Soul Rebels

40 track 4CD compilation from the vaults of UK's Expansion Records

The crackling stations being switched on the radio and the gang shout followed by the spoken injunction to "burn it down" sound like they should be starting off a Sham 69 record. Then "Burn It Down" actually starts, with its horn section, Hammond organ and Kevin Rowland's utterly unconventional soul vocals. The cult of Dexy's, and this album in particular, were worshipped as the return of "soul" to English rock music at the dawn of Thatcherism. Exploring the myth that this album holds, especially in Brit music terms, can be a strange prospect: 20 years on it doesn't sound revolutionary, it just sounds good. And good it is, quite good, compared to where Paul Weller ended up, i.e., too reverential by half. This is vibrant, alive, and unconcerned with perfection…

The evolution of the New Orleans brass band continues with each generation and its latest transformation can be heard in Unlock Your Mind by The Soul Rebels. The work of these eight young Crescent City natives is progressive, rhythmic and addictive. It is also highly reflective of their early exposure to New Orleans beats heard in their neighborhoods and high school marching bands with dance rhythms backing powerful horns. The syncopated beat is held down by the rhythm section that includes the band's founders Lumar LeBlanc on snare drum and bass drummer Derrick Moss. Sousaphonist Edward Lee, Jr completes the section that drives the front line horns consisting of two trombones, two trumpets and a saxophone.

This exclusive triple CD compilation soundtracks the exhibition You Say You Want a Revolution: Records and Rebels 1966-1970. With 64 tracks spanning 3 discs, it celebrates pop stars and protest singers, revivalists and revolutionaries, baroque pop hits and psychedelic curiosities all born of the social, cultural and political ferment of the decade that changed it all. Featuring Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, The Beach Boys, Cream, Joan Baez, Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and many, many more.