It seems a shame in some ways that the majority of non soul fans only know the group via their million selling ‘Do You Love Me’ which featured in the film ‘Dirty Dancing’ when in fact their best material was issued between 1965-1967 where no less than six brilliant tracks were issued in the UK followed by the monster ‘Baby Hit & Run’ which was always a much requested track on my Sunday Soul Club radio show.

In 1971 Motown in the UK issued two of their biggest northern soul sides back to back in the form of
‘Just a Little Misunderstanding/First I Look at the Purse’ both of which had been issued a separate singles in 1965/66. Ironically, the single sold well probably on the back of northern soul scene which was everywhere and Motown were quick to cash in by releasing 45’s by the likes of Edwin Starr/Elgins/Sam Remo Strings etc.

‘Determination’ remains an all-time favourite amongst the collectors as does ‘It’s So Hard Being A Loser’ which did get included on one of the Chartbusters LP’s of 1967.  I have included the excellent ‘Your Love Grows More Precious’ as THE track of this CD as it demonstrates the great vocal dexterity that this group possesses and serves as a taster for this CD as a whole.

The other early sixties tracks can be found here including ‘Shake Sherry’ ‘Can You Jerk Like Me’ and ‘You Get Ugly’ though a true representation of the Contours output for Motown it will be the aforementioned mid sixties tracks that will sell it.

Personal rating 7/10
Expect to pay £6.99 in the UK
Available now