iTunes

Opening the iTunes Store.If iTunes doesn't open, click the iTunes application icon in your Dock or on your Windows desktop.
iTunes

iTunes is the world's easiest way to organize and add to your digital media collection.

We are unable to find iTunes on your computer. To preview and buy music from Bodies and Souls by The Manhattan Transfer, download iTunes now.

Already have iTunes? Click I Have iTunes to open it now.

I Have iTunes Free Download
iTunes for Mac + PC

Bodies and Souls

The Manhattan Transfer

View More By This Artist

Open iTunes to preview, buy, and download music.

Album Review

'83 release that saw Manhattan Transfer at their popular peak, doing some jazz-influenced harmonizing, but more mood music and light pop. They sing with energy and style here, but had moved away from the strict jazz formalism of their early material.

Customer Reviews

Fun and quirky, technique to burn

I remember when this album came out, it was in the 80's when this group was experimenting and doing so much interesting innovation. This album is quirky and fun- definitely an embrace of the songwriter, but it also has some beautiful, dark and ethereal moments. The songs reflected the interesting thinking of the group- there was political commentary mixed into a melange of vocales, pop, revival...really unique. Its really eclectic, showing their ability to effortlessly jump between different styles, the ones they'd already explored and charting newer territory. It bordered on cheesy at times with some of the pop tunes, but they had such musical integrity that they could pull it off. This album reminds me of a time when pop singers didn't have to sell sex and take off their clothes- their voices and singing were enough. Each song here was like a totally different universe and yet it all hung together. I thought this album was an international journey around the world sampling different genres and mood settings, different cultures (or at least homages)- how fun and different it was for vocal pop/jazz. It was upbeat and the vocal technique was dazzling. The contrast of Cheryl and Janice's voices really shines here and they are such a good complementary match. I think the best tune they ever recorded is here: Mystery. Janis Siegal killed it, nailed it. Its such a terrific song and great vehicle. There's such a passion and heart-wrenching soulfulness in Janice's vocal style here and it showed off her abilities perfectly. I remember the first time I heard it, I just wanted the song to never end and I played it endlessly. Anita Baker did a great cover of this, but Janis set the standard. I have never stopped listening to this version of Mystery. It still stands the test of time and soars above...

This is not the same as the original album

I am a big Manhattan Transfer fan, and only bought this today because I can't find my CD version and wanted to get it on my Itunes and Ipod. I was incredibly distressed to hear that the version of "Down South Camp Meetin' Time" on this Itunes version of the album is NOT the version of the song as it appeared on the original vinyl issue and the subsequent CD issue of this album. I want my money back. The version that is on here is a slower, bluesier version the Manhattan Transfer recorded for a different album. Itunes needs to have this caveat clear and up front before they get your money. I would not have purchased this album had I known. The original version of "Down South Camp Meetin' Time" is more up tempo and jazzier and really fit the style of this album. The version on the Itunes album sounds out of place, and I was very disappointed to see it here.

Down south...

I agree with you. This version is from the Swing album. Slowed down for a collection of swing tunes. Why pay liscenced original when this version is already liscenced. Yes the original version has very tight vocals. Could be that they were younger on the original so it's tight, clear, High and strong vocal work. It's gotten so you need to read reviews from previous buyers and listen to every song so you can make an informed decision when buying. Original lp jacket does not mean it's the original recording in it's entirty. So much for shopping convenience.

Biography

Formed: 1969 in NY

Genre: Jazz

Years Active: '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

Riding a wave of nostalgia in the '70s, the Manhattan Transfer resurrected jazz trends from boogie-woogie to bop to vocalese in a slick, slightly commercial setting that sometimes failed to gel with the group's close harmonies. Originally formed in 1969, the quartet recorded several albums of jazz standards as well as much material closer to R&B/pop. Still, they were easily the most popular...
Full Bio

Top Albums and Songs By The Manhattan Transfer

Listeners Also Bought

Become a fan of the iTunes and App Store pages on Facebook for exclusive offers, the inside scoop on new apps and more.