The Dells - There Is (1968) [Reissue 1989]

Other than their greatest-hits compilations, this by far is the Dells' finest LP release. Bobby Miller excelled in assembling this strong package. The six-minute-plus "Stay in My Corner" remains a live show staple and R&B classic. Written by Wade Flemons, Bobby Miller, and Barrett "Money" Strong, the epic ballad shattered the belief that pop songs had to be three minutes or less to get airplay; it was a remake of a shorter version by the Dells released on Vee Jay in 1965. Miller uses the idea of the quick hook on "Wear It on Our Face," the opening rhythms explode like firecrackers on this driving, high-energy singalong. Few realize it, but the Dells cut and released "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" before Jackie Wilson did. A good remake of "Close Your Eyes," and the enthralling "Love Is So Simple" proved the guys hadn't forsaken their doo wop roots. The beautiful "O O I Love You" began the longest run on the charts in the Dells' history; originally Cadet released it with "There Is" on the flip side, and it went to Number 22 on the R&B charts and to Number 61 on the popcharts. "There Is" followed with a different flip, "Show Me," and became their biggest pop recording to date, nesting at Number 20. Ironically, the Dells hated "There Is" when Bobby Miller first played it for them, it had a marching beat, and they couldn't see recording it. Marvin Junior, Johnny Carter, Chuck Barksdale, Verne Allison, and Mickey McGill never sounded better then they do on these 12 tantalizing entrees.