Vibrate
Some of the Transfer's best records have been themed, such asBrasilandVocalese. However, their biggest commercial successes have come from albums likeExtensionsandMecca for Moderns, recordings that highlighted the genre-hopping versatility of the vocal quartet and yielded big pop hits along with it. This album falls into the latter category. The previous five decades are harmonically represented throughout these 11 tracks, including traditional '40s vocal styling on "Embraceable You," a classic '50s doo-wop medley, and someBeach Boys-styled psychedelic '60s pop on "Feel Flows." They've always excelled at jazz, and do so here with lyrics byJon Hendricksto melodies fromHorace SilverandMarcus Miller. But it's the group's forays into the 21st century via songs byBrenda RussellandRufus Wainwrightthat really stand out.--Mark Ruffin