“The Sing-Off” Finale Recap: We Are The Champions

Really? Season 2 of “The Sing-Off” is already over? Craziness. Pure craziness. So…there was a bunch of interesting performances happening tonight. I’m not quite sure how to approach this recap, really. It might be kind of a mess. Also, our TV was being incredibly temperamental for the first hour of the finale, so I was a bit distracted for most of the first half. If…recap…start…cutting…out….times…then…cheese….(static)… Whoops, had some technical difficulties there. Anyways, the point is, I might be kind of spotty on remembering some of the performances, mostly because for an hour or so, I was trying to make sure our digital antenna actually let us see them in the first place. Sorry about that. Oh, and now that I’ve babbled enough, who won the whole thing tonight?

That would be…well, we’ll get to that, won’t we? For now, we’ll start at the beginning…

The Celebrity Guest Performances/Collaborations

Committed kicked things off (well, after the loads-of-fun group performance opened the show) by singing with Boyz II Men on “Motownphilly.” It was an interesting little puppy. That bald member of the Boyz in the middle kind of had some shaky moments, but aside from that, it was a good time. After that, The Backbeats took on “King of Anything” with…SARA BAREILLES!!!!!!!!!!! (Excessive exclamation points and all. Don’t worry, this blog has NOT been hijacked by a 13-year-old girl. [Yet.] I just love Sara Bareilles. A lot. ) The Backbeats sounded a tiny bit off pitch-wise, but Sara nailed it, and I loved them together. Nicole earned her keep for the entire season with some fiery vocals with Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and although at times it seemed like she was auditioning for the lead role in a Diana Ross biopic, Jerry and her sounded great together, and the backing vocals were soulful and rock-solid as always. (Sadly, my TV decided I didn’t need to hear the final notes of the performance. Boo hiss, cheap antenna…boo hiss.) Finally, Street Corner Symphony rocked it with Ben Folds (AKA the coolest judge ever) on his own song, “Gone.” The rest of my family, which was paying cursory attention to the show tonight, didn’t dig Ben’s voice, but I thought he sounded terrific live, and the arrangement was outstanding. Another win for Street Corner Symphony, y’all.

But wait, there’s more! (That informercial-esque moment was provided by…well, it just mostly happened out of the blue, really. ) Sheryl Crow and  a nameless backing vocalist/co-guitarist took the stage with The Backbeats and Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town for a wonderful take on “Long Road Home.” I really dug the acoustic guitar-a cappella sound combination, and even though I guess you couldn’t truly call it a cappella, it was an awesome performance, and I really loved it. (Add Sheryl to the long list of performers who sounded stellar in a live setting tonight.) Neil Diamond proved that he’s a legend…and also that he’s getting a wee bit older…with a fine, world-weary “Ain’t No Sunshine,” in conjunction with Street Corner Symphony & Committed. It was just good, solid music…and although Neil isn’t quite the belter he used to be, he still can give a great performance, and SCS & Committed’s backing vocals were, as always, deliciously warm and inviting. Finally, all the groups came out and had a party with Nick Lachey singing “What Christmas Means To Me.” COURTNEY SANG LEAD! She really rocked it. Nick can sing much better than he hosts, and all in all, it was one of the most delightful performances of the night, and it was very cool to see all the last 4 groups together.

Inspirational Tunes

You know, I could break out the bullets again, but I don’t think I will. I guess they have the night off. (Oh, and before I forget…I enjoyed how they had the eliminated groups each have a chance to sing us into the commercial breaks. Even if the first group to do so, the Whiffenpoofs, sounded incredibly off-key. Also, seeing all the finalists go and give back to the community was very sweet.) Anyways…The Backbeats started off this round with a terrific performance of Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Kenton really shined on this song, and I think he does best when he tones it down a bit and just…sings. Wonderfully. Without acting all crazy and whatnot. (P.S.: I was fishing around on SoundCloud a few days ago and stumbled across a solo tune of Kenton’s. It was surprisingly terrific. Just look up “The Backbeats” and you’ll probably find it pretty easily, I believe.) My TV was acting up quite a bit here, but I think Courtney was also featured as a soloist here, and once again, she really did amazing. Committed sounded simply beautiful with “Hold My Hand” (a song I’ve pretty much never heard before, but loved anyway). Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town were a wee bit shaky on “Love Train,” but I still liked it…how can you not dig them? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…they have soul, class, and everything they do is solid. They just make good music, and at the end of the day, what more can you need? Finally, Street Corner Symphony closed off the round with a gorgeous take on “Fix You.” I thought it was weird that they had all the other groups come out mid-song, at first (that didn’t happen with the other three finalists…), but the effect was so cool, and the sound so beautiful, that I really didn’t mind by the end. Shoot dang, I was pretty close to crying, in fact, seeing all the finalists up there, singing a heartbreakingly lovely Coldplay song, and looking like they were one big, happy family. One of the best moments of the season, for sure.

