Rhythm & Blues, Soul & Doo-Wop - Bulletin February 2009 - Vicki Anderson/ Lynn Collins -> Various Artists
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BULLETIN - February 2009
Rhythm & Blues, Soul & Doo-Wop
Vicki Anderson/ Lynn Collins -> Various Artists
 

 

NEW COMPACT DISCS
 
VICKI ANDERSON/ LYNN COLLINS Famous Flame 5000 Message From A Soul Sister/ Female Preacher ● CD $17.98
20 tracks. Vicki Anderson and Lyn Collins both sang with the James Brown Revue-Anderson in the 60's and Collins in the 70's-and both were prot‚g‚s of the Godfather himself, although Collins had the higher profile thanks to her 1972 hit Think (About it). This collections compiles the best of the women's singles, many written by or with Brown, including Mama Feelgood/ Take Me Just as I Am/ We Want to Party, Party, Party by Collins, and The Message From the Soul Sisters/ Super Good, and Answer to Mother Popcorn by Anderson. Brown considered Anderson to be the best singer he ever had in his revue and, on these tracks, you can judge for yourself.

 
JUDY CLAY/ VEDA BROWN Kent CDKEND 302 The Stax Solo Recordings ● CD $22.98
25 tracks, 78 mins, highly recommended
A Kent two-fer featuring two dynamite ladies of Soul: Judy Clay--best known chart-wise for her hit duet with William Bell Private Number and for her groundbreaking mid 60's duets with Billy Vera - and Veda Brown a little-known early 70's vocalist who recorded the original versions of (If Loving You is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right and I'll Be Your Shelter (in Time of Storm), both hits for Luther Ingram. This collection includes all of Brown's Stax singles-featuring her near-hit, 1973's Short Stopping - and unreleased demos, including the Ingram cuts. Brown has a powerful, gospel trained voice and she doesn't disappoint on I Know it's Not Right (To Be in Love With a Married Man) -her answer song to Ingram's hit-and her version of Joe Tex's Take It Off Her (And Put it On Me).She may have only cut a handful of singles, but she certainly made the most of her time in Stax's studios; now if they had only spent more time promoting Brown, she wouldn't be the footnote that she is today. As for Clay, these recordings represent the dollop of tracks that she cut while under contract to Stax (as opposed to being a Stax "loan-out" to Atlantic) for nine months in 1968: two singles, all produced (and written by, save for one) by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. The singles, Remove These Clouds/ Bed of Roses and It Ain't Long Enough/ Give Love To Save Love (which Judy sings the hell out of), are compelling listening, but it's the show-stopping Hayes/Porter ballad It's Me (making it's first appearance on CD) that's worth the price admission. The previously unissued songs by Clay include her original solo version of My Baby Specializes, which she had "recorded" (read the liner notes for the whole tale) with William Bell. As long as Kent continues to mine the great Soul vaults of Stax and every other Southern R&B label, we can be thankful for gold like these songs. (GMC)

 
DR. JOHN & THE LOWER 911 429 Records 17703 City That Care Forgot ● CD $18.98
13 tracks. The latest from The Night Tripper finds him in his usual funky, New Orleans R&B, blues, and jazz mode, musically, while the lyrics take a political bent. Like 2006's "Mercernary," his collection of Johnny Mercer covers, this album is seen as a return to form for the veteran performer. Guests on the CD include Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Terence Blanchard, and Ani DiFranco.
 
THE FLAMINGOS Remember 75036 I Only Have Eyes For You ● CD $11.98
18 tracks, 48 mins, recommended
One of the premiere Doo Wop groups of the 1950's, The Flamingos recordings of the 50's and early 60's are collected here. The group's chart hits include Lovers Never Say Goodbye/ Love Walked In/ I Was Such a Fool (To Fall in Love With You)/ Nobody Loves Me Like You/ Mio Amore (I'm Yours Till the End), and their immortal classic version of I Only Have Eyes For You. The Flamingos influences were broad-they ranged from gospel to Four Freshman-style harmonies-which gave them an edge in the chart wars that perhaps no other Doo Wop group, other than The Platters, had; Time Was is a great example of that Four Freshman influence. The group's leanings toward Tin Pan Alley standards stood them in good stead, especially on When I Fall in Love/ Ol' Man River, and But Not For Me. Highly influential and just plain great, the Flamingos belong in any comprehensive Doo Wop collection. (GMC)

 
EDDIE HINTON Raven 206 A Mighty Field Of Vision: The Anthology, 1969-1993 ● CD $21.98
21 tracks, 74 mins, highly recommended
In the world of Southern R&B the name Eddie Hinton is legendary; his songwriting and guitar playing was highly prized by the artists he worked with, and he graced albums by everyone from Boz Scaggs to Aretha Franklin. But to a growing legion of cultists, it's Eddie's solo work-featuring his gritty singing voice-that is his enduring legacy. This CD contains a worthy introduction to his material as a white blues artist who is unjustly unheralded; when tracks like I Got the Feeling, Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom-Boom), My Searching is Over, and I Want a Woman, emerge from the speakers, you know right away that Hinton was the real deal. In many ways he was the American Frankie Miller, a white blues singer who sang every song as if his life depended on it, but unlike Miller, Hinton didn't need to rely so much on cover versions although he could be just as convincing with someone else's lyrics, as he proved on Heavy Makes You Happy and Otis Redding's Sad Song. And everyone should hear his show-stopping performance on What Would I Do Without You, and tell me that he doesn't belong up there with the greats. Eddie Hinton may be gone (he died in 1995), but he shouldn't be forgotten, and this collection does its part to rescue his name and reputation. (GMC)

 
LITTLE CAESAR Ace CDCHD 1193 Your On The Hour Man ● CD $18.98
26 tracks, 68 mins, recommended
Not to be confused with the "Little Caesar" who popularized the song Those Oldies But Goodies, this Little Caesar, aka Harry Caesar, was a semi-obscure R&B singer of the 50's whose only hit was 1952's Goodbye Baby. His bluesy voice is in the vein of Smiley Lewis, but with more expression, which he puts to good use on Atomic Love/ Cadillac Baby, and Going Down to the River. All of his recordings are here--including previously unissued takes and recordings--including the sides he cut with his group the Turbans. He might be more well known for his acting--he appeared in nearly 50 films and TV shows during the 70's and 80's--but based on this evidence, Harry Caesar's recording career needs a second look in, and here's your chance. (GMC)

