Ann Sexton "You're Gonna Miss Me" 1973-1977

Sublime work from Ann Sexton – a mix between the deep soul of some of the rough country divas, and the smoother sound of northern singers like Barbara Mason! This CD's got 20 great tracks that she recorded for Sound Stage Seven, including funky stuff like "You're Losing Me", plus great polished ballads like "I'm His Wife, You're Just a Friend", which was her entry into the Barbara/Shirley "Woman to Woman" series of response songs. Great stuff – and with titles that include "You Got To Use What You Got", "Color My World Blue", "Come Back Home", "Loving You Loving Me", and "Be Serious". (Out of print.)  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.Just like her contemporary Ann Peebles, Ann Sexton may have been a little late for her own best. Singing conservative, yet funky, Southern soul in the '70s seems to have meant being overshadowed by disco, funk, and slick Philly soul, and she only released one album. Compared with Peebles, Sexton is far less known, one of her more successful songs making it to number 47 on the R&B charts. The present Charly compilation is probably her only available album, but it should include most of what she has released, making it one of few collections deserving the epithet "important." Unfortunately, there are some unnecessary flaws to it. The credit list is quite erroneous, and there is a strange omission in the tracks selection: Sexton's excellent version of "It's All Over But the Shouting" is left out, and even if there were more songs too choose from, such a choice would be a sin. That said, Ann Sexton is a both funky and emotional singer, as she proves in the intensive "You're Losing Me." This is also the only track written by her, which is a shame since it is one of the absolute gems of the album. On the whole, the album is a bit ballad-heavy, but that lets Sexton play out her full and rich emotional register. She shows almost painful tragic qualities in "I'm His Wife, You're Just a Friend," trying to convince her man's mistress that she doesn't stand a chance, and the contrasting and uncomplicated longing of "I Want to Be Loved" is simply beautiful. The album does contain some lightweight numbers, probably inevitable considering Sexton's limited catalog, but also a number of excellent dance tracks, like "You've Been Gone Too Long," which became a hit on the Northern soul scene in the '90s. (Allmusic)

trax:

01 I had a fight with love (and I lost) 02 I'm His Wife, You're Just A Friend 03 You got to use what you got 04 Colour my world blue 05 I Want To Be Loved 06 You've been doing me wrong for so long 07 Who's Gonna Love You 08 You Can't Win 09 Love, Love, Love 10 You're letting me down 11 You've Been Gone Too Long 12 Come Back Home 13 Keep on holding on 14 Loving You, Loving Me 15 You're Gonna Miss Me 16 If I work my thing on you 17 You're Losing Me 18 Sugar Daddy 19 Be Serious 20 Have A Little Mercy

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The J.J. Jackson Share! served by Gyro1966...

J.J. Jackson "The Greatest Little Soul Band In The Land" '69

Long before Luther Vandross or Heavy D, J.J. Jackson was the original overweight lover, and on The Greatest Little Soul Band in the Land he celebrates his mass and his ass with "Fat, Black and Together," a truly heavyweight funk jam that is the highlight of this gritty, soulful LP. According to the liner notes, the record represents Jackson's attempts to fuse soul with jazz, and with the aid of bassist Larry Steele and keyboardist Chris Parren he achieves a sound recalling Ray Charles' most deeply funky outings, complete with big band-inspired horn arrangements. Of course, Jackson's raw, impassioned vocals remain the centerpiece of The Greatest Little Soul Band in the Land -- his rendition of Sam Cooke's oft-covered "A Change Is Gonna Come" is particularly effective, articulating the poignancy and pleading desperation of Cooke's message with uncommon depth. (Jason Ankeny, Allmusic)

trax:

01 Tobacco Road 02 Tenement Halls 03 J.J.'s Bag 04 In The Same Old Way 05 A Change Is Gonna Come 06 Fat, Black And Together 07 Win, Lose Or Draw 08 That's Woman Loving Her Man

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The J.J. Jackson Share! served by Gyro1966...

J.J. Jackson "The Great J.J. Jackson" '66

A killer album by the justly described Great JJ Jackson – and one that's been a darn tough one to find over the years! The leadoff cut is JJ's amazing single "But It's Alright", a slammin' soul track that always stops us dead whenever we hear it – which isn't often enough! The rest of the material is excellent too, and there are lots of nice tracks like "I Dig Girls", "Courage Ain't Strength", "Too Late", "Try Me", "Down But Not Out", Sho Nuff (Got A Good Thing Going", and "Four Walls". He's equally adept at uptempo soul and more ballad inflected tunes – great stuff all the way! The Collectors Choice CD version includes 8 bonus tracks, effectively encapsulating his Warner recordings of the mid 60s! Bonus tracks include "You've Got Me Dizzy", "Come See Me (I'm Your Man)", "Give Me Back To Love", "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", "Love Is A Hurting Thing", "Boogaloo Baby" and more. 20 tracks in all.  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.J.J. Jackson may be remembered for just one song, but that tune was a doozy -- "But It's Alright" was a tight, hard-grooving bit of Northern soul (so Northern it was actually recorded in England) with a swinging and swaggering vocal from Jackson, and it was catchy enough to become a major hit in 1966 and then hit the pop charts again in 1969. The Great J.J. Jackson was released after "But It's Alright" became a hit for the second time, and combines four songs from Jackson's 1966 debut album (imaginatively called But It's Alright) with eight newer tracks. Funkier and more psychedelic-influenced sounds may have been making their presence known at the end of the '60s, but Jackson was a man devoted to old-school soul, and the tone of this album is consistent despite the three years separating the two batches of material. Jackson's vocals suggests he learned more than a little from Otis Redding, and while his songs and the arrangements reflect the East Coast R&B sound (with some Motown around the edges), he wasn't afraid to add a good portion of Southern grit to his performances, and the results offer up the best of both worlds. Jackson was also a strong songwriter even if he never came up with another number quite as emphatic as "But It's Alright" (he even borrowed a bit of its melody for "Four Walls [Three Windows and Two Doors]"), and there are a few songs here that by all rights should have been hits, including "Too Late," "Try Me," and "Down But Not Out." For their 2009 reissue of The Great J.J. Jackson, Collectors' Choice Music included the eight songs from 1966's But It's Alright that didn't make the cut for the 1969 edition (among then "The Stones That I Throw," an early Robbie Robertson composition that predates the Hawks' evolution into the Band), effectively giving fans both albums built around Jackson's biggest hit. The original release was already a top-shelf soul session, and in expanded form this is arguably the definitive J.J. Jackson collection.(Mark Deming, Allmusic)

trax:

01 But It's Allright 02 Try Me 03 That Ain't Right 04 You've Got Me Dizzy 05 A Change Is Gonna Come 06 I Dig Girls 07 Come And See Me (I'm Your Man) 08 The Stones That I Throw 09 Give Me Back The Love 10 Ain't Too Proud To Beg 11 Love Is a Hurting Thing 12 Boogaloo Baby 13 Let It Out

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The J.J. Jackson Share! served by Gyro1966...

Johnny Adams "Chasing Rainbows…" The Tan Canary - New Orleans Soul 1969-1981

A massive look at the lost years of southern soul singer Johnny Adams – 2CDs worth of music that bring together a wealth of tracks recorded between his initial years on SSS International Records, and his later revival in the 80s on Rounder! These cuts all appeared on much more obscure albums – records issued by the Chelsea, Ariola, and Hep Me labels – none of which ever got much exposure back in the day, but which are wonderfully pulled together here to capture these lost years in Johnny's career! In a way, this material may be some of the best that he ever recorded – as it's got a sense of poise and maturity, but also feels somewhat relaxed and intimate – that stronger sort of sophistication that was bubbling in the undercurrent of southern soul as the 70s moved on. Adams' vocals are impeccable throughout – often crackling with a nice sort of rasp, even when the backings are tight or smooth – and titles include "The Image Of Me", "Chasing Rainbows", "I Can't Believe She Gives It All To Me", "After All The Good Is Gone", "Night People", "Memories", "Stand By Me", "I Can't Be All Bad", "Too Much Pride", "Nothing Takes The Place Of You", "Give Me A Chance", "I Don't Wanna Cry", "Baby Baby I Love You", and "I'll Never Fall In Love Again".  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.

trax disc 1:

01 After All The Good Is Gone 02 Somewhere 03 Selfish 04 She's Only A Baby Herself 05 Chasing Rainbows 06 I Can't Believe She Gives It All To Me 07 The Image Of Me 08 Stay With Me And Stay In Love 09 One Fine Day 10 It's Been So Long 11 Spanish Harlem 12 It's Got To Be Something 13 It Only Rains On Me 14 Night People 15 Memories

16 Put It Off Till Tomorrow.mp3

trax disc 2:

01 Baby, Baby I Love You 02 Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You 03 Give Me A Chance 04 I Don't Wanna Cry 05 I'll Never Fall In Love Again 06 Nothing Takes The Place Of You 07 Share Your Love With Me 08 Who Will The Next Fool Be 09 Your Love Is All I Need 10 Stand By Me 11 Bells Of St. Mary 12 White Christmas 13 I Can't Be All Bad 14 Too Much Pride 15 Born To Love You 16 Just Call Me Darling

...Many Thanks to clash for the Johnny Adams share! served by Gyro1966...

"The History Of American Folk" Songs Of Hope And Struggle

These 75 recordings are songs of hope and struggle sung by a collection of pioneers of US folk. Highlights include contributions from Odetta, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, The Kingston Trio, Leadbelly and many more all time favourites. All tracks have been digitally remastered for optimum listening.trax disc 1:

1. Tom Dooley - The Kingston Trio 2. John Brown's Body - Pete Seeger 3. Little Black Train - Woody Guthrie 4. Sail Away Ladies - Odetta 5. The Wreck Of The Old '97 - Cisco Houston 6. Wildwood Flower - The Carter Family 7. The Boll Weevil - Ramblin' Jack Elliott 8. Frankie And Johnnie - Pete Seeger 9. Black Snake Moan - Lead Belly 10. Greenback Dollar - Woody Guthrie 11. Strange Fruit - Josh White 12. On Springfield Mountain - Burl Ives 13. The Frozen Logger - The Weavers 14. The Old Chisholm Trail - Cisco Houston 15. Keep On The Sunny Side - The Carter Family 16. Live The Life - Josh White 17. Chilly Winds - Odetta 18. Hard, Ain't It Hard Ramblin' - Jack Elliott 19. I've Been Working On The Rail Road - Pete Seeger 20. Easy Rider - Lead Belly 21. Everglades - The Kingston Trio 22. Timber - Josh White 23. Oh! My Darlin Clementine - The Weavers 24. I Know Where I'm Going - Burl Ives 25. Scarlet Ribbons - Harry Belafonte

trax disc 2:

1. We Shall Not Be Moved - Pete Seeger 2. Big Rock Candy Mountain - Burl Ives 3. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine - The Weavers 4. The Bluetail Fly - Lead Belly 5. This Land Is Your Land - Woody Guthrie 6. I Gave My Love A Cherry (The Riddle Song) - Josh White 7. So Long (It's Been Good To Know You) - The Weavers 8. Where Did You Sleep Last Night? - Lead Belly 9. House Of The Rising Sun - Woody Guthrie 10. John Henry - Josh White 11. On Top Of Old Smoky - The Weavers 12. Frog Went A-Courting - Pete Seeger 13. The Cowboy's Lament (Streets Of Laredo) - Burl Ives 14. Rock Island Line - Lead Belly 15. Wanderings - Josh White 16. Grand Coulee Dam - Woody Guthrie 17. If I Had A Hammer - The Weavers 18. Worried Man Blues - Burl Ives 19. The Fox - Pete Seeger 20. Santy Ana - Odetta 21. I Ride An Old Paint - The Almanac Singers 22. Along The Colorado Trail - The Weavers 23. Mule Skinner Blues - Ramblin' Jack Elliott 24. Darlin' Cory - Burl Ives 25. Goodnight Irene - Lead Belly

trax disc 3:

1. Alabama Bound - Odetta 2. Billy Boy - Burl Ives 3. Bring Me L'il Water, Sylvie - The Weavers 4. Brown Eyes - Woody Guthrie 5. Old Blue - Ramblin' Jack Elliott 6. The Ballad Of Rodger Young - Burl Ives 7. Jack O' Diamonds - Odetta 8. Sometime - Josh White And Brownie McGhee 9. John Hardy - Lead Belly 10. Fare You Well, Polly - Pete Seeger 11. Ezekiel Saw The Wheel - Cisco Houston 12. Pastures Of Plenty - Woody Guthrie 13. Lonesome Traveller - The Weavers 14. He Lies In The American Land - Pete Seeger 15. Old Dan Tucker - Burl Ives 16. Midnight Special - Lead Belly 17. Another Man Done Gone - Odetta 18. Like A Natural Man - Josh White 19. Pretty Boy Floyd - Ramblin' Jack Elliott 20. Ox Driver's Song - Pete Seeger 21. Bury Me Beneath The Willow - Woody Guthrie & Cisco Houston 22. Aunt Rhody - Burl Ives 23. Eerie  - Burl Ives 24. Glory, Glory - Odetta 25. Wasn't That A Time - The Weavers

...served by Gyro1966...

