More than just nostalgia
author: Nicholas J. Kaster
The Renditions are a local Chicago band that have been "around the block" so to speak: they're old enough to remember a time when music was played on vinyl discs and Neil Diamond actually sounded good. Chicago radio listeners will recognize them for their jazzy "Traffic Jingle" played daily on the "Mackay in the Morning" show.
In this beautifully packaged and produced CD, jocularly entitled, "Misadventures in Harmony," the Renditions pay homage to some of the greatest records of the 60s, including Black is Black, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, Sherry, Surfer Girl, and Cherry Cherry. Yes, they're songs you've heard a million times - but the Renditions demand that you listen to them again. The Beach Boys' Surfer Girl is a vocal standout and appears on the album twice, once with instrumental backing and the second time a capella. The 4 Seasons' Sherry captures not only Frankie Valli's piercing falsetto, but also his grittier lower tones. The vocals on Black is Black and Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye are also especially strong.
In the liner notes, Greg Favata, who does vocals, guitar, and percussion for the band, says that the songs are "more than just nostaglia". Just so. They are timeless recordings, done with consummate craftsmanship.
And, oh yes, the "Traffic Jingle" is here too, as a bonus track.
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