Nighttime Lovers, Vol. 17

Filled with a quantity of curiosities much higher than essentials, the 17th volume of the PTG label's Nighttime Lovers series also has one of its smartest selections marred by poor sound quality. I-Level unfortunately failed to gain much commercial traction in their native U.K., despite being on Virgin, and the only action they got in the U.S. was through underground clubs, but singles such as "Minefield" and "Give Me" -- the latter of which is included here in 12" form -- were excellent. The group deserved better then, and they deserve better than the substandard sound quality that represents them here. Other decent cuts: Brick's Top Ten R&B Ray Parker, Jr. collaboration "Sweat (Til You Get Wet)," R.J.'s Latest Arrival's "Cry Like a Wolf" (number 61 R&B), and Central Line's "You've Said Enough." ~ Andy Kellman