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God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen | PREVIEW SCREENING (Patreon)

Published:
2021-11-30 00:52:47
Imported:
2026-09
Tags:

Content

Happy Holidays Everyone! It’s officially after Thanksgiving, so we can now all dutifully listen to Christmas music ad nauseum without fear of reprisal. Unless of course you’re listening to “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas” in which case I hope you find that your coffee is just NOT QUITE HOT ENOUGH tomorrow 😱 or that maybe your bath towel SLIDES OFF THE HOOK immediately when you go to hang it up 🙀 or that you bite into your delicious sandwich and all the INGREDIENTS CALMLY SLIDE OUT THE OTHER SIDE! 😲.

Long story short, don’t listen to that song. Listen to THIS song. It’s a good one.

“God, Rest, Ye, Merry, Gentlemen” is a tune with a long history and a short recent past full of grammatical woes. No one quite knows where the comma is supposed to go, so I left it out entirely. It’s one of the oldest carols known, and frustratingly, when you google search it, the Pentatonix version pops up ahead of the Nat King Cole version. I feel like we should pour eggnog in their shoes or something. Or crumble chocolate chip cookies in their bed sheets. The injustice…

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy THIS rendition of “GRYMG” or “GRIMMGUH” as I’ve been calling it. I had a lot of fun and only a small amount of stressy ouch headaches putting this one together.

As always thank you for everything, and HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

-G

PS - There is ONE little glitch in this video. Like literally one frame. 10 points if you can find it and leave the timestamp in the comments 😉

Files

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen | PREVIEW SCREENING

PREVIEW ONLY 😃 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/geoffcastellucci 🍎 Listen on https://apple.co/38YdpSb 🎧 Listen on https://spoti.fi/2VpMvOr 🎵 Grab Sheet Music Here: https://bit.ly/3dDcxo5 🎤 MP3 Version: https://www.geoffcastellucci.com/store 👇You can also find me here if you'd like👇 https://www.geoffcastellucci.com/ https://www.patreon.com/geoffcastellucci https://www.instagram.com/geophr3y/ https://www.tiktok.com/@geophr3y https://www.facebook.com/geophr3y https://twitter.com/geophr3y https://www.thevoiceplay.com/ https://spoti.fi/2VpMvOr https://apple.co/38YdpSb

Comments

Vaesse (vie-ESS-uh)

"so we can now all dutifully listen to Christmas music ad nauseum without fear of reprisal"... YES. Our family has a hard and fast rule... the Christmas season starts when Santa rides into town at the end of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. So, I'm very happy with your acknowledgement of this FACT.

JAVIA

Ok but now that you mentioned it I have this odd urge to hear you cover “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas”

Wendy Bishop

But I like that other song right along with Dominic the Donkey. I'll go listen to this one first though.

Olivia

4:38 😂

Tess

4:38!

Kimberly Friend

This is amazing!! My new favorite version of this song! Great job. Love the tempo, the style, all of it

Alisha Watson

4:38. That was trippy and very Stranger Things-esque. Love the unexpected harmonies on this one! The use of reverb really fills out the sound. Very nice.

Jennifer

I love this with the "sea shanty" vibe. The arrangement was fantastic! My new favorite.

Olivia

Very interesting arrangement, and the lights are mesmerizing. Approving clappter from me😁

CookieVA

This is my second favorite Christmas song and you have done my first one too. Much love ❤️

Maggie S

Excellent! Thank you! We definitely need a bass version of "All I Want for Christmas is You"

Ilona Dever

4:39 Absolutely love this! Wasn't sure how you could pull it off, since it's kind of boring - usually. ;) But it is wonderful. Thanx!!

Sophie Plourde

Oh my gosh definitely one of my favourites from you!! Kudos to Eli on the lighting👏👏👏 As always those HARMONIES😍 - to die for. The ending sounded so angelic too! I'm living for this one🙌

Marcello Bass

Awesome arrangement! That maj7 chord at the end through me off since the rest of the song (like you said at the beginning) was in a minor key

Alex King

Ни фига себе колядка 😅 A little scary, but this is one of the most interesting versions👍 At 04:38, the frame broke up into green pixels.🤔

Melissa Glyn-Jones

This is amazing!!!! I really hoped you would cover this one day as it’s always been my favourite carol. Everything about this is *chefs kiss*. Love love love the percussion line. It’s fits so well. This is going to be on repeat throughout the entire season and beyond. And….4:38 🤣

Arlene Jacobs

I love it!! Has such a great melody!! Lighting is amazing!! Great job Eli!!!!

Debs Badger

I thought that glitch at 4:38 was *me* at first. 😂 Edit: Now that I've had a chance to listen to it a few more times, I find myself again at a loss for words. HOW do you take a song that has been around forever, and come up with an arrangement that is something I've never heard before?!? The beginning is lovely, very traditional, then when the drums come in, my breath caught. It has such a driven vibe from there out, I'm left breathless. For a song with repetitive lyrics, your choices of call and response, singing in the round, etc. really served to make it pleasing to my ear. And that chord on the final "joy"?!?!? No words. (I may edit this later when I've returned to being more coherent.)

