One of the most compelling compilations we've heard in ages – a set of tunes by and about Muhammad Ali! It's no secret that back in the day, Ali was way more than just a boxer – he was an international celebrity whose pride and power were a symbol for millions worldwide. At the height of his glory, not only did Ali himself record a number of albums, but he was also graced with countless tribute songs – not only from American artists, but British, Brazilian, and African as well! This festive little set brings together 22 of those great recordings, including a few about boxing in general – with genres that include soul, reggae, and Brazilian grooves – as well as some very catchy novelty numbers that defy classification! Titles include "The People's Choice" and "I'm The Greatest" by Ali himself – plus "8ieme Round" by Trio Madjesi, "Cassius Marcellus Clay" by Jorge Ben, "Muhammad Ali" by Sir Mack Rice, "Muhammad Ali" by Dennis Alcapone, "The Louisville Lip" by Eddie Curtis, "Rumble In The Jungle" by Don Covay, "Foreman Vs Frazier" by Big Youth, "Try It Again" by Joe Frazier, and "Ali Shuffle" by JW Grasshopper & The Butterfly. LP, Vinyl record album

Music from Jad Fair & Daniel Johnston, The Frogs, Eugene Chadbourne, Noise Addict, Kimya Dawson & Jeffrey Lewis, Prewar Yardsale, Double Deuce, Diane Cluck, Jeffrey Lewis, Hiperjinx Tricycle, The Babyskins, and more - 20 tracks in all. CD

Music from Jackson County Barn Owls, Floyd County Ramblers, Nelstone's Hawaiians, Dave & Howard, Riverside Ramblers, Louisiana Rounders, Joe Werner And The Ramblers, Joe's Acadians, The Renfro Valley Boys with Karl & Harty, Lonnie Glosson, and more. CD

The contemporary manifestation of the southern soul groove of the 60s – still going strong in a host of indie artists who are keeping things real in the clubs today! The set focuses on singers still hitting the time-worn trail of the Chitlin Circuit – that chain of venues, clubs, and lounges that once played host to the bigger names of the genre back in the day – but which keep on bringing back the music year after year to an underground American soul audience! The styles here are a bit more contemporary than in the old days, but the music is still very much the same – themes of love and loss, lying and cheating, and just plain getting it on – all sung by singers who really know how to put over a tune. The package is great – with notes on each artist, as well as the contemporary scene – and titles include "Friday" by Sir Charles Jones, "Motel Lover" by Marvin Sease, "Don't Rock The Boat" by Big Cynthia, "Down Low Brother" by Barbara Carr, "Smaller The Club" by Mel Waters, "Psychic Hotline" by Gwen McCrae, "I'll Go To Jail" by Lee Fields, "Three People" by Willie Clayton, "On The Chitlin Circuit" by Bill Coday, and "Long Dong Silver" by Denise LaSalle. CD