"Rockin' In Wisconsin" The Cuca Records Story Vol. 3

While much of the music business had outgrown 50s-based rock’n’roll by the early 60s, it seems that Wisconsin was caught in a rocking time warp of pre-1960 sounds. This is no bad thing, as the bulk of the 30 tracks here are spirited slabs of wigged-out R&R and rockabilly from local combos who were never destined to become household names. With Presley, Holly and Cochran as reference points, the Cuca label opened its doors to the likes of Larry Phillipson, Jimmy Dawson (aka Dixie Drifter) and Dave Kennedy, who rocks up Jimmy Reed’s Peepin’ & Hidin’. Groups varied from the doo wop of The Supreme Four’s I Love You Patricia, The Fendermen’s Mule Skinner Blues (here in its original Cuca version) and The Five Chords’ Red Wine, which almost has a Madness feel to it. The nearest Cuca came to hit factory New York pop was Ronnie Premier’s So Loved Am I, but his other tracks (notably Meet Me By My Locker) are more in the rocking groove. There is a lot to discover here, and the fine booklet will help give chapter and verse. (Record Collector)

trax:

1. Bitter Feelings - Larry Phillipsson & The Larry Lee Trio 2. Rocky Road Blues - The Muleskinners 3. Bad News - The Rhythm Rockers 4. Love Trap - Ronnie Premier 5. Meet Me By My Locker - Ronnie Premier 6. Rockin' Fool - The Monterreys 7. Say Mama - The Grand Prixx 8. Gonna Take My Guitar - Bobby Hodge 9. Little Hero - Jimmy Dawson (Dixie Drifter) 10. No, No - Kenny Bee & the Plainsmen 11. Red Wine - The Five Chords 12. Daisy Mae - The Five Chords 13. I Love You, Patricia - The Supremes Four 14. You're Alright - Kenny King & The Be Bops 15. Mule Skinner Blues - The Fendermen 16. What's All This? - Bob Mattice & The Phaetons 17. Peepin' And Hidin' aka Baby What You Want Me To Do - Dave Kennedy & the Ambassadors 18. I Might Have Known - The Teen Kings 19. Little Baby - Ray Kannon & The Corals 20. I'm Wondering Now - Larry Phillipsson & The Larry Lee Trio 21. Aw Shucks - Robin Lee & The Lavenders 22. Orbit Rock - The Orbits 23. Mama Say Blue - Larry Dowd with First Garrison 24. Never Gonna Let Him Go - Karen Wells & The Black Knights 25. I'm So Blue - Unknown Artist 26. So Loved Am I - Ronnie Premier 27. Little Sheila aka She, She Little Sheila - The Darnells 28. Jingle Jump - Danny Peil & The Tigers 29. I'm Movin' On - Dick Hiorns with Jimmy Sun & the Radiants 30. Janice - The Fendermen

...served by Gyro1966...

The Haywoods "High Time" 2000

This is one of the CDs that puts the fun in owning a rockabilly station..." Don Freeman, Rockabilly Radio.Out of Northern California come The Haywoods, one of the best rockabilly bands around. This rockin' quartet is composed of Jack Reilly Lewis (vocals/acoustic guitar), Jason Finley (electric guitar), Reverend Thomas Campbell (drums), and Sonny Carl (upright bass), and has a fresh, drivin' sound.trax:

01 Til I Get My Fill 02 Cash # 03 Ain't No Love 04 Gypsy Woman Blues 05 Hound Dog 06 Shadows 07 Coal Train Movin' 08 Drivin' Around 09 Don't Cha Lie To Me 10 In Love With You 11 Take Your Picture Down 12 Rock On 13 High TIme

The Persuaders "Thin Line Between Love And Hate" 1971

Thin Line Between Love & Hate is a landmark album – one of the greatest harmony soul albums of the early 70s! The title cut is one you'll know instantly – as "Thin Line Between Love & Hate" is one of those soul classics that never gets old – and the rest of the album's equally great, with a sublime mix of rough and sweet that the group was never able to duplicate again. The sound is incredible – with arrangements by Richard Poindexter, and backings by the group Young Gifted & Bad, who often use a bit of vibes behind the vocals, which makes for a really cool sound! (Dusty Groove)

trax:

01 Thin Line Between Love And Hate 02 Let's Get Down Together 03 Blood Brothers 04 You Musta Put Something In Your Love 05 Thanks For Loving Me 06 Love Gonna Pack Up (And Walk Out) 07 If This Is What You Call Love (I Don't Want No Part Of It) 08 Mr. Sunshine 09 Thigh Spy 10 Can't Go No Further And Do No Better

...served by Gyro1966...

Derek Martin "Take Me Like I Am" The Roulette Recordings - 65-71

A massive discovery in soul from the 60s – rare work from singer Derek Martin – an ultra-sophisticated cat who recorded a number of singles for the Roulette label, but who never issued a full length set! This package is the first-ever to look at Martin's mighty talents – and it's a wonderful tribute to this singer, whose sound is almost beyond description. At one level, Derek seems to have the poise and class of Chicago icemen – like Jerry Butler or Walter Jackson – but at another, he's also got a deeper soul approach too – especially as he soars out on the more uptempo numbers on the set. The package features 21 Roulette singles by Martin, plus tracks originally intended for his unissued LP – and as an added bonus, the set also features 4 bonus tracks for the Buttercup label from the early 70s. (Dusty Groove)

trax:

01 You better go 02 You know 03 Your daddy wants his baby back 04 I won't cry anymore 05 Bumper to bumper 06 Don't resist 07 Breakaway 08 Take me like I am 09 Hold on to someone 10 I can't take it no more 11 Baby, what changed your mind? 12 Come on in 13 After all is said and done 14 We have lived before 15 What greater love? 16 On a magic carpet ride 17 Grow grow grow 18 Just one more time 19 Flashback 20 Hold On 21 Where there's smoke there's fire 22 You blew it baby 23 Moving hands of time 24 Your love made a man of me 25 I got to chase that dream

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Derek Martin Share! served by Gyro1966...

