40th Anniversary Collection, The

The nature of Brown's long-form, slowly unfolding magic (at his peak he was a true minimalist in the strict sense) demands the proper allotment of time, so the 40 tracks spread out over these two lengthy discs fill the bill amply. And the added perspective that comes with a 40th anniversary retrospective makes a complete historical overview possible.
This compilation manages to hit virtually all the high notes of Brown's long, dauntingly prolific career. There's the pleading R&B balladry of "Please, Please, Please", the unfettered joy of the propulsive "I Got You (I Feel Good)", the existential funk of "Money Won't Change You", and much more. 40TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION also tracks Brown through his socially conscious period, when he was turning out anthems of positivity like "Say It Loud-I'm Black and I'm Proud" and "I Don't Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing (Open Up the Door, I'll Get It Myself)". Those who want a quick thumbnail sketch of this important artist's work should turn to one of the many fine single-disc anthologies, but for a deeper bite into the soulful legacy of James Brown, 40TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION comes unequivocally recommended.|