I usually get my groove on to techno, Drum n Bass and tech/prog/hard house music (amongst other eclectic delights) but this found its way into my consciousness at the age of around 20. Its a long Story ! ❤
I went to this concert in 1990 and am thrilled to watch it again today! Yes, our hair and wardrobes have changed, but what awesome words Handel wrote his music to, for all ages and generations! How can anyone label this an abomination? The hope is the same no matter what the beat or speed of the music! Hopefully we all will dance for joy in heaven to this & all styles of music that allow us to express our praise to the one true God, creator of All good things. And He will delight in our joy!
Ah! The eighties! This was thought to be so contemporary at the time. Synthesizers, drum machines, teased hair, mullets … who could ask for anything more?
This brought me back to 1986.. I felt like I was in a suburban mall walking through going Xmas shopping and this coming through the speakers . Beyond hilarious version of the original tenor aria. #themessiah #1980s #handel
Between being occupied with concerts for the busy Holiday season of beautiful Christmas music-making, professional musicians can relieve their stress by listening to this hilariously grotesque abomination. It has become a classic.
Oh my Goddess! I have been looking for them since catching a glimpse of them on tv in 1989 and now HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!! Thank you YOU TUBE!!! xxoxoxoxoxoxox
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. The interesting thing is that both this version and the one you mention were arranged by the same person! He was trying different variations of Handel's Messiah. The one here is from 1989. The one you mention was done in 1993. He also arranged an African-American one called "Soulful Messiah" in 1995. (FYI: First Call did background vocals for the Larnelle version you mention!)
@interpreter2006 WOW, I did not know that. Thanks for sharing this information and video. This is a concert I wish I had attended. Awesome versions of Handel's Messiah!
Absolutely love this. Harmonies and rhythms contemporary for that time and attracted a great many people unable to relate to the traditional original. I rather think Handel would have been delighted at the freshness.
Just 2 minutes prior to hearing this I listened to Jon Vickers singing his version of this aria in the Beecham recording. So many differences yet more similarities than one would think. I loved it. The temp of this version is acceptable and the arrangement and harmonies are splendid. Rhythm is great. Even the melisma is well done.
Handel would have loved this! Especially if he could have made some money with it. C'mon folks---music is a tough business! And these singers aren't bad, by the way.
The producers wanted to "update" the Messiah - First Call didn't arrange the song, they just sang it. Another attempt to update it was made in 1993 ("The New Young Messiah") and it was MUCH better!
Dick, Melodie, and Bonnie, were and are some the best vocalists ever. Very few groups had their chemistry. They were obviously lip syncing here, as is done for most all music videos. They've earned their stripes with hundreds of live performances, so I don't hold a few lip-syncs against them!
@JMan7268 To each his own. I was at university when this particular Handel's Young Messiah came out, and all I can tell ya is: There was a campus of students humming and singing songs from "The Messiah" in the dorms for months. I've never heard anything from "The Messiah" sung or listened to so widespreadly before or since. People can make fun of the hair and dated sound and inferior recording, but these guys actually have awesome pitch, and the tone of the song matches the message: Joy!
LOL ... Your comment is quite accurate and funny. When I heard this for the first time and when the music started , it actually sounded like a really awful ringtone. Having said that I must say that the singers did quite a good job given the circumstances and the music. And finally i have to point out that Handel's genius does shine through all this crappy music.
I have nothing against arrangements, mixture of styles have existed as long as music did... but what makes this a bit ridiculous is that they stayed so close to the original ! lol... but I have to agree it's kinda funny :p
The orchestration is actually pretty close to the original & Yes indeed, Handel was the "Pop" music of his time. The singing is good, however the hair and clothes are out of control, LOL. But they are so bad that they're almost good... The epitome of "stupid-fresh" :-)
Jeremiah 3:23a(NIV); "Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the Lord our God is the salvation" Luke 3:5a; "Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low." Jeremiah 4:2; "and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear, 'As surely as the Lord lives,' then the nations will be blessed by him and in him they will glory." Genesis 49:19(NKJV); "Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, But he shall triumph at last."
Some folks like it the original way. But keep in mind that the modern versions of songs often introduce the music to a new generation. In fact, that is exactly what happened when "Handel's Young Messiah" music was released in the early 90's. Many young people who had never heard of Handel's original work were introduced to his music. The "Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration" CD had the same kind of effect on the younger generation in the early 90's too.
