was one of many notable Los Angeles independent labels releasing and early in the mid-'50s, though it wasn't on the same level, musically or commercially, as and . This gathers 28 cuts from the mid- to late '50s that generally lean toward the and jazzy end of things, though there's some honkin' sax too. In fact, most of the artists were pretty important figures in the scene, though many would contend that their best work was done for other labels: , , and (though the last is represented by just one track, the 1958 single ). These kind of styles were passing their peak by the mid-'50s, and while the artists hadn't lost their energy or skills, the songs do sound on the routine and samey-sounding side. fronts two songs by 's orchestra, and these stand out a little due to her saucy, slightly raunchy vocals. The duo of also contributes to variety with their two organ instrumentals. Overall it's one for those who just can't get enough of the urbane-to-rough 1950s Los Angeles sound, and not among the best anthologies of the style. ~ Richie Unterberger