So Much Love/A Darlene Love Anthology 1958-1998

In tandem with their volume titled You Heard It Here First! which provides the initial versions of 26 songs that would later be made famous by other artists, Ace Records of London released this Darlene Love compilation which is certain to become an instant hit with those who zero in on any and all CDs chronicling aspects of the "Girl Group Sound." Of course, Darlene Love fans in general will gobble it up as well.The 23-page booklet contains track-by-track comments written in 2008 by Mick Patrick, incorporating many thoughts and comments by Darlene herself. Also included are vintage record and poster reproductions and photos of Darlene at various stages of her career. These include one of her first group, formed while still in high school, called The Wailers. a mixed male-female quarter called The Echoes, another all-female quartet known as The Playgirls from 1959, really The Blossoms, who also recorded under several other names (e.g. Bobb B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans).The booklet also describes the professional relationship between Darlene and the control-freak Phil Spector and how a strong-minded Darlene remained in control of her own career.The music, of course, speaks for itself, and while you don't get her three Philles hits produced by Spector, what is here is worth every nickel. Of the 24 tracks, only 3, 4, 17 and 18 were previously unissued. On the reverse, as is usually the case with Ace, you get full label details and year of issue. Also, while most never managed to crack any charts, you will quickly hear why The Blossoms were in demand as back-up vocalists for the likes of Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, The Beach Boys, The Mamas & The Papas, Dionne Warwick, Paul Anka and Duane Eddy.In fact, they were The Rebelettes on four of Eddy's hits - (Dance With The) Guitar Man, Lonely Boy, Lonely Guitar, Your Baby's Gone Surfin' and Boss Guitar, heard here at track 9. She also sang lead on two of The Crystal's biggest hits - He's A Rebel and He's Sure The Boy I Love. But of course, those were not available either thanks to Spector.If there is one negative associated with this release, it's the text on the first 10 pages of the insert - a gray font on a green background which makes it hard to read for us old guys and gals. Don't do that again Ace.

I was a little hesitant in buying SO MUCH LOVE: A DARLENE LOVE ANTHOLOGY CD because I read that it contained none of the Phil Spector produced songs like "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)," which ironically was my introduction and the only song I knew from this singer. Her CD produced from Spector's label ABKCO,  The Best of Darlene Love , is out of print and so my choice was this anthology.Let me say that it is fantastic! Love has an incredible voice that rings like a bell. Strong, pure and soulful her vocals really compliment rock music--much like Tina Turner or the Pointer Sisters--that it's a wonder that Darlene Love isn't a household name.Don't let the folksy album cover picture fool you...it's filled with catchy old-school rock songs. Although this CD spans 40 years, the majority of songs are from the 60s, during the rock 'n' roll revolution, and have that distinctly tinged 60's rock sound, complete with do-wop backing vocals and twanging guitars. Many of the songs sound like they were inspired by the Beatles and/or the Beach Boys (or perhaps I have it reversed where these songs influenced those two super groups). Even the songs from the 80s and 90s have that 60's rock feel. Her cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" recorded live in 1997 is breath taking.Recording as "The Blossoms," Darlene's group, the sound is very different from say the Motown sound of "The Supremes" or "Martha & The Vandellas," but if you enjoy that girl group sound this CD is for you.Many of the songs on this compilation are credited to others but Love's voice is unmistakably doing the singing.The CD comes with a booklet filled with pictures and excellent liner notes by Mick Patrick written in 2008, including info on the singles. After reading the booklet, you'll understand why Love isn't as famous as other singers from the same era. It's a shame really but at least we have this fabulous anthology from Ace Records: a testament to the wonderful talent that is Darlene Love.Incidentally, Love was just on HBO's "25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Concert" singing with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and she can still rock with the best of the them. Even the "boss" said she should be a future inductee and I must agree!

The cd is not what I expected and I ended up ordering another cd

While I've only become a fan of Darlene's music this year, this compilation has definitely deepend my love for her voice even more. True, for me it all started with the Philles recordings (which are not featured here) but if you read her autobiography (which I did!) you will realize that Philles was neither her very first, nor her very last stop on the mucial circuit. This compilation gives you one of those rare insights into her musical resume, and I highly recommend it to everybody who loves Darlene, The Blossoms, Girl Groups, or just good music in general. I mean, there aren't many places where you'll get to hear rare tracks like "Touchdown" and "Cherish What Is Dear To You (While It's Near To You)" from The Blossoms'rare 1972 album "Shockwave," or Darlene's live interpretation of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come."All in all, this healthy rarities compilation gives the audience a rare but wonderful look into Darlene's career outside of Philles. And, it proved, to me anyway, that Darlene was in fact more than capable of making a wonderful record WITHOUT the helf of Phil Spector. I highly recommend this album, my favorites being the tracks "That's When The Tears Start," "All Alone On Christmas" (from "Home Alone 2), "Too Lat To Say You're Sorry," "So Much Love," and "Good, Good Lovin'".

The best album anthology from the amazing singer Darlene Love. I LOVE Darlene Love.

great I would buy again if needed to

There were a couple of songs I had wanted and am so happy to now have. Good liner notes. Good sound quality. This is a respectful production, worthy of Darlene Love’s talent.

Mainly songs from the 60's. You will really enjoy it if you like music from this era.

I love it....