Customer Reviews

Best of Flamingos

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most fans of classic rhythm and blues agree that its sound takes root in the Pentecostal church. There, call-and-response vocals, melismatic shouting and soloing, and dancable beats evolved into the sound that became (and to many, remains) rock and roll.

If the Flamingos' sound, heard here on this essential Rhino best-of, sounds more disciplined, intricate, flowing, it may have been because its members were (according to Donn Fileti's remarkable liner notes) Hebrews basing their seamless, breezy, minor-key harmonies on temple hymns. Their cooler, cohesive approach remains a doo-wop gold standard, bridging the 30s-40s harmonies of the Ink Spots and Ravens with the Motown 60s soul to follow.

Listen to the wordless vocal interplay introducing "Golden Teardrops," or the perfect dictation of "Please...wait...for me," starting one of their best-known hits, "Lovers Never Say Goodbye" (Not to mention the vocal trade-off between "Buzzy" Johnson and Paul Wilson, a rarity then on any pop record). Or hear Wilson whisper "So long 'till I'm home to start serving you" in "I'll Be Home," which writer Billy Altman said "...stands - at attention, of course - as one of the finest draft-age inspired rock and roll love songs of all time."

Nor was the Flamingos' attention to vocal detail limited to ballads (although their signature rendition of Harry Warren's "I Only Have Eyes For You" epitomises the style). Uptempo numbers from the Latin-flavored "Ko Ko Mo" to Doc Pomus-Mort Schuman's Drifters-sounding "Your Other Love" (which Dean Martin later covered in near-identical arranegemnt) share the group's vocal finesse.

The "Dream Of A Lifetime" here was released on Parrot Records in 1954 and (to these ears) is less satisfying that the Checker Records rendition released two years later. (It's found on the deleted MCA label compilation, "Best of Chess Vocal Groups.") Nonetheless, this collection, first to draw from all the Flamingos' 50s labels, remains necessary to 50s or harmony group fans. It collects peak performances not only from this beloved, long-lasting group, but from the genre they led, then symbolized.

What is the most perfect sounding single of all time? Many collectors would answer that question without hesitation. "Golden Teardrops" by The Flamingos was released on the fledgling Chance label in Chicago in late 1953. This is an unforgettable and truly elegant recording featuring the passionate lead of Sollie McElroy and the intricate harmonies of first tenor Johnny Carter, second tenor Zeke Carey, baritone Paul Wilson and bass Jake Carey. This record would establish the group as one of the top R&B vocal groups of the era. But the Flamingos were not content to be just an outstanding vocal group. They also played their own instruments and choreographed the act as well. Many of the Motown groups a decade later would emulate The Flamingos.

In the marvelous "The Complete Book of Doo Wop" authors Anthony Gribin and Matthew Schiff list what they feel are the top 1000 doo wop records of all time. There are 10 records by the Flamingos on that list. 9 of these songs appear on this wonderful CD. Once again, Rhino has done a masterful job with this compilation. There is an informative 8 page booklet featuring a history of the group as well as a complete discography. This is an especially important feature for doo wop groups since most tended to wander from label to label. The Flamingos were no exception in this regard. Sit down relax and enjoy tunes like "That's My Desire" from 1953, "I'll Be Home" as well as tunes we all know and love like "Lovers Never Say Goodbye" and of course "I Only Have Eyes For You". I am confident that you will enjoy each and every one of the 18 tracks on the CD. One track I would have included here had it been up to me was the groups rendition of Patti Pages "Cross Over the Bridge". It is one of my favorites. Whether you are a long time fan of doo wop or someone just exploring the genre for the first time "The Best of The Flamingos" is a disc worth owning. Very highly recommended.

One early reviewer of this package says he only hears "Lovers Never Say Goodbye" by these guys on the oldies stations. That has not been my experience, but I do hope that Terry Johnson of the group is collecting royalties as he wrote it and went on to write my favorite Miracles' song, "Baby, Baby, Don't Cry" with Smokey Robinson. Surely the most popular of the Flamingos' tunes is "I Only Have Eyes for You" written in the 1930s and covered by the group in 1959 with a knock-you-dead arrangement that is a classic; Art Garfunkel copied the arangement for his solo version some years later. This is a very good package and I recommend it. The Flamingos were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame AND the Doo Wop Hall of Fame (no, really) in 2001. Is there any wonder why?

The Flamingos version of "I Only Have Eyes For You" is the most beautiful love song of all the times!!!! The singin' from these guys in "I Only Have Eyes For You" sounds like it's from another planet, with that fantastic harmony and the most fabulous background vocals ever recorded!!!! When I listen to this song - it's Heaven on Earth....

This album is definitely a great purchase. There are too many great songs to list all of them, but "I only have eyes for you" has got to be one of the greatest DooWop songs of all time. If you consider yourself a DooWop fan, then this album is a must.

The Flamingos are my all-time favorite group ever. Extraordinary harmonies, impeccable timing, and intricate arrangements characterize every beautiful recording by this amazing world-class group. The Flamingos have a unique and timeless sound which has often been emulated but never duplicated, and most likely never will. They have left an enduring legacy of music for millions of people to enjoy. May God bless them all!

The Flamingos have some of the sweetest and finest harmonies in Doo Wop. This CD proves it. "I Only Have Eyes For You" is a classic, but "Golden Teardrops" is also wonderful. Buy this CD and you will not be disappointed.

If you have never heard the Flamingos sing"I Only Have Eyes for You," then,seriously,you haven't lived!! It tops my list of "Best songs to slow dance to under the stars." The beginning is incredible,and sounds way ahead of it's time,technically.In any case,if you are an old softie like I am,then you will really enjoy this excellent CD.The beautiful harmonies will knock you out!!

There will never be another doowop group as good as The Original Flamingos. Their sound is unique and timeless; their performances were flawless. They made you proud to be a part of that generation! And, they should have been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame YEARS ago!

I love 50's music! They are the best group from the 50's. All the music is consistent and wonderful, and Mio Amore and I Only Have Eyes For You make me want to cry!