This CD not only contains 's 1968 self-titled debut long-player, but also an additional seven previously unreleased sides, including a live version of the group's sole charting effort (it reached number 94), The initial incarnation featured (keyboards/woodwind), (vocals), (percussion), (bass), and (guitar), as well as their patrons -- who was one of Houston's top DJs -- and his wife . The pair were no strangers to music publishing, either, having worked with the likes of and even during the 1930s and '40s. Not only did they provide promotional and presumably financial assistance, they also wrote several of the band's best tunes, including the aforementioned "hit" In addition to strong originals, also chose exemplary covers. Among them are 's and an intriguing medley of ' and This particular coupling is worth mentioning as the songs in question were the respective "A" and "B" sides of the same 45 rpm single. Contrasting the leanings are the introspective as well as the brilliantly noir and surreptitious Internal conflict began a history of perpetual personnel alterations for , with both leaving prior to the second outing, (1969). No specifics on the bonus material are given; however, the inclusion of -- which wasn't issued by the vocalist until the late '70s -- leads to the conclusion that the supplementary sides are from subsequent incarnations. Although the liner info could be considered skimpy at best, the sound quality is thoroughly excellent. Since the band's first two LPs are available on the two-fer title (1997), (2003) is more for the hardcore collector and enthusiast rather than the casual listener. ~ Lindsay Planer