Spanky Wilson

This full-length LP of funky soul is more than a consolation prize for the crate diggers who have long sought Spanky Wilson's classic, funky soul 45s from the '60s. Wilson has the commanding attitude of the classic soul belters. Much of the big energy is supplied by the tight-fittin' arrangements from Will Holland and the Quantic Soul Orchestra, who offer a capable update of the JBs percussive horn-driven grooves. But on tunes like "Blood from a Stone" and "Waitin for Your Touch," Wilson steals the show. The explosive "You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover" is a late-inning highlight.