Pentatonix: Season 3 Champs

[ptxnewsandstuff]

HDD Final Sales Chart is in. PTX sold 86K whilst Demi sold 76K. That's a 10K lead withouts the SEA and TEA numbers. They still think she's won with streaming numbers, bringing her total units consumed to 96K. They have yet to release the SPS chart, still have no idea how PTX compared in that department.

[Kromm]

Official numbers are out on Sunday but HDD reports that PTX SOLD more than Demi (82K vs 75K). So they're the Best Selling artists in the country right now. However, she pulled ahead with TEA and SPS numbers, 96K. Still don't know PTX's final numbers, wonder how close we were. Still think this system is flawed. You can't measure the streams of an album, you stream a song/single. She had a hit song which probably helped her. So on Billboard they're #2 when they technically sold more than her. (She only sold 75K, more people bought PTX, general public buys what they like to hear. Just saying.)

It might be churlish to complain about that though, when so many times in the past that's HELPED Pentatonix chart better rather than hurt them.  Can't have it both ways...

[ptxnewsandstuff]

^ Gold for Daft Punk & Radioactive. They were doing well before this system was implemented late last year (December I think). PTX are strong album sellers. Happy with that. Never liked this system when it was announced, it just inflates #'s but is a peek into the future. Needs a few tweaks to get it right.

Edited October 24, 2015 by ptxnewsandstuff

[ptxnewsandstuff]

TIME

[Kromm]

I like Kirstie's new hair. I don't usually like the weird-colors-in-hair bits (especially when she's probably wearing extensions, which I hate), but it actually works on her.

About their new 5-track Christmas EP (now available for pre-order):

 

Scott SAYS the new EP is pre-orderable now, but really didn't give more info. I'm sure ptxnewsandstuff already knows all the details though....

Also: Embed fail!  You gotta click through on that video...

Scott also said "probably a tour".

On another topic, "Pentatonix" (the album) STILL does not seem to be on the Billboard 200. And it's Saturday now.  The chart should be fully updated by now (at least I thought so).

[ptxnewsandstuff]

On another topic, "Pentatonix" (the album) STILL does not seem to be on the Billboard 200. And it's Saturday now.  The chart should be fully updated by now (at least I thought so).

Billboard announces the chart standings on Sunday. Although, HDD has already predicted the numbers, they still for some reason haven't updated their SPS chart. Which is really weird, must be a tech thing or it's really close and unintentionally reported that Demi is #1. Like Scott says, going to be "delusionally optimistic" and say the numbers wrong. We had a Pentaholic analyse the numbers and told us what he predicted. Pretty close, he was 4K below what PTX got but thinks he probably underestimated Demi's streaming numbers.

 

Wonder how much they'll sell this holiday season. Holiday concerts, new EP, see it continuing to do very well. They're heading off to Europe and Japan for promo this week. Non-stop for them.

Edited October 25, 2015 by ptxnewsandstuff

[debbydeb]

A Tumblr observer said the sales number is unusually low for Demi? they had predicted at least 100k for her based on her past sales. Is this true?

meanwhile, I read a Forbes review yesterday ans the likes of Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Adele sells 100k in half a day! It's not fair!

So still waiting for a HDD update or Billboard update! I'm pins and needles!

[ptxnewsandstuff]

A Tumblr observer said the sales number is unusually low for Demi? they had predicted at least 100k for her based on her past sales. Is this true?

Honestly surprised by her sales as well. Hit song and a giant fanbase although her last albums were backed by her Disney show.

 

Just read the FAQ on Billboard and they've changed their chart updates to Tuesday. Two more days until it's official. Someone posted an article on Twitter saying that it's the first time #1 has not been the highest selling album since the Billboard's introduced streaming numbers. 

[debbydeb]

@ptxnewsandstuff, I saw your twitter about the unavailable streaming data.

Is it because they're struggling with the significant streaming sites other than Spotify?

During the last week, I see that PTX somewhat confirmed that in addition to Spotify, there's also Rdio and Amazon Prime which counts also.

Demi wa more concentrated on Spotify (PTX was too, but they also listed other streaming sites to give people more options).

Wonder if that threw HDD off the loop because usually Rdio and Amazon Prime don't give out significant numbers anyway.

[Kromm]

Does Pandora not count? (since you don't really pick the song directly). It's still got a big userbase.

 

I can think of at least 4-5 other major services of that type (where at best you choose an artist or genre, and a specific song might or might not come along). IHeartRadio's app, maybe MixRadio, Slacker Radio, Songza. How close you  can get really varies depending on which, but all of them probably play Pentatonix tracks eventually if you develop your profile the right way.

I mean it's not like this is based on paying. If it was than Spotify wouldn't count.

[ptxnewsandstuff]

Think all streaming services count. Read it on some Billboard article, they just recently added Apple Music. HDD wouldn't be thrown, they're literally tied with the music industry. All the behind the scenes stuff to do with music. They just haven't updated their streaming numbers which is really strange. Demi's streaming numbers are out but they haven't released the rest? That article (posted above) was really shady towards her. Over this whole streaming thing. PTX sold more albums, #1 best selling album in the country. Something to be proud of. (Haha but if the reports are wrong and they happen to edge into #1. Awesome.)

[SrPab]

In this age of TEA and SEA metrics would (or, rather, should) Billboard declare co-#1s (i.e., split decision)? Back when the rankings were based on pure album sales, had Billboard ever declared co-#1s?

 

Granted, many people (with or without "dogs in the fight", so to speak) may be up in arms if something like this were announced but I would fall back on that old saw: Bad news is good news. Good news is good news. No news is bad news.

[SrPab]

Two observations/curiosities:

• Many of the songs on Pentatonix have truncated 2nd verses (i.e., second verse is a few lines shorter that first verse). Are these results of conscious, agreed-upon decisions, or is this a habit when PTX is arranging (likely a holdover from their Sing-Off days and arranging songs to work with constraints of tv time)? No value judgment from me...just something I noticed.
• Many songs on the new album end, ahem, abruptly. In a cappella music, is it more acceptable to do this than to incorporate the all-vocal equivalent of a fade-out? For that matter, what about using or not using the vocal equivalent of a fade-in?

Edited October 26, 2015 by SrPab

[Kromm]

In this age of TEA and SEA metrics would (or, rather, should) Billboard declare co-#1s (i.e., split decision)? Back when the rankings were based on pure album sales, had Billboard ever declared co-#1s?

 

Granted, many people (with or without "dogs in the fight", so to speak) may be up in arms if something like this were announced but I would fall back on that old saw: Bad news is good news. Good news is good news. No news is bad news.

Pie in the sky my friend. An organization like Billboard doesn't want to seem unsure about what they are doing. Whatever they do or declare will be definitively presented, even if people grouse behind their backs.

 

That doesn't mean they might not tweak a method at some later point.  But they're not going to want to be seen as wafflers when it comes to their results.

BTW: I thought this video would be appreciated. Maybe all of it. but the first few seconds are actually what's fascinating. Who'd think an a capella group would ever get crowd chanting?

 

Edited October 26, 2015 by Kromm

[SrPab]

Y'all...OMFG!!!!!!

[ptxnewsandstuff]

GUYS! Being "delusionally optimistic" is the best thing ever. #1. We did it. Pentholics rock. It was so close but we made it. So proud.

 

Pentatonix Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart

"...with slightly more than 98,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending Oct. 22, according to Nielsen Music."

 

Literally won by hundreds. Early reports were wrong and they kept everything under wraps. Everyone was getting anxious when they didn't release PTX's numbers. WOW. 

 

Edited October 26, 2015 by ptxnewsandstuff

[debbydeb]

WWOOOOOOWW! Aca-mazing!!! Aca-mbelieveit!!

Edited October 26, 2015 by debbydeb

[SrPab]

I believe there are two marks of distinction:

1. The first #1 a cappella album on Billboard 200 chart (i.e., can chart non-#1 and subsequently rise to #1)
2. The first a cappella album to DEBUT at #1 on Billboard 200 chart

Edited October 26, 2015 by SrPab

[debbydeb]

And to come so close to the 100k mark. That's significant numbers there.

And I even forgot they got hundreds of ks of sales last Christmas season that they got to platinum so quickly.

They could've been like this (no 1) last year if not for taylor swift juggernaut.

HOWEVER.

I'm glad that they didn't last year.

Because now they're debuting on no. 1 with their All Original Album. that must be extra special. They were so worried about the reception (they're even worried Pentaholics wouldn't like it--duh as if pfftt). And look at what happened!!

Oh someone posted in tumblr, the very first official pic of them as a group.

I can't find the tumblr post again, but the top pic of this site (they're dressed in ET pink)

http://thesingoff.wikia.com/wiki/Pentatonix

See how it mirrors as in Reverse Image of their current Pentatonix the Album cover!

So I'm real real glad that this is the album they got their no. 1 on, that they made history on.

Acapella Original Not Cover album.

And now let's wait for people to say again "they're a cover band and/or christmas carolers" and See how quick I throw my phone at them.

Edited October 26, 2015 by debbydeb

[ptxnewsandstuff]

Demi fans... so gracious. They were teasing fans on Friday. Now look what happened. Pentaholics on Twitter were optimistic because no official reports were out and for some reason HDD never updated their streams chart. Best feeling right now. The underdogs won! Proving everyone wrong. You can't doubt them now. #1 original album. Grammy. The list of achievements rolls on. Yes, I will throw my phone at them too if anyone says otherwise. 

 

Little message from Scott after we tweeted this, "Want to hug every Pentaholic right now. Tears of joy. Day instantly made better. We banded together & the underdogs won. #PTXGoesNumber1"

 

"You guys really are amazing. (insert emojis)"

 

Want to hug all of you on here. We made history. ^_^

[Kromm]

Ah, see I was right! They didn't "share' a rank!

 

I actually don't think it was delusional to think PTX could get #1. The thing that made it seem an uphill climb was if Bieber pre-sales were all piled up during this one week. Heck, Adele presales could be the same threat in the COMING week (and at least I'd respect that since Adele is awesome).

 

So they've announced in a news story on Billboard's own site that PTX won the week, but they won't be changing the chart itself until tomorrow? Is that it?

I will say this... the "Lovatics" can be extreme fans, so expect some real fire in comments sections, videos, etc. 

[SrPab]

So they've announced in a news story on Billboard's own site that PTX won the week, but they won't be changing the chart itself until tomorrow? Is that it?

You have the right of it...there may be some clean-up work for them to do. So, make the big announcement now and display the full chart tomorrow. (Also, there could be lots of screenshots of tomorrow's chart in all forms of social media.)

 

I was just thinking out loud regarding the co-#1 thing. With the gap between the two albums eventually only being a few hundreds units in total (and with margin of error for SEA), I thought it would be too close to call. But, Billboard made a definitive statement here.

 

Has there ever been an album debut at #1 just on pre-sale numbers?

Edited October 26, 2015 by SrPab

[Kromm]

Has there ever been an album debut at #1 just on pre-sale numbers?

I think we're really going to see that tested with Adele's album.

 

EDIT - Actually I think we already have our answer:

 

REPORT: ADELE’S “25” SECURED OVER 200K US PRE-ORDER SALES IN 3 DAYS

 

I'm happy for her. PTX losing to Bieber would be a nightmare. PTX losing to Adele is an honor.

Edited October 26, 2015 by Kromm

[Sharpie66]

I am so happy for them! I've had a perfectly lousy morning, with what felt like perpetual crankiness, but now I am just beaming from ear to ear--yay!!!

[GirlvsTV]

Do pre-orders count towards the Billboard chart? I'd think not since people are not charged until the album is actually released. So, Adele's sales won't factor into Billboard until the week of Nov. 20.

And I think Billboard always updates their chart on Tuesdays (since release day moved to Friday), so it isn't unusual.

So happy for PTX, been following them since The Sing Off. Love the new album!

[ToxicUnicorn]

Somehow, reading about Scott's tears of joy makes me a little misty, too.  So proud to be a Pentaholic!

 

I finally listened to their performance on the Today Show and I think I will have to cut Hoda and Kathie Lee some slack.  They certainly have sounded like genuine fans.  I thought that Scott's performance of Cracked was really, really good live - better than the one on the album. 

 

Off for a celebratory listen!

[Kromm]

Do pre-orders count towards the Billboard chart? I'd think not since people are not charged until the album is actually released. So, Adele's sales won't factor into Billboard until the week of Nov. 20.

How would that be fair?  It would totally bend the model even more to suddenly credit a months worth of sales into one week's figures.

[ptxnewsandstuff]

^Some preorders aren't redeemed or are canceled because of credit card issues. Think PTX probably had less pre-orders Demi, doesn't matter now but once it's released it just depends if people actually download the album.  The album comes out, everyone gets it, same price and all.

 

I'm happy for her. PTX losing to Bieber would be a nightmare. PTX losing to Adele is an honor.

 

Hang this on my wall. Adele is back!!! So many artists are releasing their albums in this final quarter (Q4). November is a big month for music. Rhianna, 1D vs Bieber, Adele vs Ariana etc... Anyone releasing, during and after Adele's week. Good luck she's holding that #1 spot for a very long time. (Looks like someone else might be holding that #1 spot from PTX for their Xmas album. Happy if it's Adele.)

[GirlvsTV]

How would that be fair?  It would totally bend the model even more to suddenly credit a months worth of sales into one week's figures.

I guess because it wouldn't be counted as an actual 'sale' until the money is exchanged and the product is delivered. And I think in most cases the money doesn't change hands until the album is actually released.

I mean they may look at it that all those people that pre-ordered would have purchased the album the first week it was released anyway.

[Kromm]

I guess because it wouldn't be counted as an actual 'sale' until the money is exchanged and the product is delivered. And I think in most cases the money doesn't change hands until the album is actually released.

I mean they may look at it that all those people that pre-ordered would have purchased the album the first week it was released anyway.

Yes, but traditional sales were based on asses walking in a door between two specific dates. eventually the actual door (and physical store, and then even the physical media for the album) got removed piece by piece, but it's not a foregone conclusion based on the original model that all those people would have HAD to walk in that door within that first seven days. Oh, likely all of them would have eventually bought the album, sure, but honestly it would only be an assumption they would have done so quickly. Pre-ordering skews things so that they have weeks to make a decision, not days, and accruing it to one particular week (heck, technically one particular day) is taking that assumption about what they MIGHT have done and acting like it's fact.

[GirlvsTV]

A quick Google search brought me to this article and this one , both of which reference that pre-sales count as first day sales on the album charts. Adele, Beiber, 1D, etc won't be impacting the chart for another couple of weeks.

It will be interesting to see how far Pentatonix falls in its second week of release, especially since the group will be out of the country doing promotion elsewhere. Still wondering what the next single will be, I'd think 'Sing' since they did a video for it? Tbh, I'm just really tired of CSL at this point.

Edited October 27, 2015 by GirlvsTV

[debbydeb]

RCA is not distributing any other song to radios? We're not seeing anymore radio adds for any PTX songs. I sort of wish they'd send Ref to play on radios. Let Epic hear it and weep a bit.

(But then again, hypotheticals now: if Epic didn't drop them would PTX channel their anger into Youtube and become a social media savvy group as they are now?)

On the other hand, I wonder if the decision to not distribute anymore songs to radio is to pace PTX for their Christmas Blitzkreig. Basically I can envision them singing on every christmas show on every radio on earth that would have them.

(they're booked on so many radio-tied christmas shows... like 4 now? or are they the same syndicate)?

[SrPab]

I don't know how RCA is going to play the upcoming Christmas season. But we've talked upthread about the real possibility that the label will use TCTM Deluxe Reissue to again capitalize on all the goodwill from last year's release and marketing campaign.

 

I'm aware of one or two tv appearances they'll have to close out the year. It seems like a good number of their other public performances are tied to local or regional radio stations' Christmas events/"balls".

 

At this point in their careers, PTX Christmas music is still an easier sell to radio at this time of the year. So I do tend to think RCA's marketing efforts will skew that way.

[SrPab]

As official as it gets...

[debbydeb]

I wonder what's the highest placement of an a cappella group of the Billboard 200 before PTX.

Boys II Men must've reached some high placements?

And I know that Canto Gregoriano of the Benedictine Monks was like #3 on the main Billboard 200 and was in the top 10 for many weeks. But who else?

Bobby McFerrin? But was his an album or just the song? Manhattan Transfer might make it to the Jazz #1? or not?

[SrPab]

A quick check tells me that Bobby McFerrin's album Simple Pleasures got as high as #12 on Billboard 200 (or whatever it was called back then). Don't Worry, Be Happy was a single from that album and hit #1 on Billboard Hot 100 (or whatever the chart was called back then). Simple Pleasures is, to-date, a 3x Platinum album.

 

Boyz II Men's a cappella cover of the song It's So hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday got as high as #2 on Billboard Hot 100.

 

Shai's a cappella single If I Ever Fall In Love (from same-named album) got as high as #2 on Billboard Hot 100.

 

These, of course, are U.S. chart placements. There doesn't appear to be an easy-to-reference, one-stop-shopping site containing info on (U.S.) a cappella milestones and notable achievements. You can find articles on CASA.org, but no centralized, searchable database. My general sense of things is that a cappella is underrepresented in the main U.S. Billboard Pop and Country charts--and well-represented in genre charts like Jazz, Classical, Gospel, and Holiday.

Edited October 27, 2015 by SrPab

[Sharpie66]

The ptxofficial twitter acct just tweeted this very well done fanvid that recaps their career, set to "New Years Day":

[SrPab]

It's listed as "New" (guess it's a chart debut?), but CSL is #99 on Billboard Hot 100.

[debbydeb]

These, of course, are U.S. chart placements. There doesn't appear to be an easy-to-reference, one-stop-shopping site containing info on (U.S.) a cappella milestones and notable achievements. You can find articles on CASA.org, but no centralized, searchable database. My general sense of things is that a cappella is underrepresented in the main U.S. Billboard Pop and Country charts--and well-represented in genre charts like Jazz, Classical, Gospel, and Holiday.

Thank you for your googling! I tried and gave up :( Hopefully the road ahead for acappella will be smoother.

By the way, I remember someone posting a video of a UK choir competition the Naked Choir? And mentioned a cross-promotion of PTX in the show

PTX is going to go on a talk show with Gareth Malone
https://twitter.com/sundaybrunchc4/status/658980753070518274

does this mean they'll guest star in the Naked Choir competition (finals?) or just coincidence that they're booked for the same show?

I guess we'll have to wait for Sunday? but am so curious.
Hoping great things for PTX.

Speaking of billboard charts, am a bit anxious about how many places they'll drop in the charts next week. Hopefully not by much.

[SrPab]

I mentioned The Naked Choir here! I don't get BBC2 and YT mainly has performance clips only. There is someone uploading heavily-edited vids just of the bits where the Sons Of Pitches are on screen. Also, I think the show's episodes were shot over the summer and are only now airing. I believe PTX and Gareth being on the same show seems to be (mostly) coincidence.

 

As much as I love PTX, I think their album sales are front-loaded--a cappella still has hurdles to overcome (like sticking in the public's memory for more than a week or two). I *don't* believe Pentatonix will drop out of the Billboard 200 after one week on it, but it might drop out of the Top 10/Top 20. This is a big challenge for original a cappella music--being disposable or being a keeper for more than just friends and family.

Edited October 28, 2015 by SrPab

[Found A Peanut]

RCA is not distributing any other song to radios? We're not seeing anymore radio adds for any PTX songs. I sort of wish they'd send Ref to play on radios. Let Epic hear it and weep a bit.

(But then again, hypotheticals now: if Epic didn't drop them would PTX channel their anger into Youtube and become a social media savvy group as they are now?)

On the other hand, I wonder if the decision to not distribute anymore songs to radio is to pace PTX for their Christmas Blitzkreig. Basically I can envision them singing on every christmas show on every radio on earth that would have them.

(they're booked on so many radio-tied christmas shows... like 4 now? or are they the same syndicate)?

Is that really true? RCA isn't going to send any other singles to radio? That would be shit! What kind of label support is that if they're going to treat Pentatonix like some kind of YouTube novelty act and milk them for their Christmas sales?

[SrPab]

Perhaps RCA might push one or two other original songs from Pentatonix during the holiday period while PTX switches gears and gives live performances of their Christmas songs? Is that a good strategy, or a confusing one?

[debbydeb]

I mentioned The Naked Choir here! I don't get BBC2 and YT mainly has performance clips only. There is someone uploading heavily-edited vids just of the bits where the Sons Of Pitches are on screen. Also, I think the show's episodes were shot over the summer and are only now airing. I believe PTX and Gareth being on the same show seems to be (mostly) coincidence.

 

As much as I love PTX, I think their album sales are front-loaded--a cappella still has hurdles to overcome (like sticking in the public's memory for more than a week or two). I *don't* believe Pentatonix will drop out of the Billboard 200 after one week on it, but it might drop out of the Top 10/Top 20. This is a big challenge for original a cappella music--being disposable or being a keeper for more than just friends and family.

 

YOU DID! My fault for not paying more attention to usernames. 

I like this booking coincidence. I think PTX should appear more in the UK and if they can have a project with Gareth Malone I think that'll be nice. 

I read that GM is quite a TV personality in the UK.

 

I hope they stay in the Top 10 (or maybe Top 20, because of the HUGE names coming out in November) for a while. If they drop out immediately, I'm afraid we won't hear the end of "flash in the pan" comments. 

 

Is that really true? RCA isn't going to send any other singles to radio? That would be shit! What kind of label support is that if they're going to treat Pentatonix like some kind of YouTube novelty act and milk them for their Christmas sales?

 

I hope it's not true. I'd be so sad if they do. I'm still waiting for them to distribute another song or two.

Maybe they'd do it next year? Before PTX goes on tour? 

RCA've been very good at breaking the 'novelty mould' (probably also with the huge insistence from PTX management part) and treating PTX as 'normal' artists thus far. However, as Scott says "Christmas is a really good time for A cappella music". 

 

I don't mind if they start pushing the Christmas thing again, AS LONG AS they follow it up quickly with original music once Christmas season is over.

 

 

Perhaps RCA might push one or two other original songs from Pentatonix during the holiday period while PTX switches gears and gives live performances of their Christmas songs? Is that a good strategy, or a confusing one?

 

 

Do you think it will be quaint of them to release New Year's Day around... New Year's Day?

That's the original music that makes the most sense to release around the holiday season. 

 

I can so see it being played as a song in one of those teen/young adult oriented tv series. 

The ptxofficial twitter acct just tweeted this very well done fanvid that recaps their career, set to "New Years Day":

 

I don't have tears in my eyes. 

It's just dust. Or maybe a tree. 

[Found A Peanut]

Perhaps RCA might push one or two other original songs from Pentatonix during the holiday period while PTX switches gears and gives live performances of their Christmas songs? Is that a good strategy, or a confusing one?

Not confusing if Pentatonix isn't only doing Christmas promo but mixes in cuts from the new album. That "New Year's Day" song is a good candidate, for example, but they should still be pushing "Can't Sleep Love" (which hasn't peaked yet, imo) as well as the next single. If they want to really get a foothold in radio outside of the Christmas niche, how can they just lay off on promoting their new album? It makes it seem like the label isn't serious or just expects Pentatonix to do all the work by continuing to be a YouTube juggernaut when the group explicitly has as a goal breaking through to the next level on radio.

ETA - debbydeb, I just get nervous about the depth of RCA's commitment if there's no new single waiting in the wings. Granted, Adele is sucking up all available oxygen right now. We'll see. I'm sure Pentatonix has a plan.

Edited October 28, 2015 by Found A Peanut

[GirlvsTV]

Where are you guys getting the info that RCA is not releasing any other singles from the album?

CSL is still climbing the charts (just debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 this week) and it looks like the band is out of the country for the next week or so. They may just be waiting for PTX to be stateside again before releasing the next single, so they'll be available for promotion when it goes out.

[debbydeb]

Where are you guys getting the info that RCA is not releasing any other singles from the album?

CSL is still climbing the charts (just debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 this week) and it looks like the band is out of the country for the next week or so. They may just be waiting for PTX to be stateside again before releasing the next single, so they'll be available for promotion when it goes out.

 

There's no info per se. I was just wondering why there's no more radio adds for CSL. (thus my tangent to other new singles).

I was just reading a list of this week's radio adds and no more radio music desks have been receiving a copy of CSL to play on the radio. 

 

I know that CSL just got it's break in the Hot 100 today, and might be climbing, but I'm just wondering why RCA is not distributing CSL to more radios. Or shopping CSL to radios that perhaps don't want them but could want them now.

 

I hope to see more radio desks receiving CSL these coming weeks. 

 

Sorry to have caused unnessary confusion on this board. 

[Kromm]

A quick check tells me that Bobby McFerrin's album Simple Pleasures got as high as #12 on Billboard 200 (or whatever it was called back then). Don't Worry, Be Happy was a single from that album and hit #1 on Billboard Hot 100 (or whatever the chart was called back then). Simple Pleasures is, to-date, a 3x Platinum album.

 

Boyz II Men's a cappella cover of the song It's So hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday got as high as #2 on Billboard Hot 100.

 

Shai's a cappella single If I Ever Fall In Love (from same-named album) got as high as #2 on Billboard Hot 100.

 

These, of course, are U.S. chart placements. There doesn't appear to be an easy-to-reference, one-stop-shopping site containing info on (U.S.) a cappella milestones and notable achievements. You can find articles on CASA.org, but no centralized, searchable database. My general sense of things is that a cappella is underrepresented in the main U.S. Billboard Pop and Country charts--and well-represented in genre charts like Jazz, Classical, Gospel, and Holiday.

Yeah, it's all about albums charting vs.singles (both are prestigious in different ways) and main charting rather than sub-charting (only the first really being a big deal to most people). 

 

A singles chart #1 is these days, arguably the harder hill to climb.  The album chart just takes a mass of dedicated fans buying all at once. The singles chart takes actual mass appeal to people who aren't necessarily pre-existing fans.

[Kromm]

Do you think it will be quaint of them to release New Year's Day around... New Year's Day?

That's the original music that makes the most sense to release around the holiday season. . 

Not quaint... necessary. It's a surprisingly good (and original new) song on that weird sub-market of the holiday season, which has far fewer songs sucking up the airtime and promo spots. RCA would be fools NOT to release it and push it heavy, I'd argue around Monday Dec 7th.

 

They're likely ALREADY booked for a gig on Dick Clark's Ghosts' Show currently hosted by Ryan Seacrest. I'd assume they'll be asked to play this song since it's a nice bit of synergy.  BUT... the real hope would be if it got lots of radio play in the weeks before that the Seacrest New Years show would use the songs for it's tags in and out of commercial breaks.  Let them do that, and because of the theme it could take a permanent role on the broadcast (since again, there are what? Like only 2 other commercially successful New Year's songs?)

[ToxicUnicorn]

re: New Year's Day
 

RCA would be fools NOT to release it and push it heavy,

I agree with this, of course.  However, I still think it is one of the weakest songs on the album and I don't like it much.

 

I hope there is a lot of attention on PTX - I think releasing more Christmas music and then being able to vary their promotions of both original and Christmas music is a really good strategy.  It makes them seem like less of a one trick pony.  (To the hypothetical skeptic about a "flash in the pan" .... obviously, we all appreciate the depths of their talents.)  Plus, I love all their Christmas music, whereas I am more picky about the rest of their songs, so I think a mix will allow them to highlight all of their home runs.

 

ETA: 

The ptxofficial twitter acct just tweeted this very well done fanvid that recaps their career, set to "New Years Day"

I don't have tears in my eyes.

It's just dust. Or maybe a tree.

 

*gulp*  I think the pollen count must be really high today.  From all those darn trees that are losing their leaves.

Edited October 28, 2015 by ToxicUnicorn

[Kromm]

And now for something completely different...

 

 

To be honest, they're really not that great a marching band. But... it's cute to see their music choice....