The Best of Blaxploitation (2006)

Numerous compilations of '70s soul, funk, and fusion have been compiled in the name of blaxploitation throughout the years, whether or not all the inclusions were actually used in blaxploitation films (granted, just about everything from this … Full Descriptionera was fit for soundtrack use). Union Square's The Best of Blaxploitation retraces a lot of familiar steps, but it's not as if most of the similar preceding compilations have remained easy to find. It's three discs in length, so it's bound to plug some significant gaps for beginners and moderate fans, and it contains some concise and informative track-by-track notes. It plays it straight, for the most part, with no revelations made for the hardcore collector. Highlights include James Brown's "The Boss," Marvin Gaye's "'T' Plays It Cool," Syl Johnson's "Different Strokes," Cymande's "Bra," and, naturally, Curtis Mayfield's "Superfly."

Track list:
CD1
1. James Brown - The Boss (3:11)
2. Cymande - Brothers On The Slide (4:09)
3. Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie (3:02)
4. Marvin Gaye - "T" Plays It Cool (4:26)
5. Curtis Mayfield - Freddie's Dead (5:23)
6. Syl Johnson - Different Strokes (2:19)
7. Lightnin' Rod - Sport (2:33)
8. The Last Poets - It's A Trip (4:44)
9. The Politcians (Feat. McKinley Jackson) - The World We Live In (4:19)
10. Ike Turner's Kings Of Rhythm - Funky Mule (3:20)
11. Joe Tex - I Gotcha (2:12)
12. Mavis Staples - Chocolate City (5:15)
13. Pee Wee Ellis - Moon Walk (2:43)
14. The Meters - Tippi Toes (2:25)
15. Gil Scott-Heron With Brian Jackson - Back Home (2:52)

CD2
1. Curtis Mayfield - Superfly (3:53)
2. Eddie Kendricks - My People… Hold On (5:36)
3. The Temptations - Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (5:08)
4. Aaron Neville - Hercules (4:11)
5. Cymande - Bra (5:04)
6. The Notations - Superpeople (3:45)
7. Maceo & All The King's Men - Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself Again (6:17)
8. Johnny Pate - Brother On The Run (1:56)
9. Syl Johnson - Concrete Reservation (2:25)
10. Ohio Players - It's A Cryin' Shame (2:21)
11. The Rimshots - Neighbour! Get Your Own (2:52)
12. Maceo & All The Kings Men - (I Remember) Mr. Banks (5:26)
13. Ripple - Get Off (3:17)
14. The Meters - Funky Miracle (2:26)
15. Lee Dorsey - Yes We Can Can (4:49)

CD3
1. The Last Poets - When The Revolution Comes (2:27)
2. Gil Scott Heron with Brian Jackson - The Bottle (5:11)
3. Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up (Live) (3:00)
4. Sir Joe Quarterman & Free Soul - (I've Got) So Much Trouble In My Mind (6:15)
5. The Watnauts - Why Can't People Be Colors Too ? (4:49)
6. Ripple - A Funky Song (3:18)
7. Mickey Murray - Mama's Got The Wagon (2:41)
8. Alvin Cash - Doin' The Ali Shuffle (2:58)
9. Sir Joe Quarterman & Free Soul - Give Me Back My Freedom (3:30)
10. Ike & Tina Turner - Livin' For The City (3:31)
11. Ohio Players - Cold, Cold World (3:43)
12. Pee Wee Ellis - That Thang (2:44)
13. Moody Scott - (We Gotta) Bust Out of the Ghetto (6:12)
14. Backyard Heavies - Soul Junction (3:01)
15. Leroy Hutson - Cool Out (2:57)