TOTO AFRICA: Sung by acapella group Perpetuum Jazzile

SINCE writing an article on music therapy and discovering all the wonderful benefits that music can have on the brain, I have begun listening to all sorts of lyrical delights. I am also making an effort to see more live music as this can have the best effect on our brains and psyche. One of my current and favourite musical styles, however, is acapella. To put it crudely, acapella is a musical style performed without instruments - usually by a choir group. To put it more academically, here's a description from Wikipedia:

Acapella music is solo or group vocal singing without instrumental sound, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. In modern usage, acapella often refers to an all-vocal group performance of any style, including modern pop/rock.

This particular acapella group hails from Slovenia. They're quite a talented bunch of vocalists that, in my opinion, do a sterling job of Toto's great hit Africa. The talent of their beat-boxer is also something to behold. The Perpetuum Jazzile video now has over ten million views. I'm responsible for just over half of that. It's a great listen that may even put a tear in your eye. Enjoy!

Perpetuum Jazzile singing 'Africa' by Toto

If you enjoyed that acapella music group singing Africa you may find the following article interesting: Music Therapy: Tune in and chill out

Here's a little extract:

MUSIC has the power to play on our moods, fine tune our brainwaves, pluck at our heartstrings, and unite entire nations under song. It has even proven to have a positive effect on livestock. We all know the effects that music can have on reducing stress and promoting relaxation, but music itself is becoming increasingly popular in the modern medical industry — a concept being dubbed as “music therapy”.

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FANTASY FILM: Doraleous & Associates Season 1 comes to an end

Doraleous & Associates is a fantastically humorous video series started by The Escapist at the beginning of 2010. Its first season recently concluded with the 24th episode. If you are not yet familiar with the show, below is the first episode of season one. I personally find it to be a great little video break during the working week (usually Friday afternoons), but you should appreciate it if you are a fan of fantasy, digital animation, Doraleous and great wit-filled humour. Enjoy!

Doraleous and Associates is written and voiced by the very talented crew of Nate Panning, Brent Triplett, Bryan Mahoney, Jon Etheridge and Tony Schnur. Drawn and Animated by Brent Triplett and Jon Etheridge. See a new episode every Thursday at Noon (Friday mornings for South Africans) only on The Escapist.

• Watch the complete first season of Doraleous & Associates

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VIDEO: Human silhouettes take shape behind the silver screen

I’M so inflexible that I can’t even touch my toes without experiencing pain and agony. Others are double-jointed and can make shapes by wrapping their legs around their shoulders. These super humans below are something else, and can make the most incredible shapes using just their bodies. Below is a one minute video clip of what the human body can do in unison with others. Prepare to be wowed.

Human Shapes

Related: Getting naked in the name of Art

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VIDEO: Albi The Racist Dragon as seen on Flight of the Conchords

MY sense of humour has often been labeled as "dry." This isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's certainly better than having a wet sense of humour. That's just a little taste of what I mean.

Anyhoo, there's a great show I started re-watching a while back called Flight of the Conchords, which really speaks to my funny-bone. Below is an awe-inspiring clip from the show called Albi the Racist Dragon, which I'm sure all fans will enjoy; as well as any fans of dragons, Albanian boys and good, dry laughter. Enjoy! :)

Albi The Racist Dragon

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MUSIC: Award-winning Playing For Change: Peace Through Music video

IF you are unfamiliar with the award-winning documentary Playing For Change: Peace Through Music there are a few video clips of this little gem available on Youtube. The first one, featuring Stand By Me, has reached over 13 million views to date, making it one of the most viral videos of 2008 and most certainly one of my top videos of all time. Here's a snippet from the makers:

From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe.

Playing For Change: Peace Through Music

Check out the Playing for Change website for more

Wasn't that great? It really does get those warm and fuzzy feelings deep inside one churning doesn't it? But if you are an unemotional robot who couldn't give a fig about sunsets or puppies and even struggle to shed a tear for a dying relative, then try giving this one a watch:

• Dancing for humanity

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