Cody Marrott

Hey no hating on PTX 😂 AMAZING VIDEO!!!

Emily McLaughlin

um WOW. what the hell this is probably one of my favourite covers you have done.

Emily McLaughlin

Oh and glitch is at 4:38!! I happened to pause there and the screen was flipped upside down.

Hunter

4:38 for the oopsie! And I am getting a huge Trans-Siberian Orchestra feel with this one! "He did not take this outta Trans Sib, did he?" Compares the two. YEEEP. 10 points for you good sir!

Huldra Draco

never heard this song before, but it sounded awesome! nice job, Geoff, it's a banger!

Carly Smith

One of my new favorites!!! I love this arrangement compared to all the other arrangements that I have listened to! Great Job!

Huldra Draco

nice little white screen at 4:38 haha

Bard

That was an amazing rendition, Geoff! Absolutely gorgeous. Minor key carols like this one, We Three Kings, etc. are my favorite holiday songs. This was a delight.

Sophia Sutherland

Absolutely unbelievable job!! The arrangement is stellar 🤩 great video and superb lighting. This will definitely be on repeat!! Also, when do we assemble to pour eggnog in shoes and make all things right again ✊

Jancie Sheppard

This is awesome! It’s like a really cool blend of the traditional carol and Trans Siberian Orchestra. I love it! Also, it amuses me greatly that you curse anyone who likes “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” with such minor inconveniences. 4:39 😉 P.S. Does anyone have any eggnog and knowledge of where one might find a certain presumptuous a cappella group’s shoes?

Ben McAdam

Love your writing, it always makes me laugh. And I love the craft you put in with your work, trying to make it different. and interesting. And thanks for the interesting backstory too! :)

Marcello Bass

Geoff correct me if I’m wrong but that was Bsus maj7 at the end?

Emily Dion

I guffawed multiple times reading your little blurb. Your sense of humor kills me. Also, fantastic job on the song. I will be abusing that replay button for sure.

Judy Wilde

Nice to see you filming in the Haunted Mansion. Amazing what a little change in set decoration can do. Eli did a great job with the lighting!

Karyn Morrison

WOW that is incredible 😁 doesn't surpass "Snoopys Christmas" 😉 but it's up there

Rebecca Hendricks

Sir, you hit the nail on the head. That was perfection - except, of course, at 4:38. 😉 LOVED every bit!

Jessica

Fantastic Job Geoff thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you and kathy and William. My new favorite version of this song. 💙

Liz Munro

I’m NOT a Christmas song person, I try to avoid listening to them if I can, but I really enjoyed this, the set simplicity with Eli’s fantastic lighting and your wonderful outfit is what stands out for me.

Margo Zimny

Brilliant as usual! You arranged it in such a way as to make it unique and your own. You always do such amazing harmonies with your incredible range. You are the number one bass singer but I really love your baritone melodies. I loved your color palette and lighting and your choice of set design was perfect.

Alex Walker

There's a point, around 3:50, where the lead Geoff doesn't match the words of the song. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! Also, around 4:38 the visual kind of flickers, is that it? I love to read your comments, you're pretty funny, on top of old and boring 🤣. As always, amazing job!!! 💯

Åse M Bruun Lagnestål

What a fresh and exciting take on this olde song! ❤️ Love it!❤️ The little glitch is in 4:39.

Nana Koranteng

4:38 I think that's the glitch right?

Jordi S

Great present at the end of my day! Ever thought of releasing a Christmas album someday?

Diane Hodge

Holy Fuzzballs, that was amazing! I really enjoyed that rendition. Thank you and Merry Christmas. I am a high soprano, so when I can hear a bass sing minors, my ears start melting with joy!

Jessica Danowski

Absolutely wonderful! This will be going on my favorite Christmas songs playlist. You're so talented. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

Beth Comer

Pentatonix before Nat King Cole?! Say it ain't so! But wow, what a stellar arrangement! Never would have imagined those kinds of dynamics in this song, but of course now that you've delivered them, they are just ringing in my head. This is truly lovely!

Jaidyn Negley

You know that epic vibe Carol of the Bells gives off? Well this has that same vibe...it's now one of my favs from you. And um...those harmonies at 2:57 were positively gorgeous. Thank you for all the work you put in for this, it turned out incredible as always!

Jojo Hale

Giving TransSiberian Orchestra vibes with that beat!

Jojo Hale

Also: glitch at 4:39 :)

Els Peeters (=jopperke)

Damn, that took a surprising turn!!! A wonderful, joyful turn I must say. I was not expecting the 'schwung' this has, but I really like it. It transports this song to the 21st century. Bravo! P.S. I even get some Witcher vibes at certain moments

Jamie T.

This is just beautiful. I love the arrangement & it's so heartwarming that the other VP guys help you out so much. Kudo's to Eli on the lighting & Patty Cake Productions. BTW, I just received my Old & Boring Society t-shirt & I love it! I also got one for my Mom as a Christmas present since she absolutely adores you & your music. She told me just yesterday that she still watches Monster Mash at least once a day. Now she'll have something new to watch. 😊

CookieVA

Actually the glitch is at 4:39

Hunter

*Adds to list of Things The Old & Boring Society Has To Do Before 2022* I'm still working on the title....

