GOLD

The Supremes: Cindy Birdsong, Florence Ballard, Jean Terrell, Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne, Susaye Greene, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson (vocals). Personnel: Johnny Bristol (vocals); Julia Waters, Maxine Willard Waters (background vocals). Additional personnel: The Temptations . Liner Note Authors: Amy Linden; Carol Channing. Illustrator: Robert Taylor . Photographer: David Farrell . Arrangers: Jerry Long; James Carmichael ; Paul Riser; Wade Marcus; Smokey Robinson; David Van De Pitte. With the plethora of options currently in print, the question of whether listeners need another anthology paying homage to the Supremes is entirely a valid one. With Motown's proclivity to recycle and repackage the same material, it comes as no surprise that Gold gathers together four previously issued greatest-hits compilations, Greatest Hits, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and Vol. 3 as well as At Their Best. To their credit, Motown/Universal took great care in selecting the tracks featured on this 40-song opus, including fan favorites and the hits that took the group straight from the streets of Detroit to the top of the charts, without the inclusion of filler and obvious throwaway tracks. Die-hard fans of the girl group will most likely own all of these hits as well as the outstanding post-Diana Ross'70s Anthology issued in 2002. However, those looking for a solid compilation from one of the cornerstones of the mighty Motown music machine will find this to be an excellent reference point and most likely the only collection they'll really need on their shelves. ~ Rob Theakston