The Originals
The 'Essential Collection'
Universal/Spectrum
Released April 2002

The Originals were perhaps one of the best vocal groups on Motown, and by the time they scored some commercial success in late 1969 the company were planning to move their operations to the west coast. Their impact amongst soul collectors at that time was gaining momentum with each release to the extent that Motown appeared to give the group a much deserved push which had not been the case a few years earlier when they issued the storming 'Good Night Irene' which remains one of the hottest dance tracks ever issued by the label. Like so many other songs at that time it did virtually nothing when issued in 1966 until the northern soul movement resurrected it onto the dance floors of the UK.

The group led by ex Ric-Tic singer Freddie Gorman (Take Me Back) first charted in the States in 1969 with the Frank Wilson produced mid tempo 'I Like Your Style' which has a fabulous piano led intro before they settle into a gentle swing styled song that shows the groups superb vocal harmony style which was to pay dividends in later years. 'Baby I'm For Real' followed next as a UK release with this Marvin/Anna Gaye penned song which is seen by many as their finest moment. Those of you who own the 1987 Sherrick album will no doubt have heard his rendition of this great song. Very much in the Bobby Taylor mould.

The Marvin/Anna Gaye song writing partnership were to play an important part in raising the awareness of the group during this period and their next single 'The Bells' is another piece of harmonious genius so far removed from their 1966 recordings, and suddenly the Originals were on everyone's lips within the soul industry and it seemed at the time that nobody could touch them. Listen to 'I'm Someone Who Cares' to experience the fabulous arrangement/orchestration and vocal delivery and it is easy to see why the group are still held in such high esteem as one of the finest soul groups out of the US.

The opening bars to 'God Bless Whoever Sent You' at first sound like a christmas song before settling into a ballad that is not to far removed from the sound of the Dells and shows how they were on equal par to the Chicago soulsters but sadly did not enjoy the same commercial exposure or success. For those reading this review that remember the spring of 1974 when Motown issued their album 'California Sunset' will remember with fondness the excellent material contained within, and it is pleasing to see the inclusion on this CD of their uptempo 'Good Lovin' Is Just A Dime Away' which saw the songwriting credits of former Motown producer Lamont Dozier who turned this wonderful song into the highlight of the album.

Whilst it has been issued previously on other CD's the inclusion of  'Don't Stop Now' found the Originals at their peak with a song that really sums up what the northern soul scene today is all about. Lamont Dozier has another one of his songs included on this CD in 'Don't Turn The Lights Off' again from the aforementioned 'California Sunset' album. The group are due in the UK at the end of this month where they will play in the north of England to a guaranteed packed house for an audience who have waited more than three decades for the pleasure.

Whilst this compilation represents only a fraction of what they recorded for the label there will be some who would have liked to have seen other material included, but for the price of this disc in the UK it is a wonderful reminder, and introduction, to one of Motown's unsung heroes. I only hope that UK sales do them justice this time round.

Rating 10/10