Collectables' reissue of Ray Peterson's RCA debut album, Tell Laura I Love Her, naturally features the hit title track, perhaps the definitive teen death song of the early '60s. The remainder of the disc contains the other 11 songs on the original record, which are all in a similar albeit less morbid vein. Apart from the singles "The Wonder of You" and "Goodnight My Love (Pleasant Dreams)," there aren't many hidden gems here, but much of the music is quite enjoyable as artifacts. The labe...   [ read more ]

CD $13.28

The first comprehensive anthology of Ray Peterson's RCA Victor and Dunes recordings rounds up most of his hits and shows the frail-looking teen idol -- known primarily for his contribution to the teen tragedy craze, "Tell Laura I Love Him" -- to be a talented pop vocalist with a piercing falsetto. Peterson's infrequent rock & roll performances tend to be his weakest; he shines the most on the orchestrated teen ballads that exercise his pure pop vocal abilities. {$Johnny Vallis...   [ read more ]

CD $25.63

The Ray Brown Trio in 1995 featured pianist Benny Green and drummer Gregory Hutchinson along with the leader/bassist. In the tradition of the mid-'50s Oscar Peterson Trio, the group featured tight arrangements with concise but consistently brilliant solos. For this Telarc session, guitairst Ulf Wakenius (a little reminiscent of Herb Ellis) fits in perfectly. Highlights include "Seven Steps to Heaven" and "Cotton Tail." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

CD $11.38