20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Temptations, V

Performer: The Temptations (R&B)
Artist: Rick James
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Compilation producer: Harry Weinger. Digitally remastered by Suha Gur (Universal Music Studios East). No company knows how to recycle product like Motown, who seems to have repackaged most of their significant output dozens of times, and the rest hardly less than that -- though the truth is that a lot of Motown product has vanished into obscurity, never (thankfully) to be seen again (does anybody really want to remember Motown taking aim at FM radio in the 1970s?). The Temptations have been one of the most heavily repackaged groups on the label, with this album, one of two, being basically just another catalog reconfiguration. The compiler did make the choice of starting with "My Girl" on the first disc and finishing with "Stay" (a rejigged "My Girl") at the end of this, which is cute, but it's still just another repackaging -- it's a pretty package, it's cheap, and the sound is slightly superior to most releases of this material, but anyone who gives a hoot about the Temptations is likely to own at least one copy of everything on the disc, even the post-Masterpiece cuts. On the other hand, this disc, and its partner, provide a good introduction for the uninitiated, so make for good additions to any gift list you might feel like putting together. ~ Steven McDonald It's sad, but it must be said: Volume One of the Temptations' entry in the 20TH CENTURY MASTERS series covers 8 years and is an unbelievably tight collection of the group's highest moments. Volume Two covers nearly three full decades and feels a little padded. Of course, the high points are among the highest of the group's entire career, with "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" easily among the finest pop songs of the '70s and "Ball of Confusion" and "Psychedelic Shack" not far behind. After the mid '70s, however, when personnel and producer shakeups compounded the general sense of malaise that surrounded Motown in that era, the Temptations were largely adrift, and this 11-song collection only features three post-'75 tunes, the highlight being the funky "Standing on the Top," a cool collaboration with Tempts disciple (and stalwart member Melvin Franklin's nephew) Rick James.

The Temptations were the most successful R&B vocal group of the 1960s, their popularity rivaled only by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions. Despite several stylistic and line up changes (lead singers Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin both went on to solo careers), The Temptations scored hit after hit throughout the decade. In addition to mastering the smooth R&B ballad, the group pioneered a brand of tough, rock-influenced soul music that inspired scores of later artists.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25