The 15 talented Beelzebub men are presented on the cover of "Code Red" as various strange and colorful superheroes, and the theme is carried into what appears to be a heavily accompanied cover of Styx' "Mr. Roboto," with strings, cymbals, synthesizers, snare drums and everything. Then you notice the line in the campy foldout liner notes: "Every sound on this recording was created solely by our fifteen mouths." So we immediately went from "shut off the damn synthesizers" mode to "how the hell did they make that sound?" mode. One caveat--the voices seem to be "technically augmented," that is, sung into machines that alter them significantly, like a "wah-wah" pedal that attaches to an electric guitar. Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star" is followed by Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" and Bush's "Machinehead." Nelly's "Hot in Herre" is followed by an incongruous cover of Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight." Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train," Phil Collins' "Take Me Home," Reel Big Fish's "Sell Out," Smashing Pumpkins' "Disarm" and finishing with the BeeGees' "You Should be Dancing." "Code" is an envelope-pushing CD, taking a cappella to a point where it's almost indistinguishable from accompanied music. Throughout the vocals and harmonies are rich and powerful, and the vocal percussion more full and convincing than any contemporary group we've heard. This is very exciting stuff, and also scary. What comes to mind is when Phil Spector released his first "Wall of Sound" single, the Ronettes' "Be My Baby," and every other R&B song suddenly sounded very thin. Anyone interested in the future of a cappella needs to hear "Code Red!"

1734 CD $14.98

In a long tradition of remarkable albums by Tufts University's Beelzebubs, this is simply the "Next." The fourteen singers take us on an inclusive tour of the contemporary a cappella music world from the sweetness of Guster's "Either Way" and åoldie' James Taylor's "You Can Close Your Eyes" to a rasty version of Beastie Boy's "So What'cha Want." Along the way you'll find songs from Destiny's Child, Gypsy Kings, Sting, Pink Floyd, Counting Crows, and Radiohead. This contemporary potpourri is presented with vocal percussionist, grace note embellishments normally found in professional groups and marvelously complex arrangements. Some of the inspiration must be attributed to producer Deke Sharon a former Beelzebub.

1719 CD $14.98

One of the most professional collegiate groups, the Beelzebubs can always be relied upon for entertaining versions of classic pop and the latest MTV favorites too. Their fourteen voice ensemble produces a full and satisfying sound, whether down with an urban hip hop arrangement of LL Cool J's "Loungin'" or its opposite, the clean-cut "She's Always A Woman To Me." The processed tone of Hendrix' "Fire" is a romp, as is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's "You and Me and A Bottle Makes Three Tonight," which has the rhythm section working overtime. The recording's penultimate track, alumnus Deke Sharon's arrangement of "Signed Sealed Delivered," is followed by the post-Romantic composer Grieg's "Brothers, Sing On!", a fraternity fight song if there ever was one, sung with proud gusto.

1704 CD $14.98

The 18-strong all-male Dartmouth Aires, carrying on a long, proud choral tradition at Hanover, NH's Dartmouth College, bring us a surprising, fun CD. Surprising because of the groundbreaking experimental vocal percussion, which is almost indistinguishable from actual percussion, surprising for the full, rich sound, and fun because, well, we don't even need to look in the liner notes at the pix of the guys hamming it up to know they're having a good time. 12 finely-arranged covers, some of our favorites: Loverboy's "Working for the Weekend," Matchbox's "Bent," Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," Blessed Union of Souls' "Standing at the Edge of the Earth," Queen's "Bicycle Race," The Rolling Stones' "Anybody Seen My Baby," Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "Don't Come Around Here No More"... in fact, they're all excellent. We want to see them live!

1736 CD $14.98

The 11-strong all male SFSS has a lot of the funny, crazy energy of the famous Stanford Marching Band. Just listen to "Greatest Hits of the 1590s" in which such lyrics as "We will, we will rock you" are sung as 1590s chorales, to hilarious effect. Next, the funny calypso classic "Devil Woman," then the guys murder "Fearless." A profound "Georgia On My Mind," arranged by Gene Puerling. "Zip-a-dee-doo-dah" slips into minor chords and Satanism. "Revenge of the Nerds" has new words by Colin Ritter, and kicks butt. A driving, tongue-in-cheek "Flashdance," a sentimental "Loch Lomond," and a twisted return to elementary school in "Schoolhouse Rock." We'd love to see them live!

