Originally released as two separate LPs on Twilight Records: DRESSES TOO SHORT (1968)/IS IT BECAUSE I'M BLACK (1970). This CD features Syl Johnson's first two albums, originally released in the late '60s on the Twilight label. DRESSES TOO SHORT is funky from beginning to end. Anyone unfamiliar with Johnson would do well to give a listen to "Ode to Soul Man," two-and-a-half minutes of unbridled, horn-fueled soul music at full gallop. IS IT BECAUSE I'M BLACK slows things down a bit and focuses on social issues (as indicated by the title). Johnson's version of the Joe South song "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" is a highpoint; he makes the song his own. Along with his recordings for Hi Records (check out either BEST OF THE HI YEARS or THE HI MASTERS), this set affords a wonderful introduction to a great but often overlooked soul singer during one of the early peaks of his career.