New York Times Review



THE MANHATTANS, ?SWEET TALKING SOUL: 1965-1990? Among the gentlest of R&B vocals groups, the Manhattans ? from Jersey City, actually ? survived several eras of soul without veering far from their chosen path of delicate suasion and soft anguish. Whether pleading or boasting, the songs on the first two discs here are consistently smooth, especially the ones recorded after the lounge-cool Gerald Alston joined the group. (The third, spanning the ?80s, is largely superfluous.) ?Kiss and Say Goodbye,? a No. 1 pop hit in 1976, is as arrestingly sensuous as ever, and on the hilariously titled ?I Kinda Miss You? the group confronts just how ordinary heartache can be. ?Dirty dishes in the sink,? Mr. Alston sings. ?Lots of time for me to think.? (Shout! Factory, three CDs, $34.98.) JON CARAMANICA