If butter melts in your mouth, the Alley Cats arrangement of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" will melt in your mind! It is beautiful, smooth, and just melts away the bands of every day tensions from around the heart. Then you'll just have to swoon to one of the sweetest versions of "Only You" which you will ever hear. Thank goodness they launch into a upbeat "Blue Moon" or you would end up in a emotional puddle on the floor! If you ever were touched by the romantic songs of the fifties and sixties (and a sound alike or two from the seventies), this recording is for you. Frankly, we've never heard a better recording of era's music. The voices are beautiful, the slides into falsetto breaks is seamless, and the arrangements keep true to the originals while filling out the instrumental parts with vocals. The Alley Cats have presented all of the greatest songs of an era, "Silhouettes," "Twilight Time," "Earth Angel," "Stand By Me," and more, sixteen cuts in all. The tempos and arrangements vary so you never become complacent and let a tune slide by out of predictability, but rather have to pay attention to each sweet riff. We gush, we enthuse, and we have only this to add, "yip yip yip yip, mum mum mum mum, get a job!" With your first paycheck be sure to get the Alley Cats, "Strike 32." Songlist

Listen to "At the Hop/Jump Jive 'n Wail" and "Rockin' Robin"

The Alley Cats, from Southern California, are your destination for fun! This four piece doo wop group also incoporates classics such as "Barbara Ann" and "La Bamba" into their terrific repertoire, which includes can't-miss hits like "Under the Boardwalk" and "Why Do Fools Fall in Love." They mimic psychedelic guitar twanging on "Love Potion #9" and sizzle with finger-snappin' energy on the arpeggiated chords of "Rock and Roll is Here to Stay." "Runaround Sue" crackles with energy and humor-these guys are clearly veteran performers. A highly professional and entertaining recording. These Alley Cats will win you over! Songlist

The enthusiasm of the Alley Cats is so infectious and their energy so buoyant that they can make you like any song they sing. It's true! Having gotten their start at Disneyland's "Magic Kingdom," they exhibit a merry disposition that bursts through even on CD-they cannot be contained! A host of classic tunes such as "Book Of Love," "Don't Be Cruel" and "Duke Of Earl," which could be perfunctory in lesser hands, are pounced on by the Alley Cats, and are the better for it. The arrangements are familiar but with a little added pizazz (we'd encourage more!), the intonation crisp, the rhythms fluid. Songlist

The Blue Stars recorded and performed from the mid-1970s to their excellent a cappella recordings for the Clifton label in the early 90s. This CD contains the 16 cuts from the United in Group Harmony Association Award-winning 1991 release "Blue Velvet," plus 9 previously unreleased cuts recorded from 1994 to 1996. The group's covers concentrate on legendary groups and classic 50s versions. This is exuberant, street-corner doo-wop and lots of it, heavy on the harmony! There's a list of the 25 songs in the liner notes, followed by the name of the group that recorded it, the label, the year and the member of the Stars who's singing lead. From relatively unknown hits like the Marcels' "Sweet Was The Wine," the Five Keys' "Deep In My Heart" and the 4 Vagabonds' "Rosy the Riveter" to better known hits like the Clovers' "Blue Velvet" and the Chords' "Sh-Boom," this is all authentic, soulful stuff. The Stars shine on "Rhapsody!"

Jack, Ed, Jack and Bobby, the Boomerz, are Barbershoppers returning to their Doo-Wop roots! They were raised on Doo-Wop, singing and lip-synching when they were as young as six. After that it was at least ten years (with Ed putting in an amazing 31 years) singing in Barbershop groups. Their love of Doo-Wop brought them together, and the Boomerz have the sweet, soulful sound (some of the best falsetto we've heard on a Doo-Wop CD) that made everyone who heard it on the radio in the 50s and 60s fall in love. 12 songs, "I Wonder Why," "That's My Desire," the excellent "Streets Of The Bronx" (a new one to us), "Come Go With Me," "One Summer Night," "Sometimes (When I'm All Alone)," "Tonight, Could Be The Night," the classic "Western Movies," "All I Have To Do Is Dream," "Barbara Ann," "Little Star" and "Gloria." Great B-shop harmonies, Doo-Wop tunes¶who could ask for more? Songlist

Every member of all male quintet The Boulevards has paid some serious dues. Gary, Brian and Tony, for instance, were raised in the Bronx and started harmonizing at ages 17, 16 and 12 respectively, forming and singing with numerous original Doo-Wop groups. Not surprisingly, their 18-song selection for "Road" concentrates mainly on legendary 1950's NYC area group recordings: the Skyliners' "Lonely Way," the Embers' "Please Mr. Sun," the Belmonts' "Where or When," the Moonglows' "Over and Over Again," the 5 Satins' romantic "To The Aisle," the Students' "I'm So Young," the Harptones' "That's the Way It Goes," the Five Discs' "I Remember," the Dominoes' "Stardust," the Drifters' "What'Cha Gonna Do" and the Teenagers' "Out In The Cold Again." We're hearing a number of these songs for the first time, and there's a lot of good stuff here, sung by the sweet-harmonizing, authentic Boulevards!

Listen to To The Aisle in Real Audio

Naples, Florida's own Brylcream, 'A Little Dab of Doo-Wop,' is John 'Wopp' Mina, Richie Beattie, Tom 'Cool-T' Welter, Gary 'G Man' Groneman and Ray 'Wolfman' Conklin. 'Rockin'' has 16 tight, sweet Doo-Wop standards: 'Barbara Ann,' 'Lion Sleeps Tonight,' 'Book of Love,' 'River of Dreams,' 'Teardrops,' 'Run Around Sue,' 'Mr. Blue,' 'Teenager In Love,' our personal favorite, 'Rockin' The Neighborhood,' and 'Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay' - and if anyone needs proof of that, just listen to Brylcream, some of the best Doo-Woppers we've heard. All A Cappella. Songlist

Listen to "Barbara Ann" in Real Audio.

Pull up a street corner and enjoy the tight, sweet harmonies of Brylcream, from Naples, Florida, which is John "Wopp" Mina, Richie Beattie, Tom "Cool-T" Welter, "Billy D" Louth, and Randy "Rep" Porter. All covers, several nicely arranged by John Mina. Some favorites: "Trickle, Trickle," "Duke of Earl," "Bring It On Home," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," "Silhouettes," "All Shook Up," "In The Still of the Night," and "Gloria." The obligatory warning for purists: about half of the songs are accompanied by the "Lords of Cool." But make no mistake, Brylcream sings them slick, smooth & creamy, and a "Little Dab" didn't do us - we want more! Songlist

Listen to "Trickle, Trickle" in Real Audio.

The Cadillacs A Capella are Marty Worwood, baritone, Susan Crump, soprano, Todd Russell, tenor, Denise Palfreyman, alto and Wade Lindstrom, bass, and this CD was recorded live in May, 2000. There are 21 standards here, with the group's usual show patter in between songs. It's hard to pick some favorites here: 'Sha Boom,' 'Its In His Kiss,' 'Runaround Sue,' 'Beach Boy's Medley (accompanied),' 'Little Bitty Pretty One,' 'Blue Moon,' 'Elvis Medley,' 'Duke of Earl' and of course ending with 'Goodnight, Sweetheart.' It's clear that the Cadillacs have paid their dues, can belt out the oldies, and they're having a great time up there - which adds up to a fun show and a fun Doo-Wop CD! Songlist

The Cadillacs A Capella are Marty Worwood, baritone, Susan Crump, soprano, Todd Russell, tenor, Denise Palfreyman, alto and Wade Lindstrom, bass, and this CD was recorded live in May, 2000. There are 21 standards here, with the group's usual show patter in between songs. It's hard to pick some favorites here: 'Sha Boom,' 'Its In His Kiss,' 'Runaround Sue,' 'Beach Boy's Medley (accompanied),' 'Little Bitty Pretty One,' 'Blue Moon,' 'Elvis Medley,' 'Duke of Earl' and of course ending with 'Goodnight, Sweetheart.' It's clear that the Cadillacs have paid their dues, can belt out the oldies, and they're having a great time up there - which adds up to a fun show and a fun Doo-Wop CD! Songlist

Emerging from the now famous "Relic Rack" scene in New Jersey, the Chessmen were part of the early sixties integration of rhythm & blues, gospel and rock 'n roll. With a bass singer who could go lower than low, the Chessmen, who wrote most of their own tunes, established a following and were one of the first groups to sing live acappella on the "Times Square" radio show, popular at the time. Songs like "I Apologize" and "That's My Desire" are typical of their robust and dynamic sound, which is characterized by prominent bass parts, athletic leads and chunky backing chords. Songlist

Early on in the flourishing of doo-wop music there was the beginning of an evolutionary division into the tributaries which led to popular music and that which led to R&B. Choice is a group of five students and practitioners of this second tributary which has so enriched American culture. They pick tunes which might not be as well known as the often covered standards, but after all they are keeping a heritage alive. You'll hear "If I May" as they learned it from Nat King Cole & The Four Knights' 1955 recording for Capitol. Or how about listening closely to "Chicken Blues" which they heard the Domino's sing on the 1950 recording; catch that vocal horn break! As for the group itself, there are three tenors, a baritone and a bass. This is one fabulous recording! Jersey City, one of the centers of vocal harmony in the U.S. has another set of favorite sons to proclaim to the world! Songlist

Producer Ronnie Italiano, Clifton Music's "Ronnie I," presents some authentic New Jersey Doo Wop by his Cliftonaires, who consist of two of the finest female singers on today's scene and 4 outstanding veteran male singers. The song selection on the 21 songs pays tribute to the legendary era of classic 1950s R&B Group recordings with bass Jack Scandura's fine arrangements. Some favorites: "How Sentimental Can I Be," "Angel and A Rose," "Blue Moon," "P.S. I Love You," "To Be Loved," "Dream," "Chapel of Dreams," "Skylark," "When I Fall In Love," "Night and Day," "I Found A New Baby," "Wedding Bells" and "I'll Be Seeing You." This is the good stuff! Songlists

Five active and retired law enforcement officers from Washington D.C. are the Doo Wop Cops. They are one of those groups who have serious careers and have had to put aside the early musical training each member had while growing up. They found one another in 1985 and the music just wouldn't be denied. They've performed with the Persuasions, Chuck Berry, The Drifters, Stevie Wonder and many more. We'll not pay attention to the numerous Presidential performances but will mentioned that they were picked by Gen. Colin Powell out of the hundreds of offers to perform at his retirement. They are great singers. There is a joyous over the top feeling to the music of these men who generally use their performances to inspire young people in their schools and neighborhoods. Let us tell you, if they weren't such devoted public servants we'd advise them to quit their day jobs in a second! Songlist

The male quintet The Dachays (pronounced Da-shays) have Doo-Wop roots going back to the 1960s. Their love of the music and of harmonizing together led them into the studio, and some very fine buttery-harmonied doo-wop was the result. "Lonely Way," "So Fine," "Teardrops," "Our Day Will Come," the classic Brian Wilson anthem "In My Room," "My Girl Friend," "United In Group Harmony," "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart," "Tonight Medley," "What Time Is It?," and an original by Mike Binder of the group, "The Girl In The Light (Reminds Me Of You). There is some light accompaniment on "Our Day Will Come" and "Girl In The Light," percussion and 12-string guitar by Mike. It's clear these guys have big fun on streetcorners, and we're invited to hang out! Songlist

CARA nominated for "I Go To Pieces," (not the Patsy Cline song, though the sentiments are along the same lines), the Dachays are an enthusiastic doo-wop group that covers favorites such as "Rock and Roll Lullaby," "Morse Code Of Love " and "Diamonds and Pearls." Originally formed in the early 1960's, their five voices have a full round sound; the arrangements utilize the proven devices common to the style-the characteristic phrasing, high falsetto and burly bass, and doubled voicings. They reunited a few years ago to pursue the music that remains tried and true-doo wop performed and recorded for the sheer love of it! Songlist

The Delmonicos were originally formed in Manhattan in 1959. In their early years they performed in clubs such as the Copacabana, Peppermint Lounge and Camelot. In 1963 they recorded a couple of 45's and enjoyed considerable local success singing in the style of the classic 1950's NYC groups. They reunited in 1986 to perform for the United In Group Harmony Association's 10th year celebration and have continued to perform since that reunion. The current lineup features three of the original members and, recently, a band to enhance their performance package. You will hear the unmistakable bass of Gary Knight and the original Mr. Delmonico himself, Joe Cariati, with his stunning leads and soaring falsettos. Take a journey back into the world of the Dubs, The Platters, The Spaniels, Flamingos and more! Songlist

The Heartspinners' sound started with Dino in 1952. As the R&B vocal group sound emerged in the 50s, Dino embraced the music and became part of it. Many members came and went from the group, and Dino penned hundreds of songs about love, heartbreak and rock n’ roll. He sang with an unmistakable style, joined by Rich, his bass man through all the ups and downs. "Lost Tapes" are from the Heartspinners' heyday, and the tunes, most of which are new to us, are wonderful: the a cappella "Rock N' Roll Just For You Intro" and "The Bells of Love," "You Broke My Heart," "Merry Go Round," "Gee," "Over and Over Again," "Troubles," "Doll Baby," a nice Doo Wop version of "White Cliffs of Dover," "Pure Rock N' Roll" and "The Heartspinners Sing the Blues." Dino's stuff sounds great! Songlist

The Encounters have been together as a singing group for nearly 40 years. (Favorites with audiences and critics, their latest Collectables release "Don't Stop" was nominated as "Album of the Year" and "Song of the Year" by the Contemporary Acappella Society). On this disc, acappella gems such as "Would You Still Be My Girl", "House Where Lovers Dream", and "What Did Daddy Do" get the street corner touch The Encounters are famous for. Songlist

This release, on the Collectables label, features three currently performing a cappella groups: Frankie and the Fashions, The Encounters, and the Balladeers, with their versions of renowned hits. The Five Satins' "In the Still Of The Night," considered one of the great R & B influenced doo-wop songs of all time (though it never broke the top twenty of the national charts when it was released) is covered by Frankie & the Fashions. The Balladeers' take on the Drifters' "Fools Fall In Love" is one of the best cuts overall, with the group making the most of the simple but effective arrangement. Songlist

The Encounters started singing together on street corners in Brooklyn in 1963, releasing "Don't Stop" on the Swan Label in 1964. Pete Milazzo and Charlie DiComo have been in the group from the start, and Mike Levy came aboard in 1966. Roy Hutchings and Pete DeBenedetto joined in 1991. These guys sing "deep" doo-wop with a style that is all their own. 17 tracks in all, including "Lorraine," "Because of You," "Crazy Bells," and of course the title tune. Roots Brooklyn Doo-Wop! Songlist

From that hotbed of a cappella music to the north, Canada, comes a young, high energy quintet who are devoting their harmonious labors on this album to the art of the doo-wop, particularly the early 60's style. "Sixteen Candles," "Runaround Sue," "So Much In Love," "Come Go With Me," and "The Way You Do The Things You Do" are a partial list of the tunes, 14 in all. You can thoroughly enjoy a moment of nostalgia or enjoy those oldies anew as the harmonies are tight and rich, the bass is solid and the tunes are all from an era of great schmaltz and great vocalization, a virtual golden age of acappella. (For spelling information see the Belmont's review) Songlist

Listen to "December 1963 (Oh What A Night)" in Real Audio.

Contemporary Canadian doo-woppers the Essentials have turned out two tight and tuneful CD's so far. This third, live recording is really a tribute to classic rock and pop, what with relentlessly infectious songs such as "Stay," "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Some Kind Of Wonderful." Keeping a constant tempo are drums on many tracks. "December, 1963" (a big hit for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) works both sides of the audio spectrum, high and low; the four cut loose on "Kiss Him Goodbye," the lead vocal intensifying into a throaty growl, the bass punctuating the concentrated harmonies working feverishly above. "Change In My Life" and "Lion Sleeps Tonight" are "essentially" a cappella. Songlist

"Hotter than a drive-in on a July night, smoother than a pocketful of jello... Here are The Fabulous Delacardos" That's what it says right here on the notes!We've never had a pocket full of jello, ourselves. In 1981 for a 20th class reunion of one of the members, the five men and one woman decided to recreate the music they loved as they grew up. They sing a New York style with a distinctly southern twist for they are from Tennessee. As an aside, the fine woman's voice you will hear belongs to Christy Little who ran for a Juvenile Court Judge in 1998.The 28 tunes are those that any one who went to high school in the late fifties or early sixties will have to remember fondly, or else turn in your Baby Boomer ID. Songlist

One of the early mixed groups (two Blacks, a Jew, a Pole and a Puerto Rican), the 5 Delights had a couple of hit singles in the late 1950's. This recording was made in a basement with one monaural mike in 1960 "while the guys passed around a bottle of J &B," according to the legend. Drawing material from a variety of sources, the group compiled a diverse set list: "Begin the Beguine," "You Send Me," "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "I'm In The Mood For Love" are highlights. Some tunes, such as "Whatcha Gonna Do," have a gospel feel; "Dearest Darling" is a smooth slow dance number.
Songlist

The Five Jades formed in New York in 1963, and their career continued, albeit with some interruptions due to a series of personnel changes, through the 1980's. Originally released on Relic, this first recording by the Jades was "reconstructed," as the original masters were fatally compromised. The group's concept was to adapt popular R & B tunes and record them as a cappella versions, such as "That's The Way It Goes," (Harptones) and "When I Fall In Love" (Flamingos), though they also had several original tunes of their own. Their material indicates a preference for jazz flavored four part chords. The Five Jades were founded by three brothers, Hector, David and Richard Rosado.
Songlist

5/3 Woodland's logo is 4 guys singing under a street light, and it was on street corners in South Philly that these four boyhood friends got togerher. In 1993, original member Gene Volpe brought them together to sing on stage just one time, to see what it was like. The performance was well-received, and 5/3 was both hooked and formed. "Easy" is their first CD, and is a labor of love, a love of a cappella doo-wop singing. 21 songs, sung with spirit and joy‹some favorites: "Good Old A Cappella," Brian Wilson's sweet falsetto ballad, "In My Room," Lennon/McCartney's "This Boy," Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang," "Lovers Never Say Goodbye," Johnny Otis' "So Fine," "Come Go With Me/That'll Be The Day," "Old Man River," "Where or When" and "Bop Till You Drop." An excellent debut CD for 5/3, who have the bright, spot-on-key, sweet falsetto, deep-bass sound we like to hear in top-drawer Doo-Wop groups!

Founded in 1997, all-male Doo Wop quartet 4 Ever Young, from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, is the brainchild of Bruce Smith, who set out to assemble an a cappella Doo-Wop group to help keep alive the music he used to sing on the streets of Brooklyn, NY, and perform with the Deacons and the Montclairs in the 50s and 60s. 16 Doo-Wop standards, 'Barbara Ann,' 'So Much In Love, 'Sunday Kind of Love,' Book of Love,' 'Blue Moon,' 'At My Front Door,' '409,' 'In the Still of the Night,' 'Monster Mash,' 'Charlie Brown'... you get the idea. There's also a pretty cool cover of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' as a Doo-Wop song. These guys are smooth as silk, professional, authentic and spot on key - one of the best Doo-Wop CDs we've heard this year!

It was in the Little Italy neighborhood of West Philly that four teenagers formed a band inspired by the music of Dion & The Belmonts, The Earls and Little Anthony & The Imperials. You could hear them on the corner of 49th St. In April of 1964 they recorded a song called "Funny Girl" which was never released because their manager died just after the track was cut. Through this tragic circumstance the group never went commercial but did continue to just cruise around Philadelphia and share street corner symphonies with other groups, alternating songs for their own pleasure and that of passersby. Thirty-three years later lead singer Frankie Lafaro (who has been called the Frank Sinatra of doo-wop) and the four Fashions finally recorded both some of the tunes they have sung all their lives and some of Frankie's originals. Songlist

Frank Sinatra had an unfailing instinct for great material. This tribute album, from Philadelphia's Frank Lafaro and his Fashions, contains signature songs such as "Strangers In The Night," "It Was A Very Good Year," "Night and Day," "Something Stupid," "My Way," "New York, New York" and thirteen more. The melody lines are more-or-less true to the original versions, but most of the arrangements are revised in the doo-wop style, such as "All The Way" and "Summer Wind," where nonsense syllables are the accompaniment and falsetto embellishes the intro and outro. Frank Lafaro does a pretty credible Sinatra and obviously relishes the opportunity to stand in for "Ol' Blue Eyes." Songlist

The Gel Caps are Steve Tucker, Dana Buck, Andrew Gorney and Mike Reed, four sunglass-wearing cool guys who've been gathering fans at car shows, bars, parties and other events throughout lower Michigan since 1989, doing street corner doo-wop. There are numerous theories concerning the origin of the group's name, but the liner notes say that our guess is "as good as anybody else's." Some of our favorite cuts: "What's Your Name," "Don't That Prove I Love You," "My Girl," and "When I Woke Up This Morning" and "Under The Boardwalk," "Zombie Jamboree" and "1000 Miles Away." OK, these guys aren't The Temptations, but they're up there singing the hits and having a good time, and it's infectious. And for infection, Take Two... Songlist

When we want to hear authentic Doo Wop, we think of Indiana. That's right, Indiana—4-man, 1-woman Harbor Lights is the real deal, with the genuine New York Doo Wop sound. On "Almost" they nail Doo Wop standards like "Come Go With Me," "Little Star," "Pretty Little Angel Eyes" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." They add a female lead to Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," and reinterpret pop hits like the Temptations' "Just My Imagination" and Peter & Gordon's "I Go To Pieces" becomes an a cappella classic. Ricky Nelson's "Poor Little Fool" is a sweet, nostalgic winner, as is Richie Valens' "Donna." Some accompaniment. "Almost" is the soul of East Coast Doo Wop from America's heartland!

Listen to Gee Wiz in Real Audio

"A­Capella New Orleans" by local favorites Jay, Ray & Gee is a generous helping of soulful Doo-Wop, tasty as a hot mess of Cajun shrimp. "Runaround Sue," "Save The Last Dance for Me," "Who Wrote the Book of Love?," the Otis Redding anthem "Dock of the Bay," "Don­t Know Much About History," "Games People Play," Van Morrison­s "Brown-Eyed Girl," "I­ll Be There," "In the Still of the Night," "Let It Whip," "Kiss and Say Goodbye," finishing with the spirituals "This Little Light of Mine" and "Savior, Hear My Humble Cry." These guys have paid some dues, you can hear it in their voices, and we would fly to New Orleans just to catch some of their authentic, roots Doo-Wop live at some funky Big Easy bar! Songlist

New Orleans is home to some of the best music around, so finding this CD of A'capella Doo Wop New Orleans style was simply a treat. The songs are familiar favorites of traditional, motown, funk, calypso and childhood past that will keep you singing along with Jay-Ray and all of his friends. Fresh from the studio and without any technical manipulations to the recording, A'capella New Orleans is raw and unadulterated fun. When you pop this CD into the stereo, have no expectations; just enjoy the songs and the pleasure that went into singing them. Songlist

Jay-Ray & Gee is Reginald Ringo, Raymond Marshall, Jerome Alexander, George Hunter and Arthur Groce, and Acappella New Orleans - No Cover Charge, their second CD, is a tasty buffet of New Orleans Music: Creole, Jazz, R&B and Gospel, not to mention Reggae and street corner Doo-Wop. There are 22 songs here: "Down By the Riverside," "Glory, Glory Hallelujah," "Dry Bones in the Valley," "When He Calls Me," and "Old Man Abraham" mixes Gospel with a funky beat. Then we have the street corner Doo-Wop feel of "Another Saturday Night," "Rockin' Robin," "Groovy Situation," "Hey, Pocky Way," "Shoo-Fly," and a rollicking "Hambone." There's the soulful "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," "So Much In Love," "Summertime" and "Amazing Grace." "Hold 'Em Joe" is a reggae delight. This is fun stuff - the guys are having a great time (some cuts are live) and it's infectious. The first CD was excellent, this is even better - keep it up, guys! Songlist

The Jukes sing us a selection of familiar tunes from the opening "Higher And Higher" to the Caribbean rhythm on "Kiss The Girl." The songs are delivered in a clean straightforward manner by this Tennessee mixed quintet. They have not over embellished either in the studio work or arrangements and thus these familiar tunes sound fresh through many listenings. There's the rural element present in "Who Stole The Chicken," doo-wop "In The Still Of The Night," "Silhouettes On The Shade" and "Teenager In Love." A couple of gospel tunes round out the delightful and familiar mix. Songlist

The Laferos is Frankie Lafero harmonizing with himself, and we bet he had a good laugh coming up with the "group" name! You know Frank, from West Philly, who formed Frankie and the Fashions in 1963 - well, this gifted performer went into a studio and laid down all the vocal parts on this CD, one by one. There are great covers: "Earth Angel," "Remember Nina," "It's Only Make Believe," "Sea of Love," "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me," "Dream Lover," and a treat, two of Frank's originals, "I'll Never Love Again," and "Making Love for the First Time." We can say without fear of contradiction that the voices on Acappella Serenades are perfectly matched, and although we're not expecting a live tour anytime soon, this is some of the smoothest and sweetest doo-wop we've heard! Songlist

The Larkings are a quintet of singers from Brooklyn each of whom have been harmonizing all their lives. One member was singing for nickels at age five! Bass singer Bernard "BJ" Jones has sung for the Drifters and The Persuasions. What the five have created, after almost three years in the studio, is a labor of love. The selection of twenty-one songs come mostly form the mid 1950s for that was the golden age of doo-wop music which was relegated to the back burner by The Beatles' and "the British Invasion" of the early sixties. The Larkings have consciously emulated the original arrangements as a tribute to the great doo-wop groups of that time. So they give tribute to the Nutmegs, The Moonglows, The Cadillacs, Five Keys, Spiders, El Dorados, The Dells and more on this very special recording. Songlist

The Magic Touch is Bob Cardany, bass, lead, Tony Giorgi tenor, lead, Dennis Hurlie first tenor, lead, Tom Kelleher, baritone, and Jim Santrello, tenor, lead. All these guys have been singing doo-wop on street corners and professionally for decades. 26 songs here, including some originals like "The Father of the Bride," written by Tom Kelleher. Some of our favorites are "Buzz, Buzz Buzz," "Under the Boardwalk," "Blue Moon," "When You Dance," "Trickle, Trickle" and "Streets Of The Bronx." All a cappella, from Starlight Discs. Songlist

There are some doo-wop groups from whom the clean, smooth, crisp sound just seems to flow like a street corner water fountain, like it did with the original groups who burst onto the airwaves in the 1950s and 60s. The 5-man Magic Touch is one of those groups, and 'Sincerely' just goes to show how appealing and timeless the combination of great arranging, soaring harmonies and classic material can be. Some favorites: 'Ain't No Woman Like The One I Love,' 'Just My Imagination,' 'Rama Lama Ding Dong,' 'Twilight Time,' Bobby Darin's 'Dream Lover' (OK, we know it was a hit for Del Shannon), 'In The Still of the Night' and the title tune, but we have to say that these are 19 of the best doo-wop tunes we've ever heard! Songlist

Beginning with this mixed (three black & two white) group's initial success with "Blue Moon," which was #1 on the Pop and R&B charts in 1961 (displacing none other than Elvis), the Marcels carved out an unmistakeable niche in the annals of pop history. It is their "bomp baba bomp...da dang da dang, da ding a dong ding" bass intro, heard on "Zoom," "That Lucky Old Sun" and others that is forever in the ear of every doo-wop audience, casual or otherwise. "Blue Moon" is not on this CD, but pretty much of the rest of the Marcels recorded output is; like many other groups, personnel departed more consistently than they remained, so some cuts are stronger than others. Signature songs such as "Summertime," "Over The Rainbow," "Sunday Kind Of Love" and "I Put The Bomp" display a flair and musicality a cut above the average and are terrific R & B tinged doo-wop. Songlist

Mike Mastrolia (The Acappella Kid) sings soaring leads for Memories of You, has been singing Doo-Wop since the late 50s when he recorded an album with The Fortells at age 16. The other four men have been paying their dues equally as long, and have nicknames like "Singin' Eddie" and "Mr. Bassman." 17 songs, from "Gloria," "Darling I Love You," "Chapel of Dreams" and "I'm So Young" to "My Juanita," "My Vow To You," "Sentimental Reasons" and, appropriately, "My Memories of You." This is authentic stuff, much of which is new to us, from five guys who know what they're Doo-Wopping! Songlist

Though we have scant information on this sextet, save that they come from Pennsylvania, we can say that their sound was obviously inspired by the great doo-wop groups like the Spaniels and Moonglows. This is a 1999 release, but, as their name implies, the singers of Memory Lane aren't about today. Their arrangements really capture the flavor of the genuine article, the performances have punch and authority, and the blend is earthy, thick and resonant. Favorite cuts include "California Dreamin'," "Mio Amore" and "I Like It Like That." Songlist

This is the Mighty Echoes second album although both were released at the same time! Echo Park is a cultural and racial melting pot which is next to Dodger Stadium. It is home to long established Hispanic and bohemian communities, similar to the communities in which doo-wop originated. The Echoes frequently perform jam sessions at L.A.'s famous Farmer's Market which is held in this area and their affection for that community of enthusiastic fans is the origin of the album title. You will mostly be regaled by tradition such as "Morse Code Of Love," "Unchained Melody," "Tell Me Why" and "OOH Baby Baby," but additional treats are the reggae "One Love / Stir It Up" and "Sweat/Dance To The Music" with the rap break thrown in. Doo-wop lives!! Songlist

Listen to "Unchained Melody" or "I Think We're Alone Now"

These guys have personality plus. Doo-wop and street corner harmonies only give a 'sort of' idea to their music shared on this, their first album which was released at the same time as their second. They start off doo-wop all right but immediately do Bruce Springsteen's "Factory." Then, thanking the Coasters, they proceed with a very funny arrangement of "Youngblood." Throughout the remainder of the fifteen cuts we are treated to lots of traditional oldies interspersed with Prince's "Doves Cry," Paul Simon & Joseph Shablala's "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" and Peter Townsend's "My Generation." But that's what you'd expect from a bunch of guys who have been featured on TV's "Who's The Boss," "Frank's Place" and "Murphy Brown," not to mention their roles as the singing firemen in the movie "Wilder Napalm." Songlist

Listen to "Rama Lama Ding Dong" in Real Audio.

A Moment's Pleasure is John Farrington, Herb Johnson, John Jones, Bill Keith and Bob Reilly, all guys with many, many years of a cappella singing experience. Herb Johnson, for instance, was the lead singer of The Cruisers who recorded "Have You Heard/Guilty" for Len Records in 1962, and Bill Keith is an original member of The Blendtones who recorded "Lights Please" for Don-El Records in 1957. 24 cuts, some of our favorites are "Finger Poppin' Time," "When I Fall In Love," "Diamonds And Pearls," "Baby, It's You"Ê heck, they're all good. From Starlight Discs. Songlist

Benny (Bird) Primetime Daniels, John Farrington, John Jones, Bill Keith and James (J.P.) Phillips are A Moment's Pleasure, and they sing polished, smooth, deep-bassed, close-harmony a cappella street corner doo-wop. Formed in 1982, all the group members have paid their dues (dues-wop?) big time, and it shows. 15 classic songs, from 'What's Your Name,' 'Farewell My Love,' 'Sitting In the Park' and 'Save the Last Dance for Me,' to 'Come Go with Me,' 'So Fine,' 'Sincerely' and 'Don't Leave Me Baby' - it's all great doo-wop with more of a 60s flavor without losing the vintage R& B 1950's sound!. Songlist

They just don't make 'em like this anymore. The emotion wrung from every note, the grit and rawness. The Moonglows were a seminal vocal group in the development of the sound between the vocal jazz and jubilee groups to the then ermerging doo wop sound. Smooth harmonies on this enjoyable recording.

Listen to Most of All in Real Audio.

I'd love to introduce you to these five leather-jacketed, authentic-looking older guys, but unfortunately the liner notes fail to tell us anything about them, such as their names and how long they've been singing together. But giving the CD a listen makes a few things clear: they can sing some pretty sweet Doo-Wop! There are 20 tracks here; "I'm So Young," "A Thousand Miles Away," "Duke of Earl," "The ABC's of Love" and "Little Girl of Mine" are standouts. The N.C. let their music do the talking! Songlist

Now & Then is a remarkable high school age group from New Rochelle, NY. Brian Angarola tenor and falsetto, Ross Benoliel, baritone, Jefferson Exinor, bass, and Michael Piedmont, high tenor, composer, lyricist and arranger. The group has performed in Switzerland, England, France, Austria, Germany, Italy and Holland, not to mention an appearance at Dominican College at the West Coast A Cappella Summit. There are 21 stone hits on this CD, theyÇre all there, including "Happy Days," "The Longest Time," "Donna," "Duke of Earl," "Why Do Fools Fall In Love," "In The Still Of The Night," and ending, of course, with "Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight." Another a cappella collection from Starlight Discs. Songlist

The history of the Nutmegs, formed in 1955 in Connecticut, was all too brief-aside from the typical struggles for recognition and fame that are familiar to any group, first tenor and songwriter Leroy Griffin's life was cut tragically short in a mysterious accident. They realized a modicum of early notoriety, but as subsequent releases failed to sell, the group broke up and then reformed, calling themselves "The Rajahs." Subsequently they recorded a number of tracks, many of which are collected here (several are previously unreleased, and three feature an unknown female vocalist). The group heralded the convergence of rhythm and blues vocal harmony with the advent of rock and roll. "Help Me" implores and entreats-notice how the back-up vocals create tension, which sets up the chord change to follow. "Shifting Sand" has a vigorous repeating figure throughout the verse, changing to block chords for the next section; it's great observing how the group's arrangements, though simple, are consistently creative; it's all the more impressive, given that they wrote their own songs (reproductions of some of Leroy's charts are included in the liner notes). Songlist

When you find a group of guys harmonizing and creating great new arrangements in a genre that's been around since before they were born, what do you call it? Not "Barbershop," wise guy - Contemporary Doo-Wop! Cleveland, Ohio-based, 5-man Partners in Rhyme are out of the basement and onto the streets and airwaves with some of the most fun, innovative and harmonic doo-wop we've heard. Their covers are well-chosen: "Time Of The Season," Otis Redding's "Dock Of The Bay," "Zombie Jamboree," "Amazed," "Little Darlin'," "Stand By Me," Steve Miller's "Rock 'N Me," James Taylor's "Handyman," Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs' "Lil' Red Riding Hood" (that segues into the Animals' "House of the Rising Sun"), Billy Joel's "River of Dreams," and "Kiss Him Goodbye." Fresh blood in a classic genre - "Seriously," this is good stuff!

A Perfect Blend is "Hollywood," Gary, Trina, Gibson "T" and Ernie. That's all we know from the liner notes, besides the names of the tunes and the fact that the CD was recorded at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia. But from the first notes of "The Sun's Message" to the lingering echoes of "Moonlight, Wine and Music," we know something else - these 5 can flat-out sing. We also know that the folks at Sigma know their business - this is as clean, crisp and on-key as any doo-wop CD we've heard. Easily handling complex arrangements like a fine sports car handles a mountain road, A Perfect Blend remains smooth, sweet and professional throughout. Mostly covers here, possibly a couple of originals (at least we haven't heard them before). Some of our favorites: "Smile," "A Change Is Gonna Come," "I Made It Through The Rain," "Silhouettes" and a rocking "Drip Drop," but they're all good. Suffice to say that this is one of the best doo-wop CDs we've heard, and the voices are, well, a Perfect Blend. Encore! Songlist

Gibson T Trowery had a dream. He wanted to create a harmony group which would rekindle the same excitement and discovery which were the hallmarks of the best of the doo-wop groups in the l950s. Through a long process of elimination he found a perfect blend of voices. They blew away audiences in Philadelphia and New York. They won the talent competition at the Apollo Theater on the nationally syndicated TV show "It's Showtime At The Apollo." If you're ready for your own personal 90s doo-wop revival start right here. Part of the blend that make it so perfect is Katrina, Gibson's wife, whose voice allows the group to move into the soul and R&B which shares the lineage of the early doo-wop groups. They do some of the Persuasions' songs so well that they will become the new standard for groups to live up to. They are fabulous! Songlist

In 1962 Jimmy 'Bro' Hayes invited the 30 or 40 guys he had been singing with at a basketball court to his house to get together a little group. Four guys showed up, and they went on to form pioneering a cappella legends The Persuasions. The last few albums of these giants of a cappella have applied their trademark harmonies to their favorite music-a gospel collection, a children's record, the music of Frank Zappa (who gave them their first record contract), the Beatles and the Grateful Dead. 'A Cappella Dreams' is a tasty smorgasbord of 15 hits. 'I Have a Dream' is a Solomon Burke song based on the words of Martin Luther King, three songs made famous by Elvis, Mac Davis' 'In the Ghetto,' 'Don't' and 'Good Luck Charm,' Tom Jones' 'She's A Lady,' Otis Redding's 'Dock of the Bay,' 'Ain't No Sunshine,' the Four Tops' 'When She Was My Girl,' the Brook Benton song 'Rainy Night in Georgia,' Percy Mayfield's 'Please Send Me Someone to Love'-these are anthems of a cappella soul. The Persuasions give us fans a gift with every recording and every live performance! Nice liner notes with all the lyrics.

This is the 3rd appearance of Pure Gold on the Collectables label. Pure Gold is Susan DeLuca, Ron Crawley, Frank Czuri, Robert Peckman and the deep bass of Sidney Hill, with the legendary Jimmy Beaumont of the Skyliners singing the lead on "You're Gonna Cry" and "Without You." In addition to those two, some of our favorites: "Little Girl of Mine," "Every Day of the Week," "Our Day Will Come," "Love Potion Number 9," "Every Beat of My Heart" and "Lover Boy." Sweet roots Doo-Wop, with a sound that's Pure Gold! Songlist

Join three of the most entertaining doo-wop groups performing today for a jubilant holiday sing-along, street corner style! Carols sung with soul and verve - a refreshing change from the traditional. Enjoy Reunion's version of The Shells' "Happy Holiday, " or "You're My Christmas Present," as originally sung by The Skyliners and now performed by Pure Gold. D.C.'s Finest (an acappella group comprised of current and former police officers) sings "Twas The Night Before Christmas/Silent Night" with shall we say, all the "conviction" they can muster. A CD overflowing with good cheer. Songlist

Five guys came out of the Somerset Housing Projects in Baltimore who sang anywhere and everywhere—at the Jack in the Box they were known as the Box Boys. That name changed to Regency, and with many collegiate music awards and some personnel changes later, the group tours over 300 universities and colleges a year. At 1 pm on June 27, 1994, Regency went into the recording studio to eat Philly steaks and fries, and to sing and sing some more. At 10 pm they had finished an incredible recording session, 21 songs completed a cappella without overdubs or studio trickery. Some favorites are a pair of Presley covers, "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog," Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode," Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti," The Righteous Bros' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," Sam Cooke's "Only Sixteen," James Brown's "I Got You," The Young Rascals' "Good Lovin'," "The Most Beautiful Girl In the World," the Isley Bros' "Shout," and "Day-O" (Banana Boat Song). This is the authentic street corner Doo Wop, with a bunch of guys who know each other as absolutely as they know the songs. This CD is a remarkable achievement and a real treat!

Rememberance, a four-man, one-woman Doo-Wop quintet, was formed in 1993 and has become one of the top a cappella groups in the New York-New Jersey area. 'Memories' is their second CD. 20 excellent covers, concentrating primarily on NYC-area groups from 1956 to 1966. Some favorites (most new to our ears): 'Brenda,' by the Cupids, 'Love Bound' by the Universals, 'Lorraine,' by the Bonnevilles, the Corvairs' (great name, unfortunately lousy car) 'True, True Love,' the Five Satins' 'All Mine,' the Jesters' 'Love No One But You,' and the Crests' sweet 'Six Nights A Week.' But the beauty of 'Memories' is that we could imagine we were listening to a reissue collection, Rememberance is that good and smooth-they've got the material and that sweet sound!

Reunion is a solid East Coast a cappella doo-wop group who have now recorded their second record on Collectables Records. This one is different. They have a guest artist joining them. Willie Winfield is the legendary singer of the Harptones who enjoyed an illustrious recording and stage career in the fifties and sixties, and still are in demand on the oldies circuit. When Willie joins the members of Reunion a true singing spirit of the street corner is invoked. He sings lead on five of the eighteen tunes, "On Sunday Afternoon," "My Memories Of You," "A Sunday Kind Of Love," "I Almost Lost My Mind" and "That's The Way It Goes." Let Willie Winfield and Reunion transport you back to that New Jersey street corner of yesteryear. Songlist

Three-time UGHA winners Reunion - no other group has had that distinction - have been singing together in various incarnations since the 1960's. They also competed in and won the "Acappella Showdown" in 1990 and 1991. This experience has resulted in a smooth fluid sound and crisp delivery; they avoid harshness. Their strong suit is the roundness and fullness of their tone. Their set list comprises the contemporary - Otis Redding's "Drift Away" or Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" - and the classic: the plaintive "I Believe" and uptempo "Where Are You Tonight?" Songlist

From the vaults of Ronnie I and Clifton Records, emerge twenty five Reunion favorites, from this perennially popular doo wop quintet. Still entertaining today, they formed in the 1980's, though the experience of individual members goes back way before that. They perform signature doo wop material such as "Wonderful Tonight" and "Looking For An Echo," some tunes the Persuasions recorded, such as "Man Oh Man" and "Buffalo Soldier," and also a bevy of pop classics, like Steve Stills "Love The One You're With." They're some crossover with their previous two releases, but most of these songs on this CD were from previously out-of-print recordings. Reunion won the UGHA Group of the Year Award three times, so check out what the hoopla is all about. Songlist

Rock N' Rhythm is Dennis Testa, an original member of Ray and the Darchaes who recorded "Little Girl So Fine" in 1962, First Tenor and Lead, Steve Siciliano, an original member of the Del-Rays, Second Tenor and Lead, Charlene Siciliano, First Tenor and Lead, Tony Vodola, Baritone, and Bill Wainwright, an original member of The Progressions, Bass. 18 songs, all a cappella brought to us by Starlight Discs. Some of our favorites: "Mickey's Monkey," "Havin' A Party," "The Loco-motion," Dylan's "Don't Think Twice," "Operator" and Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight." Sounds like our kind of party! Songlist

Originally released in 1966 on the Catamount label, the Counts were originally produced by Stan Krause, who also guided the Persuasions. Their sound, all a cappella, is clearly derived from the Motown soul brew that produced groups like the Temptations and the Four Tops, while retaining its basic doo-wop characteristics: nonsense syllables, falsetto running over the top and bass turnarounds. "Valerie," is a tragic outpouring of grief; the lead vocal doesn't sing as much as he sobs through his part. By the way, the group had three alternating lead singers, giving them an uncommon versatility. "Don't Have To Shop Around," "My Girl" "Too Young" plus twelve more. Songlist

A Cappella Soul" is the CD version of a groundbreaking lp released by this Jersey City, New Jersey all male quintet. The Counts were the first recognized a cappella group to bridge the then formidable barrier between doo-wop and soul. A forerunner of the Persuasions' soundthe Counts were widely admired and imitated by "hip" kids, and had a sizeable local following for the four years they were together, their airplay limited by the idea that a cappella doo-wop was a passing fad. They have a handful of originals written by the group on this CD, including the Introduction, "Chim Chim," "Gypsy Whoa" and "Got To Get A Little Closer," but their forte was a cappella covers of soul favorites like "Hey There Lonely Boy," "Tell Him," "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "Born To Love You," "Way Over There," "Isn't She Pretty," "No Man Is An Island" and "I Want A Girl." 17 amazing songs by one of the pioneers of a cappella doo-wop and soul.

