I'm just listening through their records. First thing that strikes the ear is that The Outsiders are a genuine blue-eyed soul band. "I'm Not Trying To Hurt You" is actually a little misleading, though I find it highly interesting that towards the end of their career they took a turn to "garage-y" sounds instead of reaching for an ever higher production (which certainly is bound to put off strictly garage-minded folks).
If a comparison to British bands needs to be done, it reminds me more of the Spencer Davis Group. "Keep On Running" is the first song on their first record, which suggests this comparison even more, only that the overall output of The Outsiders is more accomplished, at least to my ears. Or The Action, which is a strange comparison, because they weren't half as popular, much less even, but they are held in high esteem among the mod crowd, for good reason. Again, both groups do a version of "Since I Lost My Baby", a haunting soul ballad, both versions great (just have been given the chills by the Outsiders' version).
But if I'd like to compare them to anything at all, I can't think of anybody else than the Rascals. The Rascals being more on the Atlantic side (and also more "garage-y"), The Outsiders definitely more on the Northern (Soul) side.
So, as a first summary I guess The Outsiders hold more in store for the mod crowd than for the garage fans (altough they have satisfying moments like their version of "Wine, Wine, Wine" or "Haunted By Your Love" on "In the Outsiders"), only that those snobs probably haven't got a clue of what they are missing. I'm sure, if anyone likes The Action, he definitely should dig The Outsiders. So what we have here is a typical example of an artist "falling between two stools".
The second thing that is remarkable are the arrangements. This totally swings off the garage trail, I know, but giving credits here to Tom King it definitely has to be said. The liners don't say much about who's the arranger and where it was recorded, but if indeed it was Tom King himself arranging the stuff, he is highly accomplished. It can hold pace with the big shot arrangers of L.A., and that is quite something for someone who isn't given the slightest credit as an arranger, and not even known as anything else than just a guy of a group. Respect, Mr.King! Respect!
To make a long story short: if you dig blue-eyed soul with a garage-y edge, more on the Northern side, then get The Outsiders #2 in mono. You won't regret it. "Lost In My World", a great remake of "Time Won't Let Me", both great compositions by Tom King himself. Followed by "Since I Lost My Baby" for chill factor and a fantastic version of "Cool Jerk". And then "Oh How It Hurts", another amazing Tom King composition. And then "I Will Love You", a Pet Sounds-influenced haunting soul ballad, just great, great, great.
Or get all of the three records, so you can pick out your favorites.
Get on your scooters and ride with The Outsiders!!!!
