Rating: Summary: The Class Returns Review: Like the other reviewers, I loved Doo Wop 50 and snapped this concert up when it became available. I loved this concert also, but didn't feel that the sets and production quality were up to the first concert set. Still great, just not as great. I thought some of the camera manipulation was hokey and unnecessary. With performances like these, they can stand on their own without any technical finesse.However, this is no reflection on the performers or their work. Like the prior concert, there is an overwhelming feeling of warmth and loving respect between this audience and the entertainers. I've never been to an 'oldies' concert, but if the atmosphere on these DVD's is typical, I can see why so many of these long-forgotten performers have made a new career of touring. I have noticed that almost without exception, the performers endeavor to duplicate their recordings, rather than treading new ground. I appreciate this, as I've listened to those recordings for decades and those are the versions I want to hear! For me, the high point of this DVD was the performance of 'Little Darlin' with both the Diamonds and Maurice Williams. Truly, though, all of the performers give it their best and that's very good indeed. Mel Carter's "Hold Me..." is as dynamic as on his original recording, and the reunion of the Tokens is a treasure. This is feel-good music of the highest order; I've shown this DVD to many who aren't necessarily fans of 'doo-wop' on the radio and they've left very impressed. The depth of feeling, the obvious love the performance and audience have for this music, permeates every minute of these performances. I'm so glad someone made the effort to bring these performers together, as each year takes more of them from us. Through the magic of recording, people will be able to learn, to enjoy, and to appreciate this specialized genre of music long after all of us are gone.
Rating: Summary: THE BEST OF THE BEST Review: Manny years ago I sang the songs with the greatest people I have ever met in my youth. Yes we like others tried to become the bigest stars,and we loved the glory of it. We did record our songs but strugled with the finding time to put with our love of music. We all see now it did not die and will live forever. Our first records came out on the HAC lable as the CHAPELAIRES,and the SOFTWINDS. Later we recorded on the GATEWAY lable out of PITTSBURGH PA. It is wonderful to see some old friends still around and doing that good sound. To our friends who may see this let's keep the sound of the oldies alive YOUR'S TRULY JOHNNY
Rating: Summary: A Time Capsule of Memories Review: The Doo Wop at 50 and 51 are like wonderful trips back in time. You can actually remember the feelings you had when you first heard a certain song and where you were. Time and age drift away and you find aching joints suddenly moving to a slow dance, cheek to cheek. Although time has taken its toll on some groups, their sound is as sweet as ever. These belong in every collection to remind us how truly, timeless music can touch our souls like no other.
Rating: Summary: I'm drivin my 57 chevy all over again Review: These are classic must own videos for anyone who grew in the golden era of Rock n Roll ( 1955-1963). Get it in the collection pronto ! See ya later alligator.
Rating: Summary: Next best thing to being there Review: Thoroughly enjoyed this DVD. I also enjoyed Vol. 1, but I thought this was even better. There weren't filler groups as in the 1st one that sang the songs but really the originals. The only thing that kept this from a 5 is that there were some groups (at least 1) that I truly don't think were any originals. Great trip down memory lane!
Rating: Summary: Doo Wop 51 Review: Well, I thought it would be impossable to do it again, but PBS has put out another fine concert. Rhino has adapted it to DVD and it is really great. I watched it on PBS with all the sales pitch between segments but it is really great to watch the whole thing with no commercials and get more songs to boot. I have always been a fan of Hank Ballard and he is great. the same goes for Bill Pickney and the Original Drifters along with Charlie Thomas. Shirley Alston Reeves sings "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow". The segment with all the original Diamonds and Maurice Williams was great as well. Host Jerry Butler does a fabulous job as host. For anyone who likes music of the 50's and early 60's. I reccomend this DVD.
|