The Exciters

These tracks represent some of Britisher Ian Levine's earliest recordings. The Exciters, anchored by Herb Rooney and Brenda Reid (parents of Arista Records' President, Antonia L.A. Reid), performs 12 lackluster tracks. "Reaching for the Best" was a lightweight hit in England in 1975; there's also a seven minute disco mix that dropped in 1988 -- pick your poison. Levine wanted Northern Soul and Rooney wanted a more contemporary sound. They collaborated on "Reaching for the Best," but fought tooth and nail about everything else. It climbed as high as #31 on British Top 50 selling 60,000 units. While those are paltry figures in the States, in Britain, the tally was substantial. "You're Gonna Make Me Love You," originally by Sandi Sheldon, got jacked in the mix and flopped. Rooney wrote "Suffering" and a couple others, but the overall production wasn't competitive. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide