Posted on 07/14/2008
It's important to note that Truth & Soul have been steadily releasing limited edition (read that 2,000 copies or less pressed) 45 singles for several years now. And if you weren't around to cop their scarce product when it dropped…then you probably weren't going to ever get your grubby paws on it. Ever. So it's nice of them to drop these singles compilations: Fallin' Off The Reel Vol. 2 is their second and it offers 16 previously vinyl-only tracks. So if your turntables have gone the way of the garage sale, now's your chance to pick them up in one fell swoop. You'd be a fool not to.

Keep in mind that this isn't a compilation of any one sound or style – instead, Fallin' Off The Reel Vol. 2 showcases the breadth of material and talent available at the label. If you're expecting some fresh new Latin soul, you'll get some. If you're anticipating some more straight forward funk (ie. English-languaged), you'll get some of that, too. There's even some rapping – one track of it, anyways – but there's not a lot of any one sound. Instead, the palette is spread with a variety of flavors, making for several nice slices of delicious sound.

But even if you're focused on finding the best Latin funk available, or are consumed by your search for soul and feel like forgoing everything else, it's still hard to believe that you'll be let down by this disc. Nearly every song is top notch. A few skits, like Quincy Bright's completely bizarre "Big Black Hole," slow the album's roll, but they are few and far between. Instead there are standout tracks like Bronx River Parkway's "La Valla" and "Nora Se Va." (In fact, BRP's four offerings on Fallin' Off the Reel Vol. 2 make this disc worth the purchase alone.) Lee Fields & The Expressions' "My World' And "Love Comes and Goes" are two impeccable soul gems, and "PJ's," with a smooth sounding El Michels Affair and confident Raekwon, is one of the Chef's best appearances in years. With other excellence provided via Black Velvet, Funky Music Machine and Timothy McNealy, there's something on Fallin' Off the Reel Vol.2 for everybody.

There are few sure shots these days, but rest assured this is one of them.

- Mike Gadd