So we here at TSRE had, once upon a time, the privilege of attending Dartmouth College, best known for Dr. Seuss, Drinking Time, and being referenced in Superbad/Gossip Girl. It is a small college, but there are those who love it. Anywho, at said institution, we were often graced with a capella singing. For the non-collegers among us, a capella singing is when you take normally good songs, remove all instruments, and turn them into softer, less good versions of the original. Basically like a cover, but without anything redeeming. Most of my friends who are in an a cappella group would agree.
There are, however, some pretty nice kickbacks to being in an a capella group - groupies, tours, groupies, etc. A few of our friends, most notably the tall drink of water in the glasses in the following video, recently got a taste of one such kickback in the form of a studio sesh with Rivers Cuomo, courtesy of Stereogum. Rivers and the boys (members and former members of the Dartmouth Aires) give a jaunty rendition of the Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby" that is pretty great, and also really really really really hilarious.
First of all, Rivers is maybe the 4th best singer involved in this song - his voice strains to hit the high notes and he looks concerned and/or lost the entire time.
Secondly, Rivers looks like some sort of Paul Simon/Mr. Rogers love-child. Definitely about as far from "Rock Band Frontman" as you can get.
Thirdly, there's a prolonged shot of just the Aires' shoes. Why? Art, that's why.
Fourthly, the last 10 seconds, after the conclusion of the song. Rivers looks like he just found out that magic is real. Or that his amnesia is permanent. Conclusive evidence that this man is off the deep end.
Worth checking out - it's a good tune, an interesting video, and pretty freakin' hilarious. Also, I'm throwing in a couple a capella tracks that I think are pretty great - TV On The Radio doing a Pixies cover, and DaVinci's Notebook singing the timeless classic, Enormous Penis. Enjoy.
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