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RHYTHM & BLUES, SOUL & DOO-WOP

Various Artists Collections - Collectables Label Doo-Wop - Part 1

 

VARIOUS Collectables 5071 Collectables Rhythm & Blues Christmas ● CD $11.98
13 tracks including Just A Lonely Christmas by The Moonglows, Lonely Christmas by The Orioles, The Bells Of Saint Mary by Lee Andrews & The Hearts, Santa by Lightnin' Hopkins and more from Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles, J.B. Summers, Chuck Berry and others.
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5299 Collectables Rhythm & Blues Christmas, Vol 2 ● CD $11.98
10 tracks - Run, Rudolph, Run by The Clovers, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by The Orioles, Who's It Gonna Be On New Years Eve by The Jewels, by The Velons and more.
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5355 Collectables Rhythm & Blues Christmas, Vol 3 ● CD $11.98
14 tracks - You're My Christmas Present by Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, Happy Holiday by The Shells, After New Year's Eve by The Heartbeats, It's That Time Of Year by The Manhattans, Christmas Holidays by Pete Mays and more from The Shirelles, Margo Sylvia & The Tuneweavers, Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles and others.
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5048 Dootone Rhythm And Blues ● CD $11.98
14 vocal group tracks by The Penguins, Vernon Green & The Medallions, Don Julian & The Meadowlarks, The Pipes, Calvanes, Pearls and more.
 
VARIOUS Collectables 7003 For Collectors Only, Volume 1 - The Rarities ● CD $24.98
2 discs, 40 tracks, 112 min., recommended. An aptly-titled collection composed of the songs for which crazed doo-wop collectors have been known to pay hundreds of dollars a piece. And, having given into that madness a time or two myself, I think that the material here - mostly high tenor led ballads - is pretty much vocal group heaven. The program opens with the ultra-rare Can't Help Loving That Girl of Mine by the Hide-a-Ways, then features Bells of St. Marys and Bluebird of Happiness by Lee Andrews and the Hearts, Moments Like This and Tears in My Eyes by the Baltineers, I Just Can't Tell No Lie and Secret Love by the Moonglows, Where Are You and I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night by the Mellow-Moods, and Creation and Surrender by the Kings. The sound quality is very good, and the graphics and notes are actually pretty good too, at least by the standards normally set by Collectables. Previously released as a two lp set (COL 7003). (DH)
LEE ANDREWS & THE HEARTS: Bells Of St Mary/ Bluebird Of Happiness/ THE AVALONS: Ebb Tide/ THE BALTINEERS: Moments Like This/ Tears In My Eyes/ THE CAP-TANS: I Love You So/ THE CAPRIS: God Only Knows/ It Was Moonglow/ THE CHARMERS: The Beating Of My Heart/ Tony My Darling/ THE DELLS: Dreams Of Contentment/ THE DU-DROPPERS: Can't Do Sixty No More/ THE DUMAURIERS: Baby I Love You/ THE DUVALS: You Came To Me/ THE FIVE DIAMONDS: Ten Commandments Of Love/ THE FLAMINGOS: Golden Teardrops/ THE GAZELLES: Honest/ THE HARMONAIRES: Lorraine/ THE HEARTBEATS: Tormented/ THE HIDE-A-WAYS: I Can't Help Loving That Girl Of Mine/ THE INSPIRATIONS: If Loving You Is Wrong/ THE KINGS: Creation/ Surrender/ THE MARQUEES: I Don't Want Your Love/ THE MELLO-MOODS: I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night/ Where Are You/ THE MOONGLOWS: I Just Can't Tell No Lie/ Secret Love/ THE PRETENDERS: Close Your Eyes/ THE SCARLETS: Dear One/ THE SEQUINS: Don't Fall In Love/ THE SERENADERS: Will She Know/ THE SUPERIORS: Don't Say Goodbye/ THE THE CAP-TANS: Yes/ THE TOPPS: I've Got A Feeling/ THE VELVETS: I Cried/ THE VOCALEERS: Be True/ Love You/ THE WHISPERS: Are You Sorry/ Fool Heart

