Curtis Lee - Pretty Little Angel Eyes (2022)

The eternally underrated Curtis Lee is chiefly remembered for his two irresistibly infectious 1961 hits, 'Pretty Little Angel Eyes' and 'Under The Moon Of Love' (both of which Showaddywaddy would, of course, successfully revive in the UK in the late 1970s). A pair of early Phil Spector productions, recorded in an overtly commercial DooWop-meets-R&R throwback style, both discs were driven by the vocal backing group, The Halos, who were (criminally!) uncredited on the record label. Lee cut a handful of other, equally infectious discs, which were significant regional successes. This compilation rounds up his releases between 1959-62, across three different record labels, and includes all his biggest sellers; also featured, as a bonus track, is an alternate take of 'Under The Moon Of Love'. An almost unfeasibly rare body of work, four of these sides (i. e. Lee's first two 45rpms) have never previously appeared in the digital format.