Bass Singer FIRST-TIME REACTION & ANALYSIS - Geoff Castellucci | The Sound of Silence 

Absolutely brilliant cover from Geoff! I have so much respect for this man, and especially his immense creativity and commitment to making songs his own. Hope you all enjoy my reaction and analysis! Is there anything from Geoff I haven't made a video for that you'd like to see?

S&G’s version was a warning. Disturbed was angry no one listened. Geoff is sad they didn’t listen. They tell a story.

I love it when he puts a little dragon purr in those low notes. He made some super interesting choices all over this song. I’m guessing he’s spent a lot of time on this, listening to other covers and working out how he can change it up without disrespecting the original. Purists really shouldn’t listen to covers. If they want the original, they should stick with that. BTW, I thought Misty Mountains was the bass anthem. LOL.

😳First time I’ve heard you cuss! Geoff should claim that as an achievement. 🫶🏻

Geoff did more than justice to this song he literally made it better than the original. Omg it is on another level

The, "Brain! Mouth!" moment had me giggling. And your exasperated, "Oh god!" when Geoff dropped the bottom out on "...reach you" made me cackle! Superb analysis as always!

Thank you for doing our boy justice. PS: I like your "stank" faces when a nice note really hits you! All musicians have their personal stank face. Yours makes me smile :)

Geoff rules! ;-P Fun story (I think...), and a long one, but cut very short: currently in my 40's, life-long musician (piano, bass clarinet, trombone, bass guitar, steel-string acoustic, ukulele, Irish whistles (regular and low). Did some serious musical programs at school decades ago, Junior High and after, and a test they gave everyone at the start of school pointed to my 'ideal' instrument being the bassoon (which the school didn't have, hence bass clarinet and trombone instead). I never considered myself a singer... AT ALL. Probably because I kept trying to sing like a tenor... Until, a couple months ago, on a random evening wasting time on RU-vid, a video of VoicePlay came up and I listened to their "Little Mermaid" medley... And Geoff, his voice I guess, made me realize I actually CAN sing. It's just that, for my whole adult life, DESPITE the test at school pointing towards the bass for my ears and pitch recognition and all the (overall) bass-y instruments I've played... I kept trying to sing 'high'. Anyway, rant over. Cheers, and thank you for what you do!

I agreed with your confusion, if you will, in the section before the climax at first. The more I listen to it, I can't imagine it being sung any other way. In my opinion, it just about perfectly builds up to that powerhouse of an ending he produced

The Disturbed version is my favorite, but Geoff's was still amazing and very soothing, I could seriously listen to him for hours and not get bored!!!

It's always a win-win when Geoff does a beautiful cover with twists and turns - because then you do an awesome, detailed, engrossed reaction. The moment at 21:07 when he unexpectedly transitions from high chest to smoothie bass is too good - this is Geoffplay at its best.

Peter, your explanations are just mind blowing. You are an excellent teacher. A non-musician, non-singer can understand what you are saying. Thank you making it easy to understand the techniques used. This is one of your best analysis so far.

MR BARBER!! You should do a cover of this song in a bass opera. How amazing would that be

Interesting that you consider him a bass that developed baritone whereas he apparently considered himself a baritone first. I fell into Geoff’s I See Fire video last night and instantly fell in love. It took me a whole 2 minutes to figure out that they were all him. I was up entirely too late watching most of his most popular list. Just phenomenal. Thank you for your breakdowns to what he’s doing. I am woefully under educated in music but have always enjoyed basses. Thank you. More new channels to explore.

This version grew on me, but now I love it.😊

You haven't reacted to High and Dry, Take Me Home Country Roads, Saddle Up, or Till Then. Take Me Home will get the most Pit Vipers, guaranteed. Till Then is an old (1944) Mills Brothers piece written from the perspective of a WWII soldier asking his girl to wait for him. It is very sweet and romantic. Always enjoy your reactions, Peter!!

I love this cover from Geoff. It's been done so much but he really found a way to make it interesting. Thanks for the analysis, Peter!

I agree with your point of view as well as Geoff's regarding creativity and liberties. Why do it the same as everyone else. Music is supposed to be organic, living and breathing. Great reaction, great version! Thank you Peter!

The piano intro struck me as being very unusual - I couldn't even tell what song that intro was being used for! Once he started singing, it make sense, and now it seems perfect for the song, but it really caught me by surprise at first.

Thank you for your brilliant analyzation, you're helping to understand some of the magic of GEOFF CASTELLUCCI!

Loved the reaction and analysis! For that tricky chord bit, every time I hear it I think it matches up with the poetry of the song there, like a musical expression of hopelessness and regret. Words falling like raindrops echoing in a well. It definitely stands out in the cover and I can understand it sounding out of place, but to me it just works with the feeling I get on the whole from his cover

I started laughing when you just started shaking your head and went "oh god" Geoff strikes again 😂😂

I love Geoff's cover of this great song. It's unlike any other. It's so unusual, it almost makes you feel uneasy about what he's doing and where he's going with it. Geoff is brilliant and this cover is as well! Purists may not be pleased, but they always have the original.

I love this version by Geoff. He truly makes it his own without losing the beauty of the original. Thank you for a great advantage Peter, you really go out of your way to explain the nuances and choices which gives a deeper meaning to the music. Also really appreciate the notes on the music for reference. Thank you

Your knowledge of music is incredible. Such a pleasure to listen to.

Well done Peter! You and Elizabeth Z are the "reactors" I most respect and enjoy. It's great fun when you both react to the same production - I learn a lot from each of you and am delighted to see/hear how you shine your lights on different aspects of the performance. Keep it up!

He took it in new directions that I didn't expect, but actually love the more I listen to it.

After having listened to this on repeat when he released the audio track, I've gotten used to his version to such an extent that the other covers disappoint me. His choices grow on you and becomes the new standard.

Would it help the algorithm to say "Peter has beautiful eyes and a gorgeous smile", too?

This is definitely my favorite version of this song! Geoff is awesome!

waiting for you guys to get Geoff in a bass gang cover, that would be amazing. learned a ton with your videos and found out im a bass too, now im on my way to learn subharmonics for fun (not a singer i just wanna spook people).

I loved the reaction to this. You're the first one I heard mention that there is no space between the high part with all the harmonies and hair flying and the low end part. I think it's meant to be unsettling or feel out of place. I know it took me by surprise the first time I heard it.

In the first two verses, HOW does he manage to sing so well in that slumped-over posture?

I love how every famous cover of this song (Disturbed, Pentatonix, and Geoff) are all incredibly different ideas but all executed extremely well. The creativity of music, even in the same piece, is beautiful.

The Ab1 at the end was terrific, glad to see it (rightly) earned a Pit Viper!

I love listening to Geoff. Then I listen to your analysis and I love him even more. Thank you, your analysis is much appreciated for a music nerd, but complete beginner like me ❤❤❤

Geoff has out of this world low notes and his arrangements are just super. Every time I listen to a song I look for your reaction because that's when I notice things.

As soon as I saw his new video I was hoping for your reaction. It's like sports, so much more fun when you experience it together!

I just genuinely enjoy the musical analysis. Refreshing to get the how rather than “it sounds good”. Thank you. ❤

This is the 1st singer that I heard in a deep base voice. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

freakin vibed with it a ton. alpha tier level of quality.

This is honestly my favorite cover from Geoff, it is so good. When I watched it for the first time it brought me to tears because his arrangement of it is so beautiful and perfect. He always knows how to make a song his own and I just love that so much. Thanks for the great reaction and analysis as always Peter, I appreciate you!!❤

I am one of the people who grew up on the original song (yuppers, I'm getting old!) but watched this the minute I got his notification. I love the original but the way Geoff put his own spin on it is so unique & I love it. No matter how many times I hear a song you always make me hear more & explain what I'm hearing. Thanks for this Peter!

im amazed at the fact that your able to hear the length of the notes and give an exact reaction to his voice 5:14

The Subharmonic part just absalutely blew me away!!

He truly has so much control in his voice, it's actually insane, loved it.

❤ Thanks for your R&A, I kind of needed it 😂 I’m a Disturbed fan regarding this song, so Geoff had definitely a hard time to convince me. After listening to it 2-3 times, it’s growing on me. You helped me to appreciate the choices he did, pointed out many details I haven’t recognised and in general - I loved to watch your reactions 😍😄

This arrangement by Geoff was daringly brilliant! I have enjoyed this song since Simon and Garfunkel presented it on their album Wednesday Morning 3 am. Recently many others presented their own spin on the song, but Geoff took it to places it has never been before. He gave it a haunting, almost ethereal presence that epitomizes the words of the song. Very well done indeed.

I love the added cascading piano riffs; like softly falling raindrops. Lovely.

I'm a big fan of Disturbed's cover, but this is great in a different way, love Geoff and what he does ❤️🙏👏👏👏👏

It is almost like being a little drunk haha! That was perfectly described😂 Stunning version and loved what you had to say and what you picked up on!

OMG!! A new favorite. I grew up euth S&G version, then I heard Pentatonix version loved that, then in December 2021 I heard Disturbed version at my Nephew's funeral. Geoff's is now my #1.

I listened to this in my car. It adds a whole new level to the sound l

Your faces at the really bold and different harmonic part were amazing. I always love your breakdowns.

I grew up listing to Simon & Garfunkel. This is awesome. Better than the original in my opinion. I appreciate all the work Geoff does to be original. Love the analysis also. When we saw the video come out we were hoping you would do it.

This has been one of my favorites for over 50 years. The first time I heard Geoff's version, I had some weird vibes just because it was so different. Now that I've heard it about 20 times, I love it. He is such a talent - singing, arranging, creativity galore. Awhile back I listened to the Disturbed version that I thought was good but the anger made it seem very one-dimensional to me. So Simon and Garfunkel were still in the number one slot. This one is so different and complex that it may get its own number one slot.

I REALLY love your analysis. There's always so much to learn. And I love your attitude as well... Always respecting the creativity of whoever you are analysing, regardless that you agree or not with the choices. 🙂 I was waiting for your reaction and analysis to this one, also because there's that "weird-ish" section that is so difficult to get. I kinda feel that part as an expression/description of some sort of inner conflict in the protagonist's feelings... but I may be totally wrong, it wouldn't the first time 😉, so I was curious to listen your take about it. 🙂 I love this version. As you say, it sounds very intimate, and, to me, kinda sad, and disheartened, especially in the way it gets back to that "...of silence..." "losing" pretty much all the building energy it may have at that point... As if the "silence" will always win in the end. Dunno, it's just a feeling, and as I said it may be 1,000 % wrong. 🙂 Thank you for your analysis, I loved it, as always. I'm already looking forward to watching the next one. 🙂 See you next time!

I'm *just* old enough to remember when Simon and Garfunkel's original version of this song was still in regular rotation on pop radio (maybe I was 3 or 4?). Since they sang it in tenor range, it's kinda funny to hear this described as a bass classic (thanks to Disturbed, I guess?). *Anyhoo* this is the first rendition I've heard where the arrangement, mix, and visuals are actually put to work to illustrate the lyrics. For example, in the line: "But my words, like silent raindrops, fell ..." Geoff's "lead" is pulled back, and is almost inaudible over the choral blend. I like it. I like the original, too.

I always love when he starts with the piano. Very different from the original, and stands on its own.

the man is amazing just love what he does ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Hi Peter, When I heard the Geoff's cover, I was immediately looking forward to your analysis on the video. Especially in the areas where there were major changes in cords. I also just realise a very interesting base in the background. In this video it is at 27:59. I think that helped in the transition from crazy to mellow without stopping. I don't this was in the video he released.

I've been waiting to see you do this. You and David K are the most interesting reactors. I did love the original song, being old, also loved the Disturbed version, and this is just amazing. That low note sounds to me like a cello. And I agree it could have continued a few moments longer. I did cut off rather abruptly. But the rest I love.

Geoff always gives us something interesting! I value your reaction and what you have to say.

I love him came across him by accident a few months ago

Geoff really made one of my all-time favorite songs into a mesmerizing and beautiful journey! 🤯 There are 10 days between the patreon preview and the public version, and they said in the past that sometimes there are changes in-between. They (both VP & Geoff) still make the final version available in patreon in advance of the public release, so I think that would be safer than the preview. I know you're busy, and time constrains might play a big deal, but still ... just saying 😊. Thanks for another great reaction & analysis, Peter!

Peter before you I had just listened to Jen G. Reacting to this song..after you are finished I am going to Moritus for his reaction..wow..I am not going to sleep again tonight..but I am going on 70 years and I do not need much sleep..have a awesome night Loves Chris❤❤❤.

You DEFINITELY need to listen to this with studio monitors or cans, the sub work in this mix is incredible. It's an ever-present, yet subtle, bass pad that really adds to the harmonic feel of the song. Very interesting choices Geoff made with this arrangement, I love it.

On one hand I can hear inspiration from other covers of this song, but on the other hand with the way Geoff put it all together and put his own spin on the whole thing, he definitely made the song completely his own in the most brilliant way ❤ BTW how many bass anthems are there in the world? 🤔😉

Your facial expressions throughout this had me laughing. I concur with all of them 🤣

I am a Patreon supporter of both of you! So I got to hear Geoff's recording early, and now this early. Score!

Anything from Geoff is brilliant! And, quite frankly, your analysis is also always brilliant. Thank you!

Not easy to convince me to this version as I am very emotionally bonded to Disturbed version. Still I enjoy listening to it. And to You

This has a special place due to being so pure and different

This is my favorite version of this song! 🤩🤩🤩

It's taken me multiple listens to appreciate this one. Didn't like it at all on the first listen, but it's growing on me. Thanks for the analysis.

Thanks @peterbarber for your analysis! Really admire your talent and breakdown, you add a unique value to those who are looking to grow in their appreciation of music

This is a phenomenal cover the way he weaves through it.

Thanks for your content. I'm not anywhere near a singer, let along a bass singer. I just enjoy learning from people that know things.

I've been looking forward to your analysis and wasn't dissapointed! He did such a good job on this one.

Wonderful reaction and analysis Peter. It's interesting the timing of the release of this. My dad was a fan Simon and Garfunkel, and he passed away two days prior to the premiere of this cover.

Yet another one from Geoff that I really like. Learned a lot about music from you.

When your regular sound producer is on spring break and the only available guy's résumé includes just James Bond and Bourne films. Enjoyed this cover and your analysis.

How cool that Peter Hollens is one of your Patrons!

This was beautiful. Great R&A as usual.

This may be my favorite analysis you've ever done, Mr. Barber. I kept rewinding to hear points you made, see your facial reactions. On the line where he says "People writing songs", for some reason when he drops to that note on "songs" it fills me with warmth, safety, gentleness. I don't know why, maybe you can tell me what is protective about that particular chord and note?

Great and educational reaction as usual Peter. Also wanted to let you know that YOUR cover of Sound of Silence is pretty great, too.

I'd love it if you would analyse Voiceplay's I Can't Help Falling In Love with You (its about 3 years old). The harmonies on the word "Help" gives me goosebumps 🥰

He sounds like if a cello was a human❤

You always add so much to the experience and wonder that I feel when I listen to Geoff. Great reaction to a sombre and spectacular song

I love that he always adds something new to a song and makes it to his own. Nothing Else Matters was the first VP/Geoff song that made me cry and this was the second. I love these song but maybe it is now time for something less emotional.😊

Can really see your joy in listening to his work and can really tell that you are analyzing so much at one time. Thanks for your work!

Another great reaction, Peter. Thanks

11:48 That made me roll on the flore! Jokes aside, we really appreciate your analyses!

21:01 Man that was awesome too!!! I wasn’t expecting you to do it 🤩Caught me off guard

I've been working doubles for a few weeks and am just getting caught up with your R&As. Love your insight and reactions Peter, glad to be back!

Really enjoyed your breakdown of Sound of Silence. Interesting and informative. I’m learning … I am obsessed with Geoff’s voice ‼️

It’s beautiful!!

I would not like this cover as much as I do if not for your analysis giving me a deeper appreciation of what is happening.

Love this version by Geoff! And your take on it, too.

Wow… this is just muckin afazin … Iv never heard such deep ness and how u explain it all out for me is amaze balls 🏈!!! Just wow…