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5037 Great Groups Of The 50s - Vol. 1 ● CD $11.98
The first of 3 collections from the Lost Nite/ Collectables singles catalog features 14 cuts. It includes includes all-time best selling doo-wop In The Still Of The Night by The Five Satins plus You Painted Pictures by The Spaniels and Be True by The Vocaleers. Other gems from The Scarlets (5 Satins), Roulettes, Starlarks, Frankie's brother Lewis Lyman with The Teen Chords, Kings, Kodaks, Castells, Channels, Whispers and 2 unissued cuts by The Veltones & Avalons round out the album. No sleeve notes and average sound quality. (OLN)
THE AVALONS: What's Wrong/ THE CHANNELS: Stars In The Sky/ THE DEL KNIGHTS: Madly/ THE FIVE SATINS: In The Still Of The Night/ THE KINGS: Creation/ THE KODAKS: Oh Gee, Oh Gosh/ LEWIS LYMON & THE TEENCHORDS: I'm So Happy/ THE ROULETTES: I See A Star/ THE SCARLETS: Dear One/ THE SPANIELS: You Painted Pictures/ THE STARLARKS: Fountain Of Love/ THE VELTONES: Fool Was I, A/ THE VOCALEERS: Be True/ THE WHISPERS: Are You Sorry

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5038 Great Groups Of The 50s - Vol. 2 ● CD $11.98
The second volume includes classics To The Aisle by The 5 Satins, Desire by The Charts, Get A Job by The Silhouettes and Crazy Little Mama by The El Dorados. Strongly supported by The Kodaks, Baltineers, Continentals, Videos, Cherokees, Angels, Spaniels & Scarlets (5 Satins). With 2 additional unissued songs by The Capris (Rena Hinton's group) & Skylarks. Average sound quality. No sleeve notes (OLN)
THE BALTINEERS: Tears In My Eyes/ THE CAPRIS: Milk And Gin/ THE CHARTS: Deserie/ THE CONTINENTALS: Dear Lord/ THE DEL KNIGHTS: Don't Cry Anymore/ THE EL DORADOS: At My Front Door/ THE FIVE SATINS: To The Aisle/ THE KODAKS: Runaround Baby/ THE QUILLS: Whose Love But Yours/ THE SCARLETS: True Love/ THE SILHOUETTES: Get A Job/ THE SKYLARKS: Never Let Her Go/ THE SPANIELS: Bells Ring Out, The/ THE VIDEOS: Moonglow You Know

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5039 Great Groups Of The 50s - Vol. 3 ● CD $11.98
This final set of Collectables singles contains doo-wop gold by The Channels, Flamingos, Hide-A-Ways, 5 Satins, El Dorados, Gazelles, Skyhawks, Mello-Moods, Starlites, Spaniels, Charts, Castelles, Hemlocks & Idols, from such diverse original Chicago/ New York labels as Whirlin' Disc, Chance, Ronni, Ember, Vee Jay, Gotham, Red Robin, Fury, Everlast & Grand. As with the others, this set includes two unissued cuts by The Skyhawks & Idols so that one has to purchase all 3 albums to get all the unissued material. Average sound. No sleeve notes. (OLN)
THE CHANNELS: Gleam In Your Eyes, The/ THE CHARTS: Dance Girl/ THE DEL TONES: While Walking/ THE EL DORADOS: I'll Be Forever Loving You/ THE FIVE SATINS: Shadows/ THE FLAMINGOS: Golden Teardrops/ THE GAZELLES: Honest/ THE HEMLOCKS: Coralee/ THE HIDE-A-WAYS: Can't Help Loving That Girl Of Mine/ THE IDOLS: I Love You/ JACKIE & THE STARLITES: Valerie/ THE MELLO MOODS: I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night/ THE SKYHAWKS: Love Me Right/ THE SPANIELS: Everyone's Laughing

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5051 Harlem Holiday Vol. 1 - New York Rhythm & Blues ● CD $11.98
The vocal group material on this collection (the first of seven) is made up entirely of singles issued in 1957 on the Holiday label. Choice cuts include 2 beautiful ballads by The Bop Chords, (My Darling To You & I Really Love Her So, the toe tappin' In My Thunderbird, a collector's classic by The Thunderbirds, plus such memorable perfs as Lorraine by The Harmonaires, United by The Love Notes, I Want To Know by The Ladders and Jimmy (Handy Man) Jones with The Pretenders doing Tonight. First legal reissue in many years of rare material on this important N. Y. doo-wop label. (OLN)
THE BOP CHORDS: Baby/ Castle In The Sky, A/ I Really Love Her So/ My Darling To You/ So Why/ When I Woke Up This Morning/ THE HARMONAIRES: Come Back/ Lorraine/ THE LADDERS: Counting The Stars/ I Want To Know/ THE LOVE NOTES: Don't Go/ If I Could Make You Mine/ Tonight/ United/ THE PRETENDERS: I Love You So/ Tonight/ THE THUNDERBIRDS: In My Thunderbird/ Mary

