The Stars of Dor - Los Angeles Soul Group Sound

Continuing the featured US labels series of EPs, Kent come to the Los Angeles enigma that was Doré – they went from comedy to pop to rock and eventually to some amazingly good soul. This “Stars Of” EP features four vocal groups whose singles enriched the imprint.

The Superbs were the label’s biggest act, having a Hot 100 hit with ‘Baby Baby All The Time’. Their series of mid-60s harmony singles on Doré is regarded as one of the most consistently accomplished of all the melodic soul groups. Their treatment of Toni Fisher’s 1959 smash ‘The Big Hurt’ drips with Gold Star musicianship, expertly arranged by Gene Page. The Superbs’ manager, Art Sibrie, composed ‘You Really Never Know Till It’s Over’ for girl group the VelVetts and it is another harmony masterpiece.

Little Johnny Hamilton and the Creators’ ‘Oh How I Love You’ is a dynamic stomper of a record, loved on Northern Soul dancefloors across the scene. Bobby Swayne, of the original Superbs, continued their good work with the uptempo ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ as the Natural Resources in 1969 on the Dee Dee subsidiary.