Lost Motown Album

Now, this is one very impressive "Lost" album of classic soul music, an album recorded back in 1971 but cancelled at the last minute by Motown. Hard to understand why they did that, because this wonderful, prime-time soul, on par with the output by more famous Motown male vocal groups such as the Temptations and the Four Tops.I'm a huge fan of 1960s and 1970s soul music, but I have to admit that I've never heard anything by The Fantastic Four before, at least not a full album of their songs. But I'm very impressed by the quality of the songs on this collection, which includes the original 12 songs from that lost album, titled "How Sweet He Is," plus 13 excellent bonus tracks too. Honestly, this is top notch soul. In fact, I hear a lot of similarities between the Four Tops and the Fantastic Four in both the voices and the arrangements.The CD comes with a 12-page booklet with liner notes by album compiler Tony Rounce, including a history of the group and thesewefully neglected recordings. The track listings include song times and songwriting credits. Another outstanding reissue from Kent and Ace Records!

A showcase for the bass player extraordinaire James Jamerson and his marvelous bass playing. The Fantastic Four give fine performances on this mix of original songs written specifically for them or later reassigned to them, a cover of a Beatles' song, a cover of a Jerry Butler song and covers of Motown tunes. When Motown bought Golden World Records, it sounds as though the unique musical sound was not part of that deal. The Ric-Tic sound was similar in some ways and yet distinct from the Motown sound. The Motown sound and the Fantastic Four was not a good fit. The "Best of the Fantastic Four" a Motown release of their hits on the Ric-Tic label is an accurate representation of their best. "The Lost Motown Album" represents their best efforts to overcome mediocre song material. Berry Gordy must have sensed that and made a wise decision not to release it. A twelve page booklet contains detailed background information of track recording sessions, issue dates, the group, black/white photos of the group, color photos of Soul 45's and even photos of the master tapes box back cover.

I always loved the F4. I liked the Temps too but I felt Motown put them on the back shelf. There was only 3-4 songs I didn't like and the last 5-6 songs were mixed or recorded in Mono and hate monophonic recordings, too narrow. One thing I notice, James Epps had a great voice and on his Ric Tic recordings and "Got to have your love", on Westbound. He was bought out front in the mix and stood out. These Motown recordings, it seems like they deliberately took the power out of his vocals and mixed him lower in the mixes. I didn't like that at all. It was like Motown didn't even try and kept then around so they wouldn't be a threat to the Temps. Motown never gave them a bone with any meat on it. Look what happened to the Spinners, with the right producer and songs.

there will never be a group that had the magnatude of the fantastic four, often over shadowed by other artist, but if you listen to thier sound you will see that they could hold thier own...behind the temptations this is my favorite group..if you love music and you missed this group, i erge you get a copy of this c.d. it is well deserved for music lovers....

if you love soul music then this CD is for you, the group is just fabulous and you will truly love this CD.

Many nice sweet soul sides, hard to compete with the other group's at Motown.

A wonderful compilation of numerous songs that I have never heard before. Thanks to ACE/KENT (UK) for their bringing this to fruition.

Great find. I like to hear these fellas sing. Good memories.

未発表曲も多く、それらも含め期待通りの内容で満足しています。

ずっと待っていましたCDです。アナログの頃からホントに実現したなんてファンタスティックです。

What a album, that I think only Kent (Ace) could do. The lost album is a masterpiece as is the single releases that weren't on the album . Includes the indemand "Pin Point Down" . Of the previously unreleased tracks, their version of Freddie Gorman's first single for Ed Wingate after leaving Motown (the first time) for Ric Tic Records "In A Bad Way", should be released as a 45 IMO .

I hesitated for a long time before buying. Wish i'd been more decisive. A great collection from a superb group that really deserved greater recognition and chart success. The material is strong, I'm amazed that it was never released at the time. Highly recommend it

This album is a must for all those who love mid to late 60s Motowm. A great album and good value for money based on the number of tracks on offer. Ok there are a number of covers but some of these are sung with different harmonies and tempo. Highly recommended.