So Soulful 70's

Performers include: Prince Phillip Mitchell, Bettye Swann, Dynells, Sam Dees, Vivian Reed, Moses Smith, Ron Matlock, Patterson Singers, Enticers.
Contains 24 tracks.
Personnel: Ronn Matlock, Larry Wu, Dee Dee Warwick, Na Allen, Garland Green, Patti Hamilton, Major Harris, Margie Joseph, Moses Smith, Prince Phillip Mitchell, Sam Dees, Barbara Lynn, Vivian Reed, Ben E. King, Bettye LaVette, Bettye Swann (vocals).
Liner Note Author: Ady Croasdell.
Recording information: Atlantic South-Criteria Studios, Miami, FL (1968-1985); Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Muscle Shoals, AL (1968-1985); RPM International Studios, Los Angeles, CA (1968-1985).
Photographers: David H. Walters; Slyvia Croasdell; Adam Buchanan; Ady Croasdell.
Arrangers: Dale Warren; Donny Hathaway; Johnny Cameron; Tony Bell; Sam Reed; Michael Stokes ; Richard Poindexter; Wardell Quezergue; Willie Mitchell; Bert DeCoteaux; Bobby Eli.
A pleasing collection of underexposed soul sounds from the '70s. Only two bona fide hits are included among the 24 tracks: the Persuaders' chilling "Thin Line Between Love and Hate" and Ben E. King's "Supernatural Thing." Elsewhere, kudos to Kent Records for unleashing some real nuggets like Vivian "Bubbling Brown Sugar" Reed's "Save Your Love for Me"; she's not bubbly on this tearjerker but so soulful she'll have you in tears before the fade. Sam Dee's "Fragile, Handle With Care" shows where the man was at (cutting hard-edged Southern soul music) before embarking on a more successful career as a hit songwriter. The T.S.U. Tornadoes (of "Tighten Up" fame) are represented by "What Good Am I," a change-of-pace (for them) floater. Dee Dee Warwick's rendition of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" proves that in some cases a Queen beats a King. Also included are two songs from the great, unheralded Betty Lavette. The liner notes make for insightful and interesting reading as this thoughtfully compiled disk spins. ~ Andrew Hamilton