The Temptones

Early material from one of the best voices in music, Daryl Hall. Most have no idea how soulful of a voice this man poured out early in his career. Standout track for me here is "Good-Bye" as it resonates Philly soul. "Say These Words Of Love" and a couple of northern soul tracks will make you realize these guys could hold their own with any soul act of that time. About half of the material is in acappella style. A very good piece of soul history to own.

6 out of 10

East Coast Soul Connection

Sole highlight for me is "He Knows My Key (Is Always In The Mailbox)" by Barbara Jean English. The rest is either northern or too modern for my preferences. Might be a treasured collection for northern soul fans.
2 out of 10

For Connoisseurs Only

Lots and lots of northern soul tunes but then that mixed in ballad has me buying the collection. "Eddie My Love" by The Sweethearts, "Can't Count The Days" by Jeb Stuart, "New Lease On Life" by The Universals and "I Know You Know That I Know" by The Styles are my picks.
4 out of 10

The Holidays

The stand out here is "Maybe So, Maybe No. Other tracks worth a mention are "Too Many Times" and "This Is Love (A Little Understanding)". Nice, clean sound.
5 out of 10

The Mask Man And The Agents

A couple of nice tracks in "Never Would Have Made It" and "In A Crowded Station" made me pick this one up. Balance of the material you will need your dancing shoes on to enjoy.

4 out of 10

Big City Soul

"Let's Take  A Chance" by The High Keys and "Then Came Heart Break" by The Jive Five are the only good ballads in this series. Leave this one to the northern soul fans.
2 out of 10

Legends Of Doo Wop

A very nice collection featuring Doo Wop group favorites such as The Paragons, The Quinns, The Silks, The Cufflinks, The Dee-Cals, The Symbols, The Desires, The Shells and many others. Very good sound quality. This one belongs in every Doo Wop fans collection.
7 out of 10

The Hi-Lites Meet The Castaleers

A few nice ballads made this a good pick up. If you do not enjoy Doo Wop as much as some of us do then this one might not be for you. Highlights include "Pretty Face", "For Your Precious Love" and "I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" by The Hi-Lites and "That's Why I Cry" by The Castaleers. Sound quality varies on a few tracks.
5 out of 10

Luther Bond And The Emeralds Meet The Guytones

"He Loves You Baby" and "Someone To Love Me" by Luther Bond And The Emeralds and "You Won't Let Me Go" and "Not Wanted" by The Guytones are my top picks on this release. A good pick up for the Doo Wop crowd.
5 out of 10

Bob Holmes' Nashville Soul

"Runaway Girl" by The Hytones, "You Must Leave Her Because You Love Her" by The Paramount Four, "Crying Won't Help You Now" by Johnny Truitt and "Oh Gilly Baby" by The Avons & The Hytones are my top picks on this release. Excellent sound quality as always with Ace Records releases.
5 out of 10