The Albums 1968-1979: Clamshell Box

The Archie Bell & the Drells catalog has been repackaged with scattered album reissues and anthologies since the groups 1980 breakup. This boxed set from the Robinsongs label is easily the closest the Houstonians studio work has been brought together in totality. In addition to all seven studio albums the group released -- presented in chronological order on the first four discs -- The Albums 1969-1979 also holds a fifth disc that rounds up non-album A- and B-sides from the late-60s Atlantic phase, plus a handful of additional Philadelphia International-era tracks. (Licensing restrictions prevented the inclusion of Bell & the Drells three 1973-1974 singles for Glades; the two-disc Lets Groove: The Archie Bell & the Drells Story has four of those six sides, including the number 11 R&B hit "Dancing to Your Music.") The groups first two of three Atlantic albums were rush jobs leaning heavily on cover versions, and their subsequent presence on the absolutely loaded Philadelphia International roster was overshadowed by the likes of the OJays and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Still, Archie Bell & the Drells were up there as one of the most dynamic and well-rounded R&B acts of their time. On offer here is more than just 20 charting singles that start with the breakthrough chart-topper "Tighten Up" and conclude with the strutting, top-of-the-line "Strategy." Those and the likes of the driving "Theres Gonna Be a Showdown" and disco-funk firebolt "Lets Groove" are certainly the main draw as familiar hits, yet theres much to enjoy among the deeper cuts, like the majority of the Gamble & Huff-produced Theres Gonna Be a Showdown ("Here I Go Again," their biggest U.K. hit, stalled outside the Hot 100 in the U.S.) and the two knockouts that lead Where Will You Go When the Partys Over. The 19-page booklet in the box helps throw into sharp relief the groups significance with a thorough detailing of their story. ~ Andy Kellman