Any compilation which opens with The Kinks ‘R&B/ Garage’ classic of 1964, ‘You Really Got Me’ and then delivers numbers from The Yardbirds and James Brown means the first CD alone is worth its weight in silver and gold. Certainly delving into this obviously heartfelt selection of master DJ David Rodigan (MBE) must surely reflect what has inspired him over the years. This rich tapestry of sound touches upon many of the styles which makes 60’s music still so powerful today from surfing anthems to soulful ballads – the vocals from Etta James and Aaron Neville are hard to surpass, period. Of course, by the very nature of the selector it’s the various flavours of reggae, from across the decades, that occupy the majority of this three CD set. You only have to read the artists involved to know you’re in expert company: Bob Marley, Augustus Pablo, Lee Perry and so the list travels on, and on. But not to paint a one dimensional picture you also get the hot Latin of Astrud Gilberto and the stunning voice of Arthur Prysock’s glorious, ‘Autumn In New York’ proving this compilation is for lovers of music of every time and place.
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Greg Fenton
