Kent 163 - Hotlanta Soul - Good Guys Don't Always Win (1998) + Booklet - Rare Soul (FLAC 626MB)

Way back in 1998 kent started a series called HOTLANTA soul, culminating in the release of vol 5 which has just dropped through my letter box. I did review vol 4 a while back and should really have started on this initial release of the series that has took me ages to find but here it is. OSR was kind enough to send me his copy back then as i was going to review it but like everything in my life i got way laid....The entire series concentrates on the plethora of labels in the deep south that many say is where the real soul emanates from but thats speculation and we each have our own ideas and opinions which i respect. Good Guys Don't Always Win is the title, but the girls are here also with stalwarts such as Rozetta Johnson, Jean Battle and Peggy Scott so not all guys & the title a bit misleading title. To complement at least eight other fine releases from the Hotlanta and GMG labels Kent have chosen the title from a slab of soul by maestro Bill Brandon. A name well known in collector's circles, check out his earlier 60s releases on the Tower and South Camp labels. The CD features his Piedmont outing "The Street's Got My Lady", sought after from Japan to Kings Lynn and well worth the purchase price alone. With informative sleeve notes and Ady Croasdell at the helm we sail through soaring ballads, scorching wailers and scintillating soul. The excellent photos and an intelligent running order, essential for compilations Kent trademarks and ensure satisfaction & my number one label for soul releases by far.  For The dancers listen to the tasters, many unissued tracks available for the first time on this CD, a superb showcase of the best in southern soul. As always read the booklet..

AMM

                                                                                                      The Tasters!