Customer Reviews

Good People All

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

 

 

While not as adventurous as Swan Arcade, or as politically sharp as Coope, Boyes and Simpson, or as boisterous as Young Tradition, Voice Squad continues the style of three part unaccompanied harmony by delivering a reverence for simple music beautifully sung. In true Copper style, the harmonies don't blend - the timbre of each voice is quite distinct. At times it appears that any of the voices could be carrying the main melody. The song selection is excellent and matches their singing perfectly. Personal favorites; Parting Glass, Annan waters and A fond kiss - but it is hard to find a bad song in the bunch. It is one of those intimate albums, untainted by over-production. It's warmth is captivating. Enjoy.

If you like Celtic music and great harmonies you will love this CD. When I'm down I just put on The Voice Squad and sing along, It's better than a Guiness!

The first three songs I play over and over in my car. The other songs are also excellent, but I don't obssess over them as I do the first three. (This is why I graded down to 4 rather than 5 stars).

The expertly woven harmonies and balance of voices are a joy to listen to. The fact that the group has tried to remember some of the songs of the past is admirable. I'll probably buy the next cd that these men put out, too.

With Canada's Finest Kind, the Voice Squad are probably the best a cappella folk group around.

Their albums are pretty thin on the ground, their first, Many's the Foolish Youth, being the only other one I'm aware of.

They also appear on the DVD Come West Along the Road (singing "The Bonny Light Horseman"); and they have two stunning tracks singing harmony behind Niabh Parsons on John Renbourn's Traveller's Prayer, and two more on Arcady's Many Happy Returns.

This album has now been reissued, with the tracks shuffled, as Holly Wood.

These guys sing traditional Irish songs without accompaniment, but their crisp enunciation and tight harmonies leave nothing lacking. Their voices belong together, and it's clear that they all love the music they bring to life. Some of these songs are pretty funny, too. Listen to the lyrics of "The Cocks are Crowing," and see if you get a funny picture of the relationship between the girl and her suitor. The stong "I Am Stretched on Your Grave" is an wrenchingly sad love ballad. And hey, it's almost Christmas, so give "Down in Yon Forest," "Coventry Carol" and "Good People All" a listen. You may not think you know these last two, but I bet you'll recognize the melodies.