I. In the summer of 1999 Leonardo Silva and Peter Hollens met in a University of Oregon writing class. Their common passion for singing inspired them to start a vocal group. That winter, Pete and Leo gathered a small and talented group of 6 music lovers for their very first rehearsal. On the Rocks was born.
Known as the first official collegiate a cappella group in Oregon, On The Rocks began a tradition of excellence in a genre that was previously unheard of in the Northwest. Since 1999, several other groups, including University of Oregon’s Divisi and Oregon State’s Outspoken have followed their lead and joined the fast-growing A cappella community.
OtR has established itself as one of the top a cappella groups in the nation. Their current repertoire ranges from contemporary pop to doo-wop classics to holiday standards and the occasional original piece. OtR is comprised of mostly undergraduate students and usually consisting of 9 – 12 members. Every fall and spring, an extensive audition process is held to find quality replacements for graduating members in 4 different vocal categories-, tenor, baritone, bass and vocal percussion. Auditioning students are evaluated on tonal memory, solo talent, blending ability and, of course, personality. Once the new members are chosen, OTR can be heard singing every Friday @ the EMU amphitheater and around campus at various events throughout the year. Aside from hosting quarterly concerts, they have toured the West Coast and have visited the east coast often, and Canada. They have performed with the professional quartet the Coats and at various a cappella festivals all over the west coast.
In 2002 OtR placed 3rd at the International Competition of Collegiate a cappella and returned the next year in 2003 to place 2nd out of hundreds of groups. During the competitions they took in more than a dozen awards including, Best Soloist, Best Vocal Percussion, Best Arrangement and Best Hair. They have appeared live on the NBC Today show, along with other various semi-national news stations such as WB news @ 10 on “Toni Time”.
Every year in the winter since their inception OtR has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the UO Basketball Games in Mac Court. Their performance has been broadcast on UO radio to several thousand listeners and was received with uproaring praise from the appreciative 7,000 fans and radio commentators alike.
OTR has also reached viral status with their YouTube videos of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," and is probably best known for their version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," which reached 7.5 million views on YouTube. OTR has toured all over the US and Canada. The group travels to Berkeley, CA for the West Coast A Cappella Showcase every year. OTR has toured San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, New Haven, and Boston, and hope to tour more in the future. In 2010, OTR was featured on the second season of the hit NBC show "The Sing-Off".
Since it’s inception, On the Rocks has released two albums:The self titled OTR – 2002 and Backgammon Sessions – 2003. They are finishing up their latest CD, soon to be released in fall of 2005. Awards for their recordings include a selection on the 2004 BOCA compilation album (Best of Collegiate A Cappella). The selected track was Yellow off the Backgammon Sessions album and it was also chosen as the runner-up best male song of the year by CARA (Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards) Their most recent CD, Full Coverage includes tracks from such artists as Mr. Mister, Justin Timberlake, Rufus Wainwritght, and more. On the Rocks A cappella can be contacted via email at uoontherocks@hotmail.com.
II. On The Rocks
Colorado rock has a distinctive sound, identified by a blending of acoustic and electric guitars and an emphasis on tight vocal harmonies. No band around present this as powerfully as 'On the Rocks'. Add to the mix, dynamic rhythms and emotional originals, and you have the recipe for a band on the rise. Frontman Shawn Wright's gravely voice and passionate performances move audiences to frenzied levels, then gently brings the house down with love songs, such as 'til the end' or a power ballad like 'something more than this'. His sense of humor shines through with songs such as 'nailed your best friend'. Nn lead guitar is Ohio born Mike Princehorn. He cut his rock and roll teeth in the northern Colorado area. His versatile styles keep up with the bands ever-changing moods through each set. His strong vocals are heard on front as well as in harmonies. He's no shrinking violet, evident when harmonizing with Shawn's powerhouse vocals. Also a song writer, original material seems limitless. Arriving all the way from Detroit is bassist Sonny Lentz. He brings a streetwise edge and Motown influences to the music. Combining blues, rock, soul, country and reggae, his rhythms keep the songs, and the audience, moving. He contributes original material that is provocative and somewhat unpredictable. Rounding out the quartet is Colorado's own Norris Jones on drums. Norris has played with northern Colorado favorites 'canebrake run', Walt Jenkins, Liz Barnez, and 'harmony road'. His jazz and infusion roots add a cool and diverse bottom to the passionate original material. He is dynamite on the rockin' tunes as well. As word spreads, the band's calender is filling up. They are playing regularly up and down the front range, and extending into Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks - Intoxicated
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks
Discogs: On The Rocks - Mamonama
Somethin' Like That
On the Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rotate the megahertz where you heard it first
The perpendicular said none similar
Quadruple any figure quick on the trigger
Helter skelter wig out by the goodfella
Not Lou Pinella 'cause I'm black and mo' betta
Bust a phenomenum we come to get busy
Many many march 'cause I'm heavy on the starch
Never tell a farce when I scale on a arch
Jammin' on the radio, brothers say, "way to go"
Shape it like Play-Do, soprano at the Chateau
My theory periodically flows a odyssey
Bigger than modern technology
So save all the chit-chat when I kick a format fat
It's like that...
C.L. is the attribute you salute
'Cause I gotta make loot, can't afford to be cute
Enter the equilibrium in a medium
Breaking your cranium with no ultimatum
Drop a psalm like a bomb, never land in your palm
And now I'm so cool and calm
Pure unadulterated, premeditated
Lyrical form, Pete Rock is the storm
Sophistication I kick to a nation
I rare compilation I call recreation
The prognosis, so mackadocious
Straight up ferocious for those who can focus
Large like the Beatles, ask all my peoples
Never make movies, so don't talk sequels
So, hon, save the chit-chat when I kick a format fat (it's fat)
It's like that...
I'm all sold out, no doubt, without a question
The blessing your guests in a suprucated session
Anyway your honor, heresay the melee
Is here for the payday, so A to the K
Or should I say Deda, original baby par
Smooth like a reservoir, the funky Shang-Ri-La
No shame in my game, I'm set to entertain
And if it wasn't for the fame, skinz would never know my name
So back off a tad bit, that's a bad habit
'Cause I write the raw...for sure
Now I'm a flip a style and get crazy versatile
Never fragile 'cause I'm flowin' like the Nile
Swing a jewel or a gem, notice how I say them
With my approach, smoke a rhyme to a roach
A four-season lover, light-skinned and bigger
But what I deliver come before the cotton picker
So here's to another hit, perfectly legitimate
When I hit the skinz, guaranteed to keep the candle lit
So save all the chit-chat when I kick a format fat
It's like that...
The lyrics of On the Rocks's song "Somethin' Like That" are full of poetic and sometimes cryptic imagery. The first verse seems to be describing the act of catching a verse of the song itself, as though the lyrics were an elusive big fish in a river. The "perpendicular" line may be referencing the unique style of the song and the fact that there is nothing quite like it in the world. The singer then brags about their ability to quadruple any figure and be quick on the trigger, perhaps a reference to their rap skills and their ability to fire off lyrics rapidly.
The next verse is full of wordplay and possible references to popular culture. The singer mentions "Helter Skelter," which could be a nod to the Beatles song and the Manson family murders, or just a reference to chaos and insanity. The line "Not Lou Pinella 'cause I'm black and mo' betta" is a clever way of saying that the singer is superior to Pinella, a white baseball coach. The singer then brags about their ability to "jam on the radio" and make brothers say "way to go," perhaps indicating that their music is well received by other rappers. The "soprano at the Chateau" line may be referencing a fancy upscale hotel or restaurant where the singer feels like royalty.
The third and final verse again features references to popular culture, with "enter the equilibrium" possibly being a nod to Star Trek and the concept of balance. The singer then drops a psalm like a bomb, indicating that their words are powerful and profound. The line "Pure unadulterated, premeditated, lyrical form" is a clever way of saying that their rhymes are carefully thought out and intentional. The "pure" and "premeditated" aspects could also be interpreted as a nod to the straight edge movement within punk rock. The singer then brags about their "ferocious" lyrical style and compares themselves to the Beatles. The final couplet is a reiteration of the singer's ability to "kick a format fat," indicating that their music is fresh, innovative, and entertaining.
Line by Line Meaning
Prepare yourself to catch a verse from the big purse
Get ready to hear some amazing lyrics from me, the skilled artist who deserves a huge audience and recognition.
Rotate the megahertz where you heard it first
Make sure you tune in to the right station to hear my music for the first time and appreciate it fully.
The perpendicular said none similar
I am unique and incomparable, and my talent is parallel to no one else's.
Quadruple any figure quick on the trigger
I may achieve any success very quickly and be the best at what I do.
Helter skelter wig out by the goodfella
I am unpredictable and my energy is out of control, just like in a chaotic mob scene from a gangster movie.
Not Lou Pinella 'cause I'm black and mo' betta
I am not like Lou Pinella, a white baseball coach known for his temper, because I am a talented black artist with even more potential.
Bust a phenomenum we come to get busy
I am going to deliver something extraordinary and my crew is ready to work hard to achieve it.
Deep in roots but my name ain't Kizzie
While I am rooted in something deeper and meaningful, I am my own person with a unique identity, not just some stereotype.
Many many march 'cause I'm heavy on the starch
I am confident and bold, as if I had eaten a lot of starch that gives me strength and conviction to keep going.
Never tell a farce when I scale on a arch
I always speak the truth when confronting challenges or obstacles in my life.
Jammin' on the radio, brothers say, "way to go"
When my music is played on the radio, people love it and express their admiration for my talent.
Shape it like Play-Do, soprano at the Chateau
I can create something beautiful and innovative, as if shaping Play-Doh, and deserve to be recognized for it, just like a soprano singer performing at the best venue.
My theory periodically flows a odyssey
My ideas and creativity change and evolve over time, like a long and exciting journey.
Bigger than modern technology
My artistic vision is grand and profound, even more significant than what modern technology can achieve.
So save all the chit-chat when I kick a format fat
When I deliver my music, people should stop talking and listen closely because it's going to be great.
C.L. is the attribute you salute
People should admire and respect me, C.L., for my unique qualities and skills.
'Cause I gotta make loot, can't afford to be cute
I need to earn my living with my music and cannot just rely on my good looks or charm to succeed.
Enter the equilibrium in a medium
I strive to find balance and harmony in my art and life, and work hard to achieve them.
Breaking your cranium with no ultimatum
I am so talented that I can impress and affect listeners deeply, without imposing any pressure or demands on them.
Drop a psalm like a bomb, never land in your palm
My lyrics and music are so profound and powerful, they may feel like a bombshell, but in a good way, even if they never literally touch your hand.
And now I'm so cool and calm
Despite the intensity and impact of my music, I am still relaxed, collected, and in control.
Pure unadulterated, premeditated
My art is authentic, untainted, and carefully planned and crafted in advance, with great attention to detail.
Lyrical form, Pete Rock is the storm
With my amazing lyrics and poetic style, I create something truly remarkable, like a storm that Pete Rock would unleash.
Sophistication I kick to a nation
My music is not merely entertaining, but intellectually engaging and sophisticated, and appeals to a broad and diverse audience.
I rare compilation I call recreation
While I may borrow from other artists or genres, I mix them in a unique and creative way to create something entirely new and original.
The prognosis, so mackadocious
My music is so great and well-received, it is beyond any doubt, confusion, or speculation.
Straight up ferocious for those who can focus
My music is fierce and bold, but those who appreciate it fully and pay attention are the ones who get the most rewards from it.
Large like the Beatles, ask all my peoples
My popularity and success rival that of the Beatles, and my fans can attest to that.
Never make movies, so don't talk sequels
I am not interested in making movies, so stop asking me about possible sequels or future projects outside of music.
So, hon, save the chit-chat when I kick a format fat (it's fat)
When I perform or release music, people should focus on that and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant talk, as my format and style are truly impressive and noteworthy.
I'm all sold out, no doubt, without a question
My shows and records always sell out, without any doubt or hesitation, just like how impressive and confident I am in my talent.
The blessing your guests in a suprucated session
My shows are not just entertaining, but an amazing experience that leaves a lasting and positive impression on everyone who attends.
Anyway your honor, heresay the melee
I may encounter challenges or obstacles, but I will always present myself with respect and honor, regardless of any rumors or conflict around me.
Is here for the payday, so A to the K
While I enjoy what I do, I also have to earn money and survive, so people should appreciate and pay for my music accordingly.
Or should I say Deda, original baby par
My given name is Deda, and I was born talented and unique, just like a baby parrot.
Smooth like a reservoir, the funky Shang-Ri-La
My music is effortless, smooth, and refreshing, just like a big, calm reservoir or the mythical paradise of Shangri-La.
No shame in my game, I'm set to entertain
I have no reservations or doubts about my talent, and I am always ready and excited to perform and entertain my fans.
And if it wasn't for the fame, skinz would never know my name
Without my success and recognition, I would not have been able to reach and inspire so many fans, and remain a relatively unknown and undiscovered artist.
So back off a tad bit, that's a bad habit
People should not be too critical or negative about my music, as it reflects poorly on them and is a counterproductive habit.
'Cause I write the raw...for sure
I am not afraid to express my raw and unfiltered opinions or experiences through my music, because I am confident and authentic.
Now I'm a flip a style and get crazy versatile
I can switch up my style and delivery easily and still impress my fans with my versatility and adaptability.
Never fragile 'cause I'm flowin' like the Nile
Despite the challenges or hardships I may face, I remain strong and resilient, just like the majestic and endless Nile river.
Swing a jewel or a gem, notice how I say them
While I may use fancy or elaborate words, I pronounce them so uniquely and gracefully, just like how I handle precious gems and jewels.
With my approach, smoke a rhyme to a roach
My method and approach to music are so amazing and enjoyable, that even if you were just smoking a roach (or small piece of marijuana), you can appreciate and love my music.
A four-season lover, light-skinned and bigger
I am a passionate and versatile artist, suitable for any occasion or season, and I am physically large and imposing, with light skin that makes me stand out.
But what I deliver come before the cotton picker
Despite my large size or background, what truly matters and defines me is my talent and success, which are unmatched even by the hardest-working and humblest cotton pickers.
So here's to another hit, perfectly legitimate
I hope to create another incredible and legitimate hit with my music, just like all my previous ones.
When I hit the skinz, guaranteed to keep the candle lit
When I perform or record music, people will get excited and energized, and their passion and enjoyment will keep burning, just like when you light a candle.
So save all the chit-chat when I kick a format fat
People should focus and appreciate my music when I release it, instead of talking irrelevant or unnecessary things, because my style and format are truly impressive and groundbreaking.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind