THE BEST FUNK/SOUL COMPILATIONS BY "VARIOUS ARTISTS"

I know, I know—it's tempting to always put on Mothership Connection and anything by George Clinton.  But I'm telling you, if you like Funk/Soul music, the compilations are the way to go.  Back in the day, I was skeptical about any "Various Artists" records.  I was an album purist and you would be hard pressed to ever find me listening to a Greatest Hits album, let alone a compilation serving up selections by many bands.  Now, my perspective is a little different.

Here's the thing.  There's so much music that never found a wide audience.  It doesn't mean it wasn't any good—in fact, a lot of it is wonderful.  A band's lack of commercial success could be attributed to a variety of reasons. It could be bad timing.   The label could have went bankrupt.  Maybe the A&R who signed the band retired and the new guy doesn't like the music.  Maybe the radio programmer doesn't like the way the label head wears his tie.  You know what I'm saying? 

Anyway, there are some labels that specialize in compiling some of the best B-sides, rarities and misses onto one record.  Listening to these records is often a sureal experience.  You have to hear this music 

California Funk 

Cold Heat 

Strange Breaks And Mr. Thing

Strange Breaks And Mr. Thing II

Truth And Soul Presents: Cinematic Soul

Best Of Perception And Today's Records