 
THE SHIRELLES Ace CDCHD 1199 Baby It's You/ The Shirelles & King Curtis Give A Twist ● CD $18.98
26 tracks, 67 mins, highly recommended
Of course The Shirelles were one of the seminal "girl groups", and this two-fer of their third and fourth albums (originally released on Florence Greenberg's Scepter Records) is part of Ace's program to restore to catalog all of The Shirelles' original albums. These albums were released in 1962, when the ladies were at the top of the girl group heap, with the first featuring the hits Soldier Boy and the title track (written by Burt Bacharach, Mack David and Barney Williams). The other tracks on "Baby It's You" are all solid, potential singles in the spirit of the times, with Voice of Experience/ Irresistible You/ A Thing of the Past and Make the Night a Little Longer (written by Goffin/King) the stand-outs. The "Twist Party" collection was conceived and recorded as a "concept" album, which in this case means that the songs were cut over three recording dates in May 1962 (as opposed to the way previous Shirelles albums were assembled from material recorded over months of sessions). King Curtis, who had reputedly been present during the making of previous Shirelles' recordings, was prominently featured here and his horn powers tracks like Mama, Here Comes the Bride. Curtis gets to cut loose further on four instrumental tracks, and he gets to show his vocal ability on Ray Charles' I Got a Woman and his own Take the Last Train Home (also here in an instrumental version). While King Curtis' songs are fun, one wishes we got to hear more of the Shirelles, especially when Curtis and Shirelles' lead singer, the great Shirley Owens, duet divinely on I Still Want You. Taken together, these two LP are more proof that the music recorded between the death of Buddy Holly and the arrival of the Beatles, was not as bad as the critics and historians would lead one to believe. (GMC)

 
SHIRLEY & LEE Bear Family BCD 15785 Rock! ● CD $24.98
31 tracks, 73 mins, highly recommended
The greatest Rhythm and Blues couple besides Ike & Tina, Shirley & Lee are Rockin' and Rollin' all over this CD. Bear Family have already done an exhaustive box set on the couple, but for those of you who don't want to dive into a whole box set, or just want to avoid the ballads, here's the CD for you. Although, Shirley & Lee had lots of great ballads, to me their Rockers are the best. You get the big hits here -- Let The Good Times Roll/ Feel So Good, and I Feel Good -- along with a whole mess of lesser-known tracks. Just because they are lesser known doesn't mean they are lesser tunes, though. Some of my favorite tracks of theirs aren't that well known, and they are all here. Fantastic cuts like I'll Do It (Deed I Do,)/ I'll Thrill You/ Marry Me/ The Flirt/ Rock All Night, etc. As par for the course with the Bear Family, this comes with beautiful packaging and booklet, with extensive, informative and entertaining notes. If you don't have a collection of Shirley & Lee, one is certainly essential and this is a great one to pick up, especially if you prefer your R&B on the upbeat side. (JM)

 
HUEY SMITH & HIS CLOWNS Edsel NESTCD 924 For Dancing ● CD $9.98
12 tracks. Originally released on Ace in 1961, this re-issue on the Edsel label captures New Orleans piano legend Huey Smith rockin' out on tracks like Free Single and Disengaged and Tuber-Cu-Lucas & the Sinus Blues (or Flu, as listed on the CD). As one of the few actual albums that Smith recorded in the day, this is an invaluable document for fans. Out of print - limited stock.
 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Acrobat ADDCD 3053 The Lamp Records Story ● CD $18.98
Two CD set, 51 tracks, highly recommended
Another terrific label oriented collection from Acrobat - this time devoted to the Lamp label - formed in 1954 as a subsidiary of Los Angeles based Aladdin Records to focus mostly on East Coast based artists. Between 1954 and '57 the label issued 29 singles so this set comprises most of the labels releases. The label was active in 1954 issuing blues, R&B and gospel recordings from Leonard Lee (one half of Shirley & Lee, recorded in New Orleans), female vocal group The Cookies (soon to move to Atlantic and eventually become The Raelettes), solo sides by Cookies member Margie Hendricks, superb gospel quartet The Skylight Singers who first recorded in the mid 40s and others. The label was inactive in 1955 but returned in 1956 with it's new 2000 series with performances aimed at the burgeoning rock 'n' roll market featuring up tempo R&B and doo-wop ballads from Sheri Washington, The Lovers (actually Tarheel Slim & Little Anne on a selection of ballads), The Sharps (fine bluesy vocal group), The Tantones, Troopers, Heart-Throbs (with a fine female lead who sounds like Little Esther), Minor Bops and others. There's one blues cut from this period from the excellent Rebecca Williams recorded in San Francisco with the Fats Gaines band including an excellent guitar player. Excellent sound and informative notes. (FS)
THE CAROLS: Keko/ My Search Is Over/ JOHNNY COOK: It's All In Your Mind/ My Dear, Dear Darling/ THE COOKIES: All Night Mambo/ Hold Me Hold Me Hold Me/ THE CUES: Forty 'Leven Different Ways/ Scoochie Scoochie/ THE DAYBREAKERS: I Wonder Why/ Up, Up And Away/ BONNIE EVANS: Good Luck To You/ Leave Your Love To Me/ THE HEART THROBS: All The Way Home/ So Glad/ MARGIE HENDRICKS: Every Time/ Good Treatment/ THE INSPIRATIONS: Don't Cry/ Indian Jane/ LEONARD LEE: Tryin' To Fool Me/ When The Sun Goes Down/ THE LOVERS: Darling It's Wonderful/ Got A Whole Lot Of Lovin'/ I Wanna Be Loved/ Let's Elope/ Tell Me/ THE MELLO-FELLOWS: Iddy Biddy Baby/ My Friend Charlie/ THE MINOR BOPS: Need You Tonight/ Want You For My Own/ CLARENCE SAMUELS: Crazy With The Heat/ Life Don't Mean A Thing/ SLIM SAUNDERS: For Me And My Girl/ No One Can Love You Like I Do/ THE SHARPS: Lock My Heart/ Our Love Is Here To Stay/ JIMMY SIMMS: Mystery Of Love/ Nobody But You/ THE SKYLIGHT SINGERS: Certainly Lord/ I'm Going Back Home/ Lord Have Mercy/ Thank You Jesus/ THE TANTONES: I Love You, Really I Do/ No Matter/ So Afraid/ Tell Me/ THE TROOPERS: Get Out/ My Resolution/ SHERI WASHINGTON: Ain't I Talkin' To You Baby/ I Got Plenty/ REBECCA WILLIAMS: Please Give Me A Match/ Take A Care Of My Heart

