The Singles Volume Four: 1966-1967

This is the fourth double-disc installment in James Brown's The Singles. Producers have once again outdone themselves with their strict attention to detail -- in audio fidelity as well as within the text of the information-laden liner notes -- while tackling the formidable task of restoring Brown's prolific and at times confounding 45 rpm catalog. Vol. 4 covers the nearly two dozen 7" Brown-related platters that came out during 1966 and 1967. And although the artist chose to occasionally recycle songs, that still breaks down to almost one 45 a month. Once again, Alan Leeds' copious essay and detailed annotations put the 42 songs in proper historical perspective. The words are literally encased by all manner of photos and reproductions of vintage memorabilia from the James Brown archives. Last, but certainly not least is Seth Foster's digital mastering as he brings more life into the grooves than has ever existed before. -All Music Guide