Acapella Doo Wop

49th St : 49th St

Review: 49th Street is the neighborhood in West Philadelphia where Frank Lafaro and his cousin Bob Croce sang street harmony, and where they formed Frankie and the Fashions in 1963. Frankie and Bob, plus fellow 'Fashions' member Frank DiSantis, who wrote 'I Wonder Where You Are' on this cd, are together again (with 5 others including Frankie's daughter Christin) in 49th Street, and the selections include pop, jazz, R&B, rock & Doo-Wop. Some standouts: 'Sherry,' 'I Wonder Where You Are,' 'Where Are You,' 'Don't Worry Baby,' 'Summertime,' and 'Dream.

Songlist: Moonlight Serenade, Sherry, I Wonder Where Your Are, Carry On, Where Are You, Garden of Love, Don't Worry Baby, The Closer You Are, Where or When, We Go, Summertime, You Don't Understand, For What It's Worth, Home Away From Home, Dream, Philly Bound

5 Boroughs : Christmas in Brooklyn

Review: Siobhan Daly, Steve Ward, Frank Iovino, Bruce Goldie, Dave Strum, Brian Daly are New York's Five Boroughs and have been delighting audiences with their top notch doo wop for many years. Here is their finger snapping doo wop Christmas recording with Dino and Spanky Pionegro.

Songlist: Mistletoe And Candy Cane, Christmas Is Near, The Chipmunk Song, The Only Thing I Want For Christmas Is You, Christmas Time In Brooklyn, Oh Holy Night, Like A Kid At Christmas, Only At Christmas, Silver Bells, White Christmas

5 Boroughs : Heart's Desire

Review: We love these collections of authentic, seldom-heard Doo Wop from Collectables Records, who find original street-corner a cappella groups like The Five Boroughs (actually seven guys), put them in a recording studio and present their sweet harmonies for all of us to enjoy! "Hearts Desire" has 17 soulful cuts, eight that are pure a cappella, the title tune, "I'll Stop Wanting You," "My Girlfriend," "Secret Love," "10 Commandments of Love," "Danny Boy," "Pennies from Heaven" and "Over the Rainbow;" eight accompanied by a band, such as "The Way You Look Tonight," "The Verdict," "Recess in Heaven," "Loraine," "Unchained Melody" and "Darling You," and one instrumental, "Harlem Nocturne." Most of these are standard covers, nicely done, and some we're hearing for the first time. All in all, "Heart's Desire" is a trip back to a simpler time, when you could hear a new, exciting American art form being born, on the radio, in a concert hall or even on a street corner!

Songlist: Heart's Desire, I'll Stop Wanting You, My Girlfriend, Secret Love, Ten Commandments of Love, Danny Boy, Pennies From Heaven, Over The Rainbow, The Way You Look Tonight, Until The Real Thing Comes Along, The Verdict, Recess In Heaven, Loraine, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Unchained Melody, Darling You, Harlem Nocturne

A Moments Pleasure : A Cappella

Review: 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" ... heck, they're all good. From Starlight Discs.

Songlist: Intro, Lovey Dovey, The Girl I Love, Baby It's You, Nobody Loves Me Like You, Be Sure My Love, Pain In My Heart, Time Makes You Change, Every Beat of My Heart, My Girl Awaits Me, Oh What A Nite, Finger Poppin' Time, Chapel of Dreams, My Dream, Jo Jo, My Plea, When I Fall in Love, Does She Love Me, The Coffee Grind, Can't Do Sixty No More, On Sunday Afternoon, Diamonds and Pearls, Without Love (There is Nothing), Outro

A Moments Pleasure : A New Beginning

Review: 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: What's Your Name?, Could This Be Magic, Farewell My Love, Sitting in the Park, Talking To My Heart, Save The Last Dance For Me, While Walking, Lost Love, Come Go With Me, So Fine, I Do, Sincerely, Peace Of Mind, Never Let Me Go, Don't Leave Me Baby

Alley Cats : Cat's Meow

Review: 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. A highly professional and entertaining recording.

Songlist: Rama Lama Ding Dong, Sh-Boom, Come Go With Me, Sixty Minute Man, At The Hop, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Book Of Love, Duke Of Earl, Little Darlin', In The Still Of The Night, Don't Be Cruel, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, Alley Cat Tag

Alley Cats : Cruisin'

Review: 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: A Cappella, Morse Code Of Love, I'll Never Fall In Love Again, Teenager In Love, Run Around Sue, Tears On My Pillow, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, The Wanderer, My Girl, La Bamba/Twist And Shout, What's Your Name, Barbara Ann, Under the Boardwalk, Love Potion #9, Rock 'N Roll Is Here To Stay

Alley Cats : Greatest Hits

Review: One of our favorite all-male Doo-Wop quartets of all time, The Alley Cats first got together for some streetcorner harmonizing at Fullerton College (CA) in 1987, were the Disney house Doo-Wop band and won the LA Harmony Sweeps Regional. So we had our chance to be blown away by their dynamic and hilarious live act at both the West Coast A Cappella Summit as well as at the Harmony Sweeps National Finals. "Greatest Hits" is of course a "Best Of," featuring winners like "Don't Be Cruel" and "Sh-Boom" from their best-selling CD "The Doo-Wop Drive-In Live;" "Remember Then" from the CD "Strike #!;" "Morse Code of Love" and "Love Potion #9" from "Cruisin';" "Little Darlin'," "Come Go With Me" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (the best we've ever heard it) from "The Cat's Meow;" plus two never released cuts, "The Longest Time" and "Unchained Melody." Also included are 5 stellar cuts from their new live show, "Bandstand Boogie," "Rock Around The Clock," "Sherry," "Higher and Higher" and Tennessee Ernie Ford's deathless top-40 hit "Sixteen Tons." And finally, the Cats' very first, very hot original Doo-Wop song, "You Make Me Weak!" "Greatest Hits" is a Doo-Wop party, Big Fun from first cut to the 17th-don't miss this one!

Songlist: You Make Me Weak, Bandstand Boogie, Rock Around the Clock, Sherry, Higher and Higher, Sixteen Tons, Come Go With Me, Little Darlin', The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Morse Code of Love, A Cappella, Love Potion #9, Remember Then, Don't Be Cruel, Sh' Boom, The Longest Time, Unchained Melody

Alley Cats : Strike 3

Review: 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: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Only You (And You Alone), Blue Moon, So In Love, Rockin' Robin, Silhouettes, Twilight Time, Stand By Me, Get A Job, Earth Angel, I Really Love You, Remember, Little Bitty Pretty One, At the Hop / Jump Jive 'n Wail, I Wonder Why, You Belong To Me

Allures, The : Acappella Starlight Sessions, Volume 1

Review: Each of the 4 members (3 men, 1 woman) of The Allures is a vocal group veteran of the 50s and 60s Doo Wop scene. Formed in 1983 at a United Group Harmony Show, The Allures have become an all-time favorite of the Doo-Wop circuit. Favorites among these 12 songs are "Gloria," "Why Won't You Believe Me," "Chapel of Dreams," "I Believe," "The Shrine of St. Cecilia," "Magic Moon" and "Last Night I Dreamed." We heard some of this material for the first time, and we enjoyed every cut!

Songlist: Gloria, Smoke From Your Cigarette, Why Why Won't You Believe Me, Love No One But You, Chapel Of Dreams, The Sun, I Believe, The Shrine Of Saint Cecila, This I Swear, Magic Moon, Last Night I Dreamed, Lovers Never Say Goodbye

Belmonts : Cigars, Acappella & Candy

Review: Acappella is the spelling of the classical a cappella when it refers to doo-wop and later to rock 'n roll. It evolved in the late '40s and by the late fifties had emerged into popular culture from the street corners, hallways, alleys and bathrooms where great echoes could be heard. The practitioners usually presented themselves to producers as acappella groups and then were relegated to background singing and stepped on by instrumentation. The Belmonts were named for Belmont Avenue in the Bronx, their hometown. Joining Dion in 1957 to create 'I Wonder Why' which went to #22, they continued as Dion And The Belmonts until 1960 when Dion went solo. In that collaborative period they had two #5 hits, 'Where Or When' and the cloying 'Teenager In Love.' After Dion's departure they had a couple of minor hits in the early '60s but had to wait to create this legacy to doo-wop music until 1972. It is, indubitably, a masterpiece.

Songlist: That's My Desire, Da Doo Ron Ron, Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever, Where On When, My Sweet Lord, Rock And Roll Lullabye, We Belong Together, Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye), Street Corner Symphony

Boomerz : Doo Wop

Review: 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: I Wonder Why, That's My Desire, Streets of the Bronx, Come Go With Me, One Summer Night, Sometimes (When I'm All Alone), Tonight, Could Be the Night, Western Movies, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Barabara Ann, Little Star, Gloria

Boomerz : Street Corner Harmony

Review: The five men of Tampa, FL, the Boomerz have a rich, deep-bassed Doo Wop sound and are blessed with good arrangements and song selection on these 16 authentic tunes. Listen to "Looking For an Echo," an amazing autobiographical song that also tells the story of Doo Wop. "In the Still of the Night," a Doo Wop "Over the Rainbow," the accompanied finger-snapping cover of the Earls¹ "Remember Then," the classic "Da Do Ron Ron," a sweet Boomerz original, "Sunday Kind of Love," "Rama Lama Ding Dong," a nicely done "Blue Moon," "Lonely Way," an interestingly up-speed arrangement of "Unchained Melody," "Tell Me Why," "Loving You," "Who¹s That Knocking," and finishing with a lovely "When I Fall In Love," these have the kind of harmonies that once attracted singers to streetcorners like moths to a flame!