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS AIM 1074 Nawlin's Never Sleeps ● CD $10.98
14 tracks, highly recommended
Superb budget priced collection of tracks drawn from this Australian label's catalog of Louisiana music recorded between the 1970s and 1990s and including R&B, blues, soul, funk and zydeco. Artists include Terrance Simien, Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters (three songs including a great version of Walking To New Orleans where he duets with Michelle Shocked), Marva Wright, Bo Dollis & The Wild Magnolias (their beautiful 1996 recording of Louisiana is eerily prescient of Hurricane Katrina), Lynn August, Tabby Thomas, Ronnie Barron (one of the finest white soul singers with the incredible gospel flavored Singin' In My Soul), Jean Knight and Ernie K-Doe. We've offered some of the individual albums previously but after hearing this I'll have to check out some of the others. (FS)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS BGP CDBGPD 195 Andy Smith - Diggin' In The BGP Vaults ● CD $18.98
24 tracks, 58 mins, recommended
Here's something for you broad-minded folks out there: a 'mix' CD comprised of music from the vaults of British re-issue label BGP (who brought us such gems as The Godfather's R&B: James Brown's Productions 1962-67, BGP 194). Andy Smith is a prominent London DJ who had previously put together a similar 'mix' CD of Northern Soul from the BGP vaults. Now, this CD brings together Funk and R&B nuggets from Booker T. & the MGs, Dyke & The Blazers, Rufus Thomas, and others that is pretty cool, but-and this is a big BUT for purists-the album is sequenced like a 'mix' CD, i.e. the songs blend together in a seamless non-stop stream of music, just like at a dance club, complete with DJ tampering (scratching, etc.). I personally don't have a problem with hearing music this way, especially good music, but anyone who likes their music uninterrupted and unadulterated, this is not the CD for you. However, if you're not put off by this method of presentation, revel in some fantastic grooves-released between 1967 and 1975-from James K-Nine (Live it Up), Billy Garner (Brand New Girl), Pazant Brothers (Skunk Juice), and Mel Davis (Just Another Smile). (GMC)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Bonanza 506 Another Doo-Wop Treasure Chest Filled With Even 30 MOre ● CD $17.98
30 tracks, recommended
The sixth volume in this excellent series features another 30 extremely rare doo-wop titles from the 50s and early 60s - many making their first appearance on CD. It gets off to an unpromising start with the horribly tuneless What Is Love but picks up dramatically with the next track with the soulful ballad You Told A Lie by The Shields best known for their big hit You Cheated and is followed by the rocking blues Rock Baby Rock by Cliff Ayers & The Crowns and most of the rest is fine too including sides by The Five Delights, Jokers, Shadows, Kay Evans, Mark James, The Del Shays, Rivelaires, Cousins, Bishops, etc. Sound quality is variable - some tracks sound very good - some not so good. (FS)
CLIFF AYERS & THE CROWNS: Rock Baby Rock/ SAM BAKER: So Long/ THE BISHOPS: Last Night I Dreamed/ THE BLUE ANGELS: Together/ BOBBY & THE COUNTS: Three Signs of Love/ JOE CALDWELL: Rolling Tears/ BILLY CARR: Champagne/ THE COUSINS: Guilty/ THE DEL SHAYS: (Love You) Forever/ KAY EVANS: Lover (How Much Longer)/ THE FIVE DELIGHTS: The Thought of Losing You/ MARK JAMES: Writing This Letter/ JESSIE JAMES & THE ROYAL ACES: I Will Go/ THE JOKERS: I Do/ KENNY & THE SOCIALITES: I'll Have To Decide/ DENISE MILLS & SATINETTES: Meet Me in the Moonlight/ BARRY PETRI: All My Love/ THE QUOTATIONS: In the Night/ JEAN RAYE: Open Your Eyes/ THE RIVELAIRES: Only the Angels Know/ THE ROUNDERS: Small Town Girl/ THE ROYAL DRIFTERS: To Each His Own/ THE SHADOWS: I Love You/ THE SHIELDS: You Told a Lie/ THE SHOW STOPPERS: Cynthia/ THE SUPERIORS: What Is Love/ TOMMY & DEL ROYALS: Trust in Love/ THE VI TONES: Stop What You're Doing/ MERILL WARNER: Don't Let Me Dream Tonight/ ANN WELDON: You're Hurting Me

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Brown Sugar BSRBOX 01 The Manifesto Of Rare Groove ● CD $34.98
3 CDs, 47 tracks. Starting in 2000, re-issue label Brown Sugar began compiling CDs of rare and/or obscure jazz, funk, and soul music; this box set contains the first three volumes they released: "I Feel the Earth Move," "Welcome To the Basement," and "Cold Sweat." The music on these collections runs the gamut from Isaac Hayes and Mel & Tim to Cannonball Adderley and Kenny Burrell to Cal Tjader and Mark Murphy to Earth, Wind & Fire and Kool and the Gang. These samplers were compiled by knowledgeable DJs, and contain extensive liner notes for each track. All told, this is an easy way to get great music in one package. Other artists include Leon Spencer, Boogaloo Joe Jones, Merl Saunders, David Axelrod, Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers, The Ventures (!), The Bar_Kays, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, Gary Bartz, Jimmy Smith, Eddie Henderson, etc.

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Collectables 1261 Doo Wop THemes, Vol. 1 - Girls Names, Part 1 ● CD $6.98
First in a new series of 10 track budget CDs from Collectables featuring songs with a specific theme. This is the first of five volumes devoted to girls names.
THE CADILLACS: Betty My Love/ THE CLEFTONES: Trudy/ EDDIE COOLEY & THE DIMPLES: Betty Lou/ THE ENCHANTMENTS: I Love You Sherry/ THE FIVE DREAMERS: Beverly/ THE FLAMINGOS: Maria Elena/ THE MELLOTONES: Rosie Lee/ THE ORIOLES: Goodnight Irene/ THE REGENTS: Barbara Ann/ THE VALENTINES: Lilly Mae Belle

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Collectables 1262 Doo Wop THemes, Vol. 2 - Girls Names, Part 2 ● CD $6.98
THE CHARTS: Deserie/ THE CRESTS: My Juanita/ THE EMPIRES: Linda/ JACKIE & THE STARLITES: Valarie/ LEWIS LYMON & THE TEEN CHORDS: Lydia/ THE PARAGONS: Florence/ THE RAINBOWS: Mary Lee/ LITTLE BOBBY RIVERA & THE HEMLOCKS: Cora Lee/ THE THRILLERS: Lizabeth/ THE TURBANS: Sister Sookey

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Collectables 1263 Doo Wop THemes, Vol. 3 - Girls Names, Part 3 ● CD $6.98
THE AVONS: Bonnie/ THE CADILLACS: Lucy/ THE CROWS: Perfidia/ THE DEVOTIONS: Zindy Lou/ THE FOUR TUNES: Marie/ LITTLE CAESAR & THE ROMANS: Betty Jean/ THE PLAYMATES: Jo Ann/ THE RAINBOWS: Minnie/ THE REGENTS: Jeanette, Jeanette/ THE TEMPTATIONS: Barbara

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Collectables 1264 Doo Wop THemes, Vol. 4 - Girls Names, Part 4 ● CD $6.98
THE CHARTS: My Diane/ THE CRESTS: Molly Mae/ THE DELL VIKINGS: Willette/ THE DREAMLOVERS: Annabelle Lee/ THE DUPREES: Ginny/ THE FIVE SATINS: Toni My Love/ THE HARMONAIRES: Lorraine/ THE NUTMEGS: Betty Lou/ THE RAINBOWS: Shirley/ RONNIE & THE HI-LITES: Valerie

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Collectables 1265 Doo Wop THemes, Vol. 5 - Girls Names, Part 5 ● CD $6.98
THE CADILLACS: Gloria/ EDDIE COOLEY & THE DIMPLES: Priscilla/ THE CROWS: Sweet Sue, Just You/ BOBBY FREEMAN: Betty Lou Got A New Pair Of Shoes/ THE LYDELLS: Karen/ FRANKIE LYMON: Melinda/ THE MELLOTONES: Cassandra/ THE ORIOLES: Barbra Lee/ THE REGENTS: Laura My Darling/ THE WRENS: Betty Jean

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Crystal Ball 1094 Crystal Ball Records, 30th Anniversary Volume 1 ● CD $17.98
Crystal Ball Records was founded in 1978 by doo-wop collector and historian Ed Engel to reissue vintage doo-wop recordings as well produce new recordings by vintage groups as well as new groups performing in the doo-wop style. Since then he has produced many 45s, LPs and CDs and this is the first of five volumes celebrating 30 years of his label. This first volume has 25 tracks and includes both vintage recordings as well as sides from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Many of the titles are new to CD and 11 tracks are previously unreleased. Among the artists are The Lark Tones (two unreleased tracks - one acapella), The Imaginations, Jimmy Singleton & The Royal satins, Donnie Boyd, The Crescendos, Versales, Accents and others including the fine unreleased acapella Bye Bye Baby by an unknown group.
THE ACCENTS: Daddy‘s Home/ JIMMY BAILEY: Constantly/ BARBARA J & THE SILVER SLIPPERS: Laughing At Me/ THE BOPPERS: Tick Tock/ DONNIE BOYD: With All My Love/ THE CRESCENDOS: Angel Face/ THE CROSSTONES: Why Should I Lie/ THE CRYSTALAIRS: The Rest Is Up To You/ DONNIE & THE DREAMERS: Captain Blood*/ THE FABULOUS FOUR: Silhouettes*/ THE FULLER BROTHERS: Why Do Fools Fall In Love/ GERRY & THE GEMS: Just A Little Girl*/ THE IMAGINATIONS: Sweet Mona/ JAY & THE AMERICANS: Wisdom Of A Fool*/ THE LARK TONES: Goodbye*/ Tumbleweed (acap)*/ TONY PASSA & THE FASCINATORS: Love That Girl*/ THE PERFECTIONS: Crimson Hair*/ THE QUAD FIVE: Tiger Roar/ RON & THE MOTIONS: When My Little Girl Is Smiling/ JOHNNY SABER & THE PASSIONS: Wish It Could Be Me/ JIMMY SINGLETON & ROYAL SATINS: Each Passing Day/ THE SWEETHEARTS: What Is Love/ UNKNOWN: Bye Bye Baby (acap)*/ THE VERSALES: Forgotten

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Crystal Ball 1095 Crystal Ball Records, 30th Anniversary Volume 2 ● CD $17.98
25 more rarities - 11 previously unreleased.
ALAN & THE ALPINES: Ginger Bread/ THE ARROGANTS: My Heart Stood Still*/ BILLY & THE ESSENTIALS: Gee*/ THE CLIENTELLS: Church Bells May Ring/ RAY ERRICO & THE HONEYTONES: Humpty Dumpty Rock/ KAY EVANS & GROUP: Lover (how Much Longer)/ THE FABULOUS VALIENTS: Your Golden Teardrops/ THE GENTLE TONES: Life Is But A Dream*/ GERRY & THE GEMS: Dear Lady Twist*/ RAY GOODE & GROUP: Stupid Heart/ THE IDEALS: My Girl/ SHIRLEY JACKSON & GROUP: Wait For Me/ CHARLIE JESTER & THE KITTS: Sylvia/ THE LARK TONES: Tell Her You Love Her*/ LITTLE JERRY: I‘m So Mad/ THE MARQUEES: Stay With Me/ THE MERRI-HARTS: After School*/ THE QUAD FIVE: Don‘t Send My Boy To Harvard/ THE RAINDROPS: Come On Home*/ THE ROOMATES: Childish Ways/ DUKE STEVENS: Won‘t You Say Yes/ UNKNOWN: Come To The Chapel*/ Dream Girl (acap)*/ Wedding Bells*/ STEVE `ALAIMO & THE RED COATS: My Heart Never Said Goodbye

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Crystal Ball 1096 Crystal Ball Records, 30th Anniversary Volume 3 ● CD $17.98
25 more - seven previously unreleased. One track is by an unknown artist.
DON BARBER & THE DUKES: I‘ll Be Blue/ THE BLENSATIONS: Tonight You Belong To Me*/ THE CHECKMATES: After You‘ve Become A Star/ THE CLIENTELLS: My Love/ THE CRESCENDOS: Strange Love/ THE DEMOLYRS: My Girl*/ THE DREAMERS: No Obligation/ THE FABULOUS CRYST-TELS: Left Front Row/ THE FIREBIRDS: Tonight I Fell In Love/ THE FIVE DISCS: When I Found You (acap)*/ GERRY & THE GEMS: Can‘t Tell Her*/ GORGEOUS GEORGE & THE FABULOUS THREE: Cross Every Mountain/ THE INVICTAS: Lest You Forget/ THE LARK TONES: Magic*/ THE LAURELS: Dubley Digby Darlin‘/ RICHIE MORELAND & GROUP: Bells In My Heart/ THE PRETENDERS: Don‘t Tell A Lie/ THE QUAD FIVE: To Triumphe/ RITA RICHARDS & GROUP: Gone Is My Baby/ RONNIE & THE DAYDREAMS: Betty Jean*/ SHIRLEY SCOTT & GROUP: Lonely Girl/ UNKNOWN: Don‘t Ever Leave Me*/ THE V-8’S: Pretty Baby/ WANDA WEST: Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight/ RAY WILLIAMS & THE MASTERTONES: Baby

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Crystal Ball 1097 Crystal Ball Records, 30th Anniversary Volume 4 ● CD $17.98
Another 25 with three by unknown performers - nine previously unreleased tracks.
THE AMBERTONES: I Only Have Eyes For You/ BOBBY BELMONT: Oh Donna/ ROCKY BROWN & GROUP: In My Den Of Love/ THE CELLESTRIALS: Tonight In The Rain*/ THE CORNELLS: Blue Moon/ GERRY & THE GEMS: Why Must You Treat A Girl So Bad*/ EDDIE HOLMAN: I Need A Song/ ARMOND HURLEY & THE DUKES OF EARLWOOD: Duke Of Earl/ SUSAN LEVINS & GROUP: On Bended Knee/ THE MERRI-HEARTS: Sweet Little Baby Face*/ RICHIE PEE: It‘s Up To Us Girls*/ BILL PINKEY & THE ORIGINALS: The Masquerade Is Over/ THE RAVIONS: If Love Was Mine/ THE ROOMATES: A Lovers Quarrel*/ Sugar Baby Love*/ STEPAN ROSS & GROUP: Please Be My Baby/ LYNN TAITT & THE COMETS: Dad Is Home/ THE TORNADOS: Love In Your Life/ THE TRI-GERIANS: Kingdom Of Love/ UNKNOWN: Down Down (acap)*/ Foolishly Yours*/ I Guess I Won‘t Hang Around Anymore*/ THE VALQUINS: Falling Star/ THE VELVET SOUNDS: Silver Star/ THE VISIONS: It‘s You I Love

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Crystal Ball 1098 Crystal Ball Records, 30th Anniversary Volume 5 ● CD $17.98
The final volume in this series has 25 tracks - nine of them previously unreleased including three by unknown performers. I
ALTON & EDDIE: My Heaven/ CHARLES BAKER: Darling You Are Here/ DUANE CALVERT: Somewhere, Somehow/ THE CELLESTIALS: My Dear, My Darling*/ THE CORNELLS: So Close/ GERRY & THE GEMS: I Remember (acap)*/ EDDIE HOLMAN: Baby Don‘t Stop/ CHARLIE JESTER & THE TEAM MATES: Sincerely Your Friend/ THE KAMPELLS: You Got It Bad/ THE MAGNATONES: I Need You/ RICHIE PEE: Little Boy*/ AL PERKINS & GROUP: So Long/ BOBBY PIERCE & GROUP: I‘ve Tried/ THE RAMBLERS: So Sad/ THE ROOMATES: Alemensay*/ Tiny Cloud*/ THE SHADOWS V: I Love You/ THE TRI-GERIANS: This Is Love/ UNKNOWN: I Want You To (acap)*/ Love You Baby (acap)*/ The Story Of Sally And Joe*/ You Went Away*/ THE VALQUINS: My Dear/ THE VALS: The Song Of A Lover/ THE VISIONS: It‘s Been A Long Winter

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Dee-Jay Jamboree 55112 Explosive Doowops, Vol. 14 ● CD $18.98
The latest in this ongoing series features 27 rare vocal group titles from the 50s and 60s - mostly white groups - much of it making its first appearance on CD.
THE ARC-ANGELS: Little Wheel/ THE ASTRO-JETS: Hide And Seek/ BARRY & BOB & THE STEREOS: Music Music Music/ BILLY THE KID & THE SUPREMES: You Are Mine/ THE CATALINA SIX: Sweet Baby Please Come Home/ THE CLIENTELLES: Church Bells May Ring/ THE EPICS FEAT LYNN & BOBBY: Baltimore/ THE GATES: Wrapped In Green Made For A Teen/ ALLEN GEORGE & GROUP: I Won't Cry/ STEVE GIBSON & THE RED CAPS: Itty-bitty/ JOYCE HEATH & THE PRIVATEERS: Honor Roll Of Love/ TERRY HULL & THE STARFIRES: Those Pretty Brown Eyes/ JAY JAY & THE SELECTONES: Humpty Dumpty/ MIKE LAWING & THE DISSONAIRES: One Love/ THE MISTICS: Memories/ THE PARAMOUNTS: Christopher Columbus/ THE PREMIERS: Angel Love/ THE REMINISCENTS: Cards Of Love/ THE STATLERS: Vicki/ JEB STUART & GROUP: Ichaban Josan/ THE TEMPESTS: Never Let You Go/ THE TERMITES: Carrie Lou/ TEX & CHEX: Be On The Lookout For My Girl/ THE TOREADORS: Do You Remember?/ THE VALUES: That's The Way/ THE VELVET KEYS: Let's Stay After School/ THE VETS: Natural Born Lover

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Krypton 6003B Fine And Dandy Doo-Wops, Vol. 3 ● CD $17.98
21 tracks, recommended
Fine collection of doo-wop plus a bit of soul from the early/ mid 60s recorded for the Verve label - a label not usually associated with doo-wop. There are five tracks by the excellent New York group The Quotations including their classic Imagination. There are three sides by The Chantels - some of their last recordings - the great Arlene Smith was long gone but her replacement Annette Smith (no relation) does a fine job. Ironically Bobby Pedrick is here doing a cover of the Chantels' classic Maybe and doing a pretty convincing imitation of Arlene Smith! Also featured are The Ink Spots, The Jades, The Chants (the excellent Choo Choo), Linda Leigh, Randy Sparks and The Fraternity Brothers. Excellent sound but minimal packaging. (FS)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Krypton 6004 Fine And Dandy Doo-Wops, Vol. 4 ● CD $17.98
30 doo-wop obscurities from the late 50s/ early 60s. Only a few are new to CD but the musical and sound quality are generally excellent.
THE BLAZONS: Magic Lamp/ THE BOBBY & VELVETS: Now We Know/ THE CHANCELLORS: My Thoughts To You/ THE CLASSINETTES: To The Church/ THE CONFESSIONS: Be Bop Baby/ THE CRESCENTS: Hey There/ THE DAYTONS: King Of Broken Hearts/ THE DEBONIRES: Al La La/ THE DEBS: Felipe/ Star In The Sky/ THE DRAKES: Oo Wee So Good/ THE FABULOUS FREMONTS: Gee Whiz/ THE FUN ATICS: Wise Guy/ EDD HENRY, THE NICKLES & THREE PENNIES: I Love Only You/ SUE KENNY: A Fool In Love/ THE LUVS: We Kiss In The Shadow/ THE MAGNATONES: I Need You/ THE MANDELS: Darling I'm Home/ THE MASQUERADES: These Red Roses/ THE MEDALLIONS: You Are Irresistable/ THE RAVONS: Everyones Laughing At Me/ THE RESONICS: I'm Really In Love/ BOBBY RICHARDSON & THE CREATIONS: Nobody Loves Me/ DAVE ROSE & CONTINENTALS: Take This Heart/ THE ROYAL TEENTONES: Secret Lover/ THE SHUFFLES: Do You Remember My Darling/ THE TROJANS: I Wanted You So Long/ THE WINDSORS: Carol Ann/ Keep Me From Crying/ THE ZEROS: Flossie Mae

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Krypton 6005 Fine And Dandy Doo-Wops, Vol. 5 ● CD $17.98
Another 30 fine doo-wop sides though most have been on CD before
THE AZTECS: The Answer To My Prayer/ KENNY BEAU & THE WHIRLWINDS: Gift Of Love/ BOBBY & THE VELVETS: I Promised/ THE CATALINAS: Be Mine/ THE CHANTS: Heaven & Paradise/ CLEOPATRA: Heaven Only Knows/ My Darling/ THE DAYTONES: Friday Better Come/ THE DEBONAIRES: Fool's Love/ THE JL TRI FIVE: Jeanie/ BARBARA JOY: Story Of My Life/ BOBBY LONGO: A Night To Remember/ Why You Left Me/ THE MANHATTANS: Why Should I Cry/ THE PAGEANTS: We Belong Together/ THE QUARTERNOTES: Baby/ Hold Me Darling/ THE RADIANTS: I'll Never Be Mean/ THE REACTIONS: Our Wonderful Love/ THE SHIELDS: The Girl Around The Corner/ LYNN TAITT & THE COMETS: Dad Is Home/ THE TEENTONES: Faded Love/ THE THREE NOTES: Bertha My Girl/ Lucy Lucy/ THE UNIQUES: Silvery Moon/ THE VAN DELLOS: Bring Back/ THE VIBRAHARPS: Walk Beside Me/ FLOYD WHITE: Pains Of Love/ FAYE WILSON & JAYOS: I Miss You So/ FAY WILSON & THE JAYOS: Playing Me For A Fool

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Moonshine 5501 Motortown Group Sounds ● CD $17.98
30 tracks, highly recommended
This has been out a while but hasn't been listed before. 30 rare doo-wop, R&B and soul vocal group titles from Detroit recorded between 1959 and 1964 - six of them previously unreleased. Includes Willie Hamilton & Grouo, The Distants (1960 recordings featuring several members who later went on to The Temptations), Marv Johnson & Group (both sides of his first recording for Kudo), The Royal ravens, Wyatt "Big Boy" Shepherd, Ty Hunter & The Voice Msters, The Satintones, The Pirates (superb intense performance), The Creations, Hatie Littles & Group, Chico Leverett & Group, Sandra Mallett & The Vandellas, The Miracles (an alternate take of Depend On Me), Henry Lumpkin and Group and others. Generally excellent sound and booklet has brief notes on all the tracks. (FS)
THE ANADANTES: That's a Funny Way (unissued)/ THE CONTOURS: Whole Lotta Woman/ THE CREATIONS: Say Say Baby (unissued)/ THE DISTANTS: Open Your Heart/ THE DOWNBEATS: Your Baby's Back/ LINDA GRINER & GROUP: Envious/ WILLIE HAMILTON & GROUP: I'm So Glad You're Mine/ TY HUNTER & VOICE MASTERS: Everything About You/ MARV JOHNSON & GROUP: Once Upon a Time/ MARVIN JOHNSON & GROUP: My Baby-O/ WILLIE JONES & THE CHIMES: I Need You/ WADE JONES & THE RAYBER VOICES: Insane/ CHICO LEVERETT & GROUP: I'll Never Love Again/ Solid Sender/ HATTIE LITTLES & GROUP: I Wish You Were Here (unissued)/ HENRY LUMPKIN & GROUP: We Really Love Each Other/ THE MAJESTICS: Hello Love (unissued)/ SANDRA MALLETT & VANDELLAS: Camel Walk/ It's Gonna Be Hard Times/ THE MIRACLES: You Can Depend on Me (alternate)/ THE PIRATES: I'll Love You Til I Die/ POPCORN WYLIE & THE MOHAWKS: Pretty Girl/ THE ROYAL RAVENS: Grand Spanish Lady/ THE SATINTONES: Fine Son-in-Law (unissued)/ Going To the Hop/ Motor City/ THE SERENADERS: I'll Cry Tomorrow/ WYATT "BIG BOY" SHEPHERD: You Don't Want Me No More/ THE TEMPTATIONS: My Pillow (unissued)/ THE VERSATONES: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (unissued)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Numero 023 Eccentric Soul - The Young Disciples ● CD $19.98
21 tracks, 60 mins, highly recommended
In Numero Records never-ending quest to dig up lost and/or forgotten R&B from the late 60's/early 70's, Volume 23 brings us music from the mean streets of East St. Louis Illinois. In an effort to help keep kids off the streets and out of trouble in the crime and poverty riddled city, teacher Allan Merry organized music programs through a youth center. The collective name for the teenage musicians and singers was the Young Disciples, but this catch-all name actually encompassed solo singers, duos, and groups. The music here, originally released on Merry's homegrown labels YoDi and Merry, is rawer than most Soul of the time, possibly reflecting the rough lives of the participants: from the tough-minded The World is Changing by LaVal Moore and Crumbs From the Table by Young Disciples Co. to the deceptively sweet sounds of Anyone Or Anything by DeDe Turner Happening, this music oozes potency from every note. And the songs are amazingly accomplished for teenagers; surprisingly, many of the ballads are throwbacks to the R&B of the early 60's, rather than the lush Gamble & Huff sounds that came to dominate the Soul scene of the late 60's and early '70's. In sum, this is yet another winner from the folks at Numero. (GMC)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Pepto Roma 508 Dazzling Group Sounds Vol. 8 ● CD $17.98
26 doo-wop rarities from the 50s and early 60s - many making their first appearance on CD. Includes sides by Lulu Reed & The Teeners, Nobles, Opals, Edd Henry & The Nickels, Yvonne Baker & The Sensations, Robert Evans & The Heartbreakers (a live recording from 1951), etc. Sound quality on several tracks show too much digital noise reduction but most cuts sound fine.
YVONNE BAKER & THE SENSATIONS: Party Across the Hall/ BUSTER BANKS & THE MARYLANDERS: Sittin' Here Wondering/ LILLIAN BROOKS & THE MOROCCOS: For Only You/ JOE CALDWELL & GROUP: I Guess I'm the Lonely One/ THE CANDLELIGHTERS: Would You Do the Same for Me/ THE DUDROPPERS: Let Nature Take It's Course/ That's All I Need/ ROBERT EVANS & THE HEARTBREAKERS: Embraceable You/ THE FIVE FORTUNES: You Are My Love/ PAULA GRIMES & GROUP: Zing Went the Strings of My Heart/ EDD HENRY & THE NICKELS: I Love Only You/ LITTLE MILTON & GROUP: Cross My Heart/ THE NOBLES: Do You Love Me/ THE OPALS: Restless Days/ BOBBY PAGE & THE RIFF RAFFS: Sweet Surrender/ BUNNY PAUL & THE HARPTONES: Such a Night/ CHRIS POWELL & THE FIVE BLUE FLAMES: The Masquerade is Over/ LULU REED & THE TEENERS: Why Do Fools Fall in Love/ THE ROLLETTES: An Understanding/ RON & THE MOTIONS: Last Night's Dream/ SHIRLEY ROSS & GROUP: Girl in Love/ ZOLA TAYLOR & GROUP: Make Love to Me/ THE TONEBLENDERS: I Thank Heaven/ THE TWILIGHTERS: Don't Stop Baby/ THE VELPS: Little Girl/ RUDY WEST & THE FIVE KEYS (ALT. TAKE 4): Sweetheart

