UNDISPUTED TRUTH, THE - Cosmic Truth * Higher Than High (Sealed) (2CD)

Most of Ace and Kent's releases from the Motown catalogue have been 60s-oriented, but a little over a year ago they issued a 2CD collection by one of the company's most prominent 70s acts. Their collection of three complete albums (all hitherto unissued on CD) plus bonus tracks by the Mk I line-up of the Undisputed Truth was warmly received, and has proven to be one of the most popular of their Motown releases so far. Ace were immediately asked if they had any plans to issue the repertoire of the Mk II line-up, consisting of two albums which had also evaded CD issue. They aim to please, and so February brings the digital debut of Cosmic Truth and Higher Than High, restored to catalogue after an absence of over 40 years. These albums offer a slightly more spaced out side of the Truth, still under the guidance of their mentor and star Motown producer Norman Whitfield. At the time of release, they were somewhat submerged in the first wave of disco, but are now regarded as pristine examples of psychedelic soul. The hit singles U.F.Os, Higher Than High and a rebuilt version of their earlier hit, Help Yourself, are among the many highlights across the two albums. Mastered from fresh transfers of the original album production masters, with the usual high-quality image-filled booklet - featuring a sleevenote based on a recent interview with Vee McDonald from the Mk II group - it's another Ace Motown set that no collector of The Sound Of Young America should pass up the opportunity to purchase.