The Best of the Three Degrees [SBC] in Bloomington, MN

The Best of the Three Degrees
, released in 2009, is an 18-track budget anthology that covers the group's 1973-1979 output, including releases for
Philadelphia International
,
Epic
, and
Ariola
, from plush Philly soul to
Giorgio Moroder
-produced electro-disco. It's surprisingly thoughtful and contains most of the singles and better deep cuts, including "T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)," "When Will I See You Again," "I Didn't Know, "Givin' Up, Givin' In," "Love Is the Message," and "The Runner." Although the presentation leaves a whole lot to be desired, this is a legitimate release from
Sony
's catalog department. It doesn't look like much, but it offers plenty for casual listeners. ~ Andy Kellman