The Jive Five

This contains all the Brooklynites' early hits and just-as-good B-sides, but omits later recordings, so it isn't definitive. Still, it doesn't get much better than "My True Story," "Begging You Please," "Hurry Back," "Never, Never," and "These Golden Rings," all heavyweight, doo wop-influenced ballads. The syncopated "Rain" has the same feel of "What Time Is It" (also included); Eugene Pitt's masculine tenor hits all the right notes and high points on every tune. They sing of aliens from outer space on "People From Another World," displaying their immense, seemingly innate doo wop skills. A floating tenor is a feature on many tunes, including "No, Not Again." At 1:45, "Hully Gully Callin' Time" may be the briefest R&B hit in history, but it's magical, and filled the dance floors at early-'60s junior high school canteens and skating rinks every time it played. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide