The Newfangled Four • Stonehenge • arr. Anthony Bartholomew • 2023 Quartet Finals

[@TheNewfangledFour]

BEHIND THE MUSIC: As you can tell, one or more of us in The Newfangled Four are HUGE Ylvis fans (I'll give you a hint, it's me). If you aren't familiar, Ylvis is the comedy/music duo(trio?) from Norway that made the world famous "What Does the Fox Say" song in 2013, now with over a billion views on KZbin. They have a lot of other songs too which are very very funny, including one about Stonehenge. A few years ago, fellow Ylvis enthusiast, Anthony Bartholomew sneakily shared this arrangement with me (but not for Newfangled Four, I think he was just bragging), and all I could do was appreciate it from afar and laugh alone in my room during pandemic quarantine probably, and wishing I would be allowed to sing it one day. Fast forward to 2023, we are looking for 4 new songs to sing at the international contest in July, and we have this amazing idea for a parody of a different song and immediately reach out to Anthony B. to arrange it for us. He tells us, "NO GOD NO PLEASE NO ANYTHING BUT THAT SONG FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DONT SING THAT SONG," because his quartet is going to do that song. So I said, fine, but give us Stonehenge, and then that's how we got to sing Anthony Bartholomew's arrangement of Stonehenge. He did do a teeny tiny bit of re-voicing and updating, and eventually we landed on a version with 8% more barbershop 7th chords. We also had no idea how this would do and were completely prepared for it to fall flat and for no one to get it, and amazingly it was our highest scoring contest song ever.

[@avbartholomew]

Confirmed. Thank you for not doing the other song! And thank you for doing this song. Good song good quartet.

[@hanszauner1572]

Suggestion for next year: continue the Ylvis series with "A Capella" - I think this would also make a great barbershop contest song. Or is that the song you asked Anthony Bartholomew to do originally, where he said "please not this one"? 😀

[@saraalhashimi2650]

Ok but what was the other song?

[@alistairwall5470]

@@saraalhashimi2650I'm guessing Fixer-Upper which Runway did this year?

[@PhilBagels]

When I saw the title, I thought you were going to do Stonehenge, by Spinal Tap.

[@LucasBenderChannel]

I have fallen down the Newfangled rabbit hole hundreds of times before and dang it, we're doing it again!

[@LucasBenderChannel]

Also the Ylvis rabbit hole. Both very alluring. 😅

[@christopherwarsh]

lol same! I love a good NF4 holé de rābbĩt 😂

[@katiebarker4029]

You could say that this is Jaxississippi Nacho Bell Grande's Roman Empire

[@JMalaby89]

Fun fact, this was by far their best scoring song of the competition, with a total of 92.9 points. Their music and performance scores (95.4 and 94.4 respectively!!) were especially fantastic! I'm so excited to see them compete next year.

[@DBvanSomeren]

those are Gold-worthy scores right there

[@BrunnyBeatbox]

I'm pretty sure, correct me if I'm wrong, those are also their best scores of all time!

[@justadam3186]

​​@@BrunnyBeatboxYeah, I think so. It's funny how they made a gag about being "4 years past their peak" but yet this is their best year yet with two songs scoring well over 90 points

[@justadam3186]

i feel like the singing judges have conspired against them

[@alistairwall5470]

@@justadam3186Yeah I'd be interested to know why this isn't 90+ in SNG

[@joshwmiltonman]

The improvement from Joey and Jackson is staggering! Jake's level is still high as ever and Marcus has blended in really nicely. Genuinely have a shot at a medal next year

[@jaredcamacho9622]

Still can't believe they haven't medaled yet for the level of quality and originality they've brought over the years, but yes it's just a matter of time❤❤

[@candicefulgencio5281]

It’s JUICYYYY

[@TwoToneShoes]

I don't know. They seem to be stuck in sixth place and the gap between them and fifth is as big as the gap between fifth and first on the scores. The Judges just do not reward the things that make them stand out and excel.

[@joshwmiltonman]

@@TwoToneShoes Respectfully disagree. The makeups of each of those Top 5s was completely different, plus taking into account the new lineup. With Marcus breaking in and Joey's improvement especially there are places to go. Despite how good Stonehenge was I'd say this was their weakest selection of 6 songs on the entertainment front. The right pick of songs (like 2019) with this technical skill could see a Rooftop Records-esque leap in rankings. Granted, yes if GQ are back then it adds to the pot, but they and Squeezy are top, I could easily see NF4 leapfrog Throwback and go toe to toe with First Take and Three and a Half Men. I think the next 5 years could be far less predictable for winners with the current progression curve

[@TwoToneShoes]

@@joshwmiltonman What do you mean by song choice? Is this another "just throw in some judge pleasing songs!" thing? Because it's stupid that they have to give up what makes them great because the judges can't give a proper performance score to save their lives.

[@fernandodolz9247]

that's a lead ladies and gentleman

[@DaveMast-z4z]

Ever notice how these guys are the only quartet in the competition that move the audience to spontaneously erupt before they're even done with their final note?

[@melodysky1984]

Besides Midtown, yeah basically. These guys brought so many people to Barbershop over the past 6-7 or so years. They're the fan favorite

[@adambeard4427]

They’re also the only videos with over 50k views. Most have less than 10k including the “winners”

[@danielolson437]

I'm def one of them. and this performance was stellar. The last note was chills!

[@sketchyAnalogies]

​@@adambeard4427besides main Street!

[@theinacircleoftheancientpu492]

Nf4 are the only barbershop that I find genuinely interesting. Everyone is just good singing, these guys have a great writer or something.

[@EthanFrahm]

Joey Buss does it again, the overtone on that last chord is SCREAMING.

[@zeshaanmahmood9370]

I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE HEARING IT! honestly what an incredible chord at the end

[@themusicman5578]

Literally half the views is just me replaying the tag to hear them super sweet overtones 🥵

[@giannismusic2694]

Fr it’s the loudest I think I’ve ever heard!

[@LynneReinault]

⁠@@giannismusic2694You should check out The Vagrant’s rendition of Chordbusters March where he sings tenor as well. Joey is actually incredible.

[@TycheTheLlama]

oh my god I saw the title was Stonehenge and I was like, 'the only Stonehenge song I know is the Ylvis one but there's no way they're doing that, it's way too obscure' AND YET so yeah NF4 is my life now I love them so much for this

[@Henoik]

Oh my god, same

[@NoxCaelis]

That was my reaction. "Wait, *that* Stonehenge song???"

[@sbuttgereit]

To be fair I was like.... "a barbershop quartet is going to do a Spinal Tap song? ok....."

[@GrowWildOutdoors]

I know I've been watching NF4 enough when I recognize the humor of a Bartholomew arrangement. 😅

[@TheBigManCann]

The collective, “What’s in the box!” Is so great.

[@SingingSpock]

Yes. Kisses his nose and mouth. *Definitely* what Ylvis originally wrote 😂

[@SCHTRAM]

Yea they ruined the song by that shitty rewrite.

[@melodysky1984]

@@SCHTRAM It has to be family friendly my brother in Christ

[@AllenKnutson]

Who. the. frick. cleans up Stone HENGE??? (while keeping the mispronunciations of jalapeño and prociutto)

[@Scott-u9o]

@@SCHTRAMthe song has to be g rated or they would be disqualified

[@avbartholomew]

@@SCHTRAM agree it s***ucked

[@saraalhashimi2650]

Ok but Jackson going off on those vocals during that whole ending is giving me LIFE! ❤

[@stdm7964]

Woah Jasjxt7on, that final rise up to the high note was incredible!

[@wolfpell4634]

It’s really awesome seeing Jaxissippi at his best like this!

[@nikkireigns]

Way more talented than his evil twin brother, Jacksoff.

[@JYT256]

jastqq-i'dliketobuyavowel?

[@avbartholomew]

@@nikkireigns lmao believe me this was in some early drafts

[@itwasntworking1916]

@@avbartholomew A chief characteristic of the barbershop style is its wholesome, “G-rated” entertainment values.

[@corydoffing3550]

When this song pops into my head all I can hear is: What's the meaning of Solfege?

[@sketchyAnalogies]

Omg that sounds like an amazing parody

[@deanbuttholio9657]

The Newfangled Four has come so far in terms of vocals. Most notably, their tags have gotten a LOT tighter. The way Jackson's voice locks at that post is unlike anything I've ever heard from him before. I mean, he's not even harmonizing at that time, it just locks... by itself! Perfectly holding that note so smoothly is incredible.

[@melodysky1984]

Reminds me of Midtown's lead with how much it perfectly seems to stand out

[@justadam3186]

The sweetest moment by far is 5:10, At the end, where they all look so proud. Jake is sort of still in the performance but his smile right before they break character is so heartwarming

[@bluboi776]

Fucking hell the jokes are incredibly well delivered this is genuinely funny. Also Jackson is an underrated lead. Epic performance. Will be remembered.

[@TylerLeeJones]

who wrote this awesome chart for you? it's Anthony Bartholomew 🔥

[@Lozza1991]

LOL

[@NoxCaelis]

EW!

[@BrunnyBeatbox]

GROSS!

[@88lilys]

HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@duskmallow]

That lead solo in the tag is not in the original, that means Anthony Bartholomew came up with this iconic bit also that slide feels like the biggest whole step of all time

[@17AJ06]

If it wasn’t for Spider farm, this would definitely be the song of the contest😂. Been so excited to watch this again

[@Lozza1991]

Probably biased opinion here, but I actually thought this was the song of the contest. Spider Farm was clever and hilarious, well executed, perfect score etc. But it was still quite derivative, whereas this one injected something new and very different.

[@bluboi776]

Spider Farm might have technically been better but this is absolutely the song of the contest.

[@abydosianchulac2]

​@@Lozza1991I wouldn't necessarily say it was derivative, since so much of the humor wasn't through repeating the old jokes but through them getting the old jokes wrong. But yeah, they(/KJ) executed the comedy perfectly but didn't stretch themselves musically.

[@kneecapitator7288]

@@Lozza1991to be fair, if we’re talking about originality, this is a cover

[@samprice1598]

This is definitely better imo. Spider Farm wasn’t bad or anything but this is far more original and is way funnier personally.

[@typingnoises]

THEY GOT THE REAL BOOK

[@hubberducky]

I cannot believe they covered a Ylvis song for the 2023 Barbershop Quartet Finals. Absolutely insane (btw that's the What Does The Fox Say? guy lololol)

[@gautejohannessen9070]

Ylvis is not a guy, they are two brothers, named Bård Ylvisåker and Vegard Ylvisåker.

[@jeremiedayglider1690]

Thanks so much for that! It's amazing that the song is SO ridiculous that they didn't have to do a parody! Love the inclusion of the books and props from the video!

[@BrunnyBeatbox]

This was the best performance of the whole competition hands down. The tuning, the barbershop elements, the performance… everything was just perfection. P.S. 3:47 this is the exact book that was used in Ylvis’s original music video of Stonehenge

[@ThespianGamr]

A lot of us had no idea of that at the time, but the box is so iconic for them, so whatever it was would've gotten the same reaction.

[@davidanoble]

do you mean the same publication, or the same exact copy?

[@BrunnyBeatbox]

@@davidanoble I assume not the one that was held by Ylvis if that's what you're asking XD

[@davidanoble]

@@BrunnyBeatbox gotcha. I was gonna be really impressed they managed it. But still, having the same version is enough for it to be fun lol

[@fantasticalfox]

It’s Anthony Bartholomew!

[@CSharpMajor]

Ew gross!

[@courtneysmith6082]

Their charm, wit, chemistry, and comedic timing are UNMATCHED, period, exclamation point

[@candicefulgencio5281]

THAT FREAKING OVERTONE!!!! UGHHH❤

[@SweetCarolineBAMBAMBAM]

Fuckin' beautiful❤😢😅

[@daidarabotchi3891]

OH MY GOD I put off listening to this one - it was the last of this year's competition, and I thought it could be a serious one (like 'Cottage for Sale'), so I needed to be in the right mood. I was not expecting this. This is hands down one of the funniest, most fascinating, can't-look-away performances they've ever done - and also some of the best singing! That final note from Jackson is the clearest, most pure sound I've ever heard from him - it just blew me away. And of course everyone's already talking about the final chord and Joey's fantastic high note. Not to take away from their own writing or anything - but this is seriously the closest thing they've done to absolute, holistic perfection.

[@daidarabotchi3891]

Oh, actually, I've never heard the original - based on the comments, they changed and added quite a bit. In which case, even better!

[@hanszauner1572]

@@daidarabotchi3891 They definitely changed the text here and there.. otherwise I assume they would have been disqualified. 😀

[@daidarabotchi3891]

@@hanszauner1572 Yeah, I've listened to the original, now, and holy crap. But I actually genuinely prefer this one! They really upped the comedy value. I've watched it three times now and every time I watch I'm laughing out loud at the very end (partly from astonishment at their amazing finish!)

[@Arrdeegee]

man, how good is cottage for sale though

[@abydosianchulac2]

The last chord is getting plenty of hype, and rightfully so, but can we give some love to that penultimate chord at 4:49? Especially with that cheeky note bend at 4:55, which I'm only hearing now on listen #47.

[@daniboi6641]

WHATS IN THE BOXXXXX

[@charlesfrisk9719]

I've listened to this at least ten times already. It keeps getting better and better.

[@Kelarys]

I saw the title and immediately thought "no way, it must be some other song called Stonehenge" and then I was filled with glee for 5 straight minutes

[@DarkZekrom9898]

Oh my GOSH!!!! My favorite Quartet singing one of my favorite comedy songs and it was AMAZING!!! YES MORE PLEASE!!!

[@abydosianchulac2]

Yeah, the lack of recognition from the audience at the start was criminal.

[@DarkZekrom9898]

@@abydosianchulac2 Truly!!

[@Joshlama]

Ah finally a version of Stonehenge I can share to my friends & family. Thanks NF4!

[@karlpeterjensenlarsen1516]

Im glad someone found joy in the “kisses my face” line.

[@ariamentio]

My first introduction was actually this one so I was taken aback when Ylvis didn’t say “then she kisses my face” in the original

[@campfire2953]

every time i watch this back, that last slide from jackson gives me chills. even though they didn't come home with any medals, nff should be proud of this season's run. easily the best I've ever heard them sound.

[@scottishkiwidan]

That overtone at the end is absolutely nuts

[@WelshSwordsman]

3:13 Glad they added the part where it was moved from Wales to England, always been one of the fascinating parts of Stonehenge for me.

[@johndaniels404]

I've lost count of the number of times I've come back to this video. It just makes me happy.

[@mermaidcirianneaqua]

I stopped counting since a few days ago 😂

[@mahoganyflagpole6877]

Such a great song choice and perfect execution! I really hope Ylvis sees this one day! Jackson goes absolutely crazy this whole song, and the overtone of that tag 😲

[@suebaribass]

I just grin from from ear to ear EVERY time I hear/watch this performance, which is WAY more times than I should admit to! 😊

[@ruggedfur]

Same. Wayyyy too many times.

[@janana7997]

ONE OF THE BEST NF4 PERFORMANCES OF ALL TIME EVER THAT ENDING WAS ACTUALLY FRIKCIN INSANNNNNNEEEE

[@DouglasPeterson]

I know this is a silly song but every time I've hear this song I literally get chills. Along with laughter.

[@codybeames1534]

Holy hell dude, jaw DROPPED in my living room watching THIS. Everyone did amazing, but JACKSON HOLY CRAP

[@daidarabotchi3891]

That tag has got to be the most impressive one they've ever done. No matter how many times I watch it the ending just floors me.

[@parkermiller1631]

Jackson’s post in this was probably the best in the entire contest because my GOD

[@xinex5166]

I’ve heard this multiple times, loved it every time, and I’ve been a fan of these guys for ages. But I really needed to hear it today, so my thanks to TNF4 (and Bartholomew of course) for being my small corner of Serotonin. You guys are absolutely killing it- can’t wait to see what you do next.

[@TheMusicscotty]

So great seeing Jaxcshon's lead vocals getting better and better.

[@ChrisHanel]

BHS judges denying NF4 a medal simply so they have to keep coming back. It's a selfish but understandable motive.

[@sketchyAnalogies]

Idk didn't platinum get silver 3 years in a row or something? At least give em A medal

[@justanotherotrguy]

If it means they get broken up, i dont ever want them to win

[@athetenth]

Aged like milk (thank you Lord)

[@ruggedfur]

That screaming overtone at the end. Holy cow!

[@cantseefuji]

Never in a million years would I have ever thought that Stonehenge by Ylvis would be covered by Newfangled. It's like my two worlds are colliding

[@MSA03]

I found The Newfangled Four in high school after a good buddy of mine sent me one of their performances. That was in 2018, and I have been hooked on barbershop since. It is undeniable the impact these fellas have had on this wonderful hobby. They've brought so many young singers in from their online performances and many youth camps they have participated in. I was absolutely heartbroken to hear that they were planning on disbanding. I'm so pumped that they are back and performing vocally better than they have before. This performance is peak comedy.

[@recapdrake]

While it’s hilarious this is also seriously beautiful musically

[@channelname3449]

Gold medal-tier performance. Great to see they have it in them

[@typingnoises]

Best song of the contest :)

[@duskmallow]

That lead-tenor duet at 3:09 omg I want to sing it

[@hunterleebrown]

SO glad this is now posted for all to see. I predict this is going to be yet another big YT hit for NF4. So clever and the song (had to look up the original), lends itself so great to belting out that awesome P5 (stone-henge). Hard to forget.

[@graysonhoskins2316]

One of if not the best nf4 performance so far. I watched it live and we were all shocked. Really well done

[@jonesynarwhal]

WOW that tag!

[@SkyBlue-cv8qb]

Okay that tag tho, somehow in the last 2 years Jackson became a literal god

[@christopherwarsh]

Freaking amazing. Better than the original!! ❤

[@CatholicQuartet]

3:19 - 3:28 is so smooth as well as 4:45 to the end.

[@barbarabailey5178]

I've enjoyed all of the NF4 videos I have seen, but the ones I have seen from this year definitely outclass the past; much more skill and maturity - definitely medal contenders now.

[@Corbanw]

Why is this not viral yet? Only 17,000 views right now

[@qwerty3a]

I was not prepared for that ending!

[@gabbylisella]

This is my Roman empire

[@christopherwarsh]

I’m not watching this daily. Not at all. 🫣

[@mermaidcirianneaqua]

@@christopherwarshtotally not on the same boat brother 👀👀

[@iankeith]

Please stay amazing, Newfangled Four. You give me life I didn't know I had.

[@avbartholomew]

Weird song I don't get it

[@codybeames1534]

Lol. Very well done. The work you and the four do is nothing less than absolutely inspiring.

[@dianebekel9326]

You are a magician. Your arrangement is better than the original. 👍

[@NoxCaelis]

The question is have you found out what's the meaning of the henge?

[@nikkireigns]

Omg the legend himself! Hiiii

[@hanszauner1572]

awesome chart though.

[@emersongray]

Feels like I'm hearing an overtone on top of an overtone on the last chord? Absolutely great.

[@codybeames1534]

I come back to this video to tell you all what the meaning of Stonehenge is. ITS SO THIS PERFORMANCE CAN HAPPEN

[@chops1689]

Wowie this is the best they've ever sounded, incredible

[@z.l.burington1183]

Watched this about 20 times in the last week. Just such a catchy video, I wish I had enough knowledge of barbershop to articulate just what gets me about it musically.

[@Deamonfly]

Lol was wondering how they were gonna keep this, well, able to be sung in a barbershop competition with their content rules, but y'all that was so in the style of the song still that I barely noticed just because I was waiting for it! Well done!! Ylvis would be proud ^_^

[@deepstate6770]

I think this is my favorite barbershop performance of all time. The serious intensity of the performance for a joke song is so amazing. These harmonies are so frickin tight! I smile just thinking of this performance ... and then the tags ... uh, yes please! You can really tell how tight they are when Joey is on his knees and standing up, he has a note or two that is not perfect, but still good, and that is the only time in the WHOLE STINKING SONG I don't hear them just locked.

