Now an icon not just because he invented Afro-beat but also because his story is a Broadway play, Nigerian bandleader/singer/saxist/agitator Fela Kuti's catalog has been overhauled as with many other late icons. The formula for a Fela jam is simple but compelling: the rhythm section simmers, horns blare, Fela slowly comes in scolding and mocking a political item, followed by an extended call and response with his chorus of wives, all of which goes on for 10 minutes, making for a great formula.

The 12 tracks that fill up the two CDs here show off this style well when it's cooking (as on "Black Man's Cry" and "Everything Scatter") and only disappoint when the groove gets too languid (especially on CD2). For a more consistent Fela comp, seek out the 2000-released import The Best Best of Fela Kuti, or perhaps Knitting Factory's 2009 collection Best of the Black President - and then start exploring his 50+ album catalog.