CHARLES BRADLEY Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Once dubbed "the screaming eagle of soul", Charles Bradley passed away in 2017 after a late career surge that saw him finally find the commercial success that had long eluded him. "Black Velvet", his second and final posthumous set, draws on material recorded with long-term producer Tommy "TNT" Brenneck over the course of his career. Much of the material is either exceedingly rare (see his covers of songs by Nirvana, Neil Young and Rodriguez, as well as a sought-after funk duet with LaRose Jackson) or previously unreleased (see "Can't Fight The Feeling", "Fly Little Girl" and the never-before-heard "full band" take on Bradley classic "Victim of Love"). More importantly, it's all exceptionally good, making this a fitting farewell to Floridian soul singer.

Review: Look into Charles's history and you'll find he's been a victim of much more than love over the years. Now in his mid 60s, his recording career only really began in earnest 10 years ago. Criminal, really... But the best talent always gets recognised eventually, and Daptone are doing him some serious fast-track justice. Highlights include the country-inspired strumming and harmonies on the album title track, the belting horn-swing of "You Put The Flame On It", the sadder trumpet, alto sax and Hammon cannon melody on "Dusty Blues" and the blend of slamming northern soul style drums and head-bending psychedelia of "Confusion". Don't be a victim: feel the love today.