Customer Reviews
Manhattan heights - By: D. J. H. Thorn, 05 Dec 2007 
I'm a rock music fan reallly, but I'll try anything; labels say nothing about quality. It's tempting to say that MT are old-fashioned, but they are simply a brilliant vocal quartet who wander through every shade of music. This album harks back mainly to the 1930s, but there is one original song, the soulful, disco-oriented 'Clap Your Hands,' & a cover of The Chiffons' 1960s pop hit, 'Sweet Talking Guy.' They squeeze the juice out of melodies with pure harmonies & never miss a cue. The gentle sway & soar of 'Gloria' is a personal favourite, as is the charming 'Java Jive.' Amid the respect MT give these songs, however, there seems to be an unspoken sense of humour. No expense is spared on the instrumental backing either, with big band jazz to order on 'That Cat Is High,' for example. A band working in their own exclusive field.
(MANHATTAN) TRANSFERS TO CD VERY WELL - By: Gerald Reek, 23 Aug 2007 Like previous reviewers, I too purchased the LP version of this recording in the mid-70s.
What I liked about Manhattan Transfer records was the excellent production as well as the great music....hence the transferral to CD is top notch.
All M.T. recordings seem timeless, incorporating many styles of vocal expertise.
Highly recommended.
Vo-De-O-Do Class - By: Philip Solo, 12 Mar 2007 I used to live in my North London art deco 'mansion' in the 80s & with its Biba style 30s mirrors & pink & black decor, the ultimate sound track was albums like this, the perfectly manicured & presented 1930s style Busby Berkeley jump jive style group with perfect voices// they seemed more cool than cool then... retro, yet ultimately snazzy... the sort that now would be snapped up for cinema adverts in 30 minutes...
wonderful 'syncopated' stuff. the Manhattans trip the light fantastic begin the beguine & blend 30s crooning with the jazzier jump jive, & pure vo dee oh do... you need a topsy girlfriend with seamed stockings & pencil skirt & hat, a Morgan & a reallly good stereo to recreate my 80s faux 'Gatsby' era but this album is a classic retro indulgence.. for me, having worn out the tape & vinyl i still play this in my lastest cars...love it...
if you like how they sound move on to their brazilian jazz & rumba fest later albums.. they have superb voices & timing like a swiss clock...
Historic & unique...
The best ManTran album of all! - By: G. Timmins, 08 Jan 2000 This was the first album from Manhattan Transfer and, in my opinion, by far the best. I recalll buying the album at the time (1975 I think) & playing it until the grooves ran out. I then bought it on cassette & played that until the tape became transparent. I have owned the CD for several years now & it is often on continuous play in the car. There's not a bad track on this CD & you'll never tire of listening to them. Candy, incidently, is the ultimate sing-a-long for the shower in the mornings. In short, buy this CD & buy it today. If you like Manhattan Transfer's later music & haven't yet heard this CD, you are in for a treat. If you don't know much about Manhattan Transfer, this is the perfect introduction. It's where it alll started. Four people with voices that are sheer class.
