Donnie Elbert

One of the harder to find Donnie Elbert CD's, at least for a decent price. Ranges from under $20 to over $400. Killer tracks in "Who's It Gonna Be" and "Never Again". The instrumental "Down Home Blues" also deserves a mention. Very good sound quality.

6 out of 10

Sunny & The Sunliners

Had to have this one for "I'll Be True", Sunny's cover of The Six Teens' track "Teenage Promise". Other notable tracks include "Sharing You", "Too Late" and "True Love". A must for the Tex Mex oldies collector.

6 out of 10

The Chandeliers

A couple of solid ballads in "One More Step" and "Tender Love" made this a good pick up. Nice addition to the Doo Wop library.

5 out of 10

The Golden Era Of Doo-Wops: Winley Records

Well know tracks among Doo Wop fans included here by The Paragons and The Jesters. Other highlights include "On Starlight" by The Quinns, "You" by Little Anthony & the Duponts and "On Your Merry Way" by The Collegians. Top notch sound quality.
5 out of 10

The Golden Era Of Doo-Wops: Whirlin' Disc Records

Picking up a hits compilation by The Channels will set you up with all the nice ballads on this release. The big plus here is that Relic Records does things right as far as sound quality and liner notes go.

4 out of 10

The Golden Era Of Doo-Wops: Vita Records

Early 50's R&B compilation of Los Angeles based Vita Records. I must admit that besides two tracks by The Squires I could not get much into the rest of the material. Not a comp for most.

2 out of 10

New York Doo Wop

Early NY Doo Wop ballads make up the first volume. The second volume is all uptempo. Highlights include "Is It A Dream" by The Vocaleers, "I" by The Velvets, "Dear One" by The Scarlets, "One More Chance" by Charles & Carl and "I Love You So" by Carl Hogan & The Miracles. Definitely not a collection recommended for the casual oldies fan or sweet soul fan.
4 out of 10

Doo Wop Underground

A comp that is mainly uptempo and early R&B with a few gems for the ballad seekers. Highlights include "Just For A Little While" by The Tender Tones, "The Clock" by The Jaytones, "What Have I Done Wrong" by Little Henry & The Dewdrops, "Pardon Me" by The Cezannes, "Tears From Your Eyes" by Nat Roman and "For Sentimental Reasons" by The Marvells. Leave this one for the dedicate Doo Wop fans.

5 out of 10

Hits That Jumped!

This is one of those pick ups I did after listening the Lula Reed's "Anything To Say You're Mine" elsewhere and thinking it was pretty good. Now, after listening to it a few times it is good but not as the first time listening to it. Other nice tracks include "So All Alone" by Bobby Lester & The Moonlighters, "I Want Somebody" by Harvey, "All I Want (Is You)" by The Miracles and "Happy, Happy Birthday" by The Tuneweavers.

4 out of 10

The Fantastics, The El Venos & The Heartbreakers

Highlights in this collection include "Are You An Angel", "Lonely Girl", "You Must Be True" and "Lover's Prayer" by The El Venos, "There Goes My Love" by The Fantastics but nothing really caught my attention on The Heartbreakers portion. Sound quality varies.

5 out of 10

Rainy Day Doo-Wops

A few nice ballads such as "Here's That Rainy Day" by The Intervals, "Walking In The Rain" by The Execs, "The Rain" by The Marquees, "Walking In The Rain" by The Kac Ties and "Raindrops" by The Vernals included in this weather themed collection. A few early R&B tracks that make this one best left for the serious Doo Wop aficionado. 

6 out of 10

Glo's Soul Oldies Vol. 4

The latest in this series is fresh off the press. Like the first three the sounds are familiar but well put together. Black Soul Express, 4 Jades, Weeknights, Soul Superiors and  Billy Jones are just a few of artists included in this volume. This is one you can hit the play button and relax without having to skip around for the next good tune. Good overall sound quality. A recommended addition to your soul music collection.

7 out of 10

This Is Lowrider Soul 1962-1970

About 15-20 years ago this would have been an absolute killer compilation. With the exception of The Lovers, I believe all other tracks have been out on various lowrider soul compilations. What this brings to the market is top notch sound quality and lots of liner notes and photos. Much gratitude to the folks at Ace Records for this release, hopefully more are to come. Highlights are many, The Lovers, The Webs, The Vows, The Ambassadors and others.

8 out of 10