XXL, usually fairly on top of the ball, is months late on this release, bringing it to us well late of it’s store date, which was in March.  But when it’s something this spectacular, it’s definitely better late than never.  Those who have seen some of my posts won’t be surprised to know that I’m a huge fan of classic soul.  And this might be 1 of the best collections ever.  I love the Gamble & Huff sound that they pumped out of Philadelphia in the 70s, & this something I would recommend without even looking at it.  Although I won’t be giving it it’s own post, I also highly recommend VA-Conquer_The_World-The_Lost_Soul_Of_Philadelphia_International_Records-2008-XXL.

Newly elected to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the American masters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of Philadelphia International Records wrote and produced some of the most musically creative and socially significant records of our time.
These sixteen American classics celebrate the enduring power & passion of their voice and vision as tastemakers, hitmakers, educators and keepers of the cultural flame.
There’s a message in the music, and the message is love.
Get on board the love train.

Track Listing:

01 The O’jays - Love Train                        03:00
02 The O’jays - Back Stabbers                     03:08
03 Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (Feat. Tedd     03:28
04 Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (Feat. Tedd     06:23
05 Mfsb (Feat. Three Degrees) - T.S.O.P. (The     05:50
06 Billy Paul - Me And Mrs. J1s                 04:47
07 The Three Degrees - When Will I See You Ag     03:00
08 People’s Choice - Do It Any Way You Wanna      03:17
09 The Intruders - I’ll Always Love My Mama       06:38
10 The O’jays - Use Ta Be My Girl                 04:03
11 Lou Rawls - You’ll Never Find Anahther Love     04:27
12 Mcfadden & Whitehead - Ain’t No Stoppin’ U     07:02
13 Teddy Pendergrass - Close The Door             05:27
14 Patti Labelle - If Only You Knew               04:46

Artist: VA
Album Title: The Sound Of Philadelphia: Gamble &
Record Label: Sony
Rip Date: Aug-16-2008
Ripper: X-Factor
Genre: Soul
Year: 2008
Source: CDDA
Encoder: lame 3.97mod
Quality: 199.8kbps avg / 44.1KHz / Joint-Stereo

Release Name: VA-The_Sound_Of_Philadelphia-Gamble_And_Huffs_Greatest_Hits-2008-XXL
Links: .NFO, rapidshare