These are the earliest recordings by the Platters, done for the Federal and King record labels in the early '50s. The innovative fusion of R&B and smooth, classical-styled orchestration that was the group's trademark sound was still a year or two down the road, and these tracks (most of which were recorded as demos) have a raw and ragged feel that will surprise fans who are only familiar with their Mercury Records releases. The original version of their massive hit "Only You" is included here, marred by some irritating whistling by Herb Reed behind Tony Williams' surprisingly tentative lead vocal, and there is no doubt that the later Mercury version of "Only You" deserves its classic status. Zola Taylor, then only 14-years old, is featured on a couple songs, and her voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Dolly Parton's, which is a little jarring on these mostly jump blues tracks. The Complete Federal Recordings is a valuable look at a group not quite ready for public consumption, and diehard fans will find it fascinating, but casual listeners should stick to the later, and more fully realized Mercury releases. ~ Steve Leggett
