|
Displaying 51-100 of 259 items.
Review: Their best release yet! Veteran a cappella performers and consummate entertainers the Cat's Pajamas have been performing around the country for years and their talent and professionalism shines bright on this recording. Songlist: Listen / Dance To The Music, Uptown Funk / Downtown, Classic / I Want You Back, Let It Go, Maroon 5 Medley, Timber, Buble Medley, Thinking Out Loud, Bang Bang, Mustang Sally 
Review: The Cat's Pajamas, Skinner, Nate, Brad, Mike and Nathaniel, has been touring around the world since 2005, performing over 200 shows a year. They recently entered the national spotlight while performing their Oreo Cookie Jingle for Randy Jackson, placing in the top 10 on NBC's The Sing-Off. Winners and Audience Favorite of the 2013 Chicago Harmony Sweeps Regional, they wowed us with a strong set at one of the most competitive National Finals we've seen! The Cats specialize in wonderfully-arranged covers and sweet-segueing medleys like "British Invasion," "Summer Medley," "60s Dance," "Country Medley," "Beatles" and "Three Dog Night." Other favorites are Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," Leonard Bernstein's "Tonight, Tonight," "Stars & Stripes Forever" and a nice nod to the Sweeps closing Doo Wop anthem "Goodnight Sweetheart." Co-founder Brian Skinner's "Beat Bass" is tight and hot, and the harmonic hits just keep on comin'! Don't miss this rockin', big fun collection! Songlist: British Invasion, Summer medley, 60's Dance, I'm Yours, Beatles, Stay, Three Dog Night, Country Medley, Tonight, Tonight, Born This Way, Stars and Stripes Forever, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight
Review: Pride of Branson, MO, 5-man a cappella band Cat's Pajamas has been sharpening their live show since 2005, and it shows bigtime! These 13 songs are pure entertainment, from soul hits like James Brown's "I Feel Good," pop hits like Del Shannon's "Run Around Sue," "Love Potion Number 9" and "Earth Angel;" Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" and the Drifters' "Up On The Roof;" Doo-Wop classics like "Stand By Me" and "Blue Moon;" and even a sweet reggae medley of "Kiss the Girl" and Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl"-these are great covers and fun stuff. Enjoy! Songlist: I Feel Good, Oh What A Night, Love Potion Number 9, Run Around Sue, Stand By Me, Pretty Women, Blue Moon, Kiss The Girl, When The Sun Goes Down, The Joker, Earth Angel, Up On The Roof, My Old Man
Chapter 6 : A Cappella 101Review: Originating from Illinois's Millikin University, this male contemporary sextet is exceptionally talented. A fresh blending of voices with individual timbres give Chapter 6 a recognizable sound. Using a colorful mixture for arrangements including Wham's 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go' and Louis Prima's 'Jump, Jive and Wail' they represent their style and maturity. 'She's All' is an R&B ballad that hits the heart strings gently, while 'The Root Beer Song', a Chapter 6 original, dries your tears and leaves you smiling! A refreshing debut from a group of young guys with great potential. Songlist: Wake Me Up, It's All Right, I'll Be There, Commercial Break, Istanbul, Come Unto Me, She's All, Eleanor, Phat Lady, The Root Beer Song, Jump, Jive'n Wail
Chapter 6 : With the Windows Down  Review: We have had a number of memorable opportunities to become major fans of Illinois-based, 7-man Chapter 6 since their founding at Decatur, IL's Millikin University in 2001. They were Harmony Sweeps Chicago Regional Champs 3 times, giving us dynamite live sets at the Finals, where signature tunes like "Ode to Krispy Creme," "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Wizard of Oz Medley" led to standing O's and their being named National Champions in 2004. "With The Windows Down" is the sixth Chapter 6 recording in the PAC catalog, each of them featuring the group's cutting edge arrangements and flawless a cappella harmonies. The first of our favorites of these 12 tunes are a pair of mellow originals written by Mark Grizzard, master arranger, "There I Go" and "Highway," and one by Nathan Pufall, the poignant "I Wanted to Say." Then we have to choose several Grizzard-arranged covers, "Pinball Number Count," "Change the World," the best version of Lennon/McCartney's "Eleanor Rigby" we've heard, Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," Sylvester Stewart's 5th Dimension hit, "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Peg" and the soaring, delicious "Clocks." Rich harmonies, deep, powerful, "walking-bass" vocal percussion, perfect, spirited leads-this is a cappella heaven from a group that simply keeps getting better at what they love to do. "With The Windows Down" is a joy from the first cut to the last! Songlist: Pinball Number Count, Change The World, Eleanor Rigby, Holly Oak, There I Go, Mercy Mercy Me, I've Known You All My Life, Highway, I Wanted to Say, Peg, Hot Fun in the Summertime, Clocks
Chicago Voice Exchange : Live From ParisReview: Ecoute! C'est bon! Magnifique! However, this CD is neither live nor recorded in Paris - nor is it a collection of French "chansons" - so I guess we're not in on the joke, but what it is is a musically diverse, often sardonic and thoroughly solid slate of songs. Disco schtick ("Grooveline/YMCA"), cartoon themes ("Underdog") and seventies soul ("Midnight Train to Georgia") are interpreted fervently, but the originals have the staying power: "The IHOP Song," "Crocodile Tears," and the Sweepstakes best original song winner, "So Far," which nails those dulcet Beach Boys-type harmonies to the most engaging of melodies. Songlist: Spiderman, Crocodile Tears, Grooveline/ YMCA, Stray Cat Strut, It's All Right, So Far, Midnight Train To Georgia, (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher, Underdog, Raccoon, The IHOP Song, Mary, I Hear The Fat Lady Singing
Coats : CollectionReview: The Coats have shown remarkable consistency and longevity, having recorded five albums since their formation in 1987. With few personnel changes, and a focus on original music, it's clear that their 1994 Harmony Sweepstakes win was no fluke, but a reflection of their talent and professionalism. "Collection" includes 15 tracks, two of which are new: the Jeff Lynne/ELO cover "Don't Bring Me Down," and "Open Up," a cheerful harmony-driven ditty with simple accompaniment, (reflecting the Coats' trend toward more frequent use of instruments). Some Coats fans feel that the quartet's true calling remains a cappella, however. Songs such as their trademark version of "Rawhide," "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Cool For You" (the live version, where the screaming of the audience proves that the Coats are undisputed chick magnets), confirm that the Coats' grasp of pop harmony is nothing if not compelling. Songlist: Don't Bring Me Down, We Regret, Keep It Simple, A Cappella, Rawhide, Cool For You, Your Joy, Open Up, Dance Alone, Now You're Gone, I Can See Clearly Now, Nice To Say, Come Together, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Joy To The World
Coats : It Turns Me On Review: We have here a Coats CD recorded in 1992, two years before their win at the 1994 Harmony Sweepstakes Finals, and long before they changed their name due to the Columbine disaster. But we can clearly hear the talent and the roots of stardom in these 12 songs: "A Cappella," "It Turns Me On," an original by Jamie Dieveney of the group, who also wrote "We'll Make History," the Beatles' "Come Together," the raucous "Elvira," the Doobie's "Joy to the World," James Taylor's "Is That The Way You Look," "A Tribute to Vanilla (Ice)," "Some Kind of Wonderful," "X-Mas Wrapping," "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and a real-world, drunken cover of Randy Newman's "Mama Told Me Not To Come." What we've always liked about the Coats, be it in their live performances at the Sweeps or the West Coast Summit or in one of their many CDs, is the fun and humor they bring to the music. "Turns" is a necessarily a time capsule, but also an amazing piece of early work by one of our favorite groups of all time. Songlist: A Cappella, It Turns Me On, Come Together, We'll Make History, Elvira, Joy to the World, Is That the Way You Look, A Tribute to Vanilla Ice, Some Kind of Wonderful, X-Mas Rapping, The Lion Sleps Tonight, Mama Told Me (Not to Come)
Coats : Last A LifetimeReview: Washington-based, pioneering Contemporary a cappella male quartet the Coats have been one of our favorite live and recording groups since we saw them named National Champs on the stage of the '94 Harmony Sweepstakes. We've given rave reviews to their 6 excellent CDs in our catalog, most recently their exquisite Christmas CD, "The Caroler." So we'll tell you straight out-"Last a Lifetime" is accompanied throughout by a country/rock band. That said, "Last" is a hot, innovative CD that features rockabilly, swing, straight ahead country rock, and romantic ballads that are sure to please Coats fans, pickup truck aficionados and anybody who loves music. 16 tunes, 14 of which were written by Coats member Jamie Dieveney (most in conjunction with "5th Coat" Bill Gibson). Favorites include the Commander Cody-esque rockers "What You Do to My Heart" and "You Should Be Dancin'," the nasty, smokin' Rodeo tune "Mad Bull" (which throws in Larry the Cable Guy's "Git 'Er Done" as a lyric), the Bob-Segeresque "Fire and the Flood," the romantic story-song "Lay Your Head on my Shoulder," the sexy "Slow Ride," the upbeat "Good Times Roll," the rockin' "Wake Up Call," the poignant "Not A Day Goes By" and the Country hit-to-be, "In The Middle of the Night." Our prediction: "Last" will move quickly up the Country charts and turn The Coats into national stars. This is long overdue, and it couldn't happen to a nicer, more talented bunch of guys! Songlist: Tonight You're Mine, Last A Lifetime, What You Do To My Heart, Miracle, Mad Bull!, Fire and the Flood, Lay Your Head On My Shoulder, Slow Ride, Prelude To An Angel, You're an Angel To Me, Wake Up Call, Not A Day Go By, You Should Be Dancin', Shine Your Love Down, In The Middle Of The Night, Good Times Roll
Coats : The Boys Are Back  Review: One of the Pacific Northwest's best vocal harmony quartet, in our opinion, 1994 Harmony Sweeps winners The Coats are back with their eighth CD, an energetic, powerful collection of original materials and freshly-arranged covers. Doug Wisness, baritone, Jamie Dieveney, tenor II, Kerry Dahlen, bass and Keith Anderson, tenor I, start us off with the title tune, a driving, deep-bassed rhythmic toe-tapper. Then come a couple of originals by Dieveney, Dahlen and producer Bill Gibson, "She's Got That Thing" and "Walk Away." Other originals by them, "Let's Be Crazy," "Running After Time," "Slow Ride" and "Together Through It All" are interspersed with marvelous covers of Michael Jackson's "Shake Your Body," John Fogerty's "Down On The Corner," and the classic tunes "She Blinded Me With Science," "Stand By Me" and "Sunglasses At Night." Besides being well-chosen and beautifully arranged (by Dieveney and Gibson), and absolutely nailed by the group, these covers show that the Coats' vocal pyrotechnics are right up there with such performers as Michael Jackson when he recorded "Thriller." This is one of the strongest contemporary CDs of the year. The Coats should be stars, they know it, their fans know it, and hopefully "The Boys" will let a whole lot more people know it! Songlist: The Boys Are Back, She's Got That Thing, Walk Away, Shake Your Body, Let's Be Crazy, She Blinded Me With Science, Running After Time, Down on the Corner, Stand By Me, Sunglasses At Night, Slow Ride, Together Through It All
Conn Artists : First OffenceReview: The Conn Artists is a seven-man a cappella Contemporary/Jazz/Doo-wop ensemble that performs throughout Connecticut ("Conn Artists," get it?), and "First Offense" is their debut CD. Included are: "Ain't No Sunshine," "The Worst That Could Happen," "Dream Lover," "Better Than Anything," "I Love My Boss," "Change In My Life," Van Morrison's "Moondance," The Four Freshmen's "Blue World," "Consider Me Gone," "Ave Maria," "On And On," "Winter's Night," "Take 5," "On The Street Where You Live" and "God Bless The Child." The guys harmonize with energy and spirit, and we're hoping they commit Second and Third Offenses and end up with a lengthy record! Songlist: Ain't No Sunshine, The Worst Thing That Could Happen, Dream Lover, Better Than Anything, I Love My Boss, Change in my Life, Moondance, Blue World, Consider Me Gone, Ave Maria, On and On, Winter's Night, Take 5, On the Street Where You Live, God Bless the Child
Cosmos : Turbulence Review: Latvian vocal group Cosmos' debut album in 2003, the first year of their existence, went platinum after winning an award as the best pop album of the year. They have released three wonderful albums since then and are greatly loved by audiences in many countries for their distinctive a cappella style and charismatic concert performances. There are 10 cuts here, all but two, "destination: heaven" and the bonus track "unintended," are in Latvian ("aptieka," "maskava," "parasta/neparasta diena," "vindo," "tu ka, es ka," trejdevini slepens," "vienreiz" and "pasaules galins"), but you really need to buy and listen to "Turbulence" to truly appreciate the creative power of the human voice, specifically the voices of these six young men. We don't understand most of the words, but their bright, delicious collection of flawless falsetto leads, faux horns, vocal percussion, chocolaty harmonies and sounds-that-couldn't-be-all-made-by-the-human-voice, but are; have filled our headphones and made us shake our heads with wonder. To hear "Turbulence" is to become a fan. Beautiful, colorful liner notes in Latvian tell us nothing and everything-the essence of great art. Exciting, manic, humorous, surprising, unbelievable, Queen-like-all these are decent attempts to describe Cosmos. But the fact is you should simply buy "Turbulence," put on some good headphones and savor it, then thank us. You will be very welcome!". Songlist: Aptieka, Maskava, Parasta/nerparasta diena, Vindo, Tu Ka, Es Ka, Trejdevini Slepens, Vienreiz, Destination: Heaven, Pasaules Galins, Unintended
Da Vinci's Notebook : Bendy's LawReview: Have you ever heard a song about fish sticks? How about liposuction, high- rise cowboy window washers love affairs, the joy of pickled okra or a shoehorn with teeth??? Akin to the sound of one hand clapping is the question, can an a cappella group with its popularity growing in leaps and bounds still be considered be a cult classic? In the Washington DC area DaVinci's Notebook has a serious fan base who love the joy of their performances. On this, their first release, are also found great arrangements of "Traffic Jam," "Blue Moon" and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." Songlist: With A Little Help From My Friends, Liposuction, Fish Sticks, Traffic Jam, Blue Moon, Window-Washing Cowboy, The Joy Of Pickled Okra, Stuck In The Middle With You, (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, Dream Of Jeannie, Call Me, Shoehorn With Teeth, Metal Shop, Mickey Mouse March (Theme From "The Mickey Mouse Club")
Da Vinci's Notebook : BrontosaurusReview: DVN continues in their hilarious tradition! From the reggae-tinged "Me Pants Fall Down" to the Latin-flavored "Internet Porn," from the rollicking "Another Irish Drinking Song" to the folk-anthem "I Wish I Were," no subject or musical genre is off-limits for the Washington, DC foursome's satirical cannonballs. The Bobs' Richard Greene sits again in the producer's chair and does some songwriting as well: the rueful "The Big Chair." The CD includes the group's recent breakout hit and concert favorite, "Enormous Penis." Several of the tracks include instruments (drums, guitar, and/or piano)-especially on the hard-rocking ode to star-worship, "Heather Graham"-but the accompaniment never obscures the essence of this group's loopy, anything-goes wit and charm. A real must-have CD! Songlist: The Gates, Internet Porn, Heather Graham, Me Pants Fall Down, I Wish I Were, The Big Chair, Hot Soup, Enema Countdown, Another Irish Drinking Song, Enormous Penis, Uncle Bufford Mego Mix, What A Wonderful World
Da Vinci's Notebook : The Life and Times of Mike FanningReview: Who's Mike Fanning? We don't know. Does it matter? No. This CD is the most hilarious recording to rotate our turntables this year! The opening cut, "Ally McBeal," (to the tune of Dylan's "Rolling Stone") is positively wicked, with lines like "and all the up you've thrown/into your porcelain throne," and "your Pop-Tart feminism." Da Vinci, aided and abetted by the Bobs' Richard Greene, who produced, spoof the present ("Road Rage," "Secret Asian Man") the past ("Soggy Diaper Blues") and the hereafter ("Kingdom in the Sky"). It's a blue-tinged, contemporary sound, which freaks freely, taking liberties with Meat Loaf-style rock opuses such as "Three Little Words." Some of the tracks have strategic percussion or harmonica. Songlist: Ally McBeal, Seaside Lament, Is She Really Going Out With Him?, Title of The Song, Road Rage, Saggy Diaper Blues, Three Little Words, Secret Asian Man, Baby Please, Jump In The Line, Kingdom Of The Sky, The Driedel Song
Eclipse 6 : For Show Review: We have been fans of the 6 young men of Logan, UT-based Eclipse since we first saw them at the Harmony Sweeps Finals in 2001 and 2002, regional winners from Denver. Their fine CDs "Once," "Think Twice" and "Three Kings" only increased our admiration. Some CARA and "Best of State" awards later, we have the live CD "For Show" in our hands, and can only relate to it as Eclipse's "breakthough to the bigtime" CD. "Kick Back, Relax," Yes' 80s anthem "Owner of A Lonely Heart," "Keep Pushin' On," the wonderfully romantic "You," "Every Other Time," "My Maria," the classic "Danny Boy," the very funny "McDonald's Girl" and "Always Coca-Cola," the Michael Jackson hit "She's Out of My Life," a stunning cover of the rap hit "Boom! Shake the Room," "Zoot Suit Riot," "All My Life" and bonus tracks "Live It On Up-Remix" and "The Star Spangled Banner." Always very strong vocal percussionists and strong performers in concert, the boys have all their a cappella ducks in a row on "For Show," and the audience, as you will hear, is simply going nuts! These guys are simply stars, "For Show" is one of the best of the year, and we couldn't be happier for these guys! Songlist: Live It On Up, Kick Back, Relax, If I Ever Fall In Love, Owner Of A Lonely Heart, Keep Pushin' On, You, Every Other Time, My Maria (with Peter Breinholt), Danny Boy, McDonald's Girl, Always Coca-Cola, She's Out Of My Life, Boom! Shake The Room, Zoot Suit Riot, God Bless America, All My Life
Review: We've loved Utah's own all-male a cappella sextet Eclipse since their strong performances at the 2001 and 2002 Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael. Since then the group has toured extensively in the US and Asia, released 6 strong, award-winning CDs, and gained many fans with live performances on YouTube. After recording "It's Christmas Time," their second Christmas album, the group was quickly back in the recording studio to record this beautiful 5-song EP, "Got It Covered," all covers wonderfully arranged by Patrick Rose. Mat Kearney's "Ships in the Night" is a soaring a cappella masterpiece; Ed Sheeran's poignant "Lego House" shows off Eclipse's wealth of musical talent; Jason Mraz's powerful "I Won't Give Up" is as deep and richly harmonic as we've ever heard it; Art Levine and Bruno Mars' joyous" Just the Way You Are" is a feel-good winner; and Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet" is a sunny musical walk in the park, guaranteed to chase whatever blues you may have. Consider "Got It Covered" as a tasty best-of sampler of Eclipse, who we consider to be one of a cappella's elite performing and recording groups. Don't miss this one! Songlist: Ships in the Night, Lego House, I Won't Give Up, Just the Way You Are, Haven't Met You Yet
Review: "Grateful Praise" is the 5th excellent CD from Utah-based Contemporary Christian sextet Eclipse. We have been watching Eclipse with great interest since their dynamic performances at the Harmony Sweeps Finals in 2001 and 2002, winners of the Denver and Pacific NW Regionals. The group's trademark sound features tight, smooth harmonies, solid vocal percussion, complex, beautiful arrangements and high energy. Innovative covers of three traditional tunes in the public domain, "All Creatures of Our God and King," begin the album, followed by the touching "Mercy's Arms," "God is Love," the lovely and familiar "Evening Prayer," "Open Thou My Soul," "Go With Me," one of our favorite hymns, "Be Still My Soul," and it finishes strongly with a pair of fine originals, "I Believe in Christ" and "Let The Words." Each note is true here, each arrangement effortlessly perfect. The full color liner notes are as beautiful as any we have ever seen. An album that inspires and lifts us up, on many levels! Songlist: All Creatures of Our God and King, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, For The Beauty of The Earth, Mercy's Arms, God Is Love, Evening Prayer, Open Thou Mine Eyes, Go With Me, Be Still, My Soul, I Believe In Christ, Let The Words
Eclipse 6 : Once Review: Eclipse is an ensemble of six who met in northern Utah while attending Utah State University. They have performed extensively with the USU Department of Programs and Entertainment. This is their first recording and features original songs by all the members of the band along with a smattering of cleverly arranged covers. The original songs tend to be love songs and might be categorized as sweet-rock. They cover Sting's "King of Pain" with some marvelous vocal embellishments and "Africa" (not again, you think to yourself...but wait!) with a scat falsetto break making it the newest arrangement in a long while. "Danny Boy" is sung as a beautiful multi-part harmony and showcases just what fine voices these singers have, and "Zoot Suit Riot" is a full on jazz arrangement. This is a great first recording of a group worthy of close attention. Songlist: Affirmation, King of Pain, You, Look My Way, Africa, Sharing the Sky, Vision, All My Life, Danny Boy, Everything, Zoot Soot Riot
