For Connoisseurs Only

There are no less than 28 rarities from the and labels on this compilation, all dating from the mid-'60s to the mid-'70s, mostly from the last half of the 1960s. Such an anthology is by definition something that's going to appeal to virtually no one but lovers of the genre. But within that guideline, it's satisfactory enough, though short on moments of stunning beauty, as such discs usually are. , , and are the well-known or reasonably known names, though none are represented by any of their most famous cuts. Otherwise the names will flash by like the small print in a price guide or auction list. For the most part it's middleweight , getting the job done without leaving an indelible mark for a lifetime or even a few days. It's mostly in the more or less mainstream mold, though some of these artists (like most of the ones mentioned above) have kept a foot in the scene as well. Some above-average efforts, in the context of this compilation at any rate, are 's with echoes of (with weaker vocals); a fine - shouter from a performer far more talented than most of the surrounding artists; if only because 's vocals create so much more heat than the average track here; ' which has a -like arrangement; and a good mix of bluesy swing with -ish female backup singers. ~ Richie Unterberger