The Exciters “Something To Shout About” (From The LP The Exciters, 1966)

Although they truly fit the One (Top 40) hit wonder title, numerous record companies, and Burt Berns in particular had a lot of faith in The Exciters. The direct visceral lead vocals of Brenda Reid in particular kept them favorites of brill building recording circles long after their chart fortunes waned.

Maybe the American public wasn’t ready for such consistent raw vulnerability from a African American female singer *just* yet. Sometimes Brenda’s directness does counter the emotion of more traditional girl group fare, but more often than not that rawness infuses The Exciters recordings with exuberant joy. Such a case is their LP closer from their Roulette LP from 1966.