The Is the Night for Love

Unraveling the convoluted discography of Billy Storm is made a little easier with this anthology, which compiles a number of cuts by Storm, the Valiants, the Charades, and even a pair of recordings by an unrelated group that also recorded as the Valiants. Billy Storm and the Valiants' claim to fame is "This Is the Nite," a minor hit from 1957-1958 that features Storm's distinctive, dramatic wail — inspired by Clyde McPhatter but also reminiscent of the later sound of the Jive Five's Eugene Pitt. Storm's theatrics are also heard to good effect on "Angel of Mine," on which he marshals all of his vocal magic to evoke images of heavenly angels. "Walking Girl" has to rate as one of the most outrageous and bizarre doo wop cuts ever, with its nonsensical exclamations and inexplicable "cha cha cha"s. The Valiants' rendition of "Good Golly Miss Molly" was famously recorded after, but released before, Little Richard's version, and rocks the tune at a frantic pace. It's too bad that Storm's solo chart hit, "I've Come of Age," and some of his other groups' recordings aren't included, but This Is the Night is a well-done collection highlighting the work of a deserving but obscure artist.