Various Artists: Eccentric Soul - The Prix Label (Vinyl 2xLP)

Three years we told the world about Columbus, Ohio’s secret soul history, Numero returned to the scene of the crime for further exploration. Victim: Clem Price and George Beter’s no-rep custom studio Harmonic Sounds and its Prix imprint. Built around a few stray boxes of demos, including Penny & the Quarters’ uplifting “You And Me”—as featured in the 2010 film Blue Valentine—the balance of this 19-song collection is filled out with thrilling, previously released material by northern souldiers Joe King and the Royal Esquires, funk workouts from O.F.S. Unlimited, Mitch Mitchell & Gene King, the Soul Ensemble, and Chip Willis, dark, brooding deep soul from Marion Black, and heartstopping, salvation-seeking soul by Eddie Ray. Dante Carfagna’s notes provide crucial insight into Prix’s place on the local scene, and the package is illustrated with dozens of photographs, label scans, and a discographical survey of this brief, but brilliant early ’70s label. 2022 reissue.

1. Eddie Ray - Wait A Minute
2. OFS Unlimited - Mystic
3. Mitch Mitchell-Gene King - Never Walk Out On You
4. Joe King - Speak On Up
5. The Royal Esquires - Ain't Gonna Run
6. Eddie Ray - You Got Me
7. Chip Willis & Double Exposure - I'm Gonna Gitcha
8. Mitch Mitchell-Gene King - Can't Get A Nuff
9. The Soul Ensemble - Melon Jelly
10. Eddie Ray - Glad I Found You
11. Marion Black - Listen Black Brother
12. The Royal Esquires - Our Love Used To Be
13. OFS Unlimited - Mister Kidneys
14. Marion Black - Come On And Gettit
15. Joe King - You're My Everything
16. Harmonic Sounds Band - Untitled Studio Moves
17. Eddie Ray - You Got Me (Demo)
18. Penny & The Quarters - You And Me
19. Jay Robinson - You Are Mine
20. Eddie Ray - Wait A Minute (Instrumental)
21. Mitch Mitchell-Gene King - Never Walk Out On You (Instrumental)