As much as I dig the “favorite instrumental music” thread, I thought I’d take things in the complete opposite direction, and get a sense of everybody’s favorite songs containing nuthin’ but voices.
Here’s some of my faves, just to start:
-“Andy Always Dreamed of Wrestling” by The Bobs
-“Hey You” (originally by Pink Floyd) as performed by The Tufts Beelzebubs
-“Who are You” (originally by The Who) as performed by the Ex Boyfriends
-“Less” by The Acapelicans
-“It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” by Boyz II Men (this is my “make fun of me if you want, but i love it” entry")
Pretty much anything by Mystere du Voix Bulgare or the Trio Bulgarka. We managed to see the choir at a Bulgarian church here in Chicago (St John of Rigla), and got there early enough to get front row center. It was an astounding experience, 30 or so of the most talented singers I’ve ever heard, arranged in a semi-circle not more than 15’ from me. My whole body resonated in sympathy and I had tears in my eyes at several points. Concentrated beauty.
Another very fun album is Petra Haden’s full-length a capella cover of “The Who Sell Out” album. Here’s a YouTube clip of a performance of “I Can See For Miles”.
Being a fan of mostly mainstream rock I’m not big on a capella in general, but Yes did an a capella version of their song Leave It which I loved so much I can’t help but hate the version w/ music!
Hereare two songs. Both are with instruments, but Lais also has many terrific a-cappella songs. I just couldn’t find them on YouTube.
Another wonderful Belgian a-cappella group, is Zap Mamma. Five women, most from African descent, with wonderful voices. They make a minimum use of instruments; most special effects, bass sounds, etcetera, are done by the women’s voices.
(this one will tear you up if you’ve ever been, or had a loved one be, a victim of domestic violence)
And ummm…I apologize for the dichotomy, but (audio is NSFW!!!) UC Berkely’s DeCadence’s songs crack me up, especially Bitches Aint Shit
Some Gregorian chanting and masses, etc. are incredibly spiritual and beautiful to this atheist.
Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry, Be Happy before it got driven in to the ground.
And if you’ve never been exposed to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, youtube them…they’re incredible (other 30-something+ dopers will remember them from Paul Simon’s Graceland album.)
Bobby McFerrin, anyone? I can’t even pick a favorite. His whole discography is amazing. But if you twist my arm, I’ll just suggest that you listen to the album Simple Pleasures.