Songlist: Just Over The Brooklyn Bridge, Looking For An Echo, Remember Then, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, In The Still Of The Night, My Own True Love, Da Doo Ron Ron, A Sunday Kind of Love, Rama Lama Ding Dong, Blue Moon, Lonely Way, Unchained Melody, Tell Me Why, Loving You, Who's That Knocking, When I Fall In Love

BQE : Acappella Starlight Sessions

Review: "BQE, originated in the early 1980's as a NYC quintet with 3 members from Brooklyn, and two from Queens. The named initials BQE actually stood for The Brooklyn Queens Express and not the notorious Expressway, as most believed. The Group recorded on eight compilation CD's for Bob Kretzschmar's "Starlight Serenade" Label, A Best Of BQE CD for Collectables and The Clifton Music Compilation CD "Christmas In Harmony" for Ronnie Italiano's "Clifton Music" label. It was the BQE cut of "Count Down To Love" that was picked by "Rhino" records to go on the A cappella Disc of the 4 CD "DooWop Vol 3" BoxÊSet. The group was a premier vocal group of its time, as stated in The Jay Warner "Billboard's Book Of American Singing groups, the 1940's through the 1990's". Pictured above from Left to Right: Jerry Pilgrim, Dennis Kestenbaum, Jason Levine, Les Levine (seated)

Songlist: Be Sure My Love, Pretty Little Angel Eyes, Sherry, The Wanderer, I Love You, My Prayer, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Countdown To Love, What Time Is It?, Tonight I Fell In Love, Chain Gang / Cupid, Tonight Could Be The Night, Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart, I Count The Tears, Teardrops, Have You Heard, Naturally, Please Be My Girlfriend, The Way You Do The Things You Do, The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Brylcream : Street Corner Bop

Review: 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: Dr. Doo Wop Album Intro, Trickle, Trickle, Duke of Earl, Lords of Cool Intro, Morse Code of Love, Little Darlin, The Wanderer, Bring it on Home, Another Saturday Night, Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp Ba Bomp Ba Bomp), Silouettes Intro (group), Silhouettes, All Shook Up, Ready to Go Intro, So In Love, Happy Days, In the Still of the Night, Gloria - Rich Beattie, Little Star, Mary's Boy Child

Cadillacs : Best Of Cadillacs

Review: The Cadillacs were a hard act to follow in their heyday of the mid-fifites. Their use of choreography and flashy threads garnered them a hip reputation and audience raves. Their hits 'Gloria,' 'Speedoo,' 'No Chance'and 'Zoom,' (all included here) established their chart presence. Unfortunately, to capitalize on their newfound fame, a second 'Cadillacs' group was drafted to meet demand and sent out on the road. Various incarnations then recorded under the same name and ultimately undermined the group's credibility. Though the later tracks are lacking by comparison, the early singles capture the Cadillacs energy and verve, whether on uptempo rockers or smoky ballads. Fiery sax work and understated piano distinguish the accompaniment.

Songlist: Gloria, No Chance, Down The Road, Speedoo, Zoom, You Are, Woe Is Me, The Girl I Love, Sugar-Sugar, My Girl Friend, Speedoo Is Back, Peek-A-Boo, Please, Mr. Johnson, Romeo, Window Lady, Betty My Love, Zoom-Boom-Zing, Tell Me Today

Cat's Pajamas Vocal Band : Feline

Review: Their best release yet! Veteran a cappella performers and consummate entertainers the Cat's Pajamas have been performing around the country for years and their talent and professionalism shines bright on this recording.

Songlist: Listen / Dance To The Music, Uptown Funk / Downtown, Classic / I Want You Back, Let It Go, Maroon 5 Medley, Timber, Buble Medley, Thinking Out Loud, Bang Bang, Mustang Sally

Cat's Pajamas Vocal Band : Kitty Litter

Review: The Cat's Pajamas, Skinner, Nate, Brad, Mike and Nathaniel, has been touring around the world since 2005, performing over 200 shows a year. They recently entered the national spotlight while performing their Oreo Cookie Jingle for Randy Jackson, placing in the top 10 on NBC's The Sing-Off. Winners and Audience Favorite of the 2013 Chicago Harmony Sweeps Regional, they wowed us with a strong set at one of the most competitive National Finals we've seen! The Cats specialize in wonderfully-arranged covers and sweet-segueing medleys like "British Invasion," "Summer Medley," "60s Dance," "Country Medley," "Beatles" and "Three Dog Night." Other favorites areLady Gaga's "Born This Way," Leonard Bernstein's "Tonight, Tonight," "Stars & Stripes Forever" and a nice nod to the Sweeps closing Doo Wop anthem "Goodnight Sweetheart." Co-founder Brian Skinner's "Beat Bass" is tight and hot, and the harmonic hits just keep on comin'! Don't miss this rockin', big fun collection!

Songlist: British Invasion, Summer medley, 60's Dance, I'm Yours, Beatles, Stay, Three Dog Night, Country Medley, Tonight, Tonight, Born This Way, Stars and Stripes Forever, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

Cat's Pajamas Vocal Band : One Stop Doo Wop

Review: All male a cappella quintet Cat's Pajamas of Branson, MO first got together in 2005 to sing live in an Oreo cookie jingle contest, placed in the top 10 and never looked back. They've been touring extensively and recording, sharpening their vocal chops and live show, which we get a nice taste of on "One Stop Doo-Wop"-ten of the 12 cuts were recorded live in the Majestic Theater in Madison, WI, and "I Feel Good" was recorded in group member Nate Mendl's dining room! Favorites are "OREO/Rockin' Robin," when we get to hear the famous Oreo song that brought the group together, "Duke of Earl," CCR's "Proud Mary," the bubblegum hit "Hooked on a Feelin'," the Drifters' "Under the Boardwalk," "Up On The Roof," The Righteous Bros.' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "Only You." The live audience went nuts over this one, and if you love Doo-Wop, we bet you will too!

