You wait years for a Dells album and then two come along within a few months! Following Universal’s Standing Ovation: The Very Best Of comes this tasty set from the everreliable Shout, who have expanded a 1998 MCA Ballads compilation by adding a half-dozen rarities, including one unreleased track. Nice idea, because although The Dells have released their share of great stompers, their real forte is those soulful slowies, the anguished ballads on which the epic baritone of Marvin Junior can really let rip.
What distinguishes The Dells from most of their rivals is their doo wop heritage, which gives them that vocal depth and richness. Combined with intense songs from Bobby Miller and the soaring, almost Wagnerian arrangements by Charles Stepney, they take the soul ballad to the max. But why no Stay In My Corner?
