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   

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

Essentials : Nothing But Blue   

Dan, Thom, Janet and Joe (he spells it Jo3) are the London, Ontario-based mixed voice Contemporary a cappella group The Essentials, contains a faux "Parental Advisory" on the back of the cardboard jewel box sleeve for "Acappella Content," warning that it contains only human voices and drums, but "it still sounds so full that you'll think there's a whole band playing." Continuing, it adds: "Lyrics are suitable for all ages"-whew! We hope no parents will be scared off from enjoying this excellent collection by the warning, and conversely, that those in search of questionable lyrics will at least enjoy some great a cappella covers! Our favorites among the 12 songs include the a laid back arrangement of the Reggae anthem "I Can See Clearly Now," the Edgar Winter Group's "Free Ride," The Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It to the Streets," Tim McGraw's poignant Country hit "Some Things Never Change," Stephen Stills' Buffalo Springfield and CSN&Y hit, "Love The One You're With," a soulful, funky cover of Dave Mason's hit for Joe Cocker, "Feelin' Alright," the Rockapella standard "Falling Over You," and a live recording of Ray Gillen's Badlands Gospel hit, "In A Dream." Lead duties are shared among the four, and each shows off their serious talents as the others provide rich, sumptuous background vocals. Add some marvelous arrangements and you have "Nothing But Blue," the debut winner from The Essentials! Extensive liner notes with all the lyrics.

Songlist: I Can See Clearly Now, Free Ride, You and I, Invisible, Floating Away, Takin' It To The Streets, Some Things Never Change, Reality, Love The One You're With, Falling Over You, Feelin' Alright, In A Dream

A little treat from north of the border from Toronto-based The Essentials. There's only three songs but they are most enjoyable and the recording is indeed a great Stocking Stuffer.

Songlist: The First Noel, Jingle Bell Rock, What Child is This?