Various Artists August 22 2007

Music fans who know of the legendary Vee-Jay Records only as the first American label of the Beatles really need to check out this great new four-disc compilation. Though the first truly successful African-American-owned record label only lasted a lucky 13 years, it released a trove of great material that takes the Stax model of mixing genres and races, and adds a distinctive touch of scrappy, street-corner flair. The songs in the collection burst from the speakers with a vibrancy and sheen that even Motown couldn’t match. And the diversity! Each track takes the listener in a new direction, as the 86-track jukebox of hits and misses presents an impressive slate of blues and doo-wop acts, rhythm-and-blues shouters and crooners, full-on soul, cool jazz, and rousing gospel from the label’s awe-inspiring roster. Gene Chandler, Jerry Butler, John Lee Hooker, the Staple Singers, the Four Seasons and even Little Richard are all here. 5 stars