R&B, Soul, Doo-Wop - Fats Domino -> Dyke & The Blazers

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FATS DOMINO
THE DOMINOES
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LEE DORSEY
RONNIE DOVE
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FATS DOMINO Ace CDCHD 597 The Early Imperial Singles, 1950-1952 ● CD $18.98

30 tracks, 73 mins, essential Before becoming a pop star in the mid 50s Antoine "Fats" Domino had been one of the leading lights on the New Orleans blues and R&B scene since the late 40s. With his pounding, rolling piano work and his delightful Creole drawl he made music that was immediately appealing. His recordings, produced by the multi talented Dave Bartholomew featured some of the best musicians in a city full of great musicians - Herb Hardesty, Red Tyler, Ernest McLean, Frank Fields, Wendell Ducoge and others. This disc presents both sides of his first 14 singles plus two bonus cuts from the same period that first appeared on LP. Domino had a hand in writing almost every song here and there is just one classic after another including the rolling The Fat Man which was a less provocative reworking of the NOLA favorite Junker's Blues, the searing Every Night About This Time, the storming She's My Baby and a whole lot more. Sound is exemplary and the booklet includes extensive notes by Stuart Coleman who is completing a biography about Fats. Only thing missing is a discography. If you can afford it you should get the Bear Family box with all of Fats's Imperial recordings - otherwise this is a perfect introduction to his early years. (FS)
< FATS DOMINO: Boogie Woogie Baby/ Brand New Baby/ Careless Love/ Cheatin'/ Detroit City Blues/ Don't Lie To Me/ Dreaming/ Every Night About This Time/ Goin' Home/ Hey! La Bas Boogie/ Hide Away Blues/ How Long/ I'll Be Gone/ Korea Blues/ Little Bee/ No No Baby/ Nobody Loves Me/ Poor Poor Me/ Reeling And Rockin'/ Right From Wrong/ Rockin' Chair/ She's My Baby/ Sometimes I Wonder/ The Fat Man/ Tired Of Crying/ Trust In Me/ What�s The Matter Baby/ You Know I Miss You

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FATS DOMINO Ace CDCHD 649 The Imperial Singles, Vol. 2 : 1953-1956 ● CD $18.98

30 tracks, 71 min., essential By April 1953, Fats Domino was beginning a rise in the Billboard charts that I don't think anyone could have predicted - with maybe the exception of Lew Chudd of Imperial Records, for by September 1953, he signed Fats Domino to a unheard-of 9 year contract! During the period on this CD, he charted 13 times, remaining on the charts for a straggering 127 weeks! The Domino effect had begun. The Top 5 hits include "Ain't That A Shame", "All By Myself", "Going To The River" and "Poor Me". Collectors should note that for the very first time since the original single releases, ACE has made sure that we are treated to the original release speeds and NOT to the speeded-up versions that appeared on the vinyl albums and all subsequent releases on albums and CDs (including the Bear Family box set). All taken from the original master tapes (except for "The Girl I Love"), the sound quality is simply outstanding and the best I've heard. After a two year rest from performing, Fats Domino appeared at the 1997 Jazz & Heritage Festival (May 3rd), celebrating 50 years as a professional entertainer! This CD belongs in everyone's serious 50s R'n'B/ <R'n'R collection. (EL)

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FATS DOMINO Ace CDCHD 689 The Imperial Singles, Vol. 3 ● CD $18.98

Continuing the story with both sides of 15 singles issued between 1956 and '58 including some of his biggest hits like Blueberry Hill/ I'm In Love Again/ I'm Walkin'/ I'm In The Mood For Love/ Whole Lotta Loving and Blue Monday
< FATS DOMINO: Blue Monday/ Blueberry Hill/ Coquette/ Don't You Know I Love You/ Honey Chile/ I Still Love You/ I Want You To Know/ I'm In Love Again/ I'm In The Mood For Love/ I'm Walkin'/ It Must Be Love/ It's You I Love/ Little Mary/ My Blue Heaven/ No, No/ Sick And Tired/ So Long/ Telling Lies/ The Big Beat/ The Prisoner's Song/ Valley Of Tears/ Wait And See/ What Will I Tell My Heart?/ What's The Reason I'm Not Pleasing You/ When I See You/ When My Dreamboat Comes Home/ When The Saints Go Marching In/ Whole Lotta Loving/ Yes My Darling/ Young School Girl

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FATS DOMINO Atlantic 81751 Live At Montreux ● CD $10.98

Excellent live set featuring 14 tunes recorded May 1, 1973 with a 9 piece band including Roy Montrell, Walter Lastie and a 5 piece sax section. Besides the normal hits set, Fats pays tribute to his home town sound with Stagger Lee and Fess's Mardi Gras In New Orleans , and close with an instrumental version of Sentimental Journey . Also Hello Josephine/ Jambalaya/ Blueberry Hill/ Blue Monday , etc. (GM)

FATS DOMINO Bear Family BCD 15541 Out Of New Orleans ● CD $189.98

8 CDs, 222 tracks, 8 hrs 28 mins, essential
This is the one that Fats Domino fans have been waiting for and they won't be disappointed. Every one of Fats's recordings for Lew Chudd's Imperial label between 1949 and 1962, meticulously remastered and with the loving care and attention to presentation and documentation that has made Bear Family the most highly respected reissue label in the world! Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr. had a wonderful warm mellifluous vocal style with his Creole accent used to great effect and was a fine piano player steeped in the New Orleans tradition. Initially influenced by performers like Charles Brown, Amos Milburn and Albert Ammons he soon developed his own immensely appealing style. His first recording The Fat Man in 1949, based on the old New Orleans drug song Junker's Blues, was an immediate R&B smash and he continued to have numerous R&B hits over the next few years including Every Night About This Time/ Goin' Home/ Goin' To The River/ Rose Mary/ You Done Me Wrong and others. In 1955 his Ain't It A Shame (aka Ain't That A Shame crossed over and became a pop hit and from then on Fats became a rock 'n roll star receiving 23 gold records. Fats had changed his style very little, except for the occasional novelty song or vocal or string section, and continued to be as popular as ever with the black audience. The man who had a big hand in Fats's success was trumpeter/ bandleader Dave Bartholomew who produced and arranged most of Fats's sessions as well as co-writing most of Fats's songs and playing trumpet. On all the sessions Fats was joined by the top musicians in New Orleans including Ernest McLean, Walter "Pappoose Nelson or Roy Montrell/ guitar, Wendell Duconge/ alto sax, Robert "Buddy" Hagans, Lee Allen or Herb Hardesty/ tenor sax, Frank Fields/ bass, Earl Palmer/ drums and others. Although most of the songs were Domino/ Bartholomew compositions, Fats also had a tremendously appealing touch on old pop songs like Blueberry Hill/ My Blue Heaven/ My Happiness/ Margie and others. But whether singing a pop song, a mournful blues like Tired Of Crying, a rockin' upbeat number like I'm Walking, a boogie piano instrumental like Swanee River Hop or even a country song like Hank Williams' Jambalaya, Fats' music is always infectious and ingratiating and except for the occasional overdone string section just about everything here is excellent. The set includes a few alternate takes as well as some interesting undubbed versions of I'm Ready (without hand claps) and Walking To New Orleans (without strings). The 72 page LP sized book is a masterpiece in its own right with extensive notes by Rick Coleman on Fats' career, an essay on Dave Bartholomew by David Booth and Colin Escott and discussion on the evolution of Fats' music by Hank Booth. There is a detailed discography of the Imperial sessions and the book is copiously illustrated with photos (some in color), record labels, album covers, advertisements and more. Not to be missed! (FS)

FATS DOMINO Bullseye Blues 9616 Fats Is Back ● CD $14.98

11 tracks, 30 mins, recommended An unexpected and most welcome reissue from Bullseye Blues of Fats Domino's 1969 Reprise album. This was the first album by Antoine that was actually conceived as an album and, with the exception of I'm Ready is all songs not previously recorded by him including his distinctive takes on two Beatles songs - Lady Madonna and Lovely Rita. It also includes a superb original One For The Highway, James Bookers' great So Swell When You're Well and Barbara George's classic I Know. The session was recorded in New York with a great mix of "big easy" and "big apple" musicians including King Curtis, Eric Gale, James Booker, Earl Palmer and others. Twenty years after his first recordings Fats still had that magic touch and magic voice. (FS)

FATS DOMINO Collectables 2721 Rock & Rollin'/ This Is Fats Domino ● CD $15.98

Fats's second and third album from 1956 and 1957 plus two bonus cuts. Includes My Blue Heaven/ Second Line Jump/ Careless Love/ I'm In Love Again/ Are You Going My Way/ My Heart Is In Your Hands/ Blueberry Hill/ What's The reason I'm Not Pleasing You/ So Long/ Troubles Of My Own/ Reeling And Rocking/ Poor Poor Me/ I'm Walkin' , etc.

FATS DOMINO Collectables 2722 Rock & Rollin' With Fats Domino/ Million Sellers By Fats $14.98

Fats' first album (Imperial 9004) from 1956 and Imperial 9195 from 1962 plus two bonus cuts - The Fat Man/ Goin' Home/ Going To The River/ Rose Mary/ Ain't That A Shame/ Bo Weevil/ Walking To New Orleans/ Three Nights A Week/ My Real Name/ Let The Four Winds Blow/ Jamabalaya (On The Bayou)/ Ain't Gonna Do It/ Whole Lotta Lovin', etc.

FATS DOMINO Collectables 2723 Here Stands Fats Domino/ This Is Fats ● CD $14.98

"Stands" is Imperial 9038 and "This" is Imperial 9028, both from 1958. Plus two bonus cuts. Detroit City Blues/ She's My Baby/ Little Bee/ I'm Walkin'/ Cheatin'/ Hey! fat Man/ The Rooster Song/ As Time Goes By/ Love Me/ It's You I Love/ Where Did You Stay/ Thinking Of You/ I Want To Walk You Home, etc.

FATS DOMINO Collectables 2724 The Fabulous Mr. D/ Fats Domino Swings ● CD $14.98

"Fabulous" is Imperial 9055 from 1958 and "Swings" is Imperial 9062 from 1959 plus two bonus cuts. The Big Beat/ What Will I Tell My Heart/ Little Mary/ I Want To Know/ Mardi Gras In New Orleans/ Long Lonesoem Journey/ The Fat Man/ Blueberry Hill/ Going To The River/ Bo Weevil/ Please Don't Leave Me/ I'm Walkin'/ I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday, etc.

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FATS DOMINO EMI 52326 The Fat Man - 25 Classic Performances ● CD $15.98

25 tracks, 54 min., recommended As is often the case with major 50's artists these days, whether or not you will like this Fats Domino compilation depends a lot on your appetite for the man's music. EMI has a four disc Fats set out, and, for die hard fans, Bear Family has a definitive eight disc set as well. This one disc collection, focused on hits and put together with solid professionalism, is simply the one to get if you're looking for a Fat Man snack rather than a feast. Selections here include The Fat Man, of course, plus Going to the River, All By Myself, My Blue Heaven, Blueberry Hill, Valley of Tears, The Big Beat, Whole Lotta Loving, I Want to Walk You Home, and My Girl Josephine. For a one disc look at this major league artist, hard to beat. (DH)

THE DOMINOES King 5007 The Dominoes With Jackie Wilson ● CD $9.98

Includes You Can't Keep A Good Man Down/ I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town/ Love Me Now Or Let Me Go/ Bobby Sox Baby/ Tenderly/ Three Coins In The Fountain, etc

THE DOMINOES King 5008 The Dominoes With Billy Ward ● CD $9.98

21 winners including I Need Somebody In My Arms/ Deed I Do/ My Baby's 3-D/ Handwriting On The Wall/ Little Black Train/ Cave Man/ Don't Thank Me/ I Really Don't Want To Know/ May I Never Love Again, etc

DON & DEWEY Specialty 7008 Jungle Hop ● CD $14.98

Don & Dewey started their musical career while still in high school in Pasadena, forming The Squires in 1954. The group was fairly successful recording for several LA labels until Dewey Terry and Don Harris went into Hollywood's Master Recorders in 1957 for Art Rupe's Specialty Records. Don & Dewey were wonderful R&B singers with a unique dual staccato delivery of hip songs, playing bass, guitar, piano (and violin) on most of their recordings. It also didn't hurt to have masters like Earl Palmer (d), Plas Johnson (ts) and Rene Hall (g) on most of their sessions. Not only did they turn out some of the best rockin' R&B of the 50's, their ballads like The Letter and Kill Me are still being played regularly by the Southwest's low-riding empire. It's all here - 25 tracks worth including Farmer John/ Mammer Jammer/ Justine/ Big Boy Pete/ Bim Bam/ Pink Champagne , etc. (AE)

LEE DORSEY Relic 7013 Ya Ya ● CD $13.98

A native of New Orleans, Dorsey's stay at Fury Records began in 1961 with a #1 R&B hit Ya Ya and was followed shortly by another children's rhyme gone top 40 hit Do Re Mi. This Relic CD offers 16 sides cut for Bobby Robinson (the above hits included), and transferred from the original session tapes, so sound quality is excellent. Many songs appear in true stereo for the first time. The goofy titled soulfulness includes Eenie Meenie Mini Mo/ Great Googa Mooga/ Yum Yum/ Chin Chin/ Ixie Dixie Pixie Pie. Allen Toussaint's Give Me You/ Hoodlum Joe are appreciated too, But Robinson's You're Breaking Me Up and Dorsey's own People Gonna Talk will get stuck in your ears longer. 37 minutes. (JC)
LEE DORSEY: Baby/ Chin, Chin/ Do Re Mi/ Eenie Meenie Mini Mo/ Give Me You/ Give Me Your Love/ Great Googa Mooga/ Hoodlum Joe/ Ixie Dixie Pixie Pie/ Lil Liza Jane/ Messed Around And Fell In Love/ One And One/ People Gonna Talk/ When I Meet My/ Ya Ya/ You're Breaking Me Up/ Yum, Yum

LEE DORSEY Sundazed 11086 Ride Your Pony ● CD $15.98

Reissue of Lee's first Amy album from 1966 with 11 bonus cuts for a total of 23 tracks of Crescent City R&B produced by Allen Toussaint and Marshall Seahorn. Includes his first Amy hits Ride Your Pony and Get Out Of My Life Woman.

RONNIE DOVE Collectables 5510 Golden Classics ● CD $11.98

DR. JOHN Atlantic 7006 Dr. John's Gumbo ● CD $11.98

On this high-steppin' stroll through the musical backstreets of the Crescent City Dr. John pays tribute to his heroes, bringing the hits of Huey "Piano" Smith (Blow Wind Blow/ Huey Smith Medley), Professor Longhair (Big Chief/ Tipitina), Earl King (Let The Good Times Roll/ Those Lonely Lonely Nights) and more under his musical umbrella. Features sax giant Lee Allen and reedsman/producer Harold Battiste behind Mac's piano and patented growl - a non-stop groove from the first beat of Iko Iko to the final chord of Little Liza Jane. (MB)

DR. JOHN Atlantic 7018 In The Right Place ● CD $11.98

Amazing sound on this reissue; along with Gumbo and The Night Tripper (now on Alligator) this is one of Dr. John's greatest early 70's recordings. It's sort of a CD cliche, but I'll say it anyway - I heard things on this disc that I never noticed before! Mac, backed up by the always funky Meters and producer Allen Toussaint, does Right Place Wrong Time/ Such A Night/ I Been Hoodood/ Cold Cold Cold and 7 more. If this don't get your mojo workin' don't blame me! (MB)

DR. JOHN BGO BGOCD 62 Hollywood Be Thy Name ● CD $16.98

10 cuts on this rare album, now reissued on CD. With Reggae Doctor/The Way You Do The Things You Do/Yesterday/I Wanna Rock/title track.

DR. JOHN Blue Thumb 7000 Afterglow ● CD $16.98

10 tracks, 45 mins., essential. This CD is so good it's hard to know where to begin. Here's a splendid moment in a long shape-shifting musical career (is it jazz? pop? psychedelic Night Tripper? New Orleans boogie?), a moment of utter confidence and agonizingly beautiful lyricism. The good doctor, Mac Rebbenack, has teamed with arranger/orchestra director John Clayton to put together some of the sweetest songs that showcase the piano, the twinkle in the eye, and the awesome, quirky vocal phrasing that are Dr. John's alone. The opener I Know What I've Got sets the tone and then rolls through classics like Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You and Just a Lucky So-and-So. The huge orchestral sound brings to mind Ray Charles' best big works, complex and multi-level and perfectly attuned to the mood of each song. This is inspiring, romantic stuff. Blue Skies never sounded so nice. Don't miss it. (DC)

DR. JOHN MCA-GRP 4024 Television ● CD $12.98

11 tracks, 48 min., recommended On his latest release, Mr. Rebennack is very nice to your ears. He's written a handful of fresh new songs about everything from tv as would-be birth control (Television) to modern man's unhealthy relationship to technology (Spaceship Relationship) to sexual braggadocio (Same Day Service) to, perhaps predictably, voodoo (Witchy Red). He also throws in a Dr.-ed cover of Sly Stone's Thank You (Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Again) and the Berry Gordy-penned Money (That's What I Want). Musical accomplices include Alvin "Red" Tyler and David "Fathead" Newman, 'mong others. America's only national treasure with his own stuffed armadillo. (Inspirational Couplet: "The madder the monk/ The fatter the funk.") (JC)

DR. JOHN Rhino 71450 Mos' Scocious - The Dr. John Anthology ● CD $29.98

2 CD's, 2 hrs., 25 min., essential. The ambassador of all things New Orleans, Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., a.k.a. Dr. John, has been recording for over 30 years. This excellent collection does an admirable job of compressing time, opening with some early singles with Ronnie Barron, Roland Stone and such, moving into the first Atco sides, and then sliding head first into the Night Tripper stuff. The hitch is this: even though this compilation takes some great cuts of Gris Gris Gumbo/ In The Right Place, and other LP's, they might not be enough. Solution: get the classic albums and this set which has heaps of non-LP cuts. Among the faves are Iko Iko/ Junko Partner/ Right Place, Wrong Time/ Cold Cold Cold/ Mardi Gras Day/ Mos' Scocious/ Honey Dripper and his Grammy Award-winning duet with Rickie Lee Jones, Makin' Woopee!. It's hard to imagine a better Dr. J. set... unless it had more CD's. Booklet includes informative notes and a photo of our man as a clean-shaven pup with a Fender guitar. (JC)

DR. JOHN Warner Bros. 25889 In A Sentimental Mood ● CD $12.98

DR. JOHN Warner Bros. 26940 Goin' Back To New Orleans ● CD $12.98

Dr. John says this album is like "a little history of New Orleans music", and it is. He's taken music from the 1850's to today and assembled what may be the finest collection of Crescent City performers ever to record this set...in New Orleans, of course. Among the 18 songs are long-time favorites like Careless Love, Jelly Roll Morton's I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say, Leadbelly's Good Night, Irene and the Joe Liggins title track. And the liner notes contain histories and memories of each song from Dr. John himself. The lengthy list of legendary musicians lending a capable hand or two includes Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, The Neville Bros., Danny Barker, Alvin "Red" Tyler, Chief "Smiley" Ricks, and Chuck Carbo. Not a bad fix 'til Mardi Gras rolls around. (JC)

DR. JOHN Warner Bros. 27612 The Ultimate Dr. John ● CD $10.98

14 cut compilation concentrating on the "hit" years, with 11 of the cuts coming from Gumbo - Iko Iko/ Junko Partner + 3, In The Right Place - Right Place, Wrong Time/ Such A Night + 1 & Desitvely Bonaroo - What Comes Around (Goes Around) (the inferior remake to the cut on Remedies + 2 and only 3 tunes from the 1st 4 classics - Mama Roux plus I Walk On Gilded Splinter from Gris Gris & Mardi Gras Day from Remedies .... GM

THE DRAMATICS Fantasy 60003 The Best Of The Dramatics ● CD $14.98

THE DRAMATICS Stax 8523 Dramatically Yours ● CD $12.98

Reissue of Volt 9501 from 1974, featuring And I Panicked/ I Dedicate My Life To You/ Highway To Heaven, etc.

THE DRAMATICS Stax 8545 Live ● CD $12.98

Previously unissued live recordings from 1972 and '73.

THE DREAMLOVERS Collectables 5476 Golden Classics ● CD $13.98

THE DREAMLOVERS: Amazons and Coyotes/ Annabelle Lee/ Calling Jo Ann/ Doin' Things Together With You/ For the First Time/ Home Is Where The Heart Is/ I Miss You/ I'm Through With You/ If I Should Lose You/ Just Because/ Let Them Love and Be Loved/ May I Kiss The Bride/ Mother/ Oh Baby Mine/ Pretty Little Girl/ Take It From A Fool/ Those Will Be The Good Old Days/ Time/ Together/ Welcome Home/ When We Get Married/ While We Were Dancing/ You Gave Me Somebody To Love/ Zoom Zoom Zoom

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THE DREAMLOVERS Heritage H 003 The Heritage Years Plus ... ● CD $14.98

U.S. issue of Sequel 673 featuring 22 tracks from this fine 60s Philadelphia group including their one big hit When We Get Married plus Welcome Home/ Zoom Zoom Zoom/ If I Should Lose You/ I'm Thru With You/ Amazons & Coyotes/ These Will Be The Good Old Days/ Doin' Things Together With You/ Bless Your Soul, etc.

THE DRIFTERS Atlantic 81931 1959-1965 ● CD $24.98

2-CD hits collection from the years of There Goes My Baby/ Dance With Me/ This Magic Moment/ Save The Last Dance For Me/ I Count The Tears/ Some Kind Of Wonderful/ Up On The Roof/ On Broadway/ Under The Boardwalk/ I've Got Sand In My Shoes and many more.

THE DRIFTERS Collectables 6211 Up On The Roof/ Under The Boardwalk ● CD $13.98

THE DRIFTERS Collectables 6417 Save The Last Dance For Me/ The Good Life With The Drifters $13.98

Two LPs from 1962 and '64 featuring some of the groups fine early 60s hits and more - Save The Last Dance For Me/ Somebody New Dancin' With You/ No Sweet Lovin'/ Sweets For The Sweet/ When My Little Girl Is Smiling/ Some Kind Of Wonderful/ Room Full Of Tears/ On The Street Where You Live/ Tonight/ What Kind Of Fool Am I/ Saturday Night At The Movies, etc.

THE DRIFTERS Rhino 71211 The Very Best Of The Drifters ● CD $11.98

16 tracks, 41 min., recommended A single disc issue that focuses on this seminal group as it was constituted between 1959 and 1964, during which time Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis, and Johnny Moore sang lead. Among the featured hits are There Goes My Baby/ Dance With Me/ This Magic Moment/ Save the Last Dance for Me/ Some Kind of Wonderful/ Up On The Roof and On Broadway. There's not a loser in the lot. This is a fine collection for those whose interest in this group isn't/wasn't great enough to warrant buying the two double-disc Drifters issues released in 1988 - and still available. Fine sound, lots of photos, and good notes. (DH)
< THE DRIFTERS: (If You Cry) True Love, True Love/ Dance With Me/ I Count The Tears/ I'll Take You Home/ I've Got Sand In My Shoes/ On Broadway/ Please Stay/ Saturday Night at the Movies/ Save the Last Dance For Me/ Some Kind Of Wonderful/ Sweets For My Sweet/ There Goes My Baby/ This Magic Moment/ Under the Boardwalk/ Up On the Roof/ When My Little Girl Is Smiling

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THE DRIFTERS Rhino 72417 Rockin' & Driftin' ● CD $49.98

79 tracks, 210 minutes, essential This gorgeous 3 CD set very neatly wraps up the long & complicated history of The Drifters in a single booklike box. Just about every single hit you'd want is here, but what makes it even more worthwhile is the inclusion of the greatest solo hits by the group's 2 greatest lead singers, Clyde McPhatter (5 tunes including A Lover's Question & Lover Please), & Ben E. King (5 tunes including Stand By Me & Spanish Harlem), as well as the 70s hits the group, with Johnny Moore on lead, had on Bell after they moved to England (Down On the Beach Tonight). The Atlantic hits (1953-66) are heard in the original mono mixes. The high point, though, is the 48 page book with a wonderful history of the group by Billy Vera, packed with personal reminiscences, as well as reminiscences by Jerry Wexler, Ahmet Ertegun, a brief history of Doo-Wop by Pete Grendysa, complete discographical info, & tons of historical pics, posed & live, of all incarnations of the group, including a very rare picture of The Mount Lebanon Singers, which included McPhatter, David Baldwin, Chick Anderson & James Johnson, who were in the very 1st incarnation of The Drifters (only 1 tune, Lucille, was released), & Charlie White who was in Billy Ward & The Dominos with Clyde. And the music!!! Money Honey/ What'cha Gonna Do/ There Goes My Baby/ On Broadway/ Up On The Roof/ This Magic Moment, as well as the original Drifters version of Only In America, never before issued in the US (along with a long explanation about why it wasn't) & a live version of On Broadway from the '64 LP "Saturday Night At The Uptown". (GM)

THE DRIVERS/ THE ACCENTS D&A 2001 The Drivers Meet The Accents ● CD $18.98

15 tracks each by two fine groups who recorded in the mid-late 50s. Ballads, bluesy wails and rockin' tracks including the Acents minor hit Wiggle Wiggle

THE DU DROPPERS Acrobat ACRCD 214 Boot 'Em Up ● CD $10.98

23 tracks, 61 mins, highly recommended
Great 23 track collection of this superb New York based group that excelled in rocking up tempo numbers. It includes everything they recorded between 1952 and 1954 including several titles originally unissued. Formed in 1952 by music/gospel veterans already in their 40's, the Du Droppers began their recording days under their new name for Bobby Robinson's Red Robin label, but switched to RCA in 1953 where they remained until the group folded in 1955. This set opens with their first four sides for Red Robin including their answer to The Dominoes Sixty Minute Man, their great Can't Do Sixty No More (the poor guy can only manager 30 minutes!) which they follow with the great blues ballad Chain Me Baby which shows that weren't only great at up tempo numbers. Lots of other great sides here like I Wanna Know/ Get Lost/ I Found Out/ Ten Past Midnight/ Don't Pass Me By/ Speed KingI Only Had A Little / How Much Longer and more. They are accompanied by top New York session musicians like Mickey Baker, Ben Webster, Sam "The Man" taylor, Bud Johnson and others. Sound is excellent and 8 page booklet has informative notes by Bob Fisher and full discographical info. (FS)
THE DU-DROPPERS: Bam Balam/ Boot 'em Up/ Can't Do Sixty No More/ Chain Me Baby/ Come On And Love Me Baby/ Dead Broke/ Don't Pass Me By/ Drink Up/ Get Lost/ Go Back/ Honey Bunch/ How Much Longer/ I Found Out/ I Only Had A Little/ I Only Had A Little (fast Version)/ I Wanna Know/ If You Just Don't Leave/ Laughing Blues/ Let Nature Take Its Course/ Little Girl Little Girl (you'd Better Stop Talking In Your Sleep)/ My Thrill Girl/ Speed King/ Ten Past Midnight

THE DUBS Collectables 5402 The Best Of The Dubs ● CD $13.98

CD reissue of the Murray Hill collection (#1187) - some of this Harlem quintet's best songs, sides which were only available before on Roulette reissue singles. Includes 14 tracks recorded for Johnson, Goldner and Jubilee including 2 in true stereo. Beautiful soulful ballads like Could This Be Magic?/ Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely/ Chapel Of Dreams are all assembled here. Richard Blandon's sweeping lead tenor borrowed from Ray Pollard of The Wanderers. The group's sweet smooth style captured the magic of church-based doo-wop, and The Dubs are still around playing the occasional oldies review. Meticulous sleeve notes by Marv Goldberg & John Neilson. (OLN)
THE DUBS: Be Sure My Love/ Beside My Love/ Blue Velvet/ Chapel of Dreams/ Could This Be Magic/ Darling/ Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely/ Gonna Make A Change/ Is There A Love For Me/ Song In My Heart/ Such Lovin'/ This To Me Is Love/ You're Free To Go/ Your Very First Love

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THE DUBS UGGH Records 505 The Magic Harmony Of The Dubss - 28 Of Their Best ● CD $17.98

28 track collection featuring a 1962 remakes of their classic Could This Be Magic and Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely - plus I Won't Have You Breaking My Heart/ Dedications/ For Those Who Think Young/ If I Only Had Magic/ No One/ Island Of Dreams/ Don't Laugh At Me, etc.
THE DUBS: A Wonderful Night For Love/ Ain't That So/ Blue Velvet/ Connie/ Could This Be Magic/ Dedications/ Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely/ Don't Laugh At Me/ Down, Down, Down I Go/ Early In The Evening/ For All The Tea In China/ For The First Time/ For Those Who Think Young/ Go Where Rainbows Go/ If I Only Had Magic/ Island Of Dreams/ Joogie Boogie/ Jubilee/ Jump Rock & Roll/ Just You/ Lullabye/ No One/ This I Swear/ This Is The End/ Wisdom Of A Fool/ You'll Never Belong To Me/ Your Very First Love/ THE MARVELS: I Won't Have You Breaking My Heart

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THE DUPREES Ace CDCHD 617 Their Complete Coed Masters ● CD $18.98

31 tracks, 77 min., recommended Best known for their biggest hit, You Belong to Me, in the early 60's the Duprees recorded a number of other tracks for the Coed label in a similar rock-and-roll-influenced pop style. Among those tracks are Unbelievable, Ginny, I Wish I Could Believe You, September in the Rain, These Foolish Things, Have You Heard, Why Don't You Believe Me, My Own True Love, and The Things I Love. The program as a whole helps to confirm the notion mentioned in the liner notes here that lead singer Joey Canzano was a long time fan of the early 50's pop star Joni James. Not my cup of tea particularly, but Ace's usual impeccable production values do make this as nice a Duprees package as any fan is ever likely to find. (DH)
THE DUPREEES: As Time Goes By/ Exodus/ Ginny/ Gone With The Wind/ Have You Heard/ I Gotta Tell Her Now/ I Wish I Could Believe You/ I'd Rather Be In Your Arms/ I'm Yours/ It Isn't Fair/ It's No Sin/ Let's Make Love Again/ Love Eyes/ My Dearest One/ My Own True Love/ Please Let Her Know/ September In The Rain/ So Little Time/ So Many Have Told Me/ Sunset To Sunrise/ Take Me As I Am/ The Sand And The Sea/ The Things I Love/ These Foolish Things (remind Me Of You)/ Try To Remember/ Unbelievable/ Where Are You?/ Why Don't You Believe Me/ Wishing Ring/ You Belong To Me/ Yours

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THE DUPREES Collectables 5008 Best Of ● CD $11.98

THE DUPREES: As Time Goes By/ Exodus/ Ginny/ Gone With The Wind/ Have You Heard/ I Wish I Could Believe You/ I'd Rather Be In Your Arms/ I'm Yours/ It's No Sin/ My Own True Love/ September In the Rain/ So Many Have Told Me/ Sunset to Sunrise (Previously unreleased)/ Take Me As I Am/ The Things I Love/ These Foolish Things/ Why Don't You Believe Me/ You Belong To Me

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THE DUPREES Collectables 8814 For Collector's Only ● CD $24.98

2 discs, 47 tracks, 2 hrs. 4 min., recommended Originally dubbed the Parisiennes, in the summer of 1962 the rechristened Duprees scored a number 7 national hit with their updated version of the onetime Jo Stafford hit You Belong to Me. Their appealing style on that number set the tone and the agenda for things to come. That is, most of the group's subsequent output is comprised of remakes of earlier hits performed in a pop/rock style. Most of the program offered here is made up of numbers recorded for the Coed label between 1962 and 1964, including Ginny, Why Don't You Believe Me?, Have You Heard, My Own True Love, These Foolish Things, Wishing Ring, It Isn't Fair, My Dearest One, and As Tears Go By. Disc two ends with 15 songs recorded for the Heritage label between 1968 and 1970, including Have You Heard, My Special Angel, People, Two Different Worlds, Goodnight My Love, and One in a Million. A comprehensive look at a talented post 50's vocal group, presented here with a fine cover photo and informative notes by Mark Marymont. (DH)

THE DUPREES Rhino 71004 The Best Of the Duprees ● CD $15.98

Another fine doo-wop reissue - 14 tracks on cassette, 18 on CD. Includes You belong To Me/ (It's No) Sin/ I Wish I Could Beleieve You/ Have You Heard/ Tak Me As I Am/ The Things I Love/ Exodus, etc.

THE DUPREES Sequel NEM 674 Delicious - The Heritage Years ● CD $15.98

20 tracks, 60 min., good This post-Coed material, recorded between 1968-75 for producer Jerry Ross, was an ongoing attempt for the ex-doo woppers to find a marketable sound in the post-British invasion world. So The Duprees re-recorded their biggest hits (You Belong To Me/ My Own True Love/ Have You Heard/ Why Don't You Believe Me), bathed themselves in production, and took a shot at blue-eyed soul. But, unsurprisingly, they never found much success. Among the more pleasant moments here are Gamble/Huff's Check Yourself and the Joni James tune My Love, My Love; among the more hideous are the 7" and "Disco version" of Delicious. Contains 3 previously unissued cuts. (JC)

