Customer Reviews

Best of The Diamonds The Mercury Years

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The Diamonds scored 16 hits between 1956 and 1962 - all of which are represented on this album. The album also features a number of tracks which have hitherto been unobtainable - the rare "Oh Carol" which features bass vocalist JOHN FELTEN, and the previously unreleased "Chimes in my Heart", a Bill Medley composition to delight the most discriminating doo-wopper. Lead singer Dave Somerville is a classicly trained singer who joined The Diamonds just prior to the emergence of Rock and Roll. His vocal training is clearly evident throughout the album. The Diamonds are indeed the Mecca of vocal harmony groups. This album is a "must have" for all lovers of good music

This recording spans from 1956 thru 1961 and is part of Poloygrams "The Mercury Years" series. Thanks to the distinctive and strong lead voice of David Somerville, this is a good representation of what they were known for. However, bridging the gap of Big Band and the beginnings of rock and roll, this talanted group was capable of much more. With segregation in radio play, they were a "cover" group. Recording the same songs as the black R & B, and Doo-wop groups, which were not played on "white" stations. Being a common practice at that time, but not common knowledge, they and others had very successfuls careers with this format. With the absents of record scratch the quality of this recording sounds great. The pinnacle of the collection is "Little Darlin." This was kept out of the No. 1 spot only by the king of rock and roll himself, Elvis. As you listen, you can hear the change in music style from '56 to '61. Members included, David Somerville-lead. Ted Kowalski, Evan Fisher-tenor. Phil Levitt, Mike Douglas-baritone. Bill Reed, John Felten-bass. This should be a "must have" for Diamonds fans. Also available from the Diamonds, "25 Golden Hits."

The Diamonds are not just a " group " , but a extermely versatile group . They recorded straight ahead R&B , R&R , &
Pop . Whether it be a latin flavored number or tradition Doo Wop ,street corner standard ; they pulled it off tastfully.
The Groups' Feb. 1957 recording of The Gladiolas , " Little Darlin' " is a perfect example of what Doo Wop should sound like ; cover or not . It's doubtful that any other version of the song would've hit the charts like The Diamonds did . The bass

narrative & the falsetto intro helps make this tune what it is ; an all time ,rock & roll classic. David Somerville's sustained ," Why " on " Why Do Fools Fall In Love " shows his fine vocal abilities , truly unbeatable . Their December 1957 recording of the original , "The Stroll " shows that the group had no problem working with original material ;creating yet another all time classic. Whether it be " Ka Ding Dong " or
" She Say " , cover or original , The Diamonds were fantastic.
My Favorite , though not included on this CD is, " Eternal Lover's " . It features a heavy bass intro , exit & great lead vocals , again by Somerville . " Mercury " made a wise choice
in signing the this fantastic group ! Great CD ,Great music ,
Great talent !-Enjoy!

Roland J.D.Boulware

Please have more samples available for the Diamonds listening audience, such as #7,#13,#14,and#17. This group was hot and can be again!

This release, as part of The Mercury Years series (some others included The Gaylords, Georgia Gibbs, Ralph Marterie, Vic Damone, Eddy Howard), took some considerable liberties with the claim to being "The Best Of" in that a full 41% of the contents (tracks 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 18, 19 to 21) were either E.P. cuts, failed singles, uncharted flipsides, or previously unreleased material. How these, especially the latter, can be among their best defies any logic.

Admittedly, the sound quality of this volume is better than the Stardust release, but then again it's not all that bad on the other issue, and there you get all 16 of their Billboard Pop Top/Hot 100 singles registered from their first in early 1956 (Why Do Fools Fall In Love? - # 12 Top 100), to their last in late summer 1961, One Summer Night (# 22).

There are also four pages of informative liner notes here, written in 1992 by Dawn Eden, a complete discography of the contents, and another nice shot of the group in action on stage.

But, all things considered, I would recommend the other release by Stardust.

This is a great collection by The Diamonds. I always prefer to buy albuns than greatest hits. Unfortunately I have not been able to find their original albuns. The quality of this recording is very good. The only reason why I did not give 5 in my assessment was because this is not an album.