Acapella

Track Listings

1. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

2. Why So Downcast?

3. Give Thanks

4. Blessed Be the Lord

5. Lamb of God

6. Mighty Warrior

7. I Will Sing to the Lord

8. I Worship You, Almighty God/There Is None Like You [Medley]

9. Be Exalted, O God/Shine, Jesus, Shine [Medley]

10. Now Unto Him

Tracks:

Jingle Bells
White Christmas
Christmas Time Is Here
Good King Wenceslas
Toyland
My Grown-Up Christmas List
Merry Christmas Baby
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Christmas Is Coming (The Goose Is Getting Fat)
Winter Wonderland

Amazon.com

These sophisticated jazz singers prove just how much their vocal versatility has always embraced pop, doo-wop, rounds, and a cappella music when the foursome explores 10 Christmas songs on a disc that previously was available only in Japan. The group transports "Jingle Bells" to the '40s in a sweeping nostalgic turn and do a knockout take on Charles Brown's low-down "Merry Christmas Baby" that showcases how elegantly funky they can be. An Acapella Christmas balances the more sophisticated harmony singing the group is known for alongside straightforward versions of "Christmas Is Coming," "Good King Wenceslas" (complete with kid voices), and an otherwise forgettable blatant play for radio on "My Grown-Up Christmas List." But with can't-miss readings of "Christmas Time Is Here," "White Christmas," and a totally magical exploration of "Toyland," the Manhattan Transfer delivers the kind of holiday record certain to please first time listeners while satisfying longtime fans. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Holly Jolly.......2007-01-28

A must have for any fan of The Manhattan Transfer, or simply any lover of good time, spirited, holiday cheer. Whether you choose to raise the volume and join the chorus, or choose a softer background tone, this collection is not only traditional Christmas, it's tradition Transfer. No fan could possibly be disappointed by this classic. Only Scrooge would miss adding this to his yearly play list. The Manhattan Transfer...melodic and ever better with age.

It's fabulous!.......2007-01-12

I saw Manhattan Transfer in Seattle a couple of months before Christmas, and they announced they had this coming out...but I never saw it at the store so ordered it from Amazon. It's really great and includes their kids, who were on their previous Christmas CD at a much younger age.

Top-notch!.......2007-01-11

The Manhattan Transfer delivers once again! Outstanding, quality work like the rest of their catalog!

Surprisingly good!.......2007-01-10

My dad has always been a HUGE Manhattan Transfer fan so I got him this CD for Christmas and I LOVED it! He also thought it was an amazing CD. The CD is very classy and fun.

Christmas is back.......2007-01-10

If you are a fan of Christmas you will love this CD. If you are a fan of Manhatton Transfer you will love this CD. If you are a fan of both this is a must have.

Average customer rating:

the alcapella project 1
Must-have for all singers
Oh, I'm Glad, alright!
Spiritually Inspiring!
There will never be another reason.....

The Acapella Project
Glad
Manufacturer: Benson Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Acapella Project II
Acapella Hymns
The Acapella Project III
A Cappella Gershwin
Captured in Time

ASIN: B00000DPIV
Release Date: 1990-09-06

Tracks:

Mighty Fortress
In the First Light
O for a Thousand Tongues
Depending on Your Love
Be Thou My Vision
Easter Song
Be Ye Glad
Reason
Amen
And This Love
And Can It Be
God Is My Rock

Customer Reviews:

the alcapella project 1.......2006-08-23

If you love spiritual acapella voices and are tired of gregorian chants, here's a cd that provides a welcome change. Glad, a Philidelphia based group who has been recording since the late 70's, combines the Gospel quartet sound with a nice light jazz feel. The result is a cd of beautiful acapella harmonies that make you want to get up and dance rather than put you to sleep like gregorian chants. If you must have one gospel album in your collection, this is the one. I love this cd and I'm not a fan of christian music.

Must-have for all singers.......2004-03-03

This album, which I originally owned on cassette, was formative in my adult appreciation of Christian music. It helped me to memorize the hymns 'Mighty Fortress,' 'O For a Thousnad Tongues', and 'Be Thou My Vision', and was my introduction to Keith Green (who wrote 'Easter Song'). A CLASSIC. Not just nice listening. This is a worship expreience.

