Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) / Don't Count (Mod)

Formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1961, Vito & the Salutations were originally composed of Vito Balsamo, Bobby Mitchell, Barry Solomon and Bob Depallo. Depallo and Solomon left the group in 1962 and the group carried on with numerous personnel changes over the years, but the lineup that remained together the longest included Balsamo (lead and baritone), Randy Silverman (lead and 1st tenor), Shelly Buchansky (1st and 2nd tenor), Lenny Citrin (bass and baritone) and Frankie Fox (bass and baritone). Long considered one of the most talented doo-wop groups of the era, they disbanded in the mid-1960s, but returned in 1971 to perform on the oldies revival circuit. Featured here is one of their classic singles, "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" b/w "Don't Count On Me." Originally released in 1964 on the Wells Records label, both sides of this single really showcase the group's exquisite harmony and natural playfulness - you can sense that they really enjoy singing together. Their take on "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" gives every other version a run for the money, while the flip side ("Don't Count On Me") gives further proof of their vocal flexibility and sophisticated arrangements. This classic single is presented here newly remastered and finally made available in the digital domain.