Reaction to and Analysis of The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) cover by VoicePlay

[@Wildecat10]

Cesar WAS actually filming while he was back at the Christmas tree. Kathy included his footage in the BTS and they posted it on Instagram. Cesar made it clear at the shoot he wanted to take home the jacket. But Cesar’s necklace, Deejay’s bracelets and Layne’s sheet music were part of VoicePlay’s Holiday auction. They raised $2700 for Toys for Tots and No Kid Hungry. VoicePlay has done this song in their live shows for many years. The arrangement was tweaked for the current makeup of the group and lyrics tweaked to be more current. Geoff added the bridge - starting with Snow is on the ground - and wrote/arranged the music and lyrics for that section. You really need to hear Deejay in VoicePlay’s Bang. Near the end there’s an unbelievable trio riff written by J None.

[@davidkreacts]

I can't believe it didn't occur to me that's what he was doing - makes complete sense. I love that it's actually pieces from their videos that they auction. I saw the results after it on the Discord, but wasn't able to get on myself. That's awesome that they brought this in from their live sets and updated it. Very logical, and still keeping it contemporary. Trio riff, you say - this I must hear!

[@ronsbrat525]

Yeah. Was cool to see their perspective or them from behind. I'm on their Patreon so got to see it there. I love their BTS videos. One of the main reasons I joined. Besides the fact that I love them all so much.

[@ronsbrat525]

DeeJay does that riff in Butter too. He is an awesome singer. Hamilton is lucky to have him.

[@davidkreacts]

@@ronsbrat525 Hear hear.

[@ilonadever8249]

@@davidkreacts If you want another trio riff/run, go to their cover of Tennessee Whiskey. You will be floored, guaranteed!

[@par500dragon7]

Geoff and Layne share a brain! They are very in sync because of singing together since middle school.

[@davidkreacts]

That makes complete sense.

[@Traci2000]

I think on Layne's home planet if someone wants to copy a sound, they just swallow the thing that makes that sound and absorb the ability. That's my theory anyway. 😂😂 Just fyi, Geoff goes full on Disney princess for a few seconds in their "We Don't Talk About Bruno." That one's a stunningly good arrangement from Layne. Also, Cesar is an adorable little show stealer in that one too! 😜 P.s. I really hope your headache is better! ❤️🎄

[@davidkreacts]

Hahahaha! Sounds like a musical Kirby - I'm here for it! I am looking forward to checking out some of their Disney work soon. Yes, thank you, much better.

[@Tark-qs4mu]

As one might be able to guess I am a pretty big fan of Voiceplay. One of the reasons I've become such a fan is because of just how descriptive the groups name is. Every song they do, every cover, every musical piece they use their voices to play and see what's possible within the music they're doing. For me that makes everything they do very exciting, just wondering what they're going to come up with next. It can even be something simple ( I say simple as though anything they do is truly simple ) but put into a unique place, or used in a creative way. The add-on lyrics in this cover are a lot of fun, too. It makes one, almost, wish that Geoff or Layne would write original music for them to perform. Almost. That they don't have original music out there is one of the things, I think, that separates them from the other two groups of the triad. Voiceplay does was Voiceplay does, covers, and they do it exceptionally well. All in all a very fun reaction. I always enjoy hearing your take on music I love, and I also enjoy hearing you break down some of the imagery in the videos, too. It's that combination that keeps me coming back, my friend. I can hardly wait ( like a chipmunk, in a way ) to see what's next!

[@davidkreacts]

You? Never! ;-) I totally agree - I never really thought about the name, but it fits them perfectly. Their work is always so vibrant and full of detail and animation. I would be interested to hear original VP stuff, but at the same time I'm quite content with what they offer us now. :-) Thank you so much - as always, I'm really glad you enjoyed it.

[@EbonRaven]

The "put your sleigh in the sky and fly" portion is, in my mind, a real call back to the Wicked arrangement. The sounds are so very similar (to me).

[@davidkreacts]

I hear that! I didn't think of it at the time, but could see myself having made a similar observation if I had.

[@EbonRaven]

@@davidkreacts You're excused. You had a wee bit of stuff distracting you. ;)

[@staceypost7282]

It absolutely made my week when I saw that Deejay was back for this one. Not only is his voice incredible, but he's such a high-energy performer. He's fun to watch AND to listen to. My personal favorite Voiceplay video with him is "Man In The Mirror" (just a hint). Obviously, I've seen a lot of reactions to this since it came out. So far, yours is my favorite. You always do such a good job of hitting the sweet spot between technical knowledge and being understandable and interesting to regular folks.

[@geoffreyfagan1798]

I was impressed by the sleighbell sound, but none of the reactors I saw commented on it except David.

[@davidkreacts]

I'm not surprised re Deejay - he's phenomenal! Man in the Mirror is on my list, for sure. Thank you so much! I'm flattered, and hope I continue to live up to your compliments. :-)

[@JaniceCW61]

Welcome to the 2 huge rabbit holes that you just dropped into! VoicePlay and Home Free are my worst addictions, but you get the high with no harmful side effects! Just wanted to let you know that I found you through the comments under Mortius's reaction to this song and subbed to you on the 2nd video I watched. I really enjoy the way you analyse the vids, from vocals to the staging/costumes to everything else. Please don't apologise for pausing or being silly. I think most of us enjoy the silliness and appreciate the insights. When I say "us", I mean the Aca-Fandom. You'll find us loyal, enthusiastic (to a fault) and ready to help you whenever you ask. Even more so when you don't ask. 😁 Buckle up and get ready for a fun ride!

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you! Very happy to be in them! ;-) Thank you so much for the sub and the compliments - I'm really glad you're enjoying my work. I apologise a lot, almost subconsciously, so I'm trying to get better about not doing that! Consider me on board for the ride!

[@suzybailey5501]

So much fun, what else would you expect from VoicePlay! No idea how Layne did those wonderful sleighbell sounds but most of what he does is a complete enigma to me. Cesar with all the sass, Eli and Deejay (boy, that man can riff) sounded so good together. Not forgetting Geoff and his little arabesque, it's the look of joy on his face as much as the pose that has me in fits of giggles. Thanks David, for the enjoyable reaction! 🧚‍♂️🤣👍

[@davidkreacts]

Absolutely agreed! And you're very welcome - glad you enjoyed it. :-)

[@starstuff84]

Many years ago i worked in a restaurant that only played the Chipmunks Christmas album on repeat from the day after Thanksgiving until New Years Eve. Needless to say I have walked out of store when that song comes on. Voice Play has redeemed this song for me.

[@davidkreacts]

Oh my goodness, that sounds terrible! I'm glad the VP version has been able to turn that around. :-)

[@bethwalsh9020]

As others mentioned, Deejay is great in Bang, which is one of my favorite VP songs. I have never liked the Chipmunks, even as a kid, but I love this version of this song.

[@davidkreacts]

I'm with you on that - I didn't mind the cartoon, but this song rubbed me the wrong way, partly because it was so slow. Looking forward to see more Deejay.

[@karenponchak5304]

One thing I have noticed, that most every reactor has missed: The intro is paying homage to the original version of the song. Not because of the "retro" vibe, but because the original is in 3/4 and not 4/4.

[@davidkreacts]

... Wow. How did I miss that?! Excellent catch - that completely blew by me. :-P

[@karenponchak5304]

@@davidkreacts it's blown pretty much by everyone, as I said.... I picked up on it after seeing a close up of the sheet music Layne holds up - which is in 3/4.

[@davidkreacts]

@@karenponchak5304 Very fair. Must add sheet music analysis to my process any time I see it on screen! ;-)

[@karenponchak5304]

@@davidkreacts 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CapriUni]

I was also wondering how the sleigh bell sound was made... Maybe a "Ch-ch-ch" sound with added reverb or echo? I dunno. Home Free's Adam Rupp has earned the nickname "freak of nature." I think Layne Stein is the mad scientist.

[@davidkreacts]

Hahaha! I like that comparison - they're both so talented, but in slightly different ways. I'm here for it.

[@Starrynightdiner]

Layne did put a sped up, “helium” version on tiktok.

[@ronsbrat525]

Huldra Draco did one on her channel as well.

[@davidkreacts]

Oh my goodness - I just listened and that is hilarious!

[@ilonadever8249]

First, I am very old. Only Voiceplay could make me love a song that has always made me cringe! I heard it when it first came out, when it was saturating the airwaves and it just drove me nuts! Voiceplay and Geoff have used this set several times, as well as other standing sets at Pattycake. Layne's beatboxing in this one is just non-stop fantastic! And how he does jingle bells, I will never know. Geoff's arabesque? Wonderful! And I don't know that they would need an effect to muffle themselves at that point, they can do anything with their voices. The section following Hamilton - superb. Then the shift in tone for Snow is on the ground. And after We can hardly wait and Geoff's solo, the change in tone. And after Cesar's halo, the Latin (?) rhythm is phenomenal. And the ending, almost Wicked. Hope your migraine went away quickly!!

[@par500dragon7]

I've always hated it, too. Now I know it was the chipmunk voices I hated so much!

[@davidkreacts]

What a great thing to be able to turn your thoughts on the song around by their arrangement. :-) Love all of your comments, and I have to agree about them being able to do anything with their voices. Yes, thank you - slept it off that afternoon and evening, and back on my feet the next day.

[@alyssadaniels7841]

Layne posted that sped-up version for the “helium” effect on tiktok, and let me tell you, Geoff’s voice with that effect is a CURSED sound

[@davidkreacts]

I watched it, and I know what you mean, but I'm glad I heard it! ;-)

[@aaroncoffman88]

My favorite featuring Deejay was Man In the Mirror. It took on a sad note though as we knew it was J. None's farewell video as he was leaving to join the Navy. Great seeing Deejay again. Excellent reaction. Keep up the great work.

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you so much. Yes, I'm looking forward to Man in the Mirror once I get to it.

[@janetdw]

I believe they also did You’re My Best Friend at the same time as a tribute to J.

[@Juilene1965]

You're the first person I've seen mention Cesar's eyeroll. I noticed it the first time, and every other time through..and I've watched this probably 150 times already. Love the reaction, and love every second of this arrangement. Voiceplay is such a talented bunch of guys!

[@davidkreacts]

Yes, they absolutely are! So many little details in their work - it's hard to pick up on all of them listening without reacting, never mind trying to commentate at the same time! Glad I could bring something new to the table. :-)

[@bjspeck4337]

I have so enjoyed this. Layne got enough comments on people wanting the helium so he did a TikTok version of this video with "helium" (aka sped up) so if it appeals check it out. DeeJay has done several videos with VoicePlay: Man in the Mirror (J None's last as a member), You're My Best Friend, Bang, Butter ( you need at least 4 or 5 eyes for this one), Mr. Sandman, and probably more. Yup, it's PattyCake - used in Geoff's Way Down, and Friends on the Other Side.

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you! I checked that video out and it is hilarious! :-) I'm looking forward to hearing Deejay's other work - he's such a great guest for them. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@bjspeck4337]

@@davidkreacts My pleasure.

[@AutumnRavn]

I found a funny clip compilation where one can hear Layne and Earl on helium. I don't know the origin of those clips, maybe they shared that with the patreons. But they exist.

[@susanbradley5685]

Deejay has done Bang, Butter, and a few other great songs with them already! Worth watching!

[@davidkreacts]

Nice! I will check them out in due course. :-)

[@janetdw]

@@davidkreacts Get extra caffeine when you do Butter - you will need it to watch all the shenanigans going on along with the vocals. It is one of my faves.

[@davidkreacts]

@@janetdw Duly noted!

[@hollyryalsgrubb1273]

VoicePlay turned a horrible earworm into delightful ear candy.

[@davidkreacts]

Haha! Agreed 100%!

[@shercahn]

Migraines suck, but you were fine. They also make it harder to concentrate. But whatever you do, don't beat yourself up to "meet the demand" - they'll always want more out of you. So take care of you or you want enjoy things as much.

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you. Honestly, I thought I was going to be okay for this reaction, and it just caught up to me, but by then I'd seen the first half and figured I'd just carry on. I also think I'd set the thermostat too high - we had an unseasonably warm day, and the basement was cooking a little.

[@LoppyJen]

The Chipmunk Song is such a classic, and one that had lots of good memories associated with. I love the new lyrics added in to modernize the song. And, I love your reaction. I knew it was going to be a good react as soon as I heard the song.

[@davidkreacts]

Aw, thank you! Yes, I think the modernisation is an excellent touch. :-)

[@Starrynightdiner]

Cesar was shooting some BTS footage while he was back at the tree. Very fun.

[@davidkreacts]

Actually, that makes complete sense.

[@katthor7311]

I believe the sleigh bell sound Layne makes is something he learned how to do, no effects, no layering....he can just make the sound. He's done it in several of their christmas songs over the years. When you tried to mimic DeeJay and then resigned asking why do you even bother....I felt that, especially because I'm not a singer, though I try my best to sing along with VoicePlay. However, I have had a head cold all week, and I've taken great glee in attempting to sing some more Geoff parts with my temporarily lower, gravely voice. 🤣 Speaking of not feeling well, I hope you were able to beat that migraine fast. Those are never fun. Thanks for another great reaction and analysis!

[@davidkreacts]

Wow - Layne just impresses me more and more. I feel like it's just instinct for me to try to mimic sounds I'm hearing to help make a point, and I confess I quite enjoy giggling at my attempts later! :-P They are eminently singalong-able, for sure. I was shaking something last week and singing along to White Christmas and enjoying being able to hit more of Geoff's notes than usual, so I hear that! Yes - migraine defeated. And you're welcome - glad you enjoyed it. :-)

[@jackyfriedman1963]

In their last monthly chat on patreon Layne showed us how he did the reindeer bells. I was amazed how fairly easy it is to do.

[@davidkreacts]

Ooh - nice. I'll have to look back at that once I upgrade.

[@ronsbrat525]

@@davidkreacts Dec 27th chat replay. I'm on their $5 tier. Their behind the scenes videos are awesome too.

[@KaaSerpent]

Geoff on helium wouldn't be NEARLY as impressive as Geoff on sulfur hexafluoride. THAT I'd like to hear.

[@davidkreacts]

I had not heard of that before, but reading up on it, I don't know if the universe could withstand the effects! (Still up for hearing them, though.) Wiki also says that it's a mild anaesthetic, so now I'm envisioning Geoff singing through a song and then passing out for 6 hours. :-P

[@KaaSerpent]

@@davidkreacts It's so much heavier than air, you can't always exhale it all without basically standing on your head or at least bending double. So it's not "safe" for anything more than a short while, but it's a pretty wild effect. :)

[@davidkreacts]

@@KaaSerpent Noted. What a weird experience that must be. I kind of want to try it, but as a vocalist, the idea makes me squirm a little. I've actually never even heard myself on helium.

[@bobkitten8150]

This one is so much fun, and as usual, there's a lot going on. More than a few watches/listens are needed to appreciate it! My favorite Deejay collaboration is Butter. Also, check out their mini of Feliz Navidad featuring Cesar's brother!

[@davidkreacts]

Absolutely agreed! It's a lot in a short space of time! I have added Butter to the list, and will be checking out the minis soon. :-)

[@west_nebraska_dude4527]

Great reaction ... really appreciated the background on the song!

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you!

[@rmdewberry2482]

I had the Chipmunks Christmas album in 1981 and it's a classic part of my childhood. Love VoicePlay's version with all sorts of fun add-ins. Deejay...I would LOVE to see him play any of the like seven roles he covers in Hamilton.

[@davidkreacts]

That's fantastic! So great to be able to enjoy the classic and contemporary versions. :-) Yes, I would love to see him in the show also.

[@EbonRaven]

Layne's sleigh bells confound me to this day. The closest I can figure out is to make a "key" sound, but push the tongue forward a bit to fuzz the sounds some. It's NOT the same, but it's the closest I can make to it.

[@davidkreacts]

Hmm - I think I get what you're going for there, and you're right - not quite correct, but close.

[@SweetCuttlefish-AshleyE]

I'm pretty sure the 'new music and lyrics' are more referring to the bridge, which is 100% Geoff.

[@davidkreacts]

Love it! That totally sounds like a Geoff moment.

[@carinarodebak9419]

Late to the game, so most facts have already been added by other commentors. Deejay in Bang is my favourite, but he is astonishing in every guesting. Hopeless to ask Deejay to stop riffing, just as well that line wasn't directed towards him. You will recognize the theater settings in Friends On The Other Side and in Geoffs Way Down, just as the wall in White Christmas was the same as in Shenandoah- a masterpiece you must come to soooon.

[@davidkreacts]

Yeah, I decided I'd rush White Christmas to get this out a little later. I'm hugely impressed by Deejay - looking forward to seeing more work. All of those songs are on the how-can-I-get-to-these-all-quickly-with-so-much-on-the-list list, so hopefully soon-ish?

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

They are all so brilliant in this great acting and fun comedy ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@davidkreacts]

Wholeheartedly agreed.

[@patriciaschuman4205]

Always a delight to listen to your review and analysis. Even though the sound is cut off to avoid spoilers, this was such a fun video shoot for the patrons to watch. Such great fun watching them have fun! Looking forward to whatever video it was that they also filmed with Deejay to release at a later date.

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you so much! Yes, it is an incredibly enjoyable video. I'm curious about the other video too - looking forward to it!

[@alexwalker8440]

I absolutely love this one! Thanks for the analysis and reaction! The first one Deejay did with VP is Bang!, which I strongly recommend. It has an amazing trio riff-up with Deejay, Eli and JNone (before Cesar time). He was also part of Butter, Man in the Mirror, You're my best friend, and some VP minis. He's really good, and fits perfect with VP. But his heart is with Hamilton! I love how much time and effort you put in these videos! Thank you, David! 😍😍

[@davidkreacts]

You are very welcome - I'm glad you enjoyed it! Very much looking forward to more Deejay, and I hope to see the Hamilton tour when it comes up towards my neck of the woods.

[@katetracton131]

This was a fun reaction! I hope your head feels better. If you want some Deejay riffing, my favorite is VP’s Bang! Which features him. He is spectacular in it.

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you! Definitely getting to Bang! in due course, for sure.

[@jennifersmith8923]

Tried looking at other comments and you may already be aware...but the Hamilton reference was because DeeJay is on the tour as a swing.

[@davidkreacts]

I did catch that, yes - a very smart lyric. :-)

[@SunnyOutlook]

Music is emotional and it is the one thing that can really touch a person's heart and soul. One of the things I love best about VoicePlay is how they can bring about various emotions in people. I've seen people tear up listening to one of their songs, I Can't Make You Love Me, for one. I've also seen people burst out laughing a performance they did called Road Trip. When I first saw The Chipmunk Song watched others react, it was nothing but constant smiles and laughter. They bring out the playfulness and nostalgia in this song and I loved how they tweaked the lyrics for modern references. It is brilliant all around and it really adds to the joy of the season. When they drop their Christmas song, you know it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I would really like to know how Layne did the sleigh bells. Thank you for your reaction and wonderful smile while watching.

[@davidkreacts]

YES! I totally agree with you. They are masters of engaging with the emotions of their audience, and I love them for it. You are very welcome, and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. :-)

[@christinestromberg4057]

See more of DeeJay with VoicePlay in Butter, Bang!, Youu're My Best Friend, and Man in the Mirror.

[@davidkreacts]

I'm looking forward to it.

[@jonmedders3866]

The did Phantom of the Opera a few years back, would love to see a video on it.

[@davidkreacts]

Oh, believe me, that's on my list! I trained in musical theatre, and songs like that and If I Were a Rich Man/Girl and definitely high up my list.

[@janeeggleston9542]

Great comments!

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you!

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you!

[@jackyfriedman1963]

Great reaction David. Love ya 💖

[@davidkreacts]

Aw, thanks!

[@ronsbrat525]

@@davidkreacts ☺️

[@cclawson8013]

I urge you to check out Voiceplay’s version of “Bang” with DeeJay Young. It is on of my favorites and his riffing is incredible!!! Also they did a Michael Jackson son “Man in the Mirror” with DeeJay Young end it was the last song that J.None did before he left the group. Both pieces of music are outstanding, but in my opinion that could be said about every Voiceplay play song.

[@davidkreacts]

Both of these are on my list, and I'm looking forward to getting to them and to hearing some more Deejay - he's a great guest for the group. :-) Also, I agree - every VP song is fantastic!

[@cclawson8013]

@@davidkreacts Unfortunately DeeJay has been cast in the musical Hamilton for quite some time. I am an Orlando FL gal myself. I have loved VoicePlay for a long time. I honestly think their arrangements far exceed the other groups and no one can touch their creativity with the costumes and sets. The bar is set very high!

[@marshayoung9387]

Please do a reaction video of Voice Plays new ( short live ) song. Check it out on their channel.

[@davidkreacts]

Which of the shorts are you referring to? I'm thinking I'll do a series of minis in one video, if one of them is what you mean?

[@marshayoung9387]

New subscriber, please do a reaction video of Voice Plays cover of Dream On originally by Aerosmith. Voice Play does it better. Also Voice Plays cover of Carry On My Wayward Son. You will be amazed by both. Thank you.

[@davidkreacts]

Thank you for the sub! Yes, both of those are on my list - looking forward to getting to them. :-)