1727 CD $14.98

A paean to Stanford University, subtitled "a century of Cardinal favorites," romanticizing the Stanford legend, and performed by the fourteen capable and tuneful voices of the Fleet Street Singers, with guests the Junior University Marching Band on two tracks - the "Stanford Spellout," followed by "All Right Now." "Hail Alma Mater" is completely sincere, only to be followed by the "Stanford Hymn Rap," which has a rhythm track and a boisterous rap vocal. Many of the songs are sports oriented, celebrating victories past, present and hoped-for. However, what collegiate career would be complete without love? "Full Moon At The Quad" describes love, Stanford-style: a charming stylistic collage, it could be a parody, or it could be real. We can't quite tell!

1705 CD $14.98

The Fleet Street Singers have been a favorite among collegiate a cappella listeners for years. With this, their 1998 recording, they will certainly add to their legion of fans. The opening cut, "Web Surfin'," complete with SoCal surfer boy background vocals and handclaps, parodies the cybergeek (Fleet Street, who attend Stanford, have no compunction whatsoever at lampooning themselves at every opportunity). Fleet Street's performance is high energy and full of enthusiasm - any group that does an a cappella rendition of The Rocky Horror Picture Show's "Time Warp" (featuring Dr. Frankfurter's signature leering delivery) goes to the head of class, in our opinion. However, Fleet Street is not only about sardonic humor. Their arrangement of "Greensleeves" is restrained and accomplished, allowing the beauty of the song to take center stage. They also treat us to Abba's "Dancing Queen," and while a few of the high notes don't quite clear the bar, we give them kudos for the attempt. We are pleased to offer "All the Rage" as a worthy addition to your collegiate a cappella collection.

1625 CD $14.98

A 2 CD collection of some of the best and most memorable music from this top notch collegiate a cappella groups. Spanning 15 years from 1981 - 1996 these recordings are guaranteed to please.

Mosaic Whispers is a 16-strong co-ed a cappella group at Washington University in St. Louis, founded in 1991. They have produced 5 critically acclaimed CDs since then, including the award-winning "Against the Grain." "Defrosted" has 10 tunes, favorites are Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever" Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," Collective Soul's "Run," "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" by the Police, Indigo Girls' "Ghost," Bonnie Tyle's "Holding Out for a Hero," Mariah Carey's "One Sweet Day" and the final cut, Weezer's "Only in Dreams." Mosaic Whispers has a high-energy, sumptuous sound that lends itself well to their dynamic live performances, and we get to hear several different excellent singers performing leads. "Defrosted" is a stone Collegiate winner!

The U of Pennsylvania's mixed-voice, 14-strong a cappella rock and pop group has been sharpening its vocal chops in various incarnations for over 20 years now, and it shows. We raved over their previous CD, "Quicksound," and it's clear from the first notes of Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," Dido's "Don't Leave Home," Guster's "Careful" and Nelly Furtado's "Try" that the '04-'05 Loafers have a rich sound and confident professionalism far beyond their years. Strong covers of The Indigo Girls' "Mystery," Rachel Yamagata's "Worn Me Down," Coldplay's "Warning Signs," The Strokes' "12:51" and Vanessa Carlton's "White Houses" feature solid vocal percussion, sweet leads and nice background vocals. 14 songs in total, without a single weak cut. A beautiful, spirited set from one of our favorite collegiate ensembles!

The 12 young men who form the '01-'02 version of the Princeton Tigertones are members of more than a great vocal group. It is said that The Tigertones, a tradition at Princeton going back 56 years (a great pic of the '46-'47 version is in the liner notes), have broader appeal than any other boy-band in the world. The Tones have wowed elderly audiences in Palm Beach, teenage schoolgirls in Switzerland, and have performed on the stages of Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. This is their 27th biennial album, hence "Old No. 27." There are 18 songs, which reflect their rich heritage. Some of our favorites: Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs' "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Orange Moon," the wonderful reggae tune "Kiss Da Girl," "Runaround Sue," CSNY's "Our House," "Steppin' to the Bad Side," Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair," "Shower the People," and "When Sunny Gets Blue," recorded live. The Tones are having total fun recording "Old No. 27," performing live, or just doing great harmony with their buds, and that's what it's all about!

