The Spellbinders-The Magic of The Spellbinders

From the front cover, the Spellbinders appear to be a New Jersey showroom band/nightclub act whose repertoire is predominated by the showtunes and covers. Actually, it’s a solid album from the magical year of 1966 teeming with outstanding vocal group harmonies/soul sounds and includes several songs that also were released as singles (that are somewhat elusive and in demand).  Part of the album’s allure is that four of the songs are Van McCoy compostions and all of them were arranged by the legendary producer, vocalist and songwriter (of “The Hustle” fame and much more). The quintet’s other mark of distinction is that they could simply flat out sing and harmonize.

The opener “We're Acting Like Lovers” features some coiling guitar accents and call and response vocals. The song was also included on the Endless Beach comp that frequently appeared in used bins during the ‘80s. At the time, the comp confused me as I initially thought it was a surf collection as I was not then familiar with the term "beach music" that emerged from the Carolinas. 

Liner Notes by Bob Merlis & Gene Sculatti

I recently learned that the group has been firmly embraced and revered by England’s Northern Soul circuit ever since they toured there in early 1967 and appeared with Donovan and the Mindbenders. Their first single “For You,” released in 1965, is a smooth number in the vein of the Miracles. The suaveness continues with the uptown soul of “Self Defense” that is adorned with Bacharachian horns, pizzicato strings and Gene Pitney-esque vocal inflections.

“Chain Reaction” was their follow-up second single and has more than a passing resemblance to “The Way You Do The Things You Do” by the Temptations. Its flipside, "A Little On The Blue Side" actually plays out stronger and could have seen chart action as it would have met the Motown melodic and technical standards of cutting through on an AM car radio or transistor. Sweeping strings decorate the yearning “I Need Your Love” and take things into the Drifters and Ben E. King territory to conclude the album. A few highly sought singles were released after the album with “Help Me” (Get Myself Back Together Again) being the standout that features the top rate lead vocals of Bobby Shivers. The floor filler is a considered a staple in Northern Soul circles and can be found on The Northern Soul Story Vol.1: The Twisted Wheel.

While their singles encapsulate their peak moments, their entire album, touched by the magic of Van McCoy, has a consistency and momentum that makes it an enjoyable and engaging listen that deserves to be heard beyond the Northern Soul scene.