Don't Let Him Hurt You! Girl Group Sounds USA 1962-1968 / Various

Vinyl LP pressing. From Ace Records' early days, there's always been a place in our hearts for music's 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, hadn't 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 'Don't Let Him Hurt You', a big production stomper written with Martha & the Vandellas in mind.