Various Psychedelic Soul - Produced by Norman Whitfield (CD)

(Ace Records) 18 Tracks (77:22) - 20 page booklet

Here is the first-ever compilation dedicated to the distinctive and influential productions of Norman Whitfield. You’ll find all-time classics such as Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’, the Temptations’ ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone’ and Rose Royce’s ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’, alongside lesser-known soul gems from the 70s.
 
Compiled by Bob Stanley, who also put together the acclaimed, big-selling Thom Bell “Ready Or Not” set, it’s the perfect introduction to Whitfield’s work. Atmospheric, cinematic things like Rare Earth’s ‘Come With Me’ sit alongside floor-fillers such as David Ruffin’s wild ‘Me And Rock & Roll (Are Here To Stay)’.
 
Whitfield started out at Motown and worked up to his instantly recognisable, dark, orchestrated sound. By the turn of the 70s he was the king of ‘psychedelic soul’, a genre that he basically invented, selling millions of records along the way. He was responsible for the Temptations’ second wave of hits, including party classic ‘Psychedelic Shack’. Whitfield concentrated on the Undisputed Truth, a group he put together and kept in his roster when he started his own Whitfield label in 1975.
 
“Psychedelic Soul” is an illuminating cross-selection from Norman Whitfield’s exceptional career.