The discography of
Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders can get a little confusing because
Fontana didn't always sing with the group and the two entities --
Fontana and the band called
the Mindbenders -- were essentially separate acts fused together for the purpose of storming the pop charts during the British Invasion era. That means this set is all over the map, and unfortunately, most of these tracks are just ordinary without being particularly interesting. The exceptions are the classic
Clint Ballard-penned "The Game of Love," another
Ballard tune, "She Needs Love," and a spirited, slightly unhinged cover of
Fats Domino's "Hello Josephine," and while everything else is professional and capable, it's not terribly exciting. This is an act (or acts...) that actually benefits from a shorter best-of collection, and this 20-track set will undoubtedly feel too long for all but the most devoted fans.