Recording information: Golden World Studio (09/04/1963-10/27/1966); Hitsville USA Studio, Detroit, MI (09/04/1963-10/27/1966); Golden World Studio (12/16/1966); Hitsville USA Studio, Detroit, MI (12/16/1966).
Illustrators: Lars Nilsson; Eric Charge; Andy Rix; Malcolm Baumgart; Roger Stewart; Bill Staiger; John Lester .
Photographers: Eric Charge; John Lester .
The Original Spinners, released in 1967, was the first album the Spinners released for Motown. Technically a compilation, it featured a pair of Top Ten R&B singles in "That's What Girls Are Made For" (originally released on Harvey Fuqua's Tri Phi label in 1961) and "I'll Always Love You" (1965), along with the number 16 hit "Truly Yours." This release from the Kent label contains The Original Spinners in its entirety, then adds 14 bonus tracks recorded from 1963 through 1967. Three of them were issued on the third and fourth volumes of the Cellarful of Motown series; one appeared on the 1979 Spinners release From the Vaults. The remainder, most of which is in the same class as the group's early non-charting singles, was previously released. As expected for a Kent release, the liners are a treat, containing general notes, track-by-track notes, thorough track data, label scans, and photos. The Spinners didn't reach full commercial and creative stride until the '70s, but this is a valuable set for Motown freaks. ~ Andy Kellman