Clare Corre

This is lovely. I agree that this song lends itself nicely to a bass voice. I really liked the soft pastel colors as well and play of light. You should put that jacket in the store:-) If I may be so bold, your hair is gorgeous; you might try a ponytail one of these days. You would rock in it!

Lois McCray

Flash at 4:37 Now the waiting begins.

Jaclyn Magee

Absolutely amazing! I'm always blow away! 4:38/4:39

Marlo Schalesky

WOW, that’s awesome! Thank you, Geoff! Oh, so cool . . . I’ve gotta listen again…

Eileen Parkman

Thank you so much! I've been having a horrible day! This really made me feel better. This version is right next to the Muppet version and Annie Lennox's version as my favorite renditions of this song - it's now a three-way tie! <3

J.L.

Oh this was lovely indeed. Kind of turned everything upside-down even, at one point. Four thirty eight, you merry gentleman. ^_^

Kaleigh Henderson

This was SO GOOD!!!!! You took a kind of boring, super repetitive sounding song, and turned it into a marching into war kind of song! My gosh. I KNEW as soon as it started that the last "joy" was going to be a subharmonic. It had to be, right? It just keeps building and doesn't let up until that inevitable payoff. My favorite part, though, was not the epic ending or the glitchy upside down Geofftet at 4:38, but at 4:19 when said Geofftet started singing in the round! My inner choir kid fainted. I LOVE singing in the round, it's so gosh darn satisfying and pretty, and it works so well here. Love this song, and love you. Thanks so much Geoff, you may be old and boring but you are without a doubt the coolest person I know.

Tracie Schlaak

Holy Schnickeys! This was absolutely awesome!! How did you know I really needed to hear this today. Kudos on the arrangement and to Eli on the lights. I’m going to go listen again🎄❤️

Penny Cummings

Wow, even slowing it down to .25 speed it was hard to pause on that split second at 4:38. Also, absolutely mindblowingly awesome! Loved every second of it! ♥ Also, also! Glad to see you nice and centered. :D

Gretchen G

Hey, you're upside down! 🙃 4:39

Jennifer L. Cramp

While I don't celebrate the holidays and generally do not listen to holiday music, I did listen to this a few of times. It is well arranged and you sang it beautifully! I did see the glitch, but initially just thought it was my aging phone's screen - I need to upgrade soon. I got a good laugh out of your mildly irritating consequences for poor music choices. Your writing never fails to entertain as you demonstrate a way with words. Thank you for your efforts on our behalf and I look forward to your next offering.

Mark Weinman

"Shoutout to PattyCake Productions..." Aaaaand with that, my suspicions about the set (VoicePlay's "You're My Best Friend") are basically confirmed. Fantastic work on this, by the way. Glitch is at 4:38.

Lorraine Tellei

i have never heard it before in 3/4 time. I always sang it in 4/4.

Angie Woollard

Geoff, if you made a Patreon account solely to support your entertaining, beautifully worded posts, I’d be the first to sign up. Sandwich ingredients??! Come on. 😄 I am *such* a sucker for a Picardy third, and you’ve given us TWO of them. 😍 Also, I really enjoy how you utilize singable consonants.

alice collins

I wish my mom could hear this. She loved Christmas music, and I'm sure that she would have loved this. Just beautiful.

Naomi_DerRabe

Song was amazing, but I want to say that I love the set! The visual contrast between the pale, green-lit x-mass house interior and the dark outfit just absolutely fits the song. Also, I love that sweater? jacket? thing. Very handsome.

Barbara Binney

Holy forking shirtballs! That was fantastic! Definitely has a Trans Siberian Orchestra vibe to it, which I love. And seriously, if this singing thing doesn’t work out for you, you should definitely consider a career in creative writing. You have a way with words, my good man.

Lois McCray

Saw it flash at 4:36. I can't wait. I want to send this to all my family and friends.

Emily

This is lovely! I was having a pretty bad day but reading your entertaining post and watching this fantastic video made me smile!

Helen A

You are an evil man, Mr. Castellucci, but you have excellent marketing skills. Because now I'm going to have to listen to your new track about 50 x just to get that #!%$# Hippopotamus song out of my brain! Fortunately for me, I can do it with pleasure because this rendition of GRYMG is an unexpected bop. :) On a side note, that holiday caroler photo is adorable. The guy next to Kathy is her brother Pasquale aka 'Sandy Claws', yes?

Angie Woollard

The very last chord? Or...which chord are you talking about? (I'm a chord nerd - happy to have found someone to geek out over this with!) The last chord is just E major with use of the Picardy third...

