Search - Dells :: There Is

Classic, pure and simple

David | somewhere, USA | 09/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just discovered this album quite recently, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorite soul albums, if not my absolute favorite. Yes, it's that good. What's so great about There Is is the perfect balance it strikes between haunting 50s doo-wop vocal harmonies and more decidedly late-60s bombastic/orchestral production. And both the vocals and the production are simply amazing. Every single track, I kid you not, is a classic, each with a hook or section of its own that sticks in the mind. These are unforgettable slabs of soul with real emotional cores- "Stay In My Corner" and "Close Your Eyes" in particular are hard to hear without getting misty-eyed. Simply put: the best. If you're looking for a new addition for your collection of Northern soul, 60s soul, hell- any soul, get this. You won't regret it."

There Is... A Winner Here: The Mighty Dells

G-Funk 4ever | Listenin' to the Delfonics | 07/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Dells release a cool vibin' album here in 1968, but there history goes way back to the early 50's, and there original style was more doo-wop/harmony/early rock n roll(think 1956's Oh What a Nite and another classic "Why Do You Have to Go?"(year?)). There Is still contains the original harmony and Doo-Wop type singing on many tracks, yet their sound is well-updated for the late 60's ballad and uptempo soul/funk style. The title track is a groovy uptempo number with strings and melodies for years. "Stay In My Corner," one of their late 60's classics, a sweet sweeping ballad is an enlongated remake of their own original from circa 1965. Both versions are lovely; this one adds strings and more melodies, and ad libs. "Run For Cover" is another uptempo with a nice funky beat. "Close Your Eyes" is a beautiful love ballad, a perfect slow drag. It sounds like from the early 60's in the doo-wop style. The cd liner notes state that it may be as old as 1962 (which sounds appropriate). I love the "Take a deep breath... woohh.. aah's." "Love Is So Simple" is later doo wop winner possibly from 1967. The ruffled strings in the bridge will send chills down your spine, and the harmony is top notch. "O-O I Love You" is another ballad in the lovely late 60's style with nice guitar licks, yet again with the doo wop harmony. There Is is a surefire soul classic. The Dells stay in tune and in step with the times, yet stay true to their harmony/doo-wop roots. Albums like There Is are the reason why the 60's are some of my favorite years in music even though I wasn't born until the early 80's."