The First Family of Soul: The Best of the Five Stairsteps

by The Five Stairsteps

Overview

Though fans of the Jackson 5 or the Staple Singers would love arguing the claim of the title, the Five Stairsteps recorded some solid Windy City soul during the late '60s and early '70s, just a small step below the level of the Chi-Lites or the Impressions (whose Curtis Mayfield signed the group to his Windy C label and produced much of their material). Since their only well-known hit, "O-o-h Child," was also one of their last, it's appropriately relegated to the end of this collection, though neophytes may find it a difficult chore waiting 16 tracks to get to it. Easing the way are a pair of early Mayfield gems -- "You Waited Too Long" and "Danger! She's a Stranger" -- both superb examples of yearning, baroque soul. "Playgirl's Love" would've been a perfect fit on an Impressions LP, while a cover of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "Ooo Baby Baby" proved a splendid choice of material. Though hit-seekers may prefer the Greatest Hits or Encore Collection sets, fans of the breezy Chicago sound or smooth supper-club soul will find much on this Buddha compilation to love. ~ John Bush

Product Details

Release Date:	02/01/2008
Label:	Sbme Special Mkts.
UPC:	0886972375724
Rank:	36159

Tracks

1. You Waited Too Long
2. Danger! She's a Stranger
3. Come Back
4. Playgirl's Love
5. World of Fantasy
6. Ooh Baby Baby
7. Don't Waste Your Time
8. You Don't Love Me
9. Behind Curtains
10. The Girl I Love
11. Ain't Gonna Rest (Till I Get You)
12. The Touch of You
13. Something's Missing
14. Don't Change Your Love
15. Baby Make Me Feel So Good
16. We Must Be in Love
17. O-O-H Child

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Five Stairsteps   Primary Artist
Stan Vincent   Conductor

Technical Credits

Laura Dorson   Project Coordinator
Stan Vincent   Producer,Arranger,Composer
Bill Dahl   Liner Notes
Jeremy Holiday   Production Coordination
Curtis Mayfield   Composer,Producer
John Hudson   Product Manager
Dennis Ferrante   Mixing
Rob Santos   Producer
Warren "Pete" Moore   Composer
Robin Manning   Project Coordinator
Elliott Federman   Mastering
William Robinson   Composer
Smokey Robinson   Composer
Gregory Fowler   Composer
Arlessa Barnes   Project Coordinator
Steve Strauss   Project Coordinator
Jenny Shapiro   Project Coordinator
Clarence Burke, Jr.   Composer,Producer
Clarence Burke   Composer
Betty Ann Rizzo   Project Coordinator
Dana Renert   Project Coordinator
Mathieu Bitton   Design
Stephanie Kika   Project Coordinator
Traci Werbel   Project Coordinator
Larry Parra   Project Coordinator
Mike Hartry   Digital Transfers