I've read a lot of criticisms about the music/singers/arrangements of the songs on here (and i've done it myself in the past) but then i read this recent blog posted by the SCD band.

It gives a fascinating insight into whats involved in creating the music for the show and i find i have a newfound respect for the musical arrangements.

Thought i'd share

http://strictlycomedancingband.com/n...1_Week_10.html

Actually we've done this before, but no matter, in fact the bass player used to post on here until some idiot upset him.

I've always been impressed by the band, considering how little rehearsal time for them the penny-pinching BBC are willing to pay for. Expecting them to re-create sounds that a studio has taken days "enhancing" for the original artist, is a bit of a thankless job on some occasions and I'm afraid it shows. Give them a traditional "ballroom" tune and they could; "play it in their sleep with one hand."
But that's down to the producers who seem to be introducing more and more "contemporary" music in a pathetic attempt to "engage" an age of audience who'd rather watch X-factor. It's "ratings" again, isn't it?

Given that popular recording artists associated with dance tunes had the arrangements written in a key of their choice, I've always thought the band singers have struggled on a few tunes to reach the higher notes.
This may be because the score is written not in a key of their choice.