Harmonies/Backing Vocals

[DonGately]

I'm assembling a playlist of songs where the harmonies/backing vocals are top notch -- they're the key that makes the song great.

I don't care so much about genre (that's why I'm posting in NNNW). I'll be digging into New Wave of course, and Next Wave (I'll bring in the Fleet Foxes and Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins and god knows who else), but I'll dig back into all sorts of other stuff as well.

What songs would you suggest for such a list?

[WolverineSyr]

I know most people cringe at the thought of country music, and you may too, but harmony is a huge & essential element in that genre. Not the contempory radio stuff, but the more traditional or alt stuff.
I have recently rediscovered my love for country, especially a lot of the alt-country acts.

You may want to check out Emmylou Harris, since she's best known for singing harmony with everyone - although I'd avoid the Dolly Parton & Linda Ronstadt Trio albums - they sound like the chipmunks.

Another track I really like because of the vocals is Patty Loveless "Keep Your Distance" although it's pretty hard-core and far into the shit-kicking category.

I also like the "off harmonies" where the vocals don't really meld together well or at all. The Drive-By Truckers "2 Daughters & a Beautiful Wife" is a good song. The Carter Family's "Blackjack David" also has that quality & is a bizarre song - although I think they're probably a real acquired taste.

[enzfan]

Some 50's stuff I like.

Five Satins - In The Still Of The Night
Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers - Why Do Fools Fall In Love
The Monotones - Who Wrote The Book Of Love
The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The Chordettes - Mr. Sandman
Elvis - Don't Be Cruel
The Sillouettes - Get A Job
The Marcells - Blue Moon
The Diamonds - Little Darlin'

The Bee Gees - How Deep Is Your Love and Too Much Heaven
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody, Someone To Love, You're My Best Friend
The Babys - Isn't Time and Everytime I Think Of You

[DonGately]

Wolv, Enz, thanks for the recommendations. There's a lot of alt-country and older country stuff I like and I'll definitely dig into the tunes that you recommended, Enz.

Speaking of country, one of the most interesting albums I've heard this year is disc 2 of Hank Williams III's "Straight to Hell". It's 45 minutes of outlaw music meets David Lynch soundscapes, divided into 2 tracks (Track 2 is 42 minutes long). It's truly twisted but really fascinating.

[WolverineSyr]

I was really suprised by Hank III. I think I was expecting him to be retro, maybe trying to ride on the coat-tails of his name. I wasn't expecting such radical/cool albums. I also wasn't expecting the language! You just don't hear the word "fuck" in country! [;)]

You might want to check out Neko Case - "John Saw That Number" really stands out to me as a good, complicated harmony song.

Reckless Kelly's "Guy Like Me" has a great break in the middle with some nice harmonies.

Rosanne Cash "I Can't Resist" has some awesome vocals too.

[DonGately]

Sounds great! I'll hunt them down. Thanks!

[edisonoside]

One song that gives me goose bumps for the excellent lead and background vocals is MARI TRINI singing "NOSOTROS" with LOS TRES PANCHOS as backing vocals and musicians.

The 50's sure did have some great harmonies and backing Vocals. All the above singers are absolutely great. You guys have thought of all the good ones.

[DonGately]

Thanks, Ed! I'll add Mari to the list.

[i_like_lectric_motors]

-Just about anything by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
- "Punk Rock Girl" by Dead Milkmen

[obs]

Flying Pickets - Only You

[rotator]

Most, if not all [b]Housemartins[/b].

[DreamRedux]

[quote][i]Originally posted by WolverineSyr[/i]
<br>You may want to check out Emmylou Harris, since she's best known for singing harmony with everyone - although I'd avoid the Dolly Parton & Linda Ronstadt Trio albums - they sound like the chipmunks.[/quote]
I second that - with special emphasis on Emmylou Harris' early work with Gram Parsons. And hey, I kinda like Trio. [:D]

[trekds947]

[quote][i]Originally posted by rotator[/i]
<br>Most, if not all [b]Housemartins[/b].
[/quote]

Most Definitely BRILLIANT!!! I'll add Flying Pickets to that for their entire discography!

[newwavepop]

like the beachboys and byrds? maybe the four seasons?

[SallyLightfoot]

Emmylou Harris is a great suggestion. I'd definitely check out the harmonizing on 'Love Hurts' from the Graham Parsons 'Grievous Angel' release. I'm also a big fan of the country harmonies of Rank & File, and the Vulgar Boatmen, both of whom learned a thing or two from the Everly Brothers.

For more in the Beach Boys harmonies vein, I'd check out other jangle-pop artists such as Big Star or Jellyfish.