Superbs, The – The Best Of CD (Kent)

One R&B hit with ‘Baby, Baby All The Time’ is a poor return for the twenty five singles the Superbs released on the Doré label between 1964 and 1987. It does not reflect the importance the group had on the west coast soul harmony scene. They are still held in high esteem by soul music lovers, in the US in particular. They had their very own sound that is instantly recognisable, a feature only a handful of soul groups can claim. The mainly Mexican, Los Angeles Low Rider scene looks upon them as demigods.

Their ballad work appeals to soul harmony collectors and though their sound can be very sweet, the subtle early Gene Page arrangements and clever song selection makes the music appealing to all soul fans. Ballad highlights include their hit, along with ‘It Hurts So Much’, ‘He Broke A Young Girl’s Heart’, ‘One Bad Habit’ and ‘Your Eyes’. The mid-tempo ballads include a Latin-influenced ‘The Big Hurt’, ‘I Was Blind’, ‘Goddess Of Love’, ‘Where Or When’ and the early ‘Better Get Your Own One Buddy’.

The group were also capable of fine uptempo performances. Inevitably they had tracks suited to the Northern Soul scene in the mid-60s. ‘Go For What You Know’ and the magnificent ‘On A Day When It’s Raining’ have the correct beat, while the funkier ‘Wind In My Sails’ has been picked-up recently by the newer breed of rare soul DJ.

There are two solo tracks by group members and associates Ronnie Cook and Frances Lark with the grouping backing up the leads as usual.

An extensive discography is included, though with Doré’s random release policy and reworking of titles, it can never be claimed as a definitive document. Interviews with several of the group members tell the long and intricate Superbs’ story in detail.

Compilation and note by Ady Croasdell.  – Ace Records