Verve Records released it latest installment of the Remixed series on Tuesday, May 27.

The compilation features legendary R&B acts like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Samone and Roy Ayers being remixed by the likes of Diplo, 9th Wonder, Antibalas, and the Cinematic Orchestra to name a few. 

Tracklisting:

1. Dinah Washington “Cry Me A River (Truth & Soul Remix)”
2. Nina Simone “Gimme Some (Mike Mangini Remix)”
3. James Brown “There Was A Time (Kenny Dope Remix)”
4. Marlena Shaw “California Soul (Diplo/Mad Decent Remix)”
5. Nina Simone “Take Care Of Business (Pilooski Remix)”
6. Astrud Gilberto “Bim Bom (Psapp Remix)”
7. Anita O’ Day “Tenderly (Mocky Remix)”
8. Sarah Vaughan “Tea For Two (Chris Shaw Remix)”
9. Patato & Totico “Dilo Como Yo (Antibalas Remix)”
10. Willie Bobo “Evil Ways (Karriem Riggins Remix)”
11. Roy Ayers “Everybody Loves The Sunshine (9th Wonder Remix)”
12. Ella Fitzgerald “I Get A Kick Out Of You (Cinematic Orchestra Remix)”

Al Green, “Lay It Down” (Blue Note)

By Amy Linden/The Associated Press

If Al Green’s “Lay It Down” sounds familiar, it should. Much like his 2003’s comeback CD I Cant Stop, this is an homage to and re-creation of Green’s ‘70s glory days. That’s when the quintessential love man, with producer Willie Mitchell, delivered classics like “Let’s Stay Together,” and “Call Me” that inspired millions: That apparently included James Poyser and The Roots Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, who, (with Green) produced this joyful if somewhat uneven CD.
The intentions are good. Green’s vocals are still sanctified and sexy - witness the slinky “I’m Wild.” Likewise the mournful title track, “No One Like You” shout out to Green’s 1972 gem “Love And Happiness,” and the proliferation of Hammond B3 organs makes this an old school dream; which is part of the problem.
While no one is expecting Lil Wayne on the hook, the participation of stylists like Thompson and Poyser - along with fellow acolytes John Legend and Anthony Hamilton (who almost steals the jazzy “You’ve Got The Love”) - implied that Green’s trademark sound might be guided into a new direction. Not doing so doesn’t make “Lay It Down” any less soulful- it just makes it a bit too safe.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: Buoyed by guitars with a juke joint twang and a finger-popping chorus, Green preaches about the transcendent power of love on “Standing in the Rain.”