An amazing chapter in the history of Chicago soul – a deep look at the ultra-hip Blue Rock subsidiary of Mercury Records – home to a host of amazing singles back in the 60s! Blue Rock was only around for a few years, but managed to record some really great music – soul tunes that rival the greatness of better-known Chicago soul work on Brunswick or Okeh, bluesy bits that almost beat Chess at their own game, and some grittier grooves that feel like the best indie sides you might find on Windy City labels like Twinight or Dakar. The package is filled with amazing Chicago cuts – 60 numbers that really make us proud to be living in the powerhouse of the midwest – brought together with a level of hipness we'd hardly expect from a major label collection. Titles include "Let Her Love Me" by Otis Leavill, "Baby What's Wrong" by Johnnie Mae Matthews, "Got No Excuse" by James Crawford, "Look At Me" by The Deletts, "Baby Don't Leave Me" by Jimmy Holland, "Does Anybody Love Me" by Joyce Kennedy, "I Won't Let Her See Me Cry" by Big Frank & The Essences, "Baby Boy" by Janeen Henry, "Come On & Love Me" by Dizzy Jones, "Cheaters Never Get Anywhere" by Big Tim & The Empires, "She's Mine" by The Chi-Lites, "Darling I'll Get Along Somehow" by Reggie Lamont, "Don't Go Away" by Reginald Domino, "Ooo Baby" by Bobby Hutton, "Lost & Found" by Kenny Carlton, "You're Tuff Enough" by Jr Wells, "A Grown Man Cry" by Chino Feaster, " Over My Dead Body" by Benny & Tina, "Checkin Out" by The Festivals, "Love Ain't Never Hurt Nobody" by Brenda Duff, and "I'm In Your Corner" by Roy Hytower. (Soul, Funky Compilations) CD

A great entry in one of our favorite series for rare soul tracks these days – a really special sort of collection that brings together tracks with a vibe that's very much all its own! The set definitely serves up the "real side" that it promises in the title – tunes that aren't showy or full of fuss – and instead, these easygoing soul tracks that hit their mark, right from the start – then go long with tremendous staying power, and a sense of warmth that has us returning to the set again and again for repeated listenings! The choice of cuts is sublime – a few familiar numbers mixed with overlooked tracks from artists we know, but haven't heard from in this way before – served up on 20 tracks that include "Never Set Me Free" by Continental Showstoppers, "I'm Coming Home" by Gerald Taylor, "I Can Remember" by The Whispers, "I'd Believe Him" by Deniece Chandler, "What Does It Take" by The Electrifying Cashmeres, "If You Decide" by Bull & The Matadors, "Try Something New" by Eddie Billups, "When" by Joe Simon, "Lover Come Back" by Jackey Beavers, "Nobody But You" by Willie Hightower, "I Hate Hate" by Razzy Bailey, "Why Don't You Write" by Lee Bates, "Grooving With My Thing" by The DeVons, and "Smooth Sailing" by Three Shades Of Soul. CD