Home and car sales are stagnant, and convincing mall shoppers to pull out their plastic for even modest purchases is daunting. But the nostalgia market is going strong, at least if the offerings by the San Diego Symphony’s summer pops programs are even mildly indicative.

Last weekend brought the legendary Dionne Warwick, and this weekend featured Spectrum, a male quartet that re-creates the 1960s Motown soul repertory. Next week features a duo from the Fifth Dimension, one of the classic late-1960s/early 70s pop ensembles. And August promises Burt Bacharach and José Feliciano, as well as the usual Broadway sampler.

Spectrum cut its teeth in the casinos of Las Vegas and the lounges of cruise ships, and they are indeed a highly polished, upbeat, flashy quartet. Their bold, brassy ensemble sound calls up memories of those golden Motown groups The Four Tops, The Temptations and The Miracles. Friday’s (July 17) audience at Embarcadero Marina Point South took a while to warm up to Spectrum, but these are pros who could cajole enthusiasm from the denizens of a mortuary’s embalming room.

Songs like "The Same Old Song," "Under the Boardwalk," "Standing in the Shadows of Love," and "Reach Out I'll Be There" called up the doo-wop echoes of 1965/1966, the hey-day of Motown. Lead singer and second tenor Cushney Roberts handled most of the solos with aplomb, his assertive, clarion voice providing the emotional punch of these soul anthems. First tenor David Pescott's occasional flights into his diamond-bright falsetto range offered another authentic flavor of this style. On rare occasion, such as the Temptations' 1968 "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me," the quartet members divided up the solos, allowing the audience to savor the color of each individual voice. But most of the time, the other quartet members backed up Roberts with their rich, close harmony, while Spectrum pianist/music director Tex Richardson and the members of the San Diego Symphony under Matthew Garbutt provided the lush cushion of instrumental accompaniment.

Spectrum's tribute to this epoch of American pop music was not limited to Detroit-based groups. They included some obscure contributions by the Chicago-based group the Chi-Lites as well as Philadelphia's Delfonics, best remembered for "La-La (Means I Love You)." Following the traditions of Vegas shows, every number was meticulously choreographed, and the gentlemen certainly proved light on their feet. Concerning their attire, I vote for the neon-red, sequined sport coats of the second half over the all-white suits of the opening set. This is show biz--who needs subtlety?

That Spectrum is a well-tuned and well-timed performing ensemble is not to be questioned, and they know the style. But are they great? As I left Embarcadero Marina Point and made my way through the bustling streets of late-night Gaslamp, the sounds of Spectrum had already evaporated from my memory. And I found myself humming the songs of last week's Pops star Dionne Warwick. Never doubt the lasting power of the real thing.

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