Customer Reviews

West Coast Sock Hop

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

 

 

ARVEE was located in Los Angeles, and was started in 1958 by Richard Vaughn, who also owned lounge music label HI-FI records. ARVEE specialized in recordings for teens, with heavy emphasis on dance music, thus this album's title, WEST COAST SOCK HOP. The sound quality throughout the 30 tracks of this collection is nothing less than superb. Many of the original 45s of these songs sell for hundreds of dollars each, that is, if you can find them.

The Olympics, The Marathons, The Tramps and the Robins all recorded for ARVEE. Johnny "Guitar" Watson was an ARVEE artist. I had his 45 of Untouchable/Johnny Guitar when I was very young (I wonder what it would be worth these days?). Wally Cox recorded for ARVEE-- no, not the voice of Underdog and star of Hollywood Squares-- this is a different Wally Cox, a soul singer. "El Pizza" by Dudley is a humorous parody of Marty Robbins' hit, "El Paso." The Marathons, who remind me of the Hollywood Argyles, tell the story of a reluctant astronaut on "Chicken Spaceman." They also do "Peanut Butter," which got a lot of airplay in its day.

I do have one small complaint: This album's four page foldout liner notes-- the print is practically microscopic, and a challenge to the most acute eyesight. Other than that, this is a terrific package.

WEST COAST SOCK HOP will help Baby Boomers recall the dances of their youth: the Shimmy Shimmy, the Hully Gully, the Stomp, and others. And for those too young to remember, or collectors who may not have 600 bucks to shell out for one single 45, this is a great opportunity to sample a unique and prolific teen label from rock & roll's late golden age.