Posted: Tuesday 26th August 2008

Following Isaac Hayes' recent death, it was inevitable that a record company would cash-in by rush releasing a greatest hits collection. UMTV are releasing a two-disc collection, Ultimate Isaac Hayes: Can You Dig It?, containing 32 of Hayes' hits along with a bonus DVD with three live performances and a music video on. Over his 48-year career Hayes won an Oscar, Grammy awards and a BAFTA. Alongside his music, Hayes was also an actor and provided the voice of Chef in Comedy Central's animated series South Park.

Hayes' most famous work was that for the movie Shaft and several songs from that soundtrack are present here. The collection opens with Theme From Shaft and as it progresses you find Soulsville and Do Your Thing too.

Away from the Shaft soundtrack, Can You Dig It? features radio edits of songs featured on Hayes' experimental Hot Buttered Soul album. These include Hayes' interpretation of the Bacharach classic Walk On By, By The Time I Get To Phoenix and Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic. These songs are considered to be amongst his best work and were recognised as landmarks in soul music.

The second disc of the collection is a mish-mash of cover versions, soundtrack songs and original material. Covers included here are His Eye Is On The Sparrow, Let's Stay Together and I Say A Little Prayer featuring Dionne Warwick. Notable tracks include the funky Disco Connection, Title Theme From Three Tough Guys and the ballad Someone Made You For Me.

If you're looking for a great soul collection then Can You Dig It? may be one of the best out there. Hayes will be greatly missed by fans and contemporaries alike. Remember him at his best with this 32-track collection and enjoy the smooth sound of his remarkable voice.