The Action were one of those bands that had a massive live following in the 1960s. However, despite producing some fine singles they failed to make the charts. Much of the Action's output has been available for some time but now four unreleased tracks have emerged and are the subject of this excellent EP.

The title track is a Motown standard previously recorded by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and released in 1964. Surprise, surprise, the writing credit is Holland Dozier Holland. A later version was recorded by the Action and produced by George Martin. This earlier version has much more of a live feel to it and many will feel that this is the better version because of that as it more closely reflects the live band. The re-recorded version of the song became the band's first single on Parlophone with Land of One Thousand Dances on the b-side.

Two other cover versions are of Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions and Temptations tracks. These show just how far the Action had progressed. The Action were becoming reliant on covers and this may have hindered their development as a chart act.

The final track, Fine Looking Girl, is not actually The Action but the band under its previous name The Boys. The track was produced by Kenny Lynch, co-writer of the Small Faces' Sha-La-La-La-Lee. Like the two sides of The Boys' single the song was written by lead singer Reggie King. These early self-penned tracks were in contrast to the covers that the band became known for as The Action.

A detailed booklet accompanying the CD is an excellent read, well-researched and full of information about one of the best live bands of the 1960s.

Top Sounds Records

Released: 2014

Track Listing

1. In My Lonely Room
2. You'll Want Me Back
3. Why You Wanna Make Me Blue
4. Fine Looking Girl