This follows Ace’s previous It’s Hard But It’s Fair compilation of The “5” Royales’ earlier work, with the material this time coming largely from the Home Of The Blues and Federal labels circa 1960-63, as R&B was re-forming itself into soul.
The first three tracks here, the previously unreleased Show Me, with its impassioned intro, the rocking Not Going To Cry and the Northern-appreciated title track, grab you immediately with their fervour and freshness. Alongside Lowman Pauling, newer member Royal Abbit gives a vocal attack that straddles Sam Cooke and The Drifters, but gutsier and with James Brown-influenced fervour. Highly recommended to all and sundry.
