Because of all the criticism I've read on various forums about the singers, I listened to that intently, to the point where I didn't even 'see' what the dancers were doing, and it was absolutely bang on. Really good.

To be honest, I always thought the live band and singers were great - it's one of the aspects of the show I really enjoy. Over at 'the other place' there are threads calling for them to be replaced by CDs!!

So, I've listened to the band/singers much more this year, and as a former pro singer myself, I honestly don't understand the criticism. They perform 10 a dozen songs per night, most extremely well. I do agree though guest Bette Midler was indeed all over the place pitchwise. Her voice has been going for years. I saw her on something else a while back and it was the same. Very pitchy and strained.

The band and musicians have been constant for at least the last 2 series. They are all experienced session singers and professionals.

I agree they dont always sound perfect! (lol) but I think that is more to do with the variety of material that they have to do. Remember, all of the songs/tunes have to be rearranged and cut in length to be exactly 90 secs.

It would be hard to get anyone better all the time

JJ (just my 2p)

I think one of the reasons could be that the songs have to be tailored for the dance and sometimes that results in a rendition that seems a little off. But generally, I agree that they do a grand job and they deserve the kudos.

Agreed that the songs are a right mish-mash.
But I don't think their vocal timbre is pleasant or suited to anything much that I've heard. Don't know what styles they prefer or usually sing but the reason they are session singers is that they don't have the "quality" (not the right word, I'm sorry) to be soloists.

Well each to their own, but I'm the reverse. I think the singers and Bruce are great, and apart from Craig, I would be happy not to hear any more tired old meaningless waffle from the judges...

Most professional session singers make a VERY good, steady living. Its a choice they make. Sam Brown is a good example (Joe Brown's daughter). She had hits in her own right, but preferred to remain a session singer.

JJ

Which I always thought was a bit of a shame. I loved her voice.

well, Endless Love isn't one of my favourite songs anyway but it sounded dreadful, she was really off the note and straining to hit the right ones

I would never just slag off someone doing their job for the sake of it but the singers often ruin it for me

I don't question the value or talent of session singers.
But I don't rate any of the vocalists on SCD as soloists whom I'd like to hear again under concert conditions.

Well, as beauty is in the eye, I guess sound is in the ear of the beholder. I didn't hear any off notes or strain. I thought it was lovely.

They are OK. Don't forget they are singing live, and it will always sound different to recordings where hours are spent with software ironing out every little flaw until it sounds bland.
Alan

I look forward (sort of) to somebody producing this evidence.

When I saw them they lip-synched everything....but it was only a short set....maybe 3 or 4 songs. I'm not exactly a fan of the genre but I'm reasonably clued up to some of the tricks...'singing' over backing tracks containing pre-recorded vocals, autotune, post-production sweetening etc..

Interestingly John Lee (??) - who I have seen singing live on TV in a couple of concerts - was interviewed about the use of Vocoders (autotune) and said that S Club never used them as they could all actually sing in tune. It wasn't the sort of interview where he was "bigging them up" so I've no reason to disbelieve him.

JJ

Then don't go and see them!!! (????)

JJ

I was watching some show where he said they DID use it. It was along the lines of 'there was 7 of us - of course we used auto-tune'. I think the show was 100 most annoying pop songs or something like that.

I've no reason to disbelieve him either. Fair play to them if so.

However, I think it's fair to say the whole issue is clouded with a certain lack of candour. I remember talking to some people at a Steps concert who remarked how good they were at singing. When I pointed out they were lip-synching most of it, first they didn't believe me and they looked genuinely when someone just behind us confirmed it.

I don't think my scepticism is unjustified.

Yes - thats the show - although he said We could all sing, we didn't use it!!

JJ

I recall the guy from steps saying that. He said he was "unaware" of them using it for their tours as they can all "sing". Jon definately said sclub used it.

Hmmm - I remember it the other way round, but- hey - I think we have established the principle.

A lot of vocal groups mime/lipsynch and then pick up the last verse or chorus so they look convincingly out of breath when they stop singing.

JJ

Hehe I'm loving the debate about AutoTune. Of course most bands "use" Autotune (or more likely Melodyne, or one of the ProTools plugins that are very expensive) - or rather, their producers use these tools because the record company execs demand that sound. Even more "rock" type acts (the sort that claim "integrity" etc) have their vocals massaged through these pieces of software. It wouldn't surprise me of the singers themselves weren't aware of what the producers do with their recordings.

As for live performances, the usual trick is to have all the lush, layered harmonies pre-recorded with the main vocal sung live on top. That way, even if the main vocal line is a bit wobbly, the choruses sound good.

(Oh and vocoders aren't the same as pitch correction - S Club 7 did use a vocoded vocal sound on Don't Stop Moving...)

I think one of the female singers on SCD is really bad on some songs.
I don't know which one of them it is - but when one of the male singers [Lance Ellington, I believe] sang "The Way You Look Tonight" for Christine's first dance, he started the song off and sounded great, then a few bars in, one of the women joined in, and it was not pleasant.

I appreciate that they are given some music they may not know, and they may not have much rehearsal time, and that they are singing live but that is what a session singer does. They have to be able to read music, and sing it well.
And the people who book them should audition and book singers who have a good range and can sing a variety of styles.
So I guess the singers are doing their best with songs they may not know and which may not be in a style which is comfy for them. So the people who book them are a little at fault as well IMO.
I must admit that the singing which makes me cringe doesn't spoil the show for me, it adds to the fun.