During the heyday of R&B, which eventually evolved into what became either “soul” or “rock and roll”, one of the unique groups was the guy/girl duet of guitar teacher Mickey Baker and student Sylvia Vanterpool. They became known simply as “Mickey and Sylvia” and had a number of big hits, including the seductive calypso “Love Is Strange”. This two disc, 57 song set includes all of the hits a good portion of their albums as well as some solo material by each artist. It’s a pulsating joy!
The set includes a number of songs with “Little Sylvia” and Buddy Lucas and His Band of Tomorrow, as Sylvia sounds a lot like Ruth Brown on jumping pieces like “Drive Daddy Drive” and “A Million Tears”. Mickey Baker’s guitar is featured on his solo album The Wildest Guitar, as he sounds a bit like Duane Eddy on “Milk Train” and a tasty “Gloomy Monday”. Together, Sylvia coos on “No Good Lover”, goes the way of the Ronettes on “Where Is My Honey” and hits the pop atmosphere on “Two Shadows On Your Window” and “Peace of Mind”. The harmonies even sound a bit like the Everly Brothers on “Sweeter As The Days Go By”, and there are strings on “Love Is The Only Thing”.
They hit the charts big with “There Outta Be a Law”, and “Love Is Strange”, which became so infectious that the famous lick was used and re-used a number of times in other pieces such as “Since I Fell For You”, “Oo-Sha-Laa”, “Forever and A Day” and “Love Will Make You Fail School”. It never wore out its welcome. Basic R&B and pre-rock grooves abound such as “I’m Going Home” and “Walking In The Rain”. Baker’s guitar had it’s distinctive sound, and this set is more than mere nostalgia, as it has a seductive heart.