If you thought the story of the Deep City label ended with the last Eccentric Soul collection... think again! The fine folks of the Numero Group have comped up another 23 rare Miami funk and soul sides for your enjoyment, including stuff like The Rollers' previously 45-only "Knockin' At The Wrong Door(1)" (a sweet, subtle soul bite on the J5's "Want You Back") and an early pair from the man who would become Blowfly, Clarence Reid ("No Way Out(2)" and "Don't Be A Fool"). There's some sharp funk from Snoopy Dean on "Your Love Won't Let Me Leave You(3)," the awesomely named Nasty Dog Catchers with "Nasty Dog, Part 2(4)" and Betty Wright still defending the fort against clean up women on the gunshot and funeral organ jam "Mr. Lucky(5)." For the weepers, we got Helene Smith's swaying "True Love Don't Grow On Trees(6)" and Lynn Williams' "Don't Be Surprised(7)," with lines like "Don't be surprised if you see me layin' on the railroad tracks / Don't be surprised if I let a train run up and down my back." Comes with a thick booklet featuring the usual in-depth Numero tales, reference notes, rare pics and label scans. The vinyl version features three bonus instrumentals from James Knight & The Butlers, Helene Smith & The Rollers. Gatefold double vinyl; 23 tracks.

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red