I know SJ started a thing where we listed our favorite SONGS... but I'd like to know everyone's other favorite GROUPS! My aca-knowledge has expanded a BUNCH over the summer, and I've discovered quite a few other groups to add to my aca list. However... I WANT MORE! #addicted haha. You'll see different groups in my favorite groups list from my favorite songs list, because I want you to list those groups you love as a whole. I know I have a couple favorite songs from groups that I don't necessarily like all the way around... anyway!
Besides Straight No Chaser, my top 6 are (In no particular order. Except for my Cats! haha.)...
6. The Pitchforks.
Dude! These guys are awesome! And for my fellow #basslove(rs) out there, the Pitchforks are absolutely BASSTASTIC. Yes, I've decided that IS a word. ;) Some of my favorite songs of theirs are "Home," "Hysteria" & "With or Without You." (My next goal is to buy all of their complete albums. I only own a couple songs right now.)
5. The Heebee-Jeebees
Haha. Once again, BASSTASTIC! "Mr. Bassman," "Guitarzan," & "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" are the only songs I own of theirs, and they are all very, very heavy on the bass. I found these guys through one of the Canadian chasers (I really want to say it was Angie, but I'm not positive!), since they are from Canada... They are also HILARIOUS! I believe they describe themselves as an "a cappella comedy" group.
4. Tonic Sol-Fa
These guys are amazing. "Long Black Train," "Sold (Grundy County Auction Incident)," "Man of Constant Sorrow," "Virginia," & "Eleanor Rigby" are all FANTASTIC. Once again, an amazing bass. (Sensing a trend here yet? haha.)
3. Cadence
I. Love. Jazz. I don't have a lot of jazz music, but when the opportunity presents itself, I will listen! And these guys are a cappella jazz! I adore "High and Drysville" & "Ain't That a Kick in the Head."
2. The MadHatters.
The MadHatters are the group that the founding members of the Cat's Pajamas came from, so of course I had to look them up! These guys are so much fun. I don't think their goal is to necessarily be comedic, but they can be pretty funny. They're also seriously good. My favorites are "The Lion King," "In Love with a Girl," "Britney," & "JT." And yes, Britney = Britney Spears & JT = Justin Timberlake." haha. All but "In Love with a Girl" are medleys. I adore a good medley.
1. The Cat's Pajamas.
I'm always talking about these guys. I <3 them. I've seen them live more than SNC because they are convienently located. haha. And they definitely know me on sight now. :P Just like "our" guys, the Cats are always so nice and easy to talk to during intermission & after their shows. And they take fun pictures as well. Just watch this. http://youtu.be/YkYh4HR6hB0 Their best songs are, "Some Kind of Wonderful," "Hooked on a Feeling," "Love Potion Number 9," "Stand By Me," "The Joker," "Duke of Earl," and "Radio/Video Medley." I also love "Virginia" & "Galileo."
Some runners up are Overboard, The House Jacks, & Mountain Blue. (I just recently found Mountain Blue... its bluegrass gospel!) I was also recently impressed with The Red States.
Sooo... I want more groups to listen to! Give me your favorites!
The Bobs - the (grandfather? parent? precursor?) of all these groups. They are fabulous and amazing and you need to know them.
I guess these would be better suited for SJ's discussion though I can't find it. Here are a few of my favorites:
Rockapella - "Where in the World is Carman Sandiago" and "500 Miles"
Beelzabubs - Breaking the Girl (on the BMOC - Live cd... LOVE the bridge!)
These videos are amazing to watch as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-_umn1sBfE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2XBMWRK4Mw
The Swingle Singers are awesome too. My favorite is their song Libertango. The video is AMAZING!
I love this version of Jay Sean's "Down" by PLUtonic. The lead soloist is like a Mini-Mike :)
http://youtu.be/czBxN4nPAcE
I like the Bubs too! I just haven't gotten around to buying any Hyannis stuff since it isn't on itunes. :(
well I *MAY* have a biased opinion, but I'm quite fond of the Beelzebubs from Tufts University and *duh* Hyannis Sound :)
You're welcome. :) haha.
"puddle of #basslove" you say? *rushes to YouTube*
Yay! Thanks for "going on and on" Angie. haha. :) And for the Heebee-Jeebees introduction. :P
The Dear Abbeys are good! They also have a great bass-y version of "Home." :-)
And Tara, I'll be looking for that link! ^______^
OHH! And guys, I forgot one group I just recently discovered. Club for Five! They are Finnish, I believe, and your post reminded me. :P However, I haven't been able to find a way to buy any of their stuff! :-( They aren't in the US itunes store, (the UK store doesn't do me too much good) and I can't find it available elsewhere online... but I think I melted into a puddle of #basslove when I heard this... http://youtu.be/Gerr99h0nS8
Ooh, awesome thread! I'll go check out the ones I'm not familiar with. LOVE The Pitchforks "Hysteria" - whenever it comes on my iPod, it literally blows me back in my chair! Major #basslove
Yes, it was me who introduced The Heebee Jeebees - and so far, from my little poll, Cedric from the HBJBs has the lowest note - Eb, if you can believe it! (*I* can believe it, after hearing Mr. Bass Man and Grinch!) (Tina - those are probably the ones I sent you because of major #basslove!)
I *think* I also introduced Tonic Sol-Fa - they are just incredible! They are very interactive on Twitter - you can follow them at @tonicsol
So...other groups I love:
1. Rajaton (Finland) - I don't care for their ABBA cover stuff, but they have some incredible songs. Check out Dobbin's Flowery Vale (2006) and The Lament of My Heart, among others.
Dobbin's Flowery Vale (jaw-dropping beautiful) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ucpx11Xfpbk
2. Dear Abbeys - collegiate group from Boston. Great songs include Born to Run, Burning Down the House, an incredible version of Who Are You? and Prince's Let's Go Crazy.
3. I have a lot of barbershop groups that are just incredible, my favorite probably being Realtime. You can find their stuff on YouTube:
Drinking Gourd (if this one doesn't give you shivers...well...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCkPFMVJpOs
Midnight Serenade - I *will* sing this one day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEPRCe9MOFY&feature=related
Take 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gd0kBxFtiU&feature=related
Cry Me a River: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blWA2BQ7IaM&feature=related
Sorry...I see I'm going on and on here...lol That's what a cappella passion will do for ya...
Oh, Tina!!! What Jake can do with his voice is almost inhuman...in a good way! 'Red Dress' is really popular, but I *love* A LOT of their songs!!! I'll send you a link to some stuff to check out! :)
I have yet to listen to them/watch their videos enough to tell their voices apart, but they are definitely on my list! I have "Red Dress" on itunes... love it! :)
I *heart* THE HOUSE JACKS!!! Deke, Jake, Austin, Roo and Troy are AMAZING!!! :)