Garnet Mimms

More pop than soul. If you like Tommy Edwards then you will appreciate this. I can't recommend.
1 out of 10

Blvd Classics

Another alternative set for these who are just beginning their soul journey. For the rest of us this collection is just a re-shuffle job. There is nothing new brought to light here. There are some tracks which repeat on different volumes. Then there is volume 8, this one is a disaster! Most of the tracks on this volume should never be included in these types of collections. Sound quality varies, no liner notes. Pick this one up maybe if you want an alternative to the Dedicated To You series.
4 out of 10

* New * Guilty Pleasures Volumes 1 & 2

I recently picked these two discs up and was told that with the sole exception of The Escorts "Heart Of Gold" nothing else had ever been on CD. As I went through the tracks I quickly identified most of the repeats. The "99% new rolas" claim in reality is around the 5% mark with this guy. There are a few tight ballads such as "Everyday" by Inbassador, "Gee Girl" Vernon Griffin & Selika, "In My Opinion Pt. 2" by The Vandals, and "Please Don't Leave Me Now" by The Fifth Amendment. Sound quality is not all that good, has an MP3 rip sound.
3 out of 10

Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label

Very good slow jams by The Four Mints included in this compilation. I will be posting a couple of Four Mints CD's in the coming months. Other notable tracks include "You Can't Blame Me" by Johnson, Hawkins, Tatum & Durr and "I Want To Be Ready" by The Kool Blues. The rest are upbeat numbers. Good liner notes as usual from the Numero Group.

5 out of 10.

Old School Love Songs

A collection that is more suited for the casual oldies fan. Mainly 70's and 80's cuts but does contain a couple of early 90's tracks. The good 70's cuts we all know. I skipped through the rest of the material. You are better off going after the East Side Story or Lowrider Oldies collections if you intend to build up an oldies collection.
4 out of 10

Janice

"Goody Two Shoes" is the sole gem on this release. The rest are more upbeat numbers.
3 out of 10.

Eccentric Soul: Smart's Palace

Only a couple of real low rider type tracks on this release. Theron & Darrell "I Was Made To Love Her" and L.T. & The Soulful Dynamics "Crazy About You Baby". The first track "I'm Not Ashamed" by Baby Neal And The Smart Brothers is nice but live and has more of a blues sound.
4 out of 10

Eccentric Soul: The Outskirts Of Deep City

Not as strong on sweet ballads as other Eccentric series compilations. Highlights include "One Little Piece" by The Rollers, "Don't Be Surprised" by Lynn Williams and "Thank You Baby" by Betty Wright. Can't go wrong with the Numero Group when it comes to packaging, sound quality and liner notes.

5 out of 10

* New * Rare Gangster Doo Wop Rolas Vol. 4

Nice batch of Doo Wop ballads but, as come to be expected from this guy, the vast majority are repeats. Low budget packaging. You will not miss much by passing this one up.
2 out of 10