I was having a rummage through the CD's last night, and came across a clutch of stuff by this group...

I've rarely seen 'em mentioned here, so just thought I'd jog some people's memories a bit (hopefully!)

They were (and still are) a four-piece group with outstanding vocal abilities - some of their arrangements are nothing short of fantastic...they started having hits here around 1976 culminating in a #1 record in 1977 with a brilliant update of "Chanson D'Amour" (which most Brits of a certain age will know!) right in the heyday of "punk"...

Their modicum of success came later in the US with another update - this time "The Boy From New York City" (1981) - but don't be fooled in thinking they were just another covers band - they attained a style all their own...

If you're curious, apart from searching for the above, also check out their renditions of "Operator", "Twilight Zone", the excellent "Trickle Trickle" and their six-minute tour-de-force of "Birdland"...fantastic...

They are still about (and recording), but not much (if anything) is heard of the new stuff on mainstream radio/TV, I lost track of them in about 1987...but still well remembered...

Altogether now...

ra - ta - ta ta-taaaaaaaa!

yes Paul I am of that certain age....

Oh dear, I must be "a certain age" then because I remember Chanson D'amour.  I can remember dancing to it in my ball-room dancing classes.  Didn't they have another top 10 soon afterwards?  Can't think what though

karen - "Walk In Love" wasn't it?
Hey, I didn't even look that up!

I have a couple of their CDs. I really like the song "Boy from New York City."


Cat

I certainly have heard of Manhattan Transfer (even though I am not of that certain age).

'Chanson d'amour' is the song I remember (cover of the Art and Dottie Todd classic. I actually own this version of the fifties but not through choice) - I don't like it as it sounds a bit whiney.

I remember they had a song "Twilight Zone".

Howard

I only recall "The Boy From New York City", which was a fun, bouncy tune.  They did indeed have some wonderful vocal arrangements on that one!  8)

"Chanson D'Amour" seems to be on Top of the Pops 2 all the time.  I have to honestly say that it makes me feel nauseous, both the sickly song and the accompanying video which features a range of Pan's People dressed in Top hats and gross underwear / tights combo's!!!

I saw the Transfer as the support act for Demi Roussos back in 79 or 80 in Perth.

They were not what I expected but they were great - especially when compared to Demi who mimed his entire show and at one stage he dropped his mike on the floor but his voice continued on !!!!

I do.  I always liked "Operator" and "Trickle Trickle".  I bought their album for my Mother-in-Law years ago.  She's sure to still have it - she never throws anything out.  

Cheers :)