Men's Barbershop Quartet Recordings

Barbershop Harmony Society : Top Quartets 2011

Review: Similar to fine wine each year at the Barbershop Society is like a harvest of the season's best. And 2011 was a particularly good vintage with gold going to Old School, silver to the Musical Island Boys and bronze to Masterpiece. Lots of wonderful harmony here.

Songlist: Ma! She's Makin' Eyes At Me, Once Upon A Time, Deed I Do, Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue, I'll Be With You, I Only Wanna Laugh, That's Life, Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long, My Romance, That Old Feeling, Love Me and the World Is Mine, New York State Of Mind, Mr Success, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Baby of Mine, What Don't You Fall in Love With Me?, I Must Be Coming Down With The Blues, Over The Rainbow, Skylark, Honey /Little Lize,

Crossroads : That Lucky Old Sun

Review: International Barbershop Harmony Society Quartet Champions Crossroads brings us their second album. The quartet won Gold at the BHS's 2009 international convention in Anaheim, CA, where Bass singer Jim Henry also directed the Ambassadors of Harmony chorus to their own international championship with the highest score ever obtained. All four members had previously won Gold in other quartets; Henry with 1993 champs Gas House Gang, baritone Brandon Guyton with 2002 champs Four Voices, lead Mike Slamka with 2003 champs Power Play, and tenor Fred Farrell with 1989 champs Second Edition. There are 13 songs here, favorites are Barbershop chestnuts such as 'Sweet Adeline,' 'Hey There,' the title tune and 'Bread and Gravy;' Gospel tunes like 'Your First Day in Heaven,' 'All People That On Earth Do Dwell,' 'Via Dolorosa' and 'Guard Me, Oh Lord;' a very funny short parody of a missing hairpiece that 'Blew By You,' Swing-era hits like Cab Calloway's 'The Jumpin' Jive,' Irving Berlin's 'Let Yourself Go' and Sammy Davis Jr.'s 'Too Close for Comfort;' and a sweetly harmonic take on Lennon and McCartney's 'Can't Buy Me Love.' Crossroads is a so-called Barbershop 'Super Group,' formed of gold medal winners, the BHS's highest honor. Listen to 'That Lucky Old Sun' to see why!

Songlist: The Jumpin' Jive, Let Yourself Go, Sweet Adeline, Too Close For Comfort, Hey There, Bread and Gravy, Your First Day in Heaven, Blew By You, That Old Lucky Sun, Can't Buy Me Love, All People That on Earth do Dwell, Guard Me, Oh Lord, Via Dolorosa

Vocal Spectrum : Vocal Spectrum 3

Review: A Barbershop quartet hailing from St. Charles, Missouri, Vocal Spectrum won the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Collegiate Quartet Contest in 2004, then went on to become the 2006 BHS International Quartet Champions. All members of Vocal Spectrum are graduates of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, and all are members of Ambassadors of Harmony, which won BHS International Chorus Gold in 2004 and 2009. The group's distinctive sound centers around the incredibly high vocal range of tenor Tim Waurick and lead Eric Dalbey. There are 12 finely-crafted songs here, some favorites are a trio of Disney tunes, 'When I See An Elephant Fly' from 'Dumbo,' 'It's Not Easy' from 'Pete's Dragon' and 'Aladdin Medley;' 'One Hand, One Heart' from 'West Side Story;' Jazz Master Thelonious Monk's iconic ''Round Midnight;' Brian Wilson's 'California Girls,' sung with the fast-rising Swedish Barbership quartet Ringmasters; Gospel tune 'I'll Live For Glory,' 'Willow Weep for Me,' arranged by BHS arranging legend Ed Waesche; and U2's 'MLK,' a soulful tribute to Martin Luther King. Every song is a gem here, and we love how these tremendously talented guys use their range, versatility and love for other genres of music to create one of the most remarkable Barbershop recordings we have heard!

Songlist: When I See an Elephant Fly, Willow Weep for Me, I'll Live in Glory, 'Round Midnight, It's Not Easy, Doggone, I've Done It, Weekend in New England, California Girls, MLK, Yes, Indeed!, One Hand, One Heart, Aladdin Medley

Review: From the first strains of the opening cut, 'When I Lift Up My Head,' we know that this Kansas-based all-male Gospel Barbershop quartet is something very special. 10 beautifully-crafted, inspirational songs, from 'Sabbath Prayer,' the touching 'Joseph's Song,' 'Great Getting' Up Mornin'/Good News Medley,' 'Let There Be Peace On Earth' (sung with Sweet Adelines group 'Zing'), and 'Sweet Hour of Prayer' up to the final cut 'May There Be Peace On Earth This Christmas.' 'Rejoice' is a feel-good, deeply spiritual winner for soulful 12th Street Rag.

Songlist: When I Lift Up My Head, Amazing Grace, Sabbath Prayer, Joseph's Song, Great Gettin' Up Mornin' / Good News Medley, Let There Be Peace on Earth, Sweet Hour of Prayer, The Lord's Prayer, My Life, My Love, My Song, May There Be Peace on Earth

Review: The four members of '12th Street' love to sing barbershop, and it shows! Here are 13 songs from the street: 'Four Brothers,' 'Someday Down In Carolin,' 'What If I Do,' 'In Your Eyes,' 'And The Angels Sing,' 'A Tree In The Meadow,' 'Let's Get Away From It All,' 'I Called You My Sweetheart,' 'I Am A Child Of God,' 'Celebrate The Child,' 'Little Altar Boy,' the title tune, and 'Irish Blessing.' Beautiful harmonies and a lot of feeling come through this rising, talented quartet!

Songlist: Four Brothers, Someday Down in Carolin', What'll I Do?, In Your Eyes, And the Angels Sing, A Tree in the Meadow, Let's Get Away from it All, I Called You My Sweetheart, I Am A Child of God, Celebrate the Child, Little Altar Boy, 12th Street Rag, Irish Blessing

Review: One of the prize Barbershop compilations of all time by the legendary 139th Street Quartet, 'Collection' is a winner for lovers of the finest Barbershop Harmony in the history of SPEBSQSA. The quartet was formed in 1975, and got its name from the address of Pete Neushul's factory building in LA, deciding to let the group make the name, instead of the name making the group. Four different lead singers, Jim Meehan (1975-78), Larry Wright (1978-88), John Sherburn (1988-91) and Dan Jordan(1991-present) contribute at least 10 songs to the grand total of 64 songs on this 3-disc set (which are, oddly, numbered 1, 3 and 9). Within 2 years of its founding, the 139th won a silver medal at the SPEBSQSA Internationals in Philadelphia, and regularly did well in competition, for instance scoring bronze medals in 1989, silver in 1990, and bronze again in 1991. Appearing on TV for the first time in 1985 on the first of several episodes of 'Cheers,' this was quickly followed by an episode of 'Night Court.' They were also very fortunate to record with the legendary Neil Diamond, who sang lead with the group on a song for each of his Christmas recordings, both of which went multi-platinum, 'God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen' on disc 3 is one of these tunes. The group wrote several of its own tunes, including 'Best Times I Ever Had,' 'Now Here You Are Back Again,' 'My Dear Old Irish Mammy,' as well as original words, intros and bridges to many other songs. Anyway, the liner notes are thick with Barbershop history and comments by the guys, and the music is all a cappella except for a couple of tunes like 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.' It's very hard to pick a favorite with so much great material, so we're going to go with the 'Theme Song From Cheers.' Sit back and enjoy about 3 hours of tunes by one of the great Barbershop quartets of all time!

Songlist: Bowery Medley, Wait 'Til The sun Shines, Nellie, Bach's Fugue (In D Minor), Down By The Old Mill Stream, 1927, Don't Put A Tax On The Beautiful Girls, Jean , I'm Just Wild About Harry, A Girlfriend Of A Boyfriend, Lulu's Back In Town, My Mother's Eyes, My Dear Old Irish Mammy, Good Old Zenith, Blackbird, I Get Around, It's Better To Leave Them Alone, Didn't We, I Got Rhythm, Kid's Song (Coney Island), My Alabama, French Medley, Daddy, You've Been A Mother To Me, We're Shovin' Right Off For Home, Sing An Old Barbershop Song, Jump Into My Mammy's Arms, I've Got The World On A String, Crazy Worlds, Crazy Tune, The Best Times I Ever Had, Money Makes The World Go 'Round, My Romance, Seaside Medley, I Wish I Was Eighteen Again, Don't Take Me Home, The Wild, Wild Women, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Now Here You Are, Back Again, Maple Leaf Rag, Bill Bailey Fugue, Grandpa's Spells, Chops, A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening, Swanee Intro with Hal Purdy, Swanee, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Parade- Medley, Can You Tame Wild Women?, Where Did You Get That Girl?, I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face, Ivory Rag, Forty-Five Minutes From Broadway, Kid's Song (Inch Worm), You Tell Her, I Stutter, Old Folks, Take Her Down To Coney Island, Puttin' On The Ritz, A Portrait Of My Love - Medley, A Cup Of Coffee, A Sandwich & You, Moscow Nights, If I Were You (I'd Fall In Love With Me), I'd Rather Be A Booster Than A Wise Guy, Through The Years, One Note Samba, Theme Song From "Cheers", A Salute To The 20th Century, Rigoletto Quartette

Review: Ranked among the top Barbershop Quartets in the world, 3 Men have a strong and diverse musical background ranging from classical to contemporary to Doo-Wop, as evidenced by their varied repertoire on 'Edge.' 12 songs beginning with the Swing tunes 'Hit That Jive Jack' and 'Crazy Rhythm;' Big Band tunes 'Sentimental Reasons' and 'I Got You Under My Skin;' Franz Biebl's 'Ave Maria,' the Rock tune 'What I Like About You;' Broadway hit 'Someone Like You' from 'Jekyll and Hyde;' and Kurt Bestor's touching 'Prayer of the Children.' There's tight harmonies and top-drawer entertainment from this impressive debut CD by versatile 3 Men & A Melody.

Songlist: Hit That Jive Jack, Wink and a Smile, Sing Me To Heaven, I Got You Under My Skin, For Sentimental Reasons, Ave Maria, What I Like About You, Someone Like You, Don't Worry, Be Happy, I Can Only Imagine, Prayer of the Children, Crazy Rhythm

Review: With the 1998 Central States District Championship and some international competition successes under their belts, the 4 young men who are 3 Men & A Melody have decided to bring their powerful, intricate harmonies into the recording studio. 12 songs, some of our favorites: 'Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy,' ''In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning,' 'Send In the Clowns,' 'Route 66,' 'Zombie Jamboree' and Harry Connick, Jr.'s 'Recipe For Making Love.' 'Strictly' is a fun, energetic CD, very much like 3MAAM's live show, we would guess, and we're expecting big things of these guys.

Songlist: Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy, R.O.C.K in the U.S.A, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Happy Together, I Can't Get Next To You, Send in the Clowns, Route 66, There Goes My Heart, Galileo, The Way You Look Tonight, Zombie Jamboree (Back to Back), Recipe for Making Love

Review: From New Jersey, 4 His Glory are a Christian quartet with roots in barbershop. Member Roger Blackburn is known for his 1973 'Barbershopping in Brass' recording, and has been principal trumpet for several professional symphonies (no trumpet on this recording though). The group's harmonic identity is vertically dominant, but they also embrace the spiritual and hymn within their stylistic convergence. Songs such as 'If We Ever Needed the Lord Before' are echoes to the rousing gospel style popularized by Thomas Dorsey, 'A Shelter In The Time of Storm' to its precursor, the evangelicals written by Ira Sankey. 'I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now, ' is arranged by Warren Haeger, and 'A Wonderful Time Up There,' is arranged by Earl Moon. 'You Better Get You Ready,' author unknown, is a mournful plea of hope for a better day, and 4 His Glory render it simply and powerfully.

Songlist: Rejoice, Ye Pure of Heart, It is Well with My Soul, If We Ever Needed the Lord Before, Were You There?, Let's Go On Together to the Promised Land, Illumine Me, Lord, Give Me Oil in My Lamp, A Shelter in the Time of Storm, The Breaking of the Bread, I Wouldn't Take Nothin' for My Journey Now, You Better Get You Ready, A Wonderful Time Up There, The Lord is Coming, Are You Ready?

Review: This is the 3rd recording of Gospel/Barbershop quartet Four His Glory, and they bring us 12 uplifting, tight-harmonied old and new hymns to Jesus. In the title track, the 4 tell us, 'But if all I've done in the time we've shared, is to turn your eyes on me, then I've failed... there's someone else I want you to see.' Their message is clear and consistent throughout, as endearing and sweet as their old-time Barbershop harmonies!

Songlist: Since Jesus came Into My Heart, Beneath The Cross of Jesus, Watch and Pray, Saved By Grace, Ivory Palaces, The Lord God Be Praised Above The Heavens, Story Of Jesus Medley, Victory in Jesus / Wonderful Grace of Jesus, Will You Love Jesus More?, Jesus, Hold My Hand, There is Power in the Blood, Jesus Is My Lord

Review: Songs of inspiration and faith from one of America's most favorite quartets. The versatile, Gold Medal-winning quartet is best known as a barbershop group, but 'Jazz, Jazz , Jazz' proved they could do jazz with the best of them, and now we have 'O Worship,' a state of the art gospel CD, filled with Acoustix' trademark rich, perfectly blended harmonies. The group is joined by The Toronto Northern Lights Chorus and the arrangements are by legends Gene Puerling, Kirby Shaw, Jim Clancy, Jay Giallombardo plus Acoustix' own Joel T. Rutherford. 12 songs: the title tune, 'My Lord and I,' 'You'll Never Walk Alone,' 'Fear Not, My Child,' 'I'll Fly Away Medley,' 'Hymns of the Cross Medley,' ' Breathe on Me, Breath of God,' ' Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' 'My Tribute,' 'What Wondrous Love is This/O Sacred Head, Now Wounded,' 'The Lord's Prayer' and 'Anthems/Ode to Joy.' These cover a wide range of musical styles with the common theme of voices in praise. Another winner from Acoustix!

Songlist: O Worship the King, My Lord and I, You'll Never Walk Alone, Fear Not, My Child, I'll Fly Away Medley, Hymns of the Cross Medley, Breathe on Me, Breath of God, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, My Tribute, What Wondrous Love This Is / O Sacred Head, Now Wounded, The Lord's Prayer, Anthems / Ode to Joy

Review: It is only two years after the first album which was pure classical barbershop. On Stars & Stripes the same perfectly pitched close harmonies are in full bloom but the repertoire is expanded considerably. There is a rousing selection of patriotic songs, 'The Stars and Stripes Forever,' 'The Star Spangled Banner,' 'God Bless The USA' and more! In the middle of the lineup we find a touch of jazz and then barberwop on 'Unchained Melody.' Acoustix is joined by Panache, the 1990 Queens of Harmony, for two songs on which they sing quartet duets. They do a chills up the back rendition of 'This Is The Moment' just before closing with 'So Many Voices Sing America's Song' on which they are joined by The American Pops Orchestra and The Vocal Majority. Stunning!