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Rhino (UK) 77578 Atlantic R&B, Vol. 3: 1955-1957 ● CD $9.98
28 tracks, 74 mins, highly recommended
The third volume in Rhino's Atlantic R&B anthology series contains assorted hits from the pivotal years 1955 to 1957. If you're an R&B lover you can hardly go wrong with a collection that contains Joe Turner (Flip, Flop and Fly, the original version of Corrina Corrina), Ray Charles (Hallelujah, I Love Her So, Lonely Avenue, and This Little Girl of Mine among others), The Robins (Smokey Joe's Cafe), The Coasters (Searchin'/ Down in Mexico), Chuck Willis (C.C. Rider), The Drifters (Ruby Baby), LaVern Baker (Jim Dandy) and more. These are more than just random tracks: these are the foundation of rock and roll. If you have the other volumes, then you need this one as well. (GMC)
LAVERN BAKER: Jim Dandy/ Play It Fair/ RUTH BROWN: Lucky Lips/ THE CARDINALS: The Door Is Still Open/ RAY CHARLES: A Fool For You/ Drown In My Own Tears/ Hallelujah, I Love Her So/ Lonely Avenue/ This Little Girl Of Mine/ THE CLOVERS: Devil Or Angel/ Love, Love, Love/ THE COASTERS: Down In Mexico/ Searchin'/ THE COOKIES: In Paradise/ THE DRIFTERS: Adorable/ Fools Fall In Love/ Ruby Baby/ IVORY JOE HUNTER: Empty Arms/ Since I Met You Baby/ CLYDE MCPHATTER: Treasure Of Love/ Without Love (there Is Nothing)/ THE ROBINS: Smokey Joe's Cafe/ JOE TURNER: Corrina Corrina/ Flip, Flop And Fly/ Midnight Special Train/ The Chicken And The Hawk/ CHUCK WILLIS: C.c. Rider/ It's Too Late

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Spectrum (UK) 531 229-9 Chess Chartbusters, Vol. 1 ● CD $9.98
20 tracks, 60 mins, recommended
First of six CDs presenting a selection of blues, R&B, doo-wop, soul, jazz and rock 'n' roll drawn from one of the most important independent record labels - Chess and its Checker, Argo and Cadet subsidiaries. Recordings range from the early 50s through 70s and are not sequenced in any obvious manner. In spite of the title not all the tracks on these collections were chart hits and the series includes some rarely reissued sides. The compiler is obviously a soul fan since the selections tend to be weighted in the favor of soul releases though all the other genres are well represented. The first volume opens with Jackie Brenston's classic Rocket 88 - often referred to as the "first rock 'n' roll record" and includes other classics like I'd Rather Go Blind by Etta James from 1967 (amazingly not a chart hit), Moanin' At Midnight by Howlin' Wolf, The In Crowd by Ramsey Lewis Trio, Sincerely by The Moonglows, etc. Among the less familiar titles are Marlena Shaw's great and much sampled Woman Of The Ghetto from 1965, Sweeter Than The Day Before by The Valentinos and Cheater Man by Irma Thomas. Other artists include Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Walter, Jan Bradley, Billy Stewart, Sonny Boy Williamson, Sugar Pie Desanto, Fontella Bass, The Vibrations, The Radiants and The Knight Brothers. Sound quality is superb and each set comes with a 20 page booklet with notes on each song and photos (many in color). (FS)
FONTELLA BASS: You'll Never Know/ CHUCK BERRY: Rock & Roll Music/ JAN BRADLEY: Mama Didn't Lie/ JACKIE BRENSTON & HIS DELTA CATS: Rocket 88/ SUGAR PIE DESANTO: Soulful Dress/ BO DIDDLEY: Who Do You Love/ HOWLIN' WOLF: Moanin' At Midnight/ ETTA JAMES: I'd Rather Go Blind/ In The Basement Part One/ THE KNIGHT BROTHERS: Temptation 'bout To Get Me/ RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO: The "in" Crowd/ LITTLE WALTER: My Babe/ THE MOONGLOWS: Sincerely/ THE RADIANTS: Hold On/ MARLENA SHAW: Woman Of The Ghetto/ BILLY STEWART: Sitting In The Park/ IRMA THOMAS: Cheater Man/ THE VALENTINOS: Sweeter Than The Day Before/ THE VIBRATIONS: The Watusi/ SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON: Nine Below Zero

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Spectrum (UK) 531 376-4 Chess Chartbusters, Vol. 2 ● CD $9.98
20 tracks, recommended
The second volume includes such big hits as Rescue Me by Fontella Bass, Tell Mama by Etta James, The Walk by Jimmy McCracklin and the original version of See You Later Alligator by Bobby Charles. Among the more obscure tracks are Ordinary Joe by Terry Caillier (a jazz-soul singer with a big following in England), Landslide by Tony Clarke and another track from the excellent Marlena Shaw (scat singing soul on Liberation Conversation). There are also sides by The Ramsey Lewis Trio, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters (the original single release of Got My Mojo Working), John Lee Hooker, Jackie Ross, Koko Taylor, Bobby Moore & The Rhythm Aces, T.V. Slim, Sugar Pie Desanto, The Dells, Clarence "Frogman" Henry, The Monotones and Howlin' Wolf. (FS)
FONTELLA BASS: Rescue Me/ CHUCK BERRY: You Never Can Tell (1986 Stereo Remix)/ TERRY CALLIER: Ordinary Joe/ BOBBY CHARLES: See You Later Alligator/ TONY CLARKE: Landslide/ THE DELLS: Oh, What A Night/ SUGAR PIE DESANTO: I Want To Know/ CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY: You Always Hurt The One You Love/ JOHN LEE HOOKER: Sugar Mama/ HOWLIN' WOLF: Spoonful/ ETTA JAMES: Tell Mama/ RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO: Wade In The Water/ JIMMY MCCRACKLIN: The Walk/ THE MONOTONES: Book Of Love/ BOBBY MOORE & THE RHYTHM ACES: Searching For My Love/ JACKIE ROSS: Selfish One/ MARLENA SHAW: Liberation Conversation/ T.V. SLIM: Flat Foot Sam/ KOKO TAYLOR: Don't Mess With The Messer/ MUDDY WATERS: Got My Mojo Working (1956 Single Version)

   
VARIOUS ARTISTS Spectrum (UK) 531 167-8 Chess Chartbusters, Vol. 3 ● CD $9.98
20 tracks, recommended
Another fine selection from Chess and its subsidiaries including one of my all time favorite Southern Soul songs - the great Dirty Man by Laura Lee from 1967. In contrast we have Clarence "Frogman" Henry's romp Ain't Got No Home, Muddy Waters first recording of Hoochie Coochie Man which was to become his theme song and Detroit legend Andre Williams with his half spoken 1968 hit Cadillac Jack. And then there's I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun by Rotary Connection (nuff said) and Come On by Chuck Berry from 1961. The latter was not a hit but was a covered by a group named The Rolling Stones for their first single. We also have Fontella Bass & Bobby McClure, Billy Stewart, Marlena Shaw, Maurice & Mac, Otis Rush, Denise La Salle, The Radiants, The Dells, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Harvey & The Moonglows, Sonny Boy Williamson, Eddie Boyd & Sugar Boy Crawford. (FS)
FONTELLA BASS & BOBBY MCCLURE: Don't Mess Up A Good Thing/ CHUCK BERRY: Come On/ EDDIE BOYD: Twenty-four Hours/ SUGAR BOY CRAWFORD: Jock-a-mo/ THE DELLS: Stay In My Corner/ HARVEY & THE MOONGLOWS: Ten Commandments Of Love/ CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY: Ain't Got No Home/ HOWLIN' WOLF: The Red Rooster/ DENISE LA SALLE: A Love Reputation/ LAURA LEE: Dirty Man/ LITTLE WALTER: Juke/ MAURICE & MAC: You Left The Water Running/ THE RADIANTS: Voice Your Choice/ ROTARY CONNECTION WITH MINNIE RIPERTON: I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun/ OTIS RUSH: All Your Love/ MARLENA SHAW: California Soul/ BILLY STEWART: Summertime/ MUDDY WATERS: (i'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man/ ANDRE WILLIAMS: Cadillac Jack/ SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON: Fattening Frogs For Snakes

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Spectrum (UK) 531 167-9 Chess Chartbusters, Vol. 4 ● CD $9.98
20 tracks, 57 mins, recommended
This volume opens with Etta James's monumental At Last and includes Bo Diddley's theme song Bo Diddley has Elmore James at his broomdusting best on I Can't Hold Out and the Flamingos with their sublime doo-wop ballad Would I Be Crying. There are less common sides from Eddie Bo, The Soulful Strings and Pigmeat Markham and covering all the bases there is even a track from Muddy's "Electric Mud" album. Also included are Koko Taylor, Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Rogers, Rosco Gordon, Howlin' Wolf, The Jaynetts and more. (FS)
CHUCK BERRY: Maybellene/ EDDIE BO: Oh Oh/ MITTY COLLIER: I Had A Talk With My Man Last Night/ BO DIDDLEY: Bo Diddley/ THE FLAMINGOS: Would I Be Crying/ ROSCO GORDON: Booted/ JOHN LEE HOOKER: One Bourbon One Scotch One Beer/ HOWLIN' WOLF: Killing Floor/ ELMORE JAMES: I Can't Hold Out/ ETA JAMES: At Last/ THE JAYNETTS: Sally Go Round The Roses/ THE MARATHONS: Peanut Butter/ PIGMEAT MARKHAM: Here Comes The Judge/ THE MOONGLOWS: See Saw/ JIMMY ROGERS: Walking By Myself/ MARLENA SHAW: Nothing But Tears/ THE SOULFUL STRINGS: Burning Spear/ KOKO TAYLOR: Wang Dang Doodle/ MUDDY WATERS: Tom Cat/ SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON: Don't Start Me Talking

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Spectrum (UK) 531 354-3 Chess Chartbusters, Vol. 5 ● CD $9.98
20 tracks. Picking up where Volume 4 left off, this excellent series continues plumbing the depths of the venerable Chess label's treasure trove of blues, soul and R&B. Featuring tracks by Muddy Waters (Mannish Boy), Dale Hawkins (Suzie Q), Elmore James (Dust My Broom), Little Milton (Who's Cheating Who?), Solomon Burke (Let Me Wrap My Arms Around You), Rufus Thomas (No More Doggin' Around), and Bo Diddley (You Can't Judge a Book By it's Cover), this CD leans heavily on the blues and doesn't disappoint.
DOROTHY ASHBY: Afro-harping/ CHUCK BERRY: My Ding-a-ling/ SOLOMON BURKE: Let Me Wrap My Arms Around You/ GENE CHANDLER: I Fooled You This Time/ THE CORSAIRS: Smokey Places/ BO DIDDLEY: You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover/ WILLIE DIXON: Walkin' The Blues/ BUDDY GUY: I Got My Eyes On You/ DALE HAWKINS: Susie-Q/ CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY: (I Don't Know Why) But I Do/ JOHN LEE HOOKER: In The Mood/ HOWLIN' WOLF: Evil/ ELMORE JAMES: Dust My Broom/ ETTA JAMES: I Just Want To Make Love To You/ LITTLE MILTON: Who's Cheating Who?/ WILLIE MABON: I'm Mad/ THE PASTELS: Been So Long/ KOKO TAYLOR: Love You Like A Woman/ RUFUS THOMAS: No More Doggin' Around/ MUDDY WATERS: Mannish Boy

   
VARIOUS ARTISTS Spectrum (UK) 531 168-0 Chess Chartbusters, Vol. 6 ● CD $9.98
20 tracks. The next chapter in Chartbusters series, this one sports more variety than the previous volume: Rotary Connection (featuring Minnie Riperton) covering Cream's Tales of Brave Ulysses; singer/songwriter Terry Callier, vocal group The Dells (Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation), and the Ramsey Lewis Trio (A Hard Day's Night), shake things up a bit, but don't anything away from the likes of Howlin' Wolf (Smokestack Lightnin'), Tommy Tucker (Hi-Heel Sneakers), Lowell Fulson (Reconsider Baby), Chuck Berry ("Johnny B. Goode"), and Little Walter ("Boom, Boom Out Goes The Light"). In short, this is another winner in an awesome series of releases.
CHUCK BERRY: Johnny B. Goode/ JACKIE BRENSTON & HIS DELTA CATS: My Real Gone Rocket/ TERRY CALLIER: Look At Me Now/ TONY CLARKE: The Entertainer/ COOKIE AND THE CUPCAKES: Got You On My Mind/ DAVE BABY CORTEZ: Rinky Dink/ THE DELLS: Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation/ BO DIDDLEY: Pills/ EDDIE FONTAINE: Nothin' Shakin' (but The Leaves On The Trees)/ LOWELL FULSON: Reconsider Baby/ HOWLIN' WOLF: Smokestack Lightnin'/ LAURA LEE: Uptight Good Man/ RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO: A Hard Day's Night (live)/ LITTLE MILTON: We're Gonna Make It/ LITTLE WALTER: Boom Boom (out Goes The Lights)/ WILLIE MABON: Seventh Son/ DANNY OVERBEA: Forty Cups Of Coffee/ ROTARY CONNECTION: Tales Of Brave Ulysses/ THE SENSATIONS: Music Music Music/ TOMMY TUCKER: Hi Heel Sneakers

 

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