Favorite Contemporary Vocal Harmonies

This thread was originally going to be entitled 'Best Contemporary Vocal Harmonies' but I immediately realized that that was a disaster waiting to happen so instead, I ask "What contemporary artist has your favorite multi-vocal arrangements?"

I'm gonna have to go with Kevin Barnes/Of Montreal. I love how playful and ridiculous the lyrics and delivery are. Loads of fun. On top of that the individual melodies and the harmonic counterpoint is usually flawless and catchy as hell. Most bands I know of today just don't even know what counterpoint is. He definitely seems to be carrying the torch for Zombies-style vocals today.

Here's an example. I would start listening from 1:06 until the end. It just get's better.

[youtubehd]HBfgQvM7wtE[/youtubehd]

Examples abound all over this one, especially starting at 1:14:

[youtubehd]86u1zJzFHfQ[/youtubehd]

I hear a lot of current bands favorably described as having 'Beach Boys' vocal harmonies. As I much as I wish it were true, I can't think of anyone who's got the same touch and sense of harmony. Any takers in this regard that I need to know about?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWlLPJG9Cvg

/thread

My favorite Beatles song.

I was actually thinking more along the lines of bands that are still active, or were in the last decade. My intent was to highlight the most recent styles in polyphonic singing, but let's see where this thread goes.

Here's, what I suspect to be a more unorthodox choice: Starting @ 1:25

[youtubehd]0I_4N0fTCSQ[/youtubehd]

yeah it's obvious/easy but

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxhaRgJUMl8

the latter half of this is just fucking incredible

oh man,

i fuccin love harmonies,

yeah they're shite now. but i tell thee this:

i saw the polyphonic spree at a music festival about three months before the NME started hyping them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9gk1PGZxaE

it was grey and rainy, then they started singing this, and the sun came out.

it might have been the drugs, but it was one of the purest moments of euphoria i have experienced.

dirty projectors

fleet foxes

more amazing AC harmonies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWP7x1oF9dA

for a bunch of stoners who can't really sing, they do make some amazing shit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QsSc95pPPY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L--cqAI3IUI

  On 11/28/2010 at 3:57 AM, Richy said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QsSc95pPPY&feature=related

it ain't contemporary, but the 'one-note guitar solo' on this is even better than the one on cinnamon girl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAdtUDaBfRA

nm 'contemporary' - the harmonies on this - good lord.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i-Vj820xRQ

panda bear / animal collective of course

fleet foxes had some great stuff on their self titled album

not a big fan of of montreal at this point in their career but they had some great albums

it's easy to take Brian Wilson for granted but listening to this now it all comes rushing back...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muSou79UFXQ

The Autechres' voices harmonize so well

When Sean sings that A flat at the end of Piezo and then Rob goes OOOoooooOOOooooo i nearly cry

Panda Bear- comfy in nautica.

which reminds me of this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqwyiFDnhXo&feature=related

(missa luba-sanctus)

no love for grizzly bear?

  On 11/28/2010 at 12:55 AM, kaini said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWlLPJG9Cvg

/thread

maybe if you had posted the beach boys instead.