One of my best friends from college, Chris Chatham, is a member of an a cappella group called Blue Jupiter. They have been struggling for a few years now with line-up changes and typical band problems. Chris is among the most gifted and talented musicians I know, and may very well be the most gifted musician I am close friends with. Despite my obvious respect for him and his talents, I have given him non-stop shit about being in an a cappella group. My personal philosophy of what music is and what music can do, will not allow me to be involved with the kind of audiences that listen to that corny crap. I mean, I don’t feel like I am above it… well maybe I do… ok, I do… but, I just don’t think there is much to prove in the a cappela scene. Even if you’re the best a cappella group in the world, who cares? It’s like being the best wigwam builder or Rubix Cube solver. Besides, humans have been singing without accompaniment for centuries, thats why we started making instruments.
And, let’s be honest, if Jud Jud isn’t making records anymore, then every cappella group should pack it in, because they took a cappella music somewhere it had never gone before (and where no one should ever venture again).
Anyway, in spite of my ribbing, back in October, Blue Jupiter won a contest to breathe new life into the classic Oreo Cookie jingle from the 80’s (a personal favorite of mine). So, yeah, that’s kind of a big deal! I mean, I like Oreos. I like them a lot. I also like it when my friends can feed themselves on something besides Oreos. So, really I am happy for his success.
But, I still think a cappella music is for old ladies and 20-year-old virgins.
I can’t find a recording of the new jingle on the web yet. If anyone has a link for it, put it in a comment.
Mmmm…Oreos.
I heard a little of Blue Jupiter when I was at Justin’s house the other night. I must admit that Chris does have a nice voice. I wish I could have heard more, though.
To me being in an cappella group is like being a professional caroller. I’m not saying that in a mean way, but you have to admit it is kinda true. I think if he can use his voice as his instrument to win contests, make money, and make people (albeit old ladies and 20-year-old virgins) I have to respect that.
*and make people (albeit old ladies and 20-year-old virgins)
I meant to type “and make people happy (albeit old blah blah blah)”
I get made fun of for playing in Emo bands. I can’t imagine how embarassing it is to sing with a bunch of dudes in shiny silk shirts.
You love shiny silk shirts. Don’t lie to me.
It’s okay if chicks wear them, you know those sexy ones….like those hot chicks on the cover of the sex pages in the phoenix or the village voice….it’s not cool when people like ellen wear them or hillary clinton. That hurts my feelings and this converation is hurting my feelings…that’s it I am bored….no more of this.
Ha Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!! I met Blue Jupiter today!!! They came to our school and I won a signed CD!!! Tell the lead signer I say Hi! Im the person in the blue hoodie that won the CD! It was soooooo cool, how can you people not like them???? I love them I am now there biggest fan HAHA beat that I win!!!! Oh Marty is really cool too! I love how he can do that cool stuff with his mouth! please tell him I say hi!!!! Will he even remember me??? I hope so! any ways toodles!