Songlist: Duke of Earl, Under the Boardwalk, OREO / Rockin' Robin, Stand By Me, Hooked on a Feelin, Love Potion No 9, You've Lost That Loving Feeling, Pretty Women, Up On The Roof, I Feel Good, Only You (And You Alone)

Cat's Pajamas Vocal Band : Purr-Fect For The Holidays

Review: Brian, Nate, Brad, Nathaniel, Mike and Nate are five-man a cappella band from Branson, MO who entered the national spotlight in 2005 when they placed in the top 10 while performing their Oreo Cookie Jingle for Randy Jackson. Since then they have been touring the world, and now perform over 200 shows per year in Branson and throughout the U.S. They have been seen on multiple TV shows, cruise ships and performing arts centers around the world, and were recently picked to compete on NBC's The Sing-Off! "Purrfect..." is the group's first Christmas CD of 12 tunes. Favorites are a crazed, manic, very fun "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," a very silly "The Chipmunk Song" with perfect imitations of Alvin, Simon and Theodore; a jazzy, chord-bending, very Motown arrangement of "Silver Bells;" a mellow "White Christmas, Part 1 and jazzy, finger-popping, doo-woppy "White Christmas, Part 2; a powerful, sweet take on "Mary Did You Know," "Mustang Santa" is a big fun, soulful romp, and, after that, the incongruous but hauntingly lovely "In the Bleak Mid Winter" features guest tenor George Dyer. We love a cappella groups who become great entertainers, and Cat's Pajamas is one of the best. Don't miss this one!

Songlist: Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland, O Holy Night, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch, The Chipmunk Song, Silver Bells, White Christmas, Part 1, White Christmas, Part 2, Mary, Did You Know?, Mustang Santa, In The Bleak Mid Winter, Silent Night

Cat's Pajamas Vocal Band : Two Words - Me-Ow

Review: "Two Words: Me-Ow" is a live, "best-of" album by 5-man Branson, MO a cappella quintet Cat's Pajamas, recorded at the Majestic Theater in Madison, WI. The Cats have been singing and touring extensively together since 2005, and they know a lot about blowing away an audience with great stuff, wonderful arrangements, sweet leads and harmonies! There are 13 winners here, "Some Kind of Wonderful," "Drift Away/Drops of Jupiter" medley, the Motown hit "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," the country/pop hit "Walking in Memphis," the Steve Miller Band's "The Joker" (which segues into "Angel of the Morning" and some Reggae samples), "Radio/Video Medley," "Galileo," "Meet Virginia," "Classic Rock Medley" and "Mustang Sally." For pure entertainment, we can tell you from our almost 30 years of loving it at the Harmony Sweeps Regionals and Finals, that nothing beats live a cappella, and we offer Cat's Pajamas and their excited audience in Madison as living proof!

Songlist: Some Kind of Wonderful, I Can Live With That, Drift Away / Drops of Jupiter, Ain't To Proud to Beg, Walking in Memphis, The Joker, Galilieo, Sun Goes Down, Radio / Video Medley, Meet Virginia, Drum Solo, Classic Rock Medley, Mustang Sally

Chantels : Best of Chantels

Review: The Chantels were one of the first black all-girl groups to hit the national Billboard charts ('He's Gone,' 1957) and they inarguably set a new standard of quality that reflects well on their Catholic school musical training! Fronted by Arlene Smith, who was a classical pianist and songwriter, the young ladies were protogees of George Goldner's staff producer/writer/arranger Richard Barrett; they recorded for Goldner's End label in its early inception. This 'Best of' collection has the best of their recorded efforts, including their last hits, 'Look In My Eyes' and 'Well, I Told You,' that were made with replacement lead Annette Smith (no relation to Arlene). The group then disintegrated, but are still considered one of the best female harmony groups of all time.

Songlist: He's Gone, The Plea, Maybe, I've Lied (Willie Wilson & The Tunemasters), So Real, Every Night (I Pray), Whoever You Are, I Love You So, How Could You Call It Off?, Prayee, Sure Of Love, Memories, If You Try, I Can't Take It (There's Our Song Again), Goodbye To Love, Summer's Love (Richards Barrett With The Chantels), Look In My Eyes, Well, I Told You

Charm : It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

Review: A re-issue of one of our best-selling CD's, this Jersey City group sing doo-wop and soul in the 'Boyz II Men' tradition, though their repetoire extends from the 'forties-era Ink Spots to Motown, a la the Stylistics or Temptations. Twenty songs, including seven previously unreleased, are included on this album, which was recorded in 1983. It is remarkable indeed the combination of vocal talent and range across such a variety of arrangements. Listen to 'Mint Julep,' for a gospel-influenced take on doo-wop; on the other hand, 'Drip Drop' is Chubby Checker twistin' rock 'n roll. Charm's version of the Dell Vikings' 'The Sun' works both sides against the middle, with a potent bass laying pipe underneath a honeyed falsetto. Other great tracks: "At My Front Door," "I Found A New Baby," "I Want You To Be My Girl."

