Girl Group Chronicles CD Reviews
Various Artists

The Best of the Girl Groups: Volume One

Rhino - R2 70988

Rhino’s best of series still remains one of the best sets for music fans looking for an over-view of the girl group sound. The big hits form the early to mid-60s are all here, minus Phil Spector, Motown, and Cameo-Parkway catalogue goodies, of course. Still, pop, novelty tunes, soul, and a little country can be heard on the first disc. The Shangri-las, Dixie Cups, Shirelles, and the Chiffons all bow in with some Top 10 hits, but lesser known treasures like Cher’s "Dream Baby," and Evie Sands’ original "I Can’t Let Go," help this record achieve above-average quality. Liner notes, photos, and great sound quality seal the deal. The set was reissued several years ago with new tracks, so check the track list before buying. ~Will Stos (9/10)

The Best of the Girl Groups: Volume Two

Rhino - R2 70989

Volume two of Rhino’s definitive collection is a shade better than the first disc. In addition to big hits like "My Boyfriend’s Back," "The Loco-motion," and "Tell Him," this volume contains wonderful rarities like Ellie Greenwich’s stunning "You Don’t Know," the Honeys "The One You Can’t Have," and the hard-to-find original version of the Shirelles’ "I Met Him On A Sunday," which launched the group’s career. A little lighter and fluffier than volume one, the 18 songs on this disc are great for putting a smile on your face! Liner notes, photos, and great sound quality up to Rhino’s usual standards are all here, but like it’s predecessor, this disc has been reissued with a new track listing recently. Double check the songs on the disc your buying. ~Will Stos (9/10)