A Cappella Archives | Jeff Meshel's World

061: The Doobie Brothers, ‘What a Fool Believes’

A hopelessly happy jaunt into the 1970s– the sappy grin on the face of lead guitarist, the come-on smile of the backup chick singer gives Michael McDonald, the ‘Oh, I really am cool and hot and couldn’t be enjoying myself more’ look he returns; the illogical, off-the-beat smash of the cymbal on ‘Anybody else would sure-LY know’, the loopy little calliope adornment – every element perfectly enmeshing to form a tapestry of fun-k. And a painfully familiar, seldom-told story. And a crazily cool Italian a cappella version you’ve never heard. Whooo!

November 11, 2021 by jeff A Cappella Rock Song Of the week 4

293: Sam Robson, ‘Warmth of The Sun’ (Beach Boys A Cappella)

55 years ago I dreamed a dream. Last week the tapes arrived.

September 10, 2020 by jeff A Cappella Rock Song Of the week 10

209: The Real Group: ‘Monica Vals’ (‘Waltz for Debby’)

When they say ‘The voice is the only instrument made by God’, they’re thinking of Margareta Bengston of The Real Group singing Bill Evans’ ‘Waltz for Debby’. Four minutes in heaven.

April 21, 2020 by jeff A Cappella Jazz Nordic Song Of the week Vocalists 2

173: The Real Group, ‘Nature Boy’

An immaculate union of the pristine and the passionate – The Real Group in a breathtaking take on ‘Nature Boy’. It’s just a little perfect.

September 19, 2019 by jeff A Cappella Nordic Song Of the week Vocalists 10

172: Anúna, ‘Jerusalem’

Michael McGlynn’s Anúna invents traditional Irish Holy Music, Folk Music,neo-Gregorian Chants, New Age and Riverdance–all a cappella, in costume, in candlelight.

September 5, 2019 by jeff A Cappella Other Song Of the week 7

158: Paul Simon, ‘Surfer Girl’

‘Surfer Girl’ is a schlocky, heartfelt ballad of unrequited teenage love, Brian Wilson clawing his way out of the gooey larva of his California pubescence. Paul Simon works his magic on it, tapping the genius that is Brian, elevating it to a work of great beauty.

July 4, 2019 by jeff A Cappella Rock Song Of the week 8

139: The Swingle Singers, ‘On the 4th of July’ (James Taylor)

This week we talk about the United States’ bar mitzvah, how we discovered Bach, the history of The Swingle Singers, the marvels of Scandinavian a cappella festivals, and older people falling in love.

June 26, 2019 by jeff A Cappella Rock Song Of the week Vocalists 12

288: Accent, ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ (Vocalmente 2018)

I’ve just returned from the Aarhus Vocal Festival, the most moving musical gathering I’ve been at since Woodstock.

June 3, 2019 by jeff A Cappella Song Of the week 8