"Atlantic Vocal Groups {1951-1963}" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (June 2008 US Rhino Handmade 4CD 82-Track LP-Sized Box Set – Limited Numbered Edition of 3000 Copies - Billy Vera Compiled Selections – Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Since I Fell For You…"

A sister box to "Atlantic Blues {1949-1970}" released Stateside in September 2007 - "Atlantic Vocal Groups {1951-1963}" by VARIOUS ARTISTS followed in June 2008 on Rhino Handmade RHM2 7738 (Barcode 603497773824). The third themed set was "Atlantic Soul {1959-1975}" – see list provided below.

It's pretty to look at for sure - all three themed sets are. You get 4CDs and 82-Tracks in 4 x 5" picture card sleeves housed in die-cut lipped hollows inside a 12" x 12" Silk Screen Printed Box Set. The 32-page LP-Sized booklet inside is numbered to 3000 (on the last page) and it all breaks down as follows:

Disc 1, "Jumpin' & Bluesy", THE CLOVERS pictured, 21 tracks, 55:31 minutes:

1. Hey Miss Fannie - THE CLOVERS (1952, Atlantic 977, B-side of "I Played The Fool")

2. One Mint Julep - THE CLOVERS (1951, Atlantic 963, A)

3. Yes It's You - THE CLOVERS (1952, Atlantic 989, B-side of "Crawlin'")

4. Bip Bam - CLYDE McPHATTER and THE DRIFTERS (1953, Atlantic 1043, A)

5. I Confess - THE CLOVERS (1953, Atlantic 1045, A)

6. Don't Dog Me - THE DRIFTERS (1953, Atlantic 2049, A)

7. The Feeling is So Good - THE CLOVERS (1953. Atlantic 1046, A)

8. Ooh I - CARMEN TAYLOR & THE BOLEROS 1954. Atlantic 1041, A)

9. Whatcha Gonna Do  - CLYDE McPHATTER & THE DRIFTERS (1954, Atlantic 1055, A)

10. Sh-Boom - THE CHORDS (1954, Cat 104, A)

11. Cross Over The Bridge - THE CHORDS (1954, Cat 104, B)

12. Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash - THE CLOVERS (1954, Atlantic 1035, A)

13. Tell Me (Are You Really Mine) - THE PLAYBOYS (1954, Cat 108, A)

14. Zippity Zum (I'm In Love) - THE CHORDS (1954, Cat 109, A)

15. Got The Water Boiling - THE REGALS (1955, Atlantic 1062, A)

16. Good Golly Miss Molly - THE PLAYBOYS (1954, Cat 115, A)

17. Walk That Walk - THE SHEIKS (9154, Cat 116, A)

18. Could It Be - THE SH-BOOMS (1954, Cat 117, A)

19. You Tickle Me Baby - THE ROYAL JOKERS (1955, Atlantic 6052, A)

20. Nip Sip - THE CLOVERS (1955, Atlantic 1073, A)

21. Come Back My Love - THE CARDINALS (1955, Atlantic 1067, A)

Disc 2, "Slow & Dreamy", THE CARDINALS pictured, 20 tracks, 57:16 minutes:

1. Skylark - THE CLOVERS (1951, Atlantic 934, B-side of "Don't You Know I Love You")

2. Needless - THE CLOVERS (1951, Atlantic 944, B-side of "Fool, Fool, Fool")

3. I'll Always Love You - THE CARDINALS (1951, Atlantic 952, A)

4. I Played The Fool - THE CLOVERS (1952, Atlantic 977, A)

5. Under A Blanket Of Blue - THE CARDINALS (1954, Atlantic 1025, B-side of "Please Baby")

6. A Beggar For Your Kisses - THE DIAMONDS  (1952, Atlantic 981, A)

7. The Way I Feel - CLYDE McPHATTER and THE DRIFTERS (1953, Atlantic 1006, A)

8. You Are My Only Love - THE CARDINALS (1953, Atlantic 995, B-side of "Lovie Darlin'")

9. Two Loves Have I - THE DIAMONDS (1952, Atlantic 1003, B-side of "I'll Live Again")

10. Here Goes A Fool - THE CLOVERS (1953, Atlantic 1000, B-side of "Good Lovin'")

11. Bless You (For Being An Angel) - THE CHORDS (1954, Cat 109, A)

12. Cherry - THE DIAMONDS  (1953, Atlantic 1017, B-side of "Romance In The Dark")

13. The Bells Of St. Mary's - THE DRIFTERS featuring Clyde McPhatter (1954, Atlantic 1048, B-side of "White Christmas")

14. Blue Velvet - THE CLOVERS (1954, Atlantic 1052, A)

15. A Girl To Love - THE CHORDETTES (1955, Cat 112, A)

16. The Door Is Still Open - THE CARDINALS (1955, Atlantic 1054, A)

17. Adorable - THE DRIFTERS (1955, Atlantic 1078, A)

18. Sympathy - THE SENSATIONS featuring TOMMY WICKS (1955, Atco 6056, B-side of "Yes Sir, That's My Baby")

19. Devil Or Angel - THE CLOVERS (1955, Atlantic 1083, A)

20. Your Promise To Be Mine - THE DRIFTERS 1955, Atlantic 1089, B-side of "Ruby Baby")

Disc 3 "The Rock 'n' Roll Era", THE DRIFTERS pictured, 20 tracks, 49:30 minutes:

1. Ruby Baby - THE DRIFTERS (1955, Atlantic 1089, A)

2. Please Mr. Disc Jockey - THE SENSATIONS featuring YVONNE MILLS (1956, Atlantic 6067, A)

3. Shadows Of Love - THE PEARLS (1955, Atco 6057, A)

4. Brazil - THE COASTERS (1956, Atco 6073, B-side of "One Kiss Lead To Another")

5. Drifting Away From You - THE DRIFTERS (1957, Atlantic 1141, B-side of "Hypnotized")

6. Mr. Lee - THE BOBETTES (1956, Atlantic 1144, A)

7. Bells Of Love - THE PEARLS (1955, Atco 6066, A)

8. Hey Baby Baby - THE CASTELLES (1956, Atlantic 6069, B-side of "Happy And Gay")

9. Cry Baby Cry - THE SENSATIONS featuring YVONNE MILLS (1956, Atlantic 6075, A)

10. Finders Keepers - THJE CRESENDOS (1956, Atlantic 1109, B-side of "Sweet Dreams")

11. Fools Fall In Love - THE DRIFTERS (1956, Atlantic 1123, A)

12. My Only Desire - THE FLYERS (1956, Atco 6088, B-side of "On Bended Knee")

13. Lone Lonely Nights - CLYDE McPHATTER (1957, Atlantic 1149, A)

14. It's Good To Me (You Don't Know And I Don't Know) - THE OSPREYS with Reggie Obrecht Orchestra (1957, East West 110, A)

15. Pledge Of Love - THE PENGUINS (1957, Atlantic 1132, A)

16.  The Girl I Love - THE GLOWTONES (1957, East West 101, A and Atlantic 1156, A)

17. Drip Drop - THE DRIFTERS (1958, Atlantic 1187, A)

18. Can't You Understand - THE KING BEES/LLOYD PRICE ORCHESTRA (1957, KRC 302, A)

19. Down In The Alley - THE CLOVERS (1957, Atlantic 1152, A)

20. I Know - THE DRIFTERS (1957, Atlantic 1161, A)

Disc 4, "Group Revival", THE ROMEOS pictured, 21 tracks, 51:18 minutes:

1. I Shot Mr. Lee - THE BOBETTES (1959, Atlantic 2069, A)

2. Lady Love - THE DEL-LARKS (1958, East West 116, A)

3. Dance! - THE COASTERS (1958, Atco 6111, A)

4. Remember The Night - THE DEL-LARKS (B-side of 2)

5. Nosey Neighbors - THE VIBRA-HARPS (1958, Atlantic 6134, A)

6. I'll Be Seeing You - THE CRESCENDOS (1956, Atlantic 2014, A)

7. Lost Love - THE SUPERIORS (1957, Atco 6106, A)

8. Romance In The Dark - THE SENSATIONS featuring YVONNE MILLS (1957, Atco 6115, A)

9. Moments To Remember You By - THE ROMEOS (1957, Atco 6107, A)

10. Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart - THE COASTERS (1958, Atco 6116, A)

