#orlons

Orlons- Spinning Top. Uploded by Nancy Yahiro

The Orlons- Don't throw your love away. Uploaded by GurlGroups

“Danceable Variation on a Girl Group The Orlons -Don’t Hang Up!

By Stephanie De Pue

This review is from: Best of 1961-1966 (Audio CD)

“The Orlons,” along with their high school friends “The Dovells” were among the first hit-making groups to come out of Philadelphia, in the early 1960′s, following on the late 1950′s heels of such big Philadelphia soundsters as Fabian and Bobby Rydell. They were known for light,fun dance tunes, had three big hits in succession, “Wah Watusi,” “Don’t Hang Up,” and “South Street,” and were early 60′s regulars on Dick Clark’s televised “American Bandstand.” But, although at various times their membership varied between three and five girls, they weren’t exactly a girl group, as they featured the basso profundo of their high school friend Stephan Caldwell. And their act was killed dead by the 1964 British invasion.

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 The Orlons -Don’t Hang Up!

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Review Continued… The current Cameo collection of their seminal early 60′s work features, of course, their three big hits. “Wah Watusi,” still danceable. “Don’t hang up,” Rosetta Hightower, lead singer by this time, belts it out in her big voice. And “South Street,” where all the hippies go to dance, ever danceable. Of course, in the early 1960′s, hippies had not yet been invented, and Haight-Ashbury had not yet been discovered; the “hippies” referred to in this song were another group in the Cameo Studio stable (as the name of the group at hand, “The Orlons,” referring to a new down market fiber popular then, is a play on that of their friendly high school rival girl group, “The Cashmeres.”)

At any rate, this album also includes their smaller hits, the B-sides, and a number of swinging covers. The music itself sounds a bit thin and dated to me; it just doesn’t have the full, rich dynamic range you might be used to. But as an all-singing, all-dancing souvenir of those great “Hairspray,” “American Bandstand” days, it can’t be beat.

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The Orlons -Wah Watusi The Orlons had a highly recognizable sound. Not just because they had great harmonies and lead singer, Rosetta Hightower sang with such conviction…..but they also had sole male member Steve Caldwell chiming in with a “oh baby!” here and there. By sixties4ever

“Wonderful Music From The Orlons” The Orlons -Wah Watusi

By Matthew G. Sherwin

This review is from: Best of 1961-1966 (Audio CD)

The Best of the Orlons Cameo Parkway 1961-1966 showcases some of the best music The Orlons ever made. The Orlons had a style and a sound that was meaningful and nothing short of excellent. They could sing just about anything they ever wanted to sing, too. The overall quality of the sound on this CD is quite good; and I love the artwork even if it is somewhat standard for this CD series.

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 The Orlons -Wah Watusi

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Review Continued… “I’ll Be True” features The Orlons front and center; this doo-wop sounding tune sounds fresh and new even in our times. The Orlons perform this love song with panache and it makes a great opening number for this album. “The Wah Watusi” was clearly one of their best hits ever; and just one listen will tell you why! They sing and play this to perfection–although wisely the musicians never try to steal the show away from the people singing and that’s wonderful. The music makes good use of the percussion, too. “Don’t Hang Up” was another tune that really made the airwaves sizzle back in the day; whenever I hear this number I find myself tapping my foot to the beat no matter where I am!

In addition, “South Street” has an awesome rhythm that stuns me; I’m mesmerized by this tune and I could never tire of hearing The Orlons perform “South Street.” Again, they use the percussion and drums very well and they sing this without ever letting go of a single superfluous note! I’m very impressed.

“Cement Mixer” just plain sounds good; and I really like “Don’t Throw Your Love Away.” “Don’t Throw Your Love Away” is a prime example of The Orlons harmonizing to perfection–and beyond! The sound quality isn’t quite as good as I would have liked it to be but this track is enjoyable nonetheless. “Bon-doo-wah” is fun for dancing even today; and there’s another gem in “Shimmy Shimmy.” “Shimmy Shimmy” sounds terrific every time I hear it and The Orlons are really at the top of their game as they do this one up right! “Rules of Love” has that 1960′s rock and roll flavor that I love so much; and there’s “Heartbreak Hotel” which they ace as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing! Of course we know it really wasn’t all that easy; their talent always carried them through.

“Goin’ Places” has a great beat; The Orlons handle complex tempo and key changes like the pros they always were and still remain! “Don’t You Want My Lovin’” rocks while giving us a poignant song; and “Spinning Top” shines bright, too. The CD ends strong with The Orlons performing “Mr. Twenty One.” “Mr. Twenty One” is powerful and it leaves me wanting more.

The Orlons were incredible and this CD certainly does them the justice they deserve. This is wonderful for their fans and it makes a strong starter CD for newcomers to their memorable artistry.

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