Customer Reviews

Rockapella 1: To N.Y.

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What a great collection! Rockapella's first Japanese release is a bunch of covered tunes performed in English with Rockapella's signature spin. It's also an interesting history lesson; the guys may have been a little more creative with the background vocals and "noise" before they had a full-time percussionist. The ballads are moving and thoughtful and quiet; I defy you not to dance in your car during "Diamonds," "Funky Monkey," and "Make It a Slow Boogie." An expensive but worthwhile investment for the music lover who is able to appreciate artists with the ability to create a masterpiece blend of music... crafting both singing and silence into an unbelievably beautiful collage.

I have been familiar with Rockapella ever since their days on PBS's "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?". This CD however, is not just for kids! The first offering, "Ride On Time" will have you hooked from the first note and you will crank up your CD player over and over again just to listen to "Funky Monkey Baby" and "Make It A Slow Boogie". Sean, Scott, Elliott, and Barry make something so hard sound so incredibly easy with each song. It's a sure-fire winner.

"To NY" is Rockapella's very first album, and a good debut from the reigning kings of a cappella. While not their best recording by any means (IMO), it's still worth owning. This CD features the original version of "Ellie My Love," which is simply beautiful. "Ride on Time" is a great song, too, and "Funky Monkey Baby" shows off the raunchier side of 'Pella! If you love the sound of "old school" Rockapella, you'll enjoy this disc.

Even with the high cost of the import, any true music lover will appreceiate the talent here, especially given the choices in new music these days. I am amazed these guys have not been picked up by a major US label. There range is incredible. Their music is in the same vain as The Nylons. On a couple of songs they get a little too glitsy, almost as if they can't make up their minds what type of songs to sing. On many songs their voices are the showcase and this is where they truly shine. An excellent disk! Do not let the cost scare you off, you will not be disappointed.

At first I wasn't sure what to think about this CD. The intro was what I thought this album would be, but it went in another direction. Interesting tracks, all written by other people. Don't get me wrong I do like this cd, but it does take some getting used too. I will continue to buy the rest of the imports to hear how they progress.

This is some of the best origional a cappela music around