Consumer Guide Album

The First Choice: Armed and Extremely Dangerous [Philly Groove, 1973]
The only musicians not named on the back cover are the three women depicted on the front, the ones with the voices, including a satiny lead (Rochelle Fleming, according to informed sources) who shouldn't do songs about lovable polio victims and suicidal feelings--at least not these songs. I don't expect feminist anthems against the girl-group undertow, and these people have a lot more spunk than the Three Degrees or Love Unlimited. But I do insist on high-quality schlock, and beyond the pleasant-plus hits and a memorable cover of "Love and Happiness" this isn't it. I know, the Shirelles and the Chiffons never made great albums either. So buy the singles. B