Lost & Found:The Temptations: You've Got To Earn It (1962-1968)
Motown fans who've lived through a few reissue campaigns know how shoddily the label's various corporate stewards have sometimes treated the riches in its tape vaults. With numerous and varied fine best-of packages currently available, though, attention has turned toward unreleased material, most notably in theLost and Foundseries. Under that banner,You've Got to Earn Itpulls together a set of quality Tempts cuts that, while not always representative of the highest songwriting standards, is often effective and intense. The puzzle is why some of theseDavid RuffinandEddie Kendricksvocals were left off releases at the time they were recorded; a weak record such asMeet the Temptationsmight have benefited. At this late date, it's no matter;Earn Itis anything but barrel scrapings. Those longtime Tempts fans will find a good deal to dig here, and newcomers will be enlightened.--Rickey Wright