Songlist: The Stars and Stripes Forever, The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless The USA, A Song Like Daddy Used To Play, Blackbird Medley, Unchained MedleyWarren "Buzz" Haeger, And So To Sleep Again, If There's Anybody Here From Out Of Town, God Bless America, This Is The Moment, So Many Voices Sing America's Song

Review: Dallas, Texas is the home of the Vocal Majority. From this exalted platform lept three of the four Acoustix members Jeff, Todd and Jason. Rick joined them from the Town North Chorus, an across town rival. Collectively they performed a one-in-a-million feat by sweeping their four state preliminary competition to go to San Francisco for the SPEBSQSA International Quartet Championship where they won the gold medal in their first attempt at the competition! Let the perfect harmonies and dynamics, which won the hearts and ears of that crowd of 9,000 in 1990, move you right now. Listen to barbershop's finest whom the judges felt were the best in the world!

Songlist: When it Comes To Lovin' The Girls/They're All Sweeties , Medley So Long Mother, World War 1 Medley, River Of No Return, I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover, That's An Irish Lullaby, Tonight, Tonight, If I Loved You, After Today, Irish Blessing, I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over

Review: Pride (and 2003 Champions) of SPEBSQSA's Illinois District, Alchemy has been rising steadily through the Barbershop competition in their quest for the Gold. These 15 songs show us how much this group has polished and refined their sound in the process. 'Old St. Louie,' 'Birth of the Blues,' 'I Only Have Eyes for You,' the very apt 'Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans,' 'Dayton, OhioÐ1903,' the very funny 'Mississippi Squirrel Revival,' the deathless 'Lida Rose' in medley with 'Will I Ever Tell You,' 'Gospel Medley' and 'Stars Fell On Alabama' are pure Barbershop entertainment, that play on our heartstrings and nostalgia strings with the best of them. Sweet harmonies, pure ringing chords-this is the good stuff. Enjoy!

Songlist: Old St. Louie, Birth Of The Blues, I Only Have Eyes For You, I Love A Piano, Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans, I Tried To Forget You In Vain, Basin Street Blues, Dayton, Ohio - 1903, Mississippi Squirrel Revival, To-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's An Irish Lullaby), Naturally, Lida Rose / Will I Ever Tell You, Love Letters, Gospel Medley, Stars Fell On Alabama

Review: This is one snazzy quartet - the Auto Towners had definitely calculated the entertainment quotient, and one look at them in their costumes on the back cover will tell you that; their win at the 1966 Chicago Convention made quite an impression! Though they only continued quartetting until '69, songs such as 'My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose' (with a solo by Clint Bostick, baritone) and 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' evoke all of the romance and nostalgia of this classic American form, and are impossible to resist. Truly awesome versions of 'I Wish You Love,' 'Dancing On The Ceiling' and 'Through The Years' show that the Auto Towners actual forte were tender, achingly lovely ballads - the harmonic resonance of these four voices would stop traffic!

Songlist: in my brand new automobile, white cliffs of dover, if we can't be the same old sweethearts, margie, cuddle up a little closer, sonny boy, lida rose / dream of now (Bobbie Bostick, solo), pal of my cradle days, lorabelle lee, sweet dreams will ever take you home, you can't see the sun when you're crying, mame, charleston, i walk alone (al rebkop solo), my love is like a red, red rose (clint bostick, solo), a fellow needs a girl (carl Dablke, solo), everything's coming up roses, try to remember, can't help lovin' that gal of mine, georgie girl, for me and my gal, once upon a time, i wish you love, On the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, dancing on the ceiling, through the years

Review: There was plenty of great harmony singing in Indianapolis this year and as usual the competition was tough. Winning the gold medals this time was St. Louis-based Vocal Spectrum featuring Timothy Waurick, Eric Dalbey, Jonny Moroni and Chris Hallam. In 2nd place was barbershop 'supergroup' Max Q, OC Times were 3rd, Metropolis 4th and Flipside finished 5th. With many, many hundreds of quartets competing every year to finish in the top 20 is a real accomplishment and these quarts clearly demonstrate why barbershop singing remains vibrant to this day.

Songlist: Cruella De Vil, Cheer Up Charlie , Steppin' Out With My Baby, Love Me , Down With Love, That Old Feeling , Isn't It A Pity , A Shine On Your Shoes , Too Marvelous For Words , Distant Melody , Bare Necessities , Love Is Here To Stay , Love Me And The World Is Mine , Honey / Little 'lize Medley, I Love You For Sentimental Reasons , You Do Something For Me, South Rampart Street Parade , Cross The Mason Dixon Line , That's Life , Young And Foolish , For Me And My Gal Fit As A Fiddle

Review: July, 2007 in Denver, CO was hot, but the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Quartet competition being held there was even hotter! The gold went to supergroup Max Q, silver to OC Times, followed closely by Storm Front, State Line Grocery and Flipside. Live favorites from the top five are 'Little Pat' and 'I Got Rhythm/Fascinating Rhythm' medley by Max Q, 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' by OC Times, Storm Front's 'I Have Dreamed,' State Line Grocery's 'On The Sunny Side of the Street' and Flipside's 'The Banjo's Back In Town.' But listen to the Allies' 'Alamo Rag,' Wheelhouse's 'Anytime,' Saturday Evening Post's 'That's A-Plenty,' 3 Men & A Melody's 'Recipe for Making Love' and others by top 20 finishers such as Rounders, Four Aces, Late Show, 12th Street Rag, Voices Only, Nexus and Men in Black, and you'll see that excellence and entertainment were there in abundance on that magic night in Colorado!

Songlist: LIttle Pal, Rhythm Medley, I Want You, I Need You, I Love Yout, I Have Dreamed, On The Sunny Side of the Street, The Banjo's Back in Town, Do, Re, Mi, Alamo Rag, They Say It's Wonderful, Anytime, That's A-Plenty, If I Give My Heart To You, It's You, Recipe For Making Love, The Curtain Falls, That Rhythm Man, Middle Aged Man, Put Your Arms Around Me Honey, Mean To Me, Sugarcane Jubilee, Why Don't You Fall in Love With Me?/Undecided Medley

Review: This three-CD collection by the Bluegrass Student Union, with its stellar harmonies and faultless execution, is a must-have for any fan of barbershop and will earn many new devotees. BSU, a celebrated quartet formed in 1974 and winners of the 1978 SPEBSQSA Championship, has produced a treasure. A retrospective of their entire career, the collection includes barbershop favorites such as 'Coney Island Baby' and 'How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm.' the songs from Broadway's 'The Music Man' that comprised their third recording, Gershwin classics such as 'Our Love is Here to Stay' and 'I've Got a Crush on You,' and so much more! In addition, BSU has provided extensive liner notes that explain the group history and philosophy, and reveal the musical intelligence and knowledge that is evident in their work. Another bonus is the superior quality of the recording itself, which adds to the enjoyment. Highly recommended.

Songlist: I Told Them All About You Dear (Medley), I've Found My Sweetheart Sally, When It's Darkness On The Delta, Meet Me In Rosetime Rose, Midnight Rose, Girls Medley, The Auctioneer, Eyes Medley, It Was Just One of Those Things, This Little Piggy, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone, It's Not Where You Start/ Rose Colored Glasses Medley, Hi Neighbor, The Old Songs Medley, Biff The Friendly Purple Bear, Java Jive, The Chordbusters' March, I'm Confessin' That I Love You, Sixteen Tons, Here's To The Winners, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, The Bluegrass Gospel Medley, The Wells Fargo Wagon, Iowa Stubborn, Ya Got Trouble, Good Night My Someone, Marian The Librarian, Pick-A-Little-Talk-Little and Good Night Ladies , Shipoopi, The Sadder but Wiser Girl, The Buffalo Bills Music Man Medley, Gary Indiana, Till There Was You, Ya Got Trouble (Reprise), Jukebox Saturday Night Medley, Stardust, Minnie the Moocher, Sugar Medley, All the Things You Are, Peg O' My Heart, I Got Rhythm, I Can Dream Can't I, Mills Brothers Medley, Slap That Bass, A Foggy Day, Liza, I've Got a Crush on You, They All Laughed, Swanee, Porgy and Bess Overture, Love Is Here to Stay, As Time Goes By, Coney Island Baby, Lollipops and Roses, In My Brand New Automobile, River of No Return, How Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On the Farm, Erie Canal, Lulu's Back In Town, 1987 Birmingham, There Will Always Be a Place For You

Review: What is Bob's Yer Uncle's greatest selling point (clearly they do want their audience to put their money where their mouths are, so they can go on vacation, as the back of the CD says)? It's the tone of their blend. What defines good tone is to a degree a matter of opinion, but we'd wager that this Canadian quartet would attract attention in any part of the world by virtue of their warm and engaging sound. These 1999 Ontario District Champs are heard to greatest advantage on songs such as 'Moonlight Becomes You' and 'It Is Well With My Soul,' where the long legato notes and syllables are a perfect showcase. The group is skillful in their use of dynamics, and though they can pull off the big finish with splashy tags ('Down Among TheSugar-Cane' and 'Slow Boat To China'), Bob knows better than to rely on athletic displays of lung power. A quartet with great potential.

Songlist: Down Among the Sugar-Cane, Lullabye in Ragtime, Walkin/Sugar Medley, Old St. Louie, Orange Coloured Sky, So Long Mother, On a Slow Boat to China, So to Sleep Again, Ya Got Trouble, Moonlight Becomes You, Rain Medley, That's an Irish Lullabye

Review: This beautifully packaged double CD truly conveys the Boston Common aesthetic, which earned them not only the 1980 Championship, but also a exalted reputation that became the stuff of legend. Though they had no full-time coach, big band arranger Lou Perry frequently wrote arrangements for them (a point of principle, explained further in the liner notes, that apparently resulted in some political fallout), and the big band influence can be easily discerned ('Melancholy Baby'). 'We Three,' co-arranged by Perry and the group themselves, sounds like the early vocal harmony that became doo wop, whereas 'Chatanooga Shoe Shine Boy' is a blues/barbershop amalgam that definitely isn't typical (arranger's credit to the Four Rascals, a quartet to whom the Boston Common pay repeated tribute). In general, the group's reverence for barbershop as not merely entertainment but as art radiates throughout.

Songlist: It's A Good Day, If All My Dreams Were Made Of gold, Dancing At The Moving Picture Ball, Little Girl, Imagination, Don't Tell Me The Same Things Over Again, Lida Rose/ Till There Was You, Ten Feet Off The Ground, Sentimental Journey, In The Heart Of The City, There's Something I Like About Broadway, I Wonder What's Become Of Sally, Old Songs Medley, Caroline, There'll Be No New Tunes On This Old Piano, I'm Alone Because I Love You, From The First Hello (To The Last Goodbye), We Kinda Miss The Good Old Songs, What'll I Do, Many Happy Returns Of The Day, So Long Dearie, Am I Wasting My Time, I Don't Know Why, Barbershop Strut, My Melancholy Baby, Good Old Days, Who Told You, We Three, Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, Back In Dad And Mother's Day, If There'd Never Been An Ireland, Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy, Smilin' Through, Every Christmas Morning, Happy Birthday Uncle Sam, Dear Hearts And Gentle People , Roses Of Picardy, Sweet Adeline (You're The Flower Of My Heart), I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter, Walkin' My Baby Back Home, Anytime, Don't Blame Me, I'll Be A Song And Dance Man Again, You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby, Tha Old Quartet Of Mine

Review: The Bills bubbled to the top of the public consciousness during their star turn in the 'Music Man,' as the members of the River City School Board who sing 'Lida Rose' (a moment in barbershop history that would introduce many of us novices to the style). In fact, though, they continued to live long and prosper way beyond that. As Columbia recording artists, they produced many albums (some with accompaniment), the highlights of which are compiled on these two CD's produced by Brian Beck. Digitally re-mastered to bring the quality to modern standards (though several tracks from their very earliest recording efforts couldn't be repaired 100%, but heck, it's part of the charm), the Bills' sound is startlingly robust for a group that won 50 years ago! Significant credit for this must be given to the arrangements of Walter Latzko, who began an eight-album association with the quartet in 1951; his impact on barbershop singing in general can hardly be overstated. The Bills brought those arrangements to life, embodying yearning and romance ('I'd Love To Live In Loveland,' 'Your Eyes Have Told Me So,' 'If You Were The Only Girl'), as well as broad tomfoolery and brisk cheer, during romps such as 'Toot Toot Tootsie,' 'Dardanella' and 'With Plenty Of Money And You.' The longevity of their success may also be due in part to the smooth musicality of their approach and the warmth of their tone; though not breaking any sound barriers technically by today's standards, they don't need to. Released as part of the AIC Masterworks series to coincide with the 50th Annual Society Convention in Kansas City, this CD set is a great value.

Songlist: Hard Hearted Hannah, Birth Of The Blues, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Dardanella, Toot Toot Tootsie, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, Your Eyes Have Told Me So, If You Were The Only Girl, Rose of The Rio Grande, My Baby Just Cares For Me, A Cup of Coffee, A Sandwhich and You, I'd Love to Live in Loveland, Emaline, The Girl That I Marry, If I Could Be With You, With Plenty of Money and You, Goofus, They Didn't Believe Me, As Time Goes By, Walkin' With My Honey, Fit As A Fiddle , Bye Bye Blackbird, Why Do I Love You, Happy Days Are Here Again, Shut The Door, I'm A Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas, Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long, Josephine, Please Don't Lean On The Bell, I Love A Piano, The Preacher and The Bear, Wait Till The Sunshines Nellie, Ramona, I Wonder What's Become of Sally, Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, Beautiful Dreamer, I Want A Girl, My Blue Heaven, Tea For Two, Home, Blue Room, Miss You, When We're Alone (Penthouse Serenade)

Review: Here's history for you. The Buffalo Bills were International Champions in 1951 and are well remembered today for their appearance as a barbershop quartet in the 1962 movie 'The Music Man.' That appearance along with their winning harmonies leave an inspired heritage for today. The Chordettes were a Wisconsin group who shifted their focus from folk music to close harmony in the late '40s. After winning Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scout Show they became regulars on the show, which is why you'll hear them singing 'Down By The Old Mill Stream' with Arthur on this recording. From 1954-1961 The Chordettes had thirteen songs on the top hundred charts including the 1954 hit 'Mr. Sandman.' This is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of great barbershop groups!

Songlist: Time They Say It's Wonderful - Chordettes, If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight - Buffalo Bills, Angry - Chordettes, Down By The Old Mill Stream - Chordettes, Why Do I Love You - Buffalo Bills, Down Among The Sheltering Palms - Chordettes, As Time Goes By - Buffalo Bills, Fit As A Fiddle - Buffalo Bills, I Believe - Chordettes, Your Eyes Have Told Me So - Buffalo Bills

Review: The barbershop world is full of up-and-coming talent Ð who knows what quartet of today will be the gold medallists of tomorrow? Checkmate, who hail from the Land O' Lakes District, have produced an enjoyable and professional recording that pays homage to the quartets that are their inspiration. The Suntones, Second Edition, Boston Common and the Buffalo Bills receive top billing, with arrangers Walter Latzko, Ed Waesche and Mark Hale (among others), assigning the notes. Special mention has to go to 'Firefly,' which was performed by Jay Galliambardo's quartet, the 1979 Champions Grandma's Boys (now how many of you knew that?) 'Friend Like Me,' from the Disney movie 'Aladdin,' is the best entertainment value per measure.

