It's all about energy. It's not the notes, or even the voices - it's the combination of all these factors thrown in with a double helping of high spirits and humor. This is what the Dartmouth Dodecaphonics are as a live performance group.
They pull you into their shows with their attitude, which is written all over their faces and comes pouring out in the music. You can't help but tap your feet along with them. But how do you capture this on a recording - away from an audience, locked away in a studio?
Somehow, with their latest release, "Carpe Dodecs," the Dodecs managed to do just that. The compact disc features 21 short songs, ranging in mood from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" to the traditional ballad "Danny Boy."
As always, much of the energy in the songs comes from the extremely gifted solo performers.
Megan Mitchell '94 and Norman Roye '93 demonstrate a smooth, controlled energy in their performance of a number of ballads on the album. Roye's suave interpretation of George Michael's "Kissing a Fool" is a track you'll go back to, as are Mitchell's beautiful performances of "Touch of Your Hand" and "Be With You."
The humor of their live shows is probably best captured in the Cars' "Best Friend's Girl" and Nat King Cole's "Welcome to the Club." Somehow the Dodecs have consistently found performers who can imitate the eccentric vocals of the Cars. Lewis Cirne '93 pulls it off in good form on "Best Friend's Girl," a song that has to be heard to be believed.
Another staple of the live Dodecs has been the "Jilted Swinging Guy," here portrayed by David Kaiser '93 in "Welcome to the Club." Kaiser is the quintessential jilted swinger. His dapper, sarcastic crooning is a bizarre hybrid of Frank Sinatra and Weird Al Yankovic.
Though solo performances on the album are excellent, they don't overshadow the group dynamics of songs like "Hazy Shade," and a number of Dartmouth songs including the Alma Mater.
Probably the best example of the Dodecs' brand of group performance is "Straight to My Heart." Daisy Alpert '95 sings a flamboyant lead supported by an inventive accompaniment. Here the Dodecs use their voices in countermelody and harmony, and also create a strong rhythmic drive that is such a part of their performance style.
"Carpe Dodecs" is an album worth seizing.
