The second volume of material compiled from
James Brown's People Records label isn't quite as strong as the first, as it reaches for more obscurities -- but those obscurities can be interesting, especially
Brown's collaboration with
Hank Ballard on "From the Love Side." Again,
Brown wrote (or co-wrote), arranged, and produced much of the material, appearing on vocals several times, and
the J.B.'s are featured heavily, whether as a unit or with individual members stepping out as solo acts. The highlights are
Bobby Byrd's two 1971 R&B hits, "I Know You Got Soul" and "Hot Pants -- I'm Coming, Coming, I'm Coming"; also featured are
Marva Whitney,
Lyn Collins, and
Fred Wesley, among others. ~ Steve Huey