Wu-Tang beatmaker and mad genius producer
RZA offers up a collection of inspired soul cuts from the Stax Records vaults on Shaolin Soul Selection, Vol. 1. The 24 tracks on this compilation definitely point to some of the inspirational points for
RZA's raw, earthy beats, and capture the deep, late-night energy of a specific moment in '70s soul. Standout tracks include selections from
the Emotions and
Booker T. & the MG's as well as lengthy selections from
Isaac Hayes and two very different takes on the same song, "I Forgot to Be Your Lover," as interpreted by both
the Mad Lads and
William Bell. ~ Fred Thomas