react to voiceplay's version

[@solomon9853]

You should try the voiceplay version

[@toospunky3735]

Peter, please react to Pentatonix cover of Aha, specifically the live in Singapore at the Star Vista version. You'll be blown away by Mitch's high notes and Avi's lows, and also by the comfort & very obvious progression of mastering this song since their original video of it, especially if you watch some of their live performances of it in between. Phenomenal!

[@toospunky3735]

@@Lord_lost13 As much as I adore Home Free, I don't think anyone performs Mary Did You Know better than PTX. That's one of my sisters favorite songs ever, and one we had performed at her services after she passed from a malignant GBMF brain tumor. I had their version on loop in her room at hospice, and she smiled whenever it came on!

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

I love how you treat Matt. Many people are soooo focused on the lowest of low notes and miss the usefulness of a singer like Matt in their band. The fact that he and Scott can switch out a bit similar to Mitch and Kirstie makes for some very nice arranging opportunities.

[@lauriedaiken4426]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[@goose5B]

Yes!!!

[@mamajenkins1981]

THANK YOU

[@Weeping-Angel]

Right!!!

[@kalancosta7650]

Matt is excellent listen to new rules x are you that somebody, he absolutely slays the bass line in that song and that bass line moves all over the place really showing off his vocal agility

[@mswitch936]

Matt has said that this was one of the hardest songs to learn and do because “basses dont usually have that many words” in their songs. I love this version so much. Matts amazing. Scotts range is crazy. Kristie and Mitch are cheeses. And Kev is solid, as always.

[@hitman9198]

You must not watch Homefree their bass Tim has a bunch of leads especially recently.

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

@@hitman9198 They're quoting Matt himself who joked when filming this that he's not used to having to learn so many lyrics.

[@hitman9198]

@@hernameispekka_Rebecca pretty sad huh. Straight from the source

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

@@hitman9198 Not really. They are a pop group and he's especially good at sounding like a bass guitar. Makes total sense. He has plenty of solos and was clearly joking. But based on your other comments I can see that it's not worth trying to have a reasonable conversation. Have a nice day and merry christmas if you celebrate!

[@Arachnia_Sea]

They went full "Manhattan Transfer" on this and I love it. Great reaction.

[@lynn2574]

I love the musical theater of this song. And they seem to be having FUN - especially Matt. And I love the look on Mitch’s face when he says ‘yuck’. 😃 ETA: about the lip syncing… this is the same group that learned to lip synch the chorus of ‘Run to You’ backwards for the video. They’re perfectionists.

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

I love how fun they all seem to have when performing this live as well. Mitch even said it's probably his favourite to perform this tour!

[@jlcricket4055]

Wait what?! They lipsynced run to you backwards?!!!! Why?! I have never heard that before. So cool. They take professionalism to a whole other level.

[@jlcricket4055]

OMG. I just went a rewatched it. How have I never noticed that before?!!!!

[@lynn2574]

@@jlcricket4055 they learned to do it backwards so the snow would float UP in the video. 😁

[@edsartistry]

That is what is so unique to Pentatonix, they actually "act" out the song as well as singing it and their videography also portrays that "acting" part of the songs. They are fabulous at acting, singing and evoking emotions. I would love to see them do a movie musical. That would be EPIC.

[@rugr82day]

Yes, that musical theater background that so many of them have really pays off.

[@solomon9853]

Voiceplay's mr. Grinch had far better acting than ptx. And theirs sounded better imo

[@rugr82day]

@@solomon9853 , well I prefer this song sung with just one lead instead of the way VP switched it up. As for the acting their videos are totally different. PTX was singing with personality and emotion, like the always do, isn't "acting" it's just part of performing; whereas Voice Play did an actual skit which did require acting. In their video VP were really kind of over the top with their acting though because none of the Whos were goofy in the films. The only ever goofiness in either story was in how Jim Carey played his Grinch. VP did sound good in their video but I could have done without the whole beginning.

[@solomon9853]

@@rugr82day ok everyone has their taste. I personally feel making a show is one thing that makes acapella fun.

[@toospunky3735]

@@solomon9853 That wasn't really necessary on PTX song, was it? You could have saved it for a Voice play cover, no? Just a thought. Why be the "greasy black peel," eh? Give credit where do, and this simply rocks. FYI, I've heard maybe 3 full VP songs...wasn't interested enough to hear any more. Now, if you throw in some Home Free, we'll...now you're talking!

[@rmac1042]

Not enough is made of, by reactors, the fantastic “Big Band” treatment in the background vocals! Those horn licks are not easy to do in a cappella. And that one part where The Trio does that slide up to a “trumpet scream” with Mitch and Kirstie was fire! This is not scat; it really is a big band arrangement rather than an improvisation-type arrangement.the syncopation is killin’!

[@lauriedaiken4426]

Watching PTX perform this live a few days ago told me everything I needed to know about why Matt is in the band. In addition to his gorgeous voice, he was a full-on show all his own! He had the whole crowd in the palm of his hand. Thanks for your analysis!

[@kelly_kuku]

There's actually a really funny bts video of Matt totally flubbing that whole last speech part😂 it finishes and he cracks a joke like "one take! cut & print!" or something like that lol

[@xXNunduXx]

If you wanna hear more of Scott’s lower range, I highly recommend his cover of I Should Tell Ya Momma On Ya on his personal channel.

[@FernyBass]

Scott goes to the same low note here, and it’s also a much better quality low note than that one.

[@hitman9198]

So you have to go to different channel just to hear his range. Its crazy how much Penatonix keeps everyone in their own little boxes. Sad really they could be alot better

[@FernyBass]

@@hitman9198 Not really lol, Scott has gone already lower than that in Pentatonix. In This song he goes to the same note he hits on that video and it’s also a lot better.

[@hitman9198]

@@FernyBass I've heard Penatonix's catalog I stand by what I said. Matt barely sings words just notes. Mitch usually takes Tenor lead even ahead of Scott. This group was so much better with Avi back then I easily took them ahead of groups like Voiceplay and Home free but now they are third. And overrated. At least Voiceplay and Home free know how to feature their bass. But than again Geoff and Tim are light years better than Matt.

[@FernyBass]

@@hitman9198 I was talking about Scott, not Matt but sure, makes sense. Also it’s not really fair to compare these groups, especially VoicePlay. For starters, Pentatonix make Album releases and aim for the radio and Billboard, which btw their albums always end up in the Top 10. So not really overrated? Maybe you just like other type or music and that’s fine, but It’s unnecessary to say a group is overrated. Also, they literally all have been breaking record notes these last few years. Mitch is belting on C5, which is the first time in Ptx, Scott’s belted to Bb4 multiple times, Kirstin broke the record high note for Ptx at C6, Kevin has been singing a lot more, and Matt’s getting a bunch of solos plus he’s been killing it on the Bass down to Bb1, B1, and C2.

[@shaynapunim]

i love seeing love for matt !! he’s so talented in so many areas

[@elysebaker7368]

This is one of my absolute favourite PTX Christmas covers - a staple in our home. So fascinating to get a bass singers take on it. Much Love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@jesseriggan1693]

I love Mitch's reactions during the song! They really add to the fun!

[@js_musicmedia8981]

Yeah I saw them live last week, and Scott didn't have any problems with the D2's

[@PeterBarber]

That's amazing -- he's such a versatile singer 👏

[@KaaSerpent]

They went into the Pink Panther theme there in verse 4. Love it!

[@bethvargas8841]

Ohh wow

[@lleldridge1]

I watched the PTX Evergreen Experience virtual concert last night. I believe Matt has some musical theater experience and he sleighed this song/performance. Throughout the concert his performances were 🔥 (as was everyone else’s). He surprised me with some uber high notes as well.

