Album: Various artists, The Godfather's R&B – James Brown's Productions 1962-67 (BGP)

With many of the late James Brown's most famous recordings rendered almost unlistenable through overfamiliarity, the chance to check out his work producing other artists should provide access to undiscovered gems.

Unfortunately, most of these 22 obscurities prove less than crucial. Indeed, a terrible early version of "I Feel Good" by Yvonne Fair reveals how much work remained to be done. But one can still find some fantastic stuff if you search for it, including funky instrumentals such as "New Breed (Boogaloo)" and ballads such as "I Cried" by Tammy Montgomery.

Pick of the Album: 'Soul Food' by Al 'Brisco' Clark, with JB's killer organ