THE SUPERBS - The Best Of The Superbs

Kent Records has released a few soul group harmony compilations in the past, including the solid Soul In Harmony release from last December. Here, the label's focus is on just one group, LA's Superbs, who play a pleasing hybrid of doo-wop and early soul styles that should appeal to fans of both genres. A particular highlight is the finale of 'The Big Hurt,' when a mind-blowing falsetto appears out of nowhere, putting an exclamation point on the agony of waiting for the final argument that ends a relationship.

"One R&B hit with 'Baby, Baby All The Time' is a poor return for the 25 singles The Superbs had on the Doré label between 1964 and 1987, and does not reflect the importance the group had on the Los Angeles soul harmony scene. Their enduring popularity and the high esteem in which they are held by soul music lovers in the USA is a truer indication of their impact. The Low Rider scene in LA in particular looks on them as demigods. They had their own instantly recognisable sound, a feature that can be attributed to only a handful of soul groups. It's the ballad side of their work that appeals to soul harmony collectors. Although their sound can be quite sweet, the subtle early Gene Page arrangements and clever song selection makes their music appealing to all soul fans." - Ace Records