The Modulations "It’s Rough Out Here" '75 (2012 Expanded)

A righteous group soul classic from the 70s – the one and only album from The Modulations, and a lasting classic that almost beats the multiple album runs of some of their contemporaries! The group's a southern harmony quartet at their core, but they also get some really great backings on the set – a Philly vibe that really matches the best work from the Gamble & Huff stable, but with more of an indie vibe too – fitting for the Buddah Records placement of the set. The record features studio help from Norman Harris, Vince Montana, and Bobby Eli – whose work on the record helps link the style to the righteous grooves of groups like Soul Generation or True Reflection – both a good comparison to The Modulations too! Titles include "It's Rough Out Here", "I Found Love At Last", "Those Were The Best Days Of My Life", and "I'll Always Love You". (Original pressing – cover has a cut out hole and small promo sticker. One corner of the cover is slightly bumped. Vinyl is great!)  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.trax:

01 rough out here 02 head on collision with heartbreak 03 love at last 04 i'll always love you 05 i'm hopelessly in love 06 i can't fight your love 07 worth your weight in gold 08 those were the best days of my life 09 share what you got keep what you need 10 what good am i 11 your love has me locked up 12 i can't fight your love (7_ version) 13 worth your weight in gold (7_ version) 14 somebody's been messin'

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

"Lights Out" The Doré Records Story 1958-1962

Doré Records was an American record label set up in 1958 in Los Angeles by Lew Bedell and Herb Newman. The label was an offshoot of Era Records and was designed to exploit the burgeoning rock'n'roll market. Lew Bedell continued to run Doré Records until shortly before his death in 2000. Although he was never to recapture the success of those heady years of the late Fifties and early Sixties, this compilation stands as a testimony to his abiding love of rock'n'roll music. (Record Runner)An offshoot of Lew Bedell and Herb Newman's Era Records (well documented on the CD "Era Northern Soul" [Kent 405 ]), Dore was created in 1958 purely for catering to the nascent rock 'n' roll market. Although the Teddy Bears (with Phil Spector) delivered one of the label's first (and best known) hits, To Know Him is To Love Him, in 1958, how successful the label was at tapping the rock 'n' roll market is open to debate. Most of the artists on this collection are obscure to most people who are not collectors; the names that stand out include Jan & Dean (who recorded their early sides, including Baby Talk, here), Billy Joe & the Checkmates (aka Ernie Freeman and friends), John & Judy (with John Walker, later of the Walker Brothers), The Raindrops, Johnny Day, and Tony Casanova. The music here is on the order of doo wop, pop, pop-rock 'n' roll, and pop country. Still, this set will appeal to aficionados of the label and early rock 'n' roll fans. (GMC)

trax disc 1:

1. Lights Out - Johnny Days 2. To Know Him Is To Love Him - The Teddy Bears 3. Boogie Woogie Feeling - Tony Casanova 4. Every Once And A While - The Debonaires 5. Stompin' Sh-Boom - The Dories 6. Look for a Star - Deane Hawley 7. Baby Talk - Jan & Dean 8. Be Mine or Be a Fool - Chuck Miles & The Styles 9. As I Live from Day to Day - The Brentwoods 10. I'll Never Be A Fool Again - Deane Hawley 11. Goofin' Around - Glen Glenn 12. A Casual Look - Chris Darlin 13. Hideout - John & Judy 14. Tear Down The Wall - Billy Saint 15. She Goes Oonka Chicka - The Premiers 16. Rockin' Round The Mountain - The Capers 17. Eddie Can I Park In Your Lot - Sharon Mason 18. Percolator Twist - Billy Joe & The Checkmates 19. We Go Together - Jan & Dean 20. Crazy Dance - The Von Gayles

trax disc 2:

1. There's A Girl - Jan & Dean 2. Hold Back The Dawn - The Debonaires 3. Hey There - Deane Hawley 4. Fifteen Only Fifteen - Donna Lee Anne 5. I've Thought About Living - Frankie Lee 6. Wonderful Lovable You - The Teddy Bears 7. After School Rock - The Baritones 8. Why This Feeling - John & Judy 9. Midnight Star - The Brentwoods 10. Ring A Ding Ding - The Tides 11. Maybe - The Raindrops 12. Young Lovers - Bobby Mell 13. The Twirl - The Von Gayles 14. Too Far To Turn Around - The Creators 15. Little Love Of Mine - Claudia & The Crystals 16. The Blob - The Zanies 17. White Tennis Sneakers - Jan & Dean 18. The Rumour - Julian Rose 19. Showdown - Tony Casanova 20. Where Is My Angel - Deane Hawley

trax disc 3:

1. Bossman - Deane Hawley 2. Someday - Cam Morris 3. Clementine - Jan & Dean 4. Love Is Like A Mountain - The Raindrops 5. Yes Master - The Whips 6. I Loved Him So - The Dories 7. An Invitation To A Party - The Dimples 8. There Is Something On Your Mind - Lil' Ray 9. Come Softly To Me - Ronnie Height 10. Summer's End - Billy Cliff 11. Pretty Little Mary - Deane Hawley 12. This Is Your Life - Claudia & The Crystals 13. I Could Just Die - Bee Gee Kay 14. Chicken Spaceman - The Tides 15. Cindy - Jan & Dean 16. How Much - The T-Shirts 17. Doin' Time - Ronnie Cook With Julian & The Diamonds 18. Don't You Worry My Little Pet - The Teddy Bears 19. Dedication time - Bobby Mell 20. Maxie's Melody - The Cruisers

...served by Gyro1966...

"Schoolhouse Funk" Stage Bands, Lab Bands, & A Toast To The Boogie!