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5052 Harlem Holiday, Vol. 2 - New York R & B ● CD $11.98
A collection of boss vocal group material from many of Bobby Robinson's labels - Fire, Fury, Red Robin, Whirling Disc & Everlast, covering the l951 thru "57 period. Stand-outs include While Our Hearts Are Yound by The Federals, the ground-breaking ballad How Could You by The Mello Moods and the soulful Magic Mirror by The Whirlers. Other doo-wopping teams include The Channels, Topps, Angels, Teenchords, Scarlets, Quadrells, Charts, "C" Tones, Hemlocks, Pretenders & Extremes. Good average sound quality. (OLN)
THE C-NOTES: On Your Mark/ THE CHARTS: My Diane/ THE FEDERALS: While Our Hearts Are Young/ CARL HOGAN & THE MIRACLES: Your Love Is All I Need/ EARL LEWIS AND THE CHANNELS: Girl Next Door, The/ My Heart Is Sad/ LEWIS LYMON & THE TEENCHORDS: Please Tell The Angels/ THE MELLO MOODS: How Could You/ THE PRETENDERS: Close Your Eyes/ THE QUADRELLS: Come To Me/ LITTLE BOBBY RIVERA AND THE HEMLOCKS: Cora Lee/ THE SCARLETS: True Love/ THE TOPPS: What Do You Do (To Make Me Love You So)/ THE WHIRLERS: Magic Mirror

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5053 Harlem Holiday, Vol. 3 - New York R & B ● CD $11.98
A collection of important vocal harmony waxings from many of Bobby Robinson's labels - Fury, Red Robin, Whirling Disc & Everlast, covering the 1954 thru "61 period. All-time classics include Teenage Dream by The Deltars, Dear Lorraine by The Federals, One Love by The Logics and Don't Fall In Love by The Sequins. Label-mates include The Topps, Charts, Channels, De Mauriers, Du-Droppers, Empires, Scarlets, Skylarks and Jackie Rue with The Starlites. Good solid collection. (OLN)
THE CHANNELS: Flames In My Heart/ I Really Love You/ THE CHARTS: All Because Of Love/ THE DU MAURIERS: All Night Long/ THE DU-DROPPERS: Come On And Love Me Baby/ THE EMPIRES: Whispering Heart/ THE FEDERALS: Dear Loraine/ JACKIE & THE STARLITES: I Found Out Too Late/ THE LOGICS: One Love/ PEARL AND THE DELTARS: Teenage Dream/ THE SCARLETS: Kiss Me/ THE SEQUINS: Don't Fall In Love/ THE SKYLARKS: Everybody's Got Somebody/ THE TOPPS: I've Got A Feeling

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5054 Harlem Holiday, Vol 4 - New York Rhythm & Blues ● CD $11.98
Beautiful collection of doo-wop ditties from Paul Winley and Cyclone labels, recorded between 1956 and 1960. This set duplicates Relic 5019, Golden Classics - Part 7 - Best of Winley. Unlike the Relic collection, it omits all group photos & sleeve notes. Unbeatable sides by Julius McMichael & The Paragons--Florence, Twilight & Let's Start All Over Again. Plus three ageless classics by Adam Jackson & The Jesters--Oh Baby, The Wind & The Plea. Strong supporting cast includes The Collegians, Calendars, Quinns and the incomparable Duponts, better known as Little Anthony & The Imperials. Strong set. (OLN)
THE COLLEGIANS: On Your Merry Way/ Zoom, Zoom, Zoom/ THE DUPONTS: You/ THE DUPORTS: Must Be Falling In Love/ THE JESTERS: Oh Baby/ Plea, The/ Wind, The/ THE PARAGONS: Florence/ Let's Start All Over Again/ Twilight/ THE PERSUADERS: Tears/ THE PRETENDERS: What Could It Be/ THE QUINNS: Hong Kong/ Oh Starlight

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5055 Harlem Holiday, Vol. 5 - New York Rhythm & Blues ● CD $11.98
Fine set of vocal-harmony platters from Al Silver's Ember, Herald & Standard labels recorded between 1953 & 1957. All of this outsanding material was made available on Relic albums 5008, 5009, 5011, 5015, 5016, 5047 & 5048. Contains doo-wop gold like Paradise Hill by The Embers, Story Untold by Leroy Griffin & The Nutmegs, When You Dance by The Turbans, In The Still Of The Night by Fred Paris & The 5 Satins & Lizabeth by The Thrillers. Others in the groove include The Sunbeams, Smooth Tones, Rocketeers, Starlites, 5 Willows, Colonairs & Heralds. Good start-up collection for the new collector. No pics or sleeve notes, as with all the others in the series. (OLN)
THE COLONAIRS: Sandy/ THE EMBERS: Paradise Hill/ THE FIVE SATINS: In The Still Of The Night/ THE FIVE WILLOWS: Lay Your Head On My Shoulder/ THE HERALDS: Eternal Love/ THE NUTMEGS: Story Untold/ Whispering Sorrows/ THE ROCKETERS: Foolish One/ THE SMOOTH TONES: Dear Diary/ THE STARLITES: They Call Me A Dreamer/ THE SUNBEAMS: Tell Me Why/ THE THRILLERS: Lizabeth/ THE TURBANS: Congratulations/ When You Dance

