Various Artists

In just a few months during 1969, Stax and its artists released a staggering 27 albums and 30 singles during what's been called the "Soul Explosion," which is also the name of a 1969 compilation arriving on vinyl for the first time since its original release. The 28-song, 2-LP sampler brings together hits from the likes of The Staple Singers, Albert King, Eddie Floyd, and The Mad Lads.  These are paired with rarer songs, some of which are exclusive to this collection.  Among them are The Bar-Kays' "Hot Hips," Ollie & The Nightingales' "Heartache Mountain," and Eddie Floyd's "It's Wrong To Be Loving You."  The lacquers for the 2-LP edition were cut by Jeff Powell at the Memphis-based Take Out Vinyl and pressed locally at Memphis Record Pressing.  The discs are housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve.  The collection will also be released digitally for the first time, including in high-resolution at 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz formats.