Vin Records was a short-lived subsidiary of
John Vincent's legendary Ace Records, the Mississippi-based label behind a slew of popular and important New Orleans rock and R&B records. Vin, too, had a good share of New Orleans sounds in its catalog, but ventured into rockabilly with a pair of singles by
Jimmy Lee of
Jimmy & Johnny fame (one of which was pseudonymously credited to
Johnny Angel) and Halloween novelty music with Morgus & the Ghouls' "Morgus the Magnificent." Although none of the Vin singles charted nationally, a number of well-known artists such as
Huey "Piano" Smith and
Jimmy Clanton are featured (the latter on a soulful remake of "Heartbreak Hotel"), as well as productions involving the young
Dr. John when he was known as
Mac Rebennack. Several cuts have appeared elsewhere on Ace Records anthologies, but the generous 30-track program is full of obscurities and recordings making their CD debuts as well as eight previously unreleased cuts. The recordings, made between 1958-1961, were mastered from the original tapes, and the presentation will please the handful of ardent collectors who purchase obscure label anthologies.