Songlist: Consider Yourself, Firerfly, Lullaby In Ragtime, Wonderful One, As Time Goes By, Packer Fan Strut, If You Were The Only Girl In The World, When The Red, Red Robin, Lida Rose, Friend Like Me, The Song Is Ended, Last Dance At The Hop Medly, Ob La Di Ob La Da, One By One

Review: The Chicago News were formed in 1979 and retired in 1985, winning a silver, and then gold medal, in between. Having re-united, this stalwart quartet proves that it still has the mettle. Swiping and sliding, with a dense and hearty blend, their sound emphasizes rich tonality over complex embellishment. 'Everything Old Is New Again' is particularly appropriate, and 'I Want A Girl,' 'My Gal Sal' and 'Heart Of My Heart' will satisfy those who prefer their Society favorites. 'Together/The Three Of Us' is a comic recognition that 'we're a whole lot better with four,' - listen to that tag, descending through two fifths for effect. When it comes to singing a love song, such as 'Didn't We,' 'If' or 'The Way We Were,' Chicago News show that silver hair hasn't compromised their charm one bit.

Songlist: Together / The Three of Us, Everything Old Is New Again, Galway Bay, I Want A Girl, A Portrait of My Love / Medley, Didn't We, Standin' On the Corner , My Gal Sal, If, The Way We Were, Saloon / Please Don't Sell My Daddy No More Wine, Each Time I Fall In Love, Once Upon A Time, Heart of My Heart

Review: 1988 winners from Illinois, who have a solidly vertical approach and fold some adult contemporary pop into their mix. While we have no specific knowledge that they were an influence, we detect similarities to Dealer's Choice in terms of overall sound and style. Their tone has a suffused brightness, but is never strident. Ornamentation and solo passages add texture ('Memory' is particularly noteworthy), crescendos ('I've Gotta Be Me') when used, add impact. Though uncredited, instrumental tracks can be heard on a couple of the arrangements ('When Will I Be Loved,' 'With Plenty Of Money and You').

Songlist: Hey Look Me Over, Memory, I've Gotta Be Me, With Plenty Of Money And You, When Will I Be Loved, The Song Is Ended, Back In The Old Routine, Miss You, Don't Fence Me In, Gospel Medley

Review: There's a nice close-up photo of one of the gold medals won in 1988 by this quartet from Des Plaines, IL on the back of 'Solid Gold,' and it's a beautiful thing-an apt match for the beauty of the performance that it takes to win one of them! There's also some great pix of the guys in Irish green outfits, in WWI military uniforms and in a nice group picture. 12 songs, some favorites: 'Looking at the World Through Rose Colored Glasses,' 'What Kind Of Fool Am I,' the very funny 'I Used To Call Her Baby/Baby Face/I Want A Girl Medley,' 'It's A Great Day for the Irish/It's A Long Way to Tipperary/MacNamara's Band Medley,' 'They Were All Out Of Step But Jim,' 'Lonesome, That's All,' Ricky Nelson's 'Mary Lou' and 'Kiss Me One More Time.' 'Solid Gold' is a finely-crafted, spirited collection from a hugely talented quartet who were named 1988's International Champs!

Songlist: Looking at the World Through Rose Colored Glasses, Every Tear Is A Smile In An Irishman's Heart, What Kind of Fool Am I, I Used to Call Her Baby / Baby Face / I Want a Girl (Medley), Old Cape Cod, It's A Great Day for the Irish / It's A Long Long Way to Tipperary /, Macnamara's Band (Medley), I Never Knew / You Were Meant for Me (Medley), I May Be Gone For A Long Long Time, They Were All Out of Step But Jim, Lonesome - That's All, Mary Lou, Kiss Me One More Time

Review: Des Plaines, IL's Chiefs of Staff pay 'Tribute' on this CD to coaches, wives, families and fans that helped them along in their quest for 1988 SPEBSQSA quartet Gold. But in their song selection they also tip their hats to many legendary SPEBSQSA groups who inspired them, from the Night Hawks' immortal 'Buddy, Can You Spare A Dime,' to the Mark IV's 'Piano Roll Blues' and 'Million Tomorrows.' A nod to Detroit's Gentlemen's Agreement's 'Ma, She's Making Eyes,' Chicago's Elastic Four's 'Mood Indigo,' and foursomes such as the Suntones, Chicago News, Four Statesmen, and the Easternaires. 11 tunes, some other favorites are 'Sam the Old Accordion Man,' 'They Wrote 'Em in the Good Old Days,' 'Wonderful One' and 'Keep Your Eye On the Girlie You Love/Somebody Stole My Gal Medley.' Beautifully arranged, flawlessly, expressively harmonized-'Tribute' is a gem!

Songlist: Sam the Old Accordion Man, Little Town in the Old County Down, They Wrote 'Em in the Good Old Days, Mood Indigo, When I Look in Your Eyes, Old Piano Roll Blues, Ma, Wonderful One, I'd Give A Million Tomorrows (for Just One Yesterday), Keep Your Eye on the Girlie You Love / Somebody Stole My Gal (Medley), Brother, Can You Spare A Dime

Review: In January of l987, just for the fun of it, Dick Johnson and Lymm Hauldren decided to start a new group just to sing in the District Prelims. Instead of the one night stand they expected, they qualified for the International, made both cuts, placed ninth and even got a standing ovation! This live album is such great schtick and the gags so funny that the quality of singing is too easily taken for granted. It is also true it's great to share the laughter with a most appreciative audience. Typical of the gags are 'Nothin' Could Be Finah''(...than a little old angina in the morning...). It's amazing how many of their original jokes you will have heard in the world of medicine without ever knowing from whence they came.

Songlist: We Do Make a Barrel of Money, Ben Casey, Please Come Home, Nothin' Could Be Finah', I See Bones, (Hospital Small Talk), In My Neat Little Hospital Gown, I Didn't Mean to Make You Die, Part of My Heart, The Richer They Are..., What Takes the Place of My Heart, Huggin' and Chalkin', I Left My Heart In San Francisco, Darkness on a Delta, Five-Oh-Two, Where Are You?

Review: After a most successful ten years of performance and competition appearances, Chordiac Arrest decided that it was time for an anniversary album. During their first ten years they finished four times in the International Finals top ten, twice at number five. Their targets of humorous opportunity have widened to include airline travel, terrible food ('That's The Worst Jello I've Had Since Last July'), morticians, plumbers, transvestites, and music ('Lady of Spain I Abhor You') in addition the medical/doctor gags for which they are renown. Several of the tunes were recorded directly from the International Contest stage when the audience isn't merely enthusiastic, they go nuts!

Songlist: California, Here We Come, That's the Worst Jello I've Had Since Last July, Eat an Apple Every Day, They'll Be Seeing You, We Can't Find His Kidney, After He's Gone, Makin' the Old Long Green, Hug Your Plumber Today, How's Every Little Thing in Dickie?, Dickie's on a Diet, Lady of Spain I Adore You, Anna form Indiana, We'll Blow our Nose Together, Doin' the Barbershop Squat

Review: What we have here is a classic collection of Barbershop tunes by, well, The Classic Collection, 1982 SPEBSQSA quartet Gold medalists from Denver. These four champions haven't lost a beat since that glorious night in Pittsburgh--this is one of five top-drawer recordings they've produced-the trademark rock-solid bass and baritone parts with the sweet leads soaring above haven't changed. Butter-smooth harmonies and nostalgia are the CC's stock in trade, and nobody does it better! 12 well-chosen songs, from the sweetly romantic 'Moonlight Becomes You,' 'Miss You,' 'If You Were The Only Girl In The World,' 'If I Could Be With You,' 'My Blue Heaven' and 'Remembering Time' to the upbeat flapper anthems 'Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home,' 'Toot, Toot, Tootsie,' 'I'm A Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas' and 'With Plenty of Money and You.' We also enjoyed the silly 'Goofus.' Whether they're tugging our heartstrings or tickling our funny bone, the Classic Collection is all about great entertainment!

