The Notations

 



The Best Of release is good but the sound quality leaves much to be desired. It is composed of The Notations' CD on Charly plus 'The Chopper" which is found on their "Super People" release on Sequel Records with the remainder of the tracks from their Twinight label recordings. I am more interested in their material recorded on the Twinight label as the Curtom material featured on the Charly release is all uptempo with the sole exception of "Make Believin'". Highlights include "I'm Still Here", "At The Crossroads", "Leading Lady", "Just You And Me" and "What More Can I Say" which are all available on other compilations. Sound quality brings the rating down.
5 out of 10.

Larry Saunders

Very good slow jams "All My Friends Call Me A Fool" and "Darling I Love You" by Larry Saunders in this CD. A recommended addition for your collection.
6 out of 10.

Ray, Goodman And Brown

Late 70's to early 80's material by Ray, Goodman and Brown (A.K.A. The Moments). To be honest I picked up this release for the sake of adding these great voices to my collection as I am not a big fan at all of the 80's sound. Highlights for me are "Special Lady" and "A Part of You".
4 out of 10

Ernie Hines

A few solid 70's jams by Ernie Hines who has a sound that reminds me of Mike James Kirkland (Mike & The Censations). Highlights include "Electrified Love", "Explain It To Her Mama" and "Your Love (Is All I Need)".
7 out of 10

Quiet Elegance

If you are a big fan of Al Green's material then Quiet Elegance will not disappoint you. The music is great but the vocals are just too rough for my taste.
2 out of 10

Robert And Johnny

I my opinion, Robert And Johnny are one of the best if not the best R&B duos to ever record. Besides their memorable hit "We Belong Together" they also counted with other beautiful tracks such as "Eternity With You", "Million Dollar Bills", "I'm Truly Truly Yours", "You're Mine" and "Hear My Heartbeat". Excellent sound quality as usual with Ace Records. A recommended addition to your collection.
8 out of 10

Otis Williams And His Charms

Some true treasures here by Otis Williams And His Charms. The nice slow ballads are scattered throughout these four releases. Highlights include "Creation Of Love", "My Prayer Tonight", "My Baby Dearest Darling", "Quiet Please", "Pardon Me" plus their versions of  "Image Of A Girl" and "Could This Be  Magic" are very good.
7 out of 10

The Five Keys

Early R&B with more of a blues feel. This group is definitely not for the average oldies fan. Highlights include "Close Your Eyes", "The Verdict" and "Emily Please" all from the Golden Classics release.
2 out of 10.

The Impacts / Blue Chips

A nice collection of obscure tracks. Highlights include "Here I Am", "Darling Now Your Mine", "Just Because", "You're Still My Baby" and "Congratulations Baby" where they backed up Lenny Welch. A recommended addition especially for the Doo Wop fan. Sound quality varies.
6 out of 10

The Suacers

Not well known at all among most oldies fans, The Saucers cut some nice slow ballads that are more than worthy of being on some of the best Doo Wop compilations out there. Highlights are "Please Understand", "Why Do I Dream", "Come Back" and "Stars Of Wonder".
5 out of 10

The Diplomats

"Here's A Heart" and "Help Me" are the heavy hitters on this release. The rest of the tracks are more uptempo, northern soul types. Good liner notes and sound quality. Ace Records has a more complete release out on The Diplomats.
3 out of 10

Jimmy Holiday

Besides the title track, "How Can I Forget" and "Janet" the rest of this release has a more rough, southern soul / pop sound to it.
3 out of 10

Golden Groups

50's R&B rockers and ballads brought to us by Specialty Records. Highlights include "Arlene" by The Titans", "Nite Owl" by Tony Allen And the Champs, "Sweet Sixteen" by The Tropicals, "Our Romance" by Clydie King and "Miracle" by The Five Knights. Recommended addition for the Doo Wop fan.
6 out of 10

Sad Girl Oldies

Not much effort put into the artwork at all. Fortunately the music is good but with varying sound quality. A nice selection of female soul cuts. You will find some common tracks with a few rare gems mixed in. Highlights are many, my picks are "Tarnished Angel" by Anita May, "Say You'll Never, Never Leave Me" by Alice Clark" and "This Love Is Real" by The Lovelites.
8 out of 10

The Complete Miracle Records Story

Early soul sounds from Detroit featured here. Highlights include "Heart" by Jimmy Ruffin, "When I Needed You" by Little Eva & Her Band, "You're My Desire" by The Equadors and of course the original "Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam)" by The Valadiers.
7 out of 10.

Goldwax Northern Soul

 

I usually shy away from buying a CD with Northern Soul as part of the title but after listening to some samples this one was a must. Towards the end the tone slows a bit to given one killer track, "Now Girl" by The Lyrics sandwiched between a couple of decent tracks "I Don't Want To Take A Chance" by Wee Willie Walker and "If You Love Her" by Phillip & The Faithfuls.

5 out of 10.

The Best Doo-Wops Of Richie Records

A few killer Doo Wop ballads included in this release. The sound quality varies. Highlights include "Bells In The Chapel" by Lonnie & The Crisis, "Crying Over You" by Teddy & The Continentals and "If You Should Leave Me' by The Sinceres. Recommended addition to your collection.
6 out of 10.

The Solitaires

 

Nice early R&B material by The Solitaires. An Ace Records release with expected quality recordings and liner notes. Highlights include ""How Long", "You've Sinned", "The Honeymoon" and "My Dear". Recommended for the Doo Wop fan.

7 out of 10.

Big Dee Irwin

"Been So Long" starts off this set and it is pretty much down hill from there. Very few high points with the exception of "Are You Really Real" which is decent. "Been So Long" is available in other compilations therefore I cannot really recommend this CD.
2 out of 10.

Al Green

These two releases will set you up pretty good with Al Green's best material. The best thing is that both can be found at very good prices. The first CD brings you his early work which includes nice tracks such as "Back Up Train" and "What's It All About" while the second 2 CD set provides his big hits such as "Let's Stay Together", "I'm Still In Love With You" and many others.
8 out of 10.