Fifth -and last- volume of our "R&B Hipshakers" series, featuring rockin' R&B and early soul from the King and Federal catalogues.A compilation of tracks from 1953 to 1964 by essential artists such as Hank Ballard, The 5 Royales, Little Esther, Little Willie John, Lula Reed, Albert King_ that, after 5 juicy volumes (do you have them all?), reach the magic number of 100 delights from King and Federal's incredible output.20 terrific dance cuts selected by genre expert Mr Fine Wine, from WFMU's Downtown Soulville. Most of the tracks have never been reissued before.*This volume includes a previously unreleased version of Lulu Reed's 'Your Love Keeps A-Working on Me' on a bonus single that will be solely available as part of this 2LP + bonus 7" pack.So here it is, the last batch of your 100 montaditos from the King catalog, 20 final tasty morsels to savor. These hundred "Hipshakers" tracks barely scratch the surface (not a great expression to use in the context of records, I know!) of King and Federal's incredible output, insane as it may sound. Think about that as you listen to returneesLittle Willie John and The 5 Royales, whose catalogs are so rich they could keep appearing on hypothetical future volumes in perpetuity. And to the fresh sounds of first-timers Dolph Prince, Cora Woods and Sonny Thompson, which rank with the best on any volume. Rockers, moody slowies, wailers, brassy instrumentals - all here, all hipshakers. Hank Ballard, my favorite (whose six tracks across the series are the most by anybody), fittingly gets the last word. When he predicts - perhaps overoptimistically - "This is a hit", these rocks in my head, responsible for so many questionable decisions over the years, go bim-bam. I can only hope yours do too. - Mr Fine Wine New York City
