Bloodstone's stomping ground was Kansas City by way of Los Angeles and England, but the soul outfit sounded more like they were from Detroit by way of Philadelphia. While Motor City groups like
the Temptations and
the Dramatics were a major influence on
Bloodstone, these soulsters also did some of their best work when they were thinking more along the lines of
the Moments,
the Stylistics, and
Blue Magic. A fine illustration of Bloodstone's flexibility, this 1997 release spans 1972-1982 and ranges from heavenly
Thom Bell-ish ballads like "Natural High," "Outside Woman," and "Give Me Your Heart" to such funky, Detroit-minded smokers as "Take These Chains" and "Tell It to My Face."
Very Best also gives you everything from the cutesy "My Little Lady" to the overlooked gem "Little Linda," which describes a young woman's addiction to hard drugs. The slicker, more disco-ish cuts (including "Train Ride") aren't as strong as some of the other material, but even at their second and third best, Bloodstone was enjoyable. And at their best, the group was outstanding.
![Title: Love Songs [Rhino]](https://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0081227878429_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg)