Presented as "a tribute to the Authentic Roots, 1950's RnB Groups, "Destiny" is several cuts above your average Doo-Wop CD. First, the material concentrates on that of mid-50's groups, primarily those from Chicago and New York. Songs like the Pipes' "Be Fair," The Velours' "Romeo," The Crows' "Baby Doll," "Call A Doctor" and "I Love You So," The Orchids' "Newly Wed" and The Diablos' "The Wind"–these songs are the real thing, and take us back to the years when streetcorner Doo-Wop was a ticket for some very talented singers and songwriters into recording studios and onto the radio and tv. Clean, sweet, in-tune leads by 5 guys who have paid their dues, and the arrangements (by Tommie Shider), don't take the easy path of many groups. There's 23 songs, including two nice originals, the title tune and "UGHA." A couple of songs are accompanied, but trust us, "Destiny" is a treat by a group that takes care of business!

The Sheps are one of those rare groups which received almost instant success and public acclaim. Tommy Shinder formed the group in late 1992 after a long search for kindred spirits who loved to sing the music of the early R&B groups. Their name honors James Sheppard of both the Heartbeats and Limelites. In their first year of performing they won the UGHA's (United In Group Harmony Association) prestigious award, Rookie Of The Year-1993, and in unprecedented triumph were declared the Veteran Group Of The Year in 1994. This award winning quintet have their harmonic sensibilities firmly rooted in the 1950's as they emulate the Mellomoods ("Where Are You," "I'm Lost," "How Could You"), the Heartbeats, the Five Keys, Flamingos and more. Included is one original composition, the title track, "Me, My Tears and a Jukebox" which might have written in 1954 except it mentions all the groups they love. Great! Songlist

Formed in 1992, taking their name from the legendary lead singer of the Heartbeats, James Sheppard. Known for their authentic performance and recording of the classic 1950s Doo-Wop, this Christmas CD features songs, some with light percussion, most of which we have not heard before. 'Christmas Puts Jingle Bells in My Heart,' a bopping 'Santa Claus, Santa Claus,' the a cappella anthem 'My New Year's Prayer,' the nice original 'Give Your Heart For Christmas,' the a cappella lament 'She Took The Merry Out Of My Christmas' and the love song 'Christmas Is Over.' It's an authentic Christmas on the corner!

East Coast doo-wop group, whose five members ably perform oldies from a variety of styles _ the common denominator of which is that they are all great American music! R & B influenced vocal harmony groups ("Drifter's Medley") and first-generation rockers, a la Buddy Holly ("Maybe Baby"), both contributed to the doo-wop sound of the fifties and early sixties. In turn, those trends evolved into Motown ("Lonely Teardrops"), and the Brill Building pop of Neil Sedaka ("Rainy Day Bells"). The Showvinistics' arrangements of songs from each of these eras retain the integrity of the style, while adding subtle impact with their solid and confident vocals. Four tracks are accompanied. Songlist

Special Delivery has rapidly made a name for themselves since their formation in 1993, culminating in their award as 1998 A Cappella Group of the Year by the UGHA. True to their East Coast roots, their sound is fundamental doo-wop, as exemplified by the cut, "When You Dance": the airy falsetto in contrast to the beefy bottom end, the block chords ringing out "ooh" and "aah," the anthems to puppy love and dancing cheek-to-cheek. The eight piece group also includes the sixties anthem, "California Dreamin," "Lean On Me" and even "Blue Moon," bridging the gap between contemporary doo-wop and the original 'fifities groups in a nice mix of old and new. Songlist

Special Delivery is 8 hard-working guys from New Jersey who had their musical epiphany one night performing "It's Too Soon To Know." The ovation that followed was repeated when they offered "older classics" to subsequent audiences. "Be Anything..." is a tribute to the pioneer artists of R & B, and the group's love of the music is loud and clear. Standouts among the 17 choice cuts: The Ink Spots' "Flowers, Mr. Florist, Please," The Platters' "Only You," The Flamingos' "My Lovely One," and the title cut, by the Five Keys. Songlist

If you like tasty Doo-Wop, this CD is like a 15-slice pizza with everything! From the opening cut, "Ooh Child," through the 15th, "Lake County, Indiana," each slice is tight, fun and top-40 professional. Stormy Weather is Dave Sigler, Dave Mitchell, Cheryl DeRosier and Henry Farag. Gene "Duke of Earl" Chandler is guest lead on "Daddy's Home." Other standouts are "Kids Don't Play," "Speedo," and "Bread & Butter." D-I-D-W is Delicious! Songlist

Subtitled "a Christmas collection for kids," "Doo Wop Yule Pop" is just plain fun at any age. Contemporary doo-wop mixed quintet Stormy Weather are from Gary, Indiana, and their versions of "Jingle Bells," "A Yule Tide Aire," "Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer" and so many more (15 in all), are musically solid and amazingly creative. "Hardrock, Coco and Joe" and "Suzy Snowflake" are definitely directed at the little curtain climbers, who will be enthralled. "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" is anchored by a nimble vocal bass performance (bass takes the lead for two verses on "White Christmas"). "All I Want For Christmas" is reggaeized; "Hey Santa Claus," written by the Moonglows' Harvey Fuqua, (accompanied) swings hard. Last cut: "Lady Millenium," which will get you in the mood for New Year's Eve! Songlist

Featuring a guest line-up that makes us want to crash the backstage hospitality area to say hello, the Gary, Indiana based Stormy Weather turn the mikes over to the likes of Ronnie Spector ("Creation Of Love"), The Spaniels ("Santa's Lullabye," "Peace Of Mind") and the Chi-Lites ("It's The Time"). "Little Red Shoes," adds a tasty acoustic guitar part to the lead vocal by Rock 'n Roll Hall-Of-Famer Jerry Butler, and he sings it from the gut and the heart, that's for sure. Stormy Weather gets their turn, too, with "You're My Christmas Present," "Jingle Bell Rock," and others, but clearly, they enjoy sharing the credit with their talented associates. Songlist

Stormy Weather is Henry Farag, Jimmy Calinski, George Carl, Dave Sigler and Billy Shelton, and we have to say that these guys can womp-bop-a-loo-bomp the butts of a lot of Doo-Wop groups. OK, so there's your occasional accompaniment and Steve Milleresque taped radio sample for effect, but it's clear Stormy Weather has the vocal chops and soul not to need any of that. 15 choice cuts, and it's hard to choose standouts, but we'll pick a few: "Rock N Roll Lullabye," "Sixty Minute Man," "Since I Don't Have You," and Ry Cooder's "Crazy 'Bout An Automobile." You just know these guys are big fun live! Songlist

The 5-man Starlight Serenade is one of Boston's finest vocal groups, and they really deliver the goods on this CD. We've always felt that the key to great male doo-wop is a solid, heavy baritone-bass anchor (the whole genre being named after nonsense words usually sung by those yummy deep voices) and Baritone Jack Mento and Bass David Jackvony are two of the best we've heard. There are 16 classic songs here, some of our favorites: 'Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,' 'Little Darlin',' 'My True Story,' 'When I Come Home,' 'Blue Moon,' 'Little Girl of Mine,' 'Walking Along,' and the title tune, but it's hard to choose, as it's all good stuff. Rich-harmonied, deep-voiced doo-wop is like hot fudge on a hand-cranked vanilla ice cream sundae - the more the better! Songlist

Six Streetheart is SanD. Mann, Second soprano, Lisa Maciolek , First soprano, Betty Semel, First alto, Vicki Warnock, Second alto, and Patsy DiBella, Contralto. They're all New Jersey Girls, and this recording is a breath of fresh air in a doo wop world where men have pretty much cornered the market and marketed the (street) corners. StreetHeart is out to re-write the Book of Love, and they have the talent, harmonies and spirit to do it! The ladies trade solos on a series of Doo-Wop classics, from beautiful ballads: "When We Get Married," "Sincerely," "Could This Be Magic?," "He's Gone," to jump tunes: "Tonight's The Night," "Come Go With Me," "Rainy Day Bells," "No, No, No," and the wonderful "I Wonder Why" by Dion and the Belmonts. StreetHeart is serving notice, and the Jets and Sharks are looking over their shoulders! Songlist

Well researched and compiled selection of classics tracks by one of the most successful of the early 50's R&B groups. Featuring their years on the King label this recording is a treat for fans of the clear, clean, sweet sound of the early vocal harmony groups. 25 tracks

Listen to Please, Baby, Please in Real Audio.

There are exciting things going on in our doo-wop corner. This CD, from the group that began its career as "The Plazas" in 1966 (!) and is now known as First Things First, includes twenty-two amazing a cappella doo-wop favorites. With guest appearances by founding member of The Deep River Boys, Harry Douglas, (83 years of age!) on "St. Louis Blues" and "Dry Bones," this CD is a feel-good find. The warm tenor of "Just My Imagination," the sweet inspiration of "Change in My Life" that has the good will of church on Sunday, and the exuberance of "Yakety Yak" are enchanting, and evoke a sentiment that is missing in the sounds of today. The earnest declaration of "When We Are Made As One" will melt any heart. Songlist

"Together," the second CD of Things To Come, four smooth-singing, good-looking black men, is a soulful, Doo-Wop treat! 19 songs, some of our favorites are "Little Bitty Pretty One," The Jesters' "Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go," The Drifters' "Save The Last Dance for Me" and "Up On The Roof/Under The Boardwalk," The Moonglows' "My Diary," The Temptations' Motown hit "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" and Lenny Welsh's "Since I Fell For You." This is some sweet Doo-Wop from an excellent group right now, and we expect even better Things To Come.

All-male a cappella quintet The Third Edition was formed in 2000 by lead singer Ron Ruggiero of guys from Brooklyn or Queens who grew up loving the happy music at a time when a "threat of war" was the Paragons vs. the Jesters. 20 covers, some of our favorites: "My Juanita," "Teardrops," "I Believe," "Blue Moon," "When You Dance," "Fine Fine Frame" "To Be Loved" and "The Sun." Third Edition has the soaring vocals, deep-bass harmonies, group syncronicity and pitch to cover classic Doo-Wop songs as well or better than the originals, and that's what we're looking for in order to call a Doo-Wop CD.

It's 1957, and Tony Acaron and his buddies are singing a Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers song on the corner of 138th St. & Cypress Ave. in the Bronx. Taking their name from movie "The Robe," where Victor Mature" was made a Roman Tribune, the group recorded hit singles like 1962's "Code of Love" and appeared at The Apollo theater in Harlem and Birdland in NYC. Today, with some new voices, they're back, making new fans performing their music in NYC. 18 songs, some of our favorites: the title tune, "Solitaire," "Zoom," "Chapel of Dreams," "Erlene," "When I Fall In Love," "Valerie" and a great "Drifters Medley." This is the good deep-bass streetcorner stuff, the Doo-Wop that started it all!

Listen to "Drifter's Medley" in Real Audio.

These East Coast doo woppers capture the earnest innocence of the girl groups of the 'fifties. Featuring two altos, two sopranos and one lone fella on bass, the Variations specialize in less familiar songs recorded by the Crystals, Orlons, Capris, and many others (history included in the liner notes). Obviously a labor of love, "Wish You Were Here" reminds us what it was like to be a girl in the era of poodle skirts and malteds at the diner-ecstasy if he liked you, misery and pathos if he didn't. The trademark oohs and aahs, and plaintive vibrato implore ("Please Come Back to Me"), adore ("Heart Darling Angel") and admonish ("You Better Run"). The harmonies are well-executed and are nicely balanced by the bass register, resulting in a full, complete sound. A welcome addition to the doo-wop category. Songlist

Another example of a young group whose brief public exposure was over almost before it began, the Velvet Angels' career began in '62 or '63 and was history by '65. These recordings, some done at the Madison Hotel and the rest while the group practiced in a basement, reveal a gospel/R & B/doo-wop blend. For example, "Jungle Fever," an original written by Velvet Angel Robert Calhoun (he wrote many of the groups songs with Cy Iverson) is heavy on the gospel side of the scale, while "Be Ever Wonderful"'s lead is decidedly soul; "Since You've Been Gone" is uptempo finger-snappin'doo-wop, with the lead singing high at the top of his range. It's a shame that this is the sum total of the group's professional output. Songlist

It was in 1965 that Eddie Gries put together 20 acappella songs in the first Relic Record album, Best of Acappella Vol 1 (Relic #101). It featured cuts from the masters which Eddie had purchased from the proprietor of the famous Times Square Record Store, Irving "Slim" Rose. Additional cuts came from odd sources including the one that came from a tape found on the bathroom floor of the Times Square Record Store! One cut by the popular local group, the Savoys, was provided by Stan Krause's Catamount Records. Folks, this is history! The record came out and was a surprising success in the big city markets where streetcorner culture was huge. Our fascination with this recording is the fact that it is the very beginning of Relic Records. Songlist

It was still in 1965 that the second Relic Record was produced. The first was selling well in a streetcorner underground around New York City and Philadelphia. Eddie Gries and his partners decided to start producing their own acappella sessions. They began with the popular group, the Chessmen. The Holidays were a young group which auditioned right in the Times Square Record Shop. The Citadels were the first mixed group to record acappella, streetcorner style. The Youngtones were a young Latino group who almost made it big. This second record was rounded out with leased masters by the Delstars of "Zoop Bop" fame (remember them?) and the Five Jades. None of these songs had been released before Best of Acappella Vol 2. The CD is packaged with the same images which a adorned the original album jacket and includes the original album notes. Songlist

Yo! It's just now 1966. The British invasion is in full force, even in New York and New Jersey, the last bastion of doo-woppers. As most of the groups were composed of members seventeen to nineteen years old and the draft was going gangbusters, groups were disappearing right and left. But acappella survived in spite of the fact that it received no airplay except on WHBI-FM. Volume 3 introduces seven new groups, The Islanders, The Durhams, Count Five, Horizons, Nicky & Naks, the Apparitions and the Enchantments in addition to the two veterans, the Citadels and the Quotations. So you'll find the nine groups singing twenty tunes on this CD reissue. The digital restoration of the original tapes is a work of art. Relic's presentation is a fascinating slice of the history of acappella music.

By the time volume 4 was produced, even though it was still 1966, the sales of acappella were beginning to fall off but there was still enough interest to do just one more for people who loved the music. This recording was different in that there are the first two all girl acappella groups, ever. We mean girl groups. Ginger And The: Adorables, from West Orange, NJ, had three sixteen year old and two fourteen year old girls! The other all girl group was the Rondells. Little Joe and The Majestics could barely speak English and became the first recorded acappella in Spanish. There was another departure from the previous albums and that was a barbershop harmony song by the Notations. We're talking radical departure. This is the end of the beginning of the great Relic Records. They promoted a Vol 5 in these album notes but there is no evidence it was ever produced. Aah, the good old days! Songlist

More great tracks in this classic series from maestro Ronnie Italiano.

This CD rerelease is an important piece of history. It has to do with Stan Krause who started Catamount Records in 1964. Stan was an unabashed acappella fan who started his label while working the presses in his dad's record pressing plant, Kay Records. I Dig Acappella was put together by Stan and two friends, Bobby Miller who had a small acappella label of his own and "Uncle Steve" Piva who had a radio show called "Oldies Express" on WFDU-FM in Teaneck N.J. The recording was an article of faith in the emerging musical field of acappella and featured groups of varying talents who had recorded on their small labels. Stan started with amateur groups but went on to more polished performers such as the Royal Counts and The Persuasions and thereby was pivotal in creating today's field of a cappella music. I Dig Acappella features The Five Fashions, The Zircons, The Versailles and the Savoys. This is a historical gem. Songlist

17 Groups! 26 Selections! 6 Bonus Tracks! 5 Previously Unreleased Tracks! Yo, get yer classic doo-wopp street corner harmony here! Ronnie Italiano, affectionately and professionally known as Ronnie I, almost single-handedly is responsible for the flouishing doo-wopp scene. He created Clifton Records, Ronnie I Productions and is the founder of the United In Group Harmony Association. This is the first of two volumes of great street corner singing. Most of the recordings were made in the late seventies and 1980's. You will hear selections from the entire spectrum of performance in the doo-wopp style. We have the Computones, a rare mixed group, singing "The Only Love" with Brenda Mitchell on lead. Our favorite is Charm's live version of the World Was II song, "Rosie The Rivieter." It was originally recorded by the Four Vagabonds but the Charm version with the long Mills Brothers style horn arrangement is superb! Songlist

