The Mad Lads - Madder Than Ever (1990)

Stax/Volt Records ceased operations long before 1990, and as the World Famous Mad Lads, the Memphis group had their last known single releases around 1985 for Express Records; when these eight tracks were recorded is a mystery. But it's quite possible they regrouped in the late '80s and Fantasy (who brought the Stax masters) issued this CD under the old logo. What's clear is that John Gary Williams, who left once, is back on some leads in his sympathy-getting tenor; a baritone is out front on the others. Makes no difference though: Mr. Greatest Voice in the World could have sung lead on this heartless, substance-lacking bunch of blobs and it wouldn't have made a difference. That said, their update of their soul hit "Don't Have to Shop Around" makes this essential for Mad Lads fans, as you won't find it anywhere else. Williams is magnificent again on the Southern/doo wop ballad; the tenor is huskier but as longing. Con Funk Shun's Felton Pilate produced some tracks and contributed backing vocals. Southern soul and drum programming just don't go together.