11. Bila - THE VERSATONES (1963, Atlantic 2211, A)

12. Since I Fell For You - THE SKYLINERS (1963, Atlantic 6270, A)

13. Blue Moon - THE SH-BOOMS 1960,Atlantic 2074, A)

14. Dear One - BILLY STORM (1961, Atlantic 2098, A)

15. Short Skirts - THE SH-BOOMS (B-side of 13)

16. Tight Skirt And Sweater - THE VERSATONES (1963, Atlantic 2211, A)

17. When You Dance - BILLY STORM (B-side of 14, Both Sides Supervised by PHIL SPECTOR)

18. Twist And Shout - THE TOP NOTES (1961, Atlantic 2115, A)

19. Hearts Of Stone - THE TOP NOTES (1961, Atlantic 2097, A)

20. Pretty Pretty Girl (The New Beat) - THE TIME TONES (1961, Atco 6201, A)

21. A Kiss From Your Lips - BILLY STORM (1961, Atlantic 2112, B-side of "Honey Love", Supervised by PHIL SPECTOR)

CONTENT and PRESENTATION:

Taking a look at the paltry playing times provided above - the first disappointment is the scrimping of song inclusions. Less than fifty minutes on Disc 3 for God's sake. A box like this should have had at least 25 sides a disc and more. Three sides of the ultra-rare DIAMONDS trio of 45s are featured when there was plenty of room for their 3 flips. And while the booklet is genuinely lovely to look at - it's short at 32 pages. There's other annoying discrepancies - none of the individual entries tell you whether the song is an A or B (I've put in the info myself) - singles are credited as THE DRIFTERS featuring Clyde McPhatter when it's the other way around (even though they've actually pictured the offending entry) - THE CARDINALS "Under A Blanket Of Blue" is credited as 1951 when its 1954. The BILLY VERA liner notes are typically informative and entertaining - but there's precious little of them. For a box set aimed firmly at die-hard collectors - some of it seems a tad sloppy and even lazy for a company with such a quality reputation. But at least all that's rectified by the actually play of each CD...

SOUND:

Long-standing tape engineers BILL INGLOT and DAN HERSCH have done a wonderful job with the remastering despite the age of these recordings. Another cool side to this set is hearing tracks that have remained in obscurity for decades - even if they're dubbed from discs or worn tapes (which only a tiny minority are). "Yes It's You" is the first track to show slight distortion but it's a fabulous B-side and worthy of inclusion as is "Cross Over The Bridge" by THE CHORDS on Cat Records. Other rarities include THE DIAMONDS "A Beggar For Your Kisses" (listed at over $1,500) and THE CLOVERS B-side "Skylark" (listed at a paltry $1,000). Another nugget is "Could It Be" by THE SH-BOOMS sounding like seaside Vocal R'n'B with its organ and boppin' beat. "You Tickle Me Baby" by THE ROYAL JOKERS is the most fun with one of the group giggling hysterically throughout.  

The audio quality on THE CARDINALS jaunty "Come Back My Love" is fabulous - what a gem (in the vein of The Clovers and McPhatter's Drifters). Disc 2 pours on the pleading and smoochers ("You Are My Only Love") while Disc 3 boogies it with cool dancers like "Fools Fall In Love" and "Drip Drop". Disc 4 gives a lesser beaten-track - the Vocal Group revivals in the Sixties - even throwing in some rare Phil Spector tie-ins (see Billy Storm). Great stuff and makes me wish there was a Volume 2. 

Despite its shortcomings (playing time especially) - this is a gorgeous Box Set to behold and listen to. And because it's the magical Atlantic label - I had to own it. I suggest you do too...

RHINO Handmade Series of Themed Atlantic Records Box Sets

Numbered Limited Editions of 3000 Copies

Compiled by BILLY VERA – DAN HERSCH and BILL INGLOT Remasters

All Reviewed...

1. "Atlantic Blues {1949-1970}" - September 2007 USA on Rhino Handmade RHM2 7737 (Barcode 603497773725) - it contains 4CDs/80-Tracks in 5" picture card sleeves housed in die-cut hollows in a 12" x 12" Silk Screen Printed Box Set. Inside is a 36-page full-sized booklet, numbered to 3000 on the last page.

2. "Atlantic Soul {1959-1975}" – October 2007 USA on Rhino Handmade RHM2 7739 (Barcode 603497773923) – it contains 4CDs/82-Tracks in 5" picture card sleeves housed in die-cut hollows in a 12" x 12" Silk Screen Printed Box Set. Inside is a 36-page full-sized booklet, numbered to 3000 on the last page.

3. "Atlantic Vocal Groups {1951-1963}" - June 2008 USA on Rhino Handmade RHM2 7738 (Barcode 603497773824) – it contains 4CDs/82-Tracks in 5" picture card sleeves are housed in hollows inside a 12" x 12" Silk Screen Printed Box Set. Inside is a 32-page full-sized booklet, numbered to 3000 on the last page.

"All Night Boogie: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups Vol.Two" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (1996 US Rhino/Collectors' Choice Music 2CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…It's The All Night Boogie…That's What I'm Talkin' 'Bout…"

Both this and its preceding 2CD partner from 1995 "Don’t It Sound Good - The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups (Vol. One)" are now deleted and have over the years become expensive rarities in themselves. 

But for vocal group collectors and lovers of the magical Atlantic label, they contain tracks you simply can't get anywhere else. Here are the details...

US released 1996 - "All Night Boogie: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups Vol. Two" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Rhino/Collectors' Choice Music R2 7209 (No Barcode) is a 2CD set spanning 1951 to 1963 (with Eight Unreleased) that breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (69:48 minutes):

1. All Night Boogie – THE CLOVERS [Previously Unreleased, Recorded July 1951]

2. I’ll Always Love You – THE CARDINALS (November 1951, Atlantic 952)

3. For Awhile – THE CARDINALS [Previously Unreleased, Recorded January 1953]

4. Yes It’s You – THE CLOVERS (May 1953, Atlantic 989)

5. You Are My Only Love – THE CARDINALS (May 1953, Atlantic 995)

6. Gone – CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (Previously Unreleased First Version)

7. Here Goes A Fool – THE CLOVERS June 1953, Atlantic 1000)

8. Two Loves Have I – THE DIAMONDS (August 1953, Atlantic 1003, B-side)

9. I’ll Live Again – THE DIAMONDS (August 1953, Atlantic 1003, A-side)

10. Let The Boogie Woogie Roll - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS [Previously Unreleased, 2nd Version]

11. Cherry – THE DIAMONDS (December 1953, Atlantic 1017)

12. Cross Over The Bridge – THE CHORDS ((June 1954, Cat 104, B-side of “Sh-Boom” which is on Vol.1)

13. Rock, Moan & Cry – THE PLAYBOYS (August 1954, Cat 108, B-side of “Tell Me” which is on Vol.1 - see also PPS below)

14. Good Golly Miss Molly – THE PLAYBOYS [Previously Unreleased, Alternate Take – see also PPS below re The Cues]

15. Bless You – THE CHORDS (September 1954, Cat 109)

16. Freddie - CARMEN TAYLOR & BOLEROS (September 1954, Atlantic 1041, A-side. Its B-side "Ooh I" is on Vol.1. See also PPS below)

17. If Teardrops Were Kisses – THE ROBINS (February 1955, Spark 110)

18. Walk That Walk – THE SHEIKS (March 1955, Cat 116)

19. Pretty Wild – THE SH-BOOMS (The Chords Under Another Name) (October 1955, Cat 117)

20. Heartbeat - THE SH-BOOMS (The Chords Under Another Name) [Previously Unreleased, Recorded February 1955]

21. Here Goes My Heart To You – THE CARDINALS (December 1955, Atlantic 1079)

22. Don’t Leave Me Fannie – THE ROYAL JOKERS (January 1956, Atco 6062)

23. Come On Home – THE PEARLS (April 1956, Atco 6066)

24.Ain’t She Sweet – THE SENSATIONS (March 1956, Atco 6067) 

25. Your Promise To Be Mine – THE DRIFTERS (February 1956, Atlantic 1089)

Disc 2 (63:37 minutes):

1. Offshore – THE CARDINALS (March 1956, Atlantic 1090)

2. My Heart Cries For You – THE SENSATIONS (August 1956, Atco 6075)

3. I Knew I’d Fall In Love – THE PENGUINS (March 1957, Atlantic 1132)

4. My Only Desire – THE FLYERS (March 1957, Atco 6088)

5. You Made Me Love You – THE SENSATIONS (April 1957, Atco 6090)

6. Fine, Fine Baby – THE ROMEOS (1st released as a 7” single in the Fall of 1957 on Fox Records 846, then re-released in December 1957 on Atco 6107, B-side)

