"Box" is the fourth excellent CD by all-male Chicago quartet Ac Rock (pronounced Ak-Rock), who are into a cappella Rock n' Roll, and just keep getting better at singing and arranging it! Paul, JD, Mark & Chris share solos on these 14 songs (actually 18, considering the final cut, "Best of Doo-Wop" includes "Duke of Earl," "The Book of Love," "Get A Job" and the Harmony Sweeps anthem "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight"). Just listen to cut #9, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (before a live audience at an elementary school in Wilmington, IL) if you want to see how much these guys (a) love their work, and (b) have big fun in concert. It's hard to pick favorites here, but "Who Put The Bomp," Brian Wilson's "Little Deuce Coupe," the Drifters' "Under The Boardwalk," Maurice White's "Shining Star," Hanson's "MMMBop," and James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)" (which segues into a short, surreal sample of Strauss' "Blue Danube"), and a nice original by Mark, "Get Out The Way" will do for starters. See these guys live if you can, and get a sweet taste of their good stuff on "Out of the Box!"

Listen to "Absolutely Right" in Real Audio.

Fourteen songs with hilarious studio outtakes and interesting links make this AC Rock's best CD yet. AC Rock does not wait to get your attention on Guaranteed To Satisfy. The exciting opener, "Drive My Car" will leap out of your speakers and get you into the groove. High pitched vocals from tenor Paul Iams and the deep bass of Mark MacLean augment each other perfectly on another one of our favorites, "Rocket 2 U" which shows the groups astounding range. Also included on this remarkable album are new arrangements of Brian Setzer's "Stray Cat Strut," Steve Miller's "Abracadabra" and The Cars' "You Might Think." As the title of the album states, this album is guaranteed to satisfy.

Listen to "Drive My Car" in Real Audio.

The second CD from this Chicago foursome (plus guest percussionist), who like rock and still admit to it. In fact, they even perform rock songs on this CD! Yes, INXS, Grand Funk Railroad and Cheap Trick fall victim to the AC (pronounced "Aack") Rock onslaught. Even "Vehicle," a seventies rock anthem written by Jim Peterik (of cult favorites "Ides of March" and later of eighties AOR band Survivor), receives the AC treatment, complete with an actual guitar solo played by Jim himself! What's more, AC Rock are fine singers, they're tight, and they're in tune. To prove it, and to refute any aspersions that may exist about their musicality, the group includes Seal's "Kiss From A Rose," the Beach Boys "409" and the Hollies "Bus Stop," and even "Istanbul" for you jump swingers. (Actually, we have it on good authority that members of AC Rock received serious musical educations, but we'll never tell!) Party on!

Listen to "Because" in Real Audio.

Ah, sweet rock 'n roll! Say what? Yes, "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" (CCNY) is sweet. "Silhouettes" takes us back in time to the stone age of rock. A rap/reggae intro to "Get Off Of My Cloud" makes it into an original all over again. Bob Dylan is here.You won't even know its "Like A Rolling Stone" until a minute or so has passed. The Beatles are here. OK, lets go out with one of the intriguing tunes in rock n' roll, "Bohemian Rhapsody". Four singers with great voices and unusually fine arranging skills apply themselves to the world of rock with grand results.

Listen to "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" in Real Audio.

Unfortunately our understanding of Italian is limited to restaurant menus, but a scan of the track list indicates that the spiritual and jazz standard are this CD's focus. These five European chaps obviously have a fondness for these particularly American forms; "Climbing Up The Mountain," "Summertime," "Satin Doll," and "Sophisticated Lady" are the mediums for Alti & Bassi's swinging big band style. Vocal orchestrations and scat are vital ingredients, and the group has a great deal of skill and versatility. Their gospel turn on "I'm Rolling Through This Unfriendly World" is warm and convincing. Occasional piano accompaniment.