Carol Franklin

4.38! This was absolutely glorious! First time I’ve felt Christmassy. You’ve managed to blend traditional with a twist which I’m here for. I’m actually not religious but probably because of my name I do like a good Carol lol. Great job as always. Now off to listen to some guy called Geoff reading Twas the Night Before Xmas. 🤶⛄️

Rachael Heidi

OK, I didn't know if I knew the song when you mentioned it before but I do after hearing this.... and I LOVE what you've done to it! Omg, this is just beautiful, yet again. I can't wait til I listen to this over and over just like all I do with all your other songs. Bass just makes everything better, holy moly ❤️❤️❤️. As for the glitch, is it at 4.39? I love this game haha.

Tara Congo

Oh wowwww.... I loved that a lot. That's the most unique rendition of that song I've ever heard. Incredible, Geoff. Your creativity continues to blow me away every time. This will be going right onto the 'ol holiday playlist. An early Merry Christmas to you and yours! (A million people have already beaten me to the punch with the little glitch, so I won't bother pointing out that it's at 4:39 😁)

Amanda Yarbro

WOW!! You are right about the bass thing! Love the simplicity of it!

Amanda Fuller

4:38,..the lighting glitch. Great job Geoff❤

Suzy Bailey

Wow, a highly interesting take on an old song. I was sold on the somewhat traditional beginning but then you went somewhere completely unexpected! The lighting was mesmerising (Eli - ✔💋), and oh those divine harmonies! Thank you Geoff, a wonderful start to the Xmas season. Also absolutely love reading your comments, you are hilarious! 😁💜

Janet Towles

That was fantastic!! You really added a lot of depth and interest to a somewhat boring song, it’s super addictive now. Loved the moments when you turn the minor key to major on the word Joy. Great touch! Edited to add two more comments: 1) I love how you & VP go around fixing broken songs :). They're so much better after you guys get ahold of them! and 2) Nice riffs! I can tell you've been working on them, good work! It hasn't gone unnoticed. This is a sign of someone who really cares about their career, they keep working to improve themselves and so they rise to the top!

Katrin

Woh what a great version of this Christmas carol; it seems a complete new song. I loved it a lot in the past and now I will be crazy listening to it in loop. Thank you Geoff and a early merry Christmas to everyone !

Sarah Reach

Wow! This is an absolutely gorgeous and haunting rendition! After getting to know your music and arranging style over the past few months, I thought I had a good idea of what amazingness to expect, but you turned the song completely on it's head (literally at 4:38) I love the mixing in of Carol of the Bells instrumentals (very TSO) and all the bouncy interactions and harmonies that make this old standard new again. (I wish I had the music theory background to get more specific here, but I will have to learn from others analysis instead) Kudos to Eli for the amazing lighting that brings this set to life. It is a very vibrant update to the "Grandma's Living Room" set. It matches the vibe of the arrangement so well! Final note: While I am all here for wishing minor inconveniences on a certain other acapella group (they could probably do with a little inconvenience in their lives 😋), I am a little sad for all the hate on Hippopotamus themed Christmas music. I am unashamed to admit that I love that song too. Besides, may I remind you that you have made some... interesting.... Christmas music choices in the past (Santa and I know it?)

Jacklinka

Why it always happens at 3AM or 4AM when I actually listen to other tracks while I'm asleep? Joking, ha. I live on the Moon. Precisely, on the other side of the Moon. Love this DAAAARK version of the carol, it's completely ANOTHER song, not that fancy PTX one. The glitch is on 4:38 (I'm a programmer, sorry, I see bugs and bugs see me)

Mardette

Left a comment on the song somewhere (?). Just cuz you need to know, in my home, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, is a traditional fun- filled happy Christmas song. No hate here.

Veronika Troll

It is really beautiful! Thank you, Geoff :) I can't wait to put it in this year's Christmas playlist

Hector Solana

Oh, my God!!! I guess you actually DID delivered, ha. Geoff at his finest! You never cease to impress... Every post is better than the previous. Thank you!

Emily Houk

This was great! Thank you!! I've also felt this song lent itself towards a bass sound and never liked it in the upper octaves.

Davide Dalmonte

congratulations Geoff! You surprise me every time with a new way of arranging your songs!

Karyn Morrison

I've listened a few times now, and it keeps edging closer to "Snoopys Christmas" 😮 No, no, can't have that 🤔 So, two categories, favorite traditional is this song, and non-traditional is snoopy. Yes. That works. Happy now 😄

Cynthia Ross

Ok, first of all, you and Kathy don't look ridiculous. You both look adorable. Secondly: Caught it... @ 4:38 you do a headstand. Lastly: I worked retail for over a decade. It was three solid months of holiday music every year, and I haven't really listened it since. At least, not the common tunes I heard 30 times a day back then. But I love where you took this...and I'll be listening to it more than once. Love the mood, love the dramatic "punch" - you made it rock. This and the Hawaiian one you did last year are my holiday jams now. Thank you for the early Christmas present! Or maybe birthday present. Whatever, it's the same day for me. :D

Julie Hobson

Loved it!!! Amazing as always.

Tracy Z

Too cool. Now I’m going to have to listen again. Especially since that other song got in my brain from the post. My family has a running joke about what we want…so nuts. Going to play yours again

Johanna

It has ben snowing all night so I woke up to a white world and four caroling Geoffs, great way to get into the holiday mood! Loved the arrangement, thank you!