Songlist: Moonlight Becomes You, With Plenty of Money and You, Miss You, I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas, If You Were the Only Girl in the World, Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home, Too, Toot, Tootsie, Sleepy Time Gal, Goofus, If I Could Be with You, My Blue Heaven, Remembering Time

Review: Tenor Curt Hutchison, Lead Larry Wilson, Baritone George Davidson and booming Bass Terry Heltne won the SPEBSQSA Central States District Championship in 1975. Moving to Denver in 1977, they won that District as well. And in 1982 they won the International Quartet Championship by the largest winning margin (296 points) up to that point. These same four men have been singing together for 31 years, and Masterworks series brings us a 27-tune 'best-of' recording of one of Barbershop's all time greatest groups. Classic Collection specialized in nostalgic, romantic heart-tuggers, and from 'I've Seen My Baby,' 'When You Look In the Heart of a Rose,' 'In the Land Where Shamrocks Grow' and 'Little Silver Lady' to 'Oh, You Beautiful Doll,' 'Paper Doll,' 'Moonlight Becomes You,' 'My Blue Heaven,' 'Makin' Whoopee,' and the final cut 'Jezebel,' every one of these cuts is sweet, harmonic and true. If you love Classic Barbershop, this wonderful, entertaining collection is for you-enjoy!

Songlist: I've Seen My Baby (and It Won't Be Long Now), When You Look in the Heart of a Rose, Lil From Daffodil Hill, It's the Same Old Shillelagh, In the Land Where the Shamrocks Grow, Little Silver lady, Put Me to Sleep with an Old Fashioned Melody, Nobody Knows What a Red Head Mama Can Do, Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, All the World Will Be Jealous of Me, Can't You Hear Me Callin' Caroline, Paper Doll, Seems like Old Times, Baby Won't You Please Come Home, I Don't Believe In 'If' Anymore, The Last Waltz, Portrait of my Love Medley, Moonlight Becomes You, With Plenty of Money and You, Miss You, If You Were the Only Girl in the World, If I Could Be with You, My Blue Heaven, Makin' Whoopee, Finian's Rainbow Medley, Jezebel

Review: The Classic Collection has honed its skills even more since they were named SPEBSQSA Quartet Gold medalists on a hot summer night in Pittsburgh in 1982. The Denver quartet has steadily expanded its repertoire by keeping alive the memories of outstanding past champions, as well as including new arrangements in 'Signature,' their 5th excellent album. They lend their own distinctive interpretations to such Suntones' (1961) standbys as the 'West Side Story' and 'Finian's Rainbow' medleys, 'Jezebel' and 'Sweet Georgia Brown;' the Four Renegades' (1965) 'Makin' Whoopee,' the Buffalo Bills' (1950) 'Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long' and 'Waitin' For The Evenin' Train.' Also included in the 9 songs are some of their own winners, 'I'll Be Seeing You' and 'Hard Hearted Hannah.' Rich harmonies and great material, sung with feeling and personality by four great champions. What could be better?

Songlist: West Side Story Medley, Waitin' for the Evenin' Train, Hard Hearted Hannah, I'll Be Seeing You, Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long, Makin' Whoopee, Sweet Georgia Brown, Finian's Rainbow Medley, Jezebel

Review: The Confederates, two born-and-bred Rebels teamed with two Yankees, placed 31st in International Competition in 1954, 2nd in Miami in 1955, and in 1956 became International Champions at Minneapolis. Featuring the pure Tenor of George Evans, the mellow Baritone of 'Buzz' Busby, the Rich Bass of Wally Singleton and the sweet lead of Dave LaBonte, the Confederates were pure professionals, exulting in the joy and power of their voices. From the heart-tugging: 'Chloe,' 'Boy of Mine,' 'Down Where The South Begins,' 'Pal of My Cradle Days,' 'A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square,' and 'Just In Case You Change Your Mind;' to the pure fun: 'I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover,' 'Twelfth Street Rag,' 'Creole Cutie,' 'Red Head,' these guys' singing is anything but, ah, uniform! 12 great songs.

Songlist: Chloe, I'm Looking Over A Four-Leaf Clover, Boy Of Mine, Twelfth Street Rag, Down Where The South Begins, Creole Cutie, Red Head, Mammy O'Mine, Just In Case You Change Your Mind, Pal Of My Cradle Days, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, The Lord's Prayer

Review: This enhanced CD receives udos for excellent entertainment value. Countdown, from the Far Western District, have exercised their imaginations to the fullest, providing not only a baker's dozen of enjoyable barbershop tunes, but a veritable extravaganza of amusement. Take the Countdown quiz, watch a video, or play our personal favorite, 'Whack A Barbershopper!' This is not to discount the quartet's vocal abilities, whether playing it straight ('Roses of Picardy,' 'There Used To Be A Ballpark,' 'Turn Around'), or light-hearted ('Mobile,' '18 Wheels On A Big Rig'). Ingenious.

Songlist: South Rampart Street ParadeKen Potter, Roses of Picardy, There Used to Be a Ballpark, Jeepers Creepers, Turn Around, River Stay 'Way From My Door, Mobile, I'm Gonna Lock My Heart, Time After Time, So Long Sally, Sixteen Tons, Old St Louis, 18 Wheels On A Big Rig

Review: Crossroads is the new 'superquartet' on the Barbershop Block, formed of four singers who are former BHS International Gold medalists in their own right, tenor Fred Farrell, lead Mike Slamka, bass Jim Henry and baritone Brandon Guyton. Henry won Gold in 1993 as a founding member and arranger of the legendary Gas House Gang, and is currently musical and artistic director of the 160-voice Ambassadors of Harmony. Guyton pocketed Gold in 2002 with Four Voices, Slamka sang his way to Gold with 2003 champs Power Play, and Farrell wore Gold with 1989 Quartet champs Second Edition. With this much vocal and arranging talent and experience, it came as no great surprise that newly-formed Crossroads struck Gold again in Anaheim, CA in 2009! Their new CD just arrived in our hands hot off the presses: 12 tunes plus a bonus track, 'Lydia.' 'You Don't! You Won't!,' 'Georgia May,' Roy Orbison's 'Crying,' the nostalgic 'Little Patch of Heaven' and 'Daddy's Little Girl,' the Simon & Garfunkel anthem '59th Street Bridge Song' (Feelin' Groovy), the upbeat 'Back In Business,' 'Roll, Jordan, Roll,' 'Mean To Me,' 'Mobile,' 'Better Than I' and 'Country Dances' all feature butter-smooth harmonies, sweet leads, ringing, effortless held chords, deep bass parts, perfect arrangements and the shear joy of singing of these four new/old champions. Listen to 'Crossroads,' officially, and actually, Barbershop's best!

Songlist: You Don't! You Won't!, Georgia May, Crying, Little Patch Of Heaven, 59th Street Bridge Song, Back in Business, Daddy's Little Girl, Roll Jordan, Roll, Mean to Me, Mobile, Better Than I, Country Dances, ...And Lydia

Review: When the paint was still drying on the faux Victorians of Disneyland's Main Street, USA, it was abundantly clear that four of the people who 'lived' there needed to be a barbershop group, that made-in-America musical invention. The Dapper Dans were invited/created and fell in love with the place; the Main Street audiences loved them right back, and one of the most enduring barbershop groups in entertainment history was born. 'Live!' showcases the Dans in their element, in front of live Disneyland audiences, and it contains 30 of their most popular songs. Heavily featured are the Deagan Organ Chimes (hand-held antique tubular bells played by the quartet). There's a fair amount of schmaltz, bad puns and general silliness of course, but the songs are pure, sweet Americana, with some Disney favorites like 'Disney Medley,' 'Cruella De Vil,' 'Alice in Wonderland/All in the Golden Afternoon Medley,' 'Muppets Theme,' 'I Love to Laugh,' 'You've Got A Friend in Me,' 'Main Street Electrical Parade' and 'Grim, Grinning Ghosts.' Then we have feel-good nostalgic classics like 'They Wrote 'Em in the Good Old Days,' Do You Remember When,' 'You're the Flower of My Heart, Sweet Adeline,' 'Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis,' 'Happy Days Are Here Again,' 'Swinging On a Star,' Yankee Doodle Dandy,' Stephen Foster's 'Oh! Susanna' and many others. All of the yummy harmonizing we love from a bona fide American institution!

