When I first started to get into Doo Wop, back in the early '70's, the records of the Channels were some of my favorites. I played "The Closer You Are" a zillion times on my stereo. It just had this a particularly striking sound that you couldn't put into words. Earl Lewis' voice, to me at that time. was unlike nothing I'd ever heard, and nothing I'd ever hear again. I was caught up by the beauty of the "New York sound", and loved it. The same was true with many of the other Channels records that I got to add to my collection. To me, they were always at the top of my favorites list, or close to it. Nothing could dissuade from loving each and every one of their records.

Until, in 1970, reality set in. I saw them live at a "rock and roll revival" show, at the Academy Of Music Theater, in Manhattan. They were billed, along with 8 other groups, in a outstanding show. Once the Channels showed up on stage, one problem became obvious: Earl Lewis couldn't sing to save his life. And these, supposedly, were the best years of his voice. True, he attempted to get through "the Closer You Are", "The Gleam In Your Eye", "That's My Desire", and several of their other local hits with the group. But every time he did so, it became apparent that the guy had no pitch. He just couldn't find the notes. The result was one of the worst listening experiences of my life. "Pain In My Heart" was a pain in my ears.

You could say that Earl simply had a bad night. I wish that was the case, but every time I saw them on stage, probably six times in all, through the next four years, featured along with a number of other groups in other shows, it was the same story. When the group backed away, and Earl Lewis had his solo parts to do, he was about as sour and as off-key as a singer could get. (That's still the case, even these days.) And what was remarkable to me was how the auduence, at every show, never noticed. They applauded and cheered, as though everything was just the way it should've been. How sad. There was more attention placed on the nostalgia of the song, than how well or poorly it was performed.

These experiences made me go back to my collecton, and listen to my Channels records with some better insight. I began to think that on a few of them, Earl Lewis simply got lucky on a few takes, and actually found the notes! The backup group, while adequate (and also somewhat off-key), isn't the greatest ensemble to hear, either. For proof, listen to their disastrous version of "That's My Desire", and compare it to the Flamingos' recording. For better, exquisite singing, check out the Harptones, the Moonglows, the Jive Five, the Dubs, or anything by the Flamingos. In my opnion, as far as the records of the Chanels are concerned, the best of the bunch are "Bye Bye Baby" and "MY Love For You Will Never Die". They were a better than average (on a few of their recordings) NY group, but hardly worthy of the praise they're given. And believe me: Until I saw them live, I used to be awed by what I thought was incredible talent. Not anymore. I hate to burst anybody's bubble, but it helps to put it all in perspective.

This is(!) the best doo-wop group ever. Epitomizes the genre. This CD's great, although they did omit All Alone/Alter of Love and That's My Desire/Stay As You Are, which were other terrific Channels 45's.

Hi I just had to respond to that guy from Canada, who doesn't think much of the Channels. You can name the record labels and a bunch of groups including obscure ones. So can I, ever hear of the Mistakes " I Lost My Job" Couldn't sing unless drunk. I'm 60 yrs old, grew up in Brooklyn NY and I can say The Channels were one of the best [my personal favorite] doo wop groups.. It's not how many you sold, many stations outside of NYC were not playing doo wop. They were playing the white guys of Phila. A lot of this doo wop was heard either on Alan Freed, or the black stations in NY. Dr. Jive, Jocko were playing strictly doo wop. The Channels were from Brooklyn also as were many of the groups. Back then it wasn't how many were sold it was in what areas. By the way The Flamingoes were from Chicago There were many fine groups back then, but the Channels alone epitomized New York City Doo Wop. Everyone tried to sing their songs.

Earl Lewis & The Channels aren't just New York's Finest...They are T-H-E-E-E Finest Ever....These Love Songs go right to the Heart of what relationships are really all about....Their first Hit, "The Closer You Are" makes me Fall In Love with my husband all over again...and again, and again. The Sweet, Harmonizing Melodies are the product of Real Musical Talent; and Classic Talent like this never goes out of style.

"My Love Will Never Die" and "My Heart Is Sad" are Beautiful, Sensual Rhapsodies that Touch the Deepest Emotions in all of us....Mood Music Indeed! This Doo Wop Sound takes me back to a More Innocent Time when guys and girls Really Cared for each other.

The 50's Music is Reminiscent of a time when The Pace of Life was Slower, Easygoing, and Love was Pure and Uncomplicated. This CD takes us out of the rat race and back to a Time When Love & Passion Were An Important Part of Our Lives... When Life was Less complicated, Less hurried, Less Demanding. A time when Kids Really Had Fun, without a lot of the pressures people have to worry about today...Earl Lewis & The Channels' Music is Happy, Pure, Innocent and Hopeful...Good For The Soul...#1 In My Book.

This group is still performing (I saw them perform on TV, and they sound better than ever!) Do Yourself and your Sweetheart a Favor....Start Slow Dancing Again! ...I Highly Recommend this Soulful, Passionate CD to Everyone!

Earl Lewis is the prime example for pure Doo Wopp. The 50's never sounded better. No it's not in stereo but who cares. This music will never die.