Songlist: I Found A New Baby, The Morse Code Of Love, Why Do You Have To Go, Stop, Look, Listen, One Mint Julep, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Feelings, Can I, Sixty Minute Man, Misty, Sh-Boom, Drip Drop, The Sun, Brighter Day, Valerie, I Want You To Be My Girl, Ebb Tide, Tears On My Pillow, At My Front Door, It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday

Choice : Great Jumpin' Catfish

Review: 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: Stand & Clap Your Hands, Great Jumpin' Catfish, One More River, Old McDonald, If I May, A Little To Long, In My Lonely Room, Roaches, I Should Have Done Right, Everyone's Laughing, Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind, Chicken Blues, Peace Of Mind, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednigo, Touch The Hem Of His Garment, That's Your Mistake, Two Loves Have I, I Like It Like That, I Live True To You, No Man Is An Island, Lucy Brown

Cliftonaires : How Sentimental Can We Be

Review: 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!

Songlist: How Sentimental Can I Be?, Angel And A Rose, Blue Moon, Don't Say You're Sorry, P.S. I Love You, To Be Loved, Strange Love, Dream, Chapel Of Dreams, Here's That Rainy Day, Skylark, Zoom, You're Everything To Me, When I Fall In Love, Night and Day, I Found A New Baby, This I Swear, Wedding Bells, Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye, I'll Be Seeing You

Dachays : Vintage

Review: 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: Lonely Way, So Fine, Teardrops, Our Day Will Come, In My Room, My Girl Friend, United in Group Harmony, Zing! Went the Strings of My New Heart, Tonight Medley, What Time Is It?, The Girl in the Light (Reminds Me of You)

Dell Vikings : Golden Classics

Review: The Del-Vikings went through more personnel changes than there are months in the year, so many that it's a labor in and of itself keeping track. A racially integrated group, they formed in 1955 from enlistees at a Pittsburgh Air Force Base. Their first hit, on Fee Bee, was called 'Come Go With Me.' Subsequent hits, such as 'Don't Be A Fool,' are every bit as melliflous and agreeable now as then: an easy tempo, the five voices balancing each other tunefully, the arrangement and orchestration in perfect compliment. This recording comprises most of their recording career, at least up to 1960, when they were dropped by Mercury (though the group continued to exist and enjoyed a modicum of success throughout the 1980's, appearing on television, recording and touring on the oldies circuit). The Del-Vikings epitomize the sound of the '50's.

Songlist: Come Go With Me, Don't Be A Fool, What Made Maggie Run, Over The Rainbow, Willette, Down In Bermuda, You Say You Love Me, Whispering Bells, How Can I Find True Love, I'm Spinning, Girl, Girl, I Want To Marry You, When I Come Home, Watching The Moon

Delneros : Dreams Of Doo Wop

Review: From "The New Voices of Acappella" series from Collectibles Records, and features the sweet falsetto lead of Dennis Pettit, and includes 8 covers and 7 songs written by Frank Lafaro, of Frankie and the Fashions. Some favorites: "Till Then," "Gonna Find A Love," "Linda," "Bayou Boutte," the sweet "A Night To Remember," "Baby Blue Eyes," "You Belong To Me," "Baby, Baby Please," and "The Diary." New voices and new music, but the sound, the harmonies and the street corners remain the same.

Songlist: Tonight I Fell in Love, Till Then, Gonna Find A Love, If I Should Lose You, Linda, Merry-Go-Round, Bayou Boutte, A Night To Remember, Baby Blue Eyes, First Smile, You Belong To Me, Baby Baby Please, They Say, Working Man's Blues, The Diary

Encounters : Ambassadors of A Cappella

Review: 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: Hello, You Can Come If You Want To, House Where Lovers Dream, I'll Never Know, Ankle Braclet, The Beat Of My Heart, Thank You Pretty Lady, Please Let Me Move You, Would You Still Be My Girl, When I Woke Up This Morning, Dee I, Possibility, What Did Daddy Do, Oh Baby Don't

Fabulous Delacardos : Flat Top, Sock Hop, Doo Wop

Review: '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 Fine Day, Sixteen Candles, I Go To Pieces, Stagger Lee, Love Potion #9, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Silhouettes, Dedicated To The One I Love, Sh-Boom, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, So In Love, Come Go With Me, Be My Baby, Blue Moon, Cab Driver, Runaround Sue, Rockin' Robin, The Wanderer, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, In The Still Of The Night, Hearbreak Hotel, What's Your Name, Sincerely, Sixteen Tons, Da Doo Ron Ron, Under the Boardwalk, Sea Of Love, Rock & Roll Is Here To Stay

Forever Plaid : Forever Plaid

Review: Based upon the stage production of the same name, this CD is equal parts silly schtick and a musically adept and professional parody of the close harmony groups of the 1950's - Freshmen, Hi-Lo's and the like. Romantic themes dominate - "Three Coins In A Fountain, "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing," 'Cry,"-with a "Caribbean Medley" and "Scotland The Brave" (a homily to Plaid) for yukks. The style is unapologetically sentimental and deliberately cliched, but will be good fun for those who are familiar with the colloquialisms typical of the period. A good portion of the dialogue is included to introduce the songs and explain the plot.

