This lush package containing the entirety of Ohio's Capsoul label's output is a perfect time capsule of authentic early '70s soul. The label's story, sympathetically recounted in a 15-page booklet, is a classic example of dreams and talent meeting the hard realities of life's indifference, and it forms a great backdrop to the music. The sound is somewhere between hard-edged funk and polished Motown finesse, and I was gripped by the material from the start. Just listen to Marion Black's "Who Knows(1)," a spellbinding minor-key vamp that RJD2 nicked for "Smoke and Mirrors." Another immediately likable number is Kool Blue's "I'm Gonna Keep On Loving You(2)," an insistently jumping tambourine-led vocal number, sort of like Sam & Dave backed by the Funk Brothers. The irresistible beat and utter rarity of that original single have given this track a pedigree as a Northern Soul favorite, and anyone curious about that genre could do worse than take a listen. Elijah & the Ebonites' "Hot Grits!(3)" resurrects the groove-based instrumental "Pure Soul" from their back catalogue - a slight reworking of Monk Higgins's funk standard "Who Dunnit?" - and both versions are included here. Among the other highlights in this solid set are Bill Moss' "Sock It To 'Em Soul Brother(4)," a Gary Byrd-esque black pride anthem, and "You Can't Blame Me(5)" from Madlib fave Billy Wooten, with its searing dark groove riding crystalline vibes and a thumping kick drum. Top notch package assembled by Numero Group.

reviewed by monk