In the late 40s and early 50s the style of Black vocal groups as major hit-making groups influenced by the Ink Spots and The Mills Brothers lost ground to the more teenage oriented groups like The Orioles and The Ravens. The Four Tunes, holdovers from an earlier era, were able to score two hits that were able to cross over from the race charts to the pop charts in 1953 and 1954, "Marie" and "I Understand (Just How You Feel). These songs enjoyed cover versions and revivals in the ensuing decades, by British groups in the Beat Boom, specifically The Bachelors, The G-Clefs and Freddie and the Dreamers. "Wrapped Up In Dream" is a wonderful collection on the Jasmine label of vintage R&B, Soul and Pop in two discs, all accompanied, 28 songs on one and 29 on the other, all featuring the soulful, exciting harmonies of these four talented men. It's hard to pick favorites from so many winners, but we'll give you a handful besides the two stellar hits and the title tune: "Little Jane," "Confess," "You're Heartless," "Careless Love," "The Prisoners Song," "I Gambled With Love," "Sugar Lump," "Do Do Do It Again," "Don't Cry Darling," "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman," "Brooklyn Bridge," "Three Little Chickens," "At The Steamboat River Ball," "Rock and Roll Call," "Dancing With Tears in My Eyes" and "Ballad of James Dean." Most of these tunes are new to us, and it's a kick to hear them, as if we've tuned in to a very hip radio station in the south from 60 years ago! We love this collection and bet you will too! |