Eclipse 6 : Think Twice Review: These six talented young men met at Utah State University, won the 2001 Pacific NW Regional of the Harmony Sweeps and wowed the audience here at the 2001 Finals. They also won the 2002 Rocky Mountain Regionals and were great at the Finals. They were featured at the opening and closing Winter Olympics ceremonies. "Think" is their second excellent CD, after the 2001 release "Once." 11 songs: "Live It On Up," "Keep Pushin' On," the title tune, the Yes hit "Owner of a Lonely Heart," the wonderfully-done "Heaven's Eyes," "Ashes," "Close To Me," "Pouring Rain," "My Maria," "Kick Back, Relax" and Stephen C. Foster's "Hard Times Come Again No More." Strong, innovative arrangements by second tenor Patrick Rose, and some of the smoothest vocal percussion we've heard. Extensive, full-color liner notes with bios, photos and all lyrics. These guys say they're ready to join the a cappella elite, we couldn't agree more! Songlist: Live It On Up, Keep Pushin' On, Think Twice, Owner of A Lonely Heart, Heaven's Eyes, Ashes, Close to me, Pouring Rain, My Maris, Kick Back, Relax, Hard Times Come Again No More
Edlos : Just Us Review: The Edlos first all-original album. This California foursome have been on the cutting edge of the new contemporary a cappella movement since their debut, and have sustained a loyal following, courtesy of their highly entertaining live performances. The group continues to parody anything and everybody, as on "Paper," "IRS Blues" and "Garbage Man" (the latter previously released on their "Sampler" CD), but in fact, their musical depth extends far beyond the comic, and embraces a variety of stylistic influences. "The Dream," as a case in point, traverses into classical territory and even has a quasi-operatic finale. "Down At The Mall" spills over into doo-wop, with it's nonsense syllables and high falsetto overlay. The Edlos' musical credentials bring a sophistication to their sound that is their own inimitable brand. Songlist: Acappellypso, You, What A Surprise, Freedomsong, Our Home, Ascending Star of Bethlehem, For Daddy, Paper, Garbage Man, The IRSBlues, Down at the Mall, Kitty's Quake, Late Nightmare, The Dream
Essentials : ...and then someReview: This the Essentials second album and we have considerable change to enjoy. The harmonies are as tight as ever but the doo-wop tunes take the back seat in favor of light rock. In the footsteps of the Nylons they have chosen to add a percussion track to most of the tunes. "My Girl," "Lean On Me," "If I Fell" and "Only You" are the offerings for purists. Please don't let me give the impression that the doo wop is totally gone from the repertoire, for several songs still have that element but the selection is faithful to the historical changes of the 60's popular music. Songlist: Twistin' The Night Away, California Dreamin, I'll Begin, My Girl, Lean On Me, Under the Boardwalk, Wonderful Time Tonight, If I Fell, My Juanita, Only You (And You Alone), This Night, If I've Taken Too Long
Essentials : Bare Review: Contemporary Canadian doo-woppers the Essentials have turned out two tight and tuneful CD's so far. This third, live recording is really a tribute to classic rock and pop, what with relentlessly infectious songs such as 'Stay,' 'Brown Eyed Girl' and 'Some Kind Of Wonderful.' Keeping a constant tempo are drums on many tracks. 'December, 1963' (a big hit for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) works both sides of the audio spectrum, high and low; the four cut loose on 'Kiss Him Goodbye,' the lead vocal intensifying into a throaty growl, the bass punctuating the concentrated harmonies working feverishly above. 'Change In My Life' and 'Lion Sleeps Tonight' are 'essentially' a cappella. Songlist: Some Kind of Wonderfull, Heartache Tonight, Brown Eyed Girls, Change In My Life, Stay, The River of Dreams, We're Here For A Good Times, Your Song, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, December 1963 (Oh What a Night?!), Kiss Him Goodbye
Review: Seven member, all male classic a cappella rockers The Exboyfriends were the classic "small NYC clubs to Sweepstakes" story, starting out in the former in 1993 and working their way up to the latter, winning Audience Favorite at the 2000 Harmony Sweeps National Finals in San Rafael, CA. Along their journey they appeared on VH1, Nickelodeon, NBC's Today show, the Howard Stern Show and many others. They also opened for groups like the Marshall Tucker Band and the Edgar Winter Group. "A Cappella's Dead," their 1999 debut CD, won rave reviews from us and was called the "classic rock album a cappella has been waiting for" by RARB. Their follow up "Karaoke Bar Brawl" won even more praise, being nominated for two CARA awards, and was one of RARB's "Picks of 2003" for album of the year. At the time of their "farewell" 2008 show, "Happy Ending" lay unfinished in digital purgatory, but after a long break from performing and recording the 7 guys got together to finish the album with producer Ed Chung, and staged a reunion concert in their hometown in May of 2013. After all that background, we'll be brief: we loved the ExBs at the 2000 Finals, and "Happy Ending" is a beautiful, powerful a cappella cover album of 10 songs, one of the best we've heard this year! Beside the hauntingly surreal Pink Floyd anthem "In The Flesh," some of our favorites are The Eagles' "Hotel California," which segues into a manic salsa-flavored party with body percussion and faux trumpets; U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and B. Brown's "Teenage Dirtbag," which necessitated a Parental Advisory on the album cover ("We Curse A Lot"). J. Walsh's classic "Life's Been Good" and M. Jones' "Feels Like the First Time" are stone winners, as is D. Roeser's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and the top-40 hits "Dirty Work" and "Hunger Strike." It's been a long wait to hear more sweetly arranged, top-tier a cappella from the Exboyfriends, but after listening to "Happy Endings" we, and a lot of their fans, are wishing they had never left! Songlist: In The Flesh, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Dirty Work, (Don't Fear) The Reaper, In The End, Feels Like The First Time, Hunger Strike, Hotel California, Teenage Dirtbag, Life's Been Good
Face : Forward Review: We have personally experienced the vocal power of Colorado-based, 7-man Face, who first began singing together in 2000, and first performed for the public in the summer of 2002--the year they won their first of three Audience Favorite awards at the Harmony Sweeps Rocky Mountain Regional. In Spring of 2005 they won the Regional and we saw them win Audience Favorite at the Harmony Sweeps National Finals, placing 2nd overall. "Forward" is exactly that, a collection of 11 covers that announce to the a cappella world that Face is ready to join the elite. Beginning with Mark Broussard's driving "Home," Tonic's brooding "If You Could Only See" and some amazing vocal sax, trumpet and keyboards on Mancini's "Pink Panther Theme;" the great song selection continues with Counting Crows' bouncy "Accidentally In Love," the BeeGees' romantic anthem "How Deep Is Your Love," The Hoodoo Gurus' Adams Familyesque "Dig It Up" and "American Passion," an incongruous medley of Bach's "Erkenne Mich, Mein Huter" and Paul Simon's "American Tune" which totally works. "Forward" is an impressive collection that moves and touches us-great stuff! Songlist: Home, If You Could Only See, Calling All Angels, Pink Panther Theme, Sugar, We're Goin' Down, Accidentally In Love, You & Me & the Bottle Makes Three Tonight, How Deep Is Your Love, It's Not The Crime, Dig It Up, American Passion
Face : Momentum Review: One of our favorite Harmony Sweeps finalist groups (they placed second in both 2005 and 2007, winning Audience Favorite and Best Original Arrangement awards) we have followed the career of this multi-talented, all male sextet from Denver, CO. When NBC based their new hit show "The Sing-Off" on the Harmony Sweepstakes, we were thrilled to see Face rise up to become Finalists, and although they didn't win it all, the group gained a huge new following and showed a new generation of viewers what we all have known for years, the tremendous power and attraction of a live a cappella! In their new CD "Momentum" on their first cut, the dynamic "O Fortuna," arranged by group member Ben Lunstad, they include in parentheses that the song won Best Original Arrangement at the '07 National Harmony Sweeps Finals! There are 11 songs here, and it's clear that Face has ridden that success to turn themselves into one of a cappella's elite groups, with stellar arrangements by Lunstad and group members Ryan Driver and Stephen Ross. Listen to "Boondocks," Collins/Fagenson/Siebels' "Promise," Lennon/McCartney's "Let It Be," Griffiths/Orzabal's "Break It Down Again," Bicusse/Newley's sultry "Feeling Good," wonderful faux electric guitar on Cain/Perry/Schon's retro anthem "Don't Stop Believing," Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours," Dean/Malloy/Mann/Taylor's "Looking for a Place to Land, Colin Hay's "Overkill," and Gilmore/Moore's "On the Turning Away," and you're listening to the new Face of a cappella, standard-bearers of a growing a cappella Renaissance. Don't miss the apty titled "Momentum!" Songlist: O Fortuna, Boondocks, Promise, Let It Be, Break it Down Again, Feeling Good, Don't Stop Believing, I'm Yours, Looking For a Place to Land, Overkill, On the Turning Away
Face : Wake Up Review: We never forget a Face, especially having just savored the Boulder, CO's memorable performance at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael and personally counted their winning votes for Audience Favorite (the judges also awarded them 2nd Place in a hugely talented field of 8 Regional winners). Face performed two of the 5 songs on this sampler CD at the Finals, a dramatic, soaring cover of Maroon 5's wonderful "Harder to Breathe" and a big fun, rock-solid vocal-percussion cover of Men Without Hats' 80's Techno hit "Safety Dance." Cake's "Short Skirt, Long Jacket" gets an appropriately manic, energetic treatment, and "The River Runs Slow" is a flowing, rhythmic, harmonic treat. The final cut is a sweet, sexy arrrangement of Marvin Gaye's seduction anthem "Sexual Healing." "Wake Up," and Face's live performance, give notice that this hard-working, talented group is ready for the bigtime in the a cappella world! Songlist: Harder to Breathe, Short Skirt, Long Jacket, The River Runs Slow, Safety Dance, Sexual Healing
Five O'Clock Shadow : So ThereReview: This is the first CD with Paul Pampinella and Samrat Chakrabarti (some will remember Paul from the vastly popular Vox One). The group has released a solid and technically accomplished record of pop originals in the "blue-eyed soul" vein. The two covers include what is definitely the flashiest tune, the'70's booty shaker "Get Down Tonight." The stylized, crisp and layered production, as well as the energy of the performance, is the album's piece de resistance. The originals are more subtle, and we recommend you give them your undivided and rapt attention for full enjoyment; the spot-on harmonies, expert arrangements and tasteful percussion show why Five O'Clock Shadow is highly recognized among listeners and a cappella singers alike. A syncopated toe-tapper, "Stop and Say Hello" is off of their third CD, '"So There." From the New England region, Five O'Clock Shadow has refined their skills through constant touring on the college circuit. Preparing to parlay their already considerable success into greater exposure before a larger audience, the group throws down the gauntlet with superb songwriting and skillful taut production. Songlist: Mine Tonight, What's It All About, Far Away, Hold Me For Awhile, Thinking Of You, Stop And Say Hello, Move On, If You Could Only See, Get Down Tonight/That's The Way, Tribute
Five O'Clock Shadow : Wonders of the WorldReview: Let's make this clear up front - this is an a cappella recording, but if you didn't know that, you might think the group has a full band behind them. Through the wonders of effects processing, these 13 original songs push at the boundaries of previously held definitions of a cappella! The production adds tones that could only be made by instruments before, and while Five O' Clock Shadow is still essentially a pop band, they have more grit and a welcome edge. The arrangements, as exemplified by the wistfully engaging "Halo" and progressive "Interlude," are intricately textured and choreographed. The title track, with its hip descending line and devastatingly singable melody, should be igniting radios everywhere. The FOCS have been VH1 darlings of late, and we can hear why. Songlist: Inside Her Mouth, Wonders Of The World, Few and Far Between, I'm Right, Interlude #1, Halo, 29, Interlude #2, Aggression, What's It's all About?, Images, Interlude #3, Promise You This
Flirtations, The : Flirtations, TheReview: Not only are The Flirtations out on the road, they are "out there" in humor, in song and performance. Trying to create a supportive environment for those who are homosexually challenged is one of the typical exchanges with the audience which makes this such a hoot. Some familiar tunes, such as "Mister Sandman" and "Boy From New York City" are given a gay twist, as you might imagine. Others are merely beautifully sung "Oughta Be A Woman," "Living In Wartime" and "Biko," for example. Then there is the off the wall fantasy entitled "The Homecoming Queen's Got A Gun" which you just have to hear to believe! Songlist: I'll Be Forever Loving You, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Breaths, Shooting Star, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Housework, Wallflower, Something Inside So Strong, Surfin' U.S.A., It Started All Over Again, Santa Maria, Lida Rose, Blue Moon, On Children, Everything Possible, The Flirt Song