[@elainecourteau6231]

Great analysis. I love the beat of the third verse and the walking bass scott does with Mitch and Kirstie’s scat on the fifth verse. Of course, Matt’s sassy dramatic delivery is hilarious. Yeah, Scott’s range is spectacular and Matt can go pretty high as well. I really like how They can swap track. Great energy. 🤗

[@1diagram]

I’ve always loved this song the darker the better ( for example I love the Small Town Titans version). Now, Pentatonix has shown me that this song can be wonderfully performed in a different way altogether. Of course they did. They are always full of fabulous surprises. I love it and your take and breakdown.

[@sandynowak9176]

They sing fully during the studio video filming to make sure they have everything together.

[@packerkats7578]

“That was..freakin’ awesome.” Well said, my friend. Love your reactions!

[@marykuettner752]

They recorded this while they were on tour on an off day. It is part of the vlog of the 2019 tour.

[@marymichele340]

Love the Matt love!

[@diannecardenas9866]

I don't know all the technical details of music but I know what sounds good to my mind and heart. And I love their music. I appreciate your analysis of their songs, I'm learning bits and pieces of what to look out for. Thanks.

[@ryanje8147]

Scott is actually singing bass when Matt and Avi sing lead.

[@susanb4213]

"Group scat solo"- the word I kept searching for mentally! That part is my favorite.

[@neotheboxer6015]

I really appreciate when musicians give musical insight into the music we arr listening to. Tells me to appreciate the Artist as well as the reviewer like yourself who is also professional. Great job and happy holidays!

[@glacierwhispers]

I genuinely just love hearing you talk 😍😂

[@terrylmiller7393]

I turn into a puddle.

[@melissahill3384]

They are performing this song on their current evergreen tour. I believe there are you tube videos out there of them singing this song live

[@alan-freeman]

The live version I prefer is from 2019 when COVID was not around. Matt and Mr Grinch are able to play off each other better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZmZY2RqiKyAp7s

[@mamajenkins1981]

@@alan-freeman Their current tour has The Grinch interacting with Matt and there are videos of it up on KZbin

[@KathyWashburnBunn]

I thoroughly enjoyed your in-depth, music-geeky analysis. I love watching Matt ham it up in this one. It hadn't occurred to me how difficult it would be to lip sync; now that you've pointed it out, I appreciate Matt's performance here even more.

[@ProudAmerican1829]

Shout out to Scott holding down the bass line like a boss.

[@Ptxlive]

I watched the live stream concert. It sounds like Scott is supported by a backing track for the really low notes on this bass line, but he is also singing the d2 in more vocal fry. You can definitely hear a support on the d2’s live. But he is a great bass line singer, and has easy access to e2

[@inubus00]

In December 2021 they did an amazing show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Might be worth a watch if you haven't seen it yet.

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

Congratulations to Matt and his soon-to-be wife, Sarah! They’re getting married on January 2, 2022!! Best wishes! I married the finest person I’ve ever met 40 years ago-and we both wish you the best!

[@LilBabyKK24]

I really wanted to see them when they swung thru grand rapids, mi on dec 16th but it didn't work out. Maybe next year! It's a dream of mine to see them live 😁

[@adanl129]

Voiceplay’s Mr.Grinch song is amazing as well, Geoffs bass was a big feature in that song

[@lonnieball3002]

I am impressed with how well Scott handle the bass lines for this obe

[@chrisvickers7928]

It was Thurl Ravenscroft on the original TV broadcast but some how he missed getting in the credits so many people thought Boris Karloff had sung the song as well as doing the narration.

[@DelGuy03]

Great analysis! I appreciated all the good things you noticed. On Matt's lip-syncing... it is indeed highly impressive. But I did noticed that with his long final spoken section, there was a camera cut right before and after (before he started to sing), so it's possible that they were able to capture his audio "live" when filming that bit, and use that.

[@napolean1321]

its not lip-syncing. there is a bts of this and it shows them actually singing the song as they record

[@spiderfingers86]

Pentatonix are a multi-Grammy award winning acapella group

[@Marcell0Bass]

Peter: good morning Me: I can tell

[@Amyduckie]

I do appreciate your take on these videos. I feel like you give me the language for the things I do hear and teach me about the things I don’t.

[@dejns6945]

Matt is a bass who can sing from tenor down. Check out "Sound of Silence" by PTX. Or "Hold Us"

[@artchic1984]

Amazing song. I agree with u that I love that lower Grinch but Matt does do an awesome job with this. Thank u as always for a thorough and detailed analysis!

[@ana900127]

VoicePlay's version has that deeper low tone you are referring to. PTX sounds super cool, of course, and it is interesting how both groups make their own twist on the same song.

[@mattmcmadden1933]

Voctave has a great version as well.

[@ana900127]

@@mattmcmadden1933 I will have to hear it!

[@joel2421]

I’m a huge Pentaholic, but even I have to give the nod to Voiceplay on this song. Voctave version is good too. On this song I prefer the Bass timbre for the solo.

[@NaomiKFCHutchin]

Yeah, big pentaholic here, and voctave are brilliant , but Voiceplay get the gold on Mr Grinch

[@hitman9198]

@@NaomiKFCHutchin I'd take Voiceplay too

[@kathisea2605]

What a treat this was! I did a bit of quick research, and yes this song was first done for the TV special in 1966, and sung by Thurl Ravenscroft. And I got an early present hearing *you* singing parts of it! (I'm still hoping either you or The Bass Gang cover the whole thing) Thank you for this, and Happy Holidays to you, and everyone here!

[@nikkibanning176]

This is definitely one of my Christmas favorites by PTX with Matt. Great analysis, thank you.

[@jessicathomas9935]

I believe there is a behind the scenes for this video, it might have been on one of their PTXperience videos. I know I saw it somewhere lol

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

Pretty sure it was posted on twitter and instagram and such, but not on their official youtube. I think fans have put it up though

[@nicholeskelly3729]

Fantastic analysis as always Peter. Always look forward to your videos when they come out. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@kbarbee3212]

You continue to add educational and entertaining content. Keep it up.

[@ashmaxwell4541]

Me watching him, struggling to remember to keep his posture correct, shouldn't be this amusing. Great reaction!! Binge watching because I just found this chanel. Hi 👋🏾

[@kesna8]

Like said on another vid, there are those who can sing bass and those who are bass. Matt can sing the notes while Avi was a true bass. Which isn't bad! Matt does amazing work and has way more controle and polish than I ever had while actively singing.

[@sarahstyles6859]

Actually there are 6 different types of bass just like sopranos and every voice type. With sops it’s the lyric who gets the lead etc… Bass-baritone is a real bass but of course it won’t sound like another bass type like a dramatic bass. He is a bass.

[@eme.261]

@@sarahstyles6859 - Thank you. It's a bit odd that people who supposedly love Pentatonix for their stellar musical technique know so little.

[@mymakeupnonsense]

Your analyses are always the best. So thorough and entertaining! I’d love to see more PTX reactions :)

[@Kaytrinelise]

Everything I watch one of your videos, I learn so much! Thank you for all of your expertise. And your voice in the morning is amazing lol!

[@dawnashby3100]

Matt is so talented!!!

[@lexymich22]

There is a behind the scenes on this that you might want to watch. I'll link it here. There is also a wonderful video from the tour they just finished last night. Kirstin boyfriend and their videographer plays the Grinch and Matt is amazing it. I'll like it here too but also put it on your IG DMs so you might see it faster. Great reaction !! And the best thing you do that other reactors don't is you tell us what they are doing and rewinded so we can hear what you just taught us. I love your reactions

[@kylesummers1565]

Peace, Love! Merry late Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@dutch2061]

Thurl Ravenscroft, my favorite bass singer.

[@Jessica_Little]

I honestly love your technical ear and how you pick up on things that I seriously didn’t hear even though I’ve listened to the song for years. If it’s harmonies you love, I HIGHLY suggest checking out some music from the a cappella group Voctave! They have some of the most beautiful and angelic harmonies out there! Their Disney Love Medley features Kirstin Maldonado from Pentatonix.

[@neyzertz]

That D2 is for real, I listened it on the Evergreen Tour :)

[@laurag2112]

Hi from Vancouver Canada. I am a very new subscriber as of today and have watched several of your reactions. I love Pentatonix and wondered how you missed their Mary Did You Know song. I will keep watching and liking. 🇨🇦❤️

[@theswordoftruth-dn9yc]

Just have to say, as a newbie to your channel, I so appreciate how you break down each layer of a song. I'm so happy to have found you because I learn something each time, even though I don't know some of what you're talking about you will eventually explain it to us musical amateurs. Thanks again. See ya next time🙋

[@melissacoviello2886]

As someone who is hard of hearing, who relies on lip reading I agree 100% that it’s instantly recognizable when it’s off at all.

[@joannemelahn5456]

I could listen to you speak and sing all day💕

[@TomLloyd-18]

No one breaks down a PTX cover like you do. It's so gr8 to understand WHY I like them so much after listening to your analysis. My fav cover of theirs that highlights Matt's range is 'When you wish upon a star". Unfortunately they don't have an official video . . but . . the audio is fantastic. As for Lipsincing for the video . . . I always assumed that they did a vocal performance and just muted it so it would match up to the recorded one. I mean they have performed this so many times I'm sure they got the timing down pat. I really enjoy your reactions because I always learn something. Thanks! . . . and have a Merry Christmas! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep7YqaGErt6LmK8

[@Loruca]

Watch some of their behind the scenes videos. If I'm understanding what you're saying, I think you'll find that you are right. They actually sing with the requisite gusto when shooting the video.

[@tinaprice848]

Omg I was just mind blown by hearing pentatonix aha Singapore. Omg avis bass was jaw dropping and mitch's highs oh my goodness!!!!

[@spiderfingers86]

Wow! You have a deep voice in general

[@danielbrown9202]

Great job. Great job.

[@christineshimahara9555]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE

[@louellamoyer5578]

I learned a lot! I never knew that Opera was so complicated. I think I had better go to a music appreciation class! Thanks for reacting! Happy New Year!

[@dawnhutchins11]

Again!! I APPLAUD your ability to actually musically break down the song. I’ve been looking for some really well trained musicians who do reaction videos. This particular song was an excellent choice to point out all the background variations and lip syncing for the video. You’re videos are literally amazing! Keep them coming. Oh and from one singer to another, please keep using the technical terms. Don’t dumb it down. Some of us really appreciate it. Sure, explain the term, but don’t avoid things like staccato vs legato. Brilliant as always! **Lastly, I’d like to recommend you burst your brain and check out Voctave. A cappella that is a different style, but you’ll be I’d say gobsmacked is the word! Yea the first soprano, Kate goes crazy high, but each voice is equally valuable. Great Movie Medley, Impossible Dream, they have a jazz album with a great nod to Ella Fitzgerald, a Broadway one, and a few Christmas ones you’d have appreciate. Kirstin from Pentatonix collabs with them on a song a few years back. It’s Disney Love medley with her then fiancée. They like to pull soloists from within the group as well as famous soloists like David Phelps, Sandi Patty, and well, Kirstin! Anyways, happy singing! And so sorry this was long. You made my musical nerd come out!🤪🎶

[@rubysantoyo8256]

you HAVE to react to “Take 6” its an acapella group full of all men & their dissonant harmonies are actually insane & chill inducing. They’re my next fave group after Pentatonix!! They also have banger Christmas covers.

[@sebb8347]

there's a little BTS for this and there is a time when they show Matt completely butchering the lip sync for the last long line, it was pretty funny.

[@kogle54]

I believe they do it on their current tour. Love your breakdowns.

[@celiachristman104]

Thank you for your break down. I always learn so much from your reactions. I have watched this dozens of times, and no reactor has done such an amazing job of explaining the different styles. I saw them do this on their tour, but I didn't notice Scott's low notes. There are videos of those performances if you want to check it out. Which opera role is your favorite? We are patrons of the Pittsburgh Opera and love it.

