Ain'T Nothing But A House Party - 60's And Early 70's Club Soul Classics

Aint Nothing But a House Party: 60s and Early 70s Club Soul Classics is a stellar collection of tracks that live up to the title and provide a perfect soundtrack for rolling up the rugs and getting a sweat going doing the jerk, the twist, the hucklebuck, or maybe even the monkey. The first two discs take a good look at the sweet soul coming out of the United States, and the third disc compiles selections from U.S. artists who recorded in the U.K., mods and rockers taking a crack at soul, and a few homegrown soul singers to boot. The selection of artists on the first two discs range from all-time greats like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield to middleweights (Solomon Burke, Edwin Starr) to names only known to obsessives (Rex Garvin, Mack Rice), while in the process touching on Motown, Philly soul, Stax, Chicago soul, and early funk to craft a solid primer of what was going on at the time. Plus, whether the songs deal in abject heartbreak or strutting joy, they each have a hip-shaking, finger-snapping beat that never stops. Frantic workouts like the Show Stoppers "Aint Nothing But a House Party" fit in nicely next to laid-back grooves like the Drifters "One Way Love," tough rockers like Chuck Woods "Seven Days Are Too Long" sound good next to slick productions like that of Dobie Grays "See You at the Go-Go," and theres never a time when the Ramsey Lewis Trios "The In-Crowd doesnt sound like a perfect song. Same with Bobby Blands majestic "Shoes" or Eddie Floyds thrilling "Big Bird." Its an impressive job of compiling, one that would be hard to beat most anywhere. The third disc is not as jam-packed with classic songs or classic artists, but it does do a fine job of gathering up fun examples of expats doing their thing -- typified by a smooth cut from the mighty Geno Washington -- along with Brits taking a hearty swing at soul and mostly connecting. Paula Parfitts "Love Is Wonderful" is a lovely take on Motown-style girl group sounds, Carl Douglas "Crazy Feeling" is a hard-rocking, big-band soul stomper, and Jason Knights pop-soul "Our Love Is Getting Stronger" was good enough for him to be offered a contract by Motown. Even if the disc doesnt rise to the stunning heights of the first two, it does provide enough solid senders to keep the party going strong, and thats what this excellent compilation is all about. ~ Tim Sendra