Blood, Sweat & Tears Greatest Hits (Compilation)

Blood, Sweat & Tears were exceptionally accessible given their penchant for being on the musical vanguard—especially between 1968 and 1972, which this auriferous set covers. They were masters at using the textures of their instruments (particularly the horns) and complex arrangements to maintain a strong sense of narrative in song. The music sometimes feels like sonic alchemy. Here you get the Top 40 hits (“You Make Me So Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel,” etc.) alongside “underground FM” greats, such the wondrous Al Kooper raver “I Can’t Quit Her” and a bristly cover of Billie Holiday’s ever-sad “God Bless the Child.”