Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The magnificent Straight No Chaser knocked this one out of the park! Their three previous releases on the Atlantic Records label [Six Pack, Holiday Spirits, Christmas Cheers] are brilliant in their own right but this album cements Straight No Chaser's place as a major recording artist, finally giving us the album we all knew they had in them and would record once Atlantic Records was satisfied that SNC had nailed down a solid fan base. No longer are they merely a "YouTube sensation with a viral video" that brought them to the attention of Atlantic Records chairman & chief executive Craig Kallman. They are now an award-winning recording group with an exceptionally bright future that includes their current tour as well as a two-month gig this summer at Harrah's in Atlantic City. With their covers of songs from classic rock ["You're My Best Friend" and "I'm Yours", which beautifully incorporates a segment of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"] to 1970s pop ["Joy To the World", brilliantly arranged by Walter Chase, who composed SNC's hit & 2009 YouTube sensation "The Christmas CanCan"] to Coldplay's "Fix You" and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Under the Bridge", they demonstrate their vocal mastery, versatility and extraordinary arranging talents. Walter Chase, Dan Ponce & Ryan Ahlwardt all have terrific arrangements on this album, taking great songs and arranging them "with a twist" unique to SNC. The first listen-through was pure bliss, enjoying their intricate harmonies and beautiful solos. The second listen-through was eye-opening, as I really focused on the sounds that these 10 voices created with absolutely no instrumentation. You're not listening to a typical a capella experience, where one is acutely aware that there are no instruments. With Straight No Chaser you hear all the depth one is accustomed to from a recording with a full complement of studio musicians playing, but with SNC the brilliance is entirely vocal. A treat for me is Barry Manilow's great song "One Voice", the lyrics of which are a perfect illustration of what SNC is about, and with Mr. Manilow being a big fan of SNC he joins them here for a goose-bump inducing cover of his 1979 song. "With A Twist" reunites SNC with their co-producer, the incredible Deke Sharon who worked with them previously on 2009's "Christmas Cheers". The result is nothing short of brilliant, an auditory treasure for anyone and everyone who likes a good tune. I hope the Grammy Awards recognizes these 10 men - perhaps Best New Artist and/or Best Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. This is no longer a "niche market" group ... SNC can hold their own against any recording artist!
SNC is Dan Ponce, Randy Stine, Walter Chase, Jerome Collins, Dave Roberts, Charlie Mechling, Ryan Ahlwardt, Mike Luginbill, Tyler Trepp and Seggie Isho... with no other sounds but those 10 voices.
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'With A Twist' sees the acclaimed a cappella group bringing its extraordinary vocal sound and inimitable musical approach to a wide range of pop favorites. The album features delightfully different renditions of modern classics like Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Under The Bridge,' Coldplay's 'Fix You,' Crowded House's 'Don't Dream It's Over,' and Oasis' 'Wonderwall.' What's more, 'With A Twist' is highlighted by a stellar take on Barry Manilow's 'One Voice,' featuring guest vocals from Manilow himself.'With A Twist' follows SNC's 2009 smash, 'Christmas Cheers.' A top 10 hit on Billboard's top seasonal albums chart, the collection features a selection of holiday-themed classics, reworked in the group's inventive and original style. Among its highlights is a studio version of the YouTube sensation, 'The 12 Days of Christmas,' the video of which is now approaching an extraordinary 11 million views.
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