Like the stellar CELLAR FULL OF MOTOWN discs that came before it, ATLANTIC UNEARTHED collects rare and unreleased tracks from the label's biggest soul and R&B stars, and shines the spotlight on the work of overlooked artists as well. The SOUL SISTERS edition, naturally, focuses on the ladies, and offers obscure nuggets from legends like Aretha Franklin (who checks in with a woozy, sauntering take on Sinatra's "My Way") and Patti Labelle (who, backed here by her Bluebelles, brings a rough, bluesy edge to the girl-group aesthetic). While these tracks are certainly excellent, it's performances by the likes of Doris Troy ("Please Little Angel"), Judy Clay (the aching "I Got to Love Somebody's Baby"), and Baby Washington (offering a world-weary version of the Motown classic "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted") that really make this collection a treat. Culled primarily from the late 1960s and early '70s, ATLANTIC UNEARTHED is another wonderful testament to the remarkable artistry and lasting significance of black music from the era.
Professional Reviews
Uncut (p.104) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "On SOUL SISTERS, rarities by Patti LaBelle and Baby Washington highlight a strong set."
Living Blues (p.70) - "[T]he strongest among the disc's previously released tracks are Irma Thomas's 'Full Time Woman'...and Jackie Moore's 'It Ain't Who You Know'..."