Tra Mason

Words fail me...😲🤯❤

Meg Richardson

Geoff now why would you even mention the hippopotamus song, now everyone will be curious and you will be torturing all these poor souls for nothing. You must enjoy causing unmentionable torment to your Patreon’s . Absolutely love this version, I always love the twists you add to classic songs. Also the lighting is fantastic kudos to Eli, it kept catching my eye. Thanks for your hard work to bring us another Geoff classic.

Snappy

I just woke up to this surprise 😁 It sounds great, the scene and lightning look great, amazing work as always 😊

Louise Bathurst

Absolutely amazing I had literal goosebumps well done. Also time stamp for the glitch was 4:38 ;P

DnD Addict

Stunningly beautiful. I love that you have modernised it while still keeping the spirit of the classic carol. Amazing as always Geoff. Thank you

Sophie Llewellyn Smith

Oh, well done! Lots of treats in here. I find Christmas carols can get quite dirge-like when sung in a choir; all the singers tends to slow down. So I loved the way the beat supported the story-telling in your version. Also, among many other highlights: the key changes which added a little twist here and there, the glorious final chord matched by the lighting, and... the way the two Geoffs' hand gestures were synchronised at 4:02. By the way, WHAT is the hippopotamus song? The only one I know is that old classic: A bold hippopotamus was standing one day On the banks of the cool Shalimar He gazed at the bottom, as it peacefully lay By the light of the evening star Away on a hilltop sat combing her hair His fair hippopotami maid The hippopotamus was no ignoramus And sang her this sweet serenade: Mud, mud, glorious mud Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood So follow me, follow Down to the hollow And there let us wallow in glorious mud! The following verses are equally memorable.

Rachel Blackthorne

Ok I don't know how to say this without sounding like a crazy person but...this song makes my chest tight...I forget to breathe because I'm listening so intently...it's utterly magical...you have surpassed yourself... Also...Pentatonix who? 😜

Dani

Oh wow! I was just recovering from your Chat replay and trying not to visualize the puke everywhere story (I can relate), while at the same time wanting pecan pie and a "All I want for christmas is you" cover from you (I am a little sad but I kind of understand Kathy - like a looooot). Anyways your new absolutely amazing christmas tune on a rainy day was just what I needed and a nice suprise. It is playing on repeat now and is just the perfect classic but modern and catchy "bringmeinajollychristmasnood" song. A big thank you to the amazing harmonizer quad and Elie for the great lighting and now I am trying to avoid that hippopotamus song because I am curious but kind of scared. Many merry greatings from a new Patron and 10 Points to Getmany for the 100th fingerpoint at 4:38. :-p

Whisp

Well, it's certainly better than my version! 😄 Love it, and I've never been more satisfied listening to a major resolve!

Jake Morrow

Wow wow wow. I need to make that ending my new ringtone for everything. This whole song, arrangement, and vocals are as always, top notch!

Elena Litvinova

It`s very hard to find the right words to express all feelings and emotions! It`s so great and amazing! Thank you for this awesome song! :)

William C. Linn

Another great rendition of a timeless favorite

Cindy Barber

This is going straight onto the Christmas playlist. I really highly enjoyed the version and the differences you put in. When I was younger I really liked traditional Christmas music, and didn't like much when songs were really changed or overly popified or whatnot. As I've gotten older that has changed (maybe listening to too many of them for too many years) and I find myself drawn more to the lesser known songs, or versions that strike a good balance between old and new. I find that very much to be the case here. I have loved many versions of this song over the years, most recently a version done by just a single guitar and voice, but I think this is going to quickly become one of my favorites as well. It was very pleasant to wake up and realize I had missed this post last night. Something fun to get the holiday spirit started. (Also, darn you for putting I Want a Hippopotamus in my head, and also 4:38 (may 4:39, hard to tell exactly which) the little blip happened)

Sugargirl90

This song never spoke to me..... Until now.... Absolutely BRILLIANT as always! Also... Glitch at 4.38/4.39 just when it changes from 38-39.... But didn't ruin the experience for me... We're all human and just the fact that you keep pushing awesome content every time is mindblowing to me!

Katie D

I just now got the chance to watch this and... GEOFF. I do not have the words to describe how much I love this 💗 GRYMG has been a favorite of mine for most of my life, and as usual, you turned it on its head and breathed new life into it. I love the addition of the bells, I got a huge Trans-Siberian Orchestra feel from that section. Thank you so much for this! 💖

RubiksJr 969

Glitch was at 4:39 but it literally doesn’t matter, the video and song are both incredible. I can’t wait to share this one with friends and family this Holiday season. Merry Christmas Geoff

Stacy Tee

SCRUFFY GEOFF is back.... can he stay a bit longer PUH...leeeease!!!!!!!! OK, that shameless begging out of the way..... WHOA!!!!!! This was EPIC!!!!! Didn't know I even needed it, but apparently, we ALL did so THANK YOU for that. Truth be told, the ONLY Christmas playlist our family listens to has been Voiceplays renditions. So this will happily be added to the mix. (PTSD of working holiday retail ruined past love of "original"/traditional versions of christmasy music) <3 <3 <3 Happy Christmas/Holiday season to all!!!!!!

