The latest CD from this talented Colorado (now all-male) quintet is chock full of your favorite pop tunes from the 70’s and 80’s. With fresh arrangements by the group themselves, the guys bring you on a trip “back in the day” – opening cover of Level 42’s “Something About You” is very smooth, has a funky breakdown that makes it all theirs, and Mr. Mister’s “Kyrie Eleison” is well-done, indeed (get out your parachute pants and rubber bracelets, folks); right on the heels of that comes Tony Huerta’s take on “Ride Like the Wind” (no mullet required); and perhaps my favorite track on the album, the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” transports you right to the beach. Other standouts include disco “Let’s Groove Tonight,” with a killer “horn section,” The repertoire veers into the 21st century with a jazzed-up version of Los Lonely Boys’ “Heaven” and Jesse McCartney’s “Beautiful Soul” is tender and sweet. The album closes with a rousing cover of Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long,” the ultimate cheesy early-80’s party song. Take a trip in the not-so-way-back machine with this one, and enjoy the ride! (47:37 2006)
The 17th Avenue Allstars – Blend
- Something About You
- Ride Like the Wind
- Good Vibrations
- Let’s Groove Tonight
- My Best Friend’s Girl
- Heaven
- Kyrie Eleison
- Beautiful Soul
- Should’ve Known Better
- You Can Call Me Al
- You Can Do Magic
- All Night Long