1732 CD $14.98

In weary reaction to the horror of WWII, a group of thirteen men under the leadership of Henry C. Parker III (Class of '48) joined in the joy of close harmony. The Princeton Tigertones, founded in 1946, soon outgrew the confines of the immediate Princeton area and began travelling to entertain at the women's colleges along the east coast and in the social clubs of New York city. Shortly after their founding they toured Bermuda and this helped establish the fifty-plus year tradition of world touring. Along the way their distinguished record finds three Carnegie Hall performances with another planed for 2001, alternate summers entertaining aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, and performing world tours during which they have sung for many world leaders. The group also established the habit of recording every two years, this being their twenty-sixth recording and a continuation and tribute to the tradition begun more than half a century ago. On this eighteen song recording we are presented with a combination of lively renditions such as the opening tune, "Good Ol' A Cappella" and lovely arrangements of slower moving work such as Harry Conick's "Heavenly," "Shower the People," and one of our favorites, "Walking in Memphis." Along with the more contemporary offerings are fine arrangements of "Mood Indigo," "Loch Lomond," and "Georgia on My Mind." You can look forward to some intricate arranging for the seventeen voices of this male chorus, accentuated by fine solo voices. This is an excellent recording of collegiate contemporary choral music. You'll have to discover for yourself the unannounced "secret track" at the end. We won't spoil the surprise!

1715 CD $14.98

The Shaggy Boys are eight hearty and strapping college guys from Iowa. They have a big and expansive sound to match. Most of their set is self-written, and the covers, from Dave Matthews and Ben Harper, illustrate where they're coming from perfectly. It's grooving, feel-oriented, melodic pop. Originals such as "It's Time," with its hooky chorus and atmospheric harmonic backs on the verse, will grab you right away. Vocal percussion is integral - in the pocket but never rushed. The chugging "Moonboots" and buoyant "New Place" are Spin Doctors sort-of rock. Wet production adds richness and depth, cushioning the tones. Easy to listen to, polished and impressive!

1716 CD $14.98

The 13 young men and women of Mixed Company bring us 14 songs on an impressive, energetic CD. Strong, contemporary selections: Tom Petty's "American Girl," Dido's "Hunter," "Goodbye," "Selling The Drama," 10,000 Maniacs' "Jezebel," U2's "Sweetest Thing," LeAnn Rimes' "Can't Fight The Moonlight," "Torn," "Here's To The Night," "Perfect Day," Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Walk on the Ocean," Vertical Horizon's "Best I Ever Had," Garbage's "Special" and Counting Crows' "A Long December." Strong, consistent vocal percussion, sweet, clear solos, driving background vocals, there's a lot of talent here, and it all adds up to a winning CD and, we're certain, a great live show.

1731 CD $14.98

9-man SNC, one of the best all-male Collegiate ensembles, was founded in 1996 at Indiana University. Since then they have won multiple CARA awards and released 5 excellent CDs. "Indiana" is their 5th, and if their love for their Alma Mater was not clear from the lovely campus photos and vintage pics in the liner notes, the title tune, the autobiographical "SNC 2000" and the Glee-clubbish "IU Medley" leave no doubt. Sweet covers of "When Can I See You Again," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening," "Stardust/Back Home Again" medley," and John Cougar Mellencamp's Midwest anthem "Jack and Diane" are also favorites, as is a live bonus cut, recorded at IU Auditorium in 2000. The 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 versions of SNC are featured on these 10 cuts. Wonderful harmonies and entertaining material throughout by these talented college men!

