It’s difficult to look past the legacy of Prince when discussing music from Minnesota, but this extensive Numero Group compilation is FULL of pre and post-Purple One joints that really shine the light on the futuristic fusion funk that was happening in the city. Spread over 4 LPs are 32 “slick, black, technologically advanced” sounds from the land of 10,000 lakes, and you get a clear view of the impact the “tight-knit” community had on American dance music by “varnishing futuristic funk with guitar rock’s glamorous sheen” Check out tracks from 94 East, Flyte Tyme, Alexander O’Neal, Mind & Matter collective, Andre Cymone, and more, and the ambitious release is accompanied by a 30,000 word, 144-page hardbound book that details the stories behind the rare, unreleased tracks.

• 32 rare & unreleased tracks from the 1980s Twin Cities boogie/R&B scene
• lavender colored 4xLP vinyl pressing (please note: actual pressing color and packaging may differ from mock-up photo)
• each disc housed in tip-on sleeve w/ deluxe outer box enclosure
• includes 108-page book w/ rare photos + extensive liner notes
• original release year: 2013
• music label: Numero Group 2024

reviewed by donut savage 09/2016