Four Freshmen And Five Trombones

Four Freshmen
1956

A kind of barbershop quartet close harmony that actually reminds me of nothing so much as Ted's band in Scrubs. Excellent of its type, and famous for being an influence on The Beach Boys, but I find the constant harmonised singing to be a little wearing after a couple of songs. In particular, the high falsetto always sounds slightly flat - very annoying after a while.

In contrast, something like doo wop uses extensive harmonies but as a backdrop - another instrument, really - to a solo singer, and is more listenable as a result.

I think this style suits slower songs better, where it sounds lush and romantic. I particularly like "Angel Eyes" and "You Stepped Out Of A Dream", both very evocative of their time. Great for unusual compilations. Faster songs sound more like novelties.