Spinners Chrome Collection CD

The three-CD box set The Chrome Collection doesn't miss anything that might be considered essential by virtually any Spinners fan, including as it does the major and minor chart hits from the early '60s through the mid-'80s, as well as numerous album tracks. To be honest, even if you're a big Spinners fan, you're not going to be missing much if you opt for the two-CD One of a Kind Love Affair. And if you're a general Spinners fan, Rhino's more basic single-disc The Very Best of the Spinners should satisfy. But in its favor, The Chrome Collection does include some hits that don't even make it onto One of a Kind Love Affair, particularly their 1980 Top Five smash "Cupid"/"I've Loved You for a Long Time," as well as their 1966 Motown Top 20 R&B charter "Truly Yours," numerous low-charting items from the late '70s and early '80s, and some album tracks from throughout their lifespan. Also, it's good how seven tunes from the Motown era kick off the set before getting into the Atlantic catalog that comprises all but one track of the rest of the box. Sensibly, it draws most heavily from the group's early- to mid-'70s prime, and particularly from their earliest Thom Bell-produced sessions; in fact, it has all ten songs from their self-titled 1973 debut Atlantic LP. The 60-page booklet with a detailed career summary is another nice perk. As for drawbacks, this might be too much lush soul at once for all but the most sweet-toothed soul fans, and much of disc three, covering 1977-1989, fails to measure up to the preceding two CDs, both commercially and artistically. Note, incidentally, that the versions of "Sadie" and "Painted Magic" are new edits done especially for this release, and that 22 of the tracks appear in their single versions, though these tend to be their later and less impressive singles. ~ Richie Unterberger

One of a kind - The Sublime Soul of the Spinners showcased on their first-ever boxed set (62 tracks on 3 CDs), a career-spanning collection featuring choice album cuts, previously unreleased tracks, and all the hits! Includes tribute from David Bowie, Dionne Warwick, Elvis Costello and more. Includes a 60-page book packed with photos, memories & more! Hard-back digibook. Rhino. 2003.

Additional personnel includes: LeRoy M. Bell, Tony Bell, Bobby Eli (guitar); Casey James (guitar, keyboards, tympani); Jack Faith (flute, alto saxophone); Rocco Bene, Robert Hartzell (trumpet); Joseph DeAngelis, Bobby Martin (French horn); Robert Moore, Richard Genovese, Freddy Joiner, Edward Cascarella (trombone); Tim Gorman (synthesizer); Bob Babbitt, James Jamerson (bass); Charles Carlin (drums, syndrums); Andrew Smith (drums); Larry Washington (percussion); Carla Benson, Evett Benton, Barbara Ingram (background vocals); The Funk Brothers.

Recorded between 1961 & 1989.

Producer: Thom Bell.

Compilation producers: The Spinners, Gary Peterson.

The Spinners: Billy Henderson, Bobbie Smith, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, George Dixon, Edgar "Chico" Edwards, G.C. Cameron, Philippe Soul Wynne, John Edwards (vocals).

Mojo (Publisher) (10/03, p.132) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Wynne's overt gospel extemporisations gave the sleek soul-pop material and smooth arrangements a thrilling edge..."