I can’t sing. At all. So I appreciate people who can.

The Persuasions “My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama” (Frank Zappa)
The Persuasions signed their first record deal with FZ’s Straight Records label. They never met him but always appreciated the break and years later released an entire CD of a capella covers of Zappa songs. I especially like their take on the theme from Lumpy Gravy but I figured more people would recognize this tune.

Dokaka “Kid Charlemagne” (Steely Dan)
I’m not real big on the human beatbox genre, but this kid’s got talent.

The Bobs “Bird On A Wire” (Leonard Cohen)
I saw the Bobs perform live a few years ago and as I was getting a CD signed I asked Richard Bob if Leonard Cohen knew what they had done to his song. He said (in his freakishly low voice) that they had sent him a copy of the song and had never heard back from him. But mutual acquaintances had assured him that Mr. Cohen has a sense of humor.

Mystery Vocal Group “Gangsta’s Paradise” (Coolio)
Update: Alert reader Chris sent me this link to Rockapella’s web site where they say that they’ve never recorded “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The Inernet lied to me! I feel so…used. Anyway, enjoy the song and if you know the real artist please let me know so I can credit the song accordingly.

There just aren’t enough a capella versions of rap songs. The really interesting part of this song is the choral background arrangement. And whatever happened to Coolio, anyway?

The Red Army Choir “Down Under” (Men At Work)
I know it’s really not a capella because there’s an accordion in there. But I still think it’s pretty amusing.

This tune comes from Volume One of the Andrew Denton Musical Challenge CDs. They were put out by an Australian radio station and were culled from their morning show. I would dearly love to have Volumes Two and Three so if any readers (especially the Australians–I know you’re out there) have a better source than eBay to get those CDs please let me know. I would be both thrilled and grateful.