5 Star Music, 5 Star Presentation!

The J5's first two albums were among the best soul LPs of their era : melodic, funky, and fun; "ABC" is still the best J5 album for all-round quality of material. The real treat here, though, besides the terrific music (you know the hits, but try "Don't Know Why I Love You" (a breathtaking Stevie Wonder cover) or "2-4-6-8" (kiddie music, but fun), is the care lavished on these recordings. If you've heard the old US-released Motown 2-on-1 CD's of the 1980's, you may recall how flat and claustrophobic they sounded. Not these UK reissues. The remastered sound is spacious, dynamic, and ultra-clean. Add to that the classy cardboard slipcovers over the slimline jewel cases containing full reproductions of the front and back LP cover artwork of both LPs and you'll wonder what's up with US Motown that the British are doing a better job with American soul music. Anyway, only "ABC" is currently in print in the US, so you'll be doubly glad to spring for this reasonably-priced import. Added note : According to the booklet, a selection of 2-on-1 1960's Supremes and Temptations CDs are also available in this series. If they're anything like this one....