This 3CD,40 track compilation produced by the extraordinaire Harry Weinger and digitally remastered by the equally talented Kevin Reeves,showcases all 25 of Diana Ross & The Supremes singles between 1963-1969. The slip cover photo is from the cover of the last souvenir program of the original Supremes. The double LP like wallet includes a rare European picture of the trio circa 1965-used previously in foreign releases, a never released photo circa 1967 and for the first time in a CD package a shot from the Ed Sullivan show. The CDs are in pockets that are easy to use and are color coded. The early hit A Breath Taking Guy features lead vocals by Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. Florence sings lead on Ain't That Good News and Mary on Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You. Included also are popular B sides including Ask Any Girl (Baby Love),Everything Is Good About You (My World Is Empty Without You),You've Been So Wonderful To Me (Somethings You Never Get Used To) and Going Down For The Third Time (Reflections). Years later, Going Down For The Third Time, was covered by Phoebe Snow and is also a Northern Soul favorite. Another B side All I Know About You (The Happening) was inspired by a Anthony Quinn line in The Happening and an instrumental version is on the film's soundtrack. The other film tune, Beach Ball is from the film of the same name. The Supremes, starred in that film with The Four Seasons and The Righteous Brothers. Collector's will enjoy the very different arrangement of Honey Bee. If you enjoy this compilation you may want to also get Diana Ross's Playlist Your Way.

I have really enjoyed this 3 CD, 40 track set. The sound quality is excellent. All the big singles are here (Baby Love, You Can't Hurry Love, Happening), as well as the lesser known singles (The Composer, I'm Livin in Shame, Love is Like an Itching in My Heart). Also included are many B-sides and Album tracks. There are even a couple songs sung by Flo and Mary! I highly recomend this boxset to any Supremes fan.

Much comment has been passed regarding Universal Music releasing endless Diana Ross & The Supremes collections of their greatest hits. Presently the company, via their Hip-o Select division, is delving back into the tape archives and unearthing never before released takes and songs that were recorded in a specific time span, but didn't make the album released at the time.

During a recent radio interview to promote an expanded CD version of "More Hits by the Supremes", Andy Skurow and George Solomon who painstakingly work on these projects, reflected on the Playlist Plus series, and on the Supremes edition in particular. Evidently the only time that a true stereo version of "No Matter What Sign You Are" that appears on Compact Disc format, is on this release! As well, for some reason, the UNI label vinyl record release entitled "It's Happening!" featuring one side of Supremes material and the other side consisting of Neil Diamond songs is the only time this true stereo version has ever been released in vinyl format! Go figure! This fact was recently uncovered while the men were pouring over tapes, and that alone makes this release noteworthy.

As well, other unusual versions of Beach Ball (mono mix),Take Me Where You Go [alternate vocal], Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart [extended mix],Everything Is Good About You [extended mix], This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You) [alternate vocal], Going Down For The Third Time [alternate mix], You Keep Me Hangin' On [alternate mix], You've Been So Wonderful To Me [full version], and Honey Bee (Keep On Stinging Me) [version 1] make this compilation well worth getting for serious Supremes fans.

As well, Skurow and Solomon stated that some of the art work included inside this set were archive photos left over from the now sold out expanded edition of "Where Did Our Love Go," and that also marks this set as special. Hopefully these new revelations are interesting to Tamla/Motown enthusiasts and may turn some attention back onto this release.

So What if these cuts have been "packaged over and over" they're Supremes classics! And they deserve the highest rating of five stars! It may very well be that this particular packaging will turn on the next new wave of ever-growing fans of their music. And that's why it's a "bother". There have been many Supremes compilations with unreleased recordings, alternate versions, and the obligatory "surprises". The "from the vaults" recordings are being mined and pretty soon there won't be anything left to satisfy those always in search for "something new". What will they fall back on then? The answer is right here with these original recordings as they Stop In The Name Of Love and Hear A Symphony all over again. Gift it! Send it! Baby Love it! Buy it!

Nothing! Most of these songs have been packaged over and over. No new mixes, no alternate versions. Why bother?

Good thing you can buy a few MP3 cuts.