Though fans of
the Jackson 5
or
the Staple Singers
would love arguing the claim of the title,
the Five Stairsteps
recorded some solid Windy City
soul
during the late '60s and early '70s, just a small step below the level of
the Chi-Lites
the Impressions
(whose
Curtis Mayfield
signed the group to his
Windy C
label and produced much of their material). Since their only well-known hit,
"O-o-h Child,"
was also one of their last, it's appropriately relegated to the end of this collection, though neophytes may find it a difficult chore waiting 16 tracks to get to it. Easing the way are a pair of early
Mayfield
gems --
"You Waited Too Long"
and
"Danger! She's a Stranger"
-- both superb examples of yearning,
baroque
.
"Playgirl's Love"
would've been a perfect fit on an
Impressions
LP, while a cover of
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
'
"Ooo Baby Baby"
proved a splendid choice of material. Though hit-seekers may prefer the
Greatest Hits
Encore Collection
sets, fans of the breezy Chicago sound or smooth supper-club
will find much on this
Buddha
compilation to love. ~ John Bush