Oh, I'm Glad, alright!.......2003-02-15

This is by far my favorite in my Christian music collection. There is not one bad song on here, I'm serious. I've got the whole album memorized. I can't even HEAR "Be Ye Glad" without crying. Not an overstatement, folks. These gentlemen take their music seriously, and it shows. This is a powerful compilation, with amazing vocals. It just doesn't get any better than this.

Spiritually Inspiring!.......2002-05-17

I was going through a tough period in my life when a friend loaned me this album. When I listened to the songs, I felt as if God was with me. I then started to read the Bible and eventually went to church. Listening to the album was the catalyst for my decision to become born again.

Glad - they are like God's own personal choir, with amazing vocals and harmonies. Great for your personal worship or quiet time. I can't recommend the album highly enough.

There will never be another reason............2001-01-14

Absolutely drop-dead unbelievable vocals! Nalle has to be the perfect singer for a group like this. Just listen to the guy go up for the high note in "The Easter Song." It's gorgeous, and it's reeeeeealy high! The man knows how to sing. "In the First Light" has a whole-song crescendo happening. It started in low, then it started to grow..... It's just great stuff, buy it, and enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Quality performance, but CD too short
Delightful and Amazing....

Keyboard Classics
Swingle Singers
Manufacturer: Primarily Acapella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Swingle Singers - Bach Hits Back ~ A Capella Amadeus
Swingle Singers
Mood Swings
Christmastime
Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000063DG0
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

Estro Harmonico, Op.3, No.II: Fugue
The Well Tempered Clavier Book I: C Major Praeludium
The Well Tempered Clavier Book II: Prelude In F Minor
Suite Bergamasque: Clair De Lune
Piano Sonata Op.27, No.2: Moonlight Sonata
Harpsicord Concerto In F Minor: Largo
Children's Coner: Golliwog's Cake Walk
BWV 782 In G Minor: Three-Part Invention
Op.28, No.4 In E Minor: Prelude
Gymnopedie No.1
The Art Of Fugue: Fugue In D Minor
Piano Sonata In A Major: Rondo Alla Turca
Op.25, No.9 In D Flat Major: Etude
Harpsicord Suite In E Major: 'Harmonious Blacksmith' Variations
BWV 578: Fugue In E Minor
Hungarian Dance No.5

Customer Reviews:

Quality performance, but CD too short.......2007-02-06

Briefly - the performances are great. Entertaining, nice arrangements, spot on performances. Everything the other reviewer mentioned is accurate.

However, quite dissapointingly, the CD is under 45 minutes in length, clocking in exactly at 44 minutes, 51 seconds. Yet, the CD is full price. With 80 minute CDs, and a typical CD of decent value running on average 60 minutes, getting a 45 minute CD is unfortunate.

A nice CD to listen to, interesting to own, but it's excellent quality is diminished by it's short length, making it less valuable for the money.

Delightful and Amazing...........2002-10-30

This must be one of the TOP Swingle Singers CDs out there: excellent vocal sound, great pieces, and hilarious parodies all come together to make this a heck of a fun ROMP to listen to.

For anyone unfamiliar with Swingle Singer's- they are a jazz vocal group from the '60s that always used to do warm ups and exercises singing bach fugues intended for keyboards. This requires the most intense focus of pitch for a singer, and incredible vocal gymnastics. They realized that singing these "Exercises" was just as profitable as their jazz, and here we are today with unique discs of instrumental classics arranged for 8 voices.

This compilation is as fun as any- the sound more homogeneous than the earlier recordings, this one might be a bit easier to listen to. I personally love the selection: classics such as Mozart's "Turkish March" and Brahms' "Hungarian Dance No. 5" are sung with beautiful precision, and later wacky or jazzy humor- and yet the listener is entirely convinced that the character that the composer intended for the piece hasn't been tampered with TOO much, merely ELABORATED on, and to very delighting extent. Other favorites on this dics are Golliwog's Cake Walk, Clair de Lune, and Moonlight Sonata.

Again, this disc is VERY enjoyable, yet for those of you who may be purists, and are skeptical of the tampering of composer's intentions: FEAR NOT- The swingle singers are sensitive musicians who create an entertaining piece out of classics without killing the oringinal idea (ex: moonlight sonata, clair de lune). You may even enjoy an new approach to these often played pieces.

For the vocalists out there- I love to listen and drool thinking of having such perfect pitch and control. It is both depressing and inspiring- you MUST own this.

