Can You Dig It? The '70s Soul Experience
The liner notes that accompany this collection note that '70s soul music has never really gotten its due. One could argue that point for days, but hubris aside, there's no denying thatCan You Dig Itpays serious homage to the golden years of American soul. The new box set contains 6 CDs and 136 cuts, 65 of which hit the No. 1 spot on the R&B; and/or pop charts. As you'd expect with a project that mines such a rich era (the CDs are compiled chronologically), it represents a who's who of stars. Among the notables:Marvin Gaye,Sly Stone,Curtis Mayfield, theSpinners, theO'Jays, theStaple Singers,James Brown,Chairmen of the Board,Laura Lee,Freda Payne, andJean Knight. Lesser lights also get to shine, i.e.,El Chicano, who deliver the salsafied hippie anthem "Tell Her She's Lovely." But let's be honest--the selling point is the hits, and from the uplifting "Ooh Child" to the sassy "Want Ads," if you grew up in the '70s (hands up), then these tracks are beloved. Sure, the hard-core fan will probably wish for more obscurities, and the exclusion ofStevie Wonder,Aretha Franklin, andGeorge Clintonis troublesome, but anyone wanting an at-home jukebox loaded with classic R&B; will certainly dig this.--Amy Linden