The title of El Toro's 2012 collection of classic obscure doo wop from the 1950s and early '60s --
Over-the-Top Doo Wops, Vol. 1: Let the Old Folks Talk -- may be a bit misleading since most of the tracks here are pretty darn smooth. With an occasional exception (like
Four Scores' "Rock-a-Little Lucy" or
Vibes' rip-roaring "Let the Old Folks Talk"), the tempos are well within normal doo wop range and the vocals are firmly under control, sometimes even a little slick. Despite the title and any bait and switch that may be going on, this is a fine collection of well-written and sung doo wop from the golden age of the sound. Completely obscure acts make up the roster, but each one is good enough to give the A-list doo wop heroes a run for their money. The collection is must for a devoted doo wop fan or anyone who's into good-time music and wants to expand their musical horizons.