Talisman was founded in 1989 to bring African and African-American music to the Stanford University community. 12 years later they've expanded musically to include traditional songs ranging in origin from India and Ireland to the songs of Apache and Tuscarora tribes. "Passage," their fifth CD, takes them full circle back to the music of Africa, blending urban soul with contemporary African rhythms. There are 16 songs here, from songs sung in native dialects like "Akwaba" and "E Hatta A Beta Apebba," to traditional spirituals like "Beulah," "This Little Light of Mine" and "Eyes On The Prize," this is all great, soulful stuff. A particular favorite is "Going Home," a Hawaiian celebration of eternal strength and love. Some accompaniment by African drums. Beautiful liner notes with words and pictures

1707 CD $14.98

Diversity in people, through songs we unite. Talisman, collectively Stanford's best singers, marked its genesis in 1990 and realized success in great proportions even through times of uncertain destiny. Shine captivates the decade long history of Talisman A Cappella with a double cd featuring tribes of Talisman past and present and an excellent mix of cultural music adaptated from songs by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Bill Withers, Ulali, Miriam Makeba and Hans Zimmer. Every song will send shivers down your backbone, but keep your ears open for "Sechaba", "Babethandaza", "No Mirrors", "Wanting Memories", "Paycheck", "Lean On Me", and "The Rainmaker". Diversity in people, through songs we unite. A phrase worth repeating.

1713 2-CD SET $24.98

Of all the collegiate a cappella groups performing today we consider Talisman to be one of the most talented. Rather than singing the usual pop songs like most other groups this mixed ensemble chooses more adventuresome and challenging works and pulls them off with great aplomb. Recommended.

1311 CD $14.98

In the 25 years it has been in existence, the University of North Carolina's Clef Hangers have constantly redefined themselves. The twenty men of the 2001-03 group share the goal of having a blast while they do what they love: singing. "Breeze" takes advantage of, even pushes the envelope of, advances in a cappella recording. Thirteen well-chosen covers, with "real-sounding" percussion, very full sound, solid backup vocals, excellent leads. Some favorites" Bush's "Comedown," The Commodores' "Easy," Weezer's "Say It Ain't So," Elton John's "Your Song," Rascal Flatts' "This Everyday Love," Dave Matthews' "Grey Street," PM Dawn's "Die Without You" and Toto's "Africa." Great stuff!

1742 CD $14.98

The ten lovely young women who are the present incarnation of the University of Southern California's Sirens, since 1997 the University's only all-female a cappella band, offer us "Nectar," and it's a winner! Ten songs, all beautifully-arranged covers: Kina's "Girl from the Gutter," Dido's "Here With Me," Bob Marley's "Stir It Up," Mariah Carey's "Open Arms," Nelly Furtado's "Well Well," the Corrs' "I Never Loved You Anyway," Bic Runga's "Sway," Lifehouse's "Hanging by a Moment," Stevie Wonder's "As" and Joy Drop's "Beautiful." Vocal percussion that ranges from steady and mellow to driving and powerful, strong leads and solos, wonderful background harmonies and excellent song selection - it adds up to a fresh, entertaining, mature and confident CD. The live show must be pretty amazing! Recommended.

1737 CD $14.98

The 15 members of University of Virginia's 15-voice all female vocal ensemble the "Sil'hooettes brings us an impressive cover album of 14 well-chosen hits. Blu Cantrell's "Hit 'em Up Style," Radiohead's "High and Dry," Aretha Franklin's anthem "Respect," SHeDAISY's "I Will," Wham!'s "Jitterbug," The B-52's anthem "Roam," Jamie O'Neal's "Arizona," Chantal Kreviazuk's "Eve," Jo Dee Messina's "That's the Way" - the women pass around the solos and the vocal percussion duties, but there's talent aplenty and each song is a treat. "After Shock" is good, fun stuff from a poised, confident, talented group!

A 9-man group from Provo, UT, Vocal Point is one of the brightest lights in Contemporary Collegiate a cappella, and "Mouthing" is their 3rd excellent CD on Tantara Records. 14 songs are here, featuring solid and innovative vocal percussion and daring arrangements-just listen to "Bittersweet Treat, written by group member Peter Hansen, who also sings lead. Other favorites are the country-western classic "Sold (The Grundy Co. Auction Incident)," Seal's "Kiss From A Rose," the hilarious "MotorTab," which features a K-Tel "hits from the 60s and 70s" ad, as sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Charlie Daniels' "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," Axl Rose's "Sweet Child of Mine," "Carry On My Wayward Son," and the traditional Gospel hymn "Precious Lord I Love, Power, Grace." "Mouthing Off" is big fun, energetic, powerful entertainment from the first cut to the last!

Shortly after the release date of Vocal Point's debut CD in the fall of 1993, it became clear that there was huge interest, as "instruments not included" became a runaway best-seller. The nine-man a cappella ensemble features a repertoire here that ranges from a tribute to the Swingles, "Bach's Fugue in D Minor," the doo-wop standard "Drip Drop," Gershwin's classic "Summertime" and Terrence Trent D'Arby's "Sign Your Name" to U2's "With Or Without You" and the Scottish folk song "Scottish Spring." Originally produced by the group, this album joined the Tantara catalog when Vocal Point became a program of the BYU School of Music and signed on with Tantara. 19 songs: a silly rap takeoff on children's rhymes in "Child's Play," a jazzy "Paper Moon," the sweet "E'en So, Lord Jesus," the updated sea shanty "Hey Ho, Away We Go," the salsa-flavored "Brrlak!," "instruments" continually surprises. Fresh, fun, energetic, often manic contemporary a cappella from never-boring Vocal Point!

Since its founding in 1991 by two BYU students, the 8 to 9 men group has gone through many changes of personnel and otherwise (opening twice for Rockapella!). From 1994 to 2001 the group was directed by Jim Anglesey, "Slam" represents his final effort with VP before moving on professionally. Jim's love was watching the group grow as goodwill ambassadors for BYU, the LDS Church, and for a cappella singing, routinely going to schools to teach vocal workshops wherever they'd go, for instance. 13 spirited (sometimes even manic), funny, amazing songs: some favorites: Weird Al Yankovic's painful "Since You've Been Gone/One More Minute," "Breakfast at Denny's," a spot-on parody of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (and what the title is referring to, get it?) "Pennies from Heaven," "I'll Be," "Love One Another," "The Cup of Life," a bluesy "Summertime," and the inspirational "In The First Light." Excellent, and recommended!

This is officially, a 14-tune, "Best of the Whiffenpoofs Christmas Songs" CD. The song selection ranges from the 1963 'Poofs' harmonic rendition of "Coventry Carol" and the 1964 group's melodic "Le Sommeil de L'enfant Jesus" to 1992's "Jingle Bell Rock," and 1994's "Up on the Housetop." Then we have the 1998 group's "Christmas Song," 2001's rendition of James Taylor's "New Hymn," and the group's trademark "The Whiffenpoof Song." These various versions of the oldest collegiate a cappella group in the US treat us to a range of emotions about Christmas, lonely (2004's poignant "Lonely Christmas Eve") hungry (the 1990 group's "Home Cookin'") to traditional and sacred (1998's "Christmas Song," 2003's "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night" and 2003's "Ave Maria"). Admittedly, though, a few have no obvious connection to Christmas whatsoever, like 2000's "Walking in the Air," 2001's "Time After Time," and 2004's Bohemian Marching Song "Aj Lucka Lucka, Siroka". But we won't split hairs—the 'Poofs are known for their sense of humor, and the singing is beautiful!

Listen to The Christmas Song in Real Audio.

Wibijazz'n is a 17-strong, mixed, student-run contemporary a cappella ensemble based in Winters College, York University, Toronto. Since 1988 the members have been solemnly dedicated to the proliferation of the Groove, and to having unreasonable amounts of fun in the process! "In the Pocket" has 16 songs, including the 7-song medley, "WIBI FM (Take 2), which represent the group's favorites from the past 5 years: "Automatic," "Change the World," the marvelous "We Belong," "5 Reasons Why," an ethereal cover of "Come Back to Me," a bouncy, tongue-in-cheek "Sesame Street" and "Pinball Number Count," a dramatic cover of Sting's "Fortress Around Your Heart," great vocal percussion on "Rosanna" and Peter Gabriel's classic "In Your Eyes," and finishing with the brilliant, 9-minute medley, WIBI FM. A sumptuous, delicious CD by one of the best collegiate groups we've heard! Recommended. Our favorite: Sting's "Fortress Around Your Heart"

