<<<RE: Looking Glass - I remember reading somewhere that this hit was not
typical of their sound. 

Nope, it wasn't even close.  I just found a copy of the LP on vinyl at a
thrift store, and "Brandy" is the only song that has that radio friendly
production.  I'd read that their label wanted a hit, the band was none too
happy about it, but didn't have much say in changing their more traditional
rocknroll sound.  The bass player later was in late 70's hard rock outfit
Starz.>>>

Starz??? really???  I used to own a few Starz albums as a youngster, when I
was in my 70's hard rock thing, but thinking back on Starz I get the feeling
that I would probably cringe through their stuff if I listened to it now.
Except for "Cherry Baby", still have it on a mix tape, still think it's
actually power pop in hard rock clothes, still dig it.  Anyway, that's quite
a connection -- Looking Glass to Starz -- I'll have to remember that one for
my next Rock and Roll Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon tournament!

<<<I totally love the slightly cheesy, less ballsy than Motown and Stax soul
of the 70's that preceded disco.  The Chi-Lites (Have You Seen Her?)and
Stylistics (Betcha By Golly Wow) are a couple of my faves from the era.>>>

I'm with you, I love cheesy early 70's am pop music, and happen to think
much if it isn't really that cheesy, just good and catchy... and i love the
soul stuff you mention, and think of it as Philly Soul", tho I don't have
any idea if any of these bands were from Philly.   Add to that list, "La La
La Means I Love You" by the Delphonics (is that the right # of La's?), You
Make Me Feel Brand New, also by the Stylistics (?), and many many others...