Frankie & The Fashions : Acappella Starlight Sessions

Review: Philadelphia's Frankie Lafaro and the Fashions came together as a Doo Wop group in 1963. They first recorded in 1964, but because of the death of their manager, the material was never released. Lead vocalist and songwriter Frankie, who is known as the "Frank Sinatra of Doo Wop," and his 4 fabulous Fashions are still sounding as sweet and pure as ever, and they are finally receiving the success that has been long overdue them. Our favorites include the Lafaro originals "Philadelphia," "Blame It On Another Rainy Day," "Sometimes," "What A Rush," "Mr. Time" and "Lost Masters." Frankie sings one of the best leads we've heard, and getting to hear this hot, unreleased Doo Wop is a treat!

Songlist: Philadelphia, Blame It On Another Rainy Day, We've Never Danced, Sometimes, Since I Don't Have You, I Wonder Why, What A Rush, Mr.Time, Lost Masters, I'll Never Let You Go, A Sunday Kind of Love, Can't Help Falling In Love

Frankie & The Fashions : Philadelphia

Review: 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: Lost Masters, Funny Girl, Harvey Holiday Spot, What Do I Have to Do, If Not for You, Blame It on Another Rainy Day, Someties, This Time It's Forever, This I Swear, You Don't Understand, Philadelphia, Since I Don't Have You, Daddy Nar, Hold Me, Darling, Baby, Baby Please, Big Momma, A Higher Love, You're the One for Me, Love the One You're With, Garden of Love, Come Back to Me, Congratulations, Baby, Two Shades of Blue, The Good Ol'Days

Gel Caps : Take Two

Review: 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: Never Let You Go, Everyone's Laughing, What's Your Name, Don't That Prove I Love You, Morse Code Of Love, My Girl, Sure As the Flowers, When I Woke Up This Morning, Walking My Baby Back Home, Louie Louie, Under the Boardwalk, Let It Be, Zombie Jamboree, 1000 Miles Away

Harbor Lights : Absolutely Acappella

Review: Indiana's own four-man, one woman Harbor Lights bring us their second classic Doo-Wop collection, featuring ten of our all-time favorite hits. They're all here, a heartbreaking "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," "Venus," "The Wanderer," "Harbor Lights," "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," "Denise," "My Girl," "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," "Only Sixteen" and "Daddy's Home." Rich, solid basslines and pitch-perfect leads with the kind of attitude and feeling that used to create overnight hits, this is the sweet, juicy Doo-Wop a lot of groups from the east coast wish they could sing. Particular fine are Cheryl DeRosier's leads-listen to her nail "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "Harbor Lights," and you'll see what we mean.

Songlist: Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, Venus, The Wanderer, Harbor Lights, It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, Denise, My Girl, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, Only Sixteen, Daddy's Home

Harbor Lights : No Strings Attached

Review: No Strings Attached" is Harbor Lights' fourth album on the Collectables label. As in their three previous albums, the emphasis is on vocal and production excellence. This album really showcases the group's range of sound, from the poppy Connie Francis hit "Where The Boys Are", to the Doo Woppy "Sunday Kind of Love"classic by The Harptones. The "Motown" sound shines through with a Ronnie Spector flavored performance of "Be My Baby, and in "Mister Blue" the group captures the smooth, soft as velvet sound of the fabulous "Fleetwoods" Because each individual in the group is a distinctive lead singer, Harbor Lights offers great versatility. Each individual tune on the album has a completely different flavor in terms of lead and vocal backgrounds. This keeps it interesting and fresh. On this album Harbor Lights has added a subtle bed of vocal percussion, without jeopardizing the integrity of the a cappella sound.

Songlist: Sh-Boom, Where The Boys Area, Little Darlin', Mister Blue, Hey Senorita, Since I Don't Have You, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Sunday Kind of Love, Be My Baby, Book of Love

Harptones : A Sunday Kind Of Love

Review: One of the most important 1950's vocal groups, the Harptones, from Harlem, were a loose-knit conglomeration organized around the nucleus of Willie Winfield, lead, and Raoul Cita, pianist, arranger and utility vocalist. Though a R & B group, they had listened carefully to, and favored, the five part jazz harmonies of the Four Freshmen. The Harptones use of five part harmony in the R & B context was revolutionary at the time, and as a consequence, the Harptones sound became a primary influence on the next generation of doo-wop vocal groups after them. Songs such as the definitive 'Sunday Kind Of Love,' 'My Memories Of You' and 'What Is Your Decision,' though never big national hits, were significant musically. The group did not have the benefit of a major label push, recording for Bruce, Paradise, Andrea, and Rama, among others, but they were part of several historic gigs, Alan Freed's 'Rock 'N Roll Ball' among them. Windfield's easy delivery, in concert with the smooth and clean harmonies of the group, are just as sweet today.

Songlist: Sunday Kind Of Love, My Memories Of You, Oobidee...Oobdee...Oo, Since I Fell For You, I Depended On You, Mambo Boogie, I'll Never Tell, High Flying Baby, I Almost Lost My Mind, It Was Just For Laughs, Loving A Girl Like You, What Is Your Decision, Forever Mine, Ou Wee Baby, Gimme Some, Why Should I Love You, My Memories Of You, High Flying Baby, Oo Wee Baby, Mambo Boogie

Infernos : Hotter Than Hell

Review: Clifton Records brings us a Ronnie I Production, 22 songs by the 5-man Original Infernos, featuring a number of originals new to our ears. In the 1970s five young men from the Italian section of Newark, NJ formed a vocal group with band called "Sidewalk Symphony." By the mid 70s the group had become a hot act in the nightclubs of Newark and the Jersey shore. The rise of Disco forced them to add more banal dance material, and a number of group members left. But in 1980 Tommy Vitale, Michael Schiavo, Sal Fede and Bobby Stefanelli hooked up with Bobby "L" Leszczak (who sang with "Retrospect") to sing more challenging and obscure a cappella tunes, recording with Ronnie I on the Clifton label. Of these 22 songs, several are accompanied (and very good), but we of course prefer the a cappella tunes: "I Beg For Your Love," "Chapel of Dreams," "In My Diary," "Here Is Why I Love You," "Shrine of St. Cecilia," "Give Me Your Love,""False Alarm," "I'll Be True," "That's What Girls Are Made For," "Six Nights A Week," "That's The Way It Goes," and a couple of live cuts recorded at UGHA, "Count Every Star/My Heart's Desire," and "Looking/Don't Say Goodnight." The new material here is very good, and affirms that Doo-Wop isn't resting on its classic material but is alive ans!growing, through excellent, authentic a cappella groups like the Infernos!

Songlist: Rainy Day Bells, Angel of 4th Ave, I Beg For Your Love, Chapel of Dreams, In My Diary, Lady of Mine, Looking, Ronnie I. Jingle, Here is Why I Love You, Shrine of St. Cecilia, Give Me Your Love, False Alarm, I'll Be True, Little Did I Dream, You'll Lose A Precious Love, Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie, Half Angel, That's What Girls are Made For, Six Nights a Week, That's the Way it Goes, Count Every Star, Looking

Lafaros : Acappella Serenades

Review: 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: I'll Never Love Again, Remember Nina, Earth Angel, Sea of Love, O Solo Mio, My Island in the Sun, It's Only Make Believe, This Love of Mine, Maing Love for the First Time, Sit and Hold My Hand, Full Moon and Empty Arms, Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me, Dream Lover, I Think of You / Lonely Heart

Larkings : A Story Untold

Review: 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: Ship of Love, You Are, Make Me Lose My Mind, Most of All, I Don't Stand A Ghost of a Chance, Let Them Talk, All Night Long, Four Walls, Gee, Baby, What About You, Bells In My Heart, (I'm Afraid) the Masquerade Is Over, More, More, More, Island of Love, That's My Desire, Comin' Home, Glory of Love, Down to Earth, Bin Bam Boom, Pledging My Love, Story Untold, Why Do You Have to Go

Laurels : Keeping Tradition

Review: Harmony is a universal urge, and when it accompanies a love theme, it's the pinnacle of music-making. The Laurels first sought that peak in 1959, harmonizing at sock hops and at the studio. Forty years later, original member Dick Muse and four others took their places around the mike to record 16 classic and "should-have-been-classic" doo-wop tunes. "Please Mr. Sun," "Ball & Chain," "Everyone's Laughing," the top-40 hit "Barefootin'," "Willette," "Cold Feet," "For Your Love," "Something's Got A Hold On Me," "Lundy Dundy," "Time Can Make You Change" and "Sweet Was The Wine" and others. All a cappella except for the final cut, "Rhythm." These are authentic, gravelly-bass, soaring tenor, sweet harmony doo-wop, the kind we love to hear. "Keeping" is a keeper!

Songlist: Please Mr Sun, Ball & Chain, Everyone's Laughing, My Mothers Eyes, Barefootin', Heart & Soul, Willette, The Sun, Cold Feet, For Your Love, Something's Got A Hold On Me, Truthfully, Lundy Dundy, Time Can Make You Change, Crying In The Chapel, Sweet Was The Wine, Rhythm

Little Anthony and the Imperials : Pure Acappella

Review: Brooklyn, NY's Little Anthony and the Imperials are still performing, and their Doo-Wop chops (including Anthony's creamy falsetto) are as sweet as they were when their own big hit, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" was on top of the charts! "Pure" is introduced by radio personality Bobby Jay, who gives us interesting info about each song before each song, as if he was doing a radio show. There are 14 tasty cuts here, the title tune, then a Doo-Wop "best-of,"The Valentines' "Don't Say Goodnight," The Eldorados' "I'll Be Forever Loving You," The Flamingos' "I'll Be Home," The Heartbeats' "You're A Thousand Miles Away," The Penguins' "Earth Angel"/The Clovers' "Devil or Angel" medley, the Hi-Lo's arrangement of "Georgia," "I Only Have Eyes For You," the a cappella anthem "Goodnight, Sweetheart"-this is some of the best, most authentic a cappella Doo-Wop we've heard, by one of the premier groups-it doesn't get any better than this!