1738 CD $14.98

Founded in 1977, Redhot and Blue is Yale's oldest coed a cappella group. The youthful 18-voice group has dazzled audiences from the White House to the embassies of Prague, onboard the QE II and onstage at Carnegie Hall. Fresh twists on jazz classics, Broadway showstoppers, and toe-tapping favorites of all genres fuel their entertaining and passionate performances. Sophisticated jazz standards and Broadway showtunes form the core of Redhot's repertoire, though they also sing a variety of more contemporary hits. Recipients of many CARA awards, "Yeahä" is the group's 5th CD. 19 songs, some favorites: the classic "42nd Street," Gershwin's "A Foggy Day" and "Summertime," "Fever," Mel Brooks' "When You've Got It, Flaunt It," "Scotch and Soda," Laura Nyro's "Sweet Blindness," Cole Porter's "Red, Hot and Blue," and "A Man Come Into Egypt," from the group's 25th Anniversary concert. All arrangements are by Rh&B alumni. Good stuff, spirited and energetic collegiate a cappella!

1746 CD $14.98

Another BOCA collection of the best of the collegiate vocal groups never fails to impress us with the humor, arrangements and sheer talent of these young voices. 19 tracks, from UCLA Awaken's "Walk Like An Egyptian," and Indiana Straight No Chaser's "I Belong to You," to Duke Out of the Blue's "Eve" and Tufts Beelzebubs' "The Trial." As admirers of Michigan Amazin' Blue, who give us "She," we were pleased to note that two other Ann Arbor groups made the cut, Michigan Compulsive Lyres singing "Limp" and Michigan Dicks & Janes, with "Everything You Want." Other good stuff: U-Madison -Wisconsin's Tangled Up In Blue's "Breathless," Stanford Everyday People's "Billie Jean/No Diggity" and USC Sirens' "Beautiful." But it's all good, really - BOCA 2002 is a treat!

We have to say two things about the BOCA series - one, the studio production on the tracks keeps getting more professional, and two, so do the groups! Michigan (my alma mater) Amazin' Blues' "Millennium," for instance, will get you up and boogying, and Iowa State U's Shaggy Boys (see above cd review) "Owner of a Lonely Heart" is unbelievable. UPenn Off the Beat, represented on 7 BOCAs, ride with "Wild Horses," and York University's Wibijazz'n grooves on Steely Dan's "Peg." All 17 tunes are good, but some notables: Stanford's Mixed Company, "Someday;" USC's Sirens, "Ray of Light" and SoCal VoCals, "Total Eclipse of the Heart;" Illinois Extension Chords, "Inside Out" and Northwestern Purple Haze, "Cornflake Girl." Smooth, energetic and entertaining.

The series continues, with a variety of well-known college ensembles contributing tracks, such as U. of Penn Off The Beat, Tuft's Belezebubs, Duke Out Of The Blue, Notre Dame Undertones, Harvard Opportunes and the Brown Derbies. Per usual, nearly all the tunes are skimmed from chart topping artists such as Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos and Elton John, but there are some unexpected covers too - from the soundtrack of the film "Roja" and our favorite, "Snow On The Sahara", originally performed by Anggun, sung here by the Stanford Harmonics. It's also clear how prominent the female voice has become in today's marketplace, and that's reflected here in the percentage of mixed or exclusively female groups. The skill level of these ensembles ranges from solid to professional quality, with everybody hitting their marks on cue.

This highly-popular series has become a yearly event to satisfy the appetites of collegiate music lovers, and it's a great way to expose oneself to the up-and-coming talent proliferating at our nation's higher institutions. Whether the Stanford Counterpoints "Don't Speak," the Tufts Amalgamates "I Don't Want to Wait" or "Don't Stand So Close To Me" by UPenn Off The Beat, the selections offer a tuneful portion of what's hip now in current or retro pop, and the quality is entirely professional. Over half the tracks were CARA nominated, a surefire harbinger of success. Many members of professional and semi-professional contemporary vocal bands started out in these very ensembles, so heads up!