A Shot of Rhythm & Blues: R&B Era, Vol. 1

• Artist: Various Artists
• Release Date: 1990
• Total Time: 53:50
• Type: Collection (various artists)
• Genre: Rock

Review

There are some pretty valuable tracks here, all dating from between 1963 and 1965. The stars include Cyril Davies & His Rhythm and Blues All-Stars ("Country Line Special"), Tony Jackson & the Vibrations ("Fortune Teller"), the Undertakers ("If You Don't Come Back"), and the Kinks ("Milk Cow Blues"), but they're augmented by a brace of worthwhile songs by unknown acts, including the Riot Squad ("Jump"), Felders Orioles ("Turn on Your Lovelight"), Jimmy Powell & the Dimensions ("I'm Looking for a Woman"), and the Chosen Few ("Today Tonight and Tomorrow"). Along the way are glimpses of the early work of future members of Lindisfarne and the Blockheads (the Chosen Few) and the Rutles (Felders Orioles), among other bands from the '70s and '80s. The producers have become a bit too ambitious at 22 tracks, however; Wayne Gibson & the Dynamic Sounds' "Portland Town" is way too folky and Van Dyke & the Bambis' "All I Want Is You" is pretty forgettable. As a result, about half of this CD is priceless, a third is edifying, and about 20 percent fills space and takes your time. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi

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