THE PAPER DOLLS/PAPER DOLLS HOUSE NSPL 18226 (-68) UK

 Northampton girl group - consisting of Susie "Tiger" Mathis, Pauline "Spyder" Bennett and Sue "Copper" Marshall - that during the late sixties released three singles for Pye, where of one - "Something Here In My Heart (Keeps A Tellin' Me No)", composed by songwriting duo Macleod/Macaulay - became a hit, reaching #11 in UK. This one-off album was released as a trial to cash in further on the 45. But when neither that or the two following singles sold much they were dropped by Pye and moved to RCA where they released two more 45:s that didn't sell either and the trio finally broke up 1970. This is far from the raw garage outcome I usually embrace. Instead it's orderly and very cute. But as I do love odd issues with female vocals I decided to dig in and see if there's something there for me. And of course I'm charmed. The five Macleod/Macaulay penned go well together with seven mostly well chosen covers, together creating a very white yet pleasant pop/soul atmosphere. Even if partly inspired by Motown it's far from the power let out by many of that label's female combos, but with enough girlish rizz to touch me. What I like most here are a couple of covers. Beach Boys "Darlin" is great anyway it's made and this orchestraded version works well with me. Their version of Reparata & The Delrons "Captain Of Your Ship" is rather neat, but still charming and the cover of Burt Bacharach's "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" is surprisingly sexy. Originally also released on Pye in Netherlands, New Zeeland and South Africa (same numbers) and on Astor in Australia (SPLP 1271). UK 2001 CD on Castle Music (CMRCD 342) came with seven bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here on thick unflexible vinyl in a laminated flip/back cover.  (FÄV*)  (PÖY*)