Thursday, July 31, 2014

The Four Mints




An absolute must have release on The Four Mints. Both releases above contain the same material. I was one of the very few fortunate ones to get offered the original  CD release on the Capsoul label. Owning a few of their 45's I jumped at the chance of having their material on CD. About 10 years later The Number Group came out with their release. Highlights include "You're My Desire", "Row My Boat", "Why Did I Go" and "Do You Really Love Me". Make sure to add this to your soul music collection.
8 out of 10

The Lost Generation




Here is a must have soul release on The Lost Generation. Highlights include "Wait A Minute", "Someday", "The Sly, Slick And The Wicked", "Sorry I Can't Help You" and their takes on "Didn't I Blow Your Mind", "Love On A Two Way Street" and "Thin Line Between Love And Hate".
7 out of 10

Eccentric Soul: The Way Out Label



Here is the latest soul treat for us junkies on the Eccentric Soul series. Highlights here are known by most collectors through earlier compilations. When it comes to liner notes to give us a glimpse into these artists and the sound quality few come close to what The Numero Group brings. Highlights include "Can't You Hear Me Calling" and "Four Walls And A Window" by Bobby Wade, "What About Me" The Exceptional Three, "Two Can Make It: and "Please Baby Please" by The Sensations and "Baby Don't Go" by The Occasions.
7 out of 10

Eccentric Soul: Home Schooled



Great batch of kiddie soul brought to us by the good folks at The Numero Group. Highlights include "Time After Time" by Step By Step, "One Is Enough For You" by Jack And The Mods, "Can't Let You Break My Heart" by The Quantrells and "Sweet pea" by Altyrone Deno Brown". Sadly Step By Step's track "She's Gone" did not make it on to this release.
6 out of 10

Barry White




The unmistakable voice of the late Barry White makes for some real nice late night listening with the one you love. No need to mention his highlights.
5 out of 10

The Originals




After monster ballads "The Bells" and "Baby I'm For Real" the step down was huge. I have yet to find another ballad by The Originals that comes anywhere close to the two mentioned.
4 out of 10

The Marvelettes







One of Motown's finest female acts featured here. Highlights include their take "The One Who Really Loves You", "So Long Baby", "Forever" and "Strange I Know".
6 out of 10.

The Elgins Meet The Monitors




Not many strong ballads included here. The Monitors come with "You Share The Blame" while the Elgins come with "Darling Baby" and "It's Been A Long Time".
3 out of 10.

James Brown









Soul Brother # 1 cut some real sweet ballads, mainly through the early part of this carrier before funking it up. Highlights include the strings version of "Try Me", " I Love You Yes I Do", "Lost Someone", "Please, Please, Please", "Prisoner Of Love", "Just Won't Do Right" and "That's When I Lost My Heart". No collection is complete without James Brown.
6 out of 10

James And Bobby Purify




Besides their big hit nothing else on this release comes close to it. A few nice tracks such as "Hello There" and a few covers of well know southern classics. If you are a big fan of Sam And Dave then don't let this one pass you by.
3 out of 10

Harmony Classics










If you like rare Doo Wop ballads this collection will not leave you disappointed. Many good tracks such as "Most of All" by The Jamecos, "Dream A Little Dream" by The New Yorkers, "Moonrise" by Rene Harris And The Terrans, "What Are You Doing Tonight" by The Florescents, "Condition Your Heart" by The Arabians, "You Conquered Me" by Willie Logan And The Plaids, "Moonlight" by The Young Lads and "How Are You" by The Monarchs. Sound quality varies on a few tracks.
7 out of 10