It seemed confusing to have Sean Altman leave Rockapella for uncharted waters. With the release of SeanDEMOnium it is evident he wasn't confused. Thanks to overdubbing and his trusty Tascam 686 we are showered with his musical vision, both vocal and instrumentally accompanied. Jeff Thatcher helped the project with vocal percussion on a number of the "pure" tracks. When you hear his guitar work though you will understand why he wants to front a rock band. When you hear his a cappella work you will bemoan his desire to front a rock band, but hear it you should.

The six guys in Ball In The House don't need instruments to make music, they redefine pop by presenting it in a cappella style. Ball In The House takes a cappella into the realm of hip hop and R&B. If your looking for a hip, new sound, The Way It Has To Be is right up your alley. The album is a cappella with a twist of electronica through the voices of these superb singers. Track one, "It's All About Me" is a hard hitting song that reminds us of another hot boy band. Sweet ballads like "Goodbye" and "Don't Rush" are sentimental songs of love and love lost. The group puts a new spin on 80's classic "Karma Chemeleon" by The Culture Club. It is amazing what sounds these boys are able to conjure up. Fourteen great tracks.

Listen to "It's All About Me" in Real Audio.

What happens when you put five amazingly talented guys in a recording studio? The amazing powerhouse of sound, Ball in the House, answered that question with their newest CD. That's right, Tim, Jon J., Aaron, Dave and Dan are back with six new original songs to add to their repertoire. They have delivered a great mix of upbeat music you could dance to as well as some very tender ballads with lush harmonies that could give any contemporary a cappella fan chills. While there are only six tracks, the awesome lyrics and the catchy melodies of each song are more than enough to keep you satisfied as well as hope for their next release to be out soon. From the opening vocal percussion solo on the first track till the triumphant, yet soothing sound in the final track, your ears are sure to be glued to your stereo.

Ball In The House are at the forefront of the new contemporary vocal band sound. Distinguished by all original material, punchy vocal bass and drums, wailing guitar and a generally rawer, "rock" approach, the six young men of this Boston group get down more than most. "The More That I Say" builds up to a rambunctious outro that is a vocal percussion extravaganza. "Crawlin'" is bluesy roots rock with an updated seventies feel; "Try" an urban soul ballad, a modernized street corner harmony. In general, if you like a "heavier" sound with your a cappella, you'll be loving Ball In The House.

Listen to "The More That I Say" in Real Audio.

The group gives credit to Italian a cappella greats Neri Per Caso as an inspiration for their sound and this debut album does justice to that high standard. The CD was a hit in their native Denmark and was the first a cappella recording ever to make the Danish pop charts where it stayed for 7 weeks selling over 25,000 copies. A great beginning for this fine a cappella sextet.

Listen to "The Grass" in RealAudio.

Beat'Achon is Chaim Birman, Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Elie Landau, Dave Matkowsky, David Max and Avy Schreiber, and "West Side Z'Mirot" (which we assume translates to something like "story"), is their third CD. There are 12 "Shabbat" songs here, Jewish traditional music beautifully and harmoniously sung in 6-part harmony. The booklet included has an explanation of each song in English, then the words in both Yiddish and in the centuries-old calligraphic Yiddish. The CD makes you feel as if you are sitting back in a synagogue, just allowing the ancient spirituality in the words and the sweet soulful harmonies of these talented men wash over you! Songlist

Listen to "Yom Shabbaton" in Real Audio.

Never forget that Hebrew cantillation was the root of Christian chant later codified by Gregory. In short it is the most ancient a cappella to which we have access. It is not surprising that New York City, with strong orthodox communities in the midst of the neighborhoods which are the doo-wop centers of the world, would have a new emerging Jewish synthesis. Beat'achon combines traditional chant with doo wop elements and harmonies to update an ancient tradition. It is a fascinating historical development.

Beat'achon has grown tremendously in this second album. The voices have matured as well as the combination of Jewish chant and traditional tunes with modern doo-wop and contemporary styles. "Adon Olam," sung to the tune of "Under the Boardwalk," with its complexity of mouth pops and asperative percussive elements (then they throw in the horn lick just in case the mix isn't rich enough) is to die for, so to speak. With sophisticated recording, engineering, and producing assistance Beat'achon has come a long way along the path toward groyskayt!.

From the opening cut, "Tasty,"; the Blenders infuse the hackneyed "upbeat "description with real meaning. There is an occasional touch of percussion added to this mix but frequently it is hard to discriminate between that and the vocal percussion and tambourine of Darren and Ryan. The production of this release is enhanced by experience as the group records, produces, and does everything else on this second effort. Studio originals are the substance of the recording but don't miss the hysterical, live, country version of "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Listen to "Lonely With You", and "Sailing"

This 2004 releases is a compilation of their other two Christmas recording ("Nog" and "When It Snows") plus a new bonus track"I'll Be Home For Christmas"

Fargo North Dakota is the center of the a cappella universe! Say what? Well it becomes so, at least momentarily, with each new Blenders release. This first release from 1992 introduced a young quartet of men who were bursting with creative energy, musical cleverness, and humor. Mostly we are treated to original work with just 4 covers for those who like to judge talent against the past. Totally Whipped was a great initial release and truly foreshadowed the career which is one of the dynamic successes of the a cappella world. Be prepared to boogie!

You're right, it's not a cappella, but from the first lyric - "voices singing out in harmony" - the Blenders prove, once again, that they have all the right moves. Having tossed their collective hats into the boypop music ring (possible strategy? Well, they'd certainly be one of the best looking bands on MTV), they give it up with radio-seductive songs such as "Turnaround," "Everyday" and "Beautiful," and of course, "I'm In Love With A Mcdonald's Girl." The production values include plenty of lush keyboards and perfectly synchronized drum tracks, though they slip in some cool effects and synthesized sounds too, most obviously on "Forgiven." When the criteria is purity of tone, blend and intonation, the Blenders k.o. the competition.

This 1997 release is a compilation of some of the group's favorite songs from their first three albums, plus three previously unreleased tunes. The new material opens the album - so the first half (the "Now" part) is accompanied, but full of the luscious vocals that has won the group so many fans. It includes a somewhat obscure Led Zeppelin cover, "That's The Way;" a solemn song about a friend's death "Fly Away;" and radio-friendly "Every Now and Then." Among the six a cappella tunes are the Christopher Cross tune "Sailing," and originals "Plainotfancy" and "Rock Your World." The CD is intended to introduce The Blenders to listeners outside the a cappella world, but it will also serve as a great introduction to the group for our catalog customers, and is a must for collectors who want a complete set by this up and coming vocal band.

Hurry, quick! Look at what the Santa's little helpers have been up to this year! It's hard to believe that these four young men from Minnesota have transfused these familiar holiday chestnuts with such inspiration and wonder, but indeed they have. "Let It Snow" takes as it's initial premise a Polynesian tiki lounge rhythm - already different - and then takes the cheery melody headlong into a ninth chord resolution! This CD is trimmed with so many gorgeous decorations that it improves the more one hears it, revealing subtleties that delight upon discovery. The creativity just saturates every song, whether as a distinctive rhythmic variation or unexpected countermelody, but always integrated into the whole (by the way, the group produced and arranged "Nog" themselves). In terms of intonation and blend, the Blenders (coinciding with their choice of name), are the best in the business: listen to "Do You Hear What I Hear" as just one excellent example. It's perfectly calibrated, the senses reveling in the purity of sound. Contemporary a cappella at its best.

Listen to "The Christmas Song" in Real Audio.

Rockin' university gigs is the theme of this recording of live tracks taken from performances throughout the mid-west. The current lineup features David Wilner, Paul Donnelly, Adam Sears, David Anderson, and Eric Skalinder. While the tone lightens to a ballad feel on David W's "I Never Know," generally this is a hard rocking album. The fine vocal drumming of Paul Donnelly keeps the driving beat reverberating through your brain from ear to ear as you are treated to a great number of original tunes. The tunes written by other artists are not ones you will commonly hear and on the one or two really familiar tunes, the arrangements are so original that they sound like new songs. If you like hard rocking, original, contemporary a cappella, this is for you! What is Jaunce, anyway?

Listen to "The Distance" in Real Audio.

The unfortunate news is that Blind Man's Bluff has broken up as a group and won't be up on stage electrifying audiences any time soon. The good news is that before they broke up, they left us all a lovely parting gift, this CD! Including are "Red Line" and "The Drive," stream-of-consciousness urban angst anthems with roots in rap, heavy on the vocal percussion as are all BMB songs, and the rocking, hurt, writhing "Why Didn't You Call Me." "Dirty World" and "Feel" are backed up by what sounds like synthesizer overload, but we have no idea if it's vocal or not, "My One Addiction," "Reservations For One," "I Don't Like" (includes kittens, flowers, SUVs, strip malls, Stallone and implants, among other things), and "Breathin'." This is push-the-a-cappella-envelope, sometimes angry, moody, risky stuff, not for everyone, but the most important art and music is like that!

Listen to "Why Didn't You Call Me?" in Real Audio.

Could this group be the next big thing in contemporary a cappella? Perhaps the biggest buzz in some circles has been for Blue Jupiter who have been compared to Rockapella, M-Pact, and The Blenders - and with very good reason. They are earning a reputation for performing high-energy shows (one of which was at the West Coast Summit) and are focused on becoming a full-time professional group. Opening with the strong original "Scattered Flurries" the group goes on to sing a mix of Christmas standards with a style and sophistication that showcase their solid harmonies, creative arrangements and obvious talent. Well produced and recorded - a holiday treat for all a cappella fans.

Listen to "Scattered Flurries" in Real Audio.

Edgy pop-funk Blue Jupiter, who won Audience Favorite and Best Arrangement at the Washington DC and NYC Harmony Sweeps Regionals 2 years in a row and recently won Oreo's "Milk's Favorite Jingle" contest, which now is all over the radio, brings us their 3rd CD—the first two the critically acclaimed "Ear Candy" and "Scattered Flurries." "Live" has "no tricks, no tracks, just four mouths and four mics," all 12 cuts arranged, performed and recorded by these 4 talented guys in November 2005 in New York City. Smoky Robinson's "Get Ready," Cindy Lauper's "Time After Time," the Turtles' reborn bubblegum hit "Happy Together," a bluesy, funky cover of "Flip, Flop & Fly," the wonderful "Mr. Pinstripe Suit," Carlos Santana's classic "Smooth" and "Wrapped Up In You" from Ear Candy, the vocal percussion drum solo on "Steal My Kisses" and the driving final cut "All The Small Things" are favorites. Inexplicably, there's guitar accompaniment on "Drive," but the crowd is going nuts throughout, and so are we whenever we see or hear this energetic, dynamic quartet—"Live" is a stone winner!

Listen to "Happy Together" in Real Audio.

Contemporary California sextet Boyz Night Out is back with their second CD. Seven original songs, plus covers of rock songs such as Pearl Jam's "Alive," and strong vocal percussion, courtesy of Boyz Nite Out's newest member, add up to a professional and impressive result. State-of-the-art technology and hip production create a full spectrum of sound, emphasized on tunes such as "My Heart," but these guys can sing too, as is evidenced by Boyz-II-Men type cuts like "When I Look Into Your Eyes." Funky urban pop, such as the group's own "Big Black Cadillac" and Lenny Kravitz' "If You Can't Say No," packs a wallop.

Listen to "My Heart" in Real Audio.

Rockin'! Percussin'! Sacramento CA proudly presents its Harmony Sweeps entrants, a rock 'n roll quintet who have a duet of vocal percussionists extraordinaire keeping the beat perfectly in a tasty group of original tunes with just three covers for those who like to hear something familiar. A richly produced version of "Crazy" by Seal, John Lennon's "Imagine" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" are the familiar interludes between original tunes which become just as familiar in just a few listenings because of the memorable melodies.

