Album of the Day

Noted music scribe Cub Koda called The Chantels “rock & roll's first great female group,” and the recordings on THE BEST OF THE CHANTELS certainly back that up. Formed by students at St. Anthony of Padua School in the late 1950s, the Bronx quintet were raised on classical music and hymns, adding unusual sophistication to their performances. Assembled by doo wop experts Bob Hyde and “Little Walter” Devenne, the 18-track Rhino collection includes all the key End singles (“Maybe,” “He's Gone,” “Look In My Eyes”) by the Vocal Group Hall of Famers as well as choice rarities. We'll give THE BEST OF THE CHANTELS another spin now to wish original lead singer Arlene Smith a happy 80th birthday.