Comments on: Not so gleeful about “Glee”

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:08:32 +0000

As you can tell, I agree with you about the digital enhancement. It seems to have become common in contemporary pop music and it drives me crazy. Part of my theory as to how it became so widespread is that Disney & Nickelodeon have all these child actors, who they then began to cross-promote as singers. Several of the “singers” couldn’t sing very well, so the sound became overly enhanced. Parents and children who were fans of the actors bought the albums, and now almost expect to hear that enhancement. It’s a VERY sad state of affairs and I hope the practice ends soon. But, with huge labels behind the marketing, I don’t know when that might be. Thanks so much for the comments! Yes, the practicing was almost more fun than the performances back in high school (I have fond memories of “Christmas Carol Trick-or-Treating,” etc.).

By: Brian G

Brian G — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:37:47 +0000

I was one of those geeky high school choir members way back when, and we used to love more than just the performances. We used to enjoy the sounds that we created in practice as well; in the harmony that we all contributed to. Our voices combined to create the total instrument in the room. Despite many years since then, I was enamored with the show and the concept, until they started to sing. The digital enhancement is like fingers on the chalk board. I wondered if it was my imagination as I knew nothing like this existed, and did a simple google search and your article popped up. At least I still have my ear after all of these years, if not my voice. It is a shame that the sultry voice of an Ella Fitzgerald or the “velvet frog” Mel Torme is going to never happen again as long as this kind of crap is being produced and spoon fed to us. Perhaps the network should have a little faith in their performers to do the job that they are capable of, and in their audience to have the capacity to appreciate good music when we hear it and know the difference.

By: Katie Clark

Katie Clark — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:10:35 +0000

Rachel – Thanks for your original post and the follow-up. Having not performed in several years (yes, I did perform after Chamber Singers) and being in an industry far far away from the arts, I had absolutely NO idea that auto-tuning even existed! Your original post opened my eyes (and ears). Knowing that many of the Glee cast came from Broadway it did surprise me that their production numbers were so obviously studio-done and (badly) lip-synched.

While I love the concept of the show (brings back high school memories of singing) and the musical numbers, I do wish (like you) that they let their true, talented, voices shine through.

By: Rebecca De La Torre

Rebecca De La Torre — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:35:44 +0000

Awesome review, Rachel. I had several friends from high school comment on how similar I was to the character “Rachel” so I had to check her out. Actually, now I am flattered. But I also see the amazing similarities and then to watch an episode and hear all the ridiculous effects on an otherwise incredible voice was offensive. Who is editing this anyway? Since i have NOTHING nice to say I’ll stop there.

Thanks for the feedback.

-rebecca de la torre