British four piece harmony group founded 1962 by former The Hunters guitarist Brian Parker as "Unit 4", eventually adding Russ Ballard and Bob Henrit (both later in Argent) to the setting and thus becoming "Unit 4+2". Their first five singles didn't raise much attention while the sixth - "Concrete And Clay" - became a world wide hit. Among other things topping the UK list 1965, reaching top ten in many other countries and also spawning a number of cover versions around the globe through the years. As that was their only blockbuster they are today often regarded as a one-hit wonder. No doubt this album was created to capitalize on that success, offering a mix of earlier 45 cuts and then newly recorded. Listening today I hear a pleasant period pop LP, crowned by harmony singing. A couple of the songs - "Concrete And Clay", "Cottonfields" and "La Bamba" comes with a latin touch. "Couldn't Keep It To Myself" could maybe, with lots of good will, be called r&b-adjacent, but the rest slow or bouncy positive pop. Favorite tracks - "Concrete And Clay" for its timeless sound and "The Girl From New York City" for the vocals and the brisk feeling. Also issued on vinyl in US and Canada, as "#1 (featuring Concrete And Clay)" (London LL3427/PS427) with different sleeve design. German on Decca (BLK 16358-P). Australia on Decca (LKA 4697). Japan 2007 CD on Air Mail Service (AIRAC 1335)came with eleven bonus tracks. Premiere UK had ridged label as shown here and laminated cover.
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