20 Groups!! 26 Selections!! 11 Previously Unreleased Tracks!! Sound familiar? It should for this is the second mega-release by Ronnie I Productions of great street corner singing by groups who so often had only local followings in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. Doo-wopp, streetcorner style usually consists of five parts: lead, 1st tenor, 2nd tenor, baritone and bass. You just have to hear the individual stylization that different groups bring to songs which make them uniquely their own. There's one guy in the group Street Corner Memories who can roll his tongue so accurately it's hard to believe! Jackie Bland is the female lead of Windsong, who, with a superb quartet backing sings "Imagination." Once again Ronnie I has packaged a primer of this uniquely American music. Songlist

Ronnie I and his Clifton Records continue to produce a proliferation of doo-wop CD's - this 1999 collection includes 15 previously-unreleased tracks, of 26 in total. Groups such as Charm, the Emerys, Camelots, Choice, Sheps and Attributes, some of whom never made it big, or even into the record books, but were nonetheless distinctive contributors to the doo-wop scene, are preserved on the Showdown Series. What an opportunity to check out rare and collector's cuts, from the Emerys' version of "Baby, Walk On In," (written by the Shells' Nathaniel Bouknight and Hiram Johnson), the Four Fellows performance of Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark" and the Attributes peformance of "So Much," as popularized by Little Anthony and the Imperials and written by Richard Barrett of the Valentines, one of New York's most representative doo-wop groups...a wealth of material!

A live recording featuring six contemporary doo-wop groups, billed as "an acappella tribute to R & B vocal group harmony," recreating the doo-wop classics of yesteryear (save Reunion, who throw a curveball by including Thin Lizzy's "Boys Are Back In Town"). As promoted by Ronnie I, Choice, the Delmonicos, Larkings, Reunion, Things To Come and the Valentinos (the only mixed male/female group)render their own interpretations of "I Like It Like That" (Spaniels), "Why Did You Have To Go" (Dells), "Story Untold" (Nutmegs), "Since I Don't Have You" (Skyliners) and "Memories Of You" (Harptones) and many more.

'All the Way' is a reissued collection, (originally recorded in 1967) of classic Doo-Wop, featuring the Atlantics, Hudsons, Variations, Ad-Libs and 2 bonus tracks by the Gentle-Tones. 18 tracks, most of which we are hearing for the first time, some of our favorites: 'Human' and 'New York In the Dark' by the Ad-Libs; 'Every Boy and Girl' and 'Now That The Thrill Is Gone' and 'Grand Hotel' by the Atlantics; The Hudsons' 'You're The Girl' and 'Everybody's Got A Home But Me;' and the Variations' 'Because of You,' and the very funny 'Beans;' and the Gentle-Tones' 'Darling' and 'It Was Never Meant To Be.' But basically, every cut is a treat here because these groups are talented, solid and have the sweet Doo-Wop harmonies down cold.

Listen to "Darling" and "It Was Never Meant to Be" by the Gentle-Tones in Real Audio.

'Philadelphia, in its heyday and today, is a place where a cappella Doo-Wop has been sung, recorded, appreciated and preserved. In that spirit, Ronnie I has brought together 6 of the best contemporary Doo-Wop groups in his recording studio, "Cornerstone," "5/3 Woodland," "Classic Harmony," "Steel Belted Radials," "Hearts of Stone" and "Street Corner 5" to record material from the mid-50s to early 60s. 13 of the 19 cuts were originated by NY or Philly groups. Favorites are "Shadows" by Cornerstone, "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" by Steel Belted Radials," "Babalu's Wedding Day" by 5/3 Woodland, "Stand By Me" by Hearts of Stone, "I'm So Young" by Classic Harmony and "Welcome Home" by Street Corner 5. There's a lot of material here we've never heard before, nicely done by some of the best Doo-Wop groups in Philly!

This is a best-of the genre grab bag on, appropriately enough, Doo-Wop Records. The Heartbeats' "A Thousand Miles Away" segues into Jive Five's "My True Story," the Chords' immortal "Sh-Boom" and "Coney Island Baby" by the Excellents. The Moonglows' "In My Diary," The Chimes' "Chop Chop," "I Remember" by the Five Discs, The Elegants' "What's Your Name," the Channels' "Bye Bye Baby," the Rob Roys' "Dream Girl," The Devotions' "Rip Van Winkle," The Earls' "Looking for My Baby" and the Ad Libs' "The Boy from New York City" (we just knew this was originally a Doo-Wop tune)—this is all good stuff. The cream of authentic roots Doo-Wop all on one CD—what could be better? Life could be a dream, but "30 Doo-Wop Favorites! Acappella!!" is real!

Early fans of Doo-Wop will know that Times Square Music first introduced the A Cappella sound to the New York area with "All Mine" by the Five Satins on the Nite Train show on WADO and the George Tucker Show on WINS. The label originally released "The Sound of the City," all unreleased a cappella songs from the 1960s, as an lp in 1965. 20 authentic tunes from the birth of Doo-Wop, some favorites: The Vitones' "La Di Da," The Tear Stains' "Too Young," Tommy & The Tears' "Punishment," The Knick Knoks' "Temptation," The Revlons' "I Lost My Job," The Memories' "Stop, Look & Listen," The El Sierros' "This Is The Nite," The Monty's "Teardrops" and the Nutmegs' "Roseanne." Sweet music from the day when you could go out on a streetcorner in the Bronx and harmonize with these guys!

New York City's Apollo Records was a key fifties R&B label that released great groups, blues and gospel. In their archives, however, was unearthed a treasure trove of audition tapes of early a cappella groups, The Casanovas, Miriam Grate & The Dovers, the Gentlemen, The Keynotes, and the Avalons. This is a collection of 20 of the best songs rescued from the dusty boxes in Apollo's warehouse: "A Star" and "Early One Morning" by the Keynotes, "Pleading from My Heart" and "Night Rider" by the Casanovas," The Dovers' tasty "My Love" and "Sweet as a Flower," "Baby Looka Here" by the The Avalons, and "Story of a Love Gone Cold" by the Gentlemen are some of our favorites. Most of these songs are new to us, and they showcase the raw talent and creativity of the early Doo-Wop scene, where dozens of groups were a record contract or some radio play away from a hit and stardom.

This is volume 10 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Lewis Lymon & The Teenchords, Fred Johnson & The Marcels, The Chalets, The Revelations, The Prospects, Angel & the Allures, Cornerstone, Neighbor's Complaint, Elements of Life, The Four Sevilles and Street Dreams. The tunes are all standards like 'Angel Baby,' 'For Your Precious Love,' 'Lean On Me' and 'What's Your Name' or might-have-been hits, like 'Way Beyond Today,' 'In A Fairy Tale' and 'Lily Maebelle.' No info on the groups, but a cool picture of Lewis Lymon (Frankie's brother?) & The Teenchords on the front.

Volume 11 of a doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. 20 cuts on this CD, The Jesters, BQE, The Ovations, A Moment's Pleasure, New Emage, The Four Sevilles and Neighbor's Complaint. The tunes are all doo-wop standards like 'Stand By Me,' 'All In The Game,' and 'Heart And Soul' or songs that might have been doo-wop hits, like 'Paper Castles,' 'I Need Your Kisses' and 'It's Summer.' A groovy picture of the Jesters is on the cover.

You know the drill–this is volume 12 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Dino & the Heartspinners, Charles Moffitt's Velours, Deja-Vu, The Four Sevilles, The Ovations, The Revelations, A Moment's Pleasure, and New Emage. The tunes are all doo-wop standards like 'Love Potion #9,' 'Ten Command-ments of Love,' 'Under the Boardwalk' and 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love' or songs that might have been doo-wop hits, like 'Mio Amore,' 'Sweetness' and 'Laura.' No info on the groups in the liner notes, but there's a vintage picture of the Velours is on the front, and a picture is worth...

Lovers of authentic, original remastered recordings of a cappella Doo-Wop will find a rich treasure in "Top 20." Of course we have heard most of these cuts before, but these excellent groups are all new to our ears. The Arrogants' versions of "Sh-Boom," "Get A Job," Who's That Knockin', and "Church Bells May Ring" are top-drawer, as are Norman Fox & the Rob Roys' "Dance Girl Dance" and "Tell Me Why." The Revelations weigh in with "Spanish Harlem," BQE sings "What Time Is It," "Sherry" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight;" John Kuse & the Excellents, Image, Yesterday's Today, Five Kings, Bravado, Dino and the Heartspinners, Lar-Kings, Tokens—the list, and the hits, go on and on. Open this one like a sweet, rich vintage wine straight from the 1950s and enjoy!

A Rhino collection of classic doo-wop ballads. Songs like "In The Still of the Night" mark the slower, more wistful tempo of this style. Ballad listeners know the strong, intimate, emotional attachment and nostalgia associated with these songs.