Search - Various Artists :: Major League: The Collectors Ivy League

Everything they ever recorded as the Ivy League

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 08/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Please note that this is re-issue of an earlier double CD with a similar title but different packaging.



This obscure sixties group burst onto the scene in 1965, when it seemed that they might become major stars, but it was not to be. Songwriters John Carter and Ken Lewis had previously made records as Carter Lewis and the Southerners (outside the scope of this collection), but it was not until they became the Ivy League, replacing the Southerners with Perry Ford, that things began to happen for them.



Their first single, What more do you want, attracted a certain amount of attention but didn't make the charts. However, their second, Funny how love can be, was a UK hit, peaking at number 8. Its B-side, Lonely room, was also of a high quality and the group wishes they'd saved it to be the follow-up. The actual follow-up, That's why I'm crying, just made the UK top 20. This was followed by Tossing and turning, which reached number 3 in the UK and also charted in the USA. It was to be their only American hit and was also their biggest UK hit.



Next came the minor hit Our love is slipping away, followed by a 4-track EP of Christmas songs. Their first single of 1966, Running round in circles, failed to chart, while their next, Willow charts, only just avoided the same fate. After that, the group became subject to line-up changes but they continued to release singles. None of them charted.



Meanwhile, they recorded two albums, only one of which was ever released. Whereas their singles were all self-penned, they included cover versions on their albums. On this collection, all the A and B sides are on CD 1, while the album tracks and the Christmas EP are on CD 2.



With only two top 10 UK hits and only one minor American hits, The Ivy League cannot be regarded as essential, but they were a brilliant harmony trio. If you enjoy the Tremeloes or the Four seasons, you will enjoy the Ivy League."