Although they never recorded for Motown Records,
the Flirtations should have, because they sounded like nothing so much as a more energetic version of
the Supremes, and by all rights, this exciting vocal trio should have been continually at the top of the pop charts during the late 1960s and early 1970s. They did have a big hit with 1969's "Nothing But a Heartache," a record that has had an enduring shelf life and actually might be better known now in the 21st century than it was 40-some years ago. An American singing trio who relocated to the U.K. in 1967,
the Flirtations recorded an album,
Sounds Like the Flirtations, and several singles for the Decca imprint Deram Records before leaving for Polydor Records in 1972. This set collects the Deram album and adds in four additional tracks from the same time period to make an ideal introduction to this fun group. Among the gems here are the undeniably classic "Nothing But a Heartache," the bursting-with-energy "Need Your Loving," the autobiographical "South Carolina" and the why-wasn't-this-a-hit "What's Good About Goodbye My Love," but everything here falls into the same groove, with upbeat arrangements, spirited singing and insistent, racing and almost unhinged horn arrangements. It's fun stuff, and fans of Motown and Northern Soul are going to love this reissue release. ~ Steve Leggett