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5056 Harlem Holiday, Vol. 6 - New York Rhythm & Blues ● CD $11.98
Impressive second set of vocal group grinders from Al Silver's Herald & Embers labels recorded between 1955 & 1962. All of this doo-wop gold has been made available on Relic albums 5008/9, 5011, 5015/16/17 & 5047/48. Classic evergreens include Stay by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, Wonderful Girl by Fred Paris & The 5 Satins, Sister Sookey by The Turbans and Dance, Dance by The Vocalaires, sandwiched between jumpers & tear-jerkers from The Nutmegs (Lyres), 5 Willows, Sonnets, Smart-Tones, Starlarks, Desires, Loungers, Debonaires and Roger & The Travelers. The uninspired jackets on these collections are all of the same design. The only way to distinguish one from the other is by basic background color. A strong set. (OLN)
THE DESIRES: Bobby You/ THE FIVE DEBONAIRES: Darlin'/ THE FIVE SATINS: Shadows/ Wonderful Girl/ THE FIVE WILLOWS: Look Me In The Eyes/ THE LOUNGERS: Remember The Night/ THE NUTMEGS: Ship Of Love/ ROGER & THE TRAVELERS: You're Daddy's Little Girl/ THE SKYLARKS: Fountain Of Love/ THE SMART TONES: Ginny/ THE SONNETS: Why Should We Break Up/ THE TURBANS: Sister Sookey/ THE VOCALAIRES: Dance Dance/ MAURICE WILLIAMS & THE ZODIACS: Stay

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5057 Harlem Holiday, Vol. 7 - New York Rhythm & Blues ● CD $11.98
Third unbeatable set of vocal group goodies from Al Silver's Herald & Ember labels recorded between 1956 & 1960. This entire set has been made available on Relic albums 5009, 5011, 5013, 5015/16, 5047/48. Includes old doo-wop chestnuts like Tonight, Tonight by The Mello-Kings, To The Aisle by The 5 Satins, Get A Job by The Silhouettes and Valley Of Love by The Turbans. Other lesser known but equally engaging sides by The Mint Juleps, Starlites, Marktones, Desires, Smart-Tones, Nutmegs, Bop-Tones, Starlettones and Fabulons.  (OLN)
THE BOP TONES: I Had A Love/ THE COLONAIRES: Can't Stand Losing You/ THE DESIRES: Cold Lonely Heart/ THE FABULONS: Smoke From Your Cigarette/ THE FIVE SATINS: Our Anniversary/ To The Aisle/ THE MELLO-KINGS: Tonight Tonight/ THE MINT JULEPS: Bells Of Love/ THE NUTMEGS: Comin' Home/ THE SILHOUETTES: Get A Job/ THE SMART TONES: Bob-O-Link/ THE STARLETTONES: Do You Remember/ THE STARLITES: Tears Are Just For Fools/ THE TURBANS: Valley Of Love

 
VARIOUS Collectables 7001 Harlem N.Y. - The Doo Wop Era ● CD $24.98
Two CD set with 40 tunes previously reissued on Collectables singles. Though most are from the late 50's, these aren't all New York groups, for some reason there's a lot of Chicago sides from Vee Jay. This is, though, the sound that was popular in N.Y. No smoochy ballads here, it's all high speed with mainly high pitched or kid leads, though there's plenty of just great nonsense tunes like The Chalets - Fat-Fat-Fat! Mom-Mi-O , The Pyramids - Hot Dog Dooly Wah and The Silhouettes classic Bing Bong , along with The Edsels - Rama Lama Ding Dong , The Dells - Time Makes You Change , The Kodaks - Oh Gee Oh Gosh , much more. (GM)
THE BOP CHORDS: So Why/ THE CARNATIONS: Long Tall Girl/ THE CHALETS: Fat Fat Fat! Mom M/ THE CHARTS: Dance Girl/ Zoop/ THE COLLEGIANS: Let's Go For A Ride/ Zoom Zoom Zoom/ THE CONTINENTALS: Fine Fine Frame/ Picture Of Love/ THE DEBONAIRES: Darling/ THE DELLS: Time Makes You Change/ THE EDSELS: Rama Lama Ding Dong/ THE EL DORADOS: Bim Bam Boom/ THE ETERNALS: Babalu's Wedding Day/ THE FABULAIRES: While Walking/ THE FIVE DISCS: Never Let You Go/ THE KODAKS: Little Boy And Girl/ Oh Gee Oh Gosh/ Run Around Baby/ THE LADDERS: Counting The Stars/ THE LOVE NOTES: Tonight/ LEWIS LYMON & THE TEENCHORDS: Honey Honey/ I'm Not Too Young To Fall In Love/ Lydia/ THE MAGNIFICENTS: Don't Leave Me/ THE MAGNIFICENT FOUR: The Closer You Are/ THE MONARCHS: Always Be Faithful/ THE PARAGONS: Hey Little Schoolgirl/ THE PERFECTIONS: Hey Girl/ THE PYRAMIDS: Hot Dog Dooly Wah/ THE QUINNS: Hong Kong/ THE RAINBOWS: Mary Lee/ THE REVELONS: Dreams Are For Fools/ THE REVELS: False Alarm/ LITTLE BOBBY RIVERA & THE HEMLOCKS: Coralee/ THE SILHOUETTES: Bing Bong/ THE STUDENTS: Every Day Of The Week/ THE VELTONES: Now/ THE VIDEOS: Trickle Trickle

 
VARIOUS Collectables 7002 Harlem- The Ballad Era ● CD $24.98
A 2 CD set of some 40 doo-wop ballads out of New York on a multitude of collector labels. Includes gems like Baby It's You by The Spaniels, My Diane by The Charts, The Plea by The Jesters and Lovers Prayer by The Click-ettes. Surprisingly good sound quality. No sleeve notes or pictures. Uninspired cover design. Most cuts have appeared on collectables singles. Good solid double for the starter collection. (OLN)
LEE ANDREWS & THE HEARTS: Lonely Room/ THE AVALONS: Heart's Desire/ THE BOP CHORDS: My Darling To You/ THE CHANNELS: My Heart Is Sad/ THE CHARMERS: The Beating Of My Heart/ THE CHIMES: My Diane/ THE CLICK-ETTES: Lovers' Prayer/ THE COLLEGIANS: Heavenly Night/ THE CONTINENTALS: Dear Lord/ THE CRESCENTS: Everybody Knew But Me/ THE DELLS: Tell The World/ Why Do You Have To Go/ THE DELTAIRES: Lullaby Of The Bells/ THE EBONAIRES: Love Call/ THE FIVE SATINS: Our Anniversary/ THE GAY KNIGHTS: Angel/ THE GAYTUNES: I Love You/ THE HARMONAIRES: Lorraine/ THE INSPIRATORS: If Loving You Is Wrong/ JACKIE & THE STARLITES: I Found Out Too Late/ THE JESTERS: The Plea/ THE KODAKS: Teenagers Dream/ THE LOVE NOTES: United/ LEWIS LYMON & THE TEENCHORDS: Please Tell The Angels/ THE MARKEYS: Eternal Love/ THE MINT JULEPS: Bells Of Love/ THE PARAGONS: So You Will Know/ THE QUINNS: Oh Starlight/ THE SEQUINS: Don't Fall In Love/ THE SMOOTHTONES: Dear Diary/ THE SPANIELS: Baby It's You/ THE STARLITES: Missing You/ THE SUNBEAMS: Tell Me Why/ THE SUPERIORS: Lost Love/ THE THE VELVETS: I/ THE TURBANS: Congratulations/ THE VANGUARDS: Moonlight/ THE VELTONES: I Need You So/ THE VIBRA-HARPS: The Only Love Of Mine/ THE VIDEOS: Moonglow You Know

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5172 Memories Of Times Square Records, Vol. 1 ● CD $11.98
THE BOSS TONES: Mopity Mope/ THE COLLEGIANS: Let's Go For A Ride/ THE COURT JESTERS: Roaches/ THE ELCHORDS: Peppermint Stick/ THE ETERNALS: Babalu's Wedding Day/ THE EXCELLENTS: You Baby You/ THE MAGNIFICENT FOUR: The Closer You Are/ NICKY & THE NOBLES: Poor Rock & Roll/ THE PYRAMIDS: Hot Dog Dooly Wah/ THE QUINNS: Hong Kong/ SHERIFF & THE REVELS: Shoombalor/ THE TOKENS: Doo-lang/ THE VELTONES: Now/ THE VERSATONES: Bila

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5173 Memories Of Times Square Records, Vol. 2 ● CD $11.98
THE CAPRIS: There's A Moon Out Tonight/ THE CORDOVANS: Come On Baby/ THE DELTAIRES: Lullaby Of The Bells/ THE HEMLOCKS: Cora Lee/ THE IMAGINATIONS: Goodnight Baby/ THE JESTERS: The Wind/ THE KODAKS: Teenager's Dream/ THE MONARCHS: Pretty Little Girl/ THE PYRAMIDS: Ankle Braclet/ THE ROCKETONES: Mexico/ THE ROULETTES: I See A Star/ THE SHELLS: Baby Oh Baby/ THE WHEELS: My Heart's Desire/ THE WILLOWS: Church Bells May Ring

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5174 Memories Of Times Square Records, Vol. 3 ● CD $11.98
THE ARCADES: Fine Little Girl/ THE CHANNELS: My Love For You Will Never Die/ THE CLASSICS: Cinderella/ THE DEBONAIRS: Darling/ THE EMBERS: Paradise Hill/ THE KODAKS: Little Boy & Girl/ THE LEGENDS: I'll Never Fall In Love Again/ THE PARAGONS: Let's Start All Over Again/ THE RAINBOWS: Mary Lee/ THE SUPERIORS: Lost Love/ THE TEENCHORDS: Honey Honey/ THE TURBANS: Congratulations/ THE VANGUARDS: Moonlight/ THE VIDEOS: Trickle, Trickle

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5175 Memories Of Times Square Records, Vol. 4 ● CD $11.98
LEE ANDREWS & THE HEARTS: Try The Impossible/ THE AVALONS: My Heart's Desire/ THE CAPRIS: God Only Knows/ THE CHANNELS: Bye Bye Baby/ THE CHARTS: My Diane/ THE COLLEGIANS: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom/ THE CONTINENTALS: Dear Lord/ THE EBONAIRS: Love Call/ THE MOONGLOWS: Secret Love/ THE NUTMEGS: Comin' Home/ THE PARAGONS: Twilight/ THE TEENCHORDS: I'm Not Too Young To Fall In Love/ THE TOKENS: Come Dance With Me/ THE VISIONS: Teenager's Live

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5541 More Memories Of Times Square Records, Vol 6 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 35 min., recommended Volume six in this multi-volume look at Irving "Slim" Rose's legendary New York record store offers a brief miscellany of just the sort of 50's vocal group music that his pioneering shop specialized in. Featured numbers include Let It Please Be You by the Desires, Don't Leave Me by the Magnificents, Darling I'm Sorry by the Ambassadors, Everyone's Laughing by the Spaniels, Lamplight by the Deltas, Pain in My Heart by the Dells, I'm So Happy by the Ducanes, and Fountain of Love by the Starlarks. Sound quality is solid. Notes are mostly nostalgic. And cover art features a wish-you-were-there shot of the store itself, presumably taken at a time when the prices of the featured collectible records were somewhat lower. (DH)
THE AMBASSADORS: Darling I'm Sorry/ THE CHANNELS: The Girl Next Door/ THE CLASSICS: Life Is But A Dream/ THE CLUSTERS: Darling Can't You Tel/ THE DELLS: Pain In My Heart/ THE DELROYS: Bermuda Shorts/ THE DELTAS: Lamplight/ THE DESIRES: Let It Please Be You/ THE DUCANES: I'm So Happy/ THE MAGNIFICENTS: Don't Leave Me/ THE MATADORS: Vengeance/ THE SMOOTHTONES: Dear Diary/ THE SPANIELS: Everyone's Laughing/ THE STARLARKS: Fountain Of Love

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5060 Rumble ● CD $11.98

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5642 Spotlite On Apollo Records, Vol. 1 ● CD $13.98
NOTE: Having fallen behind a bit in my reviews of the Collectables' Spotlight Series, before I begin to catch up, let me offer some general remarks on the collection as a whole so that I don't repeat myself in commenting on each disc. First off, sound quality does not seem to be a problem for Collectables at this point. Even their own pressings sound good. But there are still relatively few cuts per disc, generally 14, and there are still no liner notes in any of these various artist, by label collections. It's also worth mentioning that the cover art for the series is generic, with only colors and label logos changing from disc to disc. And, finally, there is the duplication issue. In its Spotlight Series, Collectables includes at least a few tracks by the most prolific acts on the featured label. This can be a good or a bad thing depending on your point of view and on your habits as a collector. If you already own a disc or two featuring the works of the Marcels, for example, do you want to have three Marcels cuts on your various artist Colpix label collection? I don't, but perhaps you do. And, what the heck, the music's good either way. 

14 tracks, 34 min., recommended Little of this material is available on CD to my knowledge, other than the Five Royales' cuts - Laundromat Blues and Courage to Love - (on either Relic CD 7010 or 7011) and the Larks' number - My Reverie - (on Collectables COL-8831, reviewed herein). Even so, most if not all of the other tracks are on the various LPs that Relic issued a few years back covering the Apollo label. Having said all of that, if you want the material on CD, the program here includes Rang Tang Ding Dong and You Took My Love by the Cellos; A Star, In the Evening, and Now I Know by the Keynotes; My Heart's Desire by the Opals, Bermuda Shorts by the Delroys, and Darling I'm Sorry by the Ambassadors. (DH)
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5643 Spotlite On Apollo Records, Vol. 2 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 37 min., recommended. Remembering all of the cautions offered above, the Five Royales cuts here are Baby Don't Do It and Help Me Somebody, and the Larks are present here with In My Lonely Room. Also on the program, but at this point not otherwise on CD to my knowledge, are Come to Me Darling by the Crystals; The Fires Burn No More by the Chesters; I Don't Know, Really Wish You Were Here, One Little Kiss, and Suddenly by the Keynotes; Under Your Spell and Girlie That I Love by the Cellos; Thrill of Romance by the Gaytunes; Church on the Hill by the Charmers; and Raindrops by the Inspirations. (DH)
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5680 Spotlite On Apollo Records, Vol. 3 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 37 min., recommended. Collectables herein continues its Apollo vocal groups retrospective, offering Tired of You and Don't Leave Me Baby by the Gentlemen, Hush-A-Mecca and Please Be Mine by the Casanovas, I Live True to You by the Larks, The Mambo by the Charmers, The Night Has Come by Billy Austin & the Hearts, and I Beg You Please by the Romeos. Another cross section of solid material offered with from-the-tapes sound quality and no notes at all. The real question that you need to ask yourself, of course, is whether you want to cover this important New York label at 14 cuts per disc, as is the case here, or go for the more generous and well-annotated 20 track Apollo discs from Relic, reviewed elsewhere. (DH)
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5681 Spotlite On Apollo Records, Vol. 4 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 38 min., recommended With similar clean sound and a similar total absence of liner notes, Volume 4 offers Oh But She Did by the Opals, Hurry Home and Handy Man by the Sparks of Rhythm (with Jimmy Jones), the not very subtle Something to Remember You By by the Gentlemen, That's All and I Don't Want You to Go by the Casanovas, My Angel by Miriam Grate & the Dovers, My Lost Love by the Larks, and Zup Zup (You Dance So Nice) by the Keynotes. A solid, but rather short program. Once again, do check out the Relic various artist and single artist Apollo label discs reviewed elsewhere. Those also have impressive liner notes. (DH)
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5678 Spotlite On Blast & Cheer Records, Vol. 1 ● CD $13.98
18 tracks, 43 min., recommended. Collectables offers herein the vocal group output of two minor New York labels from the early 60's. And, in case you didn't notice, slowly but surely the number of cuts per disc seems to be going up in their Spotlite Series. Thank goodness. Specific tracks this time around include Coney Island Baby and You Baby You by the Excellents, Never Let You Go and That Was the Time by the Five Discs, Valerie and Fact of the Matter by Ronnie & the Hi-Lites, Shelly and From the Chapel by the Velons, and Uncle Sam and The Closer You Are by the Magnificent Four. Additional numbers feature the Montereys, the Court Jesters, and Donnie and the Dreamers. Not indispensable perhaps, but fun nonetheless. And, as usual for the series, solid sound quality and no notes at all. (DH)
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5496 Spotlite On Capitol Records, Vol. 1 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 31 min., recommended This compilation and its companion volume reviewed below are particularly strong entries in the spotlight series. Even though Capitol certainly isn't well known for its r&b output, the numbers here are the real thing, and they show a polish that smaller labels didn't often achieve. Highlights include Ling Ting Tong and The Verdict by the Five Keys, In the Dark by Johnnie Otis & Group, Love's Prayer by the Spinners, I Wonder Who by the Fascinators, Dream Girl by Norman Fox & the Rob Roys, and Believe Me by the Royal Teens. Sure-footed stuff by and large, offered, of course, with no liner notes and the same cover art that this entire series features. (DH)
THE FASCINATORS: Come To Paradise/ I Wonder Who/ THE FIVE KEYS: Ling Ting Tong/ The Verdict/ NORMAN FOX & THE ROB-ROYS: Dream Girl/ SAMMY HAGAN & THE VISCOUNTS: Don't Cry/ Out Of Your Heart/ JOHNNY OTIS WITH GROUP: In The Dark/ Tell Me So/ THE PASSIONS: Jackie Brown/ THE PORTRAITS: Close To You/ THE ROVERS: Why Oh Why/ THE ROYAL TEENS: Believe Me/ THE SPINNERS: Love's Prayer

