One gets the feeling that this 24-song compilation of rare soul singles -- originally released on the Roulette, Port, Jubilee, Cat, Alston, Dimension, and Dynovoice labels, mostly in the '60s -- was assembled with more of an eye on rarity and collector value than coherence. If there's any thread, it's that they've enjoyed popularity on England's Northern Soul circuit, a school of enthusiasts that is nearly unrivaled for specialist enthusiasm. J.J. Jackson, the Orlons, the Skyliners, Big Maybelle, the Clovers, and Esther ...
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One gets the feeling that this 24-song compilation of rare soul singles -- originally released on the Roulette, Port, Jubilee, Cat, Alston, Dimension, and Dynovoice labels, mostly in the '60s -- was assembled with more of an eye on rarity and collector value than coherence. If there's any thread, it's that they've enjoyed popularity on England's Northern Soul circuit, a school of enthusiasts that is nearly unrivaled for specialist enthusiasm. J.J. Jackson, the Orlons, the Skyliners, Big Maybelle, the Clovers, and Esther Phillips are the only names that will be recognizable to most soul fans, and all of the singles by the aforementioned singers are still obscure, usually dating from well past their commercial prime. Nevertheless, this is pleasant, danceable pop/soul, usually with uptown production values. But there's not much that truly jumps out and grabs you by the gut, though occasional sides make a more distinct impression, like Beverly Ann Gibson's winning early-'60s pop/soul, June Adams's melodramatic "The Human Race," and J.J. Jackson's hoarse emotion on "It Seems like I've Been Here Before." ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi
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