Spotlite On Sun Records Volume 2

by Various Artists

Spotlight (series)

The vocal group side of Sun Records is seldom anthologized, so this budget collection is a welcome addition to the label's history on compact disc. Unfortunately, there are no liner notes or recording information past a scant mention of whether or not the material was released or laying in the vaults, but what is collected up is top-flight nonetheless. Split between selections by the Five Tinos, the Prisonaires, the Four Dukes, and Rudy Richardson working with an unidentified group (the most polished and least effective tracks on here), this is 1950s-style Memphis doo-wop and gospel with a raw edge to it, just like the best records that ever came out of the fabled studio. Moment not to miss: the Prisonaires' hot take on "Softly and Tenderly" with Ike Turner contributing some particularly nasty gospel piano to the proceedings. ~ Cub Koda