Customer Reviews

On Their Corner: Best of

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MCA has done a terrific job with its Chess reissues and compilations and this 18 song collection on the Dells is no different.

On Their Corner covers the Dells' glory years - which spanned 1966 to 1975 - on the Chess subsidiary label Cadet. All of their most important hits are included, such as the doo wop-rich "Stay In My Corner" and "Oh What A Night," the angst-filled gem "I Can Sing A Rainbow/Love Is Blue," and the frenetically hypnotic "There Is." Most of their lesser hits are here as well, like the seductive "I Miss You" and the sweet "The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind)." There is also a previously unreleased track from 1972: "Since I Found You."

The extensive liner notes (six pages) offer a detailed history of the Dells, emphasizing, of course, their years on Cadet and the enclosed songs. The track sequencing is superb, allowing a steady mixture of fast and slow numbers. While the tracks are not in exact chronological order, the evolution of the Dells' sound from the mid-60s to the mid-70s is clearly conveyed.

I would have liked to see included the bouncy singles "Hallways Of My Mind" and "Oh What A Day," as well as their outstanding remakes of "Long Long Lonely Nights" and "Since I Don't Have You" from their 1969 lp LIKE IT IS, LIKE IT WAS (among others). For a more thorough look at the group, check out their two-disc anthology (and pray for a box set). For a single disc sampling of their very best, though, this is the set to get.

having listened to there slow jams and the soul they display they belong in the rock-n-roll hall of fame.first class material.oh what a night,stay in my corner,nadine etc..as great as any other soul vocal group.the movie the five heartbeats is about them check that out as well.

The Dells as a group originated about the year 1955-56. At that time they had six members in the group. I remember having in my possesion as a kid of 8-9 years old, an original "78" speed record of the Dells. Later still we as Manhatan 'youths' would croon it on the corner and in the subways. "Time marches on, on marches time" shoop-bop, doo wop, etc. And then they were gone. That is until we witnessed them singing with other groups, known and uknown. By the way, the best singer "par Excellance" I ever have heard was "Lil Anthony" of the Imperials. Once at Radio City Hall, I was the back-up band, and he had a duel with Johnny Mathis. This went on backstage and finally in front, and Lil Anthony way out did him. Why? Is for another time. However, when I next heard the Dells was in concert at the Beacon theather in Manhattan. Wow! They were good with the 80"s sound. But finally, they came out with their own recording. No matter what, their style is totaly unique, and still to thiss day holds that essence they always had. For example, the first cut: Oh what a Night. Examplifies their styling. Any group singing harmony whom have a high lead vocal, must always have a high background harmony. Even the Bass, and Falsetto who are such a signature of their wonderful efforts- interweave the both in such a manner that it is both a Doo Wop and fits quite nicely with todays so-called sound. Naaturally, the technology is accentuating the record. Meaning CD, stereo, mixing, tracts, and so forth which did not exist in the fifties. Yet, their original uniqueness remains, and is only that much better after four decades. To truly appreciate the Dells, one must see or hear them in concert. I would have more to say, but I truly recommend the Dell's current CD, and solely await their next release.

I have this album and ALL the cuts are great. Play it at 3am for your lady and I promise you that you will get "lucky" that night :)

Yet another reason the Dells belong on the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. If you are a fan of the Dells, put them there at: Soul-Patrol.com

I am very disappointed. I have not received my cd and it has been quite a while since my order. I have tried to contact the seller twice and have not received a reply. In light of the holidays, I would have expected to have it by now. It has been almost a month. I would not advise dealing with this seller due to lack of customer service and non-delivery.

*****I had many of these songs (mid 60s) on an eight track cartridge! I played it all the time in my 1965 poppy red mustang! What a blast to have purchased this CD on Amazon....it took me right back to those days long gone by! This group really "rocks" as today's youngsters would say! I love, love, love it!!! You will, too! What a great group the Dells are! Their music definitely stands the test of time!

The Dells, like many of the classic soul groups and singers from the 60's and 70's, truly stand the test of time. My parents loved this music, as I have, and I can almost guarantee my kids will feel the same. When all the "hip" and current music on the radio gets inevitably played out, the ability to pour a drink and sit down to Dells gems like "Stay In My Corner", "My Pretending Days Are Over", and "Oh What A Night" is something to be cherished. When you hear the serene opening to "The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind)" You realize without a doubt that you're hearing not just soul but great music that moves the spirit! It gets no better than this right here. Not to mention one of the greatest songs ever speaking to a mans love for a woman "Always Together" is included here as well. Google search the lyrics if you must to understand where I'm coming from. I sing this song to my wife on the regular! It's that heartfelt. There are nothing but gems on this compilation, and I demand that those looking for a return to music's splendor grab this cd immediately. For an even deeper taste of this groups vocal prowess, pick up if you can the early "Chess" releases or the double disc of underground Dells classics. Marvin Junior's powerful voice is among the greatest in R&B history. Dare to tell me differently??! Old heads and youngbucks alike, make this album a part of your collection! You won't be sorry.

The Dells are probably the most underrated r&b group to play a significant role in music that came after. They have an impressive resume that ranged from 1966 - 1974, at least for their classics that are included on On Their Corner. The highlight of this release is "I Wish It Was Me You Loved". There are plenty of other strong points on here as well that once you hear them you'll say, "oh, that was The Dells!" There's a variety on here as far as vocal range from the quartet and selection of tempo that they have made history with for black music.

Someone who is a follower of the Dells may be able to answer my question. I've been searching years for a CD the Dells released on 8-track cassette in the 1970s. Several of the songs include "A Whiter Shade of Pale", "I Can Sing A Rainbow" and "Oh what a night." If you can help me find this please email me at dsmithstl@aol.com