Classical Musician's Reaction & Analysis: PENTATONIX - GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN

[@SirHairless]

• How many times do I say 'traditional' in this?! • The music video has been colour-adjusted for copyright reasons. ====== Check out this reaction next! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXSnpqOllpaLf7c

[@pavlamariebernadettax6789]

It was said just only 8x I think 😄😄😄 But, who cares? We love your reactions😍 I didnt know that the reason for making this video could be the layering and choir effect. It really makes sense. I love to see your surprises about PTX's vocals and arrangements. It is priceless. 😍 P.S. That joke about ending of video in the beginning was funny :D

[@SirHairless]

@@pavlamariebernadettax6789 Haha thank you!

[@redcactusify2071]

Your reactions are the best! I have watched so many people reacting to pentatonix songs and while all of them are blown away, only a select handful are understanding these complex arrangements or even hearing the different parts like you do. As a nerd for musical theory this makes me so happy and I feel like I'm finally processing all there is with you pointing out the different layers. Thank you so much for that, you have become my favorite reactor!

[@SirHairless]

Very happy to hear this! Thanks for watching and glad you're enjoying 😀

[@cassie8906]

SAME! i was just about to comment something similar! It's always great to find a reactor that understands the assets that PTX has ESP in their arrangements. While everyone can recognize the pure talent with their voices, when someone understands music and can see how intricate their arrangements are (shout out to Ben Bram as well) it's AWESOME!

[@SirHairless]

Appreciate you @@cassie8906 🙏

[@justinperry13]

Easily. EASILY. E A S I L Y one of, if not the best music reactor I’ve seen on the platform. There are people who react on a casual level, then a few who are instructors, and even less who are practicing performers. However, there are an extremely rare few whom I personally label “musical scientists”. These are the ones who seem to be able to see the actual D.N.A of the music, as if they were Neo in the damn matrix. It’s honestly incredible to watch. Without a shadow of doubt, Sir hairless is one of those few.

[@CaptainMarvelsSon]

Praise to Avi here as a true bass because, unless you have sung the bass line before, you just don't realize how difficult it is here. Speaking as a baritone, there are SO MANY vocal flips in this song it is crazy. It's like very slow bass yodeling. 😅

[@SirHairless]

I often automatically default to listening to Avi because his parts are so crazy, can't help it!

[@aellath]

It's those parts i like singing best because i love hearing how my note slots in.

[@ivanalaff5346]

“!Bloody Hell” Indeed…

[@ivanalaff5346]

It IS So….

[@JemUzumik]

The way he said it reminded me of "Lucifer"(TV show)😂

[@TheJennilou68]

They also do Carol of the bells live. You'll be hard pressed to see where Mitch actually breathes.🎉🎉

[@Louvonia-v2b]

Would love to see his reaction to this.

[@japyfilms]

People have said this already but really, feel free to pause and rewatch any part as MANY times as you want its fun to see you disect it. They do so much interesting things in such a small time frame. Excited for more PTX!

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for this comment! I know I can never please everyone - so I'm trying to get the right balance between pauses and info 😅 At the moment we're going with the method of pausing only at 'natural' pause moments (e.g. after a verse) and then recapping what we've just heard

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

@@SirHairless I think doing a simple "I'll pause and analyse, so if you've not seen it go watch in link and if this style is not for you..." disclaimer often goes a long way to ward of people who randomly get angry at not hearing the whole song haha

[@SirHairless]

@@hernameispekka_Rebecca Thanks ☺ Duly noted

[@shelleyo]

@@SirHairless Please please pause and share because it’s both for the appreciation of their musicianship (or constructive critique also) as well as helping us understand why we love their music so much. We feel it, but it’s so very fun to learn just why it is that we love a piece. Oh! And congrats for cresting the 2k followers mark! I’m betting at least 3k followers by year’s end.

[@SirHairless]

@@shelleyo Thanks for the comment☺ And thanks also for pointing out the subs! A nice surprise to wake up to this morning 😀

[@anna9072]

As long as you’re on Christmas songs, I strongly recommend their interpretation of “Twelve Days of Christmas”. Maybe it goes without saying, but it’s incredible.

[@jcs1025]

The live version from last year’s Christmas concert is awesome.

[@cassie8906]

@@jcs1025 Thanks for this comment! I have already recommended in a previous reaction to do 12 days but not sure how I missed there was a live version! Checking that out now!!!

[@camillep3631]

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, they won another Grammy for the arrangement...a group without instruments singing a song with no words...insane

[@jamesensley3906]

Yes, they do layer and stack vocals. In PENTATONIX THE RECORDING OF EVERGREEN you can actually see a little of them discussing and recording such. Kevin even says "we're never hiring a choir."

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

I think it's Matt saying it but yes. There is also a tiktok of Scott last minute creating a whole choir himself for one of their tracks!

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the info

[@dionc6]

And yet, they have a choir in O Come, All Ye Faithful.

[@jamesensley3906]

@dionc6 He was exaggerating...being funny. They have worked with choirs a number of times.

[@Masq1980]

agreed! I think he would love checking that video out!

[@jasgem76]

Great reaction. The Mitch slap at the end is killer. I saw someone comment somewhere recently that PTX are boring because they seem to have a formula to their arranging. It blew my mind because, although they obviously do have some techniques that are used in the arrangements for many different songs, they somehow manage to always find some way to surprise us in every song.

[@SirHairless]

Oo interesting! I'd like to know this formula....Is it utilising each member to the best of their ability?😅PTX and boring are two words that cannot be used in the same sentence. Thanks for tuning in!

[@davidhalley9795]

Screw them! There’s always someone trying to minimize other’s success. The many reactions I’ve seen everyone is blown away so one or more distracters should just be ignored. Let the rest of us enjoy the brilliance to our ears.

[@thesweetone8968]

I loved your reaction. You should try next their version of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies that they won a Grammy for. Let me repeat : a Grammy for a song that has no lyrics sung by a group with no instruments....only Pentatonix.😊

[@LindaVernon]

​@@SirHairlessOne aspect of arrangement they use often is the build to "the wall of sound" followed by a drop to very quiet. To me frequent does not equal boring. 🙂

[@shelleyo]

@@LindaVernon right.. gives a chance to remember to breathe! A pause can be a powerful musical moment.

[@goose5B]

I was 30 seconds into your first PTX reaction and it was an instant subscribe. Being a semi-musical nerd, your breakdown of the details is so fabulous. Watching you repeatedly grit your teeth and grab your head when something is almost musically "too much" (in an interesting/good way) is delightful!!!

[@SirHairless]

Wow, thanks so much! Please feel free to check out my others - playlist in the description ☺ Thanks for the support!

[@risperdude]

Yes, this is just amazing. I think this should have been a Grammy winning arrangement as well. But Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy deserved it to.

[@Masq1980]

*brain implodes* when you suggested that the extra phantom singers represented multiple layers of each person singing that were then in post layered on top of each other, it was like the big bang in my head - you sir...are a genius...!

[@SirHairless]

'Tis a pleasure 🎩

[@redroadbeadgirl9888]

I absolutely loved how you broke down their parts into the music sheet. Your reactions are very unique and I appreciate that. This and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy are my favorite holiday songs from Pentatonix. Great reaction ❤

[@SirHairless]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear you appreciate it - I try to offer something a little different to the other reactors in that regard 🎶

[@AprilG72271]

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy for certain. Also if you aren't certain about the double recording ( I'm not musically inclined) perhaps watch a live performance

[@larryross9492]

The video is similar to their award winning Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. I like this one just as much.

[@MelaniePoparad]

Watching your mind get blown was incredibly enjoyable! Your face said it all. And I agree. It’s magnificent.

[@SirHairless]

🤯 And I'm normally fairly expressionless! I guess that's the power of PTX...

[@MelaniePoparad]

@@SirHairlessI can see the light and comprehension (or confusion and your brain exploding) come into your eyes. You aren’t cartoonishly expressive, but your face still lets me know what’s going on in the hairless brain bucket. 😀 I really like your analysis of their songs and musicianship.

[@SirHairless]

Haha thanks! Well hopefully my head doesn't explode too soon so I can continue with these reactions 😅 Thanks for watching!@@MelaniePoparad

[@MelaniePoparad]

@@SirHairlessYour head will definitely explode at some point. I hear helmets at least keep the brain matter contained so no one else has to clean up after your accident. Haha. Truthfully, i just really enjoy your musical understanding and I love when lean into hair loss (not that every bald man is going bald). I’m glad you either decided to go bald for funsies or a lost bet or you worked with your natural hair loss. But i love it either way. And “Sir Hairless” is exceptionally clever. I shall call you “sir” in future comments. Keep up the good work. A fun song that gets overlooked quite a bit is their upgrade of megan trainor’s “No”. It is full of sass and fun. And at one point you can see Avi (Ah-vee) and Kevin coordinating and having a blast. Another song that i love to recommend is “say something”. This song is a bit different since kevin plays the cello while he’s beatboxing. He invented cello-boxing and he’s ridiculous. Kevin Olusola (sp?) has his own channel and i’d recommend his version of “Down”. It is awesome.

[@SirHairless]

@@MelaniePoparad I reckon my newly-acquired santa hat might to the job. Haha thanks - I decided to just get rid of it whilst I was ahead of the game 😂 Cool, thanks for the recommendations. I'm terrible with popular music but I actually know Meghan Trainor (one of my earlier videos was a reaction to her 'Mother')! I'll be sure to check out Kevin's channel too 👌 Appreciate your support - see you around!

[@rowenakotelniski2603]

Yes they often layer vocals when recording. Their live versions are also fantastic vocally.

[@gustavsson5277]

Love this version so much! And I know you would love their Dance of the sugarplum fairy video because it's incredible and they also won a Grammy for it

[@hollykinslow5193]

A really cool reaction would be "Dance to the Sugar Plum Fairy." No words, but they won a grammy for it. Absolutely stunning.

[@31Blaize]

Oh that was a Mitch-slap to savour 😆

[@HH-yo2bs]

Brilliant! :D You should react to their versions of 'Carol of the Bells', 'Twelve Days of Christmas' and 'O Come All Ye Faithful' - I dare you! ;-)

[@SirHairless]

Two of them will be coming out later this month so watch this space!

[@PT62]

I think you should do all three.!!!!@@SirHairless

[@SirHairless]

Trust me, I want to! I'd do all their Christmas stuff if I could - and if there were hundreds of days in the month of December @@PT62 😅

[@jeancaldwell5391]

@@SirHairlessDo you know that many of us listen to their Christmas music all year long because it’s so good? I for one wouldn’t object if you reacted to any of them any time of year. And saying this, I’m sure you’d also get some negative feedback because it isn’t the Christmas season. But some, like Hallelujah, are not really even religious, much less Christmas songs.

[@sonjarussell7332]

They could be layering, but I think it's just Scott filling in the bass line. Scott is a beautiful, natural baritone. We just don't get to hear it often because when he sings lead it's usually in his higher tenor register. Watch/listen to when Avi or Matt takes the lead...Scott covers the bass line with ease. A few songs that feature Scott's baritone register are: The Prayer (in Italian, no less!), The Sound of Silence, Come Along and many more! The ranges each of them cover is off the charts! They're just full of surprises! And it does get exhausting watching this much talent, exhillarating, satisfying but exhausting! More please!

[@LindaVernon]

I too love when Scott sings in his lower baritone. That's one very big reason Sound of Silence is one of my favourites of theirs. 😃

[@SirHairless]

Hi Sonja! Thanks for tuning in, as always ☺Whilst Scott can cover Avi easily (or so I'm told), in this particular version the parts I point out are when there are 4 parts between Scott and Avi, in additions to the multiple parts between Mitch and Kirstie. I'm very excited to hear Scott take over from Avi in a live performance!

[@sonjarussell7332]

@@SirHairless , see! This is why I need you to score everything for me!!! And Scott covering bass is almost as impressive as Mitch hitting the stratosphere! You’re moving through their catalog at a good clip, so you’ll find those examples soon. But never forget…they are always full of surprises . Complacency is sooo not their thing. It’s not even in their vocabulary!

[@SirHairless]

I love to hear it - keeps me on my toes!@@sonjarussell7332

[@tammielongino7485]

THATS WHY THEIR THE BEST. 😮😮😮

[@rorysnap7026]

They just keep getting better! You're in for a real treat as you move along in their career. You think this is amazing? Just wait. Love future Sir Hairless. Fascinating analysis. Don't worry about boring us, analyze as long as you want

[@SirHairless]

Exciting music lies ahead for me - I can't wait! And thank you 🙏

[@valenciathequeen8994]

You have now become my favorite reactor.❤ Your analysis is wonderful and I love how much you feel the music that they make. Now you have truly been Mitch slapped 🫲🏾🫲🏾

[@SirHairless]

This is so nice to hear - really appreciate it ☺ And yeah, I'm still recovering from that Mitch slap tbh

[@SeptimusTSS]

You should start doing these reactions on their live versions, for a lot of these big songs they usually have a mind blowing live version, i think for this one they have on on jimmy kimmel or one of those shows. Legit sounds so similsr and perfect, so impressive!

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

They still do it on tour as well so there exists professional recordings from the recent christmas shows as well

[@SirHairless]

Oh don't you worry, I plan on it! Only so many days in a year though 😭My last PTX reaction was to a live performance (Silent Night)

[@SeptimusTSS]

@@SirHairless great man! Watched it and loved it too! Its just that i find many reactors overlook those live performances in favor of the studio versions! But you also did Gold so I appreciate that loads 😁 🤙. Keep it up its great stuff!

[@SirHairless]

@@SeptimusTSS Yeah it's tricky because whichever version we pick to hear first, will be our first experience of PTX's arrangement of that song! If we pick studio first, when we get round to the live version we'll have technically heard the arrangement before. Does this matter? I can't say just yet 😅 I guess we'll find out!! Thanks for tuning in 🤙

[@tor_sgith]

Great reaction. For live versions of a lot of Christmas songs if you look out for recordings of their Evergreen Experience tour you will find their livestream versions of their tour last year which are great recordings and a good mix of their new and old songs. They are obviously mixed by an audio engineer for that stream, but it is taken from the concert live vocal. They will probably do a livestream of the Christmas tour they are on right now this year too, but for the last two years the livestreams have been very late in December so probably not much use to you this year. They definitely do layer for the recordings. Their mixer Ed Boyer has talked about it. They will sing things a couple of times to give him options and he'll layer them, pan them right and left, bring them forward and back in the mix etc. He's been working with them since the Sing Off days, he actually worked on the show.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for this informative comment!

[@carlaemerson1195]

Highly recommend their Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy it's otherworldly ❤❤

[@sealaryn]

So... Take it you love this... 😉 The same "style" but even more EPIC is the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy they won a Grammy for! Really really really recommend

[@tbowling64]

Your reaction to Mitch’s high note made me belly laugh! Loved it!

[@johnwakefield9378]

For my interests you are the best reactor I’ve watched that is both able to describe complex things simply and to hear the complex I miss. Thank for your wonderful pts reactions. They need a reactor like you to do justice to their quality work.

[@SirHairless]

Thank you so much!

[@pjb3583]

I know what you mean about hearing it in your sleep. I have watched and listened to so many reactions to Kiss From a Rose (VEVO, live) that the song automatically pops into my head when I first wake up. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s been days now and I could use a break. Maybe the merry gentlemen will take over for a bit. Loved your reaction, as always! Peace …

[@SirHairless]

Thanks, as always!

[@Gwennedd]

Oh...same!! It's either that or Pure Imagination/Christmas Time is here!!

[@janices5389]

The studio/commercial version of this song does have some doubling of the vocals, but the live version of this is just as impressive. They don't tend to do the doubling often in their works as they prefer to be able to perform them live with the same quality, but they have a very few songs that need a choir to help back them up when performing live - Bohemian Rhapsody and Oh, Come All Ye Faithful come to mind. May I suggest Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies next? An instrumental piece performed without instruments. Short but so very good. It is from about the same period as this and it won them their second Grammy for arrangement.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the comment! I've recently filmed my reaction to O Come, All Ye Faithful so expect that out fairly soon! Thanks for the recommendation of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, too

[@shannonkamkar4508]

For a pure musical experience The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is a must-see

[@fredrickabrown6698]

looking forward for your listening to 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful'

[@tammyree6200]

Love your surprise in whats happening next. Would love your take on their new release of a mashup of Pure Imagination/Christmas Time Is Here. Its an ethereal, beautifully flowing piece of brilliance! ❤️🎄💚

[@frankhartranft1588]

I love your watching of tis group - They are very intricate in notes

[@vmcgriff]

Yes I agree - Amazing Performance! Most definitely many layers on this recording. That being said I was blessed with the opportunity to see them sing this live when Avi was still in the group in December 2016 and I was just as amazing live! Maybe not as full but still so impressive! That concert was the best concert I have ever attended. It was in a College Theater so much more intimate than these huge coliseums that they preform at today. And everyone in the theater was singing along, but the acoustics were so good that it didn’t detract from their vocals at all. It was exceptional!! ♥️🎄♥️

[@SirHairless]

Sounds like a wonderful experience

[@jenniferworley7115]

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 I must have listened to this at least 10 times in a row the first time I viewed this. Then listened to at least 20 other reactor's reactions and I must say you still picked out things that nobody else commented on. Love your reaction style so informative without being condescending. Great reaction. Peace and blessings from Ohio, USA.

[@SirHairless]

Very happy to hear! Thanks for watching, and hopefully see you in my future videos ☺

[@nicolaechipotle2170]

Yes there is layering! Ben Bram has spoken about it before. The same notes/part can be recorded up to 2 or 3 times per person (usually the background parts like Kirstie or Mitch more so than the others) and the sound gets panned during editing. One to the left, one to the right, and sometimes one in the center. You don’t normally notice it when you listen but that’s what makes their tracks sound so full even though it’s just 5 people. The power of editing!!

[@alertantelope]

One of my favorites for sure, great reaction and analysis! Thank you! There are a few impressive live versions of this out there as well.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks!

[@Nora_M.Byrne88]

I was about to write the same thing😌🤍 even if in this it may be there some layers for the end result to be super powerful, their live version is basically the same 😅🫣 great reaction🫂

[@daleenengelbrecht4861]

Amazing Grace is mind blowing. Love your reactions. Greetings from South Africa

[@ShinyElfriend]

They do stack their recordings with layered vocals, but always keeping in mind whether they can perform an arrangement live. I have heard this live, and it's incredible how dead on they are and how full they can make their sound with only five voices. In recent years they have been using tracks when singing in their live performances, particularly to enhance body percussion on some songs, and added layers of strings when strings are present, but I don't think they generally sing over tracks of singing when performing live. They do dance around over a track of themselves singing, like a dance break, lol, and the concert prelude is usually their recorded vocals as well, then they come in on an opening number live. I am seeing them on Tuesday and I can't wait!

[@SirHairless]

Wow! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time - I'm jealous!!

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

I love seeing the parts pointed out so clearly and what you latch on to! They do layer separate recordings of themselves singing the same line to fill out the sound in the mix. There exists interviews with their editor Ed Boyer.

[@SirHairless]

☺

[@T_J-o3s]

@@SirHairless Jacob Restituto did some (separate multiple) interviews with Ben Bram (PTX 6th Member/Main arranger), Ed Boyer (Mix & Vocal Engineer for most Acapella Groups, incl. PTX), and Ben Hausdorff (PTX Videographer, and now Kirstin's fiance/father of her baby girl).

[@shelleyo]

@@SirHairless another reactor, Jacob Restituto, has recorded interviews with both Ben Bram and Ed Boyer. Quite fascinating, you might enjoy in your ‘spare’ time

[@shelleyo]

And if I knew how to delete this redundant comment, I would..oops.

[@SirHairless]

No worries! Thanks for the info 😀@@shelleyo

[@philipem1000]

Their creativity reallly knows no limit. They take the traditional and give it it's due then turn it on its head to give us all a new flavor.

[@nyxyn3109]

A song they cover that I think you would adore is Aha! it is very, very much a favourite of mine (particularly the live versions with the extra intro) as well as White Winter Hymnal, both are just wow

[@suzannebastien2918]

Dance of the sugarplum fairy should follow this one 🥰

[@kathyboksman5690]

I love it when your mind melts. “Hmmm, I see Kevin isn’t singing here. They may keep it in traditional four part harmony!”

[@SirHairless]

😅 you’d think I would learn from speaking too soon… Gotta love the PTX surprises!

[@terriwidger1077]

I really enjoy the time you put into separating out their parts to show us what you are hearing. I find it so informative and fascinating. Aside from all that I learn from you, I also love the genuine reaction, love seeing you get stunned and overloaded with information that you need to share. ❤

[@SirHairless]

Thanks so much ☺I'm happy to hear you find the transcriptions helpful. They'll be making appearances in my future reactions 🎶

[@bethray469]

I'm watching your PTX reactions from oldest to newest and I'm so glad I had the time to watch this one right before going to work this morning, bc watching you get so into that last section made my day. And I really need that right now bc it's almost Christmas 2024 and I work in retail. 🤣😭

[@SirHairless]

Good luck with the busiest time of the year!!

[@NotYourMomma]

I am finding myself really enjoying your insight to these videos. They do a "Daft Punk" EDM medley, amongst all the other amazing effects, they mimic an EQ filter sweep by changing the vowels and mouth shape - it will blow you away

[@SirHairless]

Thank you! Yep, the Daft Punk medley is on my radar for future reactions 👍

[@elainecourteau6231]

Your knowledge and understanding of music gives your appreciation soooo much more value. Thank you for sharing. 🤗

[@SirHairless]

Thank you for watching!

[@cassie8906]

I'm LOVING your reactions - esp how you are breaking down not only vocally but the arrangements as well. It shows their true talent (big props to Ben Bram, of course!!) Your Mitch-Slap at 7:38 is authentic - it looks like you were so shocked you covered your mouth as you didn't expect to vocalize that reaction! 🙂💚💚

[@SirHairless]

Thank you! You're in for a treat with Carol Of The Bells then (when that comes out) - got a longer transcription for that one 🎶 As for the Mitch-slap...you can see I'm still trying to process it for moments afterwards 😅

[@cassie8906]

Can't wait! Would love to see that kind of breakdown on the arrangement for "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy" :::evil grin:::

[@SirHairless]

@@cassie8906 Due to an overwhelming number of requests for that one...I've moved some videos around and will sneak it in riiiight before Christmas (hopefully!). Am planning several PTX videos in a row in the lead-up to Christmas so watch this space!

[@DennisKavanaugh-u8t]

You are simply the best at analyzing PTX songs! Thank you.

[@SirHairless]

Appreciate you 🙌

[@edsartistry]

I think this is one of their most impressive Christmas songs. There is so much going on and each person is doing their own thing all the way through the song and if you don't know your part "thoroughly" you will completely throw the whole song off. This is just amazing how they can do this. Especially with only five people. They sound like a whole choir. They are EPIC !!!

[@coloradolady2379]

There are a couple of recordings of them doing this live. One was on the Rachel Ray show and the other on Jimmy Kimmel. Very impressive live.

[@ric7044]

The Jimmy Kimmel version had one of the best sound mixes they ever got in a live TV performance. I'd recommend that one. It's mind boggling that they can do this live. Sure, there's overlays and extra tracks for the studio version, but the live version is just as impactful

[@ehcimocs2364]

I laughed my head off. Love your honest reactions. Bravo PTX

[@terriepurkey708]

I commented on this before when I first found your channel but I want you to know I keep coming back to this one, to GOLD, and to a couple others of yours that I just love revisiting your surprise and reaction. I'm looking forward to your Christmas reactions from PTX this year. (2024)

[@ssabell31]

I've watched this 100 times and I never thought about this idea of the video but I think you are spot on with your observation. Well done.

[@davidbangtson3109]

Another great reaction from you. Love hearing every one. Keep up the good PTX work.

[@SirHairless]

Appreciate it 🙏

[@justinperry13]

Good Lord man, your eyes and ear for picking up the subtle nuances and visual cues / clues are top notch.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks! Stay tuned for more PTX - we've got a lot coming up this festive period

[@lisafreeman5115]

You might be dreaming about this song tonight, but I am going to be hearing 'BLOODY HELL' in my head for the rest of the WEEK! 😅😂🤣I do love your accent, and your reactions - It's funny though, because I have heard these songs for years, so I actually pause and go back on the video 'not to hear PTX' but rather to hear 'your' emotional reaction to certain parts! 😉🙂I do love that you are resonating with their music and that you have the musical knowledge to explain what you are feeling and why - It's making my journey with you much more meaningful! I don't remember ... have you reacted to their KISS FROM A ROSE 'live performance via VEVO'? It's pretty amazing! ☺

[@SirHairless]

Haha! Let's hope it doesn't give you nightmares 😂 Thanks so much 🙏 I've not listened to Kiss From A Rose...yet....I plan on reacting to it in the new year at some point

[@terrycupp6687]

Another complex, yet very satisfying reaction, thank you! I thought it was a very astute observation to note the visual doubling as a corollary to the audio doubling, Pentatonix is always very clever in trying to give their listeners little “hints” of what is happening at a deeper level. And I know accuracy is something people tend to expect of professionals but still, in a song where tempo is very fast and intervals are distances apart tremendous precision is required to hit those notes in the “center”. I know a lot of musical blemishes can be remedied in post-production but it still takes highly trained musicians to make such challenging leaps accurately and I’m grateful you point this out, it is one of Pentatonix’s many strengths which sets them apart from other A Capella groups. I could be wrong and please, anyone let me know if I am, but I see one of the defining characteristics of their uniqueness as their ability to sing virtually any genre and do it well. That takes very high awareness of a composer’s intentions coupled with the musical ability to actually express that intention.

[@demeraragirl]

Seeing them do this live is unbelievable.

[@jeanninecherene8168]

Don't know if this has been mentioned in other comments but Scott is a baritone and will perform some bass parts and Avi is an incredible talent. He can perform bass notes and whistle notes at the same time. They are vocal ninjas.

[@zacharyminton73]

It's a masterpiece.

[@kitehrman5677]

I love all of your Pentatonix critiques.

[@Fairplayer43]

Hehehe .. Wait till you hear "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy". By Tchaikovsky (insane)

[@InkWellideas]

Two stage performances by this earlier PTX - easy to see/hear pared down individual lines: "Pentatonix God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen live (Rachael Ray show / Jimmy Kimmel)"

[@Aidan_Smith84]

As a musician and casual fan of reactions to talent by both musicians and non musicians, I really appreciate your take on things. You pick up on a great amount of detail on the first run through, very impressive! What's your musical background? I'm thinking choral/composition but couldn't quite put a finger on it! While you're getting into some festive reactions, and seem to admire vocal talent and great arrangements, I'd suggest taking a look at 'Voctave' if you haven't already - stunning arrangements and a good amount of amazing covers of christmas songs/carols. If you want a bit of a crossover or tenuous link to current content, they have a 'Disney Love Medley' which features Kirstin from Pentatonix.

[@SirHairless]

Thank you! I don't want to reveal too much as it might give something away😉But what I will say is I don't do ANYTHING musical in my life now and I work in a completely unrelated field, so these reactions are a way for me to tap back into the music-side of things I've so clearly been missing for a while 🎶I'll also let you know that much of my favourite music is from the Renaissance to Baroque periods, particularly choral polyphony. Thanks for the recommendations! They've been recommended to me before so are definitely on my radar for the future 👍

[@franpoirier1973]

You should check out Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy , they won a grammy for it

[@jcs1025]

There’s a livestream version of this from last year’s Christmas concert tour that was really good. I was lucky to attend of the tour dates. Really amazing.

[@SirHairless]

Jealous!

[@lauracondo8151]

They are amazing.

[@RamenNoodle1985]

Another another fantastic Christmas song is Oh Come All Ye Faithful! Has such a cool vibe ❤

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for the recommendation - it's on my list of upcoming reactions to do!

[@gaynora1858]

Wow ... I am learning so much from you. Great stuff dude. It is a lot of fun seeing their arrangements through your eyes.

[@jakemijares9980]

I love your reactions and analysis pls more! 😅

[@SirHairless]

Cheers! 🙌

[@lurker1107]

They performed this live in several TV shows, so you should react to one of those!

[@peggyuser-oq6xz7fg9o]

😅 Very cool arrangement and so perfectly done. The thought occurred to me that your favorite traditional Christmas carol might be forever different in your mind after this... 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 Old song but new favorite.😍 I will always come for Dimash, but I love Pentatonix and Home Free, too. I also really appreciated that you reviewed David Phelps- another top Top notch vocalist. Thanks for sharing youself and your indepth musical knowledge with the world! Many blessings to you, Sir🙏

[@thechomiji]

Just saw them do this live in Baltimore on Sunday night! They are awesome and just as on point live.

[@SirHairless]

Jealous! I'm sure you had a great time

[@marablemorgan8292]

I have to come back and revisit... Your reactions are delicious!!! Thank you! ❣❣❣

[@AnjeannetteMarie-Swifie4Ever]

PTX 🔥🤘

[@daleenengelbrecht4861]

Absolutely love your reactions. You get how amazing they are. From a Pentaholic. Greetings from South Africa

[@kathyrickert5347]

You really need to watch the live version of this. Absolutely love your reactions!

[@gingers.5933]

Love your analysis and appreciation of Pentatonix. "Dance of the Sugar Plum Faries" (Grammy #2); "O' Come all ye Faithful" and "Mary did you Know" are well worth a listen.

[@SirHairless]

My Christmas reaction schedule is fully booked up now - but you'll be happy to know that 2 out of these 3 are in there so watch this space 🎄

[@petraweewoo805]

I LOVE that you analyse everything and don't just pay attention to the soloist!

[@SirHairless]

Thanks! In acapella every part is important as each other, especially when it's as few as them!

[@uniquely_mo]

This is possibly the first one we’ve actually seen your brain implode in 😅 Love your reactions and breakdowns

[@SirHairless]

There's more to come!! Thank you 👌

[@johnrodrigues5974]

More great Christmas songs are: Little Drummer Boy Thank You (An original written by Scott and his partner Mark)

[@Bine80]

This is still one of my favorite PTX songs and arrangements. There are at least 2 amazing live performances of it. And live it's equally exciting to watch.

[@SirHairless]

Excited to see the live performances!

