Nathaniel Mayer

This is simply one of the best soul compilations of the year. Nathaniel Mayer is a recently rediscovered underground soul music legend and (I Want) Love And Affection showcases his entire oeuvre (from 1961 to 1980) on Detroit’s Fortune Records. While the motor city may still be best known for Berry Gordy’s crossover Motown aesthetic, Love And Affection is a vivid snapshot of the city’s hardcore soul sounds. It’s almost impossible to sit still while digging on the proto-funk groove of the title track, while " Village of Love” (later covered by the Detroit Cobras) and "Leave Me Alone” are frenzied classics of garage-y rock and soul powered by high-octane percussion and jagged guitar riffs topped with Mayer’s raw falsetto, which suggests a tougher Smokey Robinson. Even a mellow number like "My Lonely Island” has a riveting urgency and "Mr. Santa Claus (Bring Me My Baby)” will definitely become a new yuletide soul classic. With an extensive 22-page booklet, which includes comments from Mayer, Love And Affection is both a lesson in music history and a guaranteed party starter as well.