Do you think he is off-key and "worse" in this live performance? Can you hear when someone is off-key?

Oh, gosh yes, you can hear that immediately.
I’m not a professional. I sang in a choir for 8 years and I played in my middle school band, if that counts for anything.

I was in the school band but have listened to great music all my life. Someone playing or singing off sky jangles my nerves something terrible. There are ways to deliberately play with off-keu for effect, and done right it can be brilliant. What’s hideous is the off-key performer who has no idea anything is wrong.

Oh, my yes, he is sharp. Just a step or so up in that performance. It could be that he is playing with a new band and they are playing lower then he’s used to, but regardless, he is sharp. This wouldn’t be considered “pitchy,” as we’ve heard on American Idol so many times. That’s a slap different.

Funny thing is, the closer to the key you are singing in, the more you’ll notice. If he was, say, three steps higher it may sound like he’s harmonizing. Oh, and yes, I was semi-pro for about 10 years. Played in a working polka band, which really music is music and it’s all done using the same theory.

Now, for those who have a tin ear, we’ll give you a lesson—a primer if you will. In this clip, Linda McCartney is singing off tune. Hey, Jude

I’m no musician but think the recorded version is better it always seems smoother, rounded? In saying that I don’t think I would walk out of the concert because I paid money to be there and other songs may not be as awkward so to speak. But if ut became apparant that the whole concert was going down the same route because after all I have paid my hard earned money for those tickets!!

It makes me laugh when big stars diss shows like American Idol etc.. Because in the past singing well was not always the main focus in a live concert, Look at Sex Pistols etc.. shouting lyrics. Yet perfection is expected every week from these people who have just walked in off the street many with no real understanding of what singing live is all about!

I listened to this link twice. If you will rerun the video, you will also hear that the electric bass is in the wrong key, at the begining of the song.

And, yes, Jimmy Cliff is singing off-key. Its more noticeable in one part of the song, rather than the whole song itself.

Yes, he wavers off-key at points throughout the song. Further, I can tell he’s singing from his throat and not his diaphragm. He’s straining quite a bit, there. Poor thing, bless.

I have had some vocal training.

How did I, the great typist, @ETpro, end up typing sky for key? Off key, not off sky.

@et You put the typo in typist that time buddy.

I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, and I can hear it. The band members behind him look like they’re having a hard time…

No sir I don’t like it. I’d also prefer for you not to leave your half eaten peanutbutter & jelly sandwiches on my lawn.

P.S. there were many things wrong with that whole set. I would’ve been pissed after the show, lol.

I can hear it, but it could be that he has a cold or something, so his throat is tight and his ears stuffed up. (Yeah, I guess I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt!)

I’m not musically-trained, but I love music (and singing loudly in the car), and I’ve been told I have a good ear.

Been playing music since I was 6, but I’m not a professional. If you want to hear an example, listen to this past years “Black Eyed Peas” Superbowl Half-Time performance…..brutal!

@seazen_ Yes, he is clearly quite sharp… I couldn’t listen all the way to the end. :(

I’ve been playing piano since I was 3, so he’s most definitely off key. I’m not a singer, but I can hear when someone is off key. But I applaud his efforts for singing live and not trying to hide it.