Customer Reviews

Shut Up and Sing!

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

 

 

I know I shouldn't pick favorites, but this is probably the Bobs album I play the most -- all the humour you expect in the Bobs' lyrics, but also some of the strongest music I've heard them create. Of course, I'm partial to the jazz harmonies they use for many of the songs on this disc. If you like jazz-vocal groups, such as the Mel-Tones, Lambert Hendricks & Ross, the Singers Unlimited, and the Manhattan Transfer, then it's a good bet you will enjoy this album.

This was my first Bobs' album. I was introduced to it when my friend played "Spontaneous Human Combustion" and "Sign my Snarlin' Doggie" for me over the phone. I loved the jazzy tempo and the harmonies (not to mention the humor), and went out and bought the album with my next allowance. This is a GREAT collection.

This was the Bobs first album after founder member/songwriter Gunnar Madsen left the group (he does appear as a guest background vocalist on three songs here). The loss of Gunnar was unfortunate, but they still managed to produce a good album. I love the songs "Mr. Duality", "Naming the Band", "Sign My Snarling Doggie" and "Sponataneous Human Combustion". Most of the other songs are also good, although not really Bobs "classics". Fans of the Bobs should dig it.

This album is lots of fun! But even with the humor, the music is excellent and very original. I saw most of this performed live, which is even better. Just a couple of weak tracks (Rainbird somes to mind). If you like the Bobs, I believe this is their best album of originals.

'Mr. Duality' is as great a song as the BOBS ever did. Funny, clever, musically satisfying. Right up there with the 8 to 10 wonderful, memorable, passing-the-test-of-time hits they have on their first four albums (s/t, My I'm Large, Songs for Tomorrow, Sing the Songs of). This is their fifth album from 1993.

'Naming the Band' is like a notch below. Nice, fun, but not a bang up buster like they are capable of. Sweet.

The rest of the songs just don't hit the mark. I can hear them using similar methods, working on vocal harmony, clever lyrics, fun stories of uncommon subjects but they don't come together even close to the greatness they accomplished on those other four albums, aside from the spectacular 'Mr. Duality'. God bless 'em. chrisbct@hotmail.com