I loved the barbershop rendition of "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys from BioShock Infinite. It got me pretty interested in barbershop music. I really like the way that it uses dissonance and how the chord colors are kind of fuzzy since it's all vocals (although I'd really like to see some barbershop music that uses instruments). I'm specifically looking for modern barbershop style music that incorporates elements of other genres.

Edit: I should note I'm also down to hear some barbershop influenced/adjacent music that doesn't strictly fall within the boundaries of barbershop itself.

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

JoveX t1_jedkd7v wrote on March 31, 2023 at 6:15 AM

Check out “The Be Sharps”

tamammothchuk t1_jedlhsy wrote on March 31, 2023 at 6:30 AM

"Barbershop is in danger of growing stale. I'm taking it to strange, new places!"

KaptainKrule OP t1_jegx8ty wrote on March 31, 2023 at 10:56 PM

I just finished watching that episode of the Simpsons right before I posted this lmao

GreaterMook t1_jee8ufb wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:42 AM

Steam Powered Giraffe, they’ve got a steam-punk aesthetic to them too if you’re in to that.

catlaxative t1_jedm1pc wrote on March 31, 2023 at 6:37 AM

Something like Pentatonix is basically modern Barbershop, or any acapella group.

BurnOutBrighter6 t1_jedsihh wrote on March 31, 2023 at 8:08 AM

No it's not. Barbershop is by definition 4 part harmony, and has a certain vocabulary of chords (heavy on dominant 7ths, low on dissonant "jazzy" chords.

Ringmasters is modern barbershop.

Vocal Spectum is modern barbershop.

Westminster Chorus is modern barbershop.

Pentatonix, which isn't even 4 part harmony, is not barbershop. The modern Barbershop is...barbershop. It's still very much a thing. The Barbershop Harmony Society has thousands of active quartets and choruses, many of them young, vibrant, modern, and not wearing stripes and boater hats.

catlaxative t1_jeefs8y wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:45 PM

Ok! Cool thanks for the clarification

JoveX t1_jefc9k7 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Damn. Someone's real defensive of Barbershop music.

BurnOutBrighter6 t1_jefe7jb wrote on March 31, 2023 at 4:42 PM

Yeah I regret the tone of my comment, sorry. I really wasn't trying to be snibby/elitist but I struggled getting my point into words. I will try again

"Barbershop has not just morphed and become other styles of a Cappella music like Pentatonix, modern barbershop is still barbershop, and exists alongside those other styles. If you are thinking the only modern remnants of barbershop is other acapella like Pentatonix (who are amazing btw!), I'm not saying you're dumb ...I'm excited to say that means you must be missing out on barbership itself still existing as a genre in its own right with a lot of fantastic music and artistry to be enjoyed".

JoveX t1_jeg13a5 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 7:13 PM

Now I feel bad for calling you out. Cheers, friend.

ShoddyCobbler t1_jee9tmu wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:51 AM

All barbershop is a cappella, but all a cappella is not barbershop.

[deleted] t1_jefjwuc wrote on March 31, 2023 at 5:19 PM

[removed]

Timstunes t1_jegbzmt wrote on March 31, 2023 at 8:25 PM

You might also be interested in the vocal harmony groups of Doo-wop. The Spaniels are my favorites. Pookie Hudson on lead and Gerald Gregory on bass.

rashan688 t1_jedmq0s wrote on March 31, 2023 at 6:46 AM

Don and the Belmonts

fodahmania t1_jeecbas wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:15 PM

That is doo-wop