Customer Reviews

Offbeat of Avenues

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a CD! THis is just bubbling over with rhythm, beat, originality, excitement and, above all, an incredible musicality that never wavers. Whoever selects the music for this group deserves a medal. Whoever does the transcribing and arranging deserves a knighthood.

The individual members of the group sound like a single unit, as if they could read each other's mind. The sound is nearly perfect. Once again, I find it difficult to select any one piece as outstanding so I'll just say, if you know anything about the MT, this is the album for you.

This happens to be, in my opinion the greatest CD put out by the Manhattan Transfer.
The Music in the title song has a driving beat that is infectous. I have been looking for a replacement copy of this CD since mine was stolen from my car. If you own this one hold on to it and if you don't own it get yourself a copy any way you can (the person who took my copy did).

I was 15 when I heard the first track on VH1. Only it was just the end and I had no idea who the artists were. I spent a year humming the chorus to bewildered salespeople. When I finally found it and listened to the whole thing, I was totally blown away by how cool it was. I love "Offbeat..." and "Confide In Me" , and Blues for Pablo the Best. Recommended for driving and singing like a maniac in your car.

I remember the first time I heard the song 'Offbeat of Avenues'. Me and my sister Jane were listening to the CBC radio late at night, around 4:20 am, and this song came on. By the time it ended, we were both stunned at .. the vocal performance, the songwriting, the groove. The sheer joy of music, no deep message or heavy vibe, just a well written jazzy pop groove, nice thumpy kick drum, overlaid with an ASTOUNDING 4 part harmony. (You can probably tell that I like the song). I went out and got the tape and was pleased to find the whole album is excellent (though honestly nothing really tops the title track). Blue Serenade is an odd, very energetic romp through 20s and 30s jazz, the vocals in this case are not beautiful like the title track but more comical and snappy. The Donald Fagen track is nice and poppy, like something off "The Nightfly". This is the first album where they wrote most of the songs themselves, as far as I know, and makes me wonder why they didn't do that earlier. I had always considered them a novelty group with their 'Boy From NYC' ditty, but this album surprised me.

I got into Manhattan Transfer through an old girlfriend back in college. Although this album is fairly old now it's still my favorite of the Man Tran albums I have or have heard. The entire album is superb with great songwriting and of course, their incredible harmonies! The only song I don't really care for is "Women In Love" mainly because of the programmed drum tracks and monotonous rhythm. Otherwise the rest of the album just sparkles!! Definitely a must have for any vocal jazz/pop fan!

I have owned this CD since it first came out but somehow it keeps walking off. I'm on my third copy now and will ALWAYS keep a copy of this CD in my collection. When I don't know what I'm in the mood for or what I want to listen to I always end up putting this CD on, it's just that good.

I concur with the other reviews of this title; the album is one that gets better every time you hear it. The harmonies cascade out of the speakers like the finest maple syrup and the rhythm arrangenments are eclectic and fun. This certainly proves that after so may years together, their talent, skills and ears have only gotten better. I highly recommend this, especially if you only own a "Best Of" by this group. If oyu purchas eonly one other album of theirs (and you won't want to stop with one!) make it this one, and enjoy!

I have been a MT fan since their first self titled album. This, however, has got to be their best album ever. I hear something new everytime I listen because of the complex harmonies and chord changes. The first eight songs blow me away. If I had to choose, my favorites would be "Offbeat of Avenues" and "What Goes Around..."

Other reviews have hit some highlights, so let's talk trivia here: "World Apart" is a song Janis Siegel co-wrote with David Pack (of the underrated Ambrosia) about love and a life lost. She lost her unborn child during a pregnancy many years back, and this song is about that lost relationship.

"Confide In Me" was penned by Steely Dan's Donald Fagen. It sure sounds a little like Steely Dan, too. Great mid-tempo song - engaging and fun.

All in all, this record is more "pop" in spots (in the arrangements) than most of their other records, but all is forgiven due to their masterful harmonies (as always).

This is a great group to see in live performance, by the way. Don't miss 'em!

I first heard the title track on the radio and fell in love with it. Then I found the album and fell in love with that too. At times snazzy (Offbeat of Avenues, Blue Serenade), at times sultry (10 Minutes Till the Savages Come), now quiet and sorrowful (Gentleman with a Family), now bright and hopeful (Confide in Me). This album runs the emotional gauntlet and does them all quite well. I will admit that the final track, Blues for Pablo, took me a while to warm up to. The odd rhythms and discordant sounds made it a jarring departure from the feel of the rest of the album. But that seems to be part and parcel of its message and with each listening it sounds more right to me.