'80s Soul Classics, Vol. 2

Liner Note Author: Francis Depuydt.The PTG label offers another two-disc assortment of '80s R&B, the majority of which was made for clubs but failed to leave much of a commercial impression. As with most of the label's compilations, not much here must be owned. Young & Company's "I Like What You're Doing to Me" is the lone certified classic. The remainder is mostly decent -- enjoyable digger's material that is second and third tier compared to, say, the best of Shalamar or the S.O.S. Band. A small portion of '80s R&B fans will freak to get their hands on a set that includes Paul Laurence's "Strung Out," Lillo Thomas' Laurence-produced "Your Love's Got a Hold on Me," the Reddings' "Back to the Basics," and Gene Dunlap's "Love Dancin'." The biggest surprise is "Turn You On," the solid disco-funk debut (circa 1980) from Full Force. ~ Andy Kellman