Review: Looking at the wonderful pix of the top 10 Choruses at the International Chorus Finals in October 2005 in Detroit, we totally want to be there. Incredible costumes, joyous faces-dozens of beaming, beautiful women having big fun singing their hearts out, going for the Gold. That honor went to Scottsdale (AZ) Chorus, so consistently fine that they have entered 13 International competitions since 1976 and have placed no lower than 3rd, winning it all 4 times! Silver went to Pride of Baltimore Chorus, 3rd to Kansas City (MO) Chorus and 4th to Coastline Show Chorus of Providence, RI. This "best-of" compilation features 2 songs each for the 5th to 10th place finishers, beginning with Greater Nassau Chorus's "At A Georgia Camp Meeting," 3 songs each for 5th through 2nd place groups, and 4 songs for the Champs, as it should be! Favorites among these 26 tunes are Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do," by Scottsdale Chorus, Berlin's "How Deep Is the Ocean," by Pride of Baltimore, "Runnin' Wild," by Kansas City Chorus and "The Joint Is Jumpin'" by Coastline Show Chorus. Powerful harmonies, hitting on all cylinders from the Motor City!

Songlist: At A Georgia Camp Meeting, The Masquerade Is Over, If I Give My Heart To You, No No Nora, You Keep Coming Back Like A Song, How Many Hearts Have You Broken, Brokenhearted, After My Laughter Came Tears, Auld Lang Syne, Climb Every Mountain, Charleston, The Joint Is Jumpin', If The Rest Of The World Don't Want You, Mistakes, I'll Never Say Never Again, Runnin Wild, From The First Hello To The Last Goodbye, How Deep Is The Ocean, Once Upon a Time, Original Dixieland One, What'll I Do, If You Love Me, Really Love Me, Swanee, There'll Be Some Changes Made, Going, Going, Gone

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: Once again, another fine year for the Sweet Adelines International Chorus competition, not to mention the fact that it was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year we have North Metro Chorus in 3rd place, the Melodeers in 2nd, and champions this year were the Rich Tone Chorus, of Richardson, Texas. Some of today's, and yesterday's, finest songs were transformed into tight barbershop arrangements and sung with gusto by these choruses, who were all very deserving of their spot in the top 10.

Songlist: The Joint Is Jumpin', If I Ruled The World, My Buddy, Alabamy Bound, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone, At Last, If I Had My Life To Live Over, Toot Toot Tootsie, Young And Foolish, You Keep Coming Back Like A Song, What'll I Do, Roll On Mississippi Roll, Daddy Say Goodbye, I Will Love You Till The End Of Time, I Used To Call Him Baby, My Romance - Skyline, Do You Ever Think Of Me, Down Yonder, Once Upon a Time, Time After Time, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Yes Sir, That's My Baby, I'm Alone Because I Love You, Nobody's Baby

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: The 61st Annual Sweet Adelines International 2007 Convention and Competition took place in Calgary, Saskatchewan, and this wonderful live CD gives us a generous helping of the colorful chorus competition. One only has to glance at the photos of the top ten finishers in the sparse liner notes to get a taste of the color and excitement of this event. Anaheim, CA's Harborlites Chorus took the gold, Pride of Baltimore 2nd, Lions Gate Chorus from Vancouver, BC, Coastline Show Chorus from Providence, RI 4th, and Kansas City Chorus took 5th place. Harborlites has four winners here, "My Honey's Lovin' Arms," "A Bundle of Old Love Letters," "When Day Is Done" and "Sweet Georgia Brown;" the 2nd through 4th place finishers have 3 songs each, and the 6th through 10th place winners, which include the Toast of Tampa Show Chorus, Greater Nassau Chorus, Mountain Jubilee Chorus, Christchurch City Chorus from New Zealand, and the Choral-Aires Chorus, all have 2 tunes each. A powerful, richly harmonic, touching collection of Sweet Adelines' best!

Songlist: As Long As I'm Singing, All Aboard For Dixie, I Will Love You Till The End Of Time, Once Upon a Time, The Joint Is Jumping, Medley: Angry, There Goes My Heart, The Rhythm Of Life, The End Of The Road, Goodbye World Goodbye, After You've Gone, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, (Here Am I) Brokenhearted, Tips, Help Is On The Way, Pick A Little, Ice Cream, Marion, Till There Was You, Lida Rose, Seventy Six Trombones, Medley: William Tell Overture, Darktown Strutter's Ball, Something's Coming, Look Me Up At The Convention, Barbershop Convention, Hooked On Classics Medley, Medley: How Many Hearts Have You Broken?, Canadian Man, Born To Be Wild, Medley: I Never Knew I Could Love Anybody, Once Upon a Time, Smile Medley: Smile, Darn Ya, Smile, How Deep Is The Ocean?, When The Day Is Done, Sweet Georgia Brown, Tonight, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, Angel of Music/ Phantom of the Opera

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: The competition was tough at the 2010 competition held in Seattle and the ladies were in full voice. The judge's finally decided on the Scottsdale Chorus as winners of the coveted gold medal with the Harborlites taking Silver and North Metro won silver. This is another wonderful collection for all fans of Sweet Adeline singing.

Songlist: The Joint is Jumpin', Time After Time, Sonny Boy, Waitin' For The Robert E. Lee, If I Give My Heart to You, When The Red, Red Robin, Yesterday I Heard The Rain, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Five Minutes More, Sweet Adeline, If I Loved You, Goodbye Broadway, If You Love Me Really Love Me, If I Had My Way, Ain't She (He) Sweet, Over The Rainbow, Its A Great Day for the Irish, Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Rah, Ring Ring the Banjo, A Bundle of Old Love Letters, Sweet Georgia Brown, Danny Boy, All Aboard for Dixieland, What'll I Do?, How Deep Is The Ocean?, Put Your Arms Around Me

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: It was another great year of top notch harmony singing at the International Competition held this year in Houston. The Melodeers took the gold, Ronninge Chorus (from Sweden) was second and Lions Gate Chorus (from Canada) won bronze.

Songlist: At Last, Toot, Toot, Tootsie, My Foolish Heart, When You Wish Upon A Star, I Never Knew I Could Love Anybody, All The Way, Oh, How I Miss You Tonight, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, Once Upon a Time, No, No, Norman, He Was There, Lulu's Back In Town, A Bundle of Old Love Letters, Pal Of My Cradle Days, I Love Jazz, If We Can't Be The Same Old Sweethearts, Time After Time, When That Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam, The Way You Look Tonight, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, When I Fall In Love, I Got Rhythm, I'm Looking At The World Through Rose Colored Glasses, Love Letters Straight From Your Heart, In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning, You Must've Been a Beautiful Baby

Review: Annual release from Sweet Adelines International of the top quartets from the convention in Orlando, Florida. Featuring Surround Sound, Persuasions, Brava!, Success Express, Crystal Clear, Fanatix, Razzcals, Night Magic, Swinglish Mix and champions A Cappella Gold.

Songlist: Original Dixieland One Step, Secrets, Take Another Guess, Beside An Open Fireplace, Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Kiss Me One More Time, Goody Goody, Medley (I'm in Love Again / Them There Eyes), Medley (Oh How I Miss You Tonight / When I Lost You), When the Red, Red Robin Goes Bob, Bob Bobbin' Along, Little Lady Make Believe, Medley (Two Tickets to Georgia / Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia), If I Were the Only Girl in the World, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, The Bandstand In Central Park, When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam', For the Sake of Auld Lang Syne, You Better Keep Babyin' Baby, Mistakes, Last Night On the Back Porch, What'll I Do?, Flirty Eyes, Medley (How Many Hearts Have You Broken? / Them There Eyes), If You Love Me, Really Love Me, Heart of A Clown, Nobody Knows What A Redhead Mama Can Do

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: The City of Roses-Portland, Oregon, had the very good fortune to host the 2001 Sweet Adelines convention, and the quartet performances were better than ever. Congratulations to Fanatix, International Gold Medal winners for 2001! Hot on their heels were Brava!, Swinglish Mix, the Razzcals, Voices Only, Night Magic, Salt, Spotlight, Remix and Surround Sound. This CD features songs from all the top 10 finalists, and it's great stuff!

Songlist: Original Dixieland One Step, Secrets, If You Love Me (Really Love Me), Lulu's Back In Town, I Never Knew I Could Love Anybody/You Were Meant For Me Medley, My Melancholy Baby, Jazz Baby, (I'm Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over, You're In Wrong With the Right Baby, Who's Sorry Now, If I Give My Heart To You, It's A Sin To Tell A Lie, Pal Of My Cradle Days, Roses Of Yesterday, When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam', The Bandstand In Central Park, Walkin' With My Sweetness, What'll I Do, Flirty Eyes, Kiss Me One More Time, Angry/Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home, A Tree In The Meadow, Two Tickets To Georgia/Sentimental Gentlemen From Georgia Medley, Little Lady Make Believe, Love Me And The World is Mine, I Love To Hear That Barbershop Style

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: Nashville was the lucky city to host the 2002 Sweet Adelines International Quartet competition, and Swinglish Mix won it all, followed closely by Brava, Spotlight, Razzcals, and ReMix. Included on this CD are the top 10 finishers, with 4 songs by the champs, 3 each by the 4 runners-up, and two each by the rest of the top 10. The best cuts from a magical competition in Nashville!

Songlist: Two Tickets To Georgie / Sentimental Gentleman, If I Give My Heart to You, Red Hot, Crying Myself To Sleep, You're in the Wrong With the Right Baby / How Come You Do Me Like You Do Mefley, Mistakes, Little Man, You've Had a Busy Day, World, Here I Am, When the Red, Red Robin Goes Bob Bobbin' Along, Oh, How I Miss You Tonight, Lulu's Back in Town, If You Love Me, Really Love Me, I'll Never Say "Never Again" Again, Roses of Yesterday, Ya Gotta Know How to Love / I Can't Give You Anything But Love, The Bandstand in Central Park, Swanee, My Melancholy baby, I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love, Kiss Me One More Time, Angry / Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home, A Tree in the Meadow, Walkin' With My Sweetness, What'll I Do?, (I'm Afraid) The Masquerade is Over, Last Night on the Back Porch

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: Dozens of top Sweet Adelines quartets descended on Phoenix, AZ in 2003, looking for gold, and here we have the 10 best. The tension builds as we begin with two tunes from Long Beach, CA's Persuasion, 10th place, followed by two from Arvada, CO's Ms. Behavin', and so on until we hear 3 tunes from 5th place winners, Stockholm, Sweden's Remix, 3 from one of our favorites, Roseville, CA's Razzcals, Sweden's Salt, Ann Arbor, MI's Spotlight, and finally 4 tunes from Vancouver BC's Brava!, "Toot Toot Tootsie," "I Will Love You 'Til The End Of Time," "A Tree In The Meadow" and "Angry/Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home." Great music and all the excitement of this huge, live competition!

Songlist: I'm All Bound 'Round With the Mason Dixon, My Buddy, Each Time I Fall in Love, (Oh Suzanna) Dust Off That Old Piana, Original Dixieland Onestep, You Are My Sunshine, The Old Piano Roll Blues, Little Man, You've Had A Busy Day, Two Tickets To Georgia, Once Upon a Time, If I Give My Heart To You, I'll Never Say "Never Again" Again, If You Love Me (Really Love Me), I'd Give A Million Tomorrows, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, Roses of Yesterday, When the Red, Red, Robin Goes Bob, Bob Bobbin' Along, Oh How I Miss You Tonight, Don't Tell Me The Same Things Over Again, If We Cant' Be the Same Old Sweethearts, I Only Have Eyes for You, My Melancholy Baby, Toot Toot Tootsie, I Will Love You Til' the End of Time!, A Tree in the Meadow, Angry

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: In 2004, Indianapolis, IN played gracious host to the 2004 Sweet Adelines' convention, and some names familiar to us and our readers rose to the top of the heap. In 5th place was "Remix," 4th was "Salt," 3rd, "Spotlight," Second, "Razzcals", and in first, "The Buzz." We are treated to four songs by "The Buzz:" "No, No, Nora (Norman)," Irving Berlin's "How Deep is the Ocean," Hammerstein's "Because of You," and "You Turned the Tables on Me." The Razzcals have 3 cuts, Salt has 3, Spotlight 3, "Remix" 3, and "Unplugged" and the remainder of the 10 groups, 2 each. This is great stuff from an epic competition, the mother lode for lovers of Sweet Adelines!

