VARIOUS ARTISTS
Strange Breaks & Mr. Thing
[BBE]
Release Date:  February 11, 2008

Just when you think that the crate diggers of the universe have uncovered every lost gem on earth, up pops another compilation giving you more reasons to get your fingers dusty.  Respect must be given to Mr. Thing, DJ/producer and rare breaks enthusiast.  This is an ocean floor deep collection brimming with soul, funk, and jazz pearls from beginning to end.  Most of what's here will be unfamiliar to most listeners, even the covers of popular tunes.  Standouts include The Discoettes putting their humble spin on a Pointer Sisters classic ("Yes We Can Can") and Lloyd Charmers adding a lovers rock lean to Barry White's "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More."  The self-titled cut from Soulful Illusion boasts harmonies reminiscent of The Temptations or The Miracles over a tough tempo and brass section.  Mr. Thing reaches into another crate and pulls out Original Tropicana Steel Band's "Calypso Rock," a funky instrumental with sweet steel drum solos.  You probably don't want to know what price some of these titles would fetch online, so consider this compilation a steal.  God bless Mr. Thing for sharing his knowledge of rarities with the masses.   -JRS