Acapella Hymns
Average customer rating:

GLAD TIDINGS

The Michael Jordan of acapella groups

Quintessential Quintet

... DROOL ... GASP ... CRY ...

Oh my....

Acapella Hymns
Glad
Manufacturer: Benson Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Acapella Project

The Acapella Project II

The Acapella Project III

An Acapella Christmas

A Cappella Gershwin

ASIN: B00000DPIS
Release Date: 1994-03-22

Tracks:

Lead On, O King Eternal
Beneath the Cross Medley
This Is My Father's World/For the Beauty of the Earth
Rock of Ages
Blessed Assurance
All Beauty Speaks of Thee
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Thy Word Medley
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Fairest Lord Jesus
Immortal, Invisible
Breathe on Me, Breath of God
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
The Master Has Come/O Worship the King

Customer Reviews:

GLAD TIDINGS .......2005-04-09

I own 3 GLAD CDs and this is my absolute favorite! Their rendition of Joyful,Joyful is a classic & worth the cost of the whole CD alone. From the first notes & chord they make in Lead On, Oh King Eternal you'll be hooked. GLAD puts a new & wonderful twist on the old classics you've probably heard in church & have grown tired of hearing the same way over & over again. You'll never get bored with their exciting arrangements and wonderful harmonies.

The Michael Jordan of acapella groups.......2003-12-13

I purchased "Acapella Hymns" (on cassette) 9 years ago because I was familiar with a few of the song titles. I expected the songs to be sung in the same mellow style for which they were originally written. I was surprised. Glad's arrangement and performance are truly second-to-none. A few of the CD's in my "Top 25 CD's of All Time" case include U2, Eagles Best of, and Glad. This CD must go down as one of the unsung greats.

Quintessential Quintet.......2003-06-16

Glad takes some of Christendom's most beloved hymns and puts a joyful modern spin on them. I can't help but think that the venerable writers of these hymns would be pleased by this uplifting CD. The close harmony of this group is wonderful to listen to, but when combined with the words of these traditional hymns, it becomes even more special. Whether they are singing the soaring "Fairest Lord Jesus" or the majestic "O Worship the King", Glad communicates the love of God in a new and refreshing way. The high voices soar and the lower voices provide a rock-solid foundation for a totally wonderful listening experience.

... DROOL ... GASP ... CRY ..........2002-06-01

Wow. I am just really surprised that there is only one other review for this awesome CD. I am a big Take 6 fan and I had never really heard of Glad until I ran across this title. I am just totally blown away by these arrangements. They are not quite as jazz-oriented as Take 6, but in my opinion this is every bit as cool--check out "Blessed Assurance", or "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" in 7/8 time. In terms of tuning, Glad is really amazing; the chords simply jump out and grab you. If you like hymns or hymn arrangements, this CD will quickly become one of your favorites. The only thing I can't figure out is how so much mediocre and low-quality music get huge attention while gems like this are ignored! Spread the word! This CD is AWESOME!

Oh my...........2001-09-29

An entire album of GLAD doing what they do better than anyone else on the planet - acapella. They have taken standard hymns that are often drowned my organ music and have turned them into musical feasts for the ears. I can't help but think that the "normal" 'Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee' that we sing in church is a little hum-drum after hearing GLAD's interpretation. They are *truly* the masters of acapella music.

Average customer rating:

Typical excellence from Glad...
Can't Get Enough of GLAD's Acapella Projects

The Acapella Project II
Glad
Manufacturer: Benson Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Acapella Project
The Acapella Project III
Acapella Hymns
An Acapella Christmas
Captured in Time

ASIN: B00000DPJ5
Release Date: 1991-09-10

Tracks:

Crown Him with Many Crowns
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Sing It Accapella
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
You Put This Love in My Heart
Just As I Am
Sing a New Song
God So Loved the World
All Glory, Laud and Honor
Rejoice, the Lord Is King
My Jesus, I Love Thee

Customer Reviews:

Typical excellence from Glad..........2006-10-10

I have been listening to Glad for over ten years, and I love their stuff. They have carved out a rather unique niche in the Christian music market, establishing a following from folks who would not naturally be drawn to a capella music. For that, they are to be commended.

There are several outstanding tracks on this disc, including "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," "You Put This Love in My Heart," and "All Glory, Laud and Honor." As one would expect from Glad, none of these sound anything like what you know, but their arrangements of these three are fantastic and well executed.

I refrain from giving this album five stars because several of the songs are just overarranged. This is the plague of Glad, whereby they seem to try so hard to be unique that they ultimately arrange the melody right out of a song. One cannot critique their ability to sing amazingly complex chord structures, but there are times that the chords are so complex that it destroys a song. For instance, "My Jesus, I Love Thee" just sounds dreadful to this listener.

Knowing this fact about Glad, I will continue to buy their music for the home runs, knowing that there will usually be one or two strikeouts on each album when the arranger just tried to get too fancy and wrecked a song. In any case, Glad can never be accused of being generic or uncreative. I'm glad that they have had such a successful career of bringing their new sound to the world of Christian music.

Can't Get Enough of GLAD's Acapella Projects.......2000-07-09

Like most things in my life I experienced GLAD in reverse of release dates. I thought it impossible to improve upon Project III and then I experienced Project II. Their variations on Christ the Lord is Risen Today sends cold chills up and down my spine and All Glory Laud and Honor Him makes my heart swell for the praise and worship GLAD offers to millions of Christians worldwide. I'm so very glad I've added GLAD to my music repetoire. "I say Rejoice, I say again Rejoice" And, as is my pattern, I will now search, find and experience Project I. Happy Acapella Harmonizing!

Average customer rating:

Some people stare...
Powerful praise and high level of musical expresion
A beautiful blend of voices praising God with their talents

The Acapella Project III
Glad
Manufacturer: Light
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Acapella Project II
The Acapella Project
Acapella Hymns
A Cappella Gershwin
Captured in Time

ASIN: B00000G4VC
Release Date: 1996-03-21

Tracks:

The Solid Rock
Tell It Like It Is
Your Love Broke Through
Doer of Your Word
Arise, My Soul, Arise
That's What the Lonely is For
Stars in the Universe
My God, I Love You
Crown Him with Many Crowns
We Gather Together

Album Description

With original songs penned by GLAD alum, Bob Kauflin, and stunning hymn adaptations by Don Hart, Kauflin and Paul Langford, The A Cappella Project III captures the purity and power that is Glad a cappella. Veteran songwriter and Charlotte, North Carolina, pastor, Bob Kauflin, helps GLAD stay focused on what God is doing in the Church in America. His original songs communicate the heart of GLAD's message.

Kauflin's "Doer of Your Word" draws the listener's attention to the admonition of the first chapter of James to be doers, not simply hears, of the Word of God. The song opens with a 50's style do-wop bass vocal line and quickly develops into a pop/jazz groove. What does it mean to call You Lord of my life if I ignore the things you say? Help me remember that my greatest delight is following Your commands And give me strength to stand and be a doer of Your Word

The bleakness of life apart from Christ is considered in Kauflin's "Make Us Shine." "We believe that the Church needs to stand out in stark contrast to popular culture while avoiding the tendency toward either accommodation or isolation," explains group founder and lead vocalist Ed Nalle. "We can not change who we are to gain popularity." GLAD exhort their listeners with the jazz-flavored, "Tell It Like It Is." Written by label-mate Ron Larson and arranged by Joe Hogue and Paul Langford, the song features vocal percussion created by digitally sampling Langford's voice and replaying the samples on cue via computer sequencer. A multiple Emmy, Addy, Mobius, Clio and Gold Medallion winner, Hogue, who is well-known for producing platinum-selling DC Talk, diva Donna Summer,, the Grammy-winning A Soulful Messiah, teamed again with GLAD member, Langford, on the Keith Green, Todd Fishkind, Randy Stonehill classic "Your Love Broke Through." With their smooth, homophonic treatment, GLAD accents both the song's lyrical quality and its message about awaking to new life in Christ. Another integral part of the a cappella Projects is GLAD's contemporary adaptations of traditional hymns. "There are so many churches today which are not directly connected with any mainline or denominational tradition. Consequently, a whole generation is experiencing more modern worship music, but is missing the rich heritage gleaned through exposure to hymns. GLAD hopes to bring to life the power and meaning found in the great hymns of the church by reintroducing them in a musical framework that is vibrant and contemporary," remarks Nalle. The A Cappella Project III features several well known hymns con-temporized by the tapestry of vocals that permeate the a capella style of GLAD. "Crown Him With Many Crowns," and Kauflin's adaptation of the Charles Wesley hymn, "Arise My Soul, Arise," are flowing treatments of these hymns which contemplate Christ's Passion and its efficacy for believers. Don Hart's arrangement of "The Solid Rock" is another example of the group's gift for finding a hymn with a timeless message and placing it in a contemporary musical setting.

