The Netherlands' PTG label rolls into the 21st volume of its Nighttime Lovers series, dedicated to compiling a large quantity of obscure and neglected club-oriented R&B. As usual, the sound quality can be shaky, but listeners with a deep affinity for the era should find at least a handful of tracks to enjoy. The stand out is Bryan Loren's "For Tonight," a laid-back groove with more meat than his ballads, certainly on the same level as anything that came from the Kashif camp. Second to that is Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' 1984 single "Don't Give Me Up," which -- like the group's follow-up single, "Today's Your Lucky Day" -- deserved a fate better than its low R&B-chart peak. Other notable cuts come from the Manhattan Transfer (assisted by the great Rod Temperton), Steve Drayton, and Richard Jon Smith. ~ Andy Kellman|
Rovi
The Netherlands' PTG label rolls into the 21st volume of its Nighttime Lovers series, dedicated to compiling a large quantity of obscure and neglected club-oriented R&B. As usual, the sound quality can be shaky, but listeners with a deep affinity for the era should find at least a handful of tracks to enjoy. The stand out is Bryan Loren's "For Tonight," a laid-back groove with more meat than his ballads, certainly on the same level as anything that came from the Kashif camp. Second to that is Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' 1984 single "Don't Give Me Up," which -- like the group's follow-up single, "Today's Your Lucky Day" -- deserved a fate better than its low R&B-chart peak. Other notable cuts come from the Manhattan Transfer (assisted by the great Rod Temperton), Steve Drayton, and Richard Jon Smith. ~ Andy Kellman
Rovi