A Cappella pioneers and legends The Persuasions, who headlined to standing O's at the A Cappella Summit in San Rafael a couple of years ago, have been one of the most prolific recording bands we know of, with 19 titles in the Primarily A Cappella catalog, 20 counting "Sing U2." In the past few years, the Persuasions have treated us to CDs covering the work of some of their (and our) favorite groups: The Beatles ("Sing The Beatles"), their patron and mentor Frank Zappa ("Frankly A Cappella"), The Grateful Dead ("Might As Well") and now "Sing U2." The Persuasions' soulful, deep-bass a cappella takes on these groups, some of the most influential musicians of our time, are just what the doctor ordered! 10 songs, some favorites are "Even Better Than the Real Thing," "Angel of Harlem," "The Wanderer," a marvelous cover of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of," "When Love Comes To Town," "Trying to Throw Your Arms Around The World," a surprising Doo-Wop interpretation of "Pride" (In The Name of Love), "One" and "Mysterious Ways." This is sweet, soulful stuff that we regard as the ultimate tribute to U2 and the other groups, and we can only hope that the series continues for as long as possible. Who could be next-Bob Dylan? Hendrix? The Stones? Led Zep? Ray Charles? Janis Joplin? Listen, guys, whoever you pick will be perfect, and a gift to their fans and yours everywhere!

Songlist: Even Better Than The Real Thing, Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own, Angel of Harlem, The Wanderer, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Stuck In The Moment You Can't Get Out Of, When Love Comes To Town, Tryin' To Throw Your Arms Around The World, Pride (In The Name Of Love), One, Mysterious Ways

Sirens : PreMusical Syndrome   

Not to be confused with the Collegiate ensemble USC Sirens, The Sirens were formed in New York City in the Fall of 2000, and are a Contemporary a cappella all-woman septet. "PreMusical Syndrome" is their debut CD, and it's an excellent one. 8 all-a cappella cover tunes, beginning with George Michael's "Freedom 90," Lenny Kravitz' "Fly Away," Radiohead's "High and Dry" and Amanda Marshall's "Sunday Morning After." Other winners are U2's "Pride," Blue Swede's "Hooked on a Feeling" and a very nice "TV Medley" that pushes a bunch of our nostalgia buttons. The Sirens have a fresh, clean, fun sound, we enjoyed every of "Syndrome" and we're looking forward to hearing more.

Songlist: Freedom 90, Fly Away, High & Dry, Love Will Keep Us Together, Sunday Morning After, Hooked on a Feeling, Pride (In the Name of Love), TV Medley

Voice Male : Six   

The contemporary group Voice Male is Richard McAllister, tenor, Mike Bearden, tenor, John Huff, Baritone, Phil Kesler, baritone, Mike Willson, bass and John Luthy, vocal percussion and bass. "6" refers to the fact that this is their 6th CD, and probably also to the 6 years that these very talented men have been singing and performing together. We think this will be a breakthrough CD for them, for "6" is a joy from start to finish! Comparisons with Rockapella, the House Jacks and the Beach Boys come to mind as VM hands us one powerful cover after another, held together by John's rock-solid vocal percussion. Much of the excellent arranging is by group members, and the guys take turns singing lead, showing off their vocal talents. 14 well-chosen songs here: a fun "Brown Eyed Girl," "A Million Ways," U2's "Pride" (In the Name of Love), "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," "My Maria," "The Shadow of Your Smile," great vocal "horns" on "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long," James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road" and "Sun on the Moon," "In The Still of the Night," "Loch Lomond," "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Celebration." Fun stuff-highly recommended!

Songlist: Brown Eyed Girl, A Million Ways, Pride (In The Name of Love), It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, My Maria, The Shadow of Your Smile, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Sam You Made The Pants Too Long, That Lonesome Road, In The Still Of The Night, Sun On The Moon, Loch Lommond, Breakfast At Tiffany's, Celebration