One of the biggest problems in dealing with Northern soul compilations is that the movement largely prided itself on discovering the most obscure soul classics from the States during the '60s. It provides the casual listener with the daunting challenge of finding out where to begin. While most musical scenes had at least one or two built-in anthems, Northern soul had about three or four thousand to choose from. And with the ever-growing market for reissues flooding over, it makes things even more confusing unless you have a Ph.D. in the history of soul music. The good news is that you can forget this dilemma with Casino Classics, as Goldmine has alleviated the problem entirely. Every single track on here is an obscurity or a rarity, so you don't have to worry about whether or not you are getting a proper education in Northern soul's greatest hits. That's not to take away from the quality of the compilation, as many of the tracks are excellent four-to-the-floor party-starters in the classic Motown vein from artists you probably have never heard of, and never will again. After all, that's part of what makes Northern soul that special, right? ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide