Another great compilation from Ralph at Expansion, this set lovingly created, from the track selection right down to the packaging, from eighteen of the finest seventies soul songs. The tracks are largely from about 1972 to 1978 and are not Philadelphia International, they do however predominantly use the same musicians and have that 'Philly' feel and sound, The Spirit. Great sleeve notes featuring an insight into the Philly scene from Bobby Eli. The track selection has also been made on the basis that they do not appear on other compilations (although Gloria Gaynor is on the recent Italian Modern Soul CD, which I had understood was destined for UK release, and The Whispers have recently been featured on an extensive reissue series out of Sanctuary).

All of the tracks without exception are above average, although I am not a great lover of the Dianne Steinberg track but it has been receiving some Modern Room plays of late. There are, of course, not immaculate top notch tracks. For me they are:-

The two tracks by the Invitations with Lew Kirton on lead - They say the girl's crazy and Look on the good side, the former is immense, an immaculate sweet vocal group soul performance, with easy vibes, the latter has one of the best intros of all time, typically Philly, and from then on you know it's going to be a great track and it doesn't let you down

Hurt so bad - Philly Devotions, great falsetto which I hadn't appreciated was Matt Covington who more latterly did the fine 'We got one'. Just a sucker for falsettos and actually I do prefer their version of I just can't say goodbye but the Touch of Class version is featured here. Teddy Randazzo co wrote this.

It's got to be now or never - Little Dooley, coming out of North Bay records a great mellow, less intense Philly arrangement, unmistakable none the less. If you're familiar with the later 'disco' outings of Dooley Silverspoon I doubt that you will have realised his voice was a sweet as this.

A little bit of love - Charen Cotten, I have a weak spot for this and have been known to play this out. Deep Soul heartfelt and hopeful vocal meets mellow Philly - wonderful.

Will you be mine - Whispers, quality, absolute quality, vocals, performance, production, everything.

Other tracks are:-

Who loves you - Joneses, this is typical Philly and there is no reason why this should have fared any less better than some of the big names.

This Love Affair - Gloria Gaynor, I haven't been particularly keen on this in the past, but whether it's the now familiarity that becomes it or because of the esteemed company it keeps on here, it sounds real good.

Stay with me -Futures, the only track that features Gamble and Huff, lead singer James King who did a modern soul top tune of a few years back 'Memory'. A track also with the Futures but featuring also Barbara Mason is Make it last.This one has been getting rave reviews and quite a few plays at some of the more upfront venues this year. Doesn't quite live up to the hype but not bad.

Your love has me locked up - Modulations, was a b side apparently that didn't even feature on an album. Not one of the best but it does illustrate that there must be some undiscovered gems down in the vaults.

Two tracks by Revelation We've got to survive and Where it's warm, the latter being the better cut

Good for the gander - Jermaine Jackson, unusual track this in that it is unreleased Motown and is exclusive to this CD, cut during a Jackson's sojourn to Philly but was shelved by Motown.

I love you pretty baby - Touch of Class is the second track by them here,

Happiness is - New York City, this is definitely a grower, produced by Thom Bell.

Whether you like 'Modern Soul, 'Philly', 'Group soul' 'seventies' or just plain good music this is a must.