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| Express Yourself: Soul in the 20th Century
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(Universal 583319-2 EU-02 150:-)
Compiler Daryl Easlea has assembled these four CDs thematically, one each devoted to roots, dance, politics and love songs.
"Express Yourself" is chock-full of hits with little to no filler involved. It might not be the ultimate tutorial of soul music, but it's an excellent starting point for those just starting to discover the treasure trove that is African-American music in the 20th century.
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| Franklin, Aretha - Queen of Soul
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(Rhino R2-71063 US-92 250:-)
This 4CD set highlights Franklin's best moments, but does not include any tracks recorded by Aretha for Atlantic after 1977. The liner notes include essays written for the box set by producers Jerry Wexler, Arif Mardin, and Tom Dowd, as well as contributors Ahmet Ertegun, Dave Marsh, David Ritz, and Thulani Davis.
4 CD Box Set with an 80-page book.
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| Gaye, Marvin - The Master 1961-1984
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(Motown 530492-2 EU-96 275:-)
A fitting tribute to the most spellbinder of Motown artists, The Master 1961-1984 is an amazing and detailed overview of the life and career of Marvin Gaye. From his first hits as a romantic lead, Stubborn Kind of Fellow and Hitch Hike to his final hit, Sexual Healing, this 89-track collection follows Gaye as he moves from being an interpreter of simple love songs to being a troubled eco-cosmic warrior and finally to being the love man's love man, singing songs of sex, religion and passion in equal measure.
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| Green, Al - A Deep Shade of Green
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(Hi Records HIBOOK-12 UK-96 225:-)
This 3-CD box set can, in many ways, be viewed as the truly definitive and most comprehensive Al Green compilation issued to date.
Al Green was truly one of the 1970s biggest R&B stars and a true icon of R&B/Soul music and this collection is definitely a fitting tribute to one of the genre's most important male vocalists.
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| Hathaway, Donny - The Anthology
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(ATCO 81227-96543 EU-13 400:-)
Don't think "anthology" -- think "new musical discovery" -- as this amazing package features two full CDs' worth of unreleased music from Donny Hathaway -- plus some bonus rare tracks from singles, mono mixes, and key Roberta Flack duets as well!
The most exciting music comes from the unreleased cuts -- work that really goes a long way towards filling out the all-too-short catalog of this legendary soul singer -- and a perfect complement to his classic Atlantic Records albums from the 70s.
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| Philly Sound (1966-1976)
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(Epic Z3K 64647 US-97 225:-)
Along with Thom Bell, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff defined the sweet, smooth Philadelphia Sound in the early '70s, producing hit records by the O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and Joe Simon, among many others. Spanning three discs, The Philly Sound (1966-1976): Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff is a stunning chronicle of the team at their peak, featuring all of their biggest hits, plus a generous selection of neglected gems.
Includes a 69 Page booklet with track-by-track info and pictures and comments.
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| Step by Step - I always wanted to be in the Band!
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(Victor VICP-64287 Jap-08 225:-)
Quite possibly the greatest soul band ever to come out of Milwaukee – and a tight little ensemble who've got a really great sound! The overall feel of their work is a bit hard to peg – as the group are equally great at mellow midtempo group numbers as they are at tighter, clubbier tunes that snap with a bit more of a horn-heavy sound – and throughout the record there's a really playful feel that shows that whatever the sound, whatever the setting, these guys just had a heck of a great time working with each other! That quality can be heard especially well on the title track "I Always Wanted To Be In The Band" – a great little number that's almost an updating of the TSU Tornadoes sound for the 70s – but the whole set's great, and other tracks move into some great super-dope production that we really love! Titles include "I Am A Lonely Man", "People", "Cool Days Are Out Of Style", "I Ain't Never Gonna Let You Go", and "Cash Money".
Vinyl Replica Paper Sleeve'
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| Supremes - Supremes
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(Motown 01215-94152 US-00 350:-)
The Supremes basically ruled the pop charts in the 1960s and don't try to let those Beatles fans tell you otherwise. No other act on the Motown roster was as consistently brilliant on the charts or releasing such sublime pop gems. The key word here is "pop," since that's what Motown did best and that's most certainly what the juggernaut songwriting combo of Holland/Dozier/Holland did like no one before or since.
Comes in three panel foldout faux velvet boxset with 76-page booklet with extensive essays, track annotations, and a full discography.
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