Former Laurels and the Clovers lead singer Richie Merritt releases a mixed bag of old and newly recorded material on Now, all centered around his early 60s, Little Anthony-like soul sound. The new material is uneven, but has some strong group moments, especially on "Barefootin'." But it is his 60s chestnut "Always Have Yesterday Standing By" that steals the album, with Merritt's impassioned tenor expressing the deepest of sorrow a way few artists could have. A great moment on a decent album.
CR
