In the early 1960s, doo-wop had lost its allure through most of the United States, let alone the rest of the world. On the cusp of the Beatles and the British musical invasion, doo-wop was as dated as the dance that went with it, the Lindy. But Philadelphia, like its eighteenth-century forebears, was a hold-out and its fortress was the third-floor walk-up studio of Jamie Records at 1330 West Girard Avenue.
Many of the records in this collection were conceived in that walk-up studio, which had two grand pianos and recording equipment but was mainly used for creative and rehearsal sessions. This 1998 album, which was dedicated to those who worked and admittedly fooled around up there, represents the last gasp of street corner doo-wop as it played out in the early 60s in Philadelphia, with some 50s cuts as a reminder of Philly's long relationship to doo-wop and street-corner harmony.
Tracks (stereo except where marked M for Mono)
The Girl From Across The Sea (Angel Marie) - Ernie & Halo's
Dancin' The Strand - Maureen Gray
For Me And My Gal - Four J's
Puddin' N' Tain - Kit Kats
Mr. Bassman [early version of "Please Mr. Dee Jay"] - Anthony & Sophomores (M)
Don't Just Stand There (Do Something) - Five Chords (M)
Aisle Of Love - Famous Hearts (M)
Serenade - Anthony & Sophomores
No Wonder I Love You - Pacers (M)
I Wonder - Fantasys
One Summer Night - Anthony & Sophomores
Over The Weekend - Billy & Essentials
Darling!!! Don't Make Me Cry - Ernie & Halo's
I See A Star - Little Steve (M)
Steady Girl - Billy & Essentials (M)
How Sweet - Pacers (M)
Foolish One - Stompers (M)
By Love Possessed - Four Js