Customer Reviews

With A Twist

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The magnificent Straight No Chaser knocked this one out of the park! Their three previous releases on the Atlantic Records label [Six Pack, Holiday Spirits, Christmas Cheers] are brilliant in their own right but this album cements Straight No Chaser's place as a major recording artist, finally giving us the album we all knew they had in them and would record once Atlantic Records was satisfied that SNC had nailed down a solid fan base. No longer are they merely a "YouTube sensation with a viral video" that brought them to the attention of Atlantic Records chairman & chief executive Craig Kallman. They are now an award-winning recording group with an exceptionally bright future that includes their current tour as well as a two-month gig this summer at Harrah's in Atlantic City. With their covers of songs from classic rock ["You're My Best Friend" and "I'm Yours", which beautifully incorporates a segment of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"] to 1970s pop ["Joy To the World", brilliantly arranged by Walter Chase, who composed SNC's hit & 2009 YouTube sensation "The Christmas CanCan"] to Coldplay's "Fix You" and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Under the Bridge", they demonstrate their vocal mastery, versatility and extraordinary arranging talents. Walter Chase, Dan Ponce & Ryan Ahlwardt all have terrific arrangements on this album, taking great songs and arranging them "with a twist" unique to SNC. The first listen-through was pure bliss, enjoying their intricate harmonies and beautiful solos. The second listen-through was eye-opening, as I really focused on the sounds that these 10 voices created with absolutely no instrumentation. You're not listening to a typical a capella experience, where one is acutely aware that there are no instruments. With Straight No Chaser you hear all the depth one is accustomed to from a recording with a full complement of studio musicians playing, but with SNC the brilliance is entirely vocal. A treat for me is Barry Manilow's great song "One Voice", the lyrics of which are a perfect illustration of what SNC is about, and with Mr. Manilow being a big fan of SNC he joins them here for a goose-bump inducing cover of his 1979 song. "With A Twist" reunites SNC with their co-producer, the incredible Deke Sharon who worked with them previously on 2009's "Christmas Cheers". The result is nothing short of brilliant, an auditory treasure for anyone and everyone who likes a good tune. I hope the Grammy Awards recognizes these 10 men - perhaps Best New Artist and/or Best Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. This is no longer a "niche market" group ... SNC can hold their own against any recording artist!

SNC is Dan Ponce, Randy Stine, Walter Chase, Jerome Collins, Dave Roberts, Charlie Mechling, Ryan Ahlwardt, Mike Luginbill, Tyler Trepp and Seggie Isho... with no other sounds but those 10 voices.

What a great group! I got a chance to see them open for Barry Manilow at his one and ONLY performance at the Hollywood Bowl in CA and they were amazing. They did this Christmas song compilation that was so amazing - I bought their Holiday Album that night!

Then I heard they teamed up with Barry Manilow again to do his "One Voice" song with him - a song that Manilow wrote decades ago - and here it is! (Yes Manilow is on this album for you Manilow fans!) This album is amazing. Their vocal talent and range is far superior to any accapella groups I have heard in the past. Plus it always sounds like their having fun with what they do.

From the opening of "I'm Yours/Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to more modern take of the songs like "Tainted Love", "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Fix You"

Other passionate renditions include "You're My Best Friend", "The Living Years" and the fun melding tunes of "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three/Single Ladies" will make you sing along with them.

No music, no instramental usage - just passionate singing and song. I really like their version of "Joy To The World" very much - how their vocal arrangement of the classic "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" is my second favorite on the whole album!

What's my first favorite - you guessed it - One Voice (With Barry Manilow!) Barry wrote this song as a 'canon' and with all these voices behind him - it's an all out explosion of passion and harmony! And it's the last song on the CD!

I think you'll enjoy their talent but more importanly you'll enjoy the songs as they are obviously sung with a great amount of passion from their heart! Get this one for sure! 6-9-10

Straight No Chaser should make legions of fans with this newest CD, "With A Twist". Originally a college men's acapella group and a YouTube sensation, Straight No Chaser since has updated its personnel. They have created an original musical sound with adult appeal. Their first two CDs, both Christmas albums, came on the heels of the YouTube performances. "With A Twist" demonstrates their ability to make good choices in popular music. Creative arrangements and professional technology only enhance the group's musicality. Nothing overshadows the voices. The songs in "With A Twist" (wait till you hear "One Voice") are well-served by singers who should now be on the cusp of national popularity.

Watched SNC on PBS then bought this 'Twist' Cd and their Christmas gift set. Both are Excellent!!! Can't give enough praise for this refreshing group of guys. Got to see them live last night - if you get the chance, don't pass it up. Live performance was out of the park and the energy they impart indescribable. Not only do they have great voices and a wonderful repor with each other and the audience but also impart a great sense of humor. Google them and watch their Lady Gaga rendition or any of their other songs for fun. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD! Buy it and help these guys go higher and higher.

The more you listen to SNC, the more impressed you'll be by the wonderful, intricate harmonies of the singers and the originality of their arrangements. It truly is a CD that you want will enjoy again and again. I particularly liked their renditions of "I'm Yours" and "Joy to the World" and "The Living Years."

Only one caution--I couldn't wait, so I downloaded the electronic version and didn't realize until too late that by doing so I missed out on the "Out of Africa" bonus track and the "With a Twist" digital booklet (although I'm not sure what that is.) I may have to buy the CD after all--but it will be worth it.

If you're new to a capella, you will be amazed to hear this music and realize that every sound is created by a human voice. Each individual has outstanding musical talent. As a group, their combined talents are unbelievable. Blending even a couple of singers, even in a band with instruments, can be a difficult task. Pulling together a group this large and having them fit so well is something that happens very rarely. Give them a listen. The music is amazing, yet the guys are very real and don't take themselves too seriously. It doesn't get much better. In no small part, this group has revived an artform -- music in it's purest state.

"With a Twist" is an exceptional album by Straight No Chaser--indeed, this album is SO good it's just something not to be missed. I enjoy hearing these songs over and over again; these men are terrific! Indeed, to say that the group performs "covers" of songs is a massive understatement that sells the group way too short--these men take popular songs and breathe fresh life into them using magical creativity and pure genius. There's not a single bad track on the CD. It's even more impressive to know that the members of Straight No Chaser made their own percussion by vocalizing, hand clapping, foot stomping and more; no musical instruments at all were used on these numbers! Barry Manilow guest performs on the last track along with Straight No Chaser.

The opening track is a strong yet very sweet medley of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" and the evergreen "Somewhere Over the Rainbow;" they do this with all the panache of the most experienced entertainers--and I'm very impressed! As on every track, they harmonize to perfection and the balancing act of the higher pitched voices with the lower pitched voices is both enchanting and inventive. "Tainted Love" is most passionate; and other gems include superb renditions of Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over;" "Fix You;" Queen's "You're My Best Friend;" a touching treatment of Mike & The Mechanics' "The Living Years" and an infectiously catchy, playful and energetic version of "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three" combined with a few lines from "Single Ladies" which is easily my favorite track on the album. There are more solid interpretations of Oasis' "Wonderwall;" Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World;" "Under the Bridge" from Red Hot Chili Peppers; "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" which was a hit for Frankie Valli; and for the finale we get Barry Manilow`s "One Voice!"

This album is a must have for any fan of Straight No Chaser; in fact, this is all so special that just about any newcomer will be thrilled to hear these exceptionally talented and creative men perform these songs and ballads. In addition, fans of pop music both old and new--and even Barry Manilow--would do well to add this to their collections.

Awesome Music - play it all the time. Just wish they'd come out with another comtempory CD. Love these guys!

Bought this CD after we attended one of their holiday performances in Chicago. The CD is great, but cannot compare to a live show. Regardless, their a cappella style of music is certainly making a come back. Their harmony, showmanship, comedy, and adaptations of well known music is spot on.

I love this cd. I play it daily. Every song sounds wonderful.Their rendition of a song just
makes you feel good. Excellent Group !! And, not one musical instrument. Strictly all vocal.
These men have a mountain of talent. God made them all very, very gifted. This group of men
are a joy to listen too.