After that, things got tough, and the two groups that didn’t get enough votes to be the Top 2 were announced. As I had suspected, those 2 groups were Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town, and The Backbeats. It was a real bummer to see them go, but they both helped make this an absolutely terrific season. Jerry & the boys gave a groovy (yeah, I know, strange word choice, but it just seems right) farewell performance of “Hit The Road, Jack” (aw, Jerry, I’m going to miss you…), and The Backbeats kind of stumbled a bit as they exited, handing the lead vocal reins to one of the lesser-featured members, a blonde girl who didn’t sound that great, and singing a song that I didn’t even know. I still love them, though. They really gave some truly outstanding performances this season, and I hope to see them around soon. (Especially Courtney. She’s the tops. )

And then…finally…they announced the winner, after going through some “let’s look at their journey” montages that made me all warm & fuzzy inside. Even though I knew one of my very two favorite groups would take home the grand prize, that didn’t make the suspense waiting for the name of the winner any less intense. Who did America vote the winner of Season 2 of “The Sing-Off”? That would be…

Committed!

It was so awesome to see Committed win, even though it was sad to see SCS fall just short of the title. (Their “swan song” performance of “Drift Away” was awesome, btw.) Just seeing them hold up the (kind of random) trophy, and hearing them talk about how they hope to be touring with some of the other groups in the future, and knowing that they’ll be coming out with an album soon…it just made me really happy. They’ve delivered some top-notch music this season, and I think they fully earned their win. Congrats to y’all, Committed. (Also, having all the groups in the entire competition come and hang out with them at the very end, when they were singing “We Are The Champions,” made me the tiniest bit teary. So much talent! So much love! I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED this season.)

So there you have it. Season 2 of “The Sing-Off.” It’s done. Finished. It’s been great recapping all the episodes, and with this post, I’ve reached a blogging milestone…this is the very first season of a reality show that I’ve fully recapped (from the beginning to the very end)! I know, it’s embarrassing that it took me this long to do so. And granted, this particular season was only five episodes. Still, it’s a step forward for me, and it’s been fun. See you later this week with some Christmas music goodness (that Song Shuffle Game I’ve been promising is first on my to-do list, and of course it will have a holiday theme), and thanks for reading. (P.S.: Be sure to subscribe, using that handy dandy little button on the right-hand side. It’s the best way to keep up with all the good stuff happening here at Harmony Avenue, and the more, the merrier!)

Interview with Julia Barry!

Hey, folks! Remember once upon a time when I posted that review of Julia Barry’s outstanding latest album? And I promised to post an interview with her that very week? Well, it turns out she’s a musician or something. And musicians are very cool…but also often VERY busy. Life happens. But now here it is! A shiny, delightful Q-and-A with Julia. Read on for some great thoughts about her album, the rise of digital music, the role of social networking, and more…and make sure to stay around for a few announcements at the bottom!

What kind of got you interested in music? Was there a particular point when you decided that making music was something you really wanted to do?

I think everyone is naturally drawn to expression through sound.  As a kid, I was just one ongoing racket.  Probably my sister’s piano lessons were the thing that gave me the idea to try music more formally, and I fell in love with the challenge of conscious practicing to enable a more subconscious creativity.  After years of lessons and constant involvement in musical groups, I accidentally slipped into a total hiatus, hardly wrote any songs…I didn’t feel like myself and I saw that I needed to actively be involved with composing, playing, and performing.

Your first album, Arrivals, came out in 2002. Your latest album came after an 8-year gap. What was the journey between those albums like?

Oh my.  It was educational in so many ways.  I got my Masters, I lived in Europe, I started and stopped making the album a few times and figured out how and why I was compelled to make it.  Finally, I decided to just scrap everything and start over with all those experiences in mind, get the right band together, and find a studio and producer that would help bring the songs to life as they sounded in my head.

What do you see your music as being influenced by, both in terms of genre and other artists?

Everything.  I’m a total sponge.  Even if I don’t listen to heavy metal, for example, perhaps someone important in that genre invented a type of distortion that I love on guitar, so the notion of influence is such a wide net.  Bits of melodies from my childhood might surface as I’m writing years later, I could wake up from a dream with a song in my head, or I might purposely sit down with a Thelonius Monk chart to blow apart my perceptions of how chords speak and relate to each other.

Once, or Twice is a very close-up, introspective record. How much of it was driven by your own life and experiences?

Can I plead the fifth? Just kidding. I’d have to say the entire record is personal, because even if a song isn’t autobiographical, it still reflects my opinion or take on something that incites me. My life and experiences naturally tint how I make sense of everything from friends’ lives to politics. But, I don’t think you should have to have that in mind to listen to the album. Songs should speak for themselves. As much as people may crave knowing the ‘real story’ behind a track, I think each song is actually about something different and private to each listener.

