Gene Chandler

If ever there were a mixed bag box set, this is it. Basically, this Gene Chandler four-CD set packages together four separate recordings that Collectables issued as individual recordings. There is no booklet. That said, four classic recordings would be terrific, but what is here is utterly strange. The first disc in the set is arguably the worst, and one has to wonder why the label decided to use Rainbow '80 as the opener. These are disco-fied and funk-ified (canned funk) of hits Chandler previously issued, none of which live up to their originals. Next up is the utterly wild and wonderful Live at the Regal (has there ever been a bad record taped in this room?), which has Chandler shouting out the deep R&B and taking a crowd from 0 to 120 in about 30 minutes. Chandler's rollicking, crazy and intense performance is most memorable. Next up is another best-of in 20 Greatest Hits, and one wonders if Collectables was even really trying. Finally, there's 1964's gorgeous Just Be True, which showcases Chandler's voice better than virtually any comp out there. Curtis Mayfield wrote a slew of tunes for Chandler and a number of them are here. There is the lame "Walk on with the Duke," but forget the tune and just listen to the singer -- it's utterly redeemable. The Collectables reissue of Just Be True adds four bonus tracks to the original. There are few soul singers that can hold a candle to Chandler, perhaps three or four, and this album more than proves it. As for the box, if the price is right and you get the set for the price of three discs, then perhaps it'd be worth it, but the box they come in is utterly generic when not adorned with the sleeves tacked on for merchandising; it's clunky and rather bulky. Try to find the individual titles: you'll be far better off because Rainbow '80 is that bad. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide