Eccentric Soul: The Deep City Label

From the first moments of a falling-down-the-stairs bassline and a gritty guitar from the opening track, the self-doubting dirge "Am I A Good Man?", it's clear the latest compilation in the Numero Group's Eccentric Soul series is yet another gem unearthed. Operating as a kind of mini-Motown with a stable of house musicians and composers, Miami's Deep City Records delivered a modest catalog in the mid-60s. What's clear from the energy of these recordings is that while Deep City may not have had A-listers like Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, or Martha Reeves, there was no shortage of commitment when it came time to deliver a scorching soul workout.

Minus the subtlety of Otis Redding's version, standout vocalist Helene Smith delivers a sincere and emotional "Pain In My Heart." A young Betty Wright, who would score Top 10 R&B hits in the 70s, previews her later success on "Paralyzed." Witty lyrical variations on everyday soul themes also abound, as in Smith's holiday-themed "Willing And Able" which proclaims "I don't want diamonds for Christmas, and I don't want Santa hangin' 'round, unless he's going to bring me you" and Paul Kelly's "The Upset," which treats competition for a lover's affections like Cassius Clay treated Sonny Liston. A real knockout. --Ben Heege