Best of the Wand Years

Southern soul singer Maxine Brown (not to be confused with the country singer of the same name) scored a few hits in the 1960s but never quite broke through to the big time. Nevertheless, she boasted a sound as strong and soulful as it was sophisticated and subtle. This collection gathers 29 of Brown's finest '60s recordings for the Scepter imprint Wand, including the classic "Oh No, Not My Baby" (later covered by everyone from Rod Stewart to Linda Ronstadt) and plenty of other key '60s singles. The enticing addition of a few previously unreleased tracks (including tunes written for Brown by Otis Redding) will certainly whet collectors' appetites.