The Best of the Box Tops

 Alex Chilton is now (deservedly) a legend, but back in 1967 he was a 16 year old white kid with an amazingly soulful voice who hit big in the Box Tops with their great tune, "The Letter". Following that hit with the equally amazing "Cry Like a Baby" and then "Soul Deep", they managed to be a three-hit-wonder with some fine album tracks mixed with some material that was simply so-so. The collections puts all of this in one place that gives a pretty sweet listening experience overall.

While the hits are truly the best of this collection, and there are some pretty lightweight numbers, some that became pop hits like "Sweet Cream Ladies" and "Neon Rainbow". There's also some hidden gems like Chilton's blues tune, "I Must Be the Devil", their cover of Dylan's "I Shall Be Released", the appropriate gospel of "I Met Her in Church" and the swing of "You Keep Tightening Up on Me".

Not super consistent, but when they are on, they are absolutely great and even the throwaways are all worthwhile. Some top notch blue eyed soul!