Hey Octet Fans. I'm going to post this review in a few installments because after my computer returned from being repaired it decided it was INSANE. So...I'm working with what it will allow me to do at the moment.
Gold was released in the YEAR 2000, and features the ICCA award winning members of the UC Men's Octet. The ICCA's are a big deal. It's like the Grammy Awards of the collegiate a cappella world. (Well, maybe not exactly) and the Octet are the only group who won 2 years "in a row". (Why is "in a row" in quotes? Well, between the first and second year that the Octet won the ICCA's, there were no regional championships.)
That being said. Onto the music. (Tracks 1-3 of 18)
Let's begin with "Eight's Company" - a parody of the 70's/80's theme song "Three's Company". I spent my early childhood watching this show, and I love how the Octet arranged this song. If you compare it to the original, you will find that it's quite different from the memorable theme song, but the Octet arrangement is quite good and enjoyable as they have it. Eight's Company showcases their humor as well as their musical ability. I think this is a great song, and wish it were actually longer - but what can you do with a theme song - unless you incorporate it into a "medley". Well, I guess it would still be short...never mind.
Teenager In Love - originally recorded by Dion and the Belmonts in the late 1950's, is higher energy than the original. The speaking parts and included add character to the song, as does the humorous backing vocals. ((Soloist:) I cried a tear, for nobody but (Backs:) whoever he points to..)
This is another case where I have found that my love of the UC Men's Octet has introduced me to music I never would have been interested in listening to otherwise. They continue to open doors for my love of music.
Next, Little Red Riding Hood, originally by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs is another song that I had not known pre-Octet, and it is one of my favorites. It must be very popular, because it is included in at least 4 Octet albums.
The song presents the wolf as pursuing Little Red, a "little big girl" and encourages her to trust her as he walks with her to gammas place in his "sheep suit". Enjoyable the whole way through. Especially the "listen to me" scale and the ending "ruff."
I will try to add to the review and I am able.
Track 4 will be "Hair" from the musical of the same name.
Track 5 "She's Got A Way" (Billy Joel)
Track 6 "Silhouettes" (The Rays) will be the next few songs in the review.
Authors Note: I was nearly thrown out of the coffee shop I was in because I plugged my headphones into the wrong hole and had the volume WAAAY UP...Maybe it's not the computer, but the operator that has issues, eh? So, as my computer allows me, I will add to the review a few songs at a time. Thank you all for your patience.