This limited-edition two-disc package covers a decade of seminal soul and creole R&B hailing from the New Orleans-based Minit Records label. The 58 platters within contain both well-known hits as well as more obscure sides, providing the listener with a comprehensive overview of this influential indie moniker. One of the primary proponents of not only Minit, but the entire bayou rhythm and blues scene is the immortal Allen Toussaint. In 1959 he was initially a hired studio multi-task master as the artist was also a writer, producer, and talent scout. After a few regional hits and even more misses, the label's national distribution was dropped by Chess Records, which had made a substantial name for itself as a blues outlet. This prompted a series of behind-the-scene changes, primary among them was the replacement of Harold Battiste as Minit's A&R representative. Enter Toussaint, who not only worked as a liaison between the company and the musicians, he also wrote, produced, and played on a majority of the material released during the halcyon years of 1959 to 1962. During his tenure, some of the more notable sides to be issued included the genre-defining platters "Mother-in-Law" (Ernie K-Doe), "It Will Stand" (the Showmen), "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" (Jessie Hill), "We Had Love" (Eskew Reeder), "I Like It Like That," (Chris Kenner), "Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)" (Benny Spellman), and early Aaron Neville tracks "Reality," "I've Done It Again," and "Over You," among many, many others. But that is only half the story as Minit continued to support up and comers throughout the 1960s. Folks ranging from Ike & Tina Turner ("I'm Gonna Do All I Can (To Do Right By My Man)") and an early incarnation of the O'Jays ("Working on Your Case"), as well as Bobby Womack ("Baby, I Can't Stand It"), all grace the grooves and are represented on The Minit Records Story (1994). The CDs are housed in a clever package replicating the old vinyl 78 rpm albums. The 20-page liner notes booklet contains all pertinent information as well as photos and annotations from Steve Kolanijan. The superior sonics will make audiophiles smile and even casual consumers will be duly impressed by the tremendous booty of hard-to-find boogie. Sadly, this title has not been reissued and used copies have been known to trade hands for a princely sum. That said, the overwhelming value of adding these recordings to any collection far outweighs most reasonable asking prices. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide