Classic M People: The Best of Live

Personnel: Heather Small (vocals); Mike Pickering (saxophone, background vocals); Paul Heard (keyboards).
Audio Mixer: Chris Lord-Alge.
Photographers: Regan Cameron; Paul Cox.
M People were one of the best and most successful bands to come out of the U.K. in the 1990s, and, amazingly, scored only one major hit in the U.S. with the electrifying "Movin' on Up." Their sophisticated blend of house, dance, soul, and pop, highlighted by Heather Small's always impressive vocals, is wonderfully represented on The Best of M People. This stellar collection rounds up all their major European hits, as well as several new tracks, including the soulful single "Testify," "Dreaming," and their excellent cover of the Doobie Brothers' "What a Fool Believes." Also included are early hits such as the funky "Colour My Love" and "How Can I Love You More," hits from their peak period including "Movin' on Up," "One Night in Heaven," "Open Your Heart," and "Sight for Sore Eyes," and later hits such as "Angel St." and "Just for You." Also here is their epic version of "Itchycoo Park," which had previously appeared on Bizarre Fruit Part 2. A wonderful, well-rounded collection highlighting the best of one of the 1990s' most exciting (and in the U.S., most under-appreciated) acts. Buyer beware, however, because around the time of this album's release, a terribly assembled U.S. compilation titled Testify hit the shelves. Spend a few extra dollars and buy this import, because it is miles better than the bizarre hodgepodge that is Testify. As a final note, the versions included here are the edited single versions. ~ Jose F. Promis