ReviewThis is one of the more obscure Goldmine Soul Supply CDs and it isn't currently listed on Discogs (something I found out when I went over there to check the release date). I've put 1994 as that fits in with the releases on either side.
This compilation is built around recordings released on Detroit labels Solid Hit, Groovesville and Groove City in the 1966-1969 period, and was compiled with the collaboration of Detroit record producer Don Davis (best known for his work for Stax/Volt with the likes of Johnnie Taylor and The Dramatics) and Mr Davis's Groovesville Productions organisation. Some of the tracks on here were previously unissued.
Confusingly tracks #4, #9 and #13 are instrumentals with no artist credited for them in the notes, for convenience I've put "Solid Hitbound Musicians" as the performers. The last track is also an instrumental, though in the back-cover/inlay J.J. Barnes is listed as the performer.
Musically this is typical late '60s Detroit Soul, slightly earthier than most of the material that Detroit giant Motown was releasing at the time. The emphasis here is on Mid-Tempo material, though the tracks by Pat Lewis and The Debonaires are much more perky.
Pride of place has to go to Track #16 where David Ruffin (yes THAT David Ruffin) puts in an appearance. Apparently at some time in late 1966 the restless Temptation was hanging around in the studio (well away from the watchful eye of Motown) and was persuaded to put his vocals on one of Don Davis's latest songs ... needless to say, as Mr Ruffin was contracted to Motown, the recording never officially saw the light of day until this CD was released.
Possibly the best known track would be #11 .. "Headache In My Heart" by The Debonaires, an early George Clinton production from just prior to the time when he started creating music that was much stranger than science-fiction. "Headache In My Heart" even got a UK 7" release on Track 604035 at the beginning of 1969.