We Came to Play

When Frank Zappa signed the Persuasions to their first recording contract, based on an audition done over the phone, he probably had no idea that he was about to launch a true American treasure. In the 40 years since the release of We Came To Play, their debut effort, the Persuasions have continued to dazzle audiences with their a cappella genius, joy, and willingness to try anything. Who but the Persuasions can claim tributes to Zappa, the Beatles, nursery rhymes, and U2 - among others?The Persuasions offer listeners so much to enjoy. First is their astonishing technical skill - all that music - produced by the human voice alone. Next is a kind of precision and discipline almost unknown in popular music. Most, Persuasions music just feels good; it gets inside you and won't let go.For maximum hits at the minimum price, you should probably go for Street Corner Symphony, their second recording, really an amazing effort. But why stop at one? This is a fantastic CD. Walk On The Wild Side alone is worth the price of admission, and Don't It Make You Want To Go Home, Chain Gang, and Another Night With The Boys are not far behind. There simply is no other a cappella group playing in the same league as these guys.

This is the album that brought the Persuasions to the worlds attention.

While Street Corner Symphony is my favorite Persuasions effort, this is very, very good as well. Covers of Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang", Curtis Mayfield's "Gypsy Woman", and the Beatles' "Let It Be" combine with other selections to make this a varied and listenable album/CD. In this age of synth, sampling, and wretched overproduction, the simplicity and beauty of "We Came To Play" is welcome.

great

Hey, if you're a fan of voice listen to this. Some of the names have changed over the years but the groove hasn't, enjoy.

Bonus cuts make this CD exceptional.

The Persuasions' "We Came To Play" is one of those albums where after you hear it, you wonder "Why don't these guys own the world?" These performers, their incredible talent, the song choices, the production, all come together and inspire the listener to ask "Why isn't this considered one of the most important recordings of its time? Why aren't words like "classic" and "essential" used in connection with these artists? WHY HASN'T THIS MUSIC BEEN EXHAUSTED FOR MOVIES AND COMMERCIALS BY NOW?"The Persuasions are essential. This album is a classic. Listen and be persuaded.

I've heard almost all the Peruasions albums and this is absolutely the best in material and song selection. This is acapella at it's very finest!