Various Artists
Soul Slabs Vol. 2
Colemine Records [2019]
Who: Soul Slabs Vol. 2 is a collection of A-sides from the 7-inch catalog of Loveland Ohio’s Colemine Records.
Sound: This compilation features the Colemine spirit with plenty of heavy soul, jazz, funk, and R&B.
TFN Final Take: If you have been enjoying the growth of the neo-soul movement then you should be no stranger to Colemine Records. The label has already offered up recordings from some of the current best in soul music which includes Durand Jones & The Indications, Kelly Finnigan, Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos, and the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio to just name a few. In fact, Colemine has released even more singles than LPs and that is exactly what gets the highlight on Soul Slabs Vol. 2. This set collects 27 tracks that covers up to some of the most recent 2019 7″ releases from Colemine.
Soul Slabs 2 never slows down and for sure will introduce you to an unfamiliar artist. How about the super on fire track “America” from Soul Scratch, the jazzy jigs in the instrumental “Featherbed Lane” from Mestizo Beat or the passionate cover of “Bang Bang” from Monophonics. The music itself has a complete old school sound but it hums out your speakers with its perfect tempo balance and top quality delivery. It does not matter which track you start with on Soul Slabs 2 because you just can’t go wrong. Every turn here deserves a foot tap, a sway of the shoulders and a little self-groove as the compilation encompasses the spirit and drive behind modern soul.
Considering that many of the artists here will be new to people outside the Colemine following family, it is a compilation that could initially be intimidating or overlooked but in reality is the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to get a top end sample of this surging genre. Outside the music, the greatest achievement of Soul Slabs 2 is Colemine Records. Their dedication to their “sound” can be heard on every song and the care that is injected into this compilation shows. Soul Slabs Vol. 2 is easily one of the best releases that the 2019 RSD had to offer!
Colemine Records
– Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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