Backbeats describe these songs as 'wrist-slashers' but you're in more danger of choking on their syrupy sentiment than reaching for the razor. The bulk of the tracks date from the early-mid 70s, long after the rough edges had been knocked off soul, and most are indistinguishable from the slick, corporate sounds synonymous with Motown and Philadelphia at that time. There are exceptions of course, and Linda Jones' 'Fugitive from Love' will always be a showstopper (even if it's the 70s re-recording rather than the definitive 1965 Blue Cat original), Quiet Elegance's 'You Got My Mind Messed Up' far surpasses the James Carr original and the criminally-overlooked George Jackson never fails with 'Aretha, Sing One for Me'. It's therefore all the more shock to hear genuine, raw soul like Wilson Pickett's 1963 'I'm Down to My Last Heartbreak' or Betty Lavette's 1965 classic 'Let Me Down Easy' in such saccharine company, and the 70s stuff pales by comparison. Sure, Backbeats CDs don't break the bank but they're rather cashing-in on the deep soul tag, and there are far better Kent compilations such as the 'Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures' series to head for before this.