Customer Reviews:

Some people stare..........2000-04-01

... you will find yourself driving down the road singing along so loudly other drivers will notice. My husband gets embarrassed when we're at red lights with windows down and others hear these wonderful hymns playing with such enthusiasm, but you won't be able to contain yourself. It has uplifted me personally and spiritually on several days, and I wouldn't go on a road trip without it.

Powerful praise and high level of musical expresion.......1999-05-25

Creates within the listener a sense of praise and worship unlike most modern music. The power of Glad's vocalization coupled with the intense expression of worship, can't help but affect ones sense of closeness to God. In my case, as a 44 year old explosives engineer and children's minister (figure that one out- who says HE doesn't have a sense of humor), my road time can be excessive, but the music of Glad elevates me in my praise time behind the wheel unlike anything I've ever experienced. Although this album isn't their finest, it ranks in the top three. Megafame hasn't found them, but then that's not their priority, is it?

A beautiful blend of voices praising God with their talents.......1999-01-03

This music will touch your heart as well as your appreciation for voice. Each piece is expertly performed, harmonized, rhythms, everything brings a smile to your face and a song to your heart. I listen to it over and over and over, practicing singing each part. I give it 100 stars if I could.

Best of the Bobs: 20 Songs from 20 Years

Average customer rating:

Funny, flawless acapella sounds
Best of the Bobs
Definitely worth owning. Also get their first 4 albums.
A Must Have For Bobs Fans

Best of the Bobs: 20 Songs from 20 Years
The Bobs
Manufacturer: Primarily Acapella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Too Many Santas!
Shut up & Sing!
I Brow Club
Bendy's Law
Rhapsody in Bob

ASIN: B0000E1WME
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

The Boxer
Giant Robot Store
Weekend In Cincinnati
Bee Bop I Love You
A Cappella Choir In The Sky
Fluffy's Master Plan For World Domination
Hey Coach, Don't Call Me A Queer
Swingers
Elwood Decker
The Wind Cries Mary
White Room
Searchin'
Slow Down Krishna
Share A Load
Mopping, Mopping, Mopping
Please Let Me Be Your Third World Country
Helmet
Art For Art's Sake
Cowboy Lips
Helter Skelter

Customer Reviews:

Funny, flawless acapella sounds.......2007-05-13

The bets of the bobs realy makes for an awesome collection of acapella music, both from studio recordings and live shows.
While I don't agree with all the choices the editor made (where is psycho killer? that preformance from the first album was amazing!), most of the songs in this album make for a fun, light hearing.

Best of the Bobs.......2007-02-19

The Bobs have been around for a while. This disk is great. The Bobs at their best.

Definitely worth owning. Also get their first 4 albums........2006-01-16

There's no question, their first 4 albums have the most hits. I admit, I don't have this CD. However, I do own 10 of their 13 albums. I particularly mention that as I read a review on rarb.org that said this album had some live versions, at least one in particular, 'Cowboy Lips' that is superior to the studio version. I've seen the BOBS about 5 times over the last 20 years and find that their live versions are fairly close to the studio versions. They definitely do a great show and are always worth seeing live particularly as they do not tour that often.

Three features of the BOBS worth keeping in mind:
A) Almost all their songs tell a story.
B) Almost all their songs are humerous. Can humerous songs be listened to over and over? Their songs can. Can you listen to the same comedy album over and over? Let's put it this way, if you wanna buy pristine old used albums go to the comedy section, even JONATHAN WINTERS lps from the 60's will be typically virtually unplayed. Why? Because even classic lps like 60's BILL COSBY records go so far, then you master the jokes. Ok, ok, I'll admit it, when I was a young teenager I listened to several BILL COSBY albums so often I was spouting numerous comedy sentences from them for years. The difference here is that the BOBS' songs are not just about humor. No, the other piece is:
C) They have a remarkable ability to arrange songs in the a cappella form using their vocal instruments, and occasional other body parts and rarely, a spare instrument here or there, mostly on the Plugged album. If you love harmony they interweave their voices so well it's musical art. As a result, I find that I listen to the BOBS consistently over the years which is saying a lot because I get burned out hearing the same songs over and over. Sometimes I need 5 years inbetween hearing songs like of the BEATLES or the DOORS. The BOBS I listen to 'em sometime just about every year.

