After a mind-blowing display of charismatic star-power at Aretha Franklin's free show on Bloor Street last week, I can't stop listening to this collection of unreleased gems from her Atlantic-era prime. Admittedly, none of this material is as instantly memorable as the classic hits from the proper album releases; still what is here is top-notch soul, sung with a passion and insight that you don't see much anymore. Bow down to the Queen Of Soul!

The long-awaited second volume in Kent's Artistry In Soul series is finally here!  Considering the first volume, Eddie & Ernie's Lost Friends was one of the greatest soul compilations ever, expectations are high. The Larry Banks' Soul Family Album exceeds them all with its mix of deep soul (Kenny Carter's "I Can't Stop Laughing") and uptempo scorchers (Geminis' "Come On Act Right"). This release stakes a strong claim for Larry Banks, who wrote 23 of the 24 songs on this comp, as one of the most unsung composers of his genre.

Deluxe reissue of Barbara Manning's first two long out-of-print records, Lately I Keep Scissors named one of SPIN's Top 100 Alternative Records and One Perfect Green Blanket .  Fans of the Dunedin Sound of Flying Nun Records, jangly guitars and the minimalist aesthetic of the Young Marble Giants (who also enjoyed a recent deluxe reissue of their classic Colossal Youth) will find alot to enjoy here.  Act fast though, we are told these will not be re-released again "in our lifetime". 

With the passing of Dave Godin in 2004, the world lost one of its foremost soul experts. His four volume series Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures introduced many to the heartbreaking majesty of 'deep soul'. Inspired by Dave's series, David Cole of In The Basement magazine has compiled an excellent collection of "original tear jerkers from the heart and soul." 

The Wagnerian magnificence of Bruckner's Symphony No. 7 was a revelatory discovery for me last year so I decided to explore some of his earlier symphonies.  Symphony No. 4  took the composer seven years(!) to complete and what a struggle it must have been.  It contains everything I love about Bruckner, slow quiet moments and massive wall-of-sound climaxes.

Combine the raw, deep soul of Eddie & Ernie with a dash of the psych-funk of Baby Huey and you get the unique power of Lee Moses. I was first exposed to Lee upon hearing "How Much Longer Must I Wait" on the first volume of Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures (Kent), the best collection of overlooked soul ever released.  Now we are blessed to hear all the sides released by this talented artist, impassioned ballads like "My Adorable One" next to a funky cover of "California Dreaming".  Only on import from the UK so it's expensive but worth every cent!