The Supremes - Reflections: The Definitive Performances 1964-1969

Before the airport tantrums and lawsuits from former employees, there was a time when Diana Ross was a terrifically endearing pop poppet; a tiny bundle of charm, brimming over with innocence and wide-eyed enthusiasm. Reflections is a marvellous souvenir of that period when, along with the oft-muted Florence and Mary, she was part of the most successful homegrown group ever. The majority of the songs are seen in straightforward TV studio performances, all awkward choreography and sparkly dresses (another bang-up job by this series’ archivists). But there are also a few early attempts at the staged promo clip that is the norm today. Stop In The Name Of Love is bizarrely played out in a open-top convertible parked in a throng of picnickers, and quite what the despair of You Keep Me Hangin’ On has to do with table tennis is anyone’s guess. At the heart of it all is a glorious catalogue of perfectly-pitched, unforgettable pop classicism, even the briefest exposure to which should have the likes of Girls Aloud and the reformed All Saints hanging their heads in shame. It’s all very well being pretty, but you gotta have the tunes.