Now this is a great idea. Released in 1999, Philadelphia Uncovered actually offers songs people want to listen to as well as boasting a genuine rare quotient. It didn't come easily, though. Since the late '80s the Philadelphia International masters have been split between Sony and The Right Stuff. The result has caused years of haphazard and unsatisfying compilations. Again due to contractual deals, Philadelphia Uncovered starts at 1976 and stops at the early '90s. The tracks from MFSB are past their peak. For a label, if not genre, that often was wanting in the way of female vocalists, Philadelphia Uncovered finds the best tracks coming from them. Dee Dee Sharp's "I Love You Anyway" and Jean Carn's "Was It All It Was" are two of the strong 1979-1987 offerings. The true find of this compilation, Patti LaBelle's phenomenal "I Can't Forget You," is worth the price of the set. The best-known song from this is perhaps the O'Jays' 1987 "comeback" hit; "Lovin' You" proved that the label did have a great knack at going back to its classic sound at will. Despite the P.I. insignia on the CD's cover, Philadelphia Uncovered also features productions for artists on other labels. Given those facts, truly rare songs from the Temptations, 1978-1981 Trammps, and even commercial duds from Carl Carlton and ABC-era Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes could have made the cut. For true fans this will remain a good idea, but one that deserves a better sense of the sound and catalog of the genre. ~ Jason Elias, All Music Guide