Search - Various Artists :: Heritage Colossus Story

Nice collection of schizophrenic labels

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 06/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having started out as a one-off label for the 1961 doo-wop single "When We Get Married" by the Dreamlovers (previously heard singing backup on Chubby Checker's Cameo-Parkway sides), the Heritage label lay dormant until 1968 when owner Jerry Ross reactivated it to release soul singles. And soul he did release. The Showstoppers "Ain't Nothin' But a Houseparty" showed the way for J. Geils later cover, and a string of singles by Bill Deal & The Rhondels followed with punchy, brassy arrangements. As Heritage was winding down, Ross picked up several European singles for release on the Colossus label, including three top-40s: "Venus" (#1) by Shocking Blue, "Ma Belle Amie" (#5) by Tee Set and "Little Green Bag" (#21) by George Baker Selection.Colossus had a few other minor hits, including the Crystal Mansion's cover of James Taylor's "Carolina In My Mind" and The Italian Asphalt & Paving Company's "Check Yourself." Also included in the Blood, Sweat & Tears -like "Give It To Me" by the Mob. Lesser soul singles by The Festivals and Devonnes are also included.Overall this is an interesting compilation (of 20 tracks - the songlist above is flawed), featuring one label owner's scavenger hunt for talent. There's not the same sort of musical focus of a label like Motown, but there's plenty of interesting music, including a couple of stellar AM hits."