JAMES BROWN: THE SINGLES, VOL. 2 (1960-1963) (2-CD set)

Following the rough and raw early days recording for the Federal subsidiary of King Records detailed in Volume 1, which featured his earliest hits and many misses, comes the next 2-disc volume in the long and glorious history of James Brown’s many singles.

James Brown: The Singles 1960-1963 charts the beginning of Brown’s chart breakthrough, when “Prisoner Of Love” hit the Pop Top 20, “Night Train” was the party record, and “Lost Someone” was a ballad smash that became the centerpiece of his live show. JB demanded his act become self-contained, and soon the touring circuit was ablaze when James Brown came to town.

One of the reasons for the explosion: Brown was now signed to King. “Mr.[Syd] Nathan [owner of the company] finally realized I was too strong for Federal,” says Brown. “Being on King meant you got more support from the company.”

This new volume documents every 45 – every A and B side – released those three important years. Another highlight among many is the single version of “Bewildered,” Mr. Dynamite’s cover of a No. 1 Perry Como classic that went Top 10 R&B and Top 40 Pop. When it’s over, you may forget anyone else but James Brown ever recorded it.

An amazing bonus on the set: JB’s original demo version of the tune, recorded back in 1958 when Brown and the Famous Flames were about to get dropped by their label. It was cut at the same session as the demo for “Try Me” heard on Volume 1. As with the first set, the booklet includes a detailed track by track overview, with full credits, chart numbers, quotes and anecdotes.

Disc 1 1. The Bells 2. And I Do Just What I Want 3. Hold It 4. The Scratch 5. Bewildered 6. If You Want Me 7. Suds 8. Sticky 9. I Dont Mind 10. Love Dont Love Nobody 11. Cross Firing 12. Night Flying 13. Baby, Youre Right 14. Ill Never, Never Let You Go 15. I Love You, Yes I Do 16. Just You And Me, Darling 17. Lost Someone 18. Night Train 19. Why Does Everything Happen To Me 20. Bewildered (Demo)

Disc 2 1. Shout And Shimmy 2. Come Over Here 3. Mashed Potatoes U.S.A. 4. You Dont Have To Go 5. (Can You) Feel It Part 1 6. (Can You) Feel It Part 2 7. Three Hearts In A Tangle 8. Ive Got Money 9. Like A Baby 10. Every Beat Of My Heart 11. Prisoner Of Love 12. Choo-Choo 13. These Foolish Things 14. (Can You) Feel It Part 1 15. Devils Den Part 1 16. Devils Den Part 2 17. Signed, Sealed, And Delivered 18. Waiting In Vain 19. Oh Baby Dont You Weep Part 1 20. Oh Baby Dont You Weep Part 2