Groovesville Masters, The

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You would think 38 tracks on two CDs would be definitive for an obscure soul singer, but not in this case. J.J. Barnes had three recordings that achieved a modicum of success in the States; two of them -- "Day Tripper" and "the Errol Flynn" -- didn't make this set because they're products of other labels. The biggest record he appeared on was "I'll Love You Forever" as a member of the Holidays, with Edwin Starr on lead and Barnes and Steve Mancha providing backing vocals. The three never toured as the Holidays; subsequent Holidays recordings had completely different members. Barnes' biggest, "Baby Please Come Back Home," is a Marvin Gaye sound-alike with a staccato beat, memorable lyrics, and Barnes' incessant pleading. An a cappella version, also included, is strictly filler. He recorded before this song, and cut many tunes after it, but never came up with another as good. "Sweet Sherry" features the Originals as much as Barnes; it's a lilting beauty that should have done better, but never surfaced in the States. Barnes is a big favorite with European soul lovers; his tunes usually fit the four-on-the-floor beat they love. "Please Let Me In," "Snowflakes," "Chains," "Now That I Got You Back," and "Our Love Is in the Pocket" are Northern soul classics. Produced by Don Davis. ~ Andrew Hamilton|