Unraveling the convoluted discography of
Billy Storm
is made a little easier with this anthology, which compiles a number of cuts by
Storm
,
the Valiants
the Charades
, and even a pair of recordings by an unrelated group that also recorded as
.
and
' claim to fame is
"This Is the Nite,"
a minor hit from 1957-1958 that features
's distinctive, dramatic wail -- inspired by
Clyde McPhatter
but also reminiscent of the later sound of
the Jive Five
's
Eugene Pitt
's theatrics are also heard to good effect on
"Angel of Mine,"
on which he marshals all of his vocal magic to evoke images of heavenly angels.
"Walking Girl"
has to rate as one of the most outrageous and bizarre
doo wop
cuts ever, with its nonsensical exclamations and inexplicable "cha cha cha"s.
The Valiants
' rendition of
"Good Golly Miss Molly"
was famously recorded after, but released before,
Little Richard
's version, and rocks the tune at a frantic pace. It's too bad that
's solo chart hit,
"I've Come of Age,"
and some of his other groups' recordings aren't included, but
This Is the Night
is a well-done collection highlighting the work of a deserving but obscure artist. ~ Greg Adams