The Superbs The Very Best Of The Superbs (CD)

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. The ballad highlights include their hit along with ‘It Hurts So Much’, ‘He Broke A Young Girl’s Heart’, ‘One Bad Habit’ and ‘Your Eyes’.

Previous US collections have focussed solely on ballads but, as UK collectors in particular know, the group were also capable of fine performances when the pace picked up. Their more mid-tempo numbers include a latin-influenced ‘The Big Hurt’, ‘I Was Blind’, ‘Goddess Of Love’, ‘Where Or When’ and ‘Better Get Your Own One Buddy’. Inevitably, they had tracks suited to the Northern soul scene in the mid-60s when their image was being updated. ‘I Wanna Do It With You’ was the biggest, but ‘Go For What You Know’ and ‘On A Day When It’s Raining’ also have the desired beat, while the funkier ‘Wind In My Sails’ has been picked up recently by the newer breed of rare soul DJ, thereby sending the price into four figures.

This collection also includes two solo tracks by Superbs members/associates Ronnie Cook and Frances Lark with the group on back-ups.

The booklet includes an extensive discography, although Dore’s random release policy and reworking of titles means it is not definitive. Interviews with several group members allow the long and intricate story of the Superbs to be told as never before.

By Ady Croasdell