The Edge - David Axelrod at Capitol Records 1966-1970
Relegated to obscurity until leading hip-hop producers started mining his records for beats, producer and composer David Axelrod is a true American genius.  There is no shortage of "Axe" compilations on the scene, but this one benefits from fluid programming, great artwork, and for the first time, mastered from the original session reels.  One of Capitol Records’ leading producers in the studio, the majority of this Axelrod compilation is culled from his 3 solo albums for the label;Song of Innocence,Songs of Experience, andEarth Rot.  Also present are some break beat covers by Lou Rawls, and an extended piece the Axe contributed to a Cannonball Adderley LP.  Filled with spacey vibes, eerie flutes, and super-funky rhythm, this is the go-to compilation for Axelrod fans.  If you have other compilations you’ll still want this, and if you don’t, get with it!–-Kristian St. Clair