The Barons - Society Don't Let Us Down (2021)

New Orleans' the Barons are certainly one of the most overlooked groups of all time, as this excellent compilation of their late-1960s and early-1970s singles makes clear. Grafting Louisiana funk to Motown soul -- a bit like the Temptations meeting the Meters -- and tossing in a bit of doo wop, as well, the Barons turned out high quality soul that featured solid songwriting and deadly production. That they're not a household name seems criminal. Everything here is top-notch, but the tracks produced by the "Creole Beethoven," Wardell Quezergue, are worth pointing out, particularly the set opener, "Making It Better," and "Gypsy Read Your Cards for Me," which sounds a bit like the Impressions gone bayou. Other highlights include "I'm So Lonely," the title track, "Society Don't Let Me Down" (which wouldn't have embarrassed Norman Whitfield as a production) and the jangly "No More Tears," but truthfully, every track here is a gem, and if the world were fair, the Barons would be every bit as familiar to listeners as the Four Tops or Stevie Wonder. ~ Steve Leggett