Various Artists: 100 Soul Classics

Apr 12 2009 by Daniel Smith, Sunday Mercury

VARIOUS ARTISTS

100 Soul Classics

(Atlantic/Rhino)

wHE had the best ears in popular music. Perhaps more than anyone else, legendary Atlantic boss Ahmet Ertegun shaped soul, pop and rock – and this 4-CD collection of 100 hits proves the point. Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Ben E King, Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, The Drifters, they’re all here. Personal picks are Arthur Conley’s Sweet Soul Music, Wilson Pickett’s Mustang Sally, Aretha Franklin’ Respect, Sam & Dave’s Soul Man, and Solomon Burke’s Everybody Needs Somebody To Love. This is an instant collection of soul landmarks. JD