Gladys Knight

Music collectors aren't the most budget-minded people in the world. After all, their passion is collecting LPs or CDs, and that involves digging into one's pocket. But that doesn't mean that they don't appreciate a good deal. In the 1970s, vinyl collectors loved Trip's Super-Pak series because it enabled them to acquire more music for less money. For around four to five dollars, you would get a two-LP set, and even though a Super-Pak probably didn't contain an artist's best-known or most essential work, the material was interesting to collectors. Assembled in 1974, this Super-Pak takes a look at Gladys Knight & the Pips' pre-Motown output of the early '60s. This double LP isn't the last word on that period -- essential pre-Motown gems like "Giving Up," "Letter Full of Tears," "Operator," and "Lovers Always Forgive" are missing. However, Super-Pak does contain "Every Beat of My Heart" (the group's first major hit) as well as enjoyable doo wop-influenced tracks like "It Hurt Me So Bad," "Queen of Tears," and "I Trust in You." Collectors should know that Super-Pak also contains some material that the Pips recorded without Knight, including "Darling," "Linda," "Bless the One," "Walking Around in Circles," and "To Whom It May Concern." Although hardly essential, these Knight-less performances (some of which were recorded when she was on maternity leave from the group) aren't without historic value. Super-Pak isn't for casual listeners, but the 21-song collection is interesting if you're a serious R&B historian. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi