Consumer Guide Album

The Trammps: The Best of the Trammps [Atlantic, 1978]
In a time when real soul groups, especially of the uptempo persuasion, have become as rare as snail darters, the Trammps fill a gap. On album their tricks have worn thin, and "Seasons for Girls" is one more proof that they should never slowitdownalittle, but this compilation is the best of both their worlds--two extended dance tracks, including the undeniable "Disco Inferno," and radio-length versions of seven other songs. No meaningful lyrics here unless you count "Soul Searchin' Time" (I might), and Jimmy Ellis is a narrow singer enslaved by great precedents. But for rough-and-easy black pop, catchy top and bottom, this is it. A−