Songlist: The Old Piano Roll Blues, You Are My Sunshine, Medley: I Told Them All About You, Friend; You Dear, Fain & Freed, I'm Gonna Lock My Heart, One Upon A Time, Red Head, Oh, How I Miss You Tonight, I'm Alone Because I Love You, Yes Sir, That's My Baby, Red Hot, If I Give My Heart To You, I'll Never Say "Never Again", Always, Medley: Why Don't You Fall In Love With Me; Undecided, If We Can't Be The Same Old Sweethearts, Medley: How Many Hearts Have You Broken; Them There Eyes, If I Were The Only Girl In The World, When The Red, Red Robin Goes Bob, Bobbin' Along, Who'll Take My Place When I'm Gone, Medley: Ya Gotta Know How To Love; I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Roses Of Yesterday, When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam', No, No Nora, How Deep Is The Ocean, Because of You, You Turned The Tables On Me

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: The first week of October, 2005 saw dozens of the best Sweet Adelines Quartets gather in Detroit, MI to compete for the coveted Gold Medals (and, we might add, really cool crowns) that are awarded to the best quartet in the known world! One of our favorite groups, Roseville, CA's Razzcals, took 4th, Elmhurst, IL's Four Bettys were 3rd, Huddinge, Sweden's Salt took the Silver, and four hometown girls, China, MI's Spotlight won it all! This CD features at least 2 songs each by the top 10 finishers, (#10 being Vox from Jarfalla, Sweden, one of 3 Swedish groups in the top 10), 3 songs each by #'s 4, 3 and 2, and 4 tunes by the Champs. Favorites among the 26 cuts are "My Foolish Heart" by Spotlight, "If I Were the Only Girl in the World" by Salt, "Kiss Me One More Time" by Four Bettys, and "Love Medley" by Razzcals. Nice color pix of the 10 groups in the liner notes.

Songlist: The Jazz Me Blues, A Nightingale Sang, How Deep Is The Ocean, I'm Sittin' On The Top Of The World, Roses Of Yesterday, Yes Sir, That's My Baby, I Never Meant To Fall In Fall, Over The Rainbow, Taking A Chance On Love, If I Had My Way, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, What'll I Do, Tears For Souvenirs, When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam', Oh How I Miss You Tonight, Kiss Me One More Time, Who'll Take My Place When I'm Gone, If I Were The Only Girl In The World, If We Can't Be The Same Old Sweethearts, My Foolish Heart, All Bound Round

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: Another great Sweet Adelines International convention took place this year, and this one was especially exciting as it was held in Las Vegas, Nevada! The Bay Area favorite, the Razzcals did quite well this year, taking 3rd Place. Four Betty's, who also put on a great show at our 2005 Harmony Sweepstakes, Chicago Regional, grabbed 2nd place. This year's Queens, SALT, stole the show, reminding us once again, so many great performers/musicians have come out of Sweden. This CD features two tracks from the quartets placing 4th - 10th, three tracks from Four Bettys and the Razzcals, and we get to hear four tracks from SALT! If you're looking for the best in Sweet Adelines' recordings, this collection definitely delivers!

Songlist: Side By Side, Young And Foolish, What'll I Do, That's My Weakness, I Had Someone Else Before I Had You, At Last, Forgive Me, Changes Medley, Smile Medley, How Deep Is The Ocean, Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart, If You Love Me, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Taking A Chance On Love, Over The Rainbow, With Plenty Of Money And You, Roses Of Yesterday, Love Medley, There Goes My Heart, I'm Alone Because I Love You, Two Tickets To Georgia, Kiss Me One More Time, I Love Jazz, If You Wee The Only Girl In The World, Who'll Take My Place When I'm Gone, When The Red Robin Comes Bob Bobbin Along

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: Convention and Competition in Calgary, Saskatchewan are as exciting and electric as it gets, and this CD has the top ten winners live! Photos of these groups in their beautiful matching outfits give us a taste of what it was like to be there, and the recordings are the next best thing. Four Bettys from Elmhurst, IL took the gold, and they are given four tunes: "Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey," "Oh, How I Miss You Tonight," "I'm Alone Because I Love You" and "How Many Hearts Have You Broken;" Jackpot! from Winter Springs, FL was 2nd and sing 3 songs, including "How Deep is the Ocean;" Razzcals from Roseville, CA took 3rd and sing "Flirty Eyes" and 2 others; Moxie Ladies from Columbus, OH were 4th and sing "Love Medley" and 2 others; and Capri, from Odenton, MD were 5th and sing "At Last" and 2 others. The 6th through 10th place finishers, Mojo, Zing!, Cabaret, Shimmer! and Jukebox respectively, have two songs apiece. If you love Sweet Adelines, Barbershop and spirited, ringing harmonies, this recording will be pure joy for you from chord one!

Songlist: Forgive Me, Changes Medley: There'll Be Some Changes Made, Tired Of Me, After My Laughter Came Tears, You Turned The Tables On Me, Young and Foolish, Love Medley: I Can't Give You Anything But Love, If You Love Me Really Love Me, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, Johnny Medley: Johnny's In Town, At Last, It's The Girl, Roses Of Yesterday, Love Medley: I Can't Give You Anything But Love, It's You, I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling, There Goes My Heart, Flirty Eyes, My Mother's Eyes, Money Medley: With Plenty Of Money and You, How Deep Is The Ocean?, Taking A Chance On Love, Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey, I'm Alone Because I Love You, How Many Hearts Have You Broken?

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: It was another great year for top notch singing at the International contest held this time in Seattle, Washington. Here are the contest performances from the top quartets including of course bronze winners Capri, silver medalists Journey and the 2010 Queens of Harmony MAXX Factor.

Songlist: Oh Suzzanna, After My Laughter Comes Tears, Brokenhearted, L-O-V-E, How Many Hearts Have You Broken?, Time After Time, The Church Bells Are Ringing For Mary, Baby Face, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Over The Rainbow, When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam', How Are Things in Glocca Mora?, My Baby Just Cares For Me, Angry, My Foolish Heart, No. No, Nora, I Told Them All About You, At Last, I Had Somebody Else Before I Had You, Cuddle Up A Little Closer, May I Never Love Again, Put Your Arms Around Me, Cry Baby, All The Way, When You Wish Upon A Star, It's A Sin to Tell a Lie

Voicing: barbershop/sweet-adelines-cds/

Review: It was cocktail time in Houston when Martini were crowned the new Queens of Harmony. Corrina Garriock, Michelle Shoemaker, DeAnne Haugen and Shannon Harris took top honors with Touce coming second and AKA third.