Songlist: They Wrote 'Em In The Good Old Days, Muppets Theme, Chimeology, Mr. Sandman, Just In Case You Change Your MindDapper Dans, Do You Remember When?, Can Can, Alice In Wonderland/All In The Golden Afternoon Medley, Chopsticks, Pop Goes The Weasel, Cruella De Vil, I Love To Laugh, You're The Flower Of My Heart, Sweet Adeline, Main Street Electrical Parade, Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis, Standing On The Corner, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, You've Got A Friend In Me, Disney Medley, Happy Days Are Here Again, Hi! Neighbor, For Me And My Gal, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Grimm, Grinning Ghosts, M-O-T-H-E-R, Swinging On A Star, CD Jingle, Oh! Susanna, Who Will Buy?, So Long

Review: 1973 International Quartet Champions Dealer's Choice recorded this CD just prior to their appearance at the British Association of Barbershoppers Convention in 1978. Featuring a nice mix of traditional barbershop and pop tunes, such as a Simon & Garfunkel medley and the quintessential hankie-wringing movie theme, 'The Way We Were,' the group also includes the tongue-in-cheek 'Ain't She Sweet,' and 'Chloe,' which begins subtly and then gradually swells into a broad chorus, followed by its apogee, the tag-the defining moment for any manly barbershop contingent!

Songlist: Have A Little Talk With Myself, Chloe, Simon & Garfunkel Medley, Shenandoah, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, The Way We Were, Yes Indeed!, Contest Up-Tune Medley, Together , Ain't She Sweet?, This Is All I Ask

Review: A different line-up than that of the previous recording-Brian Beck and Greg Clancy assuming the positions of Al Kvanli and Greg Lyne-Volume Four nonetheless reflects the same fine close harmony that made Dealer's Choice consistently popular, even today. Leading off with a crowd-pleasing Beach Boys medley, the Dealers segue into 'If You Could Read My Mind,' the 'seventies pop hit, the arrangement of which is entirely original and a barbershop how-to manual of stylistic conversion. A recommended selection for any fan of the genre, but Dealer's Choice enthusiasts will want all four volumes.

Songlist: Beach Boys Medley, If You Could Read My Mind, Hello Mary Lou, Brian's Song, I'm Looking At The World Through Rose Colored Glasses, Where Is Love?, I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do, You'll Never Know, Mr. Piano Man, Like The First Tme

Review: Dealer's Choice were SPEBSQSA Champions in 1973, and maintained their following and reputation through a long and prodigious career. This four-CD 'Anthology' traces their evolution as barbershoppers supreme. The first CD's focus is on the traditional, with 'At The Jazz Band Ball,' 'Who'll Take My Place When I'm Gone' and 'Old Fashioned Mother of Mine' some examples. Subsequent recordings featured more vocal jazz and pop, such as 'What'll I Do' and 'Didn't We,' along with the Beach Boys and Simon and Garfunkel medleys. The Dealer's Choice arrangement of the 'Lord's Prayer,' from the second CD, is especially grand. This group combined exceptional tone, state-of-the-art arrangements and performance flair Ð legendary!

Songlist: Songs Like Daddy Used To Play, Choice II, The Last Session, Like The First Time

Review: Excalibur's third CD and we think, their best. Considered to be a contemporary barbershop group, they have placed consistently in the top ten in competition. With arrangements by Greg Volk, whose distinctive style has been in demand by countless quartets of late (including Acoustix), the showpiece of this recording has to be the 'Sound Of Music' medley. Featuring a series of amazing and inventive transitions, it's inspired, particularly 'Edelweiss' and 'My Favorite Things.' The title track illustrates the group's forte, interpreting standards; however, they also include competition-friendly arrangements of songs such as 'Ida,' 'Ain't She Sweet' and 'Atlanta's Jumpin'.' Finally, the 'America' medley ends on a stirring note - is there some kind of award for 'most challenging tag'? Salute!

Songlist: You'll Never Go Wrong With a Son, Sound of Music Medley, You Made Me Love You, Alley Cat, Unforgettable, Your Mother Should Know Medley, Atlanta's Jumpin' (This Jount Is Jumpin'), There Goes My Heart, Ida / Ain't She Sweet Medley, Nice Work if You can Get It, America Medley

Review: At the Mid-Winter Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, Fatherly Advice (Tenor Dan Tangarone, Lead Dick Bek, Baritone Bill Thurman and Bass Burt Staffen) won the gold and became the 1996 SPEBSQSA International Senior Champions. FA takes a firm grip on the heartstrings at song one, 'I'm Gonna Sit Right Down...' and the gentle tugging goes on until song 27, 'We All Fall,' is over. There Never was a Gang like theirs, all Dear Hearts and Gentle People with a Shine on Their Shoes, who sang 'Heart of My Heart.' And they sing it with such sweet harmony, you know it was true. A real feel-good CD!

Songlist: I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, A Shine On Your Shoes, Little Street Where Old Friends Meet ( It's Just A), Walkin' With My Honey (I'll Be), If, Turn Your Radio On, In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, There Never Was A Gang Like Mine, The Story Of The Rose (Heart of My Heart), The Gang That Sang "Heart Of My Heart", Peg O'My Heart, Old Songs Are Just Like Old Friends, The Very Thought of You, I Don't Know Why ( I Just Do), Dear Hearts and Gentle People, When I Take My Sugar to Tea, Dream a Little Dream Of Me, Lida Rose, Mood Indigo, Lullaby in Ragtime, Hello Mary Lou, It Had to Be You, Sleepy Time Gal, Radio, Remember Radio, What'll I Do, Coney Island Baby / We All Fall

Review: Formed in 1956, the Four Renegades slowly rose in International competitions until winning it all by 450 points in Boston, 1965. At that point they were: Bass, Tom Felger, Baritone, Jim Foley, Lead, Ben Williams and Tenor Buzz Haeger. There are 30 songs, and it's hard to tell who's having more fun, the group or the audience. Want funny? Listen to 'Mr. Bassman.' Poignant? 'The Little Boy.' Rousing? 'Waiting for the Robert E. Lee.' Spiritual? 'The Lord's Prayer.' The Renegades were funny, they sang great, they had class, and they were tremendous barbershop ambassadors. It adds up to a CD that's big fun!

Songlist: Nervous Quartet Intro, When The World Was Young, Mr Bassman, George M Cohan Medley, Lili Marlene, Save a Little Sunbeam, I Left My Heart In San Francisco, Daddy's Little Girl, Heart Hearted Hanna, Wait Till The Sun Shines Nelly, When I Leave The World Behind, Because, Send The Girls Over There, Old Folks, The Lord's Prayer, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, Please Don't Talk About Me, This Is All I Ask, This Could Be The Start Of Something Big, Lost In The Stars, When The Midnight Choo Choo, The Little Boy, My Gal Sal, Waiting For The Robert E Lee, There Never Was A Gang Like Mine, That's A-Plenty, Last Night Was The End Of The World, Cabaret, Yesteryear, The New Franky And Johnny

Review: Members of the Four Statesmen began quartet singing as early as 1945. The first International appearance was in 1964, where they placed twelfth. Following their win in 1967, they kept singing, with appearances on the Mike Douglas TV show and tours that took them as far abroad as England, France and Italy. The 27 songs on this recording include the sentimental - 'Try To Remember,' 'Climb Every Mountain' and ' I Miss You Most Of All' are just a few - as well as the lighthearted: 'I've Got The Time, I've Got The Place, But It's Hard To Get The Girl' and 'Crazy Bones Skeleton Ball.' Our favorite: 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,' with a beautifully-harmonized refrain.

