What exactly is technically "off" with this rendition?

  • Context: Music 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Swamp Thing
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Music
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the technical aspects of a cover rendition of James South's "Games People Play," focusing on vocal pitch control, tuning of instruments, and the subjective experience of musical performance. Participants explore how these elements contribute to the overall quality of the cover compared to the original.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants feel the singing is off key, particularly noting specific moments where pitch issues are more apparent.
  • There is a suggestion that the perceived pitch issues could be due to the instruments being out of tune rather than solely the vocalist's performance.
  • One participant mentions that the singing improves as the track progresses, indicating variability in performance quality.
  • A reference is made to a YouTube musician who analyzes pitch accuracy and the effects of pitch correction, suggesting that slight deviations from perfect pitch can add character to a performance.
  • Another participant expresses frustration with pitch issues, indicating a strong emotional response to the performance's technical flaws.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the singing is off key or if other factors contribute to the perceived flaws. There is no consensus on the exact nature of the issues, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the technical analysis of the performance.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific moments in the performance that highlight pitch issues, but there is a lack of detailed technical analysis on how to address these flaws. The discussion does not resolve the question of whether the performance is technically acceptable or simply lacking in exceptional talent.

Swamp Thing
Insights Author
Messages
1,047
Reaction score
792
This is a cover of James South's "Games People Play".

By no means do I have a finely trained ear, but it felt like the singing was a bit off key. On playing it a second and third time (because I am currently riding a hobby horse regarding vocal pitch control) it began to grow on me and sound more OK. But after listening to the original and coming back, it sounded off again.

Is the singing off key, or is it something else like the instrument(s) being out of tune? Or --- is it technically OK, but just missing that extra something that comes with exceptional talent?

How would a trained musician analyze the flaws if any, and suggest how someone could address them? (Apart from years of diligent practice)

 
Science news on Phys.org
Swamp Thing said:
This is a cover of James South's "Games People Play".

By no means do I have a finely trained ear, but it felt like the singing was a bit off key. On playing it a second and third time (because I am currently riding a hobby horse regarding vocal pitch control) it began to grow on me and sound more OK. But after listening to the original and coming back, it sounded off again.

Is the singing off key, or is it something else like the instrument(s) being out of tune? Or --- is it technically OK, but just missing that extra something that comes with exceptional talent?

How would a trained musician analyze the flaws if any, and suggest how someone could address them? (Apart from years of diligent practice)


Arrgggh. Pitch!

He is going for a note and not quite getting there. More obvious when it's just him. 45 seconds in.
 
"Flowers" 51 seconds in. You hear that? They tend to be the highest notes so far.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Swamp Thing
I have heard this many times before. He is not flat all the time so you notice it more when it happens.
He sounds better as the track goes on.

There is a musician on YouTube called "Wings of Pegasus" he does analysis pieces using pitch software. Really interesting. Shows how accurate various classic singers are and how the little idiosyncrasies in their voices gives them their unique sound.
Sometimes being a little bit below the note, slightly flat, on phrases gives the melody character.
He also exposes the use of pitch correction, auto tune and lip syncing.
 
Reply
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: Swamp Thing
pinball1970 said:
Arrgggh. Pitch!

At first I thought it was some "sus" chords :smile:
 
Reply
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970

Similar threads

Music Talent Worthy of Wider Recognition
  • · Replies 121 ·
5
Replies
121
Views
11K
Music Musicologist comes up with formula for catchy songs
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
7K
Music Musical prodigy, level not seen in 200yrs
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Music Music - why do you listen to the music you listen to?
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
7K
What gear do electric guitar players prefer and why?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Music for Focusing on Physics: What Are Your Go-To Tracks?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Wavelength to Frequency Relationship in Musical Notes
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
Graduate What is Physical Basis of Tuning Note in Western Musical scale
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
8K
What Defines Noise in Scientific Terms?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
The Scientist as Hero - or not
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K