The Platinum & Gold Collection is a strong, concise package of the original Delfonics biggest hits. Original here refers to the package of Randy Cain with brothers William and Wilbert Hart along with producer Thom Bell. The songs here, like the dreamy “La-La (Means I Love You),” angelic “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” and the equally parenthetical, dreamy and angelic “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love)” helped point the way for ’70s soul as part of the blue print for the Philly soul sound. The partnership would fracture with Cain leaving and demand for Bell’s production leading him to other vocal groups, but one of the cornerstones of Philly soul rests on the early works of the Delfonics. There are more complete collections, but Platinum & Gold is a solid economic survey and a great introduction to this sweet soul group. – Wade Kergan