Cooler Than Ice: The Arctic Records Story

2013 six CD set. Arctic was an incredibly consistent Philly soul label, from it's inaugural issue by the Tiffanys to the stirring Royal Five 45 that closed out Arctic's release schedule. Artists included Kenny Hamber, Kenny Rossi, Winfield Parker, Herb Johnson, Cindy Gibson, Dee Dee Barnes; Billy Floyd, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Surely the soul boxed set of the year, Cooler Than Ice contains both sides of every Arctic single, including many that haven't seen light of day in any format since their original issue nearly 50 years ago. The 120 songs on 6 CDs also include 3 coveted singles by the Rotations and Three Strangers on Arctic's short-lived Frantic subsidiary. Vinyl aficionados will delight in the half dozen actual 45s created from freshly unearthed tapes in the Jamie/Guyden vaults. Comprehensive track-by-track liner notes include newly conducted interviews with Arctic's stars, along with full release information and unique historic photos.