Marvin Gaye - S.O.U.L. Volume 2 (2011)

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.