Raw Soul was a short lived funk outfit from Norfolk, VA. In the early 70s, they released and backed numerous now in-demand funk 45s (including tracks by Lee Fields and Barbara Stant). This compiles those rarities, plus uncovers several unreleased songs and versions. Expect ka-pow drum breaks (“How You Gonna Do It”), awesome bus stop funk (“Leave My Beat Alone” and Lenis Guess’ “That Beat’s Got The Devil In It”), righteous sister funk (Shirley Johnson’s “Feels So Good”), majestic falsetto funk (Sir Guy’s “I Need You Baby”), sweet tea soul (Josephine Jones’ “Candy Man”) and powerful jazz-funk (Dorsey Brockington’s “Stormy Weather”), and even some gut-wrenching synth funk (Page One’s “Thank Goodness”). All killer, no filler. 13 tracks, liner notes, recommended.
- music label: Plut 2010