How do you usually listen to music (what methods, etc.)? What’s your take on the rise of digital music, and what it means for both artists and listeners?

I would love to sit, totally still with my eyes closed, and listen to CDs on a totally tweaked-out sound system. Of course, I don’t have one, so my iPod dock has to do for now. I tend to look to headphones as a replacement way to get that meaningful experience of sound. And nothing beats live shows! I’m fortunate to be friends with lots of talented musicians, so I go to their live shows and shows they suggest all the time.

As for the rise of digital music, that’s an enormous question. I love the social sharing of music among listeners and the fact that artists can present their music directly to audiences. It’s amazing that indie music has become its own currency in a way, made valuable by fan tastes rather than profit-driven companies. On the flip side, the ubiquitous nature of music these days can contribute to a perception that music is background noise or that anyone can be a successful musician if they give away free mp3 downloads. DIY digital technologies may remove elitism from music creation and distribution (and wow, there’s simply *more* music to choose from than ever!), but there’s still something to be said for talent, hard work, and high-quality art. I respect and recognize well-crafted mash-ups as much as ingenious symphonies, and tend to take how music is produced and shared with a grain of salt. I think the digital format is only as meaningful or useful as we make it in human terms.

Tell us a little more about your “In Her Image” project. What got you started and interested in the field of social activism?

“In Her Image” is a multi-media program that explores commercial messages about womanhood in America, and it features my original songs as the soundtrack rather than narration or lecture. I started it while studying about Women & Health, and I wanted to utilize the power of the arts and interactive media to spread awareness–which to me is the seed of social change. I present “In Her Image” at schools, organizations, and centers across the country as a way to spark thought and discussion on issues of self-esteem, body image, and gender. (Check out http://inherimage.juliabarry.com to learn more about the “In Her Image” program.)

I’ve always been pretty progressive and care deeply about doing my part to leave the world in better shape than when I came into it. I hope that writing and performing authentic music can continue to be part of that goal.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to the musicians of the future…those who are struggling right now, or those who have yet to start their careers in music?

As cheesy as it sounds, stay true to yourself. This means recognizing what makes you authentic to your listeners, figuring out what makes your music unique (strengths and weaknesses can be one and the same!), and being confident enough to ask for feedback/help and to nourish community. (Beware…the idea of “being true to yourself” can get twisted into a super competitive or selfish brand of individualism that’s just isolating in the end. Don’t fall for that entertainment industry claptrap. )

What track on Once, or Twice are you most proud of, and why?

Maybe “Homeward” because it’s so raw. (Takes some steeling of nerves to air dirty laundry like that!)

If you could collaborate with any artist out there, who would it be and why?

Aw man, no time travel? I can’t say Ray Charles or Miles Davis?? Well alright. I’d love to do something with Thom Yorke (Radiohead) because he uses electronic sounds and technology so expressively, or Ben Folds ’cause he’s great at writing heartfelt lyrics that are also funny. And he can play some MEAN rock piano too.

I’ve noticed you utilize a lot of social networking (Facebook/Twitter/MySpace/blogs) to promote both your music and your other projects. What do you think these social networking sites bring to the table for both musicians and those working toward social change?

Real human connection and genuine excitement or movement can be possible in these spaces (if you use them that way ). I like that while money certainly plays a part on these sites, social capital is almost more important, giving people a place where authenticity and passion makes products and ideas gain traction. I also love that collaboration and strength in numbers is the name of the game in online communities — this sort of cooperation in real life is what led to massive improvements in people’s lives in the past. I think we’ve just barely begun to use the internet in the most positive, powerful ways we can.

Do you have a particular “song of the moment” right now? What is it?

“Come Pick Me Up” by Ryan Adams. I want to play it again every time it’s over.

 

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to announce the winner of the goodie bag giveaway from Julia. Congratulations to @shofarblast! You’re our winner! I’ll be contacting you in some fashion to make sure you know you’ve won, and to make sure you contact Julia so she can send you your prize. As for everyone else who entered…and anyone else who wanted to enter, but didn’t get the chance…never fear! Just head on out to Julia’s website (http://juliabarry.com) to see how you can share her music with your friends, followers, and fellow humans, and get a nice thank-you in return. Many thanks to all who have visited in the past few weeks as a result of Julia Barry fever (the best kind ), and I hope you all stay around a while. I’ll be hopefully making a few new posts this weekend. Stay tuned for a new Artist Spotlight, a Song of the Day or two, and perhaps a new Song Shuffle game! And as always, make sure to subscribe and burn up the comment threads. Thanks for reading!