A compilation that truly defines the term "old school," Schoolhouse Funk takes diggin' in the crates a few steps further -- into high school auditoriums, gymnasiums, and talent shows. Yes, most of these '60s and '70s funk/jazz standards appear to come direct from the collections of proud parents. A gent by the name of Motorcycle John put this together in tribute to all the platters pressed up to raise funds for new instruments, carpeting in the band hall, etc. (Odds are good that there's some DJ Shadow involvement, as this was released through his Solesides label.) Rather than cut up the renditions into a turntablist melange, you get the whole deal. "Black Roots," "The World Is a Ghetto," and "Chameleon" each appear in full, hashed out by teenage amateurs, sometimes with surprising success. True, you might hear an unintentional Ayler homage here and there, and the version of "Cisco Kid" that's turned into a right-on double dutch chant might feature some strained upper registers, but the dedicated spirit is definitely present from top to toe. The MC interludes are a treat, too. The theme of the DHS Trojans' 1980 Spring Talent Show -- "A Toast to the Boogie" -- takes the subtitle of this compilation. Each of "the DHS Dancers" get a big intro from the boisterous MCs, replete with funky accompaniment (check the incidental raygun "piew-piew" zaps, last heard at a roller jam or the Gong Show episode of What's Happening). As expected, the dancers from the class of 1980 (seniors!!!) are the real crowd pleasers, emitting the biggest responses from the crowd. Don't worry -- the kids of 1981 and 1982 get their due, too. Other classic songs receiving recognition from these true "young lions": "Red Clay," "Camel Back," and a stone-cold "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey." (Allmusic)

trax:

01 Intro 02 Black Roots 03 Thing Medley _ I Made A Mistake 04 KCOR Variations 05 Cisco Kid 06 The World Is A Ghetto 07 Funky Beat 08 Scorpio 09 Funky Side Of Town (Instrumental) 10 Nine Monks 11 Second Half Intro _ Red Clay (Reprise) 12 Camel Back 13 Sudsy (Soul Pride) 14 A Toast To The Boogie 15 Emergency 16 Chameleon 17 Give It Away 18 Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey. 19 Loose Booty 20 The Newborn Hippopotamus / Jazz Rock Machine 21 Outro 22 Mothership Connection (Star Child)

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

"Listen, Whitey!" The Sounds of Black Power 1967-1974

Some of the most righteous recordings ever issued – a rich batch of soul, funk, rock, and spoken word tracks from the boldest era of African American empowerment! The set does a great job of mixing together classic cuts and overlooked nuggets – all of which bring forth the message of the times with energy that's far more direct, and far more powerful than some of the more easygoing songs of the Civil Rights era – a musical shift that follows the cultural one documented in the book of the same title! The collection and notes are done by Pat Thomas – who wrote the Listen Whitey book – and he's done a really amazing job of picking just the right selections, and finding a way to make them all resonate together beautifully – in ways that only increase the focus and strength of their message. Titles incude "Free Bobby Now" by The Lumpen, "I Ain't Black" by Kain, "Free Huey" by Stokely Carmichael, "Invitation To Black Power (parts 1 & 2)" by Sahid Quintet, "Woman Of The Ghetto (live)" by Marlena Shaw, "Who Will Survive America" by Amiri Baraka, "Winter In America (solo version)" by Gil Scott Heron, "I Hate The White Man" by Roy Harper, "Dem Niggers Ain't Playing" by The Watts Prophets, "Tim Leary" by Eldridge Cleaver, and "Angela" by John Lennon & Yoko Ono.  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.Listen, Whitey! The Sounds of Black Power 1967-1974 takes its title from the B-side of a 1972 Folkways release -- a half-hour documentation of reactions to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Anyone offended or amused by the title should consider what might prompt the exclamation. The disc was released around the same time as an accompanying 200-page book that is rich with photos, record-sleeve scans, and text. Much of the music covered in the book, such as Detroit's Tribe organization, Eddie Kendricks' People...Hold On, and Kuumba Toudie-Heath's Kawaida, does not appear on the disc, but there is a bounty of rare material, none of which should ever be inaccessible again. Three selections come from Motown subsidiary Black Forum, including Stokely Carmichael's "Free Huey" -- an excerpt from a 1968 speech that covers the genocide of Native Americans, defense of activist H. Rap Brown, and "patience with our people" as a means of empowerment -- and the phenomenal song "Until We're Free," recorded by Elaine Brown a year prior to her becoming the leader of the Black Panther Party. Many other prominent figures, including the in-exile Eldridge Cleaver and the pointedly humorous Dick Gregory, along with pioneering firebrand groups the Last Poets and Watts Prophets, are present with other highlights. Tributes to George Jackson and Angela Davis, from Bob Dylan and John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band, as well as the un-ironic "I Hate the White Man" -- from English folk musician Roy Harper -- represent the contributions from non-black sources. This disc, containing a thick booklet full of images and illuminating text (provided by author and compiler Pat Thomas), is a crucial piece of U.S. history that is deeply resonant in the present. The same thing can be said of the book. (Allmusic)

trax:

1. Invitation to Black Power (Parts 1 & 2) - Shahid Quintet 2. Free Huey - Stokely Carmichael 3. Silent Majority (Live at Newport) - Eddie Harris & Gene McDaniels 4. Until We're Free - Elaine Brown 5. George Jackson (Acoustic) - Bob Dylan 6. Dem Niggers Ain't Playing - Watts Prophets 7. Woman of the Ghetto (Live at Montreux) - Marlena Shaw 8. Black Power - Dick Gregory 9. I Ain't Black - Kain 10. I Hate The White Man - Roy Harper 11. Winter in America (Solo Version) - Gil Scott-Heron 12. Tim Leary - Eldridge Cleaver 13. Angela - John Lennon & Yoko Ono 14. Free Bobby Now - The Lumpen 15. Die Nigga!!! - The Original Last Poets 16. Who Will Survive America - Amiri Baraka

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

Ebony Rhythm Band "Soul Heart Transplant" The Lamp Sessions '69

Heavy funk from the Indy scene of the late 60s – the lost album by one of the funkiest combos in the Midwest! Ebony Rhythm Band have an incredible sound that seems to take the heavy bottom of New Orleans Funk and merge it with the trippier elements of Detroit psychedelic soul – no surprise, considering they hailed from Indianapolis, a point about halfway between the two cities! The tracks on the set have a really great tripped-out groove – using lots of guitar and organ over heavy rhythms, in a style that's a bit like the Meters at times – but a lot freer flowing. The album features 2 tracks that formed the basis of one of the group's singles – plus a lot more that were never issued at the time, including a few by other incarnations of the combo! Titles include "Soul Heart Transplant", "Ode To Billie Joe", "Light My Fire", "Vanilla Fudge", "Get Yourself Together", "Drugs Ain't Cool", "Fool Am I", and "It's Too Late For Love". CD contains the bonus alternate version of "Light My Fire".  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.trax:

01 Soul Heart Transplant 02 Light My Fire 03 Ode to Billy Joe 04 Vanilla Fudge 05 Drugs Ain't Cool 06 Get Yourself Together 07 The Thought of Losing Your Love 08 Can I Call You Baby 09 It's Too Late For Love 10 Fool Am I 11 Light My Fire (Alt.)

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

"Signifying" Funky Organ Grooves From The Big Apple 65-71

16 tasty tracks of soul jazz organ – played by some of the leading lights of the Prestige stable, like Jack McDuff, Freddie Roach, Trudy Pitts, and others! Very nice selection of tracks – and titles include "Trip On The Strip" by Stan Hunter & Sonny Fortune, "Soul Power" by Groove Holmes, "First Gravy" by Leon Spencer, "Johnny Hammond Boogaloo" by Johnny Hammond Smith, "Take Five" by Trudy Pitts, "Sing A Simple Song" by Charles Earland, and "Walk On By" by Jack McDuff. (Out of print.)  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.With 16 songs and 77 minutes of music, this compilation of 1965-71 Hammond organ soul-jazz from the Prestige vaults is not only excellent value, but so well-selected as to rate among the finest soul-jazz compilations. Jack McDuff is the only name that will be immediately familiar to many general listeners; most of the disc is dedicated to lesser-known talents in the same vein, including Johnny "Hammond" Smith, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Charles Earland, and more obscure names like Freddie Roach, Trudy Pitts, Don Patterson, and Leon Spencer. What elevates this above some similar anthologies is the focus upon cuts with really sharp, funky riffs, along with intelligent programming that provides a greater variety than you'll find on most soul-jazz comps. Highlights are hard to isolate in such strong company, but Trudy Pitts' suave run-through of "Take Five," Jack McDuff's propulsive "601 1/2 No. Poplar," Earland's furiously fast-paced "Milestones," and McDuff's incandescent version of "Walk On By" (arranged by Benny Golson) are standouts. (Richie Unterberger, Allmusic)

trax:

1. Spacious - Freddie Roach 2. Johnny Hammond Boogalo - Johnny "Hammond" Smith 3. Soul Power - Richard "Groove" Holmes 4. Take Five - Trudy Pitts 5. 601 And A Half No. Poplar - Jack McDuff 6. Getting Up - Johnny "Hammond" Smith 7. Trip On The Strip - Stan Hunter & Sonny Fortune 8. Here It Is - Johnny "Hammond" Smith 9. One Track Mind - Freddie Roach 10. Sing A Simple Song - Charles Earland 11. Ain't That Peculiar - Richard "Groove" Holmes 12. Satisfaction - Don Patterson 13. Uptight - Don Patterson 14. Milestones - Charles Earland 15. First Gravy - Leon Spencer 16. Walk On By - Jack McDuff

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

"Brunswick Lost Soul" Vol. 2

15 more extremely rare tracks from the vaults of Brunswick Records, many not previously available on CD in the U.S., including rarely heard singles from Isaac Hayes and Little Richard.Soul up your sound system and blast (these) exquisite soul rarities from one of the most important R&B companies of Chicago soul's golden age. This double-decker treasure chest offers up thirty urban nuggets from some of soul's biggest names as well as the deliciously obscure. I'm looking forward to more. --Felix Hernandez of KISS and WBGO Radio, NYC
A wonderful and lovingly compiled collection of 1960's/1970's Chicago Soul, that combines outstanding early recordings from famous artists such as the Chi-Lites, Isaac Hayes and more plus outstanding recordings from artists who should have become famous. If you are a person who appreciates GREAT SOUL MUSIC simply based on its musical merit, then this collection is essential for you to own. --Bob Davis of Soul-Patrol.com
Some true gems from the Brunswick vaults make these collections essential for R&B and soul music fans everywhere. Some really great tracks by artists like Little Richard, The Artistics, Isaac Hayes and more! --David Nathan, Founder, SoulMusic.comtrax:

1. It's Gonna Be Good - Johnny Jones & The King Casuals 2. Burning Touch Of Love - Billy Butler 3. Baby It's Time - Marshall & The Chi-Lites 4. Just A Little Misunderstanding - Johnny Williams 5. Baby (Why Can't You Hear Me) - Otis Leavill 6. Since You've Been Gone - Major Lance 7. You Are - Bobby Reed 8. I Want Something To Remember You By - Marvin Smith 9. Talk A Lilttle Louder - Wales Wallace 10. Karate Boogaloo - Emperors 11. How Can You Say Goodbye - Sidney Joe Qualls 12. Sweet Temptation - Isaac Hayes 13. Once You Fall In Love - Eddie McLoyd 14. Easy Evil - Walter Jackson 15. Try Some Of Mine - Little Richard

...Many thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

Jackie Wilson "You Got Me Walking" '71 (Brunswick LP)

One of Jackie Wilson's great little albums recorded on the Chicago scene – part of that key second chapter of his career, when he really started reinventing his sound with the groove of the Windy City! Wilson's working here with help from Chicago studio talents Rich Tufo, Carl Davis, Willie Henderson, and Eugene Record – and Jackie's voice is as sweet as ever, very well suited to the loping soul groove that Record and Davis were forging at Brunswick! Tracks include "The Girl Turned Me On", "Love is Funny That Way", "The Fountain", "You Got Me Walking", and "You Left The Fire Burning". Moves way past the cliches of earlier days, with many interesting applications of Jackie's unique vocals!  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.Produced by Chicago soul producer Carl Davis, You Got Me Walking was one of Jackie Wilson's best albums. As usual with Davis/Wilson collaborations, Motown's studio band the Funk Brothers were on hand to lay down their tight grooves. Written by the Chi-Lites' Eugene Record, the funky, loping single "You Got Me Walking" strutted up to number 22 R&B on Billboard's charts in early 1972. An earlier single, the tender "Love Is Funny That Way," charted in late 1971. Wilson's gospel roots are on full display on Record's rollicking, honking "The Fountain." Other standouts are the majestic "Forever and a Day," the swinging, brassy "Hard to Get a Thing Called Love," and the charting single "The Girl Turned Me On." (All music)

trax:

