Throwback Oldies

One of the latest compilations to hit the scene consisting entirely of repeats. Sound quality does not appeared remastered on a couple of tracks. A product released by Sony.......hmmm, really? Still for the relatively low cost and number of tracks I would pick this one over any Art Laboe compilation in a heartbeat.
6 out of 10

Chicano Oldies

Not all tracks here are by Latino artists. A few tracks that are favorites among the Latino crowd such as "Try Me" by James Brown and "Searching For My Love" by Bobby Moore And The Rhythm Aces. All repeats, nothing  out of the ordinary. This has been re-released with an updated cover, same tracks. Sound quality varies.
4 out of 10

The Best Of Candlelite Records

   

I thought about picking these up for years before I spotted them at a bargain bin and finally made the move. Lots and lots of uptempo cuts with some really sleepy ballads. Highlights are not many, "You Told Another Lie" by The Youngsters, "Can I Come Over" by The Youngtones, "Crying For You" by The Cineramas and "I'm So In Love" by The Daychords.
4 out of 10

Killer Oldies

Referring to old school tracks, such as the ones here by The Gap Band and Roger, as oldies just isn't right! All repeats here but the sound quality is a bit better on "Somebody Please" and "Confessin' A Feeling". "It's Okay" is a killer track but that fake applause and sped up version these guys use really kills it. If you want the better version pick it up on the Joe Bravo And The Sunglows CD or West Side Oldies Vol. 7.

Homeboys Of Soul

The best part of this CD is the cover art. The rest of the material is re-shuffled tracks used too much by Thump Records. All common tracks, not much missed by passing this one up.
3 out of 10

Honey And The Bees

One of my all time favorite female soul groups. A big thanks to the folks at Demon-Westside and Jaime Guyden for making this outstanding material available. highlights include "(You Better) Go Now", "Please Have Mercy Baby", "Make You Mine", "Now That I Know" and others. Make sure you add these two releases to your soul library.
8 out of 10

The Best Of Wally-O-Productions

Rare Philly soul release with killer ballads like "When I'm With You" by The Four Thoughts, "Where Are You" and "Tell Me So" by Herb Johnson And The Impacts, "Cold Cold Love" by Jeri And Joe plus a few others that make this an absolute must have for the soul music fan.
8 out of 10

Why Did I Get Married Too

"Woman Come Home" by The Vanguards drove this pick up. Hopefully Now Again Records will make this collector's dream come true and release a complete compilation on The Vanguards. "Gotta Find A Way" by Bob And Gene is also a solid jam. I did not care much for the rest of the material.
4 out of 10.

The Masqueraders

I did not have to stop and think twice about picking this one up once I spotted it. "Say It", "I'm Just An Average Guy", "I Ain't Got Love Nobody Else", "Let Me Show The World (I Love You) and "One More Chance" made this release a must have. Sound quality varies on a few tracks.
6 out of 10.

The Players

Another mid 1990's release when Collectables Records was on an impressive soul run. Highlights include the title track, "He'll Be Back", "Why Did I Lie" and "I'm Glad I Waited".
5 out of 10

The Fantastic Four

Like with the Four Tops I only picked up on a couple of their tracks and skipped through the rest. "The Whole World Is A Stage" is the standout followed by "Goddess Of Love".
4 out of 10

Dore L.A. Soul Sides

The newest release featuring Los Angeles' Dore Records. Excellent sound quality and liner notes. Highlights include "You Really Never Know Till It's Over" by The Vel-Vetts, "Baby's Gone Away" by The Superbs, "As I Sit Here" by Friday's Child and "It Only Hurts For A Little While" by The Whispers.
6 out of 10

The Class Of Mayfield High

Mainly uptempo material just just a few slower numbers. Highlights include "I Have No One" by Major Lance, "Careless Heart" and "Love Grows Bitter" by Billy Butler and "I Need You" and "It Must Be Love" by Otis Leavill.
5 out of 10

Etta James

Outstanding, heartfelt ballads that will make you fall in love all over again or rip that old wound up a new. Highlights include "My Heart Cries" (with Harvey Fuqua), "At Last", "I Would Rather Go Blind", "My Dearest Darling", "Would It Make Any Difference To You", "Stop The Wedding", and "I Wish Someone Would Care".
6 out of 10.

Baby Washington

If you dig Etta James then you will certainly like Baby Washington. Highlights include "It'll Never Be Over For Me", "I Can't Wait To See My Baby's Face", "The Clock", That's How Heartaches Are Made", and "Go On". Being it is an Ace Records release you are rest assured the sound quality will be excellent and plenty of liner notes will be included to give us some insight on this artist.
5 out of 10

The Astors Meet The Newcomers

A couple of rare Stax soul groups that don't get much due recognition. The Newcomers finally got a full CD release but this is probably all we will see on the Astors. Highlights by The Astors are "What Can It Be" and "Just Enough To Hurt Me". By Newcomers we get "Girl, This Boy Loves You", "Mannish Boy" and "(Too Little In Common To Be Lovers) Too Much Going To Say Goodbye".
5 out of 10