Bobby Darin's last studio LP? We think so – and the record's a real lost chapter in his career. Bobby's kind of moving past the self-pity of his folksy years of the late 60s – stepping more strongly with a set of arrangements by Jimmy Haskell and Michael O'Martin, almost soul-like in quality, with an earthy touch to his vocals. Bobby always knew he would die an early death, and within a year of this one, he would pass away, almost quietly, and although it's a bit of a stretch to think that you can hear that in his voice, there's definitely something odd about the record. Tracks include "Sail Away", "I've Already Stayed Too Long", "Shipmates In Cheyenne", "Let It Be Me", and "My First Night Alone Without You". LP, Vinyl record album

A surprisingly charming album from Scatman Crothers – recorded during his big comeback stretch in the 70s! Although Scatman's role during this time was often reduced to being the colorful old guy in an assortment of comedies and action films, he'd actually had quite a bit of experience as a singer – a rich history drawn on for this traditionally grooved set! The album was recorded for Motown, but echoes with an older mode that belies Crothers' work on an older west coast scene – with jazzy arrangements that have a nice swing based feel that goes great with the raspy, playful lyrics. Titles include "Hay Lawdy Mama", "I'm The Melody Man", "Dead Man's Blues", "Waiting For My Baby", and "Wondering". (Soul, Vocalists) LP, Vinyl record album

Easily Barbara's most soulful set for Motown – recorded at the end of the 60s with a joyous, bouncy groove that's really sweet! Barbara's still got some of the more serious vocal approaches of other albums, but also loosens up here in a well-crafted Motown mode – almost setting the stage for the solo recordings of Diana Ross on a few of the album's numbers. Titles include "Who Invented Heartache", "Where Would I Be Without You", "When I'm Gone", "If You Can Want", "Just One Teardrop", and "It Happens Every Time". (Soul, Vocalists) LP, Vinyl record album

A record that has a Motown hit for its title, but the album's got a depth that marks Bennett as one of the most complex singers of his generation – way past the broad belter of ballads from the 50s, and an all-adult male vocalist whose sound was essential to the sophistication of the mainstream in the late 60s. Many tunes are standards, given lush arrangements by Torrie Zito and Marion Evans – sung by Tony with that deep voice that nobody else could ever hope to match! Titles include "Out Of This World", "For Once In My Life", "How Do You Say Auf Wiedersehen", "Keep Smiling At Trouble", "Baby Dream Your Dream", "Days Of Love", and "Something In Your Smile". LP, Vinyl record album