Quick! You've heard the song, but you may not know who the originally recorded "Love Is Strange.". Sure, it's been done by numerous acts, but Mickey & Sylvia were the ones who made the song "Love Is Strange" the most famous. For those who may not remember the name Mickey & Sylvia, the story goes as guitarist Mickey Baker had met singer Sylvia Vanderpool in 1954, and continuing through the year 1965, they would have a considerable amount of recorded material. Bear Records, known famous for box sets of complete songs in a group or performer's career, released Love Is Strange, a 2-disc set, consisting of every song known by Mickey & Sylvia. Sylvia would later become a record producer, and in the 1970s had a few hit records as a solo performer. Mickey would later become an author of guitar-teaching instruction books.

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All their main hit records are here and more, but their other popular songs such as "There Oughta Be A Law," a "Love Is Strange" "copycat" song in sound, and "Baby You're So Fine" may not be as remembered as "Love Is Strange;" the basic ingredients in the type of music heard on this 60-track set, is early 1950s/1960s Rhythm & Blues music. It could also be classified as Adult Contemporary, like songs such as "Forever And A Day," "Seems Like Just Yesterday." and "Peace Of Mind." There's even a latin-flavor (mambo) sound in songs such as "Se De Boom Run Dun," and "Too Much Weight". Pure R&B is heard in "Walkin' In The Rain," and "In My Heart." The basic rock and roll sound is heard on "No Good Lover," and a rockin' instrumental, "Shake It Up"; both of these "basic rock" songs are in the style somewhat to Chuck Berry's.

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What makes this set complete for me, is that I used to have the 45 rpm record of "Love Is Strange." The B-side, "I'm Going Home," is included in this set. There are some alternate takes on certain songs, such as "Love Is Strange" (take 4) (which is no difference, other than a different guitar solo here and there). There are other songs with the familiar guitar licks of "Love Is Strange" heard in certain songs throughout. Most of the songs on the second disc features R&B songs, mostly in the style of Brook Benton.

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But the basic sound is Rhythm & Blues Rock & Roll; to some the Oldies sound, and lastly, Adult Contemporary. This was the beginning years of Rock & Roll, and even though "Love Is Strange" will bring back memories to some, new memories will be generated in hearing the rest of their collection, and admiring these songs, likewise admiring the guitar playing of Mickey Baker, an unsung hero.

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