From Ace Records early days, theres always been a place in our hearts for musics feminine side. A year having flown by since the release of our last compilation spotlighting the US girl group sound of the 60s think castanets, anguished teen sirens, Svengali-esque producers and mini-sonatas about dreaming, dancing and moody boyfriends (sometimes deceased) means the time has come for a new vinyl-only volume.

As 1968 drew to a close, the golden age of girl groups had seemingly been and gone: the Shangri-Las, Ronettes and Chiffons, for example, hadnt had a hit record of note since 1966. Then along came Condition Red, a cleverly produced psychodrama performed by the Goodees, who grace the front cover and open the top side of this new comp in dramatic style. Over on the generally more soulful second side, Les Chansonettes are first up with Dont Let Him Hurt You, a big production stomper written with Martha & the Vandellas in mind.

Elsewhere, Beverly Williams performs the very Lesley Gore-like One Way Street; Go Awayby the Murmaids (of 66) is a lavishly produced number with a chamber pop vibe; What Did You Do Last Nightby the Drake Sisters was recorded in Phase-O-Phonic Sound; the lyrics of Denita James Wild Side call to mind genre classics such as Hes A Rebel, Out In The Streets and Chicos Girl; and the Sweathearts close the show with a gorgeous harmony-filled update of the mid-50s oldie Eddie My Love. As usual in this series, the inner sleeve features a picture-packed 4,000-word track commentary by long-serving compiler Mick Patrick.

Tracklist:

1. Condition Red – The Goodees
2. Go Away – The Murmaids (Of 66)
3. Where Is The Boy Tonight – The Charmaines
4. One Way Street – Beverly Williams
5. What Did You Do Last Night – The Drake Sisters
6. Forget Where I Live – The Half-sisters
7. He Told Me He Loved Me – Miss Cathy Brasher
8. Dont Let Him Hurt You – Les Chansonettes
9. Hes A Lover – Tutti Hill
10. Anything Worth Having (Is Well Worth Waitin For) – Joan Moody
11. Ill Come Running Over – 2 Of Clubs
12. Hey Boy – The D.c. Blossoms
13. Wild Side – Denita James
14. Eddie My Love – The Sweethearts