The Staple Singers

For no discernible reason--when last seen (on Broadway), they appeared ready to settle for Winnemucca if Vegas didn't call--this is their toughest and best Stax LP. Once again the prime virtue is consistency, but this time they add a few lumens to the average brightness of each performance. And though their social vision may be vague, at least they were political before it was commercial, which gives them an edge. Best cut: "My Main Man," about Jesus. Worst cut: "There Is a God," an attempted a posteriori proof based on the fact that it's not raining. (Grade - B+)