The Spellbinders - The Magic of The Spellbinders (1966)

This album right here is an absolute gem. The Magic of... is the only recorded LP by a group of five talented and upbeat singers and musicians known as The Spellbinders. Normally fetching prices from 50-100 dollars, I was lucky to find my well-loved copy for a dollar at K Starke Records in Chicago. Entirely arranged and conducted by a pre-"The Hustle" Van McCoy, this record epitomizes the sound of the soulful 60's.

With 11 tracks coming in at under 30 minutes, this is a pop album through and through. Every song feels happy and positive - even the forlorn love ballads seem to have a pep in their step. This particular copy of the record is the stereophonic version, and sounds absolutely awesome on a good sound system or a pair of headphones - it's like you are in the middle of the room and they are playing the songs all around you - a musical group hug, if you will. To quote the band themselves, on the back of the record sleeve, "We like to sing just plain old soul!" The album sounds just like the cover would suggest: a touch of class, and 5 big happy smiles.

HERE.