Album: Various artists, 100 Soul Classics, (Atlantic Gold)

The lady is standing up to applaud because she has no alternative. This is not the first time Atlantic has repackaged its R&B back catalogue, but it is one of the best.

That's because this four-disc set allows the compilers to include interesting (relative) obscurities among the obviousnesses. So for every Aretha, Otis and Ray there's a Richie Barrett, Jackie Moore and Blue Magic. Also, it's chronological, so it tells a story, from doo-wop to Eddie Harris's electric sax. You really should, you know.

Pick of the album: 'The Ghetto': Donny Hathaway gets it riiiight