Songlist: You Turned The Tables On Me, If You Love Me (Really Love Me), You Don't Know Me, Ya Gotta Know How To Love, Lover Come Back To Me, All The Way, Time After Time, Don't Break The Heart That Loves You, Roses Of Yesterday, Ain't He Sweet, My Foolish Heart, Angry, Once Upon Time, I'll Never Say "Never Again", If I Love Again, Oh, Look At Me Now, There Goes My Heart, I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling, I'm Thru With Love, When That Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam, Auld Lang Syne, Powder Your Face With Sunshine, My Baby Just Cares For Me, How Are Things In Glocca Morra?, I Ever I Would Leave You, Somebody Loves Me

Various Artists : Barbershop's Best

Review: Hot off the presses from our own record label comes a great collection of some of the finest barbershop quartets aptly named "Barbershop's Best".This is the first recording to feature a wide selection of both champion male and female quartets and includes some of the finest groups to ever perform in the barbershop style. These studio tracks were in great part selected by the groups themselves and represents, in their opinion, some of their finest work. Featured are cuts from Platinum, Acoustix, Ambiance, Boston Common, Bluegrass Student Union, Panache, Fred and Rumors and more. 16 great tracks.

Songlist: This Is The Moment, Caroline, A Foggy Day (In London Town), Long Ago and Far Away, Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia, Royal Garden Blues, When October Goes, Jungle Book, Five-Oh-Two, Where Are You, Jeepers Creepers, What'll I Do, I Got A Gal In Kalamazoo, Feels Like Home, Eine Kleine NOT Music, I Will Never Pass This Way Again, Excerpts from "Rhapsody in Blue"

Voicing: barbershop/quartet-cds/

Review: A great selection from the Society's 1991 International Finals.

Songlist: When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin Along, Old Songs Are Just Like Old Friends, Is This Just Another Song About Love?, How Could You Believe Me / It's A Sin to Tell a Lie, So Long, Mother, The Ride of My Life, Loading Up the Mandy Lee, My Gal Sal, Crazy Words - Crazy Tune, Down by the Old Mill Stream, I'm Lonesome for You, Dear Old Pal, I Was Born Seventy Years Too Late, Chase the Rain Away, Give My Regards to Broadway, My Buddy, Together, When I See All the Loving They Waste on Babies, I'm Looking Over A Four-Leaf Clover, Lost in the Heart of My Own Hometown, Together Parody, The Church Bells Are Ringing for Mary, Hello! My Baby, The End of the Road, Alabamy Bound, Sonny Boy

Voicing: barbershop/quartet-cds/

Review: As hundreds of Barbershop quartets descended on Nashville in July of 2008, it occurred to ten of the best of them to record a tribute to the Music City. Thus was born this sweet little collection of 10 tunes: Gotcha!'s "Be My Baby Tonight," OC Times' "Honey (Open That Door)/Hey Good Lookin' Medley," Realtime's "Rocky Top," The Rounders" (featuring the Jordanaires) "Are You Lonesome Tonight," Men In Black's "Roly Poly," Vocal Spectrum's "Daddy Sang Bass," Great Nashville Singout's "Crazy," Tonehenge's "Senior Citizen Blues," State Line Grocery's "Tennessee Waltz" and Rural Route 4's "I've Been Everywhere." "Welcome" is a tasty smorgasbord of country flavors that will make you want to sing along!

Songlist: Be My Baby Tonight, Honey (Open That Door)/ Hey Good Lookin' Medley, Rocky Top, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Roly Poly, Daddy Sang Bass, Crazy, Senior Citizen Blues, Tennessee Waltz, I've Been Everywhere

Review: A live recording featuring six contemporary doo-wop groups, billed as 'an acappella tribute to R & B vocal group harmony,' recreating the doo-wop classics of yesteryear (save Reunion, who throw a curveball by including Thin Lizzy's 'Boys Are Back In Town'). As promoted by Ronnie I, Choice, the Delmonicos, Larkings, Reunion, Things To Come and the Valentinos (the only mixed male/female group)render their own interpretations of 'I Like It Like That' (Spaniels), 'Why Did You Have To Go' (Dells), 'Story Untold' (Nutmegs), 'Since I Don't Have You' (Skyliners) and 'Memories Of You' (Harptones) and many more. 

Songlist: Ronnie I Intro, Shoo Be Do Wah, I Like It Like That, Everybody's Laughing, Two Loves Have I, Stardust, Can't We Be Sweethearts, Why Do You Have To Go, Story Untold, Down To Earth, Over and Over Again, Boys are Back in Town, Wonderful Tonight, Silvie, At This Moment, Sh-Boom, Since I Fell For You / Since I Don't Have You, Farewell My Love, Solitaire, My Memories of You, Lullabye of the Bells

Review: Clifton Music's Ronnie I presents this generous collection of 20 1950s Doo Wop group recordings, 19 of them previously unreleased, featuring 14 groups. The CD has an authentic feel and competitive spirit about it, a showdown between some of the best surviving group singers of the era. Some favorites: The Balladeers' "Red Sails in the Sunset," the Decibelles' "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," the Endings' "Oh Baby," Magic Moments' "A Casual Look," Street Corner Five's "My Love Will Never Die," Vintage's "Gypsy Woman," Spellbound's "A Rose," Cosmic Rays' "Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie," Bop Shop's "10 Commandments of Love," Jarmels' "Love" and Nutmegs' "Beautiful Dreamer." Great stuff, a lot of which we haven't heard, by some of the original artists, who still sound wonderful!

Songlist: Give Me You, Red Sails In The Sunset, Star-Spangled Banner, Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree, There's No One But You, My Love (For You), Oh Baby, A Casual Look, My Love Will Never Die, Someone To Call Me Darling, What Are You Gonna Be, In The Still of the Night, Gypsy Woman, A Rose, The Nearness of You, Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie, Ten Commandments Of Love, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Love, Beautiful Dreamer

Review: New York City's Apollo Records was a key fifties R&B label that released great groups, blues and gospel. In their archives, however, was unearthed a treasure trove of audition tapes of early a cappella groups, The Casanovas, Miriam Grate & The Dovers, the Gentlemen, The Keynotes, and the Avalons. This is a collection of 20 of the best songs rescued from the dusty boxes in Apollo's warehouse: "A Star" and "Early One Morning" by the Keynotes, "Pleading from My Heart" and "Night Rider" by the Casanovas," The Dovers' tasty "My Love" and "Sweet as a Flower," "Baby Looka Here" by the The Avalons, and "Story of a Love Gone Cold" by the Gentlemen are some of our favorites. Most of these songs are new to us, and they showcase the raw talent and creativity of the early Doo-Wop scene, where dozens of groups were a record contract or some radio play away from a hit and stardom.