Songlist: My Gal she has some wonderful ways, rose on your cheek, try to remember, my wonderful one, crazy bones skeleton ball, bonna build a montain, climb every montain , once in love with amy, west of the great divide, i've got the time, i've got the place, but it's hard to get the girl, story of the three bells, one of those songs, when the blue of the night meets the gold of the day, i've got rhythm, by the timeI get to phoenix, there's something about a soldier, in the wee small hours of the morning , the old songs medley, a fellow needs a girl, maggie blues, you'll never wald alone, Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head, from the first hello to the last goodbye, roll on, mississipi, roll on, a song and dance man, dixieland medley, preacher and the bear, you only want me when you're lonesome, i miss you most of all

Review: Having won the 1996 Collegiate and 1999 Dixie District Championships, the clamor for a recorded set has been strong. Seeing the Four live at National, it seemed certain they would place top ten. Well, there's always next year. Their robust and hearty delivery is matched by the fullness of their tone. 'Bright Was The Night' begins delicately, before swelling into a dramatic coda; 'It Is Well' follows a similar strategy. The gentle sway of 'Barbershop Style,' 'Ain't Misbehavin'' and 'After You're Gone' are good-natured remembrances of another era. The most stirring arrangement is the gospel flavored 'This Little Light Of Mine.'

Songlist: Brand New Day, Ain't Misbehavin', After You've Gone, This Little Light Of Mine, My Father, My Friend, Ballgame, Bright Was the Night, It Is Well, Barbershop Style, Didn't Want To Fall, I'll Fly Away, Bonus Song: All Rise

Review: The four Christian young men who are Cleveland, Tennessee-based Barbershop group Four Voices won the Gold at SPEBSQSA's 2002 convention in Portland, and 'II' shows us all the faith, charisma, humor and rock-solid harmonies that caught the ear of the judges. 12 songs, 'No No Nora,' 'The One I Love,' 'You Made Me Love You,' 'Charleston,' 'Lazybones,' 'After You've Gone,' 'My Mother's Eyes,' 'Muppet Show,' 'If I Only Had a Brain,' 'Yes Sir, That's My Baby' and 'Lamb of God.' You know the kind of barbershop chord that goes on longer than it's possible to hold your breath, and rises to a chord so high and sweet, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up? Four Voices sings those kind of chords--simply the best!

Songlist: No No Nora, The One I Love, You Made Me Love You, Charleston, Lazybones, After You've Gone (Live), My Mother's Eyes, Muppet Show, If I Only Had A Brain, Yes Sir, That's My Baby, Lamb of God

Review: Barbershop Comedy specialists and 1999 SPEBSQSA International Quartet champs Fred have 3 excellent CDs and one DVD under their belts, and 'The FreDinci Code' is another winner! Cool graphics on the liner notes include the boys as 'Claytino,' 'Joseppi,' 'Regetonni' and 'Stupido' Fredinci, and have them performing in togas before an amazed, heavily Photoshopped version of DaVinci's 'Last Supper.' The 'FreDinci Code,' or songlist, includes 11 straight, or altered, tunes, 'Zippitty DooDah,' 'Me and My Shadow,' 'What a Wonderful World,' 'Little Brown Jug,' the totally silly Italian lesson 'Amore,' and 'I Gotta Be E,' the manic 'Can Can,' 'Sweet Embraceable You,' the crazed impersonations of 'Fred Vegas Medley' and 'Where Did the Time Go.' Where indeed? The FreDinci Code needs to be listened to carefully again and again to pick up the jokes, or clues as the case may be. Good, funny stuff.

Songlist: Zippitty DooDah, Me And My Shadow, What A Wonderful World, Little Brown Jug, Amazing Grace, Amore, I Gotta Be E, Can Can, Sweet Embraceable You, Fred Vegas Medley, Where Did The Time Go

Review: They're Back! Get the wimmin and chillun off the streets. Gather them by the old CD player and enjoy! They alternate between simply beautiful songs and humor which frequently takes one by surprise because the singing is so good just before they go off the deep end. There are a couple of updated old Smothers Brothers gags, 'Streets of Laredo' and 'I Never Will Marry.' There are a couple of wacky intros to otherwise wonderful songs. They spooflicate Steven Foster unmercifully in an verbal introduction and then sing a beautiful 'Old Folks At Home.' A melodic 'I Don't Know Why' starts so beautifully and then...the vocal horns...

Songlist: I've Got Rhythm , Just the Way YouLook Tonight, Streets of Laredo, Muskrat Ramble, Ya Gotta Know How to Dance Medley, Love's Old Sweet Song, I Never Will Marry, I Can't GiveYou Anything But Love/ LOVE Medley, I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, Old Folks at Home, Please Kind Sir, I Don't Know Why, Jungle Book Medley, Get Happy

Review: These four gentlemen from Georgia, known otherwise as the 'Clown Princes' of barbershop, have once again captured the hearts and funny bones of entertainment lovers everywhere with their newest collection of songs. 'Putting the Ha in HArmony' is a double length recording, containing over 20 of Fred's most memorable live performances. The recording chronicles the past ten years of contests and shows, climaxing with their winning the SPEBSQSA's international quartet championship. It is crammed full of brilliant parodies, impeccable timing and pure blended harmonies. These songs are not available on any other recording. It is the ultimate Fredology.

Songlist: Keep Your Eye On The Girlie You Love, Someone Stole My Gal, Ballin' The Jack, Harmony Lanes / Bowling Shoes, Four Girl Medley, I Wish That We Could Someday Make Top Ten, Love's All Sweet Song, I've Got Rhythm, Fit As A Fiddle, You Are My Sunshine, Sweet Adeline, AIC Parody, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, The Meaning of FRED, All By Myself, Top Ten Parody, Name The Champs, We'd Like To Trade Our Silver, Connelly's Back In Town, Nincompoopie, If You can't Tell The World She's a Good Little Girl, Judge's Parody, Who'll Take Fourth Place?

Review: Just how good do you have to be before you can be a barbershop comedy group? Really, really, good! Winning medalists at the International Finals in 1996 (fourth place), 1997 (second place) and 1998 (fourth place again) are some of their triumphs but their greatest triumph will be the pure enjoyment you will have each time you hear this cross between wonderful singers and class clowns! For pure goofiness try 'Herman and Sally,' Harmony Lanes/Bowling Shoes,' 'Big Time Gutter Ball' or the atrocious 'Hindustan,' a live recording. Then there is 'This Little Light of Mine' with its ballistic ending or the beautiful 'Someone's Rockin' My Dreamboat.' Where does it all end? ...at the last song, of course!

Songlist: Hello, Hello, Hello, Church Bells, Fit As A Fiddle, When I Fall In Love, Let's Get Away From It All, Herman And Sally, This Little Light Of Mine, The Song Has Ended, Blue Skies, Write Myself A Letter, Ballin' The Jack, Harmony Lanes/ Bowling Shoes, Big Time Gutter Ball, Hindustan, Someone's Rockin' My Dreamboat, Tiger Rag

Review: Tenor Dan, Lead Wes, Baritone Bill and Bass Forrest bring a combination of over 150 years of Barbershop Singing to their quartet, 2003 Evergreen District Champions. What is clear on these 13 tunes, however, is the group's love of singing and entertaining people. Some of our favorites are here, 'Allegheny Moon,' 'In The Still of the Night,' 'It's Only a Paper Moon,' 'Stormy Weather,' 'That's An Irish Lullaby,' 'Easy Street,' 'Here's that Rainy Day,' 'Creole Cutie' and 'Time After Time.' Rich, smooth harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, ringing, effortless chords - these are what we've always loved about Barbershop!

Songlist: Allegheny Moon, Nevertheless, In The Still Of The Night, It's Only A Paper Moon, Stormy Weather, What'll I Do, Don't Blame Me, Where Is Love?, That's An Irish Lullaby, Easy Street, Here's That Rainy Day, Creole Cutie, Time After Time