Skillful sounds from those ‘Carmen Sandiego’ singers
The Apple iTunes Music Store classifies Rockapella’s fifth album, titled “Smilin'”, as “easy listening.” But Rockapella’s sound can hardly qualify as something out of the typical Herb Alpert/Kenny Loggins school of ear therapy.
Rockapella, who made its unique take on a cappella famous with their performances on “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” and Folger’s Coffee commercials, has mastered a style that is both energetic and relaxing all at once. It isn’t for everyone, but credit must be given to Rockapella for creating a genre of music that is almost entirely their own.
There is no way to mistake “Smilin'” for anything but Rockapella’s material. The album opens with the upbeat “Shambala,” complete with enough lip smacks, ambient “ooo’s” and “ohh’s” and sub-bass “boo-bop’s” to make any listener say, “This is so obviously Rockapella. Seriously, I’m not even kidding.” This is the all-but-trademarked approach the vocal group has utilized ever since they formed in 1986 to earn some spare dough on the streets of New York City. And why stray from it? It worked in the 1980s, and it works now. After all, could it even be called “Rockapella” if they all of the sudden started using, say, an accordion and a moog machine?
As the tradition goes, many of the songs on “Smilin'” are covers (or transformations) of popular songs. The songs on this particular album all take on a summer-esque theme, including songs such as “In The Good Ole Summertime” and the late George Harrison’s “Here Comes The Sun.” After vocal arranger Scott Leonard and the rest of Rockapella give the songs their eccentric treatment, it can be difficult to recognize the cover songs as cover songs. But if the effort is made to catch those popular choruses and their famous hooks, the giggle of realization it induces is a worthy payoff.
Perhaps the most intriguing and daring cover on “Smilin'” is the closing track, the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ Safari.” How can anyone not catch the irony: one of the most talented vocal groups of today covering a song by one of the most talented vocal groups of yesterday. The original version is hard to improve upon, but Rockapella’s faithful will surely find “Surfin’ Safari,” as well as the rest of “Smilin'”, a fun treat.
Rockapella will be performing at the Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan on Nov. 2-3. Ticket prices range from $15-$25. USU students receive a
25 percent discount with a valid student ID. For more information, visit centerforthearts.us online or call 752-0026.
Ryan Cunningham is a critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent ot him at cunningham@cc.usu.edu