The Tymes - Great Soul Hits (1997)

A well-assembled and -mastered live collection of hits from the smooth pop-sounding Tymes from Philadelphia, PA. They should have released a collection like this during their heyday in the '60s. Their studio recordings were more pop than R&B, but live, their melodic voices and seasoned harmonies are more vibrant and soulful. Unlike most R&B groups, the material is all Tymes', not remakes of other people's hits with some originals thrown in for authenticity. The only substantial Tymes recording omitted is their remake of Johnny Mathis' "Wonderful, Wonderful," a number seven pop hit for them in 1963. Includes excellent live versions of "It's Cool," a smooth "Sha-La Bandit," and the soulful "Ms Grace" (which bombed in the States, but was number one in the U.K.). The compilation concludes with their biggest record, the doo-wopish, melodic "So Much in Love," a number one pop hit.