Search - Various Artists :: Buried Treasure: Lost Gems from Deep in the '60s Vaults

Great concept but uneven in execution

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 01/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With all the labels that are now under the WEA umbrella, there is an almost incomprehendable volume of material in the vaults to be mined, much of which has not seen the light of day in the digital era. This two-CD collection from Collectors' Choice attempts to bring to the buying public their choice of "lost gems" of WEA's artists' music from the 60s. The title implies a collection of tunes not usually found in other reissues. While this is accomplished to some extent, the approach to track selection is all over the place. Even the liner notes acknowledge a "shotgun" approach to the track selection. For some artists, their biggest and well-known hit is presented when these are not infrequently available elsewhere, yet their other lesser-known tunes have been overlooked. In this vein are Joannie Sommers's "Johnny Get Angry", the Marketts' "Out of Limits" and "Let's Go" from the Routers. In a contradictory approach, there are three tracks from the Association, none of which were charting singles. And some of the biggest stars of the label are not represented at all such as the Everly Brothers, Petula Clark, the Drifters, Peter, Paul and Mary and many, many others although this is explained as not necessary as these artists are well represented elsewhere. Seeming more in keeping with the purpose here is the appearance of such rarities as Mel Torme's only top-100 charting single "Comin' Home Baby", Shelby Flint's only other charter "Cast Your Fate To The Wind", "Here's To You" from Hamilton Camp, Rhinoceros' "Apricot Brandy" and Fats Domino's only Reprise hit, "Lady Madonna". All told, among the 40 tracks are 25 top-100 hits, nine of which are one-hit wonders. Overall, while the repertoire seems a bit skewed, this piece contains a lot of interesting, indeed "gems" from the 60s and is appealing to both the casual listener and serious collector. Sound quality is competent overall with many cuts (disc 1, tracks 3,4,8,9,11,13-16; disc 2, tracks 1,2,8-12,14-19) in stereo. Completing the package is a 12-page liner notes booklet with a refreshingly honest approach to the contents and backround on the artists covered. While a valuable piece in itself, considering the enormity of the WEA vaults, this is merely a tease and the music collector would hope that there will be further volumes to continue where this set leaves off."