* New * Sweet Soul Ladies Vol. 3

I have not checked all but most of what I did appears on other releases. The print quality has a very poor home made look, a far cry from what we got with the first two volumes. The sound quality varies. Overall it is a weak re-shuffle job. The highlights are all repeats. The rating reflects the originality.
2 out of 10

* NEW * Prime Time Oldies Vol. 5

The latest release tailored to the Lowride crowd. This is probably the best volume so far in this series when it comes to song selection and sound quality. The first track is noted as being "Goodbye Baby" but is really a very good cover of Brenda And The Tabulations' "When You're Gone". This track is on the Boddie label but I have not been able to find an artist name. This release like all others has it's repeats but is solid all the way through. Highlights for me include "Please Tell Me" by Ruby Stackhouse (AKA Ruby Andrews), "This Girl", by Cookin' On 3 Burners and "Will You Come Closer" by Jackie Hill.
9 out of 10.

The Best Of Milestone Records

One of my favorite Doo Wop label compilations. Only thing missing is the "Diamonds And Pearls" take with the guitar intro. Highlights include " Diamonds And Pearls" by The Paradons, "The Wedding Song" and "The Clock" by The HI Tensions", "Lover's Island" by The Blue Jays and "If You Care" by The Metronomes". A solid pick up with very good sound quality.
8 out of 10

West Coast Doo Wop Collection

Superb collection of ballads that keep the older Lowrider crowds glued to the speakers. Highlights are many, most worthy of mentioning are "You Came Along" by The Phantoms, "No More" by The Uptones", "Scheming" by The Crescendos and "Your're An Angel" by The Penguins. Excellent sound quality. A must for your collection.
8 out of 10

The Harptones

Mellow Doo Wop tracks by Harlem's The Harptones. "All In You Mind" is by favorite track by this group. Other notable tracks include "My Memories Of You", "Life Is But A Dream", "Since I Fell For You" and "Foolish Me". Both releases count with good clean sound. A must have for the Doo Wop fan.
7 out of 10.

Remember Me Baby, Cameo Parkway Vocal Groups

"Sandra Baby" by The Gleems was the main reason for me picking this one up. Rick And The Masters' take on "Let It Please Be You" is also a keeper. The rest I could not get into.
2 out of 10.

The Drivers Meet The Aceents

A solid cut in "Enchanted Garden" by The Accents which stands tall above the rest here. Only a couple other tracks worth mentioning; "L-O-V-E" by The Drivers and "High On A Hill" by The Accents.
3 out of 10

Mickey & Sylvia

An impressive package put out by the folks at Bear Family Records. Mickey and Sylvia will always be remembered for the tittle track "Love Is Strange" which marked their rise and fall. there are a few other tracks in this set such as "Dearest", "Bewildered" and "There Oughta Be A Law" which tried to capitalize on their big hit but with no luck. Mickey & Sylvia do a great job on their take of "This Is My Story" but then I am a sucker for a Doo Wop ballad with a saxophone. The hidden gem on this set for me is "Gypsy" which I was not familiar with until listening to it on this CD.
4 out of 10

West Coast Vocal Group Treasures

More than a few solid Doo Wop gems included in this compilation. The gems include "Rejected love" by The Convincers", "Baby We Two" by The Rythm Masters, "Do You Remember" and "I Need You Dear" by The Famous Flames, "Wrapped Up In A Dream" By The Candlettes, "Teardrops" by The Dedications, "It's Later Than You Think" by The L.A. Dolls, "One Last Chance" by Richard Dickson & Group and "I Lost My Love In The Big City" by The Daniels (AKA The Elgins).
7 out of 10

The Paragons

One of the finest Doo Wop groups to come out of New York. Highlights include the title cut "Florence", "Let's Start All Over Again", "The Vows Of Love", "Wedding Bells", "Twilight" plus a few others. A must for the Doo Wop fan.
8 out of 10

The Avons

"Baby" is the nicest ballad on this release. Other slow ballads include "Fairy Tales", "You Are So Close To Me" and "What Would I Do"
4 out of 10

The Capris

"My Weakness" was by far the only track that grabbed my attention. Unless you dig that early 50's sound you can pass up on this CD.
2 out of 10

The Velvets

I as hoping to gain a few nice ballads on this CD but luck was not on my side" The strongest ballad is "I'm Trusting In You" followed by "Time And Again" and "Who Has The Right".
3 out of 10

The Chords

Early R&B that again will take a dedicated Doo Wop fan to really appreciate the material. Mainly rockers with just a few slow ballads mixed in which include "She Was Love", "A Girl To Love" and "More, More, More". Nothing that will have the Lowrider crowd buzzing.
3 out of 10

The Tune Weavers Meet The Blends

"Happy Happy Birthday Baby" by The Tune Weavers is the only tune that will sick out to most. I will comment more on them once I post the other CD I have. The Blends' ballads on this release are "Hey, Little Fool", "Someone To Care" and "Everybody's Got A Home (But Me) which was recorder in the latter part of the group's career and has more of a bluesy sound.
5 out of 10

Bobby Hall And The Kings

Not a well known group among oldies fans. The sound has for the most part an early R&B sound. For me the stand out track is "Count Your Blessings" but there are other good ballads such as "Vandunt-Un-Va-Da Song", "I Want To Know" and "Surrender". A solid addition for the Doo Wop fan.
5 out of 10

Doo Wop Till You Drop

A mix of nice ballads with rocking cuts. The highlights include "Moonrise" by Rene Harris & The Terrans, "Anymore" by Johnny Ace, "I Wish" by Bertha Tillman and "I'm Sorry Now" by The Tempters. Recommend for the Doo Wop fans out there. Sound quality varies.
6 out of 10.

Smoochin' In New York

A very good compilation put together by Charly Records. Great sound quality with good liner notes. Highlights include, just to name a few, "I" by The Velvets, "Is It A Dream" by The Vocaleers, "Dear One" by The Scarlets and "One More Chance" by Charles And Carl. A must for the Doo Wop fan.
8 out of 10.

West Coast Vocal Group Rarities (Plus One)

Early west coast R&B collection that would take a dedicated Doo Wop fan to really appreciate. I would not recommend this the the casual listener. Highlights include "When I Met You" by The Native Boys, "Is It A Dream" and "You're Mine"by Johnny Flamingo, and "Falling In Love" Johnny Watson & Group. The sound quality varies.
4 out of 10

The Sapphires

Here is now a rare CD on The Sapphires featuring their biggest hit, "Who Do You Love". Other notable tracks are "How Do You Say Goodbye", "I Found Out Too Late" and "Goodnite Kiss".
4 out of 10