I understand from the other review that there's some unreleased songs on this album, Best of the Bobs: 20 Songs from 20 Years (2003), quite likely 'The Boxer', 'Giant Robot Store', 'Weekend in Cincinnati' and 'Bee Bop I Love You'. So, I can't say if they are hits or not. Those songs do not appear on any of their other albums so they must be the unreleased ones (The BOBS have appeared on several compilations so those songs may be from that source. They also released a fans only cassette in the 80's with some songs they did on PBS and they have a very small number of 7" vinyl records).

Aside from those caveats, if I were going to pick their 20 best songs from 20 years here would be my choices:
From this album:
1) 'Share a Load' a marvelous story of a guy and a gal who end up sharing their laundry load at the laundromat. (Songs For Tomorrow Morning 1988)
2) 'Please Let Me Be Your Third World Country', an excellent commentary on left wing causes and a man's desire to enhance his love life with his politically charged girlfriend. (My I'm Large 1987)
3) 'Helmet' One of their 8 best ever songs. Lyrically so believable, almost childlike in the narrator's enthusiasm for helmets plus their ever clever vocal arranging. (My I'm Large)
4) 'Art for Art's Sake' I almost get lost in this song from the vocal gymnastics they do on this. (s/t 1983)
5) 'Cowboy Lips' There's just no song in the world of entertainment that covers this subject. More lyrical fun and vocal artistry.
and 6) 'Helter Skelter' The bravery exhibited in taking on this song is enough to give them credit. (Sing the Songs of...1991)
I would add:
From their first album, The Bobs:
7) 'The Deprogrammer' a serious song, possibly their only serious song, with only a somewhat humerous refrain, given the intense subject matter.
and 8) 'Psycho Killer' which does TALKING HEADS proud. As with the best covers, it gives you a reinvention of the original.
9) 'Through the Wall' One of their top 8 songs. This could easily also be called one of their true masterpieces. An emotional love song about a subject you never hear about in songs with a humor thread throughout. Touching, about yearning and some of their finest vocal arrangements ever.
From My I'm Large:
10) 'My I'm Large' one of their 8 most mighty songs. Mental imagery wise and vocally they soar. Humor, as usual. A very different subject than typically found in the world of entertainment, which they manage to do on several of their best self written songs. This song is as exciting to me today as it was 17 or so years ago, as with all their best songs.
11) 'My Husband Was a Weatherman' Maybe it's just the kicker line at the end, but it also grasps an essence of marriage somehow.
12) 'Valentino's' Wot a story. Again, a surprise in how it ends up, female lead vocal. How can they do love songs with subjects that one does not hear from other sources given that the majority of pop songs are love songs? Incredible. This is so funny and, as per usual with their best songs, mighty vocal soaring.
13) 'Little Red Riding Hood' Probably their best cover and even better because the album version is live and the audience is howling at the end of the song. They improve on the original. Way. I can't get enough of this song. One of their top 8 songs.

14) 'My Shoes' One of their best ever 8 songs it's emotional. Fantasy lyrics, shoes with a mind of their own, one of their finest songs musically. I just get totally swept up in this song, still.
From Songs for Tomorrow Morning:
15) 'Santa Ana Woman' Not just one of the 8 best, likely their masterpiece. Noir story with a humor twist at the very end. One of the best songs ever, period. Emotion, humor, story, vocal intensity. Whew.
16) 'But Then, A Week Ago Last Thursday' A humorous tale, a bit fanciful, as usual, with great vocal sense of interplay. The lyrics never get tired for me, year after year and typically, I'm not much of one for lyrics unless it's praise songs at church. These guys just combine humor/story/and a cappela in a way that can be magical.
17) 'Corn Dogs' Holy smokes! I can't get enough of this song. I should make it one of the top 8 of theirs, making it 9. All about growing old together and battling the bulge so humerously and with such a great harmony refrain.
18) 'Boy Around the Corner' What a delightful tale of yearning. As ever, not a common topic despite being a love song and their great ability to harmonize, this time with the female lead vocal.
A bonus track on this album's CD version (the song comes from one of their 7" records if I recall correctly) is
19) '(First I Was a Hippie, Then I Was a Stockbroker) Now I Am a Hippie Again' Well, you can imagine, they take the story all the way through this subject in a delightful way as only the BOBS do and make it musically entertaining the entire way as well.
From Sing the Songs of (1991):
20) 'You Really Got Me' They almost always do a very refreshing take on their many covers, two albums worth. I'd also pick 'Purple Haze' and 'Whole Lotta Love' from this album but I said I'd stick with 20 total. Heck, 'You Can't Do That' and 'Fever' are on here too along with the aforementioned 'Helter Skelter' and 'Psycho Killer'. Obviously, an album worth getting all by itself. Really, just go out and buy their first four albums. Even their less than strongest songs on those four are still great. That does not end up being true with the albums that come after them beginning with:
Shut Up and Sing (1993) still has the last of their 8 amazing songs:

