The Spinners (1972) It's A Shame - LOST 70s GEMS

Starting with a cheerful, jazzy doodle of a Electric Sitar part whilst an electric guitar strums breezily, this Stevie Wonder penned soul tune is enlivened by Philly Soul's maestro Thom Bell who keeps the vibe bright and sunny with that spectacular opening progression. The Spinners give an pumpingly energetic vocal performance, a hint of their future rousing soul music which would be truly unique, though this track barely features the inspiring Thom Bell horn lines and sweeping strings combo that underlined their later hits. Instead their is more of the rave up fervour of Motown, Stevie Wonder's label, in the performance over the smoother, velvet delivery of Philly's soul stars. Though there is no denying the classic Philly knack for arrangement is there right in that glorious first few bars.