Customer Reviews

Vocobeat

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Before I start this review, I would like to mention that I do not give a product a perfect score unless I truely believe that it deserves is. That said, Vocobeat has earned its five stars with ease.

Every song on this CD is excellently written, arranged and produced. Some tunes on Vocobeat may sound familiar to owners of Rockapella's more recent releases. Have A Little Faith was later re-released on their Don't Tell Me You Do album, and NYC Summa is rewritten and rearranged for re-release as Song 9, also on their Don't Tell Me You Do album. As far as making comparisons, Have A Little Faith on Vocobeat is a little funkier than the rerelease, with more background noise and vocals, but over-all of the same quality we have come to expect from the group. NYC Summa is almost a completely different song altogether, but just as fun and funky as Song 9 (both of which I have been known to play for extended periods of time with my CD player on repeat).

What sets this album apart from all the rest I have heard is the one trump card that their new releases lack: Sean Altman, the original Rockapella man who left the group to pursue a solo career. His songs are among the catchiest on the CD. His infectious melodies and clever lyrics were what made Rockapella what it was to begin with. Who else could could come up with lyrics such as: "I tucked an earwig 'tween your cheek'n'gum; With a nudge & a wink you're mine" (from Follow Me to Heaven)? Pure genius. The first time you listen to Sean's Peanut Shell, and every time following, it will be stuck in your head for hours.

That's the other thing that this album excels in: getting songs stuck in your head. Just about every song on this CD has some sort of hook that keeps you coming back for more. Elliott Kerman shines in his typical fashion, recreating an old fashioned acapella/barbershop quartet sound in Kingdom of Shy, Scott Leonard breaks the mold he has created lately of writing sappy, poppy love songs with fun and funky songs like U Beat Me Up, NYC Summa and Bodyboard (which he co-wrote with Elliott). Even bassist Barry Carl gets in on the song-writing action with Quiet Sensation -- one of the most romantic songs on the CD -- and Fat Jack & Bonefish Joe, to which he wrote the music and, in one of those rare but fun Rockapella moments, sings lead.

One final note: this recording marks the first time Rockapella tapped into the unbelievable talent of Jeff Thacher for their vocal percussion. Definately a plus, since he has been a major player in all their following albums and performances, assuring audiences that Rockapella truely is the ultimate unplugged group. This recording has earn its stars and worth MORE than the hefty price tag. This is a must have!

You can really tell these guys are getting thier chops on this CD. Fantastic arranging and awsome vocal percussion and Barry sings lead vocal! You will want to replay the song "BODYBOARD" once you hear it. Sooooooo Funky! "NYC SUMMA" is the original version of "SONG #9 on later recordings. Last song on the record is "I Found Sugar", the boyz kick it as usual and just when you think its over... keep listening..........

If you are only going to get one of the Japanese albums, then get this one. All originals, all terrific! A must have!

Rockapella was one of the first groups to shatter the perception that a cappella meant Doo Wop or Barbershop through a combination kickin' Vocal Percussion by Jeff Thacher and brilliant songwriting by Sean Altman, Scott Leanard, Barry Carl, and Elliott Kerman. Vocobeat was the first truly great recording of this genre. It contains everything from the danceable "U Beat Me Up" to the Jazzy "Kingdom Of Shy" to the reflective "My Home." Vocobeat has something for everyone. While the price is high, it is well worth it.

These guys are simply the best. With 5 1/2 octaves of range, they do things beyond the power of mere mortals. From the jazzy "Kingdom of Shy" to the driving "U beat me up", they display an amazing talent for harmony on the move. The arrangements are truly superb.

I'm completely puzzled that no US publisher has picked them up.

If you're a Rockapella fan, or simply a vocal music fan, this CD is a must-have, even at this price. Highly recommended.

I'm warning you now, these guys are like potato chips. Once you start, you can't stop. After buying one album, you have to buy them all.

Vocobeat is one of the best. It combines an even mix of Sean's sarcastic wit and clever lyrics with Scotts uncanny ability to arrange music and put on an awesome display of vocal talent. I love all the songs, and that's hard to find in a CD. If you hear the leadin and the chorus of "Falling Over You," you won't stop singing it for days. It has everything from the soulful, "Nowhere" to the up beat and incredibly singable, "Bodyboard," and back to the lamenting and tear-jerking, "My Home" and yet once again to the satirical and sarcastic, "Follow me to Heaven". You can never get board with this CD. It has amazing vocal effects that you won't even believe were only done by voices and appendages of the group.

Back to the word of warning, this CD is expensive, not only in price, but in the fact that just one won't do it. Once you buy this one, you'll become addicted and start buying them all. But don't let that stop you!! This group is one of the best I've heard, and trust me, being a sound technician, I've heard plenty! I highly reccomend this, and all other Rockapella works!

"Vocobeat" is Rockapella's first all-originals album, and also marks the debut of one Jeff Thacher. :) Da Boyz' sound definitely changed for the better with the addition of Jeff, as this CD proves. All the songs are amazing: Scott Leonard's funky "U beat me up" opens the album, as Jeff's explosive vocal percussion talents hit the listener full throttle. The version of "My Home" which graces this CD is missing The Persuasions (who performed the song with Da Boyz on the "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" disc), but the song loses none of its reflective beauty. With "Follow Me to Heaven," Sean Altman proves himself as a talented wordsmith; his lyrics are simply... wow. Elliott Kerman shines with "Kingdom of Shy," the anthem for timid folk everywhere. Barry Carl wrote "Quiet Sensation," a tribute to all women who don't resemble a size-two supermodel. If you're looking to buy Rockapella's import albums, this CD and "From NY" are the ones you should purchase first. "Vocobeat" is just awesome.

Rockapella's ability parallels such groups as the Nylons and Acapella. If you like acappela music, this group is a must for your collection or a great gift idea for those who "have everything". The price could be a deterent. Once you've swallowed the expensiveness, it grows on you and you will find yourself listening to this album more and more, not to mention debating to buy more of Rockapella. The music is all original. These guys are blessed with a great talent. According to the album cover, all the music and sounds other than drums are produced exclusively by the voices and body parts of Rockapella. Warning: You will find yourself humming and singing songs like "Peanut Shell" and "Follow me to Heaven" all day long.

IF YOU LOVE MUSIC.... IF YOU LOVE A CAPELLA....

VOCOBEAT shows it all. You won't regret EVER !

Rockapella explains us how good music is done..

Very good stuff !

...BUY IT NOW, my friend !