Customer Reviews

Kenny Vance & The Planotones

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought this CD to hear more from the great group that gave us the splendid Doowopp anthem,"Looking for an echo".I was surprised to learn that Kenny started Jay and the Americans with Jay Trainor,and sang on the 1963 hit,'She Cried",so I wanted to hear more of that wonderful sound.Kenny truly has one of the sweetest voices of the genre`,but that is not the reason that we are drawn to his style.His may not be the very best voice(listen to Johnny Maestro of the Crests,Jimmy Beaumont of the Skyliners or Rudy West of the original Five Keyes)but Kenny Vance surpasses each one of them in one particular aspect of his renditions:He convinces us that he loves the music the best, and enjoys singing it the ,most!He not only invites you to his "private lyrical ecstacy" but he is able to pull you into his reverie,not kicking and screaming, but rather singing and gleaming! He knows his voice wasn`t the very best, but that will not diminish his unique enthusiastic approach to acting out these passionate displays of Doowopp delight.That is the remarkable trait that separates Kenny Vance from all of the rest.Only Dion Di Mucci`s sessions,both with the Belmonts and Del Satins, can approach the depth of love that Kenny has for "the music")

I have had the pleasure of seeing Kenny Vance and the Planetones perform "live" several times over the past couple of years. They are a dymamite act in concert. Perhaps I was expecting too much but I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed in this 2002 studio recording. Don't get me wrong--"Kenny Vance and the Planetones" is not a bad disc. It just seems to lack some of the energy and excitement I found in their concerts.

One of the strengths of gifted lead singer Kenny Vance is his ability to tackle all kinds of material. He is equally comfortable with the soulful sound of Major Lance's "Um,Um,Um,Um,Um,Um" and great doo-wop sounds like the Skyliners "This I Swear". Both of these are included among the 15 tunes on this disc. My favorite track on this disc would have to be "Gloria" which has to be one of most popular doo-wop tunes of all time. I also enjoyed the Planetones renditions of "I Only Have Eyes For You", "I'm So Happy" as well as the bouncy medley "Walking Along/Church Bells May Ring". That one is outstanding! And no Kenny Vance and the Planetones disc would be complete without their signature song "Looking For An Echo."

All in all, I would have to say that I was a little disappointed with some of the songs included on this 2002 release. For me "Kenny Vance and the Planetones" is a solid four star disc but no more. Collectables has wisely included some decent liner notes to add to your enjoyment. In 2005 the group released a new CD entitled "Lover's Island". To be honest I think I might enjoy the songs included on that one even more.

Waited a long time to get this, but it did arrive,albeit almost two months after I ordered it,but it was easily worth the wait.I could not find this cd at any stores,I think these guys should get more airtime, but of course, nowadays who would play this good doo wap stuff,or for that matter, any good music.Cd comes with little pamphlet all about the group and is quite interesting.

After seeing the Planotones in concert I just had to buy their CD's. I was not disappointed. They are my favorite doo wop group of all time so for me it was a must purchase.

I love this group and this CD is great. My favorite song is Mi Amore but they are all pretty great. The voices are so rich and the harmony is wonderful. I listen to this and two of his other CD's constantly. I can't wait to see them again in concert.

Saw these guys in concert with the Duprees and the Capris at AMT the CD is teriffic recommend this to anyone who loves oldies and DOO WOP

if u like doo wop and u like kenny vance and the planotones-you will love this cd-sound quality great-enjoyed the selection of songs

i enjoy listening to the oldies and do wop. i especially enjoy the east coast sounds.

Will order soundtrack from Looking for an Echo movie. Much better sounding. Love the bridge song. Kenny Vance sings much better today, especially on the boardwalk in S.I. Moving to Pa and will look for him there to perform.

anything that kenny vance and the planotones do will get into your head and will not leave.if you ever have a chance to see them in person,you will not be disappointed.i have seen them many times and have tickets for three shows in the next few months.their cd's will bring you back to a time when things were a lot less complicated.relax,enjoy,and relish in their unique style.