The Spencer Davis Group

Collectables' The Best of the Spencer Davis Group is basically a reissue of EMI's 1988 compilation of the same name. It features crisp sound and the cream of the crop song-wise. It boils the band's output into the ten songs that really show what the band could do. The hard-charging soul of "I'm a Man" (presented here in a true stereo mix) and "Gimme Some Lovin'," the fun R&B of "I Can't Stand It" and their cover of the Clovers' "Searchin'," and the soulful strut of "Keep on Runnin'" and "Somebody Help Me" show a band at the top of their game. And they show a band who should be remembered as more than just the band where Steve Winwood got his start. Sure, the band is a showcase for him and his amazing vocals (check out the aching cover of "Every Little Bit Hurts" for a demonstration of his prowess), but the whole band had a unique sound and style that fans of '60s rock shouldn't overlook. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide