Customer Reviews

The Complete Co & Ce / Roulette Recordings

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Taragon has established a well deserved reputation for obtaining the highest level master or session tapes and issuing songs in stereo wherever possible (unlike Rhino who sometimes doesn't give a rats behind). This CD is no exception. As typical of Taragon, information is included about the master tapes used. I realize that many people could care less about this type of information, but it is very useful and interesting info for long time and serious collectors of oldies music. The following is a quote from the back of the CD:

"Tracks 3-7, 9-15, 18 & 20 are stereo from the original 2 track mixdown master tapes, tracks 1, 8, 16, & 19 mono from singles master tapes, 2 & 17 mono from original singles as no know master tapes exist. Track 21 includes both the original mono and alternate stereo mix."

As an added note, track 1 (The Gypsy Cried) is in simulated stereo. Track 3 (Two Faces Have I) is in true stereo but the separation is very slight between left and right channels. Also, track 21 does indeed include two songs, first the mono version and then the stereo version with a few seconds pause between the two. The track number does not increase between the two versions.

Not only did Lou Christie have Two Faces (or so he proudly proclaimed in his first Top Ten hit), he had two voices. In addition to his pleasing doo-wop-tinged tenor, Christie had full command of a shrieking falsetto that rendered his 1962-64 work for the Roulette and Pittsburgh-based Co & Ce labels unique.

Christie's entire output for those two firms is digitally gathered for this disc, including his three 1963 chart entries for Roulette, "The Gypsy Cried," "Two Faces Have I" (which peaked at #6 on Billboard's Pop charts), and "How Many Teardrops." The first two were co-written by the singer and longtime collaborator Twyla Herbert; the pair also brainstormed "Summer Snow," "All That Glitters Isn't Gold," "It Can Happen," and "Shy Boy."

Christie's early catalog encompassed a variety of R&B oldies. Covers of the Turbans' "When You Dance," Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs' "Stay," and fellow falsetto specialist Donnie Elbert's "Have I Sinned" were tailor-made to his soaring strengths.

A previously unissued reading of Barret Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)" is a find, while "Mr. Tenor Man" was Christie's bouncy rebuttal to Johnny Cymbal's "Mr. Bass Man."

Bert Berns-- the mastermind behind Solomon Burke, Bang Records, and "Hang On Sloopy"-- co-produced a January 8, 1964, Christie session that resulted in the powerful "Outside The Gates Of Heaven" and "You May Be Holding My Baby" (the latter co-penned by Berns himself). Fans of the still-active singer will cherish this collection.

Unfairly labelled as a Frankie Valli clone, Lou Christie's soaring falsetto is actually a far more pleasurable listing experience. This decent package includes all his early records from his rock and roll teen idol days including a previously unreleased studio track, Money (That's what I want). Christie and his friend and musician Twyla Herbert wrote most of this material and some of the tracks are essential rock and roll classics. Aside from the many original tracks, Lou Christie's cover of the Pentagons 'To be loved' is fantastic, although the lacklustre 'Stay' and 'Tears on my pillow' are not as memorable. I found that the best records on here were some of the least known. To be honest I'm pretty tired of 'The Gypsy Cried and 'Two Faces Have I, purely because I've heard them millions of times, but 'You may be holding my baby' and 'There they go' are two of the best records that I've listened to on a rock and roll CD for quite some time.
Christie didn't follow suit with his amazing two tone voice and opt for the typical 'Italian Doo Wop' sound, instead he was usually backed by female singers known as The Tammys, which is a neat and individual touch. Although his number one hit, Lightening Strikes is missing - due to him changing labels before releasing it - this is probably the best CD to get by LOU CHRISTIE. I'm a fairly harsh critic, but although not every track is excellent, I can find little to criticise on this fine CD. Buy this one and then get the one with 'Lightening strikes' and his cover of 'Teenager in love' on. They're so cheap on Amazon that you'd be a fool not too.

When you need to hear Sherry or Big Girls Don't Cry, this is the CD to get. Love it !

When Lou Christie was making this music in 1963, nobody cared about making great albums. The hit single on AM radio was the measure of success. So this CD has a few hits and a lot of forgettable stuff to fill out albums.

The presentation is done impeccably. The album artwork, liner notes, etc. are outstanding.

One of the tag suggestions Amazon gives you is "bubblegum". This music came before bubblegum, though.

This CD took me back many years to such a wonderful voice and great songs.