Dynamite Group Sounds

It took me years to complete this set. I purchased the first 8-9 volumes from Tom and Maxine at Wenzel's Music Town in Downey, CA many years back. Way too many highlights to list them all. I will post at least one track from each volume on my Instagram page in the near future. "Come Home" by The Vestelles, "Crying Over You" by Teddy And The Continentals, "I'm Coming Home" by The De-Lights, "Come Back To These Arms" by Vic Marcel & The Four Bars, "We're In Love" by The Creations, "The First Time In My Life" by The Comic Books, "Where Are You" by The De-Vaurs, "Come Back" by The Sheiks, "Bells" The Playgirls, "Blame My Heart" by The Merideans, "Pleading For Your Love" by The Four Dots, "Baby Baby" by The Five Stars, "Love Is A Game" by The Alvans, "Two Timing Lover" The Lions, "You're The One" by The Starlites, "Sit And Cry" by The Grand Prees, "Keeper Of Dreams" by The Gallahads, "Forever" The Bleu Lights, "I'm So Young" by Maureen Gray, "My Pillow" by The Numbers, "On My Mind" by The Darts, "My Heart's Desire" by The Crescendos, "Who Would Have Thought It" by the Deltairs, "Sorry Daddy" by The Sweet Hearts, "You Told Another Lie" by The Youngsters, "Stars In The Blue" by The Dee Cals, "Extra! Extra!" by The Elgins, "So In Love" by The Re-Vels", "Someone To Love" by The Vidaltones and "Why Should I Cry" by The Manhattans. Sound quality varies a bit but not too bad for this type of compilation. Recommended for the Doo Wop fans that enjoy ballads as well as pop tunes.

5 out of 10

Royal Flush

Single ballad in a sea of really funky tracks, "Goddess Of Love" was the reason for this acquisition. If you like late 70's funk this is one I can recommend to you.
4 out of 10

Ronn Records Story

Highlights on this 2 disc set include "Broken Promises" by Essence, "Something Special" by The Four Shades, "Will He Come Back" and "Give Me Back The Man I Love" by Barbara West. Balance is raw, deep soul.
5 out of 10

Girls Girls Girls With A Twist of Soul

One and done on this compilation. "You Say You Love Me" by The Delicates is the only track that I liked. Get it on Gangster Dedications Vol. 2 instead..
1 out of 10

Freddy Fender

Recently released compilation showcasing some of the obscure early recordings of Texas legend Freddy Fender. Part 1 contains all Spanish Oldie originals and covers and makes a nice pick up if, like me you dig that too. Highlights include "Only One", "Wasted Days And Wasted Nights", Crazy Baby" "Find Someone New", "Since I Met You Baby" and "Bye Bye Little Angel". A must for the Tex-Mex aficionados. Would have been a big plus if "Magic Of Love" were included in this compilation.
5 out of 10

Johnny "Guitar" Watson

A very nice compilation for those who dig the more bluesy side of R&B. Highlights include the classic "Those Lonely, Lonely Nights" Honey". "Give A Little", "Someone Cares For Me" and "My Baby And Me". Solid sound quality and liner notes to give us a little background on this artist. Not for those seeking more of a sweet soul sound.

5 out of 10

Dynamite Group Sounds Cover Versions Vol. 1

Some interesting and obscure covers to compliment your Doo Wop library. Highlights include "Once Upon A Time" by Nick Thomas and The Toppers, "Creation Of Love" by Otis Williams and The Charms, "Maybe" by Bobby Pedrick and Group, "Sincerely" by The Jayos and "You're Mine" by Johnny Flamingo and Group.
5 out of 10

Doo Wop Coast To Coast

Must say the sound quality on many of these tracks was subpar which was an important factor in my rating. Highlights are not many, "Heartbreak" by Gaynel Hodge and The Turks, "Glowing Moon" by The Tads, "Daddy's Going Away Again" by The Camelots, "If You Don't Want My Love" by The Sunglows and "My Love" by The Five Diamonds (really wish sound was better on this one). Lots of early R&B sounds.

3 out of 10

Celestial Doo-Wops

Highlights on this compilation include "Oh Little Star" by The Deans, "Heartbreaking Moon" by The Victorians, "Sun Will Shine Again" by The Adelphis, "Moonrise" by The Terrans and "The Stars" by The Ocapellos. Good sound quality all the way through.
5 out of 10