The Supremes—Reflections: The Definitive Performances 1964-1969

Hairbrush mikes, ready? Yes, it's the Supremes, the definitive girl group (and first such to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988) who formed in 1961 and disbanded in 1977. This compilation of TV show performances (plus one promo film for “You Keep Me Hangin' On,” featuring Diana Ross and co-members Mary Wilson and Flo Ballard horsing around at table tennis; and a live version of the least known song here “In and Out of Love”) focuses on the Ross-led hit parade period from 1964-69. From their first number one hit “Where Did Our Love Go?” through their final smash—the ironically-named “Someday We'll Be Together”—The Supremes—Reflections presents 16 songs in the main program, including “I Hear a Symphony” (1965 on The Mike Douglas Show; the song was so new that Ross flubbed the opening line), “You Can't Hurry Love” (1966 on The Ed Sullivan Show; one of Ross' earrings falls, and she discreetly catches it mid-flight without missing a beat); the psychedelic-era hits “The Happening” and “Reflections,” and the controversial “Love Child” (which knocked the Beatles' “Hey, Jude” out of the number one spot on the charts). Although the audio and video qualities are decidedly variable, this is a very entertaining compilation overall. Presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, DVD extras include four bonus songs (featured at the end of the main program), a very good optional popup trivia track), a cappella versions of several songs, and a 20-page color booklet. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Pitman)