Vee-Jay: The Definitive Collection (CD - 2007)

Audio Remasterer: Randy Perry .

Liner Note Authors: Michael Ribas; Gerald Early.

Recording information: 05/05/1953-05/13/1965.

Photographer: Billy Vera.

Arranger: R. Patterson.

Although Chess Records is the Chicago label most often associated with black music from the 1950s and '60s, the Vee-Jay label gave Chess a respectable run for its money in terms of quality and variety. Jimmy Reed and John Lee Hooker, among others, are here representing the blues; while Jerry Butler, the Four Seasons, the Staple Singers, and the Swan Silvertones are among those weighing in for soul, doo-wop, and gospel. At 86 tracks spread over four discs, there's very little filler on this stupendous collection (Gloria Jones' original version of "Tainted Love" is itself nearly worth the price of admission). Beautifully selected and compiled, with a 40 page booklet brimming with photos and superb notes, VEE-JAY: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION is just that, and deserves a place in any well-rounded library. minimize