Search - Impressed :: Impressed!: 24 Groups Inspired by the Impressions & Curtis Mayfield

More Greatest Hits You've Never Heard

Andre M. | Mt. Pleasant, SC United States | 07/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While this collection ranges from carbon copies of Curtis and Co. ("Breaking Up Again" by the Climates and "Out of My Life" by the Expressions) to those who resemble the Impressions only in spirit, this is certainly a great collection of obscure Soul tunes that should have made it big. Some of this is quite remarkable! I defy anyone to only play "In The Sunshine" by the Marvellos (not the group of "I Do" fame) or "Make This Young Lady Mine" by the Mad Lads with only one listen. Interestingly, a couple of these groups also share the Impressions' knack for message music. "He'll Be Back" from the Players (1966) deals with Vietnam and "A New Day" (1971, by the Notations) stresses the need for racial harmony (sort of a forerunner to Paul and Stevie's "Ebony and Ivory"). There are also a few familiar names here. The Poets (later the Main Ingredient) contribute "I'm Stuck On You" which has a nice building crescendo, and the Manhattans are here with a charming tune called "Sweet Little Girl." If you like 60s and 70s Soul but are tired of the overplaying the same old Motown and Stax tunes on "Oldies radio," then this is for you. I'd also recommend "The Loma Records Story," "Lost and Found-The Blue Rock Records Story," and "Got a Good Thing" for more of the Greatest Hits You've Never Heard."