A fine first survey of classics recorded for Prestige, Cadet and Elektra, with some magnificent rarities and an essential unissued folk-funk recovery, and a decent booklet.

Hair-down rock and roll, artful blues balladry and deep soul, for labels like King and Checker, with musicians like Mickey Baker and Specs Powell in NYC, and Allen Toussaint and Lee Allen in New Orleans.

Holy grail Detroit funk recorded in 1969 for Dave Hamilton; backed with a tape-find Northern dancer.

One of the foundation stones of northern soul, courtesy of Sherlie Matthews and sisters Brenda and Patrice Holloway.

A mouthwatering series in prospect, full of discoveries, but also charting every turn in the careers of giants like James Carr at this great Memphis label, as rhythm and blues turned southern soul.