7. Moments To Remember You By – THE ROMEOS (as per 6, A-side)

8. Yakety Yak – THE COASTERS [Previously Unreleased Stereo Remix of the 7” single version]

9. Remember The Night – THE DEL-LARKS (June 1958, East West 116)

10. Drip Drop – THE DRIFTERS (Alternate Take 1st released on the 1964 LP “Our Biggest Hits”)

11. Um Bow Bow – THE BOBBETTES (July 1958, Atlantic 1194)

12. Crying – THE VERSATILES (October 1958, Atlantic 2004, B-side to “Crying” – see 13)

13. Passing By – THE VERSATILES (as per 12, A-side)

14. Charlie Brown – THE COASTERS [Previously Unreleased Stereo Remix of the 7” single version]

15. Don’t Say Goodnight – THE BOBBETTES (May 1959, Atlantic 2027) 

16. I Shot Mr. Lee – THE BOBBETTES (April 1960, Atlantic 2069)

[This is the 1st Version – a second version was released in June 1960 on Triple-X 104]

17. In The Chapel In The Moonlight – BILLY STORM (September 1960, Atlantic 2076, Produced by Phil Spector, as are 18 and 19)

18. Dear One – BILLY STORM (March 1961, Atlantic 2098)

19. A Kiss From Your Lips – BILLY STORM (July 1961, Atlantic 2112)

20.Twist & Shout – THE TOP NOTES (September 1961, Atlantic 2115) 

21. I Do Love You – TEX & THE CHEX (September 1961, Atlantic 2116)

22. She Never Talked To Me That Way – THE DRIFTERS (featuring Ben E. King) [Previously Unreleased, Recorded October 1961]

23. Storm Weather – THE FOUR CASTS (April 1964, Atlantic 2211)

24. Since I Feel For You – THE SKYLINERS (June 1963, Atco 6270)

25. Let’s Be Lovers – THE STARGLOWS (June 1963, Atco 6272)

The 12-page booklet has detailed and informative liner-notes by PETER GRENDYSA on each of the acts with a few pages of musician credits (where known). Grendysa did the superlative liner notes for the 1994 "Chess Rhythm & Roll" 4CD Box Set and the Louis Jordan "Let The Good Times Roll" 8CD Box Set on Bear Family (see separate reviews). 

BOB HYDE compiled it (has a short introduction in the booklet of Volume 1) with Tape research and digital remastering by WALTER DeVENNE (along with Bill Inglot, he has handled large swaths of the Atlantic catalogue for Rhino). Like the first Volume, the sound quality varies - superlative one moment ("All Night Boogie" by The Clovers - lyrics above), hissy and crackly the next ("Bless You" by The Chords). But overall, most tracks are very, very good given the vintage and limited sources. The only other place I've heard them sound 'better' is on the award-winning Bear Family "Blowing The Fuse" Series of CD compilations from 1945 to 1960 (I've reviewed all 16 - for tracks relevant to this set - see 1951 through to 1958). 

The first 2CD set had only 4 previously unreleased songs out of 50, but likewise, the 8 on this second lot of 50 are shockingly good too. "Gone" by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters is a more ‘weepy’ 1st Version (a later take is the master for the single on Atlantic 1055) and there’s even studio chatter and a false start for “Let The Boogie Woogie Roll” – both will be genuine blasts for lovers of this extraordinary vocalist. The Playboys “Good Golly Miss Molly” was recorded December 1954 (not a Little Richard cover) and is as infectious as Atlantic Rhythm & Blues gets. 

And the rare Doo Wop groups are a revelation too - The Cardinals, The Pearls and the obscure slightly Latin rhythms of The Romeos. Phil Spector fans will appreciate the Billy Storm trio of tracks, while Coasters fans will eat up “Yakety Yak” newly remixed into STEREO! Downsides – I would have liked the proper single version of “Good Golly Miss Molly” and the inclusion of its B-side “Honey Bun” by The Playboys because I collect anything The Cues sang back-up on (Atlantic’s resident vocal group)…but you can’t have everything.

To sum up - yes it's expensive for sure, but if you're a vocal group fan or a junkie for the truly extraordinary Atlantic label - then "All Night Boogie" is a must own - recommended big time...

PS: see also a separate review for Volume 1 - "Don’t It Sound Good: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups (Volume 1)"

PPS: fans of Atlantic's uncredited backing vocal group THE CUES should note that they are featured on Disc 1 on Tracks 13, 14 and 16. They are also on 3 Tracks on Vol.1

"Don't It Sound Good: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (1995 US Rhino/Collectors' Choice Music 2CD Set of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...One Mint Julep Was The Cause Of It All..."

Both this and its 2CD partner "All Night Boogie - The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups Vol. Two" are now deleted and have over the years become expensive rarities in themselves. 

But for vocal group collectors and lovers of the magical Atlantic label, they contain tracks you simply can't get anywhere else. Here are the details...

US released 1995 - "Don't It Sound Good: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Rhino/Collectors' Choice Music R2 7160 (No Barcode) is a 50-Track 2CD Set of Remasters spanning 1951 to 1963 and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (72:32 minutes):

1. Don't It Sound Good - BILLY MASHBURN (October 1963, Atlantic 2208)

2. Skylark - THE CLOVERS (March 1951, Atlantic 934, B-side)

3. Don't You Know I Love You - THE CLOVERS (March 1951, Atlantic 934, A-side)

4. Shouldn't I Know - THE CARDINALS (May 1951, Atlantic 938)

5. Needless - THE CLOVERS (August 1951, Atlantic 944, B-side)

6. Fool, Fool, Fool - THE CLOVERS (August 1951, Atlantic 944, A-side)

7. Wheel Of Fortune - THE CARDINALS (January 1952, Atlantic 958)

8. One Mint Julep - THE CLOVERS (March 1952, Atlantic 963)

9. I Played The Fool - THE CLOVERS (October 1952, Atlantic 977)

10. A Beggar For Your Kisses - THE DIAMONDS (December 1952, Atlantic 981, A-side)

11. Call Baby Call - THE DIAMONDS (December 1952, Atlantic 981, B-side)

12. Lovey Darling - THE CARDINALS (May 1953, Atlantic 995)

13. Money Honey - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (September 1953, Atlantic 1006)

14. Lucille - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (January 1954, Atlantic 1019)

15. Romance In The Dark - THE DIAMONDS (December 1953, Atlantic 1017)

16. Such A Night - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (January 1954, Atlantic 1019)

17. Don't Dog Me [Alternate Take, Previously Unreleased] - CLYDE McPHATTER & THE DRIFTERS 

(The original 7" single version was issued December 1959 on Atlantic 2049)

18. Little Mama - THE CLOVERS (February 1954, Atlantic 1022)

19. Under A Blanket Of Blue - THE CARDINALS (April 1954, Atlantic 1025)

20. Money Love - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (May 1954, Atlantic 1029)

21. Sh-Boom - THE CHORDS (June 1954, Cat 104)

22. Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash - THE CLOVERS 

[An Alternate Take that first appeared on 1971's "Their Greatest Recordings" - the original single version was released June 1954 on Atlantic 1035)

23. Tell Me - THE PLAYBOYS (August 1954, Cat 108, see PPS below)

24. Love, Oh Love - THE CHORDS [Previously Unreleased, Recorded February 1955] 

25. Bip Bam - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (October 1954, Atlantic 1043)

Disc 2 (65:17 minutes):

1. Blue Velvet - THE CLOVERS (December 1954, Atlantic 1052)

2. My Buddie Stole My Chippie - THE PLAYBOYS [Previously Unreleased, Recorded December 1954, see PPS below]

3. The Door Is Still Open - THE CARDINALS (March 1955, Atlantic 1054)

4. Ooh I - CARMEN TAYLOR & BOLEROS (September 1954, Atlantic 1041, B-side of "Freddie" which is on Vol.2. See PPS below)

5. What'cha Gonna Do - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (February 1955, Atlantic 1055)

6. Got The Water Boiling - THE REGALS (April 1955, Atlantic 1062)

7. Come Back My Love - THE CARDINALS (June 1955, Atlantic 1067)

8. Shadows Of Love - THE PEARLS (October 1955, Atco 6057)

9. You Tickle My Heart - THE ROYAL JOKERS (September 1955, Atco 6052)

10. Adorable - THE DRIFTERS (October 1955, Atlantic 1078)

[Features Clyde McPhatter on Vocals]

11. Smokey Joe's Café - THE ROBINS (October 1955, Atco 6059)

12. Yes Sir, That's My Baby - THE SENSATIONS (December 1955, Atco 6056)

13. Hey Doll Baby - THE CLOVERS (January 1956, Atlantic 1083, B-side)

14. Devil Or Angel - THE CLOVERS (January 1956, Atlantic 1083, A-side)

15. Bells Of Love - THE PEARLS (April 1956, Atco 6066)

16. Ruby Baby - THE DRIFTERS (March 1956, Atlantic 1089)

17. Please Mr. Disc Jockey - THE SENSATIONS (March 1956, Atco 6067)

18. Happy And Gay - THE CASTELLES (May 1956, Atco 6069)

19. She's Mine, All Mine - THE ROYAL JOKERS (September 1956, Atco 6077)

20. On Bended Knee - THE FLYERS (March 1957, Atco 6088)

21. Pledge Of Love - THE PENGUINS (March 1957, Atlantic 1132)

22. The Girl I Love - THE GLOWTONES (September 1957, Atlantic 1156, DJ Copies only - Re-released on East West 101 in December 1957)

23. Zing! Went The Strings - THE COASTERS (April 1958, Atco 6116)

[Newly Remixed & First Time in STEREO]

24. The Dream - THE BOBBETTES (July 1958, Atlantic 1194)

25. Castle Of Love - THE RAIDERS (September 1958, Atco 6125)

The 12-page booklet has detailed and informative liner-notes by PETER GRENDYSA on each of the acts with a few pages of musician credits (where known). Grendysa did the superlative liner notes for the 1994 "Chess Rhythm & Roll" 4CD Box Set and the Louis Jordan "Let The Good Times Roll" 8CD Box Set on Bear Family (see separate reviews). 

BOB HYDE compiled it (has a short introduction in the booklet) with Tape research and digital remastering by WALTER DeVENNE (along with Bill Inglot, he has handled large swaths of the Atlantic catalogue for Rhino). The sound quality varies wildly - superlative one moment ("Shouldn't I Know" by The Cardinals - lyrics above), hissy and crackly the next ("Needless" by The Clovers). But overall, most tracks are very, very good given the vintage and limited sources. The only other place I've heard them sound 'better' is on the award-winning Bear Family "Blowing The Fuse" Series of CD compilations from 1945 to 1960 (I've reviewed all 16 - for tracks relevant to this set - see 1951 through to 1958). 

Four previously unreleased songs out of 50 is hardly a major haul, but long-time Atlantic fans will know that with talk of a fire destroying many precious original tapes back in the murky mists of time, any new material on this label is little short of a miracle. It turns out that they were Acetates found in the Atlantic vaults in Manhattan - then digitally transferred as best as possible - and appear here for the first time. "Don't Dog Me" by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters is an Alternate Take and will be a genuine blast for lovers of this extraordinary vocalist. Even better frankly is "Love, Oh Love" by The Chords - a truly brill bit of Atlantic Rhythm & Blues. 

There's great R'n'B dancers on here too - "Got The Water Boiling" by The Regals, "Come Back My Love" by The Cardinals and "You Tickle Me Baby" by The Royal Jokers. And the rare Doo Wop groups are a revelation too - The Pearls (with the stunning McPhatter type vocals of Howard Guyton on lead), The Sensations and a rare Atlantic outing for The Penguins. Mostly it's just a thrill to hear these songs and artists in the one place, because you simply don't see them surface on any other compilation. 

To sum up - yes it's expensive for sure, but if you're a vocal group fan or a junkie for the truly extraordinary Atlantic label - then "Don't It Sound Good" is a must own - recommended big time...

PS: see also a separate review for Volume 2 - "All Night Boogie"

PPS: fans of Atlantic's uncredited backing vocal group THE CUES should note that they are featured on Disc 1, Track 23 and Disc 2, Tracks 2 and 4. They are also on Vol.2