V.A.(THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICAN ROCK'N'ROLL) / GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICAN ROCK'N'ROLL: SPECIA / CD

Special Editions of "The Golden Age of American Rock'n'Roll" have to be special to justify their existence and sequels, such as this, are subjected to even greater analytical scrutiny in the preparation process than preceding volumes, thus avoiding the sense of déjà vu that blights many a follow-up work. When one considers that doo wop was a largely American phenomenon and very much of its time, our Doo Wop Special Edition proved exceptionally popular.

Volume 2 mines the same rich seam of vocal group splendour - only it digs deeper, to bring us many of the more obscure or lesser doo wop hits – but hits nonetheless – by groups lost to posterity, counterbalanced by some better-known names. Point is, they're all great records and, as the majority of the titles are being made available on a legitimate CD for the first time (with the benefit of high quality mastering), both collectors and the casual listener will find much to savour in this 30-track package.

Compiled by Rob Finnis and Trevor Churchill