Germany and Switzerland have a vibrant and prolific a cappella scene. From Denzlingen, Germany come the Buddhas, an all-male quintet with a contemporary sound. Covering material from Elvis Costello's "Accidents Will Happen" to Stevie Winwood's "Roll With It," with several originals to sweeten the pot, the group's arrangements and production are honest and immediate. Twelve of the thirteen tracks were recorded live, and indeed the performances are rife with energy and enthusiasm. The Buddhas' greatest asset is the quality of the individual voices; the lead vocals are consistently strong. The Buddah's own "Seven Acres," with it's smoky depth, is particularly memorable, but "29 Ways" and "Whirlpool" go for the jugular as well. The group gets down and rocks through the Doobie Bros. "Long Train Runnin'," with squealing guitars and bass propulsion.

Don't miss this one. Get in on the ground floor because the arrangements and vocal flights of fancy which seem to be the current signature of Cadence are exceptional. Four men who have had lifetimes of musical training met at York University in Toronto where they were all studying music. After a huge diversity of musical experience, they have focused their energies for the past couple of years on recreating the world of a cappella music. Frost Free, their first recording, is wonderful. Once again, words won't be able to do the slightest justice to the clever originality and breadth of musical vision which is presented here. Start with beautiful harmonies created by very pure voices. Take a songlist of familiar tunes, "Spinning Wheel," "Shape of My Heart," "I Wish," "Straighten Up and Fly Right," and more. Then add arrangements which occasionally add vocal sounds which you've never heard before (no matter how much you've listened to a cappella music) which are always used within a harmonious context of the whole arrangement. What do you get... originality, that's what you get! You get rap, you get rock, you get ballads, you get a lullaby, you get jazz - lots of jazz licks. When it helps to keep true to the original they create an amazing vocal similitude. You must listen to "Spinning Wheel" and then put on the Blood, Sweat and Tears version. Amazing! Or maybe you'll have your mind blown by the sweet close harmony of Paul Simon's "Slim Punky's Dilemma" as it morphs back and forth into the techno-rap lyrics of Public Enemy. This is one of the finest quartets to make an appearance in the a cappella scene in quite a while!

Listen to "Spinning Wheel" in Real Audio.

This bright young seven member group has burst upon the scene with their first album, This New Place. The title is all about where the group finds itself at the moment, with new members, new music, new travels and new fans. The CD focuses on Motown and R&B. The group is heavily influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and Otis Redding. Our favorite tracks include a revamped version of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," "Who's Lovin' You" which was originally recorded by Smokey Robinson and finally the grooviest of them all, "Let's Get it On" from Marvin Gaye. Nine other groovin' songs. Songlist

Listen to "Let's Get It On" in Real Audio.

CVX presents us with a wide variety of covers, Todd Rundgren's "Hodja," a doo wop "In The Still Of The Night," the Grateful Dead's "Uncle John's Band," to name a few. The delight of the album is found in the humor of the originals all of which poke sympathetic fun at social stereotypes. Yuppie yucks, falling in love, lost love drowned in booze, feeling bad, the inertia in small towns and the terminally straight-laced are all dealt with by these 1995 and 1997 Harmony Sweepstakes Chicago Regional winners. They're a complete delight. Songlist

Listen to "Yuppie Refugee" in Real Audio.

Ecoute! C'est bon! Magnifique! However, this CD is neither live nor recorded in Paris - nor is it a collection of French "chansons" - so I guess we're not in on the joke, but what it is is a musically diverse, often sardonic and thoroughly solid slate of songs. Disco schtick ("Grooveline/YMCA"), cartoon themes ("Underdog") and seventies soul ("Midnight Train to Georgia") are interpreted fervently, but the originals have the staying power: "The IHOP Song," "Crocodile Tears," and the Sweepstakes best original song winner, "So Far," which nails those dulcet Beach Boys-type harmonies to the most engaging of melodies.

CVX has wowed us from more than one Harmony Sweepstakes Finals stage, and this is their raucous, more than slightly irreverent, fun Christmas CD! 14 songs: "Jingle Bells," a jazzy, driving "Carol O' Bells," the Beach Boys' "Little St. Nick," "We Three Kings," "Santa Claus" (who has whether you've been good or bad "on videotape"), a delightfully oily "Mr. Grinch," "Deck The Hall," "Mistletoe and Holly," "Holly Jolly Christmas," the requisite "Rudolph," "Silent Night," the hilarious "Walkin' Round In Women's Underwear" ("Later on, if ya wanna, we can dress like Madonna"),the raunchy, macho "Better Open Up My Present," and finally "Feliz Navidad," which becomes the little-known Jewish carol--"Feliz Hannukah." This is a party Christmas CD--not for everyone, but then it doesn't try to be!

The Conn Artists is a seven-man a cappella Contemporary/Jazz/Doo-wop ensemble that performs throughout Connecticut ("Conn Artists," get it?), and "First Offense" is their debut CD. Included are: "Ain't No Sunshine," "The Worst That Could Happen," "Dream Lover," "Better Than Anything," "I Love My Boss," "Change In My Life," Van Morrison's "Moondance," The Four Freshmen's "Blue World," "Consider Me Gone," "Ave Maria," "On And On," "Winter's Night," "Take 5," "On The Street Where You Live" and "God Bless The Child." The guys harmonize with energy and spirit, and we're hoping they commit Second and Third Offenses and end up with a lengthy record!

Have you ever heard a song about fish sticks? How about liposuction, high- rise cowboy window washers love affairs, the joy of pickled okra or a shoehorn with teeth??? Akin to the sound of one hand clapping is the question, can an a cappella group with its popularity growing in leaps and bounds still be considered be a cult classic? In the Washington DC area DaVinci's Notebook has a serious fan base who love the joy of their performances. On this, their first release, are also found great arrangements of "Traffic Jam," "Blue Moon" and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay."

Listen to "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay", "Blue Moon" or "Traffic Jam" in Real Audio.

Who's Mike Fanning? We don't know. Does it matter? No. This CD is the most hilarious recording to rotate our turntables this year! The opening cut, "Ally McBeal," (to the tune of Dylan's "Rolling Stone") is positively wicked, with lines like "and all the up you've thrown/into your porcelain throne," and "your Pop-Tart feminism." Da Vinci, aided and abetted by the Bobs' Richard Greene, who produced, spoof the present ("Road Rage," "Secret Asian Man") the past ("Soggy Diaper Blues") and the hereafter ("Kingdom in the Sky"). It's a blue-tinged, contemporary sound, which freaks freely, taking liberties with Meat Loaf-style rock opuses such as "Three Little Words." Some of the tracks have strategic percussion or harmonica.

Listen to "Ally McBeal" or "Road Rage".

The six young men of Eclipse first met in a singing group at Utah State University. Campus performances of pop covers led to their first album, 2001's "Once." They won the NW Regional Harmony Sweeps and were very impressive at the 2001 Finals. After performing a featured number in the Opening opening of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and releasing their second album, "Think Twice," they won the 2002 Rocky Mountain Sweeps Regional. "Three Kings" is a rich, innovative Christmas CD that features 11 songs that features stunning arrangements, many of them by group member Patrick Rose. There are 3 very nice original tunes, "This Year," "Room in the Inn" and the sweet "Lullaby." Strong vocal percussion on the spirited "Three Kings," "Drummer Boy," and "Go Tell It." Smooth, ringing harmonies on "The First Noel" and "What Child Is This?" A bluesy, jazzy "The Christmas Song" and "Silent Night" are last. One of the best of the year! Highly recommended.

Listen to "Three Kings" and "The First Noel" in Real Audio.

These six talented young men met at Utah State University, won the 2001 Pacific NW Regional of the Harmony Sweeps and wowed the audience here at the 2001 Finals. They also won the 2002 Rocky Mountain Regionals and were great at the Finals. They were featured at the opening and closing Winter Olympics ceremonies. "Think" is their second excellent CD, after the 2001 release "Once." 11 songs: "Live It On Up," "Keep Pushin' On," the title tune, the Yes hit "Owner of a Lonely Heart," the wonderfully-done "Heaven's Eyes," "Ashes," "Close To Me," "Pouring Rain," "My Maria," "Kick Back, Relax" and Stephen C. Foster's "Hard Times Come Again No More." Strong, innovative arrangements by second tenor Patrick Rose, and some of the smoothest vocal percussion we've heard. Extensive, full-color liner notes with bios, photos and all lyrics. These guys say they're ready to join the a cappella elite, we couldn't agree more! Songlist.

Listen to "Owner of a Lonely Heart " in Real Audio.

Eclipse is an ensemble of six who met in northern Utah while attending Utah State University. They have performed extensively with the USU Department of Programs and Entertainment. This is their first recording and features original songs by all the members of the band along with a smattering of cleverly arranged covers. The original songs tend to be love songs and might be categorized as sweet-rock. They cover Sting's "King of Pain" with some marvelous vocal embellishments and "Africa" (not again, you think to yourself...but wait!) with a scat falsetto break making it the newest arrangement in a long while. "Danny Boy" is sung as a beautiful multi-part harmony and showcases just what fine voices these singers have, and "Zoot Suit Riot" is a full on jazz arrangement. This is a great first recording of a group worthy of close attention.

The Edlos first all-original album. This California foursome have been on the cutting edge of the new contemporary a cappella movement since their debut, and have sustained a loyal following, courtesy of their highly entertaining live performances. The group continues to parody anything and everybody, as on "Paper," "IRS Blues" and "Garbage Man" (the latter previously released on their "Sampler" CD), but in fact, their musical depth extends far beyond the comic, and embraces a variety of stylistic influences. "The Dream," as a case in point, traverses into classical territory and even has a quasi-operatic finale. "Down At The Mall" spills over into doo-wop, with it's nonsense syllables and high falsetto overlay. The Edlos' musical credentials bring a sophistication to their sound that is their own inimitable brand.

Listen to "Acappellypso" in Real Audio.

The Edlos are one the best-known groups in contemporary a cappella. Drawing on material from their previous three CD's, this "Sampler" is your basic Edlos 101, with a couple of new songs for extra credit: "Garbage Man" and "Mrs. Claus." This California group is known for their humor, and there is plenty of that, but there is plenty of substance as well: their solid education in the fundamentals of a cappella singing and the styles of barbershop and doo wop have endeared them to fans for many years past, and for many years to come!

The Edlos are first-rate technical singers who amuse themselves and their zealous followers with zany antics and offbeat lyrics. This mix of the high and lowbrow has resulted in an eclectic sound that is umistakeably Edlos. For this special Christmas collection enjoy the Appalachian traditional, "Talkin' About Sufferin' Here Below," a Ukrainian carol, "Carol Of The Bells," "Big Santa (The Visit)," and "Sim Shalom," among others. This male quartet makes everything they do sound easy and casual, but listen intently: the whole is fashioned with the utmost of precision, and scholarship that takes years to acquire.

The Edlos were visiting Nashville where they were tapped to play the Grand Old Opry. The wildly enthusiastic response they found was the root inspiration for a collection of country tunes. There is a sweet lilting poignancy found in heartstring tuggers like "For Ever and Ever, Amen," "Goodbye To White Deer" and "High Hill." Traditional tunes are present in "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Faded Love." "Castin' My Lasso" is a vehicle for great yodeling, cowboys old and new, mine disasters, wired truck drivers... If its country its here.

elmo THUMM is Greg Vaden, Paul Ellinger, Adam Westmoreland, Ed Pendleton and Jason Miller. This young, energetic group's debut brings forth their style as understood in the best musical form, LIVE! elmo THUMM displays their contempory style on favorites like "Stand By Me," "Under The Boardwalk," "Summertime," and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." These boys sing their hearts out on thirteen tracks.Songlist

Listen to "Up On the Roof" in Real Audio.

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.