The Five Stairsteps

One of Chicago's best ever soul groups gave us classic tracks that are still going strong among soul music lovers today. Highlights include "Come Back", "Danger! She's A Stranger", "Little Boy Blue", "Baby Make Me Feel So Good", "World Of Fantasy", "You Waited Too Long" and of course for the masses "O-o-h Child". I did not care for the two on one CD. No collection could be complete without this group.
7 out of 10

Thee Archives Of Soul Part One

A real nice batch of rare tunes included in this latest CD out of Salinas CA. Highlights include "Don't Believe" by The Terrells, "Once Upon A Time" by Johnny Wyatt (remake of same track he sang while with Rochelle And The Candles on the Swingin' label), "Bad Weather" by The Trells And The Soul Saxons, "What Can I Do" by Harvey And the Phenomenals, "Accept Me In Your Life" by Mellow Decision and "Oh Baby Why You Want To Make Me Cry" by Arthur Ponder. Sound quality varies. Limited quantity pressed, don't sleep on it.

8 out of 10

Lynwood Soul Vol. 8

Once again the heat is on. Sets kicks off with a killer sweet 70's tune "Strange Things" by Galaxy that is well worth the price of the CD. Other heavy hitters include Philly area group The Collectors with "Cruel World" and B side "I Still Love You", Cali's The Soul Injection with "Girl Full Of Charm", big dollar single from Ohio's Foreign Blue Renaisance "Oh Yes I Do", blue eyed soul of The Spyres with "Looking For A Place" and a deep soul treat with Charles Amar's "A Tender Kiss In The Dark". For the type of rare tracks used the sound quality is overall pretty good. A must for the collection.

9 out of 10

Glo's Soul Oldies Vol. 3

Another solid release in this series. Many tracks have appeared on other compilations but in some cases the recordings here are a bit cleaner. The second disc contains mostly tracks by newer artists with that classic retro soul sound. Highlights include tracks by The Rappers, King Solomon's Advisers, The Delacardos, The Inclinations, The Ambers, "Jo Jo And The Outcast, The Variations, The Vass Corporation and Larry Dixon. Sound quality varies. A solid addition to your soul music collection. Next volume is coming soon, don't let this one slip by.

7 out of 10

Angle Baby's Cruisin Oldies

All pretty well known tracks but always willing to support those who have a passion for this music and do their part in keeping it going from generation to generation. Won't list highlights as all have appeared on other compilations. Quick note, track 4 is actually the 1980 version of "Why Have I Lost You".

5 out of 10

Bob Marley And The Wailers

This is as reggae as it gets for me. All were bought to get one or two nice "soul style" ballads. Highlight for me are "I Need You So", "I'm Still Waiting", "Oh My Darling" (Bob Marley & Marcia Griffiths), "Bless You" (Bunny Livingston & Rita Marley), "I Need You" and "It Hurts To Be Alone". Sound quality varies on a few tracks. Nice to have even if it is for historical purposes.

4 out of 10

Chess / Checker Groups

"She Needs A Guy" by The Twilighters drove me to pick this one up. Other good tracks include "This Broken Heart" by The Sonics, "My Vow To You" by The Students and "Ding Dong" by The Quintones. Sound quality varies and tracks are from 1950 to 1962 which might scar away a few.
4 out of 10

Rare Doo-Wops Of Infinity Records

Three tight Doo Wop ballads by The Electras (You Lied), The Younghearts (Do Not Forsake Me) and The Cheries (Where Are You Tonight?). Another CD best left to the dedicated Doo Wop crowd. Good sound quality.

4 out of 10

Miami Rockin' Doowop From The Chart Label

A nice look into some obscure mid 50's Miami area Doo Wops on Henry Stone's Chart label. Highlights include "Tears In My Eyes" by The Tru-Tones, "A Lonely Lover's Prayer" by The Piccadilly Pipers and The Pic-A-Dillies, "I'll Be True" by Otis Williams And His Charms, "Be Mine" by Johnny And Marsha and "Very Truly Yours" by The Evergreens. Excellent sound quality and liner notes. Leave this one for the hardcore Doo Wop fans.

5 out of 10

The Best Of Empire Records

Early R&B from Empire Records out of Hollywood, CA. This once is for those dedicated early R&B fans, don't pick up if you only like sweet soul harmony sounds. Highlight are "Tender Love" by Ricky (Richard Berry), "I'm Sorry Now" by The Tempters, "Don't Fall In Love Too Soon" by The Preludes and "Dreamy Eyes" by The Youngsters (AKA The Tempters, The Preludes). Good overall sound quality.
5 out of 10

Philips Doo-Wop

A mix of a little R&B and lots of pop. Nice tracks by The Creators, The Lovers, Kenni Woods and The New Concepts but not enough to recommend to those looking for rare soul.

3 of our 10