(6-CD + 6-7" set) Founded by WDAS program director/deejay Jimmy Bishop in conjunction with Jamie/Guyden Records in 1964, Arctic Records was one of Philadelphia"s most important early soul labels, greatly influencing the subsequent rise of Philly soul.Barbara Mason"s classic Yes, I"m Ready was the label"s biggest seller in 1965; she quickly became Arctic"s flagship artist. Kenny Gamble gained invaluable experience at Arctic, not just as a songwriter and producer but as a smooth-voiced singer. Arctic hosted the Volcanos and the Ambassadors, two of the City of Brotherly Love"s finest male vocal groups, and the sexy, sultry Honey & the Bees. Daryl Hall got his start at Arctic as lead tenor with blue-eyed soulsters the Temptones; Della Humphrey"s debut Arctic single hit when she was barely in her teens.Arctic was an incredibly consistent Philly soul label, from its inaugural issue by the Tiffanys to the stirring Royal Five 45 that closed out Arctic"s release schedule. Artists included Kenny Hamber, Kenny Rossi, Winfield Parker, Herb Johnson, Cindy Gibson, Dee Dee Barnes; Billy Floyd, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.Surely the soul boxed set of the year, Cooler Than Ice contains both sides of every Arctic single, including many that haven"t seen light of day in any format since their original issue nearly 50 years ago. The 120 songs on 6 CDs also include 3 coveted singles by the Rotations and Three Strangers on Arctic"s short-lived Frantic subsidiary. Vinyl aficionados will delight in the half dozen actual 45s created from freshly unearthed tapes in the Jamie/Guyden vaults. Comprehensive track-by-track liner notes include newly conducted interviews with Arctic"s stars, along with full release information and unique historic photos.Arctic Records helped define Philadelphia soul. This box is so cool it"s ice!