Although little information is given on this low-budget compile, it is presumed that these recordings of the
5th Dimension (
5D) were done without the band signing off on the final product. Especially considering the number of superior
5D anthologies available, not to mention that their entire ten-title "classic" Soul City/Bell Records catalog has been completely refurbished by Collectors' Choice Music. Similarly, it is debatable whether the vocalists on this 16-song Dutch import actually include the quintet of
Lamonte McLemore,
Ron Townson,
Billy Davis Jr.,
Marilyn McCoo, and
Florence LaRue -- the original members of the
5D. What we do know is that in the late '70s a re-formation with replacements
Lou Courtney,
Joyce Wright, and
Phyllis Battle toured extensively and it is believed that this is the same combo here. The live tracks are good at best, with the obvious choices of "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," "Shake Your Tambourine," and "Ode to Billie Joe" being the best of the lot. However, they pale to those on the comparatively superior
Fifth Dimension/Live! (1971). The worst offender is the remake of
the Eagles' "You Never Cry Like a Lover", which shouldn't have even been attempted. Caveat Emptor as Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (2000) also circulates under several other titles, such as the equally dismissible Live! Plus Studio Recordings (2001).