It’s considered the worst genre in the history of music. Generally hated by most people and appreciated by only a select few (members of our Greatest Generation and the harmonizer’s parents), college acapella groups have ruined undergrad’s nights since the style’s debut.
The humor of the biggest, toughest looking dude on stage singing in a high squeeky falsetto has long passed. The ability to manipulate one’s mouth into a high hat has lost its charm. The endless vocal covers of Billy Joel, Dave Matthews Band, and Disney jams only aid in keeping the nineteen fans close, and the vast majority of the population away.
Here at HardTimes, we can’t help but wonder how the recession will influence the longevity of recyclable jokes and covers. Let’s take a closer look at the recent demise of one of the countries most reputable acapella troops The Motor City Men’s Vocal Group.
Gaining popularity on the Detroit college circut - thanks to their inventive cover of “In the Jungle” - MCMVG took the city by storm. The East Michigan Bingo Czar, Walt Bradey, was quoted saying “Never in my life have I heard vocal stylings so sweet and cute. These boys really know how to make a man forget about his problems.” It’s fair to say that in those early shows, MCMVG won the hearts of fans of “Barbara Ann” city wide.
But as Detroit slipped deeper and deeper into poverty, no one wanted to hear a bunch of dorks sing Stephen Still’s “Love the One You’re With.” And so, the MCMVG’s disbanded, leaving behind a small legacy in their parents hearts.
Can a similar trend be linked to other acapella groups in the country? The Oklahoma City Okler’s just recently split up, and The University of Arkansas’ own Razerback Rascals no longer perform.
While elderly folk across the country can still make us smile with their renditions old standards, college acapella groups still hold strong as the worst genre of music ever performed. It looks as though that title will stick, at least as long as these 20-something crooners still beat box to Coldplay.
