Bronx
doo wop group
the Excellents are chiefly remembered for their enduring 1962 hit
"Coney Island Baby," and although the original sextet was a superbly gifted singing ensemble, their active recording career really only lasted from 1961 through 1964. This generous 30-track collection covers everything, including the group's up-tempo cover of
Al Jolson's
"Red Red Robin" from 1961, a rocking version of
the Cleftones'
"You Baby You," the mandatory
"Coney Island Baby," the energetic
"Walking Along," and even the single
"I Hear a Rhapsody," which was recorded by a group called
the Ultimates and released on
Blast Records in 1963 under the name
the Excellents. Also included are some original 1960s
a cappella demos (including one for
"Coney Island Baby"), and some additional
a cappella demos from a revamped 1990s version of the group (still featuring the lead vocals of original member
John Kuse). In all, it's as fair, honest, and complete a portrait of this intriguing vocal group as you're likely to get. ~ Steve Leggett
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