*REVIEW*

Various Artists – The Curtom Story (Metro)

The clues are there the moment you check the sleeve of this 38-track compilation: “Curtis Mayfield’s School of 20th Century Soul”, reads the subtitle, and if that’s not sufficient reason to blast this album from the rooftops, you’re listening with the wrong ears, baby. Curtis Mayfield was the softly smiling, stylish journeyman of ‘70s soul, rightly revered to this day for the classic Superfly soundtrack album (the title track of which, along with album highlights “Pusherman” and “Freddie’s Dead”, are included here). But what’s lesser known, is that Mayfield ran his own label and publishing house, and this compilation stands as an impressive document of the talented acts he nurtured to fame. Some names will be familiar: The Impressions step in with “First Impressions”, and Mavis Staples’ “Chocolate City” is a sound to behold. However the majority of this album is made up of lost gems by acts whose names will mean little to any but the hardiest crate-digging soul archivist. And they’re all bloody fantastic. Highlights? Jamo Thomas’s “I Spy (For The FBI)”, Jesse Anderson’s “Mighty Mighty” and Leroy Hutson’s “Blackberry Jam”, to name but three. But there’s so much more. Do yourself a favour and hear the Curtom story, as told by its stars.