Assembled by the funk archeologists at Now-Again Records (the reissue label headed by Stones Throw A&R head Egon), Cold Heat is an aptly titled time machine that transports listeners to the late '60s and early '70s ('68-'74, to be exact). While it's unlikely that you've heard of any of these groups, only the most lead-footed wallflower could resist digging these 16 obscure jams. Freaky organs, bold horn arrangements, rubbery bass lines, fuzzed-out guitars, and dance-inducing drums (plus plenty of bongos, congas, tambourines, and handclaps) abound, coming together to create an instant party on pretty much every track. Everything on here is fantastic, but highlights include The Kashmere Stage Band's rollicking cover of Dennis Coffey's B-boy classic "Scorpio," "Free Your Mind" by AMNESTY, the Hustler's Convention–esque "Street Scene" from Leon Mitchison, and The Apollo Commanders' "James Brown Medley."