The Friends of Distinction had a unique blend of R&B, Pop, and Jazz stylings that made them popular favorites in the late '60s and early '70s. The group joined RCA in 1969 and were soon on the way to the top of the charts with "Grazing In The Grass", both a Pop and R&B #1.

Includes liner notes by David Nathan.

Liner Note Author: David Nathan.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Charlene Gibson; Floyd Butler; Barbara Love; Harry Elston; Jessica Cleaves.

Collectables' Golden Classics features a dozen of the Friends of Distinction's mellow pop-soul songs, including their biggest singles, the bright, swinging "Love Me or Let Me Be Lonely," "Grazing in the Grass," and the dramatic "Going in Circles." Songs from later in the group's career, such as "This Generation," are more about creating a slightly jazzy mood than delivering the pop thrills of their singles, though they do provide a nice contrast to tracks like the "Grazing in the Grass"-esque "Let Yourself Go." Likewise, "Easy Evil" and "Love Shack" reflect the funkier aspects of the Friends' sound, but this collection emphasizes their pop hits, as "Time Waits for No One," "Check It Out," and "I Really Hope You Do" prove. 1996's The Best of the Friends of Distinction remains the best retrospective of the band's music available, but this 1989 collection is still worth seeking for anyone that wants a more concise overview of the Friends of Distinction's distinctive blend of soul, pop and psychedelia. ~ Heather Phares

Genre:

• R&B / Soul

Labels:

• Collectables Records

Music Categories:

• R&B: Soul

Product Groupings:

• Clearance CDs
• Collectables Records - Audio CDs