The classic Westbound 45s, complete on CD for the first time. The first new compilation of the group’s vintage material in almost 20 years.
One of the most popular soul trios of their time, both at home in the US and here in the UK where they toured frequently, the Detroit Emeralds’ Westbound 45s maintained a constant presence in the soul and pop charts on both sides of the pond until mid-70s, when the original group split up.
The group released 11 US singles on Westbound. Most (but not all) of the songs have been reissued before, but “I Think Of You” marks the first time all of the group’s A and B-sides have been presented on one collection – with several mono-only 45 mixes appearing on CD for the first time. Hits such as ‘Do Me Right’, ‘You Want It – You Got It’, ‘Feel The Need In Me’ and the UK-only release ‘I Think Of You’ (included as a bonus in its original mono 45 edit) sound as charming now as they did 40-plus years ago. They will forever ensure a place in the hearts of all lovers of classic soul for this most excellent of trios.
Lead vocalist Abe Tilmon’s death at age 37 robbed soul music of one of its more commercially-minded songwriter-producers. The singles featured in this collection are some of the best of their era, full of memorable riffs, commercial hooks and witty lyrics that marked the Detroit Emeralds as a group always worth hearing. Here they are, presented in the order they were released, with the A-side first. Looking for a collection of great tunes that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face? You want it, you got it!
TONY ROUNCE