01 You Got Me Walking 02 What A Lovely Way 03 You Left The Fire Burning 04 My Way 05 Try It Again! 06 Forever And A Day 07 The Girl Turned Me On 08 Hard To Get A Thing Called Love 09 Love Is Funny That Way 10 The Fountain

...Many thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

"Another Saturday Night" Classic Recordings from The Louisiana Bayous 1990

Loosely described as a Cajun compilation, the discerning listener will also detect some Rhythm & Blues, Two-Steps and Waltzes all of which is dominated by Ace Records' favourite instrument - the accordion!This was Oval's first album in 1974, and although we no longer control the rights to its material, Another Saturday Night belongs on our site as the first milestone in our journey. Almost all of the tracks were licensed from Jin and Swallow Records, an independent label based in Ville Platte, Louisiana, whose founder-owner Floyd Soileau made us very welcome on our scouting trip in 1972. At the time, there had never been an album released in the UK which combined French language Cajun music (featuring fiddles and accordions) with South Louisiana pop (sung in English and featuring saxophones, piano and electric guitar). In much the same way that the soundtrack album of The Harder They Come introduced a new audience to reggae, Another Saturday Night opened the door for UK listeners to the music of Louisiana. Biggest Hits: The song that attracted most interest was the Cajun version of Chuck Berry's 'Promised Land', sung by Johnnie Allan and featuring an accordion break by Belton Richard. Released as a single, 'Promised Land' was play-listed by several commercial stations including Capital Radio in London. By cruel coincidence, Elvis Presley's version of the same song was released a few weeks later to tie in with his fortieth birthday, and it was never going to be a fair fight. In 1980, we reissued Another Saturday Night with additional tracks. and put 'Promised Land' out as a single again, this time with 'Sweet Dreams' by Tommy McClain on the other side. Clyde Radio in Glasgow made 'Sweet Dreams' the theme music of a late night show, and we sold over 5,000 copies in that one city. Stiff Records joined us for one more try in 1983, and invited Johnnie to come over for a promotional trip. Once more, we came close to a hit, but never made it onto the charts. Total UK sales for 'Promised Land' over the ten years were over 20,000, while the album sold over 10,000 in the same period.

trax:

01. BEFORE I GROW TOO OLD - Tommy McLain 02. I'M A LONESOME FUGITIVE - Belton Richard 03. TRY TO FIND ANOTHER MAN - Tommy McLain & Clint West 04. JOLE BLON - Vin Bruce 05. I CRIED - Cookie & The Cupcakes 06. OH LUCILLE - Belton Richard 07. WHO NEEDS YOU SO BAD - Gary Walker 08. DON'T MESS WITH MY MAN - Margo White 09. OPELOUSAS SOSTAN - Rufus Jagneaux 10. THE GREAT PRETENDER - Carol Fran 11. ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT - Clint West 12. ANOTHER SLEEPLESS NIGHT - Belton Richard 13. THE PROMISED LAND - Johnnie Allan 14. TWO STEP DE BAYOU TECHE - Austin Pitre 15. SWEET DREAMS - Tommy McLain 16. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO - Cookie & The Cupcakes 17. LAISSER LES CAJUNS DANCER - Belton Richard 18. IF YOU WANT GOOD LOVIN' - Donnie Jacobs 19. DOWN HOME MUSIC - Rufus Jagneaux 20. GEORGIE LOU - Cajun Gold

The Haywoods "Drinkin' Cryin' & Moanin'" (MONO) 1999 + "Rockin' By The Bay" 1998 EP

Following the release of a 4-song EP about a year ago, the debut album from the Santa Cruz-based Haywoods is a strong example of the energetic hillbilly-influenced brand of rockabilly tending to predominate on the West Coast during much of the past decade.With most of the album's 14 songs written by lead vocalist Chad Silva and lead guitarist Johnny Munnerlyn, the band seems particularly fond of the classic Sun records of the '50's. Silva's vocals and songs, in particular, are more than a little reminiscent of the late Carl Perkins, with the occasional nod to other Sun vets such as Johnny Cash ("Broken Hearted," in structure, if not in sound), Warren Smith and Billy Lee Riley. Bassist Rich D'Amore and drummer Rick Tahira provide a rock-solid rhythm section, particularly on the Munnerlyn's instrumental "Chicken Lickin'." - Reviewed by Jon Johnson

trax:
1. You Burn Me Up 2. Drinkin' Cryin' & Moanin' 3. Waitin' On You 4. Broken Hearted 5. One Warm Beer (And Half a Pack of Smokes) 6. Bird of a Different Feather 7. Lonesome Road 8. Evil Love 9. Why Can't You Be True 10. I Lost You 11. Downtown 12. Chicken Lickin' 13. She Treats Me Nice 14. Tell Me
…originally served by Gyro1966...

Wormtone Records presents The Haywoods on 7" vinyl, containing FOUR big songs on one record, including "Rockin' by the Bay"
traxfromwax:
1. big iron wheels 2. the way i rock 3. rainy day rockin' 4. the real thing
…originally served by Gyro1966...

Jackie Wilson "This Love Is Real" '70 (Brunswick LP)

Wonderful work from Jackie Wilson's years on the Chicago scene – a time when the singer was able to really find a way to put his excellent vocals to great new use – stretching out here with sublime production from Carl Davis, and backings from the great Willie Henderson! In his early years, Jackie's vocals were great, but the setting wasn't always perfect – yet by the time of his classic album, he's definitely corrected that lack – by working with some sublime studio talents, and a host of great songwriters too. The tunes have this hip style that really lets Wilson loose – not entirely in Curtom mode, but maybe with some of the more mature themes that were also showing up in the work of Gene Chandler or Jerry Butler at the time. Titles include the sublime hit "This Love Is Real (I Can Feel Those Vibrations)" – plus "Think About The Good Times", "Love Changed Her Face", "Say You Will", "Love Uprising", "Let This Be A Letter (To My Baby)", and "Don't Leave Me".  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.By the time of the release of This Love Is Real, it seemed that Chicago soul producer Carl Davis had the hit formula for Jackie Wilson down pat. He'd recruit Motown's James Jamerson, Earl Van Dyke, Benny Benjamin, and the rest of the Funk Brothers and combine their dynamic interplay with a top-notch song from his stable of talented songwriters. It had worked with Wilson's comeback hit "Higher and Higher and was still working some three years later. The effervescent single "(I Can Feel Those Vibrations) This Love Is Real" charted on Billboard in late 1970, becoming a steppers classic. The pop ballad "Love Is Funny That Way" broke the R&B Top 20. Wilson's impressive vocal prowess is showcased on "Let This Be a Letter (To My Baby)" and "Love Uprising," both written by the Chi-Lites' Eugene Record. The ethereal "Think About the Good Times" features an outstanding instrumental break that features fluid wah-wah guitar, dazzling bass runs, and otherworldly sound effects supplied by engineer Bruce Swedien. (Allmusic)

trax:

01 (I Can Feel Those Vibrations) This Love Is Real 02 Don't Leave Me 03 Where There Is Love 04 Let This Be A Letter (To My Baby) 05 Love Uprising 06 Working On My Woman's Heart 07 Didn't I.mp3

08 Love Changed Her Face 09 Working On My Woman's Heart 10 Say You Will

...Many thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

"Brunswick Lost Soul" Vol. 1

15 extremely rare tracks from the vaults of Brunswick Records, many not previously available on CD in the U.S., including a rarely heard Little Richard single.Soul up your sound system and blast this one. These are exquisite soul rarities from one of the most important R&B companies of Chicago soul's golden age. From sweet to the big beat, this double-decker treasure chest offers up thirty urban nuggets from some of soul's biggest names as well as the deliciously obscure. Just my kind of compilation! I'm looking forward to more. --Felix Hernandez of KISS and WBGO Radio, NYC. A wonderful and lovingly compiled collection of 1960's/1970's Chicago Soul, that combines outstanding early recordings from famous artists such as the Chi-Lites, Isaac Hayes and more plus outstanding recordings from artists who should have become famous. If you are a person who appreciates GREAT SOUL MUSIC simply based on its musical merit, then this collection is essential for you to own. --Bob Davis of Soul-Patrol.com
Some true gems from the Brunswick vaults make these collections essential for R&B and soul music fans everywhere. Some really great tracks by artists like Little Richard, The Artistics, Isaac Hayes and more! --David Nathan, Founder, SoulMusic.comtrax:

1. Do The Whoopie - Sugar Pie DeSanto 2. Your Love Controls My World - Johnny Williams 3. Come Over To My Side - Billy Butler 4. Stay With Me Baby - B.W. & The Next Edition 5. Hold On - Marvin Smith 6. Tell Me - Rocky Roberts & The Airedales 7. Lonely Street - The Admirations 8. You Brought Out The Good In Me - Otis Leavill 9. Wrong Number - Lee Charles 10. You Left Me - The Artistics 11. Do The Tighten Up - Major Lance 12. Chip Off The Old Block - Johnny Jones & The King Casuals 13. Baby Don't You Tear My Clothes - Little Richard 14. Getting Nowhere Fast - Floyd Smith 15. Where The Lilies Grow - Sidney Joe Qualls

...Many thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

Jackie Wilson "Higher And Higher" '67 (Brunswick Mono LP)

Driven by Jackie Wilson's biggest latter-day hit, "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," this 1967 LP offers great performances (from vocalist and band) and a variety of material. Though original LPs surely aren't the best place to start for Wilson, fans of the nearly irresistible Brunswick sound will find much here to like, from the propulsive "You Can Count on Me" and "Open the Door to Your Heart" to the classy Impressions-style "When Will Our Day Come" and the ballad "Those Heartaches." Wilson's performances are excellent as usual, making Higher and Higher one of the better original albums of his career. (Allmusic)A wonderful little album from Jackie Wilson – one that helped him redefine his sound and save his career! Jackie's earlier work for Brunswick was a mish-mash of styles that ranged from raw R&B to smooth supper-club jazz to silly novelty numbers, all of which had gotten pretty stale by the mid 60s. Elsewhere at Brunswick, though, things were really popping during the time – as Carl Davis was turning the label's Chicago offices into a hotbed of soul, forged in the newer hipper styles of the Chisoul scene. Davis got Wilson into the Chicago scene for this album – had him working with arranger Sonny Sanders and director Gerald Sims – to create a wonderful batch of strident soul tunes that perfectly embody the loping Chisoul groove that was Davis' real legacy in soul music during the 60s. The prime example of this is the title cut "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher" – which became a runaway hit that put Wilson back on the map I the soul business. The rest of the album's just as great, though, and includes loads of solid numbers like "Soulville", "I've Lost You", "Those Heartaches", and "I'm The One To Do It". (Dusty Groove)

trax:

01 (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher 02 I Don't Need You Around 03 I've Lost You 04 Those Heartaches 05 Soulville 06 Open The Door To Your Heart 07 I'm The One To Do It 08 You Can Count On Me 09 I Need Your Loving 10 Somebody Up There Likes You 11 When Will Our Day Come

...Many thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

"The Story Of Brunswick" - The Classic Sound Of Chicago Soul

Great compilation covering the years 1957 (Jackie Wilson's fantastic "Reet Petite") to 1975 (The Chi-Lites "You Don't Have To Go"). The musical genres covered range from early R'n'B, big band jazz, bluesy rock, pop-soul, out and out disco, sweet soul & funky stuff. Many will know of Lionel Hampton (jazz vibes player from the big band era) Little Richard & Count Basie but may be surprised to see them on what became known as a 'soul music' label. More obvious artists include Gene Chandler with his catchy "Nothing Can Stop Me" and his distinctive voice and Jackie Wilson's classic "Higher & Higher" and "Sweetest Feeling". Barbara Acklin contributes several nice 'pop soul' tracks such as "Am I The Same Girl" covered by Swing Out Sister in the early 90s. She also, whilst working as a receptionist at Brunswick, co-wrote several massive hits for the label's top selling act The Chi-Lites, including their massive hits "Have You Seen Her". "Too Good To Be Forgotten" and "You Don't Have To Go". Out and out 'foot stomping' disco music came from Hamilton Bohannon & is represented here by 2 tracks including "Disco Stomp", with its powerful beat & striped down sound. Its hard to see an obvious 'Chicago Sound' but this double CD contains 45 tracks all of which are listenable & some of which are simply great like "Son Of A Preacher Man" by Erma Franklin completely up staging Dusty Springfield! A very entertaining & informative collection, well worth buying. (MJ King, Dusty Groove)

trax disc 1:