With nothing but their voices and some percussion, The Nylons rock and soar across a wide spectrum of music. Their are moments that are simply transcendant. This isn't doo-wop, and it absolutely isn't chamber music. This is rock and roll powered by four knockout voices and knock-your-socks-off rhythms.

This 1993 compilation is a fine introduction to almost 20 years of albums. The harmonies on "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" are wonderful, and redefine the song. You think James Taylor's downbeat "Up on the Roof" is fine? Wait until you hear The Nylons. Whether it is funky gospel like "Prince of Darkness" or plain fun like "Poison Ivy," The Nylons are clearly having fun and invite you to share it.

Kudos to Windham Hill for adding this album to their library. Buy it, crank the volume up and hear human voices that can shake the dust loose.

Accapella doo-wop at its best
Several years ago when I was discussing the Nylons with a friend, he said, "Every (adult) person I know who discovers the Nylons not only loves them but become avid fans. If the Nylons recieved some exposure they would be as big a group to adults as the Beatles were to teens." Who are the Nylons? They are a four man acappella group from Canada. The original Nylons recorded for Windham Hill Records and probably were at their zenith back in the 80's. Two of the original members left the group and were replaced by two new members. They are a doo-wop sensation. They give us the doo-wop sound updated to today. They are superb vocalists and the original group was an absolute delight live. Best of the Nylons is a compilation from the original group's recordings on Windham Hill. It is a mix of classic covers and originals. You will come to love every song that this group sings, they are just that good. My suggestion on listening is to try songs that you love and discover the treatment that the Nylons give that song. If you are like every person my friend knows, you will end up owning both these CDs if not more.

The Best Rockapella Group Ever!
Here's a story that illustrates what you can expect from this album and from almost every album by The Nylons, especially "One Size Fits All" and a live performance recording "Four on the Floor." The Nylons opened for a Temptations reunion in Chicago. Naturally, the crowd was eager to hear the Temps again--so eager that people started to boo the relatively unknown, mostly Canadian Nylons when they first appeared onstage. But, by the end of their performance, the crowd gave them a standing ovation. "The Best of the Nylons" includes the group's reditions of several "oldies," with imaginative arrangements, and some outstanding original compositions.

Terrific vocal harmonies
Canada's premier accapella group The Nylons, have gone through numerous personnel changes over the years, but one thing does not change, and that is their terrific vocal harmonies. This album pulls together the best from the 'One Size Fits All', 'Happy Together', Seamless', and 'Rockapella' albums. Not only do they sing accapella versions of well known classics such as 'The Lion Sleps Tonight' (which by the way, is one of the best versions I've ever heard), but they also sing 5 of their original compositions. For anyone who likes acapella with a touch of percussion, then you must listen to this album.

One of my favorites
If you are looking for a great vocal album, look no further. There are fun renditions of some well known songs showcasing the way the quartet's voices complement each other. The high tenor is absolutely amazing (particularly on "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and "Up on the Roof"). They also do a great job on "Kiss Him Goodbye" and "Chain Gang". If you like this kind of vocal music, you can't go wrong.