The Dramatic Jackpot

by Andrew HamiltonA satisfying Dramatics collection that includes their revised, campy version of "Me and Mrs. Jones," which had remained a staple of their live shows. Astrology was riding high in the mid-'70s, and "(I'm Going By) The Stars in Your Eyes" provided fodder for astrological discussions as the guys poo-poohed the differences in personality traits associated with the signs. A good balance of fast and slow tunes helps make this album a winner. "Good Things Don't Come Easy" and "Never Let You Go" are two frantic dancers that chug along faster than a speeding locomotive, while "Trying to Get Over Losing You" succeeds in treating losing your lover in a positive, uplifting way. The guys must have been loaded with material to keep this one off a 45. Likewise for the aching, painful "I Cried All the Way Home," one of Tony Hester's best compositions, and easily the best ballad on the album. The Dramatic Jackpot has been reissued on CD and at a good price.