Songlist: Why Do Fools Fall in Love?, Don't Say Goodnight, I'll Be Forever Loving You, I'll Be Home, A Thousand Miles Away, So In Love, Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine), Two People in the WOrld, Georgia On My Mind, I Only Have Eyes for You, Creation of Love, Please Be My Girlfriend, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, That's the Way It Goes

Memories of You : Acappella

Review: 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: Gloria, Darling I Love You, Chapel of Dreams, Little Girl of Mine, So Young, I'm Falling In Love, Let It Please Be You, My Juanita, Sunday Kind of Love, So In Love, My Vow to You, Darling Lorraine, Castle in the Sky, My Lorraine, Wondeful Girl, Sentimental Reasons, Memories of You

Memory Lane : Acappella Ave

Review: 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: Tell Me Today, Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go, A Quiet Place, Ready For Your Love, Don't Say Goodbye, California Dreamin', Save the Last Dance for Me, Mio Amore, Da Doo Ron Ron, Please Stay, I Like It Like That, Never Never, Drip Drop, False Love, So Fine

Mighty Echoes : A Cappella Cool

Review: We will freely admit to loving LA's four Echoes, "Brothers in Harmony" Charlie, Harvey, John and Jon at first listen, almost 20 years ago. Many audience-pleasing live performances and three great CDs haven't changed our feelings as we joyously tear the annoying plastic wrap off "Cool" and treat our boombox to the Echoes' 4th collection of 15 Doo-Wop winners. Some of our favorites include an exquisitely meandering "I Only Have Eyes for You," a complex, soaring arrangement of Brian Wilson's "Good Vibrations" (that few groups would even attempt, much less nail), a rock-solid, soulful "Lean On Me," a silly, tough-talking "Daddy Cool," a richly harmonic cover of Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight," a powerful "Duke of Earl," a luscious "In The Still of the Night," an incongruous but marvelous "White Christmas," and the final tune, a foot-stomping "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." The Echoes have the tight arrangements, perfect pitch, soaring leads, deep basslines and love of singing that make "Cool" one of the best Doo Wop recordings of the year!

Songlist: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, I Only Have Eyes For You, Return To Sender, Good Vibrations, Lean On Me, Daddy Cool, Wonderful Tonight, With This Ring, Duke of Earl, Whispering Bells, In The Still Of The Night, Chapel of Love, Up On The Roof, White Christmas, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye

Mighty Echoes : A Cappella Doo Wop

Review: 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.' Listen to Rama Lama Ding Dong.

Songlist: Wonder Why, Factory, Doves Cry, Youngblood, Looking For An Echo, Duke Of Earl, Rama Lama Ding Dong, The Closer You Are, Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes, Ring Of Fire, Heaven Help Us All, Heatwave, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Who's That Knockin', My Generation

Neighbors Complaint : Remember Then

Review: 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: Remember Then, Shadows, I'm So Young, You Gave Me Peace Of Mind, Two Kinds of People, I'm So Happy, Wedding Bells Are Ringing In My Ears, Island Of Love, Trickle Trickle, A Thousand Miles Away, Duke Of Earl, My Girl Awaits Me, I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent, My Hearts Desire, Please Say You Want Me, Gloria, Sixty Minute Man, The ABC's of Love, Little Girl Of Mine, If You Love Me

Perfect Blend : Encore

Review: 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: The Sun's Message, Smile, A Change Is Gonna Come, A Good Man Is Hard To Find, Don't Have To Shop Around, Stars In The Sky, I Made It Throught The Rain, Never Let Me Go, Share, Silhouettes, Gloria, Our Anniversary, Drip Drop, Moonlight, Wine and Music

Perfect Blend : Masterpiece

Review: Established in Philly in the early 1990's, the four men and one woman of Perfect Blend sing a combination of classic doo-wop and soul hits. 'My World of Fantasy' has a fresh flavor, with Katrina Trowery on lead; it adapts the doo-wop backing arrangement with unexpected chords and an updated vocal style. 'Love Won't Let Me Wait' begins solo, the group joining in to punch up the hook; it's a simple but distinctive approach. In general, the group's modus operandi is to overlap within both styles, henceforth, 'A Perfect Blend.'

Songlist: Clap Yo' Hands, World of Fantasy, I Want a Girl, This Is My Prayer, Natural High, Love Won't Let Me Wait, Sitting In the Park, You Can Depend On Me, Life Is But a Dream, Spinning Around, Let It Please Be You, I Could Never Love Another, Two People In the World, Who's Lovin You, Ooh Baby Baby, So Much, It's So Hard to Say Goodbye To Yesterday

Persuasions : A Cappella Dreams

Review: 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.

Songlist: I Have A Dream, There's A Train, In the Ghetto, She's A Lady, Don't Good Luck Charm, Ain't No Sunshine, Dock of the Bay, The Clock, Steal Away, When She Was My Girl, Rainy Night in Georgia, Please Send Me Someone to Love, Peace in the Valley, When the Saints Go Marching In