With more than 27 charting hits, the O'Jays, hailing from Canton, Ohio, before aligning themselves with Philadelphia Soul, got the country dancing with its No. 1 hit "Love Train." Other groovy charters were "Back Stabbers," "I Love Music" and "For the Love of the Money." Most of the songs were produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who were shakers and movers in the Philadelphia sound. These two CDs not only include the hits but more obscure songs such as "Ship Ahoy," "Cry Together" and "Wind Beneath My Wings," performed by O'Jay Eddie Levert and his son, Gerald. — S.I.

TITO PUENTE; "The Complete 78s Vol. I and II" (Bania/Universal) ****

These two, double-CD compilations are sold separately, but together they are, indeed, the complete 78 rpm recordings of the late Latin music pioneer/percussionist Tito Puente. The discs span from 1949-55 and are remastered into some clean and comprehensive but charming mono recordings. "Un Corazon," "Titos Mambo" and "Camina Camaron" are a few of the dance-easy tunes from the first collection, and "Autumn Leaves," "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Batanga" are a couple of sassy works from the second collection. An array of musicians such as Manny OQuendo, Willie Bobo, Marioa Bauza and Garaciela team with Puente to bring out an excellent stroll through the Latin-jazz big-band heyday. — S.I.

LOU REED; "Playlist: The Very Best of Lou Reed" (RCA/Legacy) ** 1/2

Sure this includes New York rock icon Lou Reed's more famous songs, such as "Walk on the Wildside," "I Can't Stand It" and "Vicious." But it doesn't contain anything from his late-career releases. The latest release represented is 1984's "New Sensations" with "I Love You, Suzanne." However, "Sally Can't Dance," and the live versions of "Sweet Jane" and "White Light/White Heat," which were originally recorded with Reed's other band the Velvet Underground, are good bonuses. — S.I.

JOSH ROUSE; "The Best of the Rykodisc Years" (Ryko/Rhinol) *** 1/2

Singer/songwriter Josh Rouse has been writing restless pieces of Americana music for a decade. This two-CD anthology puts his strongest works into one collection. Songs like the driving introspective "Late Night Conversation," the dynamic road-trip anthem "Dressed Up Like Nebraska," the moody "1972" and the comforting "A Song to Help You Sleep," show Rouse's creative lyricism in not only words but also music. This unobtrusive CD, which also features demos and outtakes, can easily be a trusty companion on any extended road trip or a night at home. — S.I.

TOM RUSSELL; "Veteran's Day: the Tom Russell Anthology" (Shout Factory) ****