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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
The epitome of the beat era, 25 Sep 2005
WF and co. were at best never more than a second division band in the "British Invasion", but their music is a reminder of the carefree fun missing from later eras. The Mindbenders made two albums while fronted by Fontana and both are represented here, together with the hits, "Um Um Um Um Um Um Um" and "Game Of Love". Like many artists of the period they depended largely on covers of U.S. hits and as they were an auditioned band, probably had most of these chosen for them. Guitarist Eric Stewart contributed the odd song, but these give no indication of the talent he was to fulfil with 10cc. The band's overall sound is standard for the era but infused with tremendous enthusiasm. The first album is far superior, due mainly to the choice of more memorable songs. The opener, "She's Got The Power" is typical: upbeat and uptempo, catchy, with Fontana urged on by staccato backing vocals from the rest of the band. Fontana also adds a gospel flavour to certain tracks with handclaps, while he taps into the potential for humour on others, such as "Cops And Robbers". The songs on the second album tend to be a little too dour and lacklustre by comparison. There is nothing to lift them above the ordinary. Nevertheless, this is a more even and satisfying collection than "The Best Of" album which gathers bits and pieces from Fontana's solo career and The Mindbenders output after the singer split. Not the greatest, but, for the most part, good fun.
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