[@freeflare6338]

Oh my god that was amazing.

[@Moccason]

PLEASE tell me you’re going to come to Dorset and sing Stonehenge at Stonehenge!! I’d come 🥺🤚

[@TheNewfangledFour]

Soon.....

[@Moccason]

@@TheNewfangledFour Yippee!! :D

[@Kbles2648]

YESSSSS PLS

[@alistairwall5470]

@@TheNewfangledFour Spoilers

[@ardendelspain]

Yea! I was scrolling the recent competition uploads hoping to find these four. 🤩

[@TheCAPIreland]

This is one of my favorite silly songs. This is my favorite silly singing group. This is a very very happy boy to get to listen to this on repeat for the next few years.

[@MrChrisJWebb]

Song of the contest for me. Hands down. Amazing work, all of you!

[@dukodukeston]

This is just the best thing out of all the things

I love this song. I love this group. I love this group singing this song. Bravo!

[@xAmboSx]

Argh...I can hear this over and over and the Tag always gives me the chills....wow, just awesome boys !! Keep on doing this great work of art you are doing and loving !

[@tobyapfelbaum7552]

The lead goes absolutely diabolical on this one

[@jarboen]

I always smile at Ylvis appreciation!

[@PhilGeissler]

That was brilliant!

[@Xander-W]

This was truly exceptional!

[@Timus856]

I have been watching this group for years. Keep up the great work.

[@MITOMANOx]

triumphant return

[@cee5329]

Amazing!!!! This is great work! The build up...That mindblowing overtone and at the end the intensity of their faces. I love these guys! This song is theirs and the best yet. ❤

[@hannahbartholomew426]

I love this one. 🥰 Sometimes their self-deprecating humor distracts me by making me feel bad for them. I really love that this one stays seriously musical the whole way through. I've come to realize that my personal favorite music is very silly topics treated seriously. 😂

[@zendarva]

Year after year, I see The New Fangled Four pop up on youtube, and i greedily watch all of their performances. I've tried to watch others, including the one's that score higher than them, and they just can't hold my attention through a song.

[@nikkireigns]

Zack Shawn is a great lead!

[@Xemptful]

FINALLY! THE CHEF IS COOKING!

[@jonathan_morgan_st]

Is there 10-hour version of this because I'm getting behind on work moving the timer thingy back to the beginning all day to listen to this over and over.

[@ffishfood]

there’s an option to loop videos on youtube! it’s in additional settings :)

[@duskmallow]

When I first heard this, I couldn’t believe it was contestable lol

[@abydosianchulac2]

I thought it was too close a copy of the original to be stylistically acceptable for the contest. But I just listened to it again with headphones on, and they are actually doing a lot of subtle, quick chord changes with inner voices I hadn't heard initially, and they fit the style needs. They just balanced things well enough that it keeps the rock/gospel feel of the original on the surface while filling the underlayers with barbershop color. It's really impressive arranging.

[@avbartholomew]

​@@abydosianchulac2hehehe

[@abydosianchulac2]

​@@avbartholomewSeriously, hats off, my dude! I haven't heard your entire oeuvre, but this is one of the best genre-shifting a capella arrangements I've heard, barbershop or otherwise, and I've heard plenty. I can't _imagine_ the learning curve on this bari part.

[@avbartholomew]

@@abydosianchulac2 oh wow, thank you so much!! Needless to say I was nervous if it would work. But of course my boys can do anything

[@duskmallow]

@@abydosianchulac2 This was also my conclusion after subsequent listens!

[@Gamilieee]

everyone talking about the amazing singing but can we just tale a second to see their faces at the final pose. i feel that.

[@kelseylacour1517]

THOSE CHORDS HOLY GUACAMOLE

[@matthew2193]

SO DAMNED GOOD

[@Daveodad]

Not really a fan of barbershop but I could watch and listen to you guys all day long...you are really great...exceedingly entertaining...

[@jonahstewart8257]

@TheNewfangledFour congrats on 6th at the the International Quartet Finals

[@emmata98]

awesome performance