Songlist: Please Be Mine, Only Heaven Knows, Youre Driving Me Crazy, A Star, Pleading From My Heart, My Love, Love Me Now Or Let Me Go, Girl In The Chapel, Sweet As A Flower, Suddenly, Baby Looka Here, You Are My Queen, Tell Me You Love Me, Night Rider, Do Something For Me, Early One Morning, The Sentence, Story of a Love Gone Cold, I Don't Know, Your Love

Review: It was still in 1965 that the second Relic Record was produced. The first was selling well in a streetcorner underground around New York City and Philadelphia. Eddie Gries and his partners decided to start producing their own acappella sessions. They began with the popular group, the Chessmen. The Holidays were a young group which auditioned right in the Times Square Record Shop. The Citadels were the first mixed group to record acappella, streetcorner style. The Youngtones were a young Latino group who almost made it big. This second record was rounded out with leased masters by the Delstars of 'Zoop Bop' fame (remember them?) and the Five Jades. None of these songs had been released before Best of Acappella Vol 2. The CD is packaged with the same images which a adorned the original album jacket and includes the original album notes.

Songlist: I Want To Dance, Your Way, Lola, New Love Tomorrow, Johnny Johnny, Let Me Come Back, A Teardrop, When I Woke Up This Morning, Chant Of The Isles, When I Fall In Love, For Sentimental Reasons, Adios, My Baby Loves Me, Maryann, It Happened Today, Shining Star, Time After Time, To Make A Long Story Short, Is Everybody Happy?, Ten Commandments Of Love

Review: Yo! It's just now 1966. The British invasion is in full force, even in New York and New Jersey, the last bastion of doo-woppers. As most of the groups were composed of members seventeen to nineteen years old and the draft was going gangbusters, groups were disappearing right and left. But acappella survived in spite of the fact that it received no airplay except on WHBI-FM. Volume 3 introduces seven new groups, The Islanders, The Durhams, Count Five, Horizons, Nicky & Naks, the Apparitions and the Enchantments in addition to the two veterans, the Citadels and the Quotations. So you'll find the nine groups singing twenty tunes on this CD reissue. The digital restoration of the original tapes is a work of art. Relic's presentation is a fascinating slice of the history of acappella music.

Songlist: I Wonder Why, A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening, I Do Believe, My True Story, Tonite I Fell In Love, Maureen, I've Seen Everything, Bells of Love, Rock 'n Roll Cha Cha, Why Did You Make Me Cry?, Sweeter Than, Maybe You'll Be There, Pennies From Heaven, Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, Part of Our Love, Down On My Knees, Hey, Hey Baby, Dream World, Don't Say We're Through, There Was A Time

Review: By the time volume 4 was produced, even though it was still 1966, the sales of acappella were beginning to fall off but there was still enough interest to do just one more for people who loved the music. This recording was different in that there are the first two all girl acappella groups, ever. We mean girl groups. Ginger And The: Adorables, from West Orange, NJ, had three sixteen year old and two fourteen year old girls! The other all girl group was the Rondells. Little Joe and The Majestics could barely speak English and became the first recorded acappella in Spanish. There was another departure from the previous albums and that was a barbershop harmony song by the Notations. We're talking radical departure. This is the end of the beginning of the great Relic Records. They promoted a Vol 5 in these album notes but there is no evidence it was ever produced. Aah, the good old days!

Songlist: The White Cliffs Of Dover, Laura My Darling, Lost Love, He's Gone, Everyday Of The Week, I'll Be Home, Merry Go Round Love, Ave Maria, I Remember, For Your Precious Love, Walking In The Rain, I'm So Young, Spiral, My Prayer, A Story Of Love, I Hear The Wind, I'll Never Let You Go, Kentucky Babe, Why You Do Me Like You Do, Summer Nights

Review: More great tracks in this classic series from maestro Ronnie Italiano.

Songlist: I Don't Want To Cry, Forgotten Spring, It Was The Night, When I Fell In Love, Twilight, Please Say It Isn't So, Don't Leave Me Baby, You Never Loved Me, Lundee Dundee, Ooh Baby Baby, Danny Boy, Hang On Sloopy, Autumn Leaves, Speedoo, To The Aisle, This Magic Moment, Sound Of Heartbreak, Castle In The Sky, Good Good-Bye, Senorita

Review: Turn down the lights and grab the one you love. This collection of doo-wop ballads assembled by Rhino features eighteen of your romantic favorites. Selections include, "Since I Don't Have You" by The Skyliners, "I Only Have Eyes For You" by The Flamingos, "Gloria" by The Cadillacs and "16 Candles" by the Crests. These classic love songs will transport you back in time.

Songlist: Where Or When, In the Still of the Night, My True Story, Gloria, Oh What A Night, Lover's Island, Sincerely, Glory of Love, Ten Commandments of Love, Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine), 16 Candles, I Only Have Eyes For You, Tear Drops, Been So Long, A Thousand Miles Away, Daddy's Home, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

Review: From the vaults of the late legendary doo wop producer Ronnis I comes this great collection of classic Christmas songs sung by some of the top vintage harmony of the era. Twenty two carols from the well known groups such as The Sheps, The Swallows, Choice, BQE, and the Jaguars to talent but lesser-knowns such as The Stotytellers, Keystoners and the Crosstones. A real Christmas treat for doo wop fans.

Songlist: Merry Christmas Time, Christmas Time, At Christmas Time, Happy Holiday, Under the Mistletoe, All I Want For Christmas, You're All I Want For Christmas, Don't Cry For Me This Christmas, Just a Lonely Christmas, Ride on Santa, Please Come Home For Christmas, I Want You For Christmas, Christmas to New Year, My Grandmother's Christmas, Merry Christmas to My Heart, Johnny, Merry Christmas, Darling, White Christmas, Christmas Time is Coming, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Mary Had A Baby

Voicing: doowop/doowopchristmas/

Review: The Doo Wop era lasted for just for a short period of time but this excellent and arguably the best of all the Doo Wop compilations is in this 4 CD Box set . Ranging from the years 1948 to 1987 it concentrates its music in the 50s where most of the best doo wop was recorded on small indie labels . There were revivals since the early 60s when the era ended and some of that is showcased somewhat here .

If you grew up in the era these tunes will give you goose bumps all over and being a jazz enthusiast I found that some of the tenor breaks in many of these doo wop classics nothing short of amazing.

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Review: The enterprise called Rhino Records is in the compilation business, and they do it with flair and intelligence. The first two doo wop box sets were widely regarded as definitive collections. However, there was more yet to be done! The four CD's in this latest box set - plus fact and picture filled book - include the rare, the obscure and the out-of-print. Organized with the themes of 'The Hits,' 'The Should Have-Been Hits,' 'The Celebrity Picks' and 'Modern Doo Wop,' and including groups and solo artists alike, the track list features many household names (Platters, Flamingoes, Drifters, Dominoes), and then the fun begins: Enchanters, Fascinators, Solitaires and Strangers, ad infinitum. Robert Plant's celebrity pick: 'Indian Girl' by the Capris, Keith Richards chose 'Maybe' by the Chantels. Rock and roll couldn't have happened without doo wop, and we know a lotcouldn't have happened without rock and roll! Make someone happy this Christmas! Make someone happy this Christmas.

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Review: The second set of Rhino Records' The Doo Wop Box includes such gems as Robert & Johnny's "We Belong Together," Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl" and the Robins' original version of Leiber & Stoller's "Smokey Joe's Cafe." The box set contains 39 Top 30 R&B hits plus such pop smashes as the Platters' "My Prayer," the Clovers' "Love Potion No. 9," Dion & the Belmonts' "Where or When," the Crests' "Step by Step," the Marcels' "Heartaches" and Don & Juan's "What's Your Name." Putting more emphasis on uptempo tunes than its predecessor, the new box includes both the Cadillacs' "Zoom" and the Collegians' "Zoom Zoom Zoom" as well as Frankie Lymon's giddy, boy soprano on the galloping "ABC's of Love." The first Doo Wop Box is still the better collection, for it had first crack at the widely acknowledged classics of the genre, but The Doo Wop Box II is full of historical milestones and dizzying music.

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Songlist: Dear Lord, If I Knew, Blueberry Sweet, Guided Missles, Down On My Knees, Remember Me, Bony Moromie, One More Step, Lonely Way, You Don't Love Me Anymore, Lost Love, Gloria, Dancin' In The Congo, To Be Loved (Forever), Help, Guilty, Danny Boy, Money Honey, Tender Love, Sincerely, There's No One But You, Dolly, Hearts Of Stone, Peace Of Mind, Crying Over You, If I Loved You, Come Back To Me

Review: Lovers of authentic, original remastered recordings of a cappella Doo-Wop will find a rich treasure in "Top 20." Of course we have heard most of these cuts before, but these excellent groups are all new to our ears. The Arrogants' versions of "Sh-Boom," "Get A Job," Who's That Knockin', and "Church Bells May Ring" are top-drawer, as are Norman Fox & the Rob Roys' "Dance Girl Dance" and "Tell Me Why." The Revelations weigh in with "Spanish Harlem," BQE sings "What Time Is It," "Sherry" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight;" John Kuse & the Excellents, Image, Yesterday's Today, Five Kings, Bravado, Dino and the Heartspinners, Lar-Kings, Tokens-the list, and the hits, go on and on. Open this one like a sweet, rich vintage wine straight from the 1950s and enjoy!

Songlist: Dance Girl Dance, Sh-Boom, I Count the Tears, Down on My Knees, Tell Me Why, In My Heart, Get A Job, So Much, Spanish Harlem, Who's That Knockin', What Time Is It?, Peace of Mind, Sherry, Gloria, Earth Angel, Church Bells May Ring, Ship of Love, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Doom Lang, Goodnight From Us To You

Review: This is volume 10 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Lewis Lymon & The Teenchords, Fred Johnson & The Marcels, The Chalets, The Revelations, The Prospects, Angel & the Allures, Cornerstone, Neighbor's Complaint, Elements of Life, The Four Sevilles and Street Dreams. The tunes are all standards like 'Angel Baby,' 'For Your Precious Love,' 'Lean On Me' and 'What's Your Name' or might-have-been hits, like 'Way Beyond Today,' 'In A Fairy Tale' and 'Lily Maebelle.' No info on the groups, but a cool picture of Lewis Lymon (Frankie's brother?) & The Teenchords on the front.

Songlist: Dance Girl, Please Tell the Angels, Goodbye to Love, Fat Mom Mi O, Lily Maebelle, Lean on Me, Higher and Higher, Way Beyond Today, Dedicated to the One I Love, Angel Baby, Come Back My Love, My Lonely Room, For Your Precious Love, That's What You're Doing To Me, Over the Rainbow, In A Fairy Tale, What's Your Name, Bluebird of Happiness, Don't Say Goodbye

Review: Volume 11 of a doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. 20 cuts on this CD, The Jesters, BQE, The Ovations, A Moment's Pleasure, New Emage, The Four Sevilles and Neighbor's Complaint. The tunes are all doo-wop standards like 'Stand By Me,' 'All In The Game,' and 'Heart And Soul' or songs that might have been doo-wop hits, like 'Paper Castles,' 'I Need Your Kisses' and 'It's Summer.' A groovy picture of the Jesters is on the cover.

Songlist: The Beating of My Heart, What Now My Love, Tonight Could Be the Night, Zing Went the Strings of My Heart, Stand By Me, She's My Angel, The Bells of Rosa Rita, I Need Your Kisses, Whatcha Gonna Do, Cool Cool Summer, It's Summer, All in the Game, In Between Tears, Heart and Soul, Darling, Pledging My Love, Souvenirs, Paper Castles, At Night

Review: You know the drill - this is volume 12 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Dino & the Heartspinners, Charles Moffitt's Velours, Deja-Vu, The Four Sevilles, The Ovations, The Revelations, A Moment's Pleasure, and New Emage. The tunes are all doo-wop standards like 'Love Potion #9,' 'Ten Command-ments of Love,' 'Under the Boardwalk' and 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love' or songs that might have been doo-wop hits, like 'Mio Amore,' 'Sweetness' and 'Laura.' No info on the groups in the liner notes, but there's a vintage picture of the Velours is on the front, and a picture is worth...

Songlist: Ten Commandments of Love, Mio Amore, This Could Be the Night, Maaybe, Over the Rainbow, If I, Little Maiden, You're Mine, Laura, Love Potion No. 9, Don't Look Back, White Christmas, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve, Sweet One, Sweetness, O Baby Don't, Ol' Man River, Frankie & Johny, Under the Boardwalk, Why Do Fools Fall in Love

Review: Volume 14 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on New York-based Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Dino & the Heartspinners, The Paragons, The Bob Knight Four, Yesterday's Today, Street Corner Serenade, Tears of Joy and Elements of Life. The tunes are all standards like 'Mr. Blue,' 'Blue Velvet,' 'Believe It Or Not' and 'I Love You So' or might-have-been hits, like 'Sugar Lump,' 'Last Night I Dreamed' and 'Betty.' A classic pic of the Bob Knight Four is on the front.

Songlist: Sweet Was the Wine, Blue Velvet, P.S. I Love You, Shadrack, For Your Precious Love, There's a Moon Out Tonight, Jitterbug Mary, Brown Eyed Girl, Goodbye to Love, Last Night I Dreamed, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Come Back My Love, Sugar Lump, Believe It or Not, I Love You So, Mr. Blue, Ready For Your Love, Love Potion No. 9, Disco Mama Disco Man

Review: Outstanding holiday doo wop set featuring the fabulous harmonies of favorite vocal groups including Kenny Vance & The Planotones, Larry Chance & The Earls and many others.

Songlist: Doo Wop Christmas, After New Year's Eve, Here Comes Santa Claus, You're My Christmas Present, Mr. Santa, Like A Kid At Christmas, A Christmas Long Ago, Another Lonely New Years Eve, Merry Christmas, No Christmas Cheer

Voicing: doowop/doowopchristmas/

Review: This CD is a collection of colourful music from South Africa. A number of tracks are religious in nature and are sung in multi-part harmony with heartfelt spiritual feeling and intensity. The musical styles presented here include Mbube, Zulu gospel, South Sotho choral and Tswana gospel, all representing different choral approaches and arrangements.

Songlist: Newcastle Five Roses, Ivangeli Loxolo, The Mighty Hot African Boys, Ntu Bhekani Brosthers, Bakgethoa Ba Morena, Enista, The Agents, S.D. Church Choir, New Castle Five Roses, Amahlokohloko, Enista, Ntu Bhekani Brothers, The Mighty Hot African Boys, Ivangeli Loxolo, The Agents

Voicing: world/africa/

Review: Estonia is a small nation, and again and again a quarter of them get together on the Song Festival Ground, with its massive "Arch of Song" and grounds, by the high limestone bank of Lasnamae, Tallinn, to take part in this wonderful festival, either as a singer or a listener. They arrive in a long, colorful parade, and then the fanfares start sounding, playing the theme from Ludig's song "The Dawn." The first of these festivals took place in 1869, and they have always been an expression of national consciousness and pride in this small Soviet-bloc nation as it strove for self-governance and freedom from oppression. "The Dawn" is joined by U. Vinter's powerful, a cappella "The Song of the Northern Land" as the two songs that resonate most in the hearts of the oppressed nation. There are 24 songs here, anthems that express the Estonians' pride and love for their country, beautiful examples are A. Kunleid's "My Fatherland Thou Are My Love" and "Until I Die;" K.A. Hermann's "Let Us Go Up To the Hills," R. Tobias' "The Young Blacksmiths" and "Wouldn't You Know;" G. Erneasaks' "The Young Spring" and "The Reaping Song;" M. Saar's "The Northern Spirit" and R. Eespere's "The Era of Awakening." There is occasional accompaniment, and extensive, colorful liner notes tell the story in both Estonian and English. A joyous collection from this powerful, phenomenal Festival of Song!

Songlist: Laulupeo Fanfaard, Mu Isamaa On Minu Arm, Sind Surmani, Laul Roomule, Enne Ja Nuud, Kaunimad Laulud, Mingem Ules Magedele, Noored Sepad, Eks Teie Tea, Laulik, Sirisege Sirbikesed, Noor Kevade, Arge Unustage Laulu, Loikuse Laul, Mets, Rukkiraak, Someralt Sormikule, Pohjavaim, Nokturn, Kes Selle Tamme Istutas?, Laul Pohjamaast, Laulu Algus, Arkamise Aeg, Tuljak

Voicing: cds/estonian-choral-music/

Review: This CD is the second of the Bulgarian Choral Art Series. It presents some of the best samples of choral music in Bulgaria. All of the pieces are arrangements by Bulgarian composers of original folk melodies. The recording includes performances by a variety of choirs: mixed, male, female and children's. The singing heard on this CD is in a Western classical style rather than the very pointed sound often associated with Bulgarian singing. The liner notes give translations of the songs.

Songlist: Rachenitsa (Dobri Hristov), Hey, Maiden (Dobri Hristov), A Madcap (Marin Golminov), Fisherman's Toast (Georgi Dimitrov), A Snowdrop Has Blossomed (Georgi Dimitrov), Bagpipe Player (Svetoslav Obretenov), Swings (Philip Koutev), Dragana and the Nightingale (Philip Koutev), You Do Not Lie to Your Old Mother (Todor Popov), Dilmano, Dilbero (Zdravko Manalov), A Drum Is Drumming (Zdravkno Manolov), Delyu the Haiduk (Dimitar Petkov), Night Has Overtaken Lalitsa (Jules Levy), I Have a Big Care (Alexander Tanev), Yova, You Little Girl (Alexander Tanev), Two Drums Are Beaten (Ivan Spassov), Hey Rada, Beautiful Rada (Ivan Spassov), Yana (Kiril Stefanov), Hey, Petrunka (Krassimir Kyurkchiiski), Gyore Sat Down (Stefan Mutafchiev), A Lesson in Gadulka (Nikolai Stoikov), The Miraculous Horo (Georgi Kostov), Winter (Milko Kolarov), At the Horo Dancing (Petar Lyondev)

Review: "Global Voices" is exactly as it says, 19 songs of praise from around the world, from the Sistine Choir in Italy's "Rorate Caeli-Song of Advent/Gregorian Chant," and Brazil's Wayna Picchu singing "Jesus Christo," to the Cook Island Choir's "Imenetuki Mangaia" and Baswa Ba Tumela, Sotho Gospel group of South Africa, singing "Jesu Oa Re Lwela." In addition, Greece, Russia, Slovakia, Croatia, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Dominican Republic, Marquesas Islands, Fiji, Sri Lanka and "Mbube" and "Zulu" choirs of South Africa. What is impressive about this compilation goes beyond the high quality of the songs, from composition and arrangement to the incredible singing-it's the commonality of feeling and purpose that runs through the various cultures: praising God. An inspiring and impressive collection!

Songlist: Italy - The Sistine Choir, Russia - Russky Kamerny Khor, Slovakia - Local Choir/Landrak, Croatia - Zagreb Folk Ensemble, Greek Orthodox - Greek Orthodox Congregation, Germany - Norddeutscher Figuralchor, Canada - Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, Early Mexico - SAVAE, Bolivia - SKRUK, Brazil - Wayna Picchu, Early Peru - SAVAE, Dominican Republic - Hermandad Cultural De Villa Mella, Marquesas Islands - Voix des Isles, Cook Islands - Cook Island Choir, Fiji - Viseisei Methodist Church Choir, Sri Lanka - Local Choir / Negombo, South Africa "Mbube" - Masibuyele Kujehova, South Africa "Zulu" - Amaxusa Ka Jesu, South Africa "Sotho Gospel" - Baswa Ba Tumela

Voicing: world/music-cds/

Review: This CD is a fabulous mix of a cappella and accompanied lullabies. With songs from Bobby McFerrin, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Take 6, this is sure to be a bedtime favorite.

