The Deal: Old school soul collection from often overlooked legendary soul group.
The Good: The Manhattans were one of the smoothest soul outfits ever to lay tongues to a groove. Their velvety harmonies encompassed the best features of soul giants the Chi-Lites and the Temptations. Even the most rabid old school soul fan won’t recognize all the cuts in this three-CD set, but there are at least three must-haves for the serious collector. “I Wanna Be (Your Everything)” started their four-decade long run of hits in 1965. It’s a baby step out of doo-wop, with an irresistible jangly guitar figure that tickled the spine of ’60s hip shakers. But most people remember the group for their 1976 hit, “Kiss And Say Goodbye.” It’s got all the ingredients for a classic soul stew: a Barry White sound-alike spoken intro, a soaring falsetto lead over a gospel backdrop and a throbbing sexy pulse that made it and ideal tool for players back in the day to commit successful seductions with. It also has a plot worthy of country music – a couple of cheaters deciding to stop meeting on the sly and find other lovers. But the best-known Manhattans single is 1980’s “Shining Star.” This has nothing in common with Earth Wind and Fire’s funkfest of the same name. The Manhattans’ is a sweet love song with some of the most gorgeous harmony in soul.
The Bad: For the serious collector. Several cuts are so similar you tire of the formula.
The Verdict: Put it on and marvel. Craftsmanship like this is hard to find these days.
This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2008.
