Optimistics

This is some serious top shelf material out of Baltimore and a certified masterclass in sweet symphonic soul. Optimistics was originally released in 1970 on Turbo and those original copies are ridiculously rare and, of course, the prices are equally ridiculous. It’s bursting with goodness and, like the best of its genre, it radiates a heart-breaking ambience that cuts right to the core. The whole LP is a winning blend of slow, spine-tingling ballads and joyously upbeat tracks. It’s a case of A+ vocals, melodies and harmonies over beautiful playing and arrangements. It deserves to be canonical.

• 1 You Put Something New In My Life
• 2 Let's Love
• 3 Love Is God Almighty
• 4 Should I Let Myself Go
• 5 Man
• 6 If I Could Influence Man
• 7 Say It Baby