Just before beginning their ascension to international acclaim the Gang released this recording of twelve songs which are of a great variety. You keep running into unexpected little embellishments on the pure barbershop songs such as the brief intimation of calliope or the bell-like chord inthe "Bowery Medley." Then there is the ringing traditional close harmony of "So Long, Mother," the sweet beauty of "When I Look In Your Eyes," the humorous "My Old Man" (of Smothers Brothers fame) and the fabulous enunciation on "The Chemical Elements." There's gospel, a popular sound on "Sixteen Tons" and the "William Tell Overture" is in the spirit of their later Mozart spoof. Great!