This second entry into Stax's greatest hits rounds up another 20 greats that first saw life as singles on the Stax, Volt, Enterprise, We Produce, and Satellite labels. With the exception of
Otis Redding's "Respect,"
the Bar-Kays' "Soul Finger,"
William Bell's "You Don't Miss Your Water," and
the Mar-Keys' "Last Night," all the material compiled here comes from Stax's later period. Tracks like
the Dramatics' "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,"
Little Milton's "Behind Closed Doors," and
the Staple Singers' "Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" show the direction soul music and R&B were moving, with the label moving right with the times. If you can't pop for the Stax box set, this series makes a right fine alternative.
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Cub Koda, Rovi