Fans of Birmingham, England's Merseybeat/British Invasion quintet
the Fortunes
who are looking for a definitive best-of will have to keep looking, but for the money, this lovingly crafted collection from the
Taragon
label does pretty well for itself. Focusing on the late-'60s/early-'70s output from the group,
The Very Best of the Fortunes (1967-1972)
may not contain
"You've Got Your Troubles"
(the band's most recognizable single),
"Caroline,"
"Here It Comes Again,"
or
"The Golden Ring,"
but it does have 12 choice cuts from the band's revival years, including
"Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again,"
"Gasoline Alley Bred,"
and
"Fire Brigade."
Unlike previous compilations, all of the tracks here are originals and not the re-recordings that have plagued recent attempts at an anthology. Fans of
the Moody Blues
,
the Zombies
, and
the Hollies
should find much to love here, as will anybody who appreciates strong melodies with tight harmonies. ~ James Christopher Monger