Top 10 CDs of 2001

1. James Aldridge - Close Your Eyes
   See separate review - previously unknown artist, "mop and pop" label, distributed via the internet is the find on the year. Go get it.
2. Angie Stone - Mahogany Soul
   So many killer cuts, very definitely 2001 but giving reverence to all the greats of 70's soul music such as The O'Jays, Curtis and Al Green.
3. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - deluxe edition
   Whether you have the original or not, this is an essential purchase for the sheer craftsmanship that has gone into assembling the product. For your £15, you get the original release, the alternate version, the emotional first live concert for four years which showcased the album plus lots of other goodies packaged with care to perfection.
4. Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On - deluxe edition
   Following on from What's Going On, this is equally indispensable, with loads of alternate takes and unreleased gems and the same care and attention.
5. Dee Dee Warwick - The Blue Rock Recordings
   I've always treasured the few recordings that I possess by Dee Dee, but have never hunted out her back catalogue as it wasn't easily available so this release was an obvious choice for me, focussing on her time at Mercury subsidiary Blue Rock. The quality of the material, the production, Dee Dee's voice is amazing and the sound production on the release is top notch.
6. Beverlei Brown - Next To You
   The British soul find of 2001. The album is as beautiful as she is.
7. Various Artists - Togetherness 2001
   Not a filler on this 15 track collection with absolute gems form the Spinners, Ace Spectrum, Al Green, John Valenti, Rahsaan Patterson and Charles & Gwen Scales.
8. Various Artists - Inspired
   Double CD value from Jazz FM of predominantly Y2K soul from the likes of Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Hill St. Soul and the brilliant Perri Sisters
9. Various Artists - Tamla Motown Connoisseurs
   Brilliantly balanced collection of rarish Motown where every track is a joy in its own way. Favourites of mine are Chris Clark's version of Do I Love You, Tammi's Lone Lonely Town, Martha's currently massive No One There and the oh so soulful Levi Stubbs vocal on the Tops' Where Did You Go.
10. Tammi Terrell - The Essential Collection
    The Queen of Motown - more can boy ask for?

• Jerry Butler - The Philadelphia Sessions
  The brilliant marriage between Jerry and Gamble & Huff which set the standard for 70's Philly to come.
• Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - The Complete Duets
  Well I've just ordered it today and from what everyone says, I'll not be disappointed.
• Various Artists - Mod Fave Raves Vol 2
  Twenty brilliant 60's Motown dancers for about £6 including Barbara McNair - You're Gonna Love My Baby, Chris Clark - From Head To Toe. Sometimes the quality of Spectrum releases leaves a bit to be desired but for the price...
• (Detroit) Spinners - Essential Collection
  So much good stuff for £6 that's not been overexposed.
• Various Artists - Our Turn To Cry
  Maybe this should be in the top ten. Kent CD's are always wonderful. The sound quality is never compromised, the sleeve notes comprehensive. This has my favourite Betty Swann track - Today I Started Loving You Again, all time fav, Breakfast In Bed, Johnny Adams version of I Wish It Would Rain, which, dare I say it, possibly betters Temps, Gladys and Womack. Yes - this is essential. If you haven't got it, no excuse, its pure SOUL.
• Various Artists - King Northern Soul
  Another superb set from Kent, although I would say it's both Northern and Southern at the same time. Quality all the way.
• Various Artists - For Connoisseurs Only
  Third Kent CD in my top twenty of the year and I have to admit that I've never been disappointed with any Kent CD I've bought. With the exception of ZZ Hill's version of Make Me Yours, I was probably unfamiliar with most of the 28 track collection. At the moment I haven't time to re-read the copious sleeve notes to ascertain the rarity of the tracks but all I can do is recommend it anyone with soul.
• Edwin Starr - All The Way Live
  I don't this is commercially available but if you get the chance to purchase it, do so. It captures one of the best live soul acts there is. Even Contact and Happy Radio sound good and the newer tracks (Smooth, Patch Up) are very good.
• Various Artists - Soul Millennium
  This Expansion collection probably came out in 2000 but I think I bought after Christmas. 50 tracks, over 4 hours for a tenner. The occasional so so track but many top notch such as Howard Hewett - Crystal Clear.
• Various Artists - Northern Soul Connoisseurs
  Some over familiar tracks, some questions over the sound quality but for £6 you've got a legal release of Jimmy Ruffin's He Who Picks A Rose and Sisters Love Learning To Trust My Man and a CD you can just put on and ENJOY.
• Various Artists - Soul Satisfaction 2
  Top class 24 track Motown collection of tracks most of which are unavailable elsewhere on CD, in particular Billy Eckstine's I Wonder Why and Carolyn Crawford's Forget About Me.