A marvelous but underrated collection by Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers, one of the few mixed groups to record for Motown. Tommy Chong, later of
Cheech & Chong fame, was a member and co-wrote their biggest record, "Does Your Mama Know About Me," a song about an interracial relationship. Though their biggest hit was a ballad, they built their reputation by singing spirited live versions of Motown and soul classics. Bobby's tenor dripped with soul, as his crooning on Ashford & Simpson's "I Am Your Man" attests. "Malinda," one of Smokey Robinson's catchiest songs, will have you singing along with the chorus. A good version of the Temptations' "Fading Away" and the Fantastic Four's "You Gave Me Something" will have you finger-snapping and hand-clapping. ~ Andrew Hamilton