FATS DOMINO	Ace CDCHD 597	The Early Imperial Singles, 1950-1952	● CD $18.98
30 tracks, 73 mins, essential Before becoming a pop star in the mid 50s Antoine "Fats" Domino had been one of the leading lights on the New Orleans blues and R&B scene since the late 40s. With his pounding, rolling piano work and his delightful Creole drawl he made music that was immediately appealing. His recordings, produced by the multi talented Dave Bartholomew featured some of the best musicians in a city full of great musicians - Herb Hardesty, Red Tyler, Ernest McLean, Frank Fields, Wendell Ducoge and others. This disc presents both sides of his first 14 singles plus two bonus cuts from the same period that first appeared on LP. Domino had a hand in writing almost every song here and there is just one classic after another including the rolling The Fat Man which was a less provocative reworking of the NOLA favorite Junker's Blues, the searing Every Night About This Time, the storming She's My Baby and a whole lot more. Sound is exemplary and the booklet includes extensive notes by Stuart Coleman who is completing a biography about Fats. Only thing missing is a discography. If you can afford it you should get the Bear Family box with all of Fats's Imperial recordings - otherwise this is a perfect introduction to his early years. (FS) < FATS DOMINO: Boogie Woogie Baby/ Brand New Baby/ Careless Love/ Cheatin'/ Detroit City Blues/ Don't Lie To Me/ Dreaming/ Every Night About This Time/ Goin' Home/ Hey! La Bas Boogie/ Hide Away Blues/ How Long/ I'll Be Gone/ Korea Blues/ Little Bee/ No No Baby/ Nobody Loves Me/ Poor Poor Me/ Reeling And Rockin'/ Right From Wrong/ Rockin' Chair/ She's My Baby/ Sometimes I Wonder/ The Fat Man/ Tired Of Crying/ Trust In Me/ What�s The Matter Baby/ You Know I Miss You <

FATS DOMINO	Ace CDCHD 649	The Imperial Singles, Vol. 2 : 1953-1956	● CD $18.98
30 tracks, 71 min., essential By April 1953, Fats Domino was beginning a rise in the Billboard charts that I don't think anyone could have predicted - with maybe the exception of Lew Chudd of Imperial Records, for by September 1953, he signed Fats Domino to a unheard-of 9 year contract! During the period on this CD, he charted 13 times, remaining on the charts for a straggering 127 weeks! The Domino effect had begun. The Top 5 hits include "Ain't That A Shame", "All By Myself", "Going To The River" and "Poor Me". Collectors should note that for the very first time since the original single releases, ACE has made sure that we are treated to the original release speeds and NOT to the speeded-up versions that appeared on the vinyl albums and all subsequent releases on albums and CDs (including the Bear Family box set). All taken from the original master tapes (except for "The Girl I Love"), the sound quality is simply outstanding and the best I've heard. After a two year rest from performing, Fats Domino appeared at the 1997 Jazz & Heritage Festival (May 3rd), celebrating 50 years as a professional entertainer! This CD belongs in everyone's serious 50s R'n'B/ <R'n'R collection. (EL) <

FATS DOMINO	Ace CDCHD 689	The Imperial Singles, Vol. 3	● CD $18.98
Continuing the story with both sides of 15 singles issued between 1956 and '58 including some of his biggest hits like Blueberry Hill/ I'm In Love Again/ I'm Walkin'/ I'm In The Mood For Love/ Whole Lotta Loving and Blue Monday < FATS DOMINO: Blue Monday/ Blueberry Hill/ Coquette/ Don't You Know I Love You/ Honey Chile/ I Still Love You/ I Want You To Know/ I'm In Love Again/ I'm In The Mood For Love/ I'm Walkin'/ It Must Be Love/ It's You I Love/ Little Mary/ My Blue Heaven/ No, No/ Sick And Tired/ So Long/ Telling Lies/ The Big Beat/ The Prisoner's Song/ Valley Of Tears/ Wait And See/ What Will I Tell My Heart?/ What's The Reason I'm Not Pleasing You/ When I See You/ When My Dreamboat Comes Home/ When The Saints Go Marching In/ Whole Lotta Loving/ Yes My Darling/ Young School Girl <

FATS DOMINO	Atlantic 81751	Live At Montreux	● CD $10.98
Excellent live set featuring 14 tunes recorded May 1, 1973 with a 9 piece band including Roy Montrell, Walter Lastie and a 5 piece sax section. Besides the normal hits set, Fats pays tribute to his home town sound with Stagger Lee and Fess's Mardi Gras In New Orleans , and close with an instrumental version of Sentimental Journey . Also Hello Josephine/ Jambalaya/ Blueberry Hill/ Blue Monday , etc. (GM)

FATS DOMINO	Bear Family BCD 15541	Out Of New Orleans	● CD $189.98
8 CDs, 222 tracks, 8 hrs 28 mins, essential This is the one that Fats Domino fans have been waiting for and they won't be disappointed. Every one of Fats's recordings for Lew Chudd's Imperial label between 1949 and 1962, meticulously remastered and with the loving care and attention to presentation and documentation that has made Bear Family the most highly respected reissue label in the world! Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr. had a wonderful warm mellifluous vocal style with his Creole accent used to great effect and was a fine piano player steeped in the New Orleans tradition. Initially influenced by performers like Charles Brown, Amos Milburn and Albert Ammons he soon developed his own immensely appealing style. His first recording The Fat Man in 1949, based on the old New Orleans drug song Junker's Blues, was an immediate R&B smash and he continued to have numerous R&B hits over the next few years including Every Night About This Time/ Goin' Home/ Goin' To The River/ Rose Mary/ You Done Me Wrong and others. In 1955 his Ain't It A Shame (aka Ain't That A Shame crossed over and became a pop hit and from then on Fats became a rock 'n roll star receiving 23 gold records. Fats had changed his style very little, except for the occasional novelty song or vocal or string section, and continued to be as popular as ever with the black audience. The man who had a big hand in Fats's success was trumpeter/ bandleader Dave Bartholomew who produced and arranged most of Fats's sessions as well as co-writing most of Fats's songs and playing trumpet. On all the sessions Fats was joined by the top musicians in New Orleans including Ernest McLean, Walter "Pappoose Nelson or Roy Montrell/ guitar, Wendell Duconge/ alto sax, Robert "Buddy" Hagans, Lee Allen or Herb Hardesty/ tenor sax, Frank Fields/ bass, Earl Palmer/ drums and others. Although most of the songs were Domino/ Bartholomew compositions, Fats also had a tremendously appealing touch on old pop songs like Blueberry Hill/ My Blue Heaven/ My Happiness/ Margie and others. But whether singing a pop song, a mournful blues like Tired Of Crying, a rockin' upbeat number like I'm Walking, a boogie piano instrumental like Swanee River Hop or even a country song like Hank Williams' Jambalaya, Fats' music is always infectious and ingratiating and except for the occasional overdone string section just about everything here is excellent. The set includes a few alternate takes as well as some interesting undubbed versions of I'm Ready (without hand claps) and Walking To New Orleans (without strings). The 72 page LP sized book is a masterpiece in its own right with extensive notes by Rick Coleman on Fats' career, an essay on Dave Bartholomew by David Booth and Colin Escott and discussion on the evolution of Fats' music by Hank Booth. There is a detailed discography of the Imperial sessions and the book is copiously illustrated with photos (some in color), record labels, album covers, advertisements and more. Not to be missed! (FS)

FATS DOMINO	Bullseye Blues 9616	Fats Is Back	● CD $14.98
11 tracks, 30 mins, recommended An unexpected and most welcome reissue from Bullseye Blues of Fats Domino's 1969 Reprise album. This was the first album by Antoine that was actually conceived as an album and, with the exception of I'm Ready is all songs not previously recorded by him including his distinctive takes on two Beatles songs - Lady Madonna and Lovely Rita. It also includes a superb original One For The Highway, James Bookers' great So Swell When You're Well and Barbara George's classic I Know. The session was recorded in New York with a great mix of "big easy" and "big apple" musicians including King Curtis, Eric Gale, James Booker, Earl Palmer and others. Twenty years after his first recordings Fats still had that magic touch and magic voice. (FS)

FATS DOMINO	Collectables 2721	Rock & Rollin'/ This Is Fats Domino	● CD $15.98
Fats's second and third album from 1956 and 1957 plus two bonus cuts. Includes My Blue Heaven/ Second Line Jump/ Careless Love/ I'm In Love Again/ Are You Going My Way/ My Heart Is In Your Hands/ Blueberry Hill/ What's The reason I'm Not Pleasing You/ So Long/ Troubles Of My Own/ Reeling And Rocking/ Poor Poor Me/ I'm Walkin' , etc.

FATS DOMINO	Collectables 2722	Rock & Rollin' With Fats Domino/ Million Sellers By Fats	$14.98
Fats' first album (Imperial 9004) from 1956 and Imperial 9195 from 1962 plus two bonus cuts - The Fat Man/ Goin' Home/ Going To The River/ Rose Mary/ Ain't That A Shame/ Bo Weevil/ Walking To New Orleans/ Three Nights A Week/ My Real Name/ Let The Four Winds Blow/ Jamabalaya (On The Bayou)/ Ain't Gonna Do It/ Whole Lotta Lovin', etc.

FATS DOMINO	Collectables 2723	Here Stands Fats Domino/ This Is Fats	● CD $14.98
"Stands" is Imperial 9038 and "This" is Imperial 9028, both from 1958. Plus two bonus cuts. Detroit City Blues/ She's My Baby/ Little Bee/ I'm Walkin'/ Cheatin'/ Hey! fat Man/ The Rooster Song/ As Time Goes By/ Love Me/ It's You I Love/ Where Did You Stay/ Thinking Of You/ I Want To Walk You Home, etc.

FATS DOMINO	Collectables 2724	The Fabulous Mr. D/ Fats Domino Swings	● CD $14.98
"Fabulous" is Imperial 9055 from 1958 and "Swings" is Imperial 9062 from 1959 plus two bonus cuts. The Big Beat/ What Will I Tell My Heart/ Little Mary/ I Want To Know/ Mardi Gras In New Orleans/ Long Lonesoem Journey/ The Fat Man/ Blueberry Hill/ Going To The River/ Bo Weevil/ Please Don't Leave Me/ I'm Walkin'/ I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday, etc.

FATS DOMINO	EMI 52326	The Fat Man - 25 Classic Performances	● CD $15.98
25 tracks, 54 min., recommended As is often the case with major 50's artists these days, whether or not you will like this Fats Domino compilation depends a lot on your appetite for the man's music. EMI has a four disc Fats set out, and, for die hard fans, Bear Family has a definitive eight disc set as well. This one disc collection, focused on hits and put together with solid professionalism, is simply the one to get if you're looking for a Fat Man snack rather than a feast. Selections here include The Fat Man, of course, plus Going to the River, All By Myself, My Blue Heaven, Blueberry Hill, Valley of Tears, The Big Beat, Whole Lotta Loving, I Want to Walk You Home, and My Girl Josephine. For a one disc look at this major league artist, hard to beat. (DH)

THE DOMINOES	King 5007	The Dominoes With Jackie Wilson	● CD $9.98
Includes You Can't Keep A Good Man Down/ I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town/ Love Me Now Or Let Me Go/ Bobby Sox Baby/ Tenderly/ Three Coins In The Fountain, etc

THE DOMINOES	King 5008	The Dominoes With Billy Ward	● CD $9.98
21 winners including I Need Somebody In My Arms/ Deed I Do/ My Baby's 3-D/ Handwriting On The Wall/ Little Black Train/ Cave Man/ Don't Thank Me/ I Really Don't Want To Know/ May I Never Love Again, etc

DON & DEWEY	Specialty 7008	Jungle Hop	● CD $14.98
Don & Dewey started their musical career while still in high school in Pasadena, forming The Squires in 1954. The group was fairly successful recording for several LA labels until Dewey Terry and Don Harris went into Hollywood's Master Recorders in 1957 for Art Rupe's Specialty Records. Don & Dewey were wonderful R&B singers with a unique dual staccato delivery of hip songs, playing bass, guitar, piano (and violin) on most of their recordings. It also didn't hurt to have masters like Earl Palmer (d), Plas Johnson (ts) and Rene Hall (g) on most of their sessions. Not only did they turn out some of the best rockin' R&B of the 50's, their ballads like The Letter and Kill Me are still being played regularly by the Southwest's low-riding empire. It's all here - 25 tracks worth including Farmer John/ Mammer Jammer/ Justine/ Big Boy Pete/ Bim Bam/ Pink Champagne , etc. (AE)

LEE DORSEY	Relic 7013	Ya Ya	● CD $13.98
A native of New Orleans, Dorsey's stay at Fury Records began in 1961 with a #1 R&B hit Ya Ya and was followed shortly by another children's rhyme gone top 40 hit Do Re Mi. This Relic CD offers 16 sides cut for Bobby Robinson (the above hits included), and transferred from the original session tapes, so sound quality is excellent. Many songs appear in true stereo for the first time. The goofy titled soulfulness includes Eenie Meenie Mini Mo/ Great Googa Mooga/ Yum Yum/ Chin Chin/ Ixie Dixie Pixie Pie. Allen Toussaint's Give Me You/ Hoodlum Joe are appreciated too, But Robinson's You're Breaking Me Up and Dorsey's own People Gonna Talk will get stuck in your ears longer. 37 minutes. (JC) LEE DORSEY: Baby/ Chin, Chin/ Do Re Mi/ Eenie Meenie Mini Mo/ Give Me You/ Give Me Your Love/ Great Googa Mooga/ Hoodlum Joe/ Ixie Dixie Pixie Pie/ Lil Liza Jane/ Messed Around And Fell In Love/ One And One/ People Gonna Talk/ When I Meet My/ Ya Ya/ You're Breaking Me Up/ Yum, Yum

LEE DORSEY	Sundazed 11086	Ride Your Pony	● CD $15.98
Reissue of Lee's first Amy album from 1966 with 11 bonus cuts for a total of 23 tracks of Crescent City R&B produced by Allen Toussaint and Marshall Seahorn. Includes his first Amy hits Ride Your Pony and Get Out Of My Life Woman.

RONNIE DOVE	Collectables 5510	Golden Classics	● CD $11.98

DR. JOHN	Atlantic 7006	Dr. John's Gumbo	● CD $11.98
On this high-steppin' stroll through the musical backstreets of the Crescent City Dr. John pays tribute to his heroes, bringing the hits of Huey "Piano" Smith (Blow Wind Blow/ Huey Smith Medley), Professor Longhair (Big Chief/ Tipitina), Earl King (Let The Good Times Roll/ Those Lonely Lonely Nights) and more under his musical umbrella. Features sax giant Lee Allen and reedsman/producer Harold Battiste behind Mac's piano and patented growl - a non-stop groove from the first beat of Iko Iko to the final chord of Little Liza Jane. (MB)

DR. JOHN	Atlantic 7018	In The Right Place	● CD $11.98
Amazing sound on this reissue; along with Gumbo and The Night Tripper (now on Alligator) this is one of Dr. John's greatest early 70's recordings. It's sort of a CD cliche, but I'll say it anyway - I heard things on this disc that I never noticed before! Mac, backed up by the always funky Meters and producer Allen Toussaint, does Right Place Wrong Time/ Such A Night/ I Been Hoodood/ Cold Cold Cold and 7 more. If this don't get your mojo workin' don't blame me! (MB)

DR. JOHN	BGO BGOCD 62	Hollywood Be Thy Name	● CD $16.98
10 cuts on this rare album, now reissued on CD. With Reggae Doctor/The Way You Do The Things You Do/Yesterday/I Wanna Rock/title track.

DR. JOHN	Blue Thumb 7000	Afterglow	● CD $16.98
10 tracks, 45 mins., essential. This CD is so good it's hard to know where to begin. Here's a splendid moment in a long shape-shifting musical career (is it jazz? pop? psychedelic Night Tripper? New Orleans boogie?), a moment of utter confidence and agonizingly beautiful lyricism. The good doctor, Mac Rebbenack, has teamed with arranger/orchestra director John Clayton to put together some of the sweetest songs that showcase the piano, the twinkle in the eye, and the awesome, quirky vocal phrasing that are Dr. John's alone. The opener I Know What I've Got sets the tone and then rolls through classics like Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You and Just a Lucky So-and-So. The huge orchestral sound brings to mind Ray Charles' best big works, complex and multi-level and perfectly attuned to the mood of each song. This is inspiring, romantic stuff. Blue Skies never sounded so nice. Don't miss it. (DC)

DR. JOHN	MCA-GRP 4024	Television	● CD $12.98
11 tracks, 48 min., recommended On his latest release, Mr. Rebennack is very nice to your ears. He's written a handful of fresh new songs about everything from tv as would-be birth control (Television) to modern man's unhealthy relationship to technology (Spaceship Relationship) to sexual braggadocio (Same Day Service) to, perhaps predictably, voodoo (Witchy Red). He also throws in a Dr.-ed cover of Sly Stone's Thank You (Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Again) and the Berry Gordy-penned Money (That's What I Want). Musical accomplices include Alvin "Red" Tyler and David "Fathead" Newman, 'mong others. America's only national treasure with his own stuffed armadillo. (Inspirational Couplet: "The madder the monk/ The fatter the funk.") (JC)

DR. JOHN	Rhino 71450	Mos' Scocious - The Dr. John Anthology	● CD $29.98
2 CD's, 2 hrs., 25 min., essential. The ambassador of all things New Orleans, Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., a.k.a. Dr. John, has been recording for over 30 years. This excellent collection does an admirable job of compressing time, opening with some early singles with Ronnie Barron, Roland Stone and such, moving into the first Atco sides, and then sliding head first into the Night Tripper stuff. The hitch is this: even though this compilation takes some great cuts of Gris Gris Gumbo/ In The Right Place, and other LP's, they might not be enough. Solution: get the classic albums and this set which has heaps of non-LP cuts. Among the faves are Iko Iko/ Junko Partner/ Right Place, Wrong Time/ Cold Cold Cold/ Mardi Gras Day/ Mos' Scocious/ Honey Dripper and his Grammy Award-winning duet with Rickie Lee Jones, Makin' Woopee!. It's hard to imagine a better Dr. J. set... unless it had more CD's. Booklet includes informative notes and a photo of our man as a clean-shaven pup with a Fender guitar. (JC)

DR. JOHN	Warner Bros. 25889	In A Sentimental Mood	● CD $12.98

DR. JOHN	Warner Bros. 26940	Goin' Back To New Orleans	● CD $12.98
Dr. John says this album is like "a little history of New Orleans music", and it is. He's taken music from the 1850's to today and assembled what may be the finest collection of Crescent City performers ever to record this set...in New Orleans, of course. Among the 18 songs are long-time favorites like Careless Love, Jelly Roll Morton's I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say, Leadbelly's Good Night, Irene and the Joe Liggins title track. And the liner notes contain histories and memories of each song from Dr. John himself. The lengthy list of legendary musicians lending a capable hand or two includes Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, The Neville Bros., Danny Barker, Alvin "Red" Tyler, Chief "Smiley" Ricks, and Chuck Carbo. Not a bad fix 'til Mardi Gras rolls around. (JC)

DR. JOHN	Warner Bros. 27612	The Ultimate Dr. John	● CD $10.98
14 cut compilation concentrating on the "hit" years, with 11 of the cuts coming from Gumbo - Iko Iko/ Junko Partner + 3, In The Right Place - Right Place, Wrong Time/ Such A Night + 1 & Desitvely Bonaroo - What Comes Around (Goes Around) (the inferior remake to the cut on Remedies + 2 and only 3 tunes from the 1st 4 classics - Mama Roux plus I Walk On Gilded Splinter from Gris Gris & Mardi Gras Day from Remedies .... GM

THE DRAMATICS	Fantasy 60003	The Best Of The Dramatics	● CD $14.98

THE DRAMATICS	Stax 8523	Dramatically Yours	● CD $12.98
Reissue of Volt 9501 from 1974, featuring And I Panicked/ I Dedicate My Life To You/ Highway To Heaven, etc.

THE DRAMATICS	Stax 8545	Live	● CD $12.98
Previously unissued live recordings from 1972 and '73.

THE DREAMLOVERS	Collectables 5476	Golden Classics	● CD $13.98
THE DREAMLOVERS: Amazons and Coyotes/ Annabelle Lee/ Calling Jo Ann/ Doin' Things Together With You/ For the First Time/ Home Is Where The Heart Is/ I Miss You/ I'm Through With You/ If I Should Lose You/ Just Because/ Let Them Love and Be Loved/ May I Kiss The Bride/ Mother/ Oh Baby Mine/ Pretty Little Girl/ Take It From A Fool/ Those Will Be The Good Old Days/ Time/ Together/ Welcome Home/ When We Get Married/ While We Were Dancing/ You Gave Me Somebody To Love/ Zoom Zoom Zoom <