Songlist: Swedish Lullaby, Courtyard Lullaby, A La Nanita Nana, Be Still My Child, Sakura/ Owayare, All The Pretty Horses, Lullaby, Down By The Salley Gardens, Sleep, Little One, Sleep, Sweet Lullaby, Spirit Lullaby, Common Thread

Voicing: a-cappella/lullabies/

Review: The choral music of the Russian Orthodox Church is designed to set the soul soaring beyond earthly cares. Sung by the finest Russian and Bulgarian choirs, this extraordinary collection of transcendent prayers and hymns highlights a timeless Russian tradition of faith and devotion. Lush harmonies float in space, angelic high voices pour down from heaven, deep bass voices intone from the center of the earth, and the great bronze bells toll with awesome grandeur. The solemn ecstasy in the music of the Russian Orthodox Church can trace its roots back to the earliest days of Christian worship, via the great Byzantine Empire of the Near East. It presents an uncompromising search for peaks and depths of expressive fervor, aloof from all gimmicks. That was true of the music's multi-cultural roots as monastic chant, and was maintained as it evolved into full choral harmony in the late Romantic period.

Songlist: Russian Cathedral Bells, Great Ektenia, Hymn of Praise, Hymn of the Cherubim, Hymn of the Cherumbim, Our Father, Fervent Supplication, The Noble Joseph, Amen, And with Thy Spirit, I Have Chosen the Blissful, Hymn of the Cherubim, Final Bells

Voicing: cds/russian-choral-music/

Review: The psalm "Miserere mei Deus" is a prayer for mercy, contrition and renewal. Since the 1630s, Gregorio Allegri's famous setting has been sung at dawn during Holy Week, while the Pope kneels in prayer in the solemn candlelit atmosphere of the Sistine Chapel. This contemporary version, recorded in the spectral grandeur of Osnabruck Cathedral, adds new material composed by Vladimir Ivanoff to the ethereal harmonies of the Osnabruck Youth Choir and the elegiac brass tones of the cornetto, recreating the mysterious beauty of this sacred classic.

Songlist: Miserere Mei, Et Secundum, Amplius, Tibi Soli, Ecce Enim, Asperges Me, Averte Faciem, Cor Mundum, Danza I, Quoniam Si Voluisses, Tunc Acceptabis, Sofferenza, Tunc Imponent, Danza II

Voicing: cds/russian-choral-music/

Review: What could be more sublime than a wall of dark, rotund Russian voices shimmering against the rising, ornate walls of a great cathedral? Not much, and this compilation of absolutely magnificent music proves it. The label Hearts of Space returns on this third choral collection to the ominous Slavic chant of their first choral album, Sacred Treasures I, which gathered together recordings of stunning Bulgarian and Russian choirs portraying the sacred works of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and other composers. Whereas Treasures I pulled from varied sections of sacred liturgies, including solo passages, Treasures III most often stays in harmonic chant with select voices occasionally rising and rolling in polyphonic heavenly calls. The collective voice draws the emotive tension taut here, as on Rimsky-Korsakov's "Our Father," which uses the absence of darkness to later juxtapose bold, rising drama. The Kiev chant "Blessed Art Thou O Lord" sends chills down the spine as the whispering consonants of the Russian language skip across the ancient repetition like sand skitters over a stormy beach. This is a collection as breathtakingly beautiful as the Cathedral of the Dormition itself. Not to be missed.

Songlist: Alleluia, Behold the Bridegroom, Sourp Sourp (Holy Holy), Lord Have Mercy, The Mercy of Peace, Komm, susser Tod, Serenade, Grant Us This O Lord, Our Father, Gloria (Excerpt), Peaceful Light, Praise the Lord O My My Soul (Greek Chant), Blessed art thou, O Lord, Chorali, Amen, Alleluia

Voicing: cds/russian-choral-music/

Review: The talented and creative singer-songwriter Ben Folds became enamored of collegiate a cappella after hearing some of the groups on YouTube. On this release he recorded some of his favorite campus a cappella groups as they each perform one of his songs and the result is a delight. The Spartones open the disc with a stella arrangement of "Not the Same" with the Leading Tones of Ohio University giving a solid rendition of "Brick". Ben Folds himself sings a cappella (with multi tracking) on "Boxing" and the fun "Effington". Mosaic Whispers sings "Still Fighting It" with conviction while the more jazz arrangement of "Selfless, Cold and Composed" helps show why Ben Folds songs are so much fun to arrange and perform unaccompanied. The University of Chicago's Voices in Your Head perform a very interesting arrangement of "Magic" and the Newtones soothing treatment of "Evaporate" surprises. Fifth Element is remarkable performing "Fair" and the closing "The Luckiest" wraps up the recording perfectly. This release certainly shows how talented today's collegiate a cappella groups have become and although a few individual voices may not always be pitch perfect the arrangements are almost all top notch and impressive. Recommended.

Songlist: Not the Same, Jesusland, Brick, You Don't Know Me, Still Fighting It, Boxing, Selfless, Cold and Composed, Magic, Landed, Time, Effington, Evaporated, Fred Jones Part 2, Army, Fair, The Luckiest

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: 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!

Songlist: Don't Stand So Close To Me, You're All I Need To Get By, Ghost Train, You Make Me Wanna, Bethlehem, Crazy Love, Semi-Charmed Life, Fear, I Can't Make You love Me, Sour Times, Angel, How Deep Is Your Love?, I Don't Want To Wait, Verdi Cries, Stupid Girl, Don't Speak, Pretty Good Year, Fame, Stay

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: 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.

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Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: Perhaps rather grandiosley named this recording nevertheless does indeed feature some of the most accomplised men's a cappella groups perforining on campuses today. Two tracks apiece from Duke's Pitchforks, Tufts Beelzebubs, Notre Dame's Undertones, Univ. of Illinois's The Other Guys, Indiana Univ. Straight No Chaser and UC Berkeley's Men's Octet.. As one might expect the testosorone level is way up yet there are several ballads that are sweet and tender.

Songlist: Tonight - The Other Guys, I Belong to You - Straight No Chaser, Dreams - Men's Octet, Bills - Beelzbubs, Jambo - Undertones, It's Gonna Be Me- Pitchforks, You'll Be In My Heart - Straight No Chaser, You Can't Hurry Love - Men's Octet, Amazing Grace - The Other Guys, Breaking the Girl - Beelzbubs, Steal My Kisses - Pitchforks, On the Sea - Undertones

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

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Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate