Unlike
Sony Music
's first
S.O.U.L.
compilation for
Marvin Gaye
, this second volume consists of live material. One wouldn't know from the front, but "Recorded Live" does appear -- in small print -- on the back. This is a budget release, but it's alarming that
Sony
has released such poor product. Evidently a later performance -- it features a version of "Joy" from 1982's
Midnight Love
--
Gaye
is in poor voice and often strains. The recording itself is worse -- passable bootleg quality at best. The sound is muddled throughout and distorted at points, and there are random blasts of odd-sounding crowd noise. Avoid it, unless it's in a pristine jewel case and available for a dime or less. Use the jewel case as a replacement. Recycle the disc and artwork. ~ Andy Kellman