Pentatonix: Season 3 Champs

[Kromm]

I hate Mitch's hair.

I honestly don't get it.  He's had this shitty hair long enough (a few months now) to see the "Hitler Hair" comments, hasn't he?

[ToxicUnicorn]

PTX's "Evolution of Michael Jackson"

This was spectacular.

 

I might have the unpopular opinion that I didn't like the Evolution of Beyonce all that much.  I didn't like the Evolution of Music much, either, although I admired it.  However, Evolution of MJ seems so much more sophisticated to me.  (I have no idea why.)  I loved it.

[Sharpie66]

Entertainment Weekly has a brief interview with Kevin about their MJ video here. Apparently, he took the lead in arranging it, since he's the self-described number one MJ fan in the group. It took him about two weeks to pull the thing together, and they recorded it during the Tokyo stop in their Asia tour, where it only took four takes.

 

He says that, while they're on the Kelly Clarkson tour, he wants to babysit Kelly's baby, who apparently is just adorable (as are just about all babies, of course!).

[SrPab]

Love their MJ tribute...but it's certain moments that really do me in. A few examples:

• The crunchy chord to open the song (0:05-0:06)
• 1:26-1:27 and 1:30-1:31 from the trio + Avi in Billie Jean ("I'll rock with you" and "I'll dance with you")...eargasm
• 2:21-2:22 in Human Nature (Kevin's transition)
• The trio from 2:32-2:37 in Thriller with more crunchy chords
• 3:11-3:12 in The Way You Make Me Feel (Kevin's "heee hee". I was expecting at least one of these and was pleased it came during Kevin's solo)
• Everything occurring between 3:44-3:46 in Smooth Criminal
• 3:40-3:46 from Mitch during the Heal The World - Will You Be There - You Are Not Alone mash-up

 

Also, special shout-out to Kevin for another beatboxing tour-de-force.

Edited June 25, 2015 by SrPab-PTV

[Geeze]

I might have the unpopular opinion that I didn't like the Evolution of Beyonce all that much.  I didn't like the Evolution of Music much, either, although I admired it.  However, Evolution of MJ seems so much more sophisticated to me.  (I have no idea why.)  I loved it.

This made me smile because until I saw your post I didn't feel comfortable saying out loud that I liked (but respected the craft and will listen to it multiple times because it IS a PTX thing, after all, and I would seriously listen to them cover crickets chirping) neither the Evolution of Music nor the Evolution of MJ, but liked the Evolution of Beyonce (I am that musical anomaly who can take or leave (mostly leave) the Beatles, MJ or most of Beyonce's solo work (I preferred the Destiny's Child dynamic and actually prefer Kelly's voice).

One of the things that I like most about PTX is that they make music tolerable that I would never listen to in a million years (that Justin Bieber Mistletoe thing comes to mind).

Edited June 28, 2015 by Geeze

[Sharpie66]

All of the reviews (so far) of the Kelly Clarkson concerts have included some comments about PTX, and NJ.com has probably the best at this point (IMO):

 

"Just as effective an alternative was her remixed version of the hypnotic January single "Heartbeat Song." Before tearing into the pop number, Clarkson promised a surprise, and openers Pentatonix -- the country's most famous a cappella group -- emerged for a 1 vs. 5 duet. Clarkson sang the lead melody, and rich harmonies and beat-boxing from her new cohort contributed a crisp backdrop. The new take was an effervescent swerve on a tune that's already its share of bubbly...More on Pentatonix: The blooming quintet, who won another television singing competition, NBC's "The Sing-Off," in 2011 brought a razor-edged medley of covers to the stage earlier in the night. The group's newly orchestrated "Evolution of Michael Jackson" conglomeration, as well as the even fresher rendition of Omi's tropical lovenote "Cheerleader," were high points. With such a unique product, Pentatonix should stick to headlining tours of their own, even if it's smaller venues. Their ultra-refined sound deserved more than 40 minutes on stage."

 

The site also had a separate article just on PTX here.

[ToxicUnicorn]

The site also had a separate article just on PTX here.

 

Thanks, Sharpie66!  The author of the article is definitely a fan...  "the relentlessly talented vocal group" ... best praise ever.

[Kromm]

I just noticed both tonight AND tomorrow at Radio City Music Hall.  How's that working with Kevin's no-Friday thing?

 

I don't think anyone can really get down on him for making an exception for Kelly and/or for playing at one of the most prestigious venues in the world, I'm just wondering if he's said anything about it.  

 

Note that Fridays July 24th, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 14 ARE still days off according to the schedule, so really that's pretty good evidence that it IS because it's Radio City and not JUST because they're with Kelly.  Well until Friday, Aug 21, when they're back on again at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Wheatland, CA--so maybe the answer is that they had to make a FEW exceptions for the Kelly tour and quite naturally picked Radio City for one of them (then I think the rest of the Fridays for the tour are off days again).

[Rick Kitchen]

I've never gone to Sleep Train Amphitheater, because the idea of sitting outside in 100 degree temps has no appeal

[Sharpie66]

Well, the church's schedule is that Sabbath doesn't start until sundown, so if their opener is done by, say, 9:00 pm, they should be good. Although the video I've seen of their backup of Clarkson's "Heartbeat Song" does happen after dark, so maybe it's just that he has to forgive himself for breaking the Sabbath on those days...

[Kromm]

Well, the church's schedule is that Sabbath doesn't start until sundown, so if their opener is done by, say, 9:00 pm, they should be good. Although the video I've seen of their backup of Clarkson's "Heartbeat Song" does happen after dark, so maybe it's just that he has to forgive himself for breaking the Sabbath on those days...

Sunset tonight in New York is 8:24 PM.  The start time for tonight seem(ed) to be 7:00 PM.

 

I suppose it is possible that perhaps they shift the guest appearance near the beginning of her set, it might barely work out.

Here's last night's performance, BTW.

 

[ptxnewsandstuff]

OMG. Hello fellow Pentaholics! It's very late and I just stumbled across this forum. Signed up instantly. Hard to discuss PTX in depth on Twitter & Youtube. (Yes, I am ptxnewsandstuff on those platforms.)

Skimming through posts and Kromm mentioned that they should collaborate with a huge artist. Not sure if this is for their album but Jason Derulo let it slip that he remade a hit song with PTX (Here's the clip - https://twitter.com/ptxnewsandstuff/status/618955277182894080)

Still can't believe I found a forum dedicated to PTX.

Edited July 23, 2015 by ptxnewsandstuff

[SrPab]

ptxnewsandstuff, OMG it's you!

 

Anyway, glad to have you here. It can get quiet for long stretches of time because this forum isn't Tumblr or Twitter. That's not a knock on those platforms for several reasons, one being I don't think we have numbers here. We have a few "regular" posters. I don't know how many lurkers abound, though.

 

I am not aware of any other dedicated site/platform where something besides drive-by posts or the briefest of chats occur...that don't regularly devolve into flame wars, spamming, or trolling. My sense is that PTX fandom is like a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle--but we are spread out all over. I'm aware of several FB groups that can be described as fan forums but there is either almost 100% overlap (redundancy)--or a small overlap (fractured fandom).

 

YT comments sections are, by and large, useless to me in terms of having substantive discussions. Twitter is supposed to be more conversational in nature--but there's that 140 char limit. Tumblr is too visual for me. I like scrolling and seeing the images and pictures well enough, but it's not a place for substantive talk, either.

 

I'm not above an occasional display of girly-gushing over PTX but I have deeper thoughts about them that cannot be adequately expressed on other platforms. Also, I have no music theory/education background so some of my thoughts can't be articulated well since I lack the vocabulary/jargon.

[ptxnewsandstuff]

I'm not above an occasional display of girly-gushing over PTX but I have deeper thoughts about them that cannot be adequately expressed on other platforms. Also, I have no music theory/education background so some of my thoughts can't be articulated well since I lack the vocabulary/jargon.

Everything about this & that post. Just, yes. Glad we can just pour our thoughts without a character limit and without going to war on differing opinions.

Edited July 23, 2015 by ptxnewsandstuff

[Sharpie66]

Yay for ptxnewsandstuff joining us!!!  I rely on your YT videos for a good portion of my PTX fix, so it's great to see your pixels here!

 

I've enjoyed listening to them ever since their first appearance on The Sing-Off, which I'd been watching since Season 2. I liked their first two appearances, but "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the first performance from the entire season that made me sit up and say, "What was that?!?!" The rest of the season was just more of the same of them really knocking it out of the park every week. Heck, they got me to vote for a singing competition show for the first time in my life!

 

I've gotten my brother and SIL and a co-worker all into them as well, so it all adds up for their fanbase.

 

I am a bit confused over why the Evolution of Michael Jackson video didn't go viral, but I guess he just doesn't have a big name amongst the younger generation.

Edited July 23, 2015 by Sharpie66

[SrPab]

I am a bit confused over why the Evolution of Michael Jackson video didn't go viral, but I guess he just doesn't have a big name amongst the younger generation.

That could be one reason. I think another one could be an FB'er who freeloaded/side-loaded the MJ video--but clicking to play it doesn't take you to PTX's YT vid. It's an FB in-line video so it got some virality on that platform--blunting virality on YT. I believe the FB version of the video has a few more million views than the official YT version.

 

Also, it's been a few years after MJ's death. Not to be crass, but if they had released it 1-2 yrs after his death then perhaps it would have gone viral (assuming no FB freeloading).

Edited July 23, 2015 by SrPab-PTV

[ptxnewsandstuff]

Everyone's really hyped up for their original album on Twitter etc. They've been in the studio with some amazing producers. Kuk Harrell being one of them. Just from what he's posted, seems like he genuinely wants them to succeed and they all seem really amped up about it. Went to see them recently in concert in NYC.

 

Where to even begin with his endless list of accomplishments? 5 Grammys. Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' Rhianna & Bieber's breakout albums. Too many things to list. Look him up.

Working closely with Rhianna for her next album. Latest hit - "B**** Better Have My Money"

 

Anyways, just really hope a single plays on the radio and once the original album comes out, to prove all the doubters wrong. "Not just a cover band."

[Kromm]

I don't know how excited I can get about the person responsible for "Bitch Better Have My Money". It sucks. Single Ladies was at least a decent iconic song.

[ptxnewsandstuff]

I don't know how excited I can get about the person responsible for "Bitch Better Have My Money". It sucks. Single Ladies was at least a decent iconic song.

Haha. Yes. 

[ToxicUnicorn]

Yay for ptxnewsandstuff joining us!!!  I rely on your YT videos for a good portion of my PTX fix, so it's great to see your pixels here!

Welcome, ptxnewsandstuff!

 

I've enjoyed listening to them ever since their first appearance on The Sing-Off, which I'd been watching since Season 2. I liked their first two appearances, but "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the first performance from the entire season that made me sit up and say, "What was that?!?!" The rest of the season was just more of the same of them really knocking it out of the park every week.

Would it be too outdated to reminisce about The Sing Off performances?  Or, to bring it around to more current events, favorite songs in concert?

 

For example, I cannot get over how much I love "Let's Get It On" on the Sing Off.  I watch that youtube video all the way through the judges' comments and everything, and then I have to rewatch instantly about 5 more times before I can tear myself away.  As much as I adored Marvin Gaye's recording, I actually love that PTX version even more, and I feel like Scott never got enough praise for that by the judges (at least on camera), because he was incredible.  How he has that much soul in him at such a young age just blows my mind.

 

I know they sing it in concert, as well, but I feel like the spontaneity of The Sing Off performance was magic in a way that simply cannot be recreated.  I feel that way about all of The Sing Off performances, actually.  

[debbydeb]

Hi ptxnewsandstuff! Thank you for your Youtube channel btw!

I agree with SrPab about this board, and I hope to be seeing more pixels from you here (borrowing Sharpie's words)

Speaking of Sing Off Days. My favorite at the moment is when they did Piece of My Heart.

It's amazing to look back and see the seeds they're planting that will one day (several weeks later) blossom into Lets Get It On. And in that vein, the whole progression they have come over the four years.

[Sharpie66]

"Piece of My Heart" was a nice re-direct for me--in the few seconds between when Nick announced the title and when they started, I was thinking, "Oh, no, there's no way they can even hope to match Janis!" and then they went with the reggae beat, which had me thinking, "OK, that's different" and I was bopping my head along (although I do agree with Warren Bloom's take on the very end of the song, which just peters out). Overall, it was definitely better than I thought it would be, but it didn't blow my mind like the following week's performance did.

 

"Let's Get It On" did blow my mind, along with just about everyone else's, apparently. Someone over at TWOP at the time posted a great line--"Scott was oozing so much soul it was like a Dementor was sucking it out of him!"

 

I love the performance that is in the documentary--the Chair Girl that they bring up is just hilarious and plays along with them perfectly.

 

And I love hearing that they are working with some really established producers on this new album. I read one review  (now behind a paywall) of the Kelly Clarkson concert at Niagara in which the reviewer is obviously a Clarkson fan and had no patience with her openers, because they said that they were tired of "amateur groups performing other people's songs," which they specifically aimed at Pentatonix. Grrr. I hope that they eat their words when the new album comes out!

 

(ETA: I'm really out of the loop when it comes to current music, but I love Scott and Mitch's version of "B**** Better Have My Money" in their "Hip-Hop Goes Broadway" video!)

 

ETA2: Just saw this interview with Scott--right now, the new album's release date might be sometime in October, but that seems to fluctuate from day to day.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Sharpie66

[SrPab]

First, if this airs on tv anywhere, let us know: Macy's Back-To-School

 

Second, from Sharpie66's post above, was the Niagara show reviewer aware that Clarkson herself covers one or two songs in her set? Furthermore, I wasn't aware that RCA signed an amateur group in PTX.

[ToxicUnicorn]

Macy's Back-To-School

Very cute.  I love this group on video.  The camera loves them and I feel like their individual personalities and joy and enthusiasm shines through.  I think this is one of the reasons for their youtube success - I am hard pressed to think of other music video/youtubes that have this quality.  They (each, if that is permitted gramatically) have an openness in their faces that I can only compare to some of the very early silly youtube videos that just sucked you in, (like the Shamwow/ebay song guy). 

 

"Let's Get It On" did blow my mind, along with just about everyone else's, apparently. Someone over at TWOP at the time posted a great line--"Scott was oozing so much soul it was like a Dementor was sucking it out of him!"

 

Hearing these raves for Scott makes me so happy.  (However, now I'm wondering what Dementor sexy times would look like, because how would it not be affected?)

[SrPab]

Scott's lead on Let's Get It On is one of my faves, too. His singing style, IMO, is great for (old school) Soul and (old school) R&B. I think the vibe they were going for with that performance was spot-on. I felt there was a bit more instrument imitation to emphasize that vibe (bass guitar and drums/percussion instruments), and the backing vocals from Kirstie and Mitch accentuated Scott's vocal.

 

I can't remember where I read it online, but someone described Scott's finishing notes to close the song as a Lydian arpeggio...neat. And Mitch's opening wah-wahs made me go "Oh, hell yes!" because I knew then and there they would do right by the song.

 

On a different, but somewhat-related note, have you all watched any of the mini-explosion of PTX reaction vids on YT? Some of them are reactions to their Sing-Off performances. Reaction vids, in general, aren't my thing but I've come across so many lately that I checked out a few of them. Was this a planned attack? PTX reaction vids get uploaded every once in awhile but that Evolution Of Michael Jackson vid seemed to have a snowball effect. From what I can determine, I think PTX may have made a handful or two new fans/converts--so that's good overall.

Edited July 25, 2015 by SrPab-PTV

[Kromm]

On a different, but somewhat-related note, have you all watched any of the mini-explosion of PTX reaction vids on YT? Some of them are reactions to their Sing-Off performances. Reaction vids, in general, aren't my thing but I've come across so many lately that I checked out a few of them. 

Well there's always been that Hassan guy who (ugh, I hope he's not someone here and will get his feelings hurt) makes those 10-15 min long reaction videos to every last thing PTX does. Seems like a very sincere guy, but man... how does anyone have THAT much stored up to say?  I have trouble coming up with a few typed paragraphs each time.

 

I like the reaction stuff from younger fans.  That's where you know the enthusiasm is the most real.  You''ll get videos with them singing along, for example. But overall I agree about reaction videos not exactly being compelling viewing. 

Maybe 140 character tweets aren't so bad.  At least they're succinct compared to some of those long reaction videos!

 

Okay, as with most things, the truth probably lies in the middle.  Places like here at least allow a real back and forth dialogue. 

[Kromm]

First, if this airs on tv anywhere, let us know: <a data-ipb="nomediaparse" data-cke-saved-href="

" href="

" s"="">Macy's Back-To-School

Seems like the campaign is designed for these to show on TV.

 

 

[ptxnewsandstuff]

On a different, but somewhat-related note, have you all watched any of the mini-explosion of PTX reaction vids on YT? Some of them are reactions to their Sing-Off performances. Reaction vids, in general, aren't my thing but I've come across so many lately that I checked out a few of them. Was this a planned attack? PTX reaction vids get uploaded every once in awhile but that Evolution Of Michael Jackson vid seemed to have a snowball effect. From what I can determine, I think PTX may have made a handful or two new fans/converts--so that's good overall.

Noticed the sudden influx. Not a fan of these reaction videos as well but hey, if it gets PTX more exposure. It has more to do with these reactors responding to the comments. Pentaholics seem to flock to one of these new reaction videos and leave dozens of comments telling them to react to different PTX videos. They gain subs, likes and the trend continues. The past month as probably seen over 70-100 reactions to PTX & Superfruit. Have only watched 5 of them. Great to see new fans though.

[ptxnewsandstuff]

Pentatonix just debuted an original song at tonights concert. Think its called "Can't Sleep Love." Someone's bound to upload the full version soon. Here's a 30 second snippet of it. https://twitter.com/plexv/status/625467478861332480

 

UPDATE: There's heaps of them now on Youtube. This one has the best audio & video quality. Ear candy galore. Such a good vibe. Groovy. 'Uh huh. Yeah.'

                                   

Edited July 27, 2015 by ptxnewsandstuff

[SrPab]

Can't. Sleep, Love.

...

Can't Sleep, Love.

...

Can't-Sleep Love.

...

CAN'T SLEEP LOVE!

 

<uh-huh_yeah>In case it's not clear, this is me girly-gushing.</uh-huh_yeah>

Edited July 27, 2015 by SrPab-PTV

[Sharpie66]

Oh, hells, yeah, that was great!!  I love the groove, and the hook is terrific. Definitely a step up for their original songs!

[SrPab]

@ptxnewsandstuff recently tweeted the link to an online article. After reading it, my big takeaway is that it was a good thing, overall, that Epic dropped PTX soon after their Sing-Off win and that PTX was able to get out of that reality show contract quickly. But, it really helped that enough of the fanbase they made while on the show rediscovered them on YT. Lots of word-of-mouth marketing over the next 15-18 months allowed them to achieve critical mass such that RCA came knocking and PTX got themselves a more favorable contract.

 

Should The Sing-Off air again, will Columbia Records offer the recording contract? I know that's who Home Free signed with after their S4 win. The Vanderbilt Melodores' S5 win came with only a cash prize. In other words, will record labels take a wait-and-see approach to reality singing competitors (winners or not) and use platforms like YT to determine if these acts should be offered a recording contract?

 

Scott Hoying: ...Reality show contracts are pretty rough. You don’t get a whole lot after the fact. We got out of that reality contract, which was amazing for us. Then we started a YouTube channel and we were like, We have a little core fan base right now. Let’s just grow it on YouTube. It’s free and anyone can access it. That ended up being humongous for us. We grew to 8 million subscribers and got signed to a bigger, better label. We had leverage too, so we had a much better deal than we had from winning a reality show. Honestly, it was the best possible scenario.

Edited July 28, 2015 by SrPab-PTV

[Sharpie66]

I remember reading on Facebook that Deke Sharon told PTX after they won not to expect much if anything from the recording contract. I don't know if Nota or Committed's contracts were in place or if they had issued their first albums on another label, but apparently, they both had problems with the studio after winning TSO, so that's why Deke gave PTX the heads-up.

 

I'm not too sure what the lasting value is for a studio to offer a contract as a reality-show prize. It isn't a name-recognition thing, and if they screw around the winners by either dropping them from the contract soon thereafter or by not working with them in producing the first album, then what's the point?

[Sharpie66]

Looks like the Macy's thing was officially announced today. Here's an article about it at MarketWatch, including this about PTX's role in the promo/contest:

 

"Pentatonix, the platinum-selling and Grammy Award-winning a cappella group, will appear in a national commercial spot this summer to further build excitement for the musical challenge...Serving as ambassadors for the new program, Pentatonix (PTX) will star in a television spot for Macy’s, which will begin airing nationally in August. The commercial features all five members of the group (Scott, Mitch, Kirstin, Avi and Kevin), singing an upbeat a cappella rendition of “I Want You Back,” providing inspiration for the challenge. Pentatonix will also be part of the judging process, which will take place in October after the entry period."

[kilomperrara]

Been a long time lurker... But regarding the reaction videos, there is a reaction to a reaction video - yes, a reactor reacted to a reaction video.

I think I would be more interested in a more detailed reaction like the response to the MJ tribute above.  I like the opening octaves, and their ability to hit very short notes with a chord completely in tune (thinking of "GUNS" in the  Born to be Wild performance).  

[ptxnewsandstuff]

Should The Sing-Off air again, will Columbia Records offer the recording contract? I know that's who Home Free signed with after their S4 win. The Vanderbilt Melodores' S5 win came with only a cash prize. In other words, will record labels take a wait-and-see approach to reality singing competitors (winners or not) and use platforms like YT to determine if these acts should be offered a recording contract?

Don't think The Sing-Off will ever air again. Unless NBC revamps it again (3rd time lucky?) or it moves to another network. These networks base everything off of ratings and TSO ratings are dismal. No matter how popular the show is or how many signatures you can get on a petition, ratings will always come first. Everything is about the $$$. Reality singing competition shows are fading, all getting repetitive. Besides a couple of winners, none of the winners have really been that successful. However, if it does air again. Don't want it to air on NBC. Terrible marketing job.

[Kromm]

Actually weren't the ratings permitted to be that low because of when they aired the show (well, when it was all crunched into the Holidays). It was basically allowed to be cheap filler.

 

That said, I was always a bit surprised they never tried reselling it on cable (like The Singing Bee was). 

[ptxnewsandstuff]

Oh yeah. That's right. Was thinking about Season 3. Anyways that one-off special probably means it's done and dusted. 

Edited July 30, 2015 by ptxnewsandstuff

[SrPab]

(From a few drive-by posts on PTX's FB wall, the Macy's commercial they're in has been airing on tv for the past week or so. I haven't come across it, but then, I no longer watch much tv.)

 

So...Avi was a former Israeli baritone--and now, according to Billboard, PTX has replaced Scott Hoying with some schmuck named Scott Hoyer. Hopefully, this factual error gets corrected post haste.

 

Things that make you go "Hmmm": Super-big artist = Meghan Trainor, or x ? Also, could this super-big artist guarantee radio airplay?

PTX is working with a number of collaborators -- Hoyer estimates "probably 30 other songwriters" -- on the new material. Among them are Jason Mraz, who also guests on a track, and Boys Like Girls' Martin Johnson. "It's all a cappella," Hoyer says. "But in terms of genre, it does a lot. We've got some sultry, soulful, slow stuff, then we have upbeat stuff with stomps and claps, and some stuff on our folkier side, too. So it's all over the place, really. We have one collaboration (with Mraz) that's already done that we're really, really excited about, and another one that's tentative now with a super-big artist that turned out super great."

Edited August 4, 2015 by SrPab-PTV

[Kromm]

That article has been up 5 days (and counting) with no correction. In this day and age of instant media that's an eternity.

Here's the writer's Twitter though if anyone wants to snark him out... https://twitter.com/GraffonMusic

[SrPab]

^That July 30 Billboard article's been corrected for Scott's name...and the Jason Mraz references were removed.

Edited August 4, 2015 by SrPab-PTV

[Kromm]

^That July 31 Billboard article's been corrected for Scott's name...and the Jason Mraz references were removed.

Heh. They're still only batting 50%. The article tags at the bottom still say:

 

Tagged

Scott Hoyer, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Pentatonix

[kilomperrara]

Kelly Clarkson has been getting rave reviews from her concerts, but Pentatonix' have been a little mixed:

 

"Sugary a cappella (mostly) covers quintet Pentatonix showed off tremendous vocal chops, but their genre feels limiting; the audience — which the Penta crew repeatedly lavished as "incredible," "beautiful," and "amazing" — ate up every note." (St Paul).

"a cappella group Pentatonix, who have gotten inexplicably popular by covering pop songs using just their voices to provide the "instrumentation." They're already big enough to sell out local theaters, so they earned the longest of the opening sets, although their takes on Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and Omi's "Cheerleader" lose their novelty quickly." (St Paul).

"Pentatonix, during its opening set, continued to amaze as the five-piece a capella group manages to pull off band sounds using only their voices. Still, the act is starting to wear out a little, as great as it is. The problem is all those covers that the “Sing-Off” winners perform. They are the group’s bread and butter, but it’s time to see what Pentatonix can do with original material." (St. Louis).

"Pentatonix, the a cappella champs from TV’s “The Sing-Off,” was all Clarkson needed. Not only were they aca-awesome with their imaginative medleys of Michael Jackson and Daft Punk and stunning reading of Imogen Heap’s “A-ha,” but they perked up Clarkson’s recent hit “Heartbeat Song” during her set." (St. Paul).

"Acapella group Pentatonix opened (after Abi Ann and Eric Hutchison) with a Gleeful (pun-intended) set that kept their fans happy with an hour long set of covers that even included a portion where they hit nearly two-dozen Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 songs in a span of just a few minutes." (St.Louis).

 

The wider audience is still waiting for the "originals", which, I think, they can clearly do.

[SrPab]

It's the tone (with generous hints of passive aggressiveness and damning-with-faint-praise) of some of those reviews that give me pause. I understand that not everyone will fall head-over-heels in love with PTX--that's human nature; so be it. I understand that not everyone can appreciate or "get" a cappella, in general--and that's fine, too. Expose your art to enough people and you'll eventually encounter someone who doesn't like your art for reasons.

 

But, how aware are these reviewers of the following:

• PTX's set for the PxP Tour includes at least 2 originals, now (On My Way Home and Can't Sleep Love)? Technically, their set is not all covers.
• PTX is transitioning from a vocal band that does mostly covers/some originals to one that does mostly originals/some covers. Therefore, it naturally follows that their repertoire is cover-heavy. Plus, I think their PxP set being cover-heavy is a good thing. Since most Clarkson fans don't know who they are, why hit them with original a cappella song after original a cappella song? Give aca-neutral or aca-skeptical Clarkson fans songs they know well and/or are predisposed to liking (or, according to some, songs where they don't care for the original but love the aca-version of it). For now, this means lots of covers.
• PTX is likely to release an all-originals (or mostly originals) album later this year. RCA may only want to tease one or two originals, so, again, until that album drops it's covers they'll be performing for the PxP Tour.

 

The way some of these reviews are written makes me wonder if the language is designed to be provocative on purpose--to get shares, clicks, likes, comments. I think what I'm reacting to with some of these reviews is a lack of objectivity--and a lack of basic fact-checking.

Edited August 5, 2015 by SrPab-PTV

[ptxnewsandstuff]

The reviewer from St. Paul was a bit nice. He was live tweeting and described them as 'Whale noise.' It's really cool seeing them win people over from the videos and tweets. Their 45min set is a great showcase. Standing ovations, 5yr applause after MJ & OMWH. Reviews are reviews. 

[Sharpie66]

I really think that at least some of those reviewers are skewed more towards rock and less towards pop, so they tend to be more dismissive of anyone that isn't a "serious musician" in their eyes. Many of those reviews cited above also aren't the most positive of Kelly's set list, with some of the reviewers dismissing her originals as being rather weak tea and appreciating her covers the most--go figure!

[ptxnewsandstuff]

"RCA showcases Pentatonix's Can't Sleep Love before an audience of radio professionals" - http://headlineplanet.com/home/2015/08/06/pentatonixs-new-single-cant-sleep-love-scores-hype-at-iheart-summit/

 

"...it is clear RCA believes Pentatonix can — and should — occupy the airwaves." Very excited for their first single with RCA backing them. If they do get any airplay, let's see if it can crack the top 40/20/10.

[SrPab]

^I've got my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed!

[ptxnewsandstuff]

Hits Daily Double did an in-depth interview with RCA's Chairman, Peter Edge & President, Tom Corson. They talk about PTX exceeding expectations and aiming for a top 40 hit. http://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=295970

All this talk from RCA is awesome. Anxiously awaiting now for the single/s and album. 

[kilomperrara]

Pentatonix continues to push the VIP tickets, with the highest level providing a private performance.  They have been doing “Valentine”, and occasionally some videos get posted.  A couple of recent ones:  

.  

  I really enjoy these because they show the group at its purest form, singing together without any electronic interventions.  They don’t need to watch each other.   You can see that they are singing by sound and feel.