The Apollas – Absolutely Right! The Complete Tiger, Loma and Warner Bros. Recordings (2012)

The Apollas were much, much more than the Northern Soul divas familiar from their records You're Absolutely Right and Mr Creator. On a remarkably consistent five-year span of singles from 1963 to 1968, this Bay Area-born gal trio indulged equally in searing balladry, gritty gospel laced-R&B, and infectious pop, mastering them all with soulful aplomb.

Absolutely Right! The complete Tiger, Loma and Warner Brothers Recordings proves this in spades, with a track-listing that covers every single release by the Apollas and adds four sides by their earlier incarnation the Lovejoys, as well as the fine 1967 solo single by lead singer Leola Jiles. There is also the bonus of four excellent unissued tracks, including Leola's heartrending masterpiece I've Got So Used To Loving You.

Gems such as Jive Cat, Who Would Want Me Now and Just Can't Get Enough Of You are presented in top notch master-tape sound, showcasing the superb arrangements by Gene Page and H.B. Barnum, production by Dick Glasser and of course the incomparable performances of the Apollas themselves. Featuring a 28 page colorful booklet and produced in full co-operation with the ladies, Absolutely Right is a long-overdue appraisal of one of 60s souls classiest acts. Compilation and note by Alec Palao.