Aretha Franklin, Knew You Were Waiting: The Best of 1980-1998 (Arista/Legacy)
The Queen of Soul’s comeback years, in a new anthology. Check back soon for a review from Joe as well as a Greater Hits from me stacking this set up to other compilations from this part of Aretha’s discography.
Various Artists, Golden Gate Groove: The Sound of Philadelphia Live in San Francisco 1973 (Philadelphia International/Legacy)
A sublime showcase of some of the best Philly soul in concert.
Various Artists, Giant Single: The Profile Records Rap Anthology (Arista/Legacy)
One of the most underrated hip-hop labels out there – home to Run-D.M.C. and DJ Rob Base and E-Z Rock – anthologized over two great discs.
The Tymes, So Much in Love (Real Gone)
The first-ever CD release for a ’60s classic, with four bonus tracks, no less!
Bonnie Pointer, Bonnie Pointer: Expanded Edition / Isaac Hayes, Don’t Let Go: Expanded Edition (Big Break)
The U.K. soul label’s latest expanded reissues.
Metallica, Beyond Magnetic (Warner Bros.)
A physical release for this EP of outtakes from Metallica’s last album, Death Magnetic.
Various Playlist releases (Legacy)
You know the drill on this one.
Release Round-Up: Week of August 28
Ready or Not: Ace Sets Release for Thom Bell Anthology featuring Mathis, Warwick, Spinners, Stylistics, More
Wake Up Everybody: Vocalion Releases Quad SACDs from Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, O’Jays, Earth Wind and Fire, Helen Reddy
Release Round-Up: Week of April 19
Stop with the “Best of Arista” anthologies of Aretha. Just put out her complete Arista material, with bonus tracks, alternate takes, mixes and all. Do it on either single/double discs or as a boxset. Just do it.
Don’t forget Leonard Cohen’s Old Ideas comes out today.