21) 'Mr. Duality'. (ok, ok, I cannot select simply 20 greatest hit songs from the BOBS. I confess. There's a number I could still include, and even mentioned above but did not number. Again, mainly from the first 4 albums). At their best in fantasy story telling. Very clever lyrics about a guy with two sides to him, in so many ways. Presented, as ever in their finest songs, with incredible vocal arrangements.
Bobs Cover the Songs of...(1994) has two songs that won't fit in my 20 but I'll mention them anyway:
'White Room' and 'Wind Cries Mary' probably because I love CREAM and JIMI HENDRIX and love hearing great covers of their work and these songs are terrific. One could not imagine hearing these songs done a cappella (along with Whole Lotta Love which they did with Gunnar Bob live doing an unbelievable vocal drum solo) and done so well. It's all in how they re-arrange the songs.
Plugged (1995) has:
22) 'Kill Your Television' which could have been a radio hit except they have one of their rare off color words but only because it's from a bumper sticker. Who could have thought of a song consisting of nothing but sayings from bumper stickers. Great.
I can't find my Too Many Santas (1996) CD otherwise I'd probably have 1 or 2 hits from it.
I Brow Club (1997) has:
The incredible story of 23) 'Change of Heart' which I must call one of their 8 top classic songs because it has the best they bring: story/humor/passion/uncommon topic/vocal harmony as sweet as one could imagine.
Best of the Bobs (2000), an import from Germany has 17 songs from the first four albums.
Coaster (2001) has:
24) 'She Made Me Name You Earl' which lyrically alone is one of their most clever songs and emminently listenable. The number of names they list for, ahem, well, it's just another tremendous song for all their best reasons.
They have another album called Rhapsody In Bob which is apparently their most recent.

Ok, there ya go, 24 best songs in 20 years. And what's even worse is, I'm missing access to a few of their other songs because they have some bonus trax on 1 or 2 of their early albums that I don't have and they have those few 7"s and that elusive fan club only tape. You got that stuff? I implore you, kindly contact me and we'll arrange some sorta trade of some kind? Thanks, chrisbct@hotmail.com

A Must Have For Bobs Fans.......2005-03-26

This is an awesome collection of great Bobs arrangements. If you are a lover of a capella singing, clever vocal arrangements and funny lyrics - you will love this CD. Simply outstanding.

Average customer rating:

New Christy Minstrels make Elevator music on LSD!
An unusual Beatles tribute album

Ticket to Ride: A Beatles Tribute
Swingle Singers
Manufacturer: Primarily Acapella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Keyboard Classics
The Swingle Singers - Bach Hits Back ~ A Capella Amadeus
Mood Swings
Sing Irving Berlin
Christmastime

ASIN: B000063DFY
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

Ticket To Ride
Penny Lane
Revolution
Day Tripper
Norwegian Wood
Birthday
Lady Madonna
Yesterday
Strawberry Fields Forever
Drive My Car
Blackbird/I Will
When I'm Sixty Four
The Fool On The Hill
All My Loving
I Am The Walrus
Goodnight

Customer Reviews:

New Christy Minstrels make Elevator music on LSD!.......2005-09-28

Perhaps the strangest album ever recorded next to Lou Reed's machine metal music (2 vinyl discs of amplifier feedback).

The singers harmonize as well as the 5th Dimension, the Association, or Peter, Paul and Mary but the results are anything but delicious. I mean how can you make a song like Revolution or I am the Walrus ... full of gut-wrenching emotion into something with no feeling whatsoever (other than nausia)? Well, take a listen ... these guys did it!

An unusual Beatles tribute album.......2003-01-26

I love the Beatles and their music, but I always felt that the songs were what set them apart from other groups. The diversity of tribute albums, crossing just about every genre of music, reinforces that belief. I sometimes broaden my musical horizons via Beatles tribute albums - it is a good way of trying something new which still has a base of familiarity. And so it was that I selected this CD. The first time I played it, I wasn't sure, but on the second play, I loved it.

Despite the inclusion of Yesterday, the songs are generally not the most frequently covered - Penny Lane, Revolution, Day tripper, Lady Madonna, Strawberry fields forever, Drive my car and I am the walrus are all well known, but how often do you come across covers of these songs?

Tracks:

Teddy Bear's Picnic
Humpty Dumpty/Old King Cole/The Grand Old Duke Of York
This Old Man
Over The Hills And Far Away
King John's Christmas
The Riddle Song
Walking In The Air
Yellow Submarine
The Owl And The Pussycat
Here We Go Down The Line
Lavender's Blue
Wendell The Worm
I Know An Old Woman
Frog Went A-Courtin'/We All Stand Together

Customer Reviews:

Yippee! It's Back!.......2007-05-04

This is a fabulous recording. Its been out of release for years, and I'm thrilled to see it back. This is the perfect present for a new big sister or brother, not to mention a new baby. We played this on just about every car ride when my kids were little, and now that they are teens, I bet they'd still get a kick out of it. The format doesn't talk down to kids or to their parents. Judi Dench is warm and delightful. My children learned to appreciate choral and vocal music, largely due to this King's Singers recording (and "Good Vibrations.") It is phenomenal. Buy it!

FABULOUS.......2006-01-04

This is their FINEST work ever....and not just for children, either!!!! I have all of their music - this is, by FAR, the most magnificent!!!

For "Kids'" of all ages.......2002-06-15

This is an exact re-release of the album by the same title available in the '80s. Dame Judith Dench sets up each piece with a very short introduction as if she had a child on her lap. Then The King's Singers sing a delightful acappella arrangement of the story or nursery rhyme. I enjoy the album because here is a chance for children to hear music that is attractive to them being sung by the group many consider to be the finest vocal ensemble in the world. This is a welcome change from the Disneyesk approach to children's music often sung to them by "animals".

The sophistication of the arrangements gives appeal to "kids" of all ages.

Tracks:

Ruby Baby
Ain't No Sunshine
I Can't Go For That
Nobody Knows
Comfort & Joy (I)
Let It Be
Monkey
Go With It
Comfort & Joy (II)
Back On Track
Ai No Corrida
Consider

Customer Reviews:

FINE FABRIC.......2003-04-28

The Nylons once again provide us with a disc that shows why, when it comes to a capella singing, they remain the best. This album opens with a cascade/explosion of voices that burst into the Dion classic "Ruby Baby," lifting the disc off the ground in a dynamic way. Their forte is to take an instantly familiar song and make it their own, and I consider The Nylons one of the very few acts to be able to take on a Beatles' song without making me regret hearing it. As in their past choices ("Because," "Lady Madonna"), the life they breathe into "Let It Be" restates the original's anthemic qualities without detracting from the vocalistic blend. (I have on my wish lists of CD's an album that is comprised of The Nylons' favorites from the Lennon-McCartney songbook.) That doesn't mean The Nylons are trapped in the oldies. Their versions of George Michael's "Monkey," Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go For That" and Quincy Jones "Ai No Corrida" also stand out!

Just a quick note: The version of "Fabric Of Life" on Nu Millennium records is the version most worth ordering. The original CD was issued in two versions for different territories, and the version here is what The Nylons considered to be their favorites between the two discs, with some additional vocal percussion. It's worth the decision.

Wonderful Upbeat CD.......1999-09-15

The Nylons makea triumphant return to what they do best. This CD has one of the most interesting versions of The John Lennon classic "Let It Be" Gavin Hope lets lose on "Monkey", "Consider" and "LET IT BE" this album truly captures the Nylons live show and the reasons why they have been doing this for 20 years and have been signed to lables all around the world. A must have for any serious music lover.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
2. Why So Downcast?
3. Give Thanks
4. Blessed Be the Lord
5. Lamb of God
6. Mighty Warrior
7. I Will Sing to the Lord
8. I Worship You, Almighty God/There Is None Like You [Medley]
9. Be Exalted, O God/Shine, Jesus, Shine [Medley]
10. Now Unto Him