Shaolin Soul: Episodes 1 2 3 CD

Earlier this month, Because Music released the fourth volume in the popular "Shaolin Soul" series, some 20 years after the inaugural edition first appeared in stores. Here, they've gathered the three previous editions and reissued them in one handy, sensibly-priced package. Famously, the series was launched to showcase tracks sampled by the Wu-Tang Clan, though really it also doubles up as a brilliant showcase for popular and lesser-known funk and soul gems from the 1960s and '70s. This three-disc retrospective proves the point, offering up 60 dusty, break-heavy jams from the likes of Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Bob James, The Emotions, Syl Johnson, Ann Peebles, Rufus Thomas and the Persuasions. For DJs, in particular, it's a superb resource.