For anyone who has wondered what all the fuss was about, or for anyone who actually remembers, this collection of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Terry Callier's Cadet sides from three early-'70s albums -- Occasional Rain (1972), What Color Is Love (1973), and I Just Can't Help Myself (1975) -- is welcome and necessary. While hardcore fans new and old may have these three individual albums -- as well as some sides from Elektra and other labels -- this comp serves as a fine mixtape and there isn't a weak cut on the set. Some choices (especially considering what was left off) are arguable, but that's quibbling. The only problem is, as with the individual albums, this isn't available in the United States. Quite literally, Callier's perfect meld of folk, soul, jazz, and pop is a balm for the soul. Endlessly questioning, yet endlessly positive, his songs as well as his readings of others are timeless. Early Kenny Rankin and Arthur Adams get at some of it, but Callier is really in a class by himself. All one needs to do is check out the opening cut, "Dancing Girl," to know why.
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