Customer Reviews

Bobs

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Bobs' debut effort is undoubtedly the most creative and off-kilter collection of acappella music in existence. Highlights include "Art for Art's Sake", "Prisoner of Funk", "Bus Plunge", their bizarre remake of "Helter Skelter", and "Deprogrammer". But, every track on here is a classic and shines in its own way. If you like unusual music and/or acappella music get this CD by all means! Take the Bus Plunge, baby!

While most a cappella groups of the 80's were still rewriting standard do-wop arrangements, the Bobs were writing witty originals and doing off the wall covers, like The Beatles Helter Skelter. This, their first album is definitely The Bobs best.

I first heard the B.O.B.s ten years ago at an old friend's house. His 3 year old kid kept wanting to hear the "trash" song and clap along. This is not specifically a little kid's album, but the group is so much fun to listen to and so technically adept that no one will walk away disappointed. The man who sings the bass vocal has an especially rich voice. I adore this CD.

Their debut album, 1983. This CD version has bonus trax not on the cassette or lp versions. They are the last three songs which come from a 7" record they did, if I'm not mistaken. 'Through the Wall' is simply a masterpiece. This and 'Santa Ana Woman' from Songs for Tomorrow Morning are similar in that they are their two most emotional songs, as ever, with some humor but 'Through the Wall' is a marvelous story of yearning that, as the BOBS always do with their best songs, is so satisfying musically as well. Wot a bunch a vocalists. This line up lasted for their first four albums and they, coincidentally, ended up being their albums with the biggest number of true hits on each record they ever did.

This album is a must have. Just take my word for it. You'll love it if you love humor/amazing vocal arrangements/original stories/and a cappella smarty pants lyrics with musical joy. chrisbct@hotmail.com

There is no way to do justice to the phenominon of "the Bobs". The fact is: either you'll love them or you'll look confused and stammer, "uh, okay... hmm". The lyrics are brilliant, the sound is unique, the humor is off-center and for a person like me who likes something different, ya just can't do better. I believe this is their first classic album and every song is a winner. Grab it if you can.

I have had the fortune to see The Bobs live, and their ability to get you to smile also comes through the CD. I was first introduced to The Bobs when I was a pre-teen, and have learned more humor through the lyrics as I have grown. I feel that this is music worth listening to, you may learn a few things.

The Bobs first album is definitely not their best. While the vocal harmonies are there right from the beginning, they still hadn't really developed as songwriters. While there are a few good original songs here, most of them are pretty forgettable. Which would explain why the Bobs almost never perform any of the songs from this album anymore, with the exception of their cover version of the Beatles' "Helter Skelter". That classic song is the highlight of the album, along with their cover of the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer". The Bobs would go on to have much better original songs, starting with their second album (My, I'm Large). I would recommend getting that album before you get this one.

The bobs' first album is not that good either. There is a definite lack of maturity in the choice of songs, as most of them are boring and without any real interest.
However, the "Psycho Killer" (last track) cover is flawless and shows how this great acapella group earns its keep - fantastic harmonics, great rhythm and awesome lead singer. I recommend this album just for this song alone.