Search - Rockin' on Broadway :: Rockin' on Broadway: The Time, Brent, Shad Story

Small label retrospective

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 02/03/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Time, Brent and Shad family of labels were the brainchildren of New York producer Bob Shad. During its heyday in the late 50s and early 60s, it produced a number of singles that went nowhere but in amongst the duds were a few genuine hits that are still heard and sought out today. This collection of 30 tunes from these labels contains the hits, the near misses and some sides that make one think studio time and tape must have been way too cheap. And although there are cuts from some familiar artists' names such as Jody Reynolds and Lewis (Lou) Reed, their hits came from their stints at other labels. Heading up the memory-tickling tunes are sides such as Skip and Flip's "Cherry Pie" and "It Was I", the Genies' "Who's That Knocking", the Knockouts' "Darling Lorraine" and the Beau-Marks' "Clap Your Hands". More could have or should have been hits, like the Jades' "So Blue". Then there are the sides like "Bury The Hatchet" and "The People Hater" that beg the question "Whaaaa?". An eclectic collection to say the least, Ace has brought this material to market with their usual high production standards. Sound quality is mostly excellent with a few tracks (10,27,29) appearing in stereo. The 12-page booklet provides, along with pics and promo shots, a detailed account of the labels' history and backround on the included artists and tracks. There are enough recognizable hits and could-'ves here to make this worthwhile for many casual listeners. Then, with the amount of more obsure material, this piece appeals even more to the collector or completist."