Ten major hits are selected for each volume of the 25 Years of R&B series, released by Rhino's budget-line Flashback division. While it's a shame that the discs are filled to roughly half their capacity, the focus places them well above the average budget-line series, and the original versions are used without exception. Picking up each volume would make for a fine (if space-consuming) introduction to soul. Featured tracks on 25 Years of R&B: 1967 include Aretha Franklin's "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," Arthur Conley's "Sweet Soul Music," Booker T. & the MG's "Hip Hug-Her," Joe Tex's "Skinny Legs and All," and Sam & Dave's "Soul Man." ~ Andy Kellman
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