Take Me To The River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977

It's hard to contest any assertion that, while great Soul music was undoubtedly made right across America during the 60s and early 70s, the best of it was probably made in the Southern states and, specifically, in musically-enlightened cities and towns such as Memphis, Miami and Muscle Shoals. Here are 75 tracks that collectively do everything that is necessary to uphold any such assertion.

Take Me To the River chronicles the story of Southern soul, from its advent in 1961 to its apex in the early 1970s. Its track listing was carefully chosen to reflect and demonstrate every facet of the genre, and - we hope - to appeal to both long time collectors and those who we hope will enjoy it deeply enough to delve further into the genre's breadth of repertoire.

The track listing embraces everything from million selling, international hits to 45s that barely sold enough to cover their pressing costs. Quality is the common link for the inclusion of all the tracks - although those who only hanker after rarity will not be disappointed by the number of 'first time on CD' selections that are included.

With a sumptuous booklet that is overflowing with rare photos, ephemera and label shots, not to mention extensive track by track annotation and accompanying essays, this is almost as handsome a read as it is a listen...