[@Dogmom42]

I wish I could hear the bass notes Scott does that you can hear. I can’t pick them out!!

[@sabrinaptxtacy8411]

I have a few live videos from this tour that you can check out.

[@eriklind8489]

I love this version. It showcases what an awesome singer Matt really is.....If you want to hear a more Thurl-esque version....Listen to Voiceplay, with Adrianna.

[@michelle32855]

Another great reaction! Might I also suggest the cover by Small Town Titans? Pretty sure you'd enjoy it as well. It's a little deeper and includes the rolled r's which is pretty awesome.

[@shadowproductions969]

I agree. Especially since he's expanding into songs beyond acapella

[@allenafernandez1189]

Small Town Titan's version is my absolute favorite version.

[@christiancole1128]

My group just performed this song! Very fun

[@PeterBarber]

awesome!

[@susanneiden9895]

Your reactions are so informative and fun. Thank you. Now fingers crossed, you'll a reaction to (at least) one Home Free Christmas song. Merry Christmas! Frohe Weihnachten!

[@dahliajohnson2296]

First time watching and your voice just 😍😍😍

[@wrob08]

The a capella version of this that I always remember is the version by Rockapella. I think that's due to listening to it every year when I was younger. It's quite a bit different than this version.

[@alissakennon2849]

Have you seen them live?

[@NC-ny1kw]

3:24 like this face 😼- Peter Barber 2021

[@Iansco1]

So the Voiceplay version with Geoff?

[@rogerng0]

I would love to hear your reaction and analysis on 'Love Again' by PTX. It's one of their original songs back in the day.

[@jonas8993]

right, he clearly isn't the lowest bass, but when I compare it to geoff part in voiceplay's cover, I think that Matt has better singing and diction while Geoff has more impressive jumps

[@lauriep2018]

I like to think of Geoff or even Tim as full basses, like a tuba or cello or upright bass. Whereas I think of Matt more as a bass guitar. I think he is excellent at running bass lines bc he has so much control and fits ptx’s more pop direction

[@jonas8993]

@@lauriep2018 exactly

[@cat-kp9xj]

Love this song 🥰🥰🥰🥰 one of my favourites. Waiting for god rest ye merry which I've tried to break down sooooo many times!

[@kevinathans4191]

Home Free has some great Christmas music as well.

[@cheyennadennison375]

Please look at PTX'S "Mary Did You Know"

[@Qmocean]

The version of this song by Small Town Titans should be apart of your bonanza. It's amazing.

[@petersimpsons390]

really like your "BASS" reactions. would you be interested doing reaction on 15years old contralto singer by name Diana Ankudinova from Russia. She has a unique tone in her voice. Never heard girl with voice like her. There is lots of older songs like human or wicked games or lots of new ones....... she is 18years old now. Thank you for your work on youtube.

[@anitaboddington4837]

Do you want to talk about Bass singers check out JD Sumner of the stamps and the Oak Ridge boys

[@impliedviolence1944]

Have you heard small town titans version of the song? if not i think you might like it.

[@erincross4328]

You should also check out small town titans version of this song. It’s a rock/metal version which isn’t usually my thing but his bass voice is insane. It’s awesome.

[@Miobambino]

Oh my goodness! I love your voice! Stalker alert! Only kidding 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️❣️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Pen175]

Just found your videos and I'm really enjoying your reactions and analyses. You've pointed out so many things not only from a bass singer's perspective but from a musically trained one as well. Now I'm wondering what you would have to say about Voctave. Their group is bigger than Pentatonix but they're also great to listen to. I'd love to see what you think of their videos. [Edit] Never mind. Just found the one where you did just that, haha.

[@thelivingmiracle]

Peter, would you react to Voctave's "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"

[@trombonecade]

I suggest listening to Jacob Colliers arrangements of The Christmas Song and In the Bleak Midwinter, the things he can do with his voice and harmony really takes you on a journey in his songs.

[@J-A-W]

Have you ever reacted to their version of Bohemian Rhapsody? I think it's one of thier craziest productions.