Since I'm on a James Brown kick, I am surprised at the sound quality between earlier recordings and later ones. Some earlier ones sound near audiophile quality, while others, like, "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" sounds harsh. I try to piece together why no one has done a 100% Stereo, Top 40 US Hits CD compilation, but I gather, since one or more of his hit recordings was recorded in an empty auditorium, his recordings are scattered all over the place!

Sort of like when EMI purchased Capitol Records, they had to contact recording studios throughout the USA and ask if they had any Capitol Records recordings!

Then I read Capitol Records was very sloppy archiving their recordings; store their tapes where they could find a spot, even abandon theaters. Did not amaze me to find a bootlegs or two CD of odd Beatles material!

Best,
John