Gene And Eddie

A few tracks that really tug at the heart on this CD. Big standout for me is "It's So Hard". Both versions included are top notch! Other good tracks include "Why Do You Hurt Me", "Let Me Go Easy", "I Would Cry", "Baby, I'd Drop Everything" and "Darling I Love You". A very good package with liner notes for a little glimpse at their musical career. Nice clean sound, highly recommended.

8 out of 10

Freddie Waters

Very nice deep soul ballad in "Love Is A Strange Thing" is well worth the pick up. Other notable tracks are "Nobody Knows" and "Love Is A Two Way Thing". It you like rare, deep soul this one is for you. This release includes tracks cut in the late 60's through the early 80's. Sound quality varies on a couple modern soul cuts.
5 out of 10

Low & Slow

The people who put this series together did a couple of things that, at least for me, really bring down their project. First they used a few re-recorded versions without clearly stating so, I very much dislike that. Second they mixed English and Spanish tracks. I enjoy sweet, soulful ballads in Spanish from this time period but that should be a separate CD. Good tracks by The Topics, The Whispers, The Brothers Of Soul, Love, Charmaine and Lovehorn. Nothing really rare for the seasoned collector.
3 out of 10

Tax Scam Funk & Boogie

The hook that got me here was the sweet jam "Hide And Seek" by Natural Experience. That track well covered the price of this CD. The rest is mainly funk as implied in the title.
4 out of 10

Eccentric Soul, After School Special: The 123s Of Kid Soul

This second dip into kiddie soul on the Numero Group label falls a bit short when compared to the first installment, ABCs Of Kid Soul. Nice cuts by Brighter Side Of Darkness and The Bennett's. The rest is upbeat material.

3 out of 10

Troubles, Heartaches & Sadness

Nice deep soul female cuts by The Imported Moods, Ann Peebles, The Known Facts and Jean Plum. If you dig Al Green's music you will surely enjoy this CD.
5 out of 10

Sanctified Soul

A few good ballads on this release by the folks at Ace Records. Mainly in the deep soul mode with the exception of one of my all time favorites in "You Mean So Much To Me" by The Mad Lads. Other highlights include "Love Have Mercy" by Mike Williams & The Tempest Band and "Get It Over" by Ben & Spence.
4 out of 10

The Elgins

Besides the obvious classic "Darling Baby" other notable tracks included are "It's Been A Long Long Time", "When You Are Available" and "Your Baby's Back" as The Downbeats. A very good look into this groups recording history. Classic Motown sound with very good sound quality.
5 out of 10

Pearl Woods

I found this one in a bargain bin and looked up a couple of tracks. At that time they sounded decent and price was good so I grabbed it. After playing and listening through it I realized why it was in the bargain bin. Turned out to be too much pop for my ears.
1 out of 10

Constellation Of Rhythm & Blues

Only a couple of decent ballads on this release, "You Lied" by The Freedoms and "She's Got Everything" by The Mystics. The rest of the material is more pop or upbeat.
3 out of 10