One of the greatest debuts in soul music history and the finest single lp representation of the early Philly Groove sound, La-La Means I Love You is indispensable. During a time in which all headlines were devoted to the psychedelic explosion, it’s hard to fathom just how fresh the Delfonics felt when “La-La Means I Love You” appeared on the radio in 1968. A showering symphony packed into the grooves of a 45 record, the song is the definition of swelling happiness, and would set the tone for the rest of the Delfonics’ career. Like Phil Spector and his Ronettes, producer Thom Bell used the Delfonics’ blissful harmonies as a vehicle for his stunning productions. Waves of horns, heavenly bells, vast drums, and those cresting, magnificent strings coalesce on masterpieces like “I’m Sorry,” “Break Your Promise,” and “You’re Gone.” Soul music has never been as certain of its own soaring power.