Contemporary Canadian doo-woppers the Essentials have turned out two tight and tuneful CD's so far. This third, live recording is really a tribute to classic rock and pop, what with relentlessly infectious songs such as 'Stay,' 'Brown Eyed Girl' and 'Some Kind Of Wonderful.' Keeping a constant tempo are drums on many tracks. 'December, 1963' (a big hit for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) works both sides of the audio spectrum, high and low; the four cut loose on 'Kiss Him Goodbye,' the lead vocal intensifying into a throaty growl, the bass punctuating the concentrated harmonies working feverishly above. 'Change In My Life' and 'Lion Sleeps Tonight' are 'essentially' a cappella. |