Flirtations, The : Three Review: This is the third and, it turns out, final recording of the Flirtations. Through twists and turns, some tragic, some joyful the remaining two Flirts are Jon Arterton and Jimmy Rutland who are joined by the first female Flirt, Suede who adds a jazz edge to the repertoire. Rather than the rollicking "out there" presentations of the first two albums this one is beautiful, sensitive and introspective. The humor is thoughtful, rather than burlesque. The three voices complement one another marvelously well as they create a sung testimonial to the human spirit. Songlist: Food Chain, Breaths, Time After Time, Sister, Fun, Fun, Fun, On Children, Do Not Turn Away, Something To Talk About, Mister Sandman, Life Is Eternal, Can't Turn Back, Think, Everything Possible, We Shall Be Free
Flying Pickets : Best of... Review: This is the second release of the early Flying Pickets. They took their name from the that given protesters who traveled to communities other than their own to man the picket lines during labor protests. On this album are 16 tracks. Though many are studio versions with the great harmonies, swooping choruses and novel rhythmic elements (remember this was BVP-- before vocal percussion) our favorite tracks are the live tracks, David Bowie's "Space Oddity," "Higher and Higher" and the like. The intro to "Summertime" is a Cheech & Chong like parody and positively delights the audience. Songlist: Only You (And You Alone), I Heard It Though The Grapevine, The Tears Of A Clown, You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', Sealed With A Kiss, Only The Lonely, Space Oddity, Who's That Girl, When You're Young And In Love, Groovin', Coral Island/Summertime, Buffalo Soldier, I Got You Babe, Summer In The City, Get Off My Cloud, Higher And Higher
Flying Pickets : EverydayReview: Veteran European Contemporary a cappella quintet The Flying Pickets, known for their innovative arrangements, crisp vocal percussion and clean, flawless harmonies, has long been one of our favorite groups. "Everyday" is the Pickets' much-anticipated 6th winning CD. 12 finely-crafted songs, particularly fine are four originals, two by group member Dylan Foster, "Do It" and "Perfect Day," "Chapel on a cloud" by group member Michael Henry, and "That which can't be explained (ming's lullaby) by Peter Eldridge. Also marvelous are covers of Sheryl Crow's "Everyday Is A Winding Road," Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car," Sting's "Roxanne," James Warren's "Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime," Michael McDonald's "I Keep Forgettin'," Tom Johnson's "Long Runnin'," and Peter Gabriel's "Here Comes The Flood." "Everyday" is anything but, a groundbreaking masterwork that needs to be listened to many times to be fully appreciated, especially by other Contemporary a cappella groups. A confident sound like this is fashioned by years of taking chances, experimentation, a whole lot of performing and recording together, and of achieving artistic maturity individually and as a group. This is one of the best Contemporary CDs we've listened to in a long time! Songlist: Everyday Is a Winding Road, Fast Car, Love Rears Its Ugly Head, Do It, Everbody's Got To Learn Sometime, Chapel On A Cloud, Roxanne, Perfect Day, I Keep Forgettin', Here Comes the Flood, Long Train Runnin', That Which Can't Be Explained
Flying Pickets : Lost Boys Review: Another CD we were lucky enough to score on import, "Lost Boys" is the second recording by England's Flying Pickets (their first, "Live At The Albany Empire," isn't available any more). One of our favorite European contemporary a cappella groups (though predating the advent of vocal percussion), they emerged from the 'eighties new wave craze with their number one U.K. hit, "Only You," (included on this recording). The Pickets have an honest and soulful sound; their material is always strong - "The Tears Of A Clown," "Who's That Girl" and Dylan's "Masters Of War" are representative - and their arrangements convey the power of the song itself, without any extraneous frippery. Given this discernment, when the sextet does unite and deliver a surging stacked chord, as they do frequently on "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," they really command attention. Songlist: Remember This, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Disco Down', So Close, The Tears of a Clown, When You're Young and in Love, Who's That Girl, You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling', Psycho Killer, Wide Boy, Factory, Monica Engineer, Only You (And You Alone), Masters of War
Flying Pickets : Next Generation Review: First formed in England in 1982 by members of a socialist fringe theatre group who used a cappella singing in a play about a miner's strike, the Pickets fell in love with the music. They started doing pop/rock a cappella in UK clubs, released a live CD on their own label, which sold so well they were signed by Virgin Records in 1983. The first single with Virgin, "Only You," a cover of a song by Yazoo, was number 1 in the UK and huge in Europe. Four more excellent Contemporary CDs followed. "Live" was recorded at the Fliegende Bauten in Hamburg in 2002, and it shows off the group's forte: dynamic live performances, reminiscent of the Nylons. 14 songs, "I Want It That Way," "Let Me Entertain You," Stephen Stills' "Love The One You're With," Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," a FP original, "Guilty," "When," Seal's "Kiss From a Rose," Sting's "Moon Over Bourbon Street," Stevie Wonder's "As," "Living La Vida Loca," "Eternal Flame," Kool & the Gang's "Celebration," "Mama Lou" and "Only You." We'd love to see this group live! Songlist: I Want It That Way, Let Me Entertain You, Love the One You're With, Billie Jean, Guilty, When, Kiss From A Rose, Moon Over Bourbon Street, As, Living La Vida Loca, Eternal Flame, Celebration, Mama Lou, Only You (And You Alone)
Flying Pickets : The WarningReview: The Flying Pickets are an English male quintet who raised some dust on the English charts in the 1990's. Their CD's can be virtually impossible to find in this country, and indeed, "The Warning," released in 1992 on an Austrian label, had disappeared like a rabbit into a magician's hat! These fifteen contemporary pop songs, in the English "blue-eyed soul vein," feature strong rhythms and vigorous percussion, with vocals that come straight from the gut. Some originals ("The Warning," "No Deposit, No Return," "God We Were Laughing" and others), balance the covers of recognizable hits such as "Billie Jean," "Tainted Love" and "Don't Dream It's Over." Added plus: technically, the production on this CD is superior to some of the group's other recordings, and really opens up their sound. Songlist: God We Were Laughing, Love is a Wonderful Thing, Breakfast With Aliens, No Deposit, No Return, The Warning, Billy Jean, Don't Dream its Over, Mama Loo, Wonder, Stand Up, Sunny Afternoon, Something Inside So Strong, Master Blaster, Tainted Love, Me and The Fellas
Flying Pickets : Volume One Review: First the original Flying Pickets are not the same quintet that are frequently thought of to be the Flying Pickets; in another example of the machinations that occur between band members, there are in fact two different groups entirely. This CD was released in Europe in 1994, and features a new version of "Only You," their 1983 #1 hit. In terms of sound, the differences between the two Pickets are well, not in name only, but are negligible; uncomplicated arrangements of rock hits ("Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Sign Your Name," "When Doves Cry" etc), performed in a candid style. The name of the group links directly to its working-class origins (a picketer is a striking union worker), and their music is similarly raw and unpretentious. One can imagine them singing at the local pub and having a beer with them later. Songlist: Under The Bridge, When Doves Cry, Sign Your Name, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Wonderful World, Here, There And Everywhere, Tracks Of My Tears, She Drives Me Crazy, Only You (And You Alone), When You're Young And In Love, Dance The Night Away, Road to Nowhere, Take My Breath Away
Flying Pickets : Vox PopReview: The Pickets have an excellent ear for pop classics and translate them impeccably in the a cappella style, imparting their own unique spin. While some the arrangements remain on the whole true to the original versions, when the Pickets innovate, as they do on Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon," the results are even more impressive. "Southern Man" is transformed into a Jamaican reggae number; the only recognizable part is the refrain. The group has a particular knack for writing interesting countermelodies, that diverge and then resolve in unexpected ways. Their vocal approach is relaxed, never strained; the production, smooth and refined. Few groups handle contemporary material as well. Songlist: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Stand by Me, Les Yeux Revolver, Love Is All Around, Stop, Men And Women, No More I Love You's, Stupid Things, Time After Time, Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon, Southern Man, If I Could Fly, Eternal Flame, Dream a Little Dream, The Look in Her Eyes
Four Shadow : FourReview: The new a cappella sensation from Minneapolis, MN, talented all male quartet Four Shadow has the kind of slogan that warms our a cappella hearts, "All Vocals All The Time." They perform a repertoire of a number of original songs, as well as tunes by the Beatles, Paul Simon and the Dave Matthews Band, for audiences across America, singing over 150 shows a year in over 40 states. They have shared the stage with Huey Lewis, the Persuasions and Lonestar, and performed live on NBC's "Today" show. 13 songs, some favorites: the excellent, group-written originals "Breathin'," "Better Than This" and "Summer Sunday," Curtis Mayfield's Motown hit, "It's Alright," "Day Tripper," Buffalo Springfield's (made famous by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) "For What It's Worth," James Brown's upbeat "I Feel Good," CSN&Y's "Seven Bridges Road," the fairly silly "Blankets and Pie," (traditional melody with words by the group's Drew Tullar) "It's Gonna Rain" and the sublime, driving "Kyrie." OK, our favorites include just about all the songs, but in fact there's not a weak cut here. Crisp, solid vocal percussion, bright, innovative arrangements, and most of all, sheer vocal talent multiplied by four adds up to a stunning debut CD for this fast-rising young quartet from Minneapolis! Songlist: Breathin', Better Than This, When You Say Nothing At All, It's Alright, Day Tripper, For What It's Worth, I Feel Good, Here There, Seven Bridges Road, Blankets And Pie, Summer Sunday, It's Gonna Rain, Kyrie
Four Shadow : Where Have You Been? Review: Four Shadow comes from the same gene pool that produced contemporary a cappella heroes Rockapella, the House Jacks and Five O' Clock Shadow. The ear-friendly pop rock of original tunes such as "Little Mouse, " "Wendy" and "World To Me" are kicked off by the crisp snap and articulation of the vocal bass and drums, who work it with tight precision. Savvy production and arranging delivers points, creating a full and dynamic sound. The group spins rap with "George" and then careens into the off-kilter country polka feel and impolite lyric of "If" ("if you were a song I would not sing you" is the most civilized, and that's putting it kindly). A few covers - Paul Simon, Dave Matthews - round out the set. We like it. Songlist: Wendy, Fields of Joy, Little Mouse, One Week, World To Me, Ants Marching, Me & Julio Down by the School Yard, If, Georgie, Born At The Right Time
Heebee-jeebees : HeeBee JeeBee TVReview: Canada's finest a cappella humorists are back...big time. The recording has a couple of their trademark maritime-styled (sea chanties) humorous twists on human foibles that bracket a mix of arrangements which take us, laughing, on a tour of musical varities. That vocal trumpet is great! Then there's "Channel 12" which is a gospel sendup of TV Evangelism-for-money which has been nominated for the 2001 CARA Best Humorous song. The entire recording has been included among the CARA nominees for Best Humorous Recording. Great stuff! Songlist: Why Didn't I, Channel 12, Thursday Girl, Use The Force, You Kissed Me First, We Have Standards, I Hate David Schwimmer, Marry-Time Folksong, Rocks, Use The Force
Heebee-jeebees : Hurry Up And WaitReview: You are in for a treat. This recording contains straight ahead a cappella covers with no production embellishments, sung to you by the quartet who placed first in the 1997 Northern Harmony, A Canadian A Cappella Celebration. Now even though these songs are recorded just the way you could hear them performed on stage, the vocal kazoo and trumpet chorus on "Rockin' Robin does provide a distinctive, playful, embellishment. You'll find "Good Lovin'," "Blue Moon," "For The Longest Time," "Under The Boardwalk" (nice gargle effect there), "Duke Of Earl," "Sesame Street" and more, eighteen tunes in all. Go Canada! Get Heebee-Jeebees! Songlist: Good Lovin', Blue Moon, I'm in a Hurry, The Boring Song, Rockin' Robin, Spiderman, The Longest Time, Under the Boardwalk, Duke of Earl, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, You Kissed Me First, Sesame Street, Runsaround Sue, Rocks, California Dreamin', Rubber Duckie, Kiss Him Goodbye, The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Review: Canada's favorite all-male humorous a cappella quartet returns, dressed in surgical scrubs and having no qualms about suturing a "My Favorite Things" sample to a manic cover of "What I Like About You," the already silly "Guitarzan" gets sillier, a live crowd goes nuts on "Charlie On The MTA" and "Who Put the Bomp." There are spirited covers of "I Feel Fine" (with faux horns to die for), "Man of Constant Sorrow" (with a surprise sample of "Kumbaya"), "Walkin' On Sunshine," and the Monkees' "I'm a Believer" Also very funny are "Be My Yoko Ono" and the foot-tapping "Does Your Mother Know." "Surgical Strike" joins a slew of excellent Heebees CDs in our catalog: "Xmas Nuts," "Heebee Jeebee TV," "Falalalala," "Waiting Under The Mistletoe" and "Hurry Up and Wait." These guys have about as much fun, on stage and in the recording studio, as any a cappella group we've heard, and so do we! Songlist: What I Like About You, Guitarzan, Charlie On the MTA, Be My Yoko Ono, Does Your Mother Know, I Feel Fine, Man of Constant Sorrow, Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp Ba Bomp Ba Bomp), Walkin' On Sunshine, I'm A Believer
Review: We caught Minnesota's all male quintet Home Free's crowd-pleasing, funny set on stage at the 2010 Harmony Sweeps Finals, where they somehow failed to place. They were obviously unfazed by that result, as we were next blown away by their act in late 2013 on the stage of NBC's smash show The Sing-Off, in the Finals. They won, of course, and got such tremendous audience response that Columbia Records put together a beautifully recorded "best-of" CD, "Crazy Life." There are 11 tunes here, many of them familiar to "Sing-Off" fans: the Johnny Cash hit "Ring of Fire" (with guest soloist Avi Kaplan, and actually written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore), "Everything Will Be Okay," "I've Seen" and "Champagne Taste On a Beer Budget", all written or co-written by amazing bass Tim Foust (who also did a lot of the arranging); a Hunter Hayes medley of "Everybody's Got Somebody But Me," "Wanted" and "I Want Crazy;" "Any Way the Wind Blows" by Nesler, Hansen & Dodson;" "Jump Right In" by Brown, Mraz & Durette; "A Little Bit of Everything" by Rudolf, Warren & Warren and Kevin Fisher's title tune are all enthusiastic favorites. The strong leads by Austin and Rob, dynamic beatbox by Adam, steady baritone by Chris and rich, chocolaty bass by Tim, and just the pure effortless star quality of Home Free is well worth whatever the price to hear or see these guys! Songlist: Any Way the Wind Blows, Your Man, Everything Will Be Okay, Jump Right In, I've Seen, Wake Me Up, Ring of Fire, Hunter Hayes Medley, A Little Bit of Everything, Champagne Taste (On a Beer Budget), Crazy Life
Review: The album features 12 tracks, 10 of which are original songs. The two covers include Vince Gill's 1994 hit "Go Rest High on That Mountain" and John Denver's 1971 classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads." The original music features band members Austin Brown (high tenor) and Tim Foust (bass) as co-writers on several songs. "We've been waiting for a special time to release an album like Dive Bar Saints," Foust shares. "With a couple of us being able to write on it and release it on our own label - we're so proud of this record."2019 EP release features the group's trademark reworkings of some of pop culture's best loved bar-themed songs of the last few decades, including "Take Me Home Tonight" made famous by the late Eddie Money, "Tennessee Whiskey," recently covered by Chris Stapleton, Dan + Shay's "Tequila," and Smash Mouth's "All Star." Songlist: Remember This, Leave This Town, Dive Bar Saints, Catch Me If You Can, Lonely Girl's World, Cross That Bridge, Dreamer, What's the World Coming To?, Go Rest High on That Mountain, Why Not, Love Me Like That, Take Me Home, Country Roads
Home Free : The Sounds of LockdownReview: 2022 release from the country a cappella group. The Sounds of Lockdown - recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic - is the follow-up to their 2021 release Land of the Free. Songlist: On the Road Again, Flowers on the Wall, Crazy, The Gambler, One Voice, Meet in the Middle, Amazed, Bless the Broken Road, Down to the Honkytonk, One Man Band, Moonshine, Diamond Dreams, I Swear, Workin' for a Livin', Sunday Best, Cover Me Up, Never Gonna Give You Up, When a Man Loves a Woman, Sea Shanty Medley, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking for
Review: The group competed in and won the fourth season of The Sing-Off on NBC in 2013 and have gone on the great success with a steady touring schedule and an ever-growing fan base. The lead tenor, who fronts the group and sings most of the solos, is Austin Brown. Tenor is sung by Rob Lundquist, baritone harmony by Adam Chance, and Tim Foust sings bass with vocal percussion provided by beatboxer Adam Rupp. Although Brown is Home Free's primary soloist, all of the other members occasionally sing solos as well. This is a top-notch recording that shows their tight harmonies and impressive arrangements. Songlist: Life Is A Highway, It Looks Good, Castle On The Hill, When You Walk In, We Just Disagree, In The Blood, Man Of Constant Sorrow, Good Ol' Boy Good Time, I Can't Outrun You, Hillybilly Bone, Timeless
Hookslide : Bump It UpReview: We have enjoyed San Francisco's 4-man Hookslide's dynamic live show at Harmony Sweep's Regional competitions, at the A Cappella Summit and many local venues. "Bump it Up " is the group's third, and features some excellent original material on these 14 cuts, notably group member Paul Anderson's "Whatcha Wanna Do," "Way Past Down," "Superfriend" (written with group beatboxer Jon Pilat), the silly, sassy "Mr. Funky" (co-written by Anderson and tenor Mayank Thanawala, who personally wrote "Two Ways Out"). Covers of the Doobies' "Long Train Running," Chris Robinson's "Ride," Led Zep's "No Quarter," Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground," Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness," Cake's "Love You Madly" and The Trammps' "Disco Inferno." "Bump it up" is high-energy, fun stuff-an impressive third from local favorites Hookslide! Songlist: Watcha Wanna Do, Long Train Running, Way Past Down, Ride, Superfriend, No Quarter, Higher Ground, Two Ways Out, Try A Little Tenderness, Love You Madly, Mr. Funky, Disco Inferno, I Just Want To Celebrate, Apache Wedding Prayer
Hookslide : Original Spin Review: We've seen Daly City, CA all-male quartet Hook Slide at a West Coast Summit and a couple of Harmony Sweepstakes Regionals, including the 2002 Regional where they missed going to the finals by the smallest of margins. What we saw was a charismatic, talented group with an energetic, beautifully choreographed stage show and a winning combination of covers and excellent material written and arranged by the group. Listening to their debut CD "Original" only reinforces our opinion that Hookslide is going places! Included are mostly songs by the group: "It's You," "Needed More," "Don't Let Me Go," Simple Minds' "Don't You Forget About Me," "What Sin," "Tossed," "Make A Right," "Maybe Next Time," "Waiting," "My Hidden Wish," the driving, manic "Overreacting," a brilliant arrangement of Aerosmith's "Dream On" and "Funkbus." Paul Anderson, Mayank Thanawala, Jonathan Pilat and George Hoffman have a knack of writing and arranging to the strengths of the group, especially Jon's vocal percussion. The liner notes are beautiful and include all the words to the original songs-which is good, because Original Spin" is the kind of CD we'll want to listen to a few times to fully appreciate! Songlist: It's You, Needed More, Don't Let Me Go, Don't You Forget About Me, What Sin, Tossed, Make A Right, Maybe Next Time, Waiting, My Hidden Wish, Overreacting, Dream On, Funkbus
House Jacks : Get Down Mr PresidentReview: From one of the earliest practitioners of the modern a cappella sound the House Jacks have remained on the cutting edge of contemporary vocal harmony for many years. This latest release was recorded live in Europe where the group tours regularly and has built up a large and loyal following. There are 10 new original songs plus 4 covers and a new arrangement of audience favorite "Bam" on this fine release and the group rocks as always. Founding member Deke Sharon is well known in a cappella circles for his published arrangements and vocal percussionist Wes Caroll is considered to be one of the best mouth drummers around. Songlist: Bam, Believe, Summertime, The Only One I Want Around, This'll Do, Give It Up, The Leavin' Kind, They Won't Cry For You, Great Big USA, No Ride, Use Me, Since U Been Gone, Just Fine, Rock You, What A Wonderful World |