[@Bine80]

@@SirHairless Forgot the link. It's 2 performances together. If you don't want to do both I recommend the second one on the Jimmy Kimmel show but I don't think anyone would mind hearing both on a reaction video 😜 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH3SgmhqebGtoLMsi=qZavGFhz5rRN8lxg

[@tersommers]

Darn it! I really wish you would have done the live version of this one! Any live version is amazing! This reaction was so fun! This always gets me so very pumped up! This is even more amazing live because it's live! The official video is amazing, as well! There is a live version with Matt on bass on the YT channel Ptxlive called “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Pentatonix live stream Christmas Spectacular 2022. There is also a video with Avi on bass on the YT channel nida called Pentatonix God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen live (Rachael Ray show / Jimmy Kimmel). There are two live performances on that one (one from the Rachael Ray Show and one from Jimmy Kimmel). They are both amazing to hear but I think the Jimmy Kimmel performance had a better sound person setting things up for them. I would love to see your reaction to them doing it live! If you get the time, that is! Thanks, again, for your thoughts and reaction!

[@SirHairless]

Haha sorry! There can only be one first reaction - live or studio! I've already filmed a couple of other studio ones for some other songs, so heads-up! But don't worry, I plan on getting round to the live ones too 🎶

[@tersommers]

@@SirHairless No need to apologize! Goodness! I am just so excited for you to see everything! Don't mind me! I am like a proud parent to this group for some reason, that's how I feel! I love when musically educated people are amazed by them like I am!

[@SirHairless]

@@tersommers There's a very good reason we're amazed by them 🔥 What. A. Group.

[@shaylla_]

I have never clicked on a reaction so fast! This one just hits different and I had the best time watching your reaction to it. It was so fun and insightful, as always. Just…thank you for appreciating them and what they are capable of.

[@SirHairless]

Pleasure is mine ☺ Thank you

[@heatherhuard]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching your mind get overloaded, and love how you break things down and explain what we are hearing.

[@SirHairless]

🙏

[@terib470]

I'd like to see you do an analysis of two songs PTX did live in their Christmas Under the Stars. They are The Carol of the Bells and My Heart to You. The first time they did Carol of the Bells Avi was still their bass( 2011) this one is 2022 with Matt as teir bass. You could listen to both to see how they've rearranged or not the song. Look forward to all your analysis as I'm have no clue to how it works. ,

[@SirHairless]

Hey! I just filmed my reaction to Carol of the Bells a couple of hours ago actually (although not the live version; I'm still new to the PTX space so went for the one with 187m views on KZbin first) 🎶 So if nothing goes wrong with scheduling, copyright etc, then I plan to release that reaction this week or next week - watch this space!

[@kayecastleman6353]

It would be interesting to have an analysis of the two versions of Carol of the Bells. Great suggestion.

[@SirHairless]

@@kayecastleman6353 When I do get round to the live version (whenever that may be), I imagine I'll be sure to compare it do the studio version. The 'magic' of hearing the arrangement for the first time won't quite be there so I'll likely want to focus a bit more on the differences between the two. But we'll see!

[@teamse1656]

It would be fun to hear your analysis of their live performances.

[@staciemoisa4884]

Great reaction as usual! This version of the classic carol is the best I have ever heard.

[@lynharkins9670]

Love, love, love your reactions and how appreciative you are of their talent!

[@SirHairless]

Appreciate you 🙌

[@priscillamcrmy]

this is one of my favorite videos!

[@gaynora1858]

Please don't apologise for stepping into doing deep dives. I love hearing about all the theory behind PTX arrangements. Honestly, I feel as though I learn so much from you. And I am convinced that there are LOADS of other people out there who feel the same way. So, please continue doing what you do ... with ZERO apologies

[@baskervillebee6097]

I recommend Alison Krauss and Yo Yo Ma with the "Wexford Carol" an ancient Irish Christmas carol. She has earned 27 Grammys.

[@MCP920]

Stunning.

[@GilbBonn7307]

It's soooo nice to come across and see / hear such clear, concise and knowledgeable 'reactions' -- LOVE, LOVE, L O V E your work. "BLOODY HELL...!" (too funny) Really enjoy getting educated while we're all falling down the "Pentatonix rabbit hole" together... And the different stuff you pick up in the 'collages' of their productions and can elaborate on - really amazing and (your word) 'remarkable'! Sooooo... I can't see; have you done a review of their "Mary Did you Know?", or their "Daft Punk"?

[@SirHairless]

Cheers! Bloody cheers! 😂 Funny you should ask - I plan to release my reaction to/analysis of Mary Did You Know on Saturday, so hopefully no major copyright issues or anything there to delay things. And Daft Punk will most likely come next year at some point; not sure when exactly just yet. I do my reactions off recommendations and Daft Punk is quite heavily-requested so I imagine I won't wait too long before listening to it