With Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities, ace label Kent, in the shape of the ever-reliable Ady Croasdell, have compiled a scorching selection of 24 mostly recent northern soul discoveries. The inclusion of Audrey Matthews' simply sublime "I have No Choice" is especially timely, as current plays from newly cut acetates have generated a rapturous reception throughout the scene. Elsewhere, Dan Folger's regret-etched beat ballad, "The Way of the Crowd; the legendary cover-up, "What Happened to Yesterday", by Mr Soul; and the Delfonics falsetto festooned, "You'll Get Enough", top many a "wanted list". However, there is one track that makes this compilation absolutely essential--jazz diva Karmello Brooks' potently crooned "Tell Me Baby". Originally issued on jazz label Milestone in 1966, this self-penned fully orchestrated up-tempo slice of soul alchemy was actually the flip-side. --Chris D King