HAHA Okay so this IS vile, but have a sense of humour peple! It's hillarious. After singing and playing "serious" music I go home and do this kind of stuff for fun at parties. So I love it HHAHAHAHAHAHA.
This would be 100 times better if they had real instruments. I actually kind of like the arrangement; the midi accompaniment and the studio processing are, in my opinion, the biggest problems.
When I heard this for the first time and when the music started , it actually sounded like a really awful ringtone. Having said that I must say that the singers did quite a good job given the circumstances and the music. And finally i have to point out that Handel's genius does shine through all this crappy music.
I dn't really understand why everyone is so mad.....I have heard both this album and the original. of course nothing compares to the original. but these guys just chose to do something different. all modern artists, producers keep saying dnt be karaoke do your own thing, add your own twist to it. you don't like it, stick to the original, or better yet, compose your own music that will outlive you the next three centuries.
Make no mistake....this is so late 80's that it's ugly! But the group First Call was an AMAZING vocal group! Cali4Obama (while I'm guessing from her name that we have VERY DIFFERENT political views - lol) is absolutely correct here....Handel was an artistic innovator. Handel was one of...if not THE first to use modern musical stylings of his day with sacred writings and themes (most of Messiah is taken directly from scripture...this song in particular from Isaiah 40:4-5)
whats the matter with the way it was written originally? people who dont know about classical music dont need to be patronised in this way - turning transcendent music that everyone can enjoy into hideous muzak. ouch!
It is a mockery because it is an adaption of what is, in my opinion, a very disparate style - the original Handel. This is the kind of thing I do with my friends at parties when I'm drunk. LOL
It's 24 and still can't stop listening this masterpiece song.
I unironically love this. It’s 2024.
It just wouldn't be Christmas without First Call's "Every Valley"!
Yes, it would!
I usually get my groove on to techno, Drum n Bass and tech/prog/hard house music (amongst other eclectic delights) but this found its way into my consciousness at the age of around 20. Its a long Story !
❤
I went to this concert in 1990 and am thrilled to watch it again today! Yes, our hair and wardrobes have changed, but what awesome words Handel wrote his music to, for all ages and generations! How can anyone label this an abomination? The hope is the same no matter what the beat or speed of the music! Hopefully we all will dance for joy in heaven to this & all styles of music that allow us to express our praise to the one true God, creator of All good things. And He will delight in our joy!
This was very creative and awesome!
This is a perfect example of what the 80's did to society.
Love the sequential riff at 1:33----these guys are great!
My favorite part too 😊
This is what perfect harmony sounds like, a beautiful example of giving God glory in our present age.
Absolutely hilarious! The cheerfulness! The Shamelessness! The Wizzard-of-Oz-ish-walking-down-the-stairs-finale'sness! What a treat! Thank You!
Ah! The eighties! This was thought to be so contemporary at the time. Synthesizers, drum machines, teased hair, mullets … who could ask for anything more?
People knew manners, had more respect, loved God and country. Give me the eighties anyday over this time of cynicism and rudeness and. Hate.
It was in 90s.
someone with eyes and ears ?
there is just SO much I love about this. Loved the straight tone on "straight". Everything about this, I love.
Pat2789 agreed, incredible word painting
Love it! The bass line is lovely and the vocal harmonies spot on.
This brought me back to 1986.. I felt like I was in a suburban mall walking through going Xmas shopping and this coming through the speakers . Beyond hilarious version of the original tenor aria. #themessiah #1980s #handel
Between being occupied with concerts for the busy Holiday season of beautiful Christmas music-making, professional musicians can relieve their stress by listening to this hilariously grotesque abomination. It has become a classic.
Oh my Goddess! I have been looking for them since catching a glimpse of them on tv in 1989 and now HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!! Thank you YOU TUBE!!! xxoxoxoxoxoxox
This deserves wayyy more likes
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. The interesting thing is that both this version and the one you mention were arranged by the same person! He was trying different variations of Handel's Messiah. The one here is from 1989. The one you mention was done in 1993. He also arranged an African-American one called "Soulful Messiah" in 1995. (FYI: First Call did background vocals for the Larnelle version you mention!)
MAY THESE CROOKED BE MADE STRAIGHT !
This mountain has been made too low...
It was such a fluffy time.
pitvla8 this is the most accurate way to describe this
@interpreter2006 WOW, I did not know that. Thanks for sharing this information and video. This is a concert I wish I had attended. Awesome versions of Handel's Messiah!
It’s like Sharon, Lois & Bram found Jesus.
Lol
When I listened this VCR in my childhood, I thought this was a song.
This is sublime and exciting...this must be the equivalent to the audience in Handel's time!
Absolutely love this. Harmonies and rhythms contemporary for that time and attracted a great many people unable to relate to the traditional original. I rather think Handel would have been delighted at the freshness.
It's Glee from the 80's covering Handel! (Sarcastically speaking)
Just 2 minutes prior to hearing this I listened to Jon Vickers singing his version of this aria in the Beecham recording. So many differences yet more similarities than one would think. I loved it. The temp of this version is acceptable and the arrangement and harmonies are splendid. Rhythm is great. Even the melisma is well done.
If someone has never heard the real thing I think it actually doesn't sound terrible. That just says again what great music Handel has composed.
My parents used to own this music on vinyl.. We'd use to play it on 45rpm which made it sound even more ridiculous :p
Such voice control......👍👍👍
Handel would have loved this! Especially if he could have made some money with it. C'mon folks---music is a tough business! And these singers aren't bad, by the way.
The producers wanted to "update" the Messiah - First Call didn't arrange the song, they just sang it. Another attempt to update it was made in 1993 ("The New Young Messiah") and it was MUCH better!
Testament to the indestructibility of GFH. Love it! Thanks, St., Nich. And you gotta love the brunette's earrings, BTW.
That drum beat is relentless. Uns da uns da uns da uns da uns da...
excellent, j'adore !!
Well... there's a test of faith for you... can you watch it all the way through?
Glad I just food food for my soul
*found food
I agree with you.But it is incredible!Don't you think so?
Beautiful, I am moved inspite of its obvious difference to the original.
Impossibile!!
Did I catch a real Theorbo in the background track?
The Messiah is so good that this is somehow still good...somehow.
WOW !!!! Super !!!!!!!!
Ok they're actually really good
Love it
Where's Robin Sparkles?
Dick, Melodie, and Bonnie, were and are some the best vocalists ever. Very few groups had their chemistry. They were obviously lip syncing here, as is done for most all music videos. They've earned their stripes with hundreds of live performances, so I don't hold a few lip-syncs against them!
best. video. ever.
This music is like the clothing of the 80's DONT BRING IT BACK!!!.....
This is awesomely dreadful in every way, but I rather like it.
Magical for all the wrong reasons.
OMG MULLET!!!!
LOVE IT!
that is the funniest comparison I have ever read about one person. LOL!!!!!!!!
@JMan7268
To each his own. I was at university when this particular Handel's Young Messiah came out, and all I can tell ya is: There was a campus of students humming and singing songs from "The Messiah" in the dorms for months. I've never heard anything from "The Messiah" sung or listened to so widespreadly before or since. People can make fun of the hair and dated sound and inferior recording, but these guys actually have awesome pitch, and the tone of the song matches the message: Joy!
I literally sent this around to my friends as a Christmas joke. It's hysterically bad.
LOL ... Your comment is quite accurate and funny. When I heard this for the first time and when the music started , it actually sounded like a really awful ringtone. Having said that I must say that the singers did quite a good job given the circumstances and the music. And finally i have to point out that Handel's genius does shine through all this crappy music.
Was Marty as demanding a director as he was with Fireworks?
When the "Young Messiah" arrangement first came out, the official video was way more intriguing than this.
@.@ still gotta appreciate the dude's phrasing ... the rest of it, lmao.
Anyone Nov 2018
I have nothing against arrangements, mixture of styles have existed as long as music did... but what makes this a bit ridiculous is that they stayed so close to the original ! lol... but I have to agree it's kinda funny :p
I don't know about rolling Hendel, but Jesus is not in the grave!
The orchestration is actually pretty close to the original & Yes indeed, Handel was the "Pop" music of his time. The singing is good, however the hair and clothes are out of control, LOL.
But they are so bad that they're almost good...
The epitome of "stupid-fresh" :-)
I hate to say it...but where’s the rest?
I didn't know they even knew the words.
Jeremiah 3:23a(NIV); "Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the Lord our God is the salvation" Luke 3:5a; "Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low." Jeremiah 4:2; "and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear, 'As surely as the Lord lives,' then the nations will be blessed by him and in him they will glory." Genesis 49:19(NKJV); "Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, But he shall triumph at last."
Some folks like it the original way. But keep in mind that the modern versions of songs often introduce the music to a new generation. In fact, that is exactly what happened when "Handel's Young Messiah" music was released in the early 90's. Many young people who had never heard of Handel's original work were introduced to his music. The "Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration" CD had the same kind of effect on the younger generation in the early 90's too.
Still laughably bad.
Increible!hehehe
Who needs a discotheque when we have First Call? Same big hair, mullets, stilettos, tiny lights and electronic beats and instruments.
Oh and the performance lip-syncing.
Au secours Händel! Incapables de tenir les notes! Vive abba!
This is super cheesy, but I love their harmonies, especially at 1:33. Awesome!
I want so badly to be angry at this, but it's just so hilarious. The thought that someone once thought this would be attractive to young people...
Nam qui facit, quod non sapit, diffinitur bestia
(Guido d'Arezzo)
HAHA
Okay so this IS vile, but have a sense of humour peple! It's hillarious.
After singing and playing "serious" music I go home and do this kind of stuff for fun at parties. So I love it HHAHAHAHAHAHA.
dreadul yet entertaining
Ok, so here's the thig. This is bad, really bad. Just like the Young Messiah is. But... I freaking love it! I just do. It's so wrong, yet... so right.
The guy's hairdo, the mullet, is the worst hairdo ever created in the history of the world. God awful.
This is the funniest thing ever.
This would be 100 times better if they had real instruments. I actually kind of like the arrangement; the midi accompaniment and the studio processing are, in my opinion, the biggest problems.
When I heard this for the first time and when the music started , it actually sounded like a really awful ringtone. Having said that I must say that the singers did quite a good job given the circumstances and the music. And finally i have to point out that Handel's genius does shine through all this crappy music.
ehcaron aperder una linda canción, poniendole aires modernos, liquidaron el tema Handel debe estar revolcandose de rabia en la tumba...
LOL
I dn't really understand why everyone is so mad.....I have heard both this album and the original. of course nothing compares to the original. but these guys just chose to do something different. all modern artists, producers keep saying dnt be karaoke do your own thing, add your own twist to it. you don't like it, stick to the original, or better yet, compose your own music that will outlive you the next three centuries.
Make no mistake....this is so late 80's that it's ugly! But the group First Call was an AMAZING vocal group!
Cali4Obama (while I'm guessing from her name that we have VERY DIFFERENT political views - lol) is absolutely correct here....Handel was an artistic innovator.
Handel was one of...if not THE first to use modern musical stylings of his day with sacred writings and themes (most of Messiah is taken directly from scripture...this song in particular from Isaiah 40:4-5)
OMG - badness at its best!
This particular brand of overall ickyness makes my skin crawl.
Somebody please tell me this is a joke...
Wake up to the 20 and 21st century!
Jerry Lee Don't worry, I know that we are in a modern era, but do you think that Handel would approve?
Yup!
Have to accept the presence, poeple, also in conservative circles like it. Thanks
The Best ever
Shoot me now.
my ear just vomited
whats the matter with the way it was written originally? people who dont know about classical music dont need to be patronised in this way - turning transcendent music that everyone can enjoy into hideous muzak. ouch!
Big Hair and Stilettos meet G. F. Handel.
Like Cher, they should have done an infomercial with Lori Davis!
This is supremely VILE!
It is a mockery because it is an adaption of what is, in my opinion, a very disparate style - the original Handel.
This is the kind of thing I do with my friends at parties when I'm drunk. LOL
Händel would turn around in his grave! It's a shame of that wonderful music he made! I've got a headache of listening to this!!!
My poor heart. What villainy is this ?!
ha ha they are pooing in their pants to the music
don't encourage them.
I know not whether to laugh or cry. Where's zombie Handel when you need him?
I love First I hated this instrumental arrangement.
OH MY GOSH.
this is disgusting.
yet, kindof hilarious.