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5497 Spotlite On Capitol Records, Vol. 2 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 33 min., recommended More good vocal group sounds from Johnny Mercer's Southern California label. This time out, the painfully short program opens with the great ballad, Chapel Bells by the Fascinators, adds another with Close Your Eyes by the Five Keys, then moves on to If Your Pillow Could Talk by the Edsels, Don't' Leave Me Now by the Notes, Crack Up Laughing by Frank Polk with Group, Let's Make Love by Anita Baker, and Stay With Me by Mel Williams. Solid material from start to finish, but with the shortage of other reissue amenities like notes and photos, I find myself wishing that Capitol had given the rights to a label like Relic instead. (DH)
THE EDSELS: If Your Pillow Could Talk/ THE FASCINATORS: Chapel Bells/ Oh Rose Marie/ Who Do You Think You Are/ THE FIVE KEYS: 'cause Your My Lover/ Close Your Eyes/ NORMAN FOX & THE ROB-ROYS: Pizza Pie/ SAMMY HAGAN & THE VISCOUNTS: Tail Light/ THE NOTES: Don't Leave Me Now/ JOHNNY OTIS WITH GROUP: It's Too Soon To Know/ FRANK POLK WITH GROUP: Crack Up Laughing/ ANITA TUCKER WITH GROUP: Let's Make Love/ MEL WILLIAMS WITH JOHNNY OTIS SHOW: Stay With Me/ PAUL WILLIAMS WITH GROUP: It's Over

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5825 Spotlite On Carlton Records, Vol. 1 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 37 min., recommended Though New York's Carlton label is certainly best known as the original label of Canadian rock 'n' roller Jack Scott, it too put out a modest number of vocal group records, among them the "major label” reissue of Morry Williams & the Kids' great two sided San Francisco Bay area hit—Oh Louise and Are You My Girlfriend—originally on the tiny Tee Vee label. Other cuts include Prince of Players by Tommy Fredericks & the High Notes, the rare and expensive Tell Me Little Girl by the Spices, I'm Sorry by the Royal Holidays, Heaven by the Alcoves, and Faithfully Yours by the Imperials. A good mix of tempos, with most groups on the smooth side, offered here with the generic cover art and lack of liner notes that is typical for the Spotlight vocal group series. Certainly one worth buying. (DH)
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5626 Spotlite On Colpix Records, Vol. 1 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 33 min., recommended Complete track selection: Blue Moon, Heartaches, and Goodbye to Love by the Marcels; Close Your Eyes and The Door Is Still Open by the Skyliners; Paper Boy and Please Believe in Me by Tony & the Twilights; Tears in My Eyes and Single & Free by Eddie Friend and the Empires; Her Love, Love Is a Game, and What Can It Be by the Alvans; My Guiding Angel by Ronnie & the Relatives (the Ronettes), and I'll Never Stop Loving You by Tommy Reagan & the Halos. (DH)
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5470 Spotlite On End Records, Vol. 1 ● CD $13.98

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5471 Spotlite On End Records, Vol. 2 ● CD $13.98
14 tracks, 35 min., recommended Numbers that are duplicated in other Collectables and Sequel collections include Tears on My Pillow, Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop, and Traveling Stranger by Little Anthony & the Imperials; I Was Such a Fool, I Shed a Tear at Your Wedding, and Goodnight Sweetheart by the Flamingos; and Goodbye to Love, Maybe, and The Plea by the Chantels. Less likely to have been reissued cuts include The Birdland by the Starlighters, Lonely Boy by the Classmates, Pretty Little Girl by the Shells, and Tell Me Love by the Lewis Lymon and the Teenchords. (DH)
 
VARIOUS Collectables 5480 Spotlite On End Records, Vol. 3 ● CD $13.98

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5481 Spotlite On End Records, Vol. 4 ● CD $13.98

 
VARIOUS Collectables 5667 Spotlite On Epic Records, Vol. 1 ● CD $13.98
15 tracks, 34 min., recommended A tasty crop of mostly early 60's vocal group numbers originally issued by this Columbia Records subsidiary. Highlights include The Magic Kiss by the Keystoners, Charades by the Sophomores, I Want to Know by the Kings, Should I Cry by the Concords, Half a Block from an Angel by the Danleers, Oh What a Day by the Ovations, Pledge of a Fool by the Barons, and Forecast of Our Love by the Clusters. The music is exemplary. The disc is pressed by Sony Special Products. Sound quality is solid, and there are no notes at all. (DH)

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