Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Back in the mid '60s, when I first discovered the esoteric delights of Southern soul/deep soul, I was a member of The Fame/Goldwax Appreciation Society, a fan organisation run by Dave McAleer (who today compiles best selling Pop Trivia books). In those far off days the kind of soul music featured on this lovingly put together compilation was a thing of wonder - with hoarse-voiced singers begged and pleaded in wanton displays of emotion accompanied by bands usually featuring a Hammond organ and sassy horns. Today this kind of gutsy soul music seems a million miles from today's mainstream R&B but thanks to re-issues like this, classics of the genre continue to tickle discerning music palates. Spencer Wiggins didn't reach the popularity of a James Carr, let alone an Otis Redding, but he did possess an awesome vocal talent, a rich, hard-toned baritone which with its gospel quartet-style inflections, was made for the emergent Southern soul music. In 1964 Spencer met producer Quinton Claunch and soon a series of epic records, usually recorded at Muscle Shoals Fame Studios, were recorded. Originally released as a series of singles on Goldwax, the songs were gems of lost love and hard times with titles like "The Kind Of Woman That's Got No Heart" and "Old Friend (You Asked Me If I Miss Her)". Spencer's R&B hit "Take Me Just As I Am" is a gem, complete with a secular sermonette. Now new devotees of the old soul sound can swoon over the 22 tracks offered here. Today Spencer sings only for Jesus. In fact in 2002 - as the highly informative sleevenote recounts - he cut a gospel album 'Keys To The Kingdom'. I'd love to hear that. In the meantime these classic oldies remind me that whether singing about cheating women or the Lord of All, Spencer has awesome vocal chops.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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