These 2 CDs issued in 2000 by Collectables are a worthwhile acquisition. Unlike much of the Collectables line, this set is almost "Bear Family" in its completeness, leaving out only about 8 tracks from the entire Spaniels' repetoire, as recorded for Vivan Carter Bracken and James Bracken's Vee Jay label of Chicago. Since the Spaniels' later work for a plethora of other labels is not as significant as their Vee Jay sides, these are probably all the Spaniels recordings you'll ever need. Liner notes by Robert Pruter are both informative and of appropriate depth. The notes detail the changes in group membership, so I won't cover them here.
A brief history of the Spaniels in the form of an interview of lead singer Thornton James "Pookie" Hudson by KCXL deejay Pete Chaston appears on the KCXL Website, so I will not repeat the information here. One small error in the interview - the Brackens are called the Carters.
If you're not familiar with the group, their versatility may surprise you. They handle everything from old standards to original material with equal flair and a unique style.
Reasonably "list" priced at a about $15 each, and available for even less, these are a definite "must have" for Spaniels aficionados.
Track listing (dates shown are recording dates):
Volume 1:
1. Baby, It's You (Vee Jay #101) 3 May 1953
2. Red Sails In The Sunset (Vee Jay LP # 1051) 27 Aug 1959
3. Doo Wah (Vee Jay #131) Nov 1953
4. (You Gave Me) Peace Of Mind (Vvee Jay #229) 5 Nov 1956
5. House Cleaning (Vee Jay #103) 23 Sep 1953
6. 100 Years From Today (Vee Jay #328) 27 Aug 1959
7. I'll Be Waiting (unreleased) 27 Aug 1959
8. People Will Say We're In Love (Vee Jay #342) 27 Aug 1959
9. Since I Fell For You (Vee Jay #202) 3 May 1953
10. The Posse (Vee Jay LP #1024) 27 Aug 1959
11. Bounce (Vee Jay #101) 3 May 1953
12. Jessie Mae (Solid Smoke LP #8028) 5 Nov 1956
13. These Three Words (Vee Jay #328) 27 Aug 1959
14. You Don't Move Me (Vee Jay #107) Nov 1953
15. Dear Heart (Vee Jay #189) 19 Jan 1956
16. Great Googley Moo (Vee Jay #278) 28 Feb 1958
17. I Know (Vee Jay #350) 14 Apr 1960
18. Do You Really (Vee Jay #189) 19 Jan 1956
19. You're Gonna Cry (Vee Jay #257) 30 Jul 1957
20. Hey Sister Lizzie (Vee Jay #154) Jul 1955
21. Lucinda (unreleased) 30 Jul 1957
22. Danny Boy (unreleased) Aug 1954
23. I Like It Like That (Vee Jay #310) 30 Jul 1957
24. Automobiles (Charly LP #CRB1114) 27 Aug 1959
25. Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight (Vee Jay #107) 23 Sep 1953
Volume 2:
1. tormy Weather (Vee Jay #290) 28 Feb 1958
2. Heart And Soul (Vee Jay #301) Nov 1958
3. The Bells Ring Out (Vee Jay #103) 23 Sep 1953
4. Everyones' Laughing (Vee Jay #246) 12 Mar 1957
5. I.O.U. [I Owe You] (Vee Jay #246) 12 Mar 1957
6. Lovey, Dovey Baby, Be Mine (unreleased) 10 Jun 1958
7. You Painted Pictures (Vee Jay #154) Jul 1955
8. Please Don't Tease (Vee Jay #229) 5 Nov 1956
9. I'm Gonna Thank Him (unreleased) 10 Jun 1958
10. I Lost You (Vee Jay #264) 12 Mar 1957
11. Baby Sweets (Vee Jay LP #1024) 27 Aug 1959
12. Don't 'cha Go (Vee Jay #131) 19 Feb 1955
13. Crazee Baby (Vee Jay #264) 26 Nov 1957
14. A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (Vee Jay LP #1002) 12 Mar 1957
15. Tina (Vee Jay #278) 28 Feb 1958
16. So Deep Within (Vee Jay LP #1024) 14 Apr 1960
17. I Need Your Kisses (Vee Jay #257) 5 Nov 1956
18. Here Is Why I Love You (Vee Jay #290) 10 Jun 1958
19. Bus Fare Home (Vee Jay #350) 14 Apr 1960
20. False Love (unreleased) July 1955
21. Baby It's You (Vee Jay #301) Nov 1958
22. Play It Cool (Vee Jay #116) Aug 1954
23. Trees (Vee Jay #310) Nov 1958
24. Why Don't [Won't] You Dance (Vee Jay #189) 19 Jan 1956
25. Let's Make Up (Vee Jay #116) Aug 1954
