‘Scream & Shout!’: A Package of ‘60s Soul

This six-disc boxed set is a knockout, a collection that is frequently as inspired as the soul music it salutes--and the fun begins with the packaging.

The multicolor box is patterned after the compact cases that teenagers in the ‘50s and ‘60s used to store their 45s or carry them to a friend’s house.

In the same nostalgic tradition, the discs are made to look like old 45s, complete with logos that resemble some of the famous soul labels, including Motown and Stax. The approach was conceived by David Gorman and designed by Rachel Gutek.

The set also includes baseball-style trading cards for each of the 144 songs (plus cards for two other acts, Sam Cooke and Sly Stone, for whom recording rights weren’t available). Each card has a photo of the artist, information about the song and a trivia question.

The question on the card devoted to Solomon Burke’s “Got to Get You Off My Mind”: What did Burke do to augment his income on bus tours?

Answer: Set up a kitchen at stops and cook for the other entertainers.

Mostly, of course, the strength of “Beg, Scream & Shout!” is the music itself.

In selecting the 144 songs, the production team of Gorman, Reggie Collins, James Austin and Gary Stewart had two options: assemble the most popular soul hits, or undertake a more adventurous survey of ‘60s soul music.

While the hits concept would have been ideal for the pop fan who is simply curious about soul music’s roots, it would have been weighed down with records that most serious fans already have numerous times in their collections.

So, the producers opted for the comprehensive approach--and the results are delightful indeed.

In another key decision, the production team generally limited artists to one track each. This opened the door for many valuable artists whose work has gone largely unnoticed by mainstream pop fans.

For traditionalists who want the hits, the box offers plenty, including Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (to Stop Now),” Aretha Franklin’s “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone,” Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Friendship Train” and Marvin Gaye’s “Can I Get a Witness.”

But “Beg, Scream & Shout!” adds greatly to its character and range by showcasing more obscure items, such as the Precisions’ “You’re the Best (That Ever Did It),” Jay Wiggins’ “Sad Girl,” Clifford Curry’s “She Shot a Hole in My Soul,” the Showmen’s “39-21-46” and Gloria Jones’ version of “Tainted Love.”

In fact, the producers don’t even pick the best-known tracks by many of soul’s biggest stars. Instead of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles’ “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” the box offers “The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage.”

Similarly, the Jackson 5 are represented by “Who’s Lovin’ You,” which was the B-side of “I Want You Back.” It’s a good choice because young Michael Jackson turns in one of his most extraordinary vocals on the torch number.

By taking this unexpected path, “Beg, Scream & Shout!” serves as a wonderful party item--giving fans just enough of the hits to keep them comfortable and just enough rarities to keep them intrigued. The set is a bull’s-eye for anyone with an ear and heart for soul music.

* Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).