Bogee

No wonder you tend to play wizards or witches, because it is truly magical the way you take this old songs and turn them fun and exciting. Merry Christmas to you too!

Zach Stegenga

Does it make me a terrible person if the only thing I could think of after reading the commentary on the hippo song (that shall remain nameless) is considering how that song would sound in Geoff’s register?

Randiskye

Yes, yes it does.

Randiskye

Between 4:38 and 4:39. What can I redeem my 10 points for? Great work on this one, it looks like you really did enjoy making this one.

Maegodorel

I waited all day to listen to this, and it was really the reward of my day ! Christmas present in advance 😀 Anyway, thank you so much for this beautiful version, you add so much with your soothing voice, I will listen on repeat

Stephanie Graham

Thank you so much for the beautiful Christmas gift! Mesmerizing performance, I was captivated the entire video. Wishing you, Kathy and William a very Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁❄️

Danette Burden

I love this and the end it epic. You've gotten me excited!

Dan Black

Hey, what do you have against the Hippo-Christmas song? I like that song. It's cute and quirky. I actually never heard it until the mid 2000s or so, when I was around 30ish. I like your comments about the comma in the title of GRYMG, though. I have to agree -- all I can figure out is that had some grammar that was common at the time but makes less sense now, and now nobody knows where the comma actually goes.

CookieVA

I can’t stop listening to this. Brings tears to my eyes every time. Much love.

Eastana(4 Kraken)

Ooh, that's nice. Thank you. (Hard to top Monster Mash, though).

Gretchen G

I mean, I've seen comments from people considering how the phone book or the US tax code would sound in Geoff's register, so . . . nah, I think you're good. 😂

Alex Walker

I confess, I HAD TO listen to the hippo song! Tried, but couldn't finish it! 🤣

Michael

Great cover as always but some things to point out concerning the video. (Please be aware that this is criticism at a higher level from someone who does video work for a living and that your videos are in fact good but there are some things that could be improved.) I like the set and the lighting but like in other videos before I see that they lose their three-dimensionality because many times we only have one camera position which makes the video very theatrical and IN THAT REGARD a little bit boring to watch. Therefore, some things I recommend: More detail shots of things like stamping or clapping and moving the camera closer to the Geoffs for the close ups for a more natural look of the face. In general, more diversity in camera angles and positions, maybe even moving the camera e.g. in the voiceplay-esque parallax way, if there is a possibility considering that whole masking process of all the Geoffs in one shot. But I'm sure you'll have some ideas ✌

Tine

Firstly.. What ungodly things are you wishing to happen to us, truly? Horrifying... On to GRYMG.. Geoff.. Sir.. you never disappoint. I'll keep it short as Patreon seems to delete my longer messages.. Incredible.. From lighting, minimalist set design, the outfit chosen and the overall vibe.. The harmonies, the use of canon, the subharmonics sprinkled in, the chosen lyrics to sing.. Could not sing higher praise ;) The hand movements are so interesting to observe, as usual. Naturally looking at the other Geoffs.. The camera movements following the tempo and rhythm.. It all makes for an excellent final product. Thanks for sharing Geoff P.S. Why would you waste good eggnog and cookies to get revenge? There's much better ways ;)

Raevon

First of all, between the time stamp of 4:38 amd 4:39 is a oopsie... But ever since my mom passed, Christmas songs are hard for me to listen to but this one, I have to admit; I truly enjoyed,. This was an amazing rendition of this song and brought life to it that I think so many singers slow it down and it drags. This was fun and very well done. I would like to wish you, Kathy and William a very merry and happy Christmas! And may wishes and dreams be yours

Jan boyce

Awesome Geoff. Perfect choice for your voice. I listen to you and voice play every day. I am an oldie fan. Cannot get thru a day without your music. I am 72, and a huge fan. Have a great holiday season

Angie Woollard

I am already looking forward to the karaoke version of this one - I can't wait to hear all those background goodies!

Joshua DeFriese

Absolutely delightful, man! This is an easy listener, and sounds radio ready! Keep up the wonderful work, and from this Christmas nerd to the rest of you readers, Merry Christmas!!

D McKim

Two things: at 04:39 things did get a little glitchy. I wonder if this was intentional as there are patrons who enjoy watching the preview screening version repeatedly. As mentioned it is only one frame, so are you doing Easter Eggs for fans to find? If you do, you will quickly understand which of us are programmers. Also, the lighting behind the windows changed throughout the video, was this intended? It might have been to add visual interest, personally I found it distracting, but I have the attention span of a ferret on meth. Therefore I am not the best measure of if something is attention getting or a distraction. Overall, very nice as usual.

Melissa Creel

This is simply perfect. I have lost count of how many times I've watched it. Strangely enough I am captivated by the "directing" your hands do. It's kind of fun to see what movement you use to emphases each note/notes and to direct the note changes.. One important question though. Where did you get that shirt. I love it.. Congratulations Geoff. This is mind-blowing in the best way

Jordi S

While enjoying this again today I discovered that your hand motions are mesmerizing to the foster kittens sitting on my desk...😊

ObscureReferenceWoman

ok, flash glitch at 4:39. Otherwise, wow. That was phenomenal, as usual. Great arrangement, and I am completely verklempt now. Must watch again.... A treat for the eyes and ears. And that old pic, you were such babies, then!! LOL Thanks for getting my Xmas season off to a great start!

Sarah Roberts

Between 4:39 & 4:40. Made me jump! Gorgeous voice as always.

candi lunsford

My mom was a Christmas fiend and would dig out all the music before Halloween. I grew up with Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and ol' Blue Eyes singing carols at high volume through the Boze. (Just clarifying, but I'm not that many more years in the OBS than you are, I just like the greats.)That expanded over the years to Michael Buble and Josh Groban along with notable others. She would have LOVED you, and VoicePlay, as much as I've come to. I've got her collection now (yes there's vinyl too) and have been digitizing it so I can take it with me. Guess who's been added to the queue? Yep. You have a place of honor in the "Joyful Music Club" in my house. Thank you for all the dedication and talent you bring to whatever you do. Have a joyous Christmas!

Eileen Parkman

I paused the glitch moment, the image is upside down.

Eileen Parkman

For those wondering, the glitch at timestamp 4:39 shows the screen flipped on its head and lighter

Hugmany Foemen

Ok, ok, I'm REALLY sorry I raised the thorny issue of punctuation. I'd promise not to do so again, but I have the memory of a stunned duckling and may slip... Technical glitch aside, and who doesn't love an inverted flash frame, this is everything I expected and more, as usual. Taking this song back to its primitive roots whilst enhancing it with your arranging genius, Bravo! Thanks, again, oh Venerable One, for the seasonal gift, and thank you to Eli and Pattycake. Beautiful :D

Amanda W

Every time I here “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”, I think of Betty White dancing. Can you believe she's going to be 100 yrs/o on Jan 17th?

Christine Stromberg

Old and boring my hat. Of course I know you don't believe it. I certainly don't. I'm almost twice your age. Now that's old. Boring? Some may say so. But I love this. You just get better and better with age, like a good wine. Or so they tell me. I don't thnk I've ever had a good wine. Still, I have time yet I guess. A very merry Christmas to you and yours.

Geoff Castellucci

Could be? I usually just play around until i find something that sounds good. I wish I could identify chords by ear, but alas, old dog, new tricks.

Geoff Castellucci

Soon... You'll know it's time when the crow strikes midnight at half past thursday this tuesday.

Geoff Castellucci

Layne and Tony are actually repurposing that set INTO a haunted mansion, so it should get even more moody in a few weeks. mwah hahahahahaha!

Geoff Castellucci

oh... yeah... i can't pull off a pony tail. That's a life style that I can't commit to.

Geoff Castellucci

It's in 6/8, but you could always put it in 3/4 if you were feeling waltzy. And yes - I've never heard it done that way either. It's a surprise to us both!

Geoff Castellucci

It's intense for sure. Check with your doctor if that chest tightening gets worse!

Barbara Binney

100% stolen from "The Good Place," but I use them quite frequently now.

Geoff Castellucci

I have to shave for videos otherwise everyone would be able to tell that I'm old as dust covered dirt. My beard is SUPER gray these days.

Geoff Castellucci

You're not wrong, but also this probably isn't the best forum for this kind of thing. But since you brought it up--- I don't know what you do in video or what your experience level is - (miine is limited at best), but what youre proposing is incredibly time consuming and expensive with the technology that exists currently. I've been looking at getting some Kessler automation gear to further push the boundaries of what I can do with just one person, but it's a hefty time and money investment and I'm a team of one person doing literally everything which makes learning new tricks difficult. I'm usually crushed under the deadlines of VoicePlay and um... this channel which has grown beyond all expectation. I do try to make the videos different each time, this time it was lighting automation, last time is was stop motion choreography, the time before that it was a guest actor, the time before that it was full on prosthetics, not to mention all the different set pieces, costuming items, and a laundry list of things that I can't go in to because I'm stressing my cat out. Long story short, If you're bored by what I'm producing, then there's not much I can do about that at the moment, but I'm always working on furthering my skills and trying to create new and interesting things that didn't exist before. Hope that offers some insight, and thank you for the comment - it took cajones to say something like that, and I appreciate you!

Geoff Castellucci

Yes - the lighting changes behind the windows is intentional. I hope, anyway!

Amanda W

😂😂 Silly man.

Judy Wilde

I was actually thinking that’s where they had the Haunted Mansion scene for the Halloween party. But it makes sense they’d use it for the upcoming video also.

Erica Kozlowski

Absolutely incredible! The arrangement is so unique. Also love the old photo of you and Kathy in the caroling quartet! 😄

Jacklinka

@Geoff, you can play the opposite, an old and boring Santa these days! Just wait a couple of days to grow the right knee length beard!

Find

I decided to become a Patreon I couldn’t wait any longer the thumbnail looked absolutely amazing It couldn’t keep me waiting

Gretchen G

@Geoff Castellucci Whew! Best of luck to all the folks who are gonna have to convert this to different time zones. Anyway, see you then! 😉

Jacklinka

Can we redeem these 10 points on your site? 😁😜 After being tormented by "The Hippopotamus for Christmas" in my car during the traffic I really need your rendition of that awful tune. You need to fix that terrible world injustice as a song. 🎄🎁

alice collins

I love the version of The Hippopotamus Song by Bryn Terfel. Almost an earworm.

Meg Richardson

And now you are telling people exactly where to find it. Masochistic tendencies if ever I have seen them

Michael

Thank you for that insight - I appreciate it a lot! I probably chose a bad approach trying to explain my points. What you're producing is always a pleasure to watch (and obviously to listen to) as you bring many new things to the table in every video which is everything else but boring! What I didn’t have in mind is that you’re doing most of that video work on your own which is rather mind-blowing in its own right. I, myself, have some years of experience with professional camera work and the effect of certain angles, focal lengths, movements etc. - that’s why some of those aspects naturally stand out the most to my eye. I think, adding (programmable) camera movement might not be the right step for now, considering the time and money investment you already mentioned. But it’s always the little things that make a noticeable difference and I think you’re getting there with every new video. Might just be using different viewing angles, sort of like in Misty Mountains (maybe even a bit more sideways than that) and/or, for close ups, having the camera standing closer to the face. But I see, there is lots of other stuff to handle as well. And I surely would love to help out on set if I didn’t live a quarter of a globe away from the US. But anyway, I enjoy what you’re doing and I’m obivously not the only one. So keep going!

Jacklinka

Technically, to fix the glitch Geoff may turn the whole video upside down. That even will be better.😜

Sophie Llewellyn Smith

Tsk tsk Geoff. It's like telling someone to stand in a corner and not think of polar bears.

Sophie Llewellyn Smith

Alice, Bryn Terfel is wonderful. I had no idea he'd done a version of the Hippopotamus Song. I'm off to listen right now.

Dee Herrera

This is the most amazing arrangement of this song I’ve ever heard! I got full body chills.

Christine Stromberg

I liked it the first time. Second time it's even better. Superb in fact. Love it.

thomas maigler

Oh Geoff ... now after i read your text i HAVE to hear "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" ... in a loop! ... BRRRRAINS (with christmas flavour)! jokes aside: love all your covers!

Randiskye

I took a picture of the 'headstand', at first I thought it was a bulb flash.

Hugmany Foemen

Just to show he can do the whole thing standing on his head?

Jacklinka

I'm sure he can! Even to operate the camera, cause he's the Wizard!

Jess M

Didn't know the song, wasn't sure how much I like it until the drums kicked in, LOVE it now and listened to it on repeat. I just stopped for a moment because just out of curiosity I had to listen to the PTX version. I don't know if it's the version (especially after hearing yours) or if I just don't klick with them, but I didn't make it through the whole video. 🙁 Then I listened to some other more traditional versions (nice but not for me) and a very interesting version by Annie Lennox. It's definitely not the song itself that I like. It really needed a voice like yours and your arrangement. It's not the first time you and/or VP made me love a song I didn't care about before. You're simply amazing at what you do. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to continue listening to your version (and kinda obsess about it) for a while.

Emily Dion

When I read through comments I find myself wishing I had something smart to say. I lack the knowledge of music and production theory so I can't contribute. All I got is: 1. My ear holes like this 2. I got chills up and down my spine multiple times 3. I cant wait to show my dad. He's been obsessed as well since I introduced him to your talents. As well as those of voiceplay. So as much as I want to sound smart and proficient in such matters all I got is Me likey.

Suzy Bailey

I'm with you Emily, I would love to be able to comment more on the music and production but I'm equally lacking in knowledge. There are only so many ways to say, I love this, you and VoicePlay! So I echo your perfect comment - Me likey too!! 💜

Dani

Hey! I think you can't always put your thoughts into words which make sense and/or sound intelligent when you try to express what you feel rather then know, because not everybody is an expert in the field . And while it is very interesting to hear all these detailed observations - I really love to read the comments that "just" show love and apreciation because I think that is equally important and lovely/fun to read. - And I am glad I am not the only one without that knowledge 😅 - Me also likey and sorry for the bother

WisconSims

My soul has left my body and woven itself into your sweater. Thank you for taking this Christmas classic and making it drip good tidings and joy <3

Michael Flynn

Glitch is at 4:38 and everything is upside down. Now what can I get for my 10 points? jk great video

Gary Wagner

I definitely loved this one. For future years, would you consider doing Carol of the Bells? Your harmonizing with yourself would be amazing in that song.

Victoria Robinson

“I want a hippopotamus for Christmas” is one of my least-favorite songs ever and I laughed so hard at your passive-aggressive curses to those who love it 😂

Judy Wilde

And Layne said, “Challenge accepted!”

Hugmany Foemen

OK, I'd somehow missed that little gem all these years, so thought I ought to check it out. I should have heeded the sage advice... :-(