The Ravens - Their Complete National Recordings 1947-1950 (2003)

This review is to comment on the audio quality of the disc. It is terrific. Because Billy Vera is attached to the project I was relieved.He was involved with the DOO WOP box sets for RHINO. The Savoy disc from NIPPON is indeed very shabby. This 3 disc set with the SAVOY name has better source and reproduction values. This is the Good Stuff. You have to hear Jimmy Ricks, the bass singer, to believe it. Music from the dawn of rock 'n roll, with overtones of Late 1940s swing music. Harmony is tight, and the sound quality is superb.

Tracklist:

CD 1
1. Ol' Man River (3:00)
2. Mahzel (Means Good Luck) (3:12)
3. For You (2:58)
4. Would You Believe Me (3:07)
5. Write Me a Letter (2:53)
6. Summertime (2:56)
7. Until the Real Thing Comes Along (3:10)
8. September Song (3:12)
9. Always (2:48)
10. Once in Awhile (3:03)
11. I Don't Know Why (2:49)
12. Searching for Love (3:09)
13. Rooster (2:52)
14. Be I Bumble Bee or Not (3:07)
15. I'm Afraid of You (2:48)
16. Always (2:51)
17. Fool that I Am (3:03)
18. Together (2:48)
19. Send for Me if You Need Me (2:49)
20. There's No You (3:00)
21. How Could I Know (3:02)

CD 2
1. Sylvia (A Cappella) (2:39)
2. The House I live In (A Cappella) (3:06)
3. Rickey's Blues (A Cappella) (2:37)
4. Its Too Soon To Know (3:05)
5. Be On Your Merry Way (3:09)
6. Silent Night (2:52)
7. White Christmas (3:08)
8. Leave My Gal Alone (2:31)
9. Deep Purple (2:42)
10. Sylvia (2:40)
11. The House I live In (2:59)
12. Tea for Two (2:43)
13. Rickey's Blues (2:32)
14. Without A Song (3:18)
15. Marie (2:51)
16. There's Nothing Like A Woman In Love (2:57)
17. Careless Love (2:30)
18. If You Didn't Mean It (3:00)
19. Moonglow (2:38)
20. Someday (2:17)
21. Lilacs In The Rain (3:11)

CD 3
1. Tea For Two (Alternate Session) (2:25)
2. Get Wise Baby (2:38)
3. Until The Real Thing Comes Along (Alternate Session) (3:14)
4. Once In A While (Alternate Session) (3:03)
5. Bless You (2:55)
6. I've Been A Fool (2:46)
7. Its The Talk Of The Town (3:17)
8. I Don't Have T Ride No More (2:58)
9. No More Kisses For Baby (3:12)
10. I'm Gonna Paper All My Walls With Your Love Letters (2:19)
11. Count Every Star (2:59)
12. Time Is Marching On (2:46)
13. Time Is Marching On (Alternate Take) (2:45)
14. The Cadillac Song (3:04)
15. Phantom Stage Coach (2:56)
16. Please Believe Me (2:56)
17. I'm Afraid Of You (3:05)
18. I'm Gonna Take To The Road (2:32)
19. Get Wise Baby (Alternate Session) (2:40)
20. Comin' Back Home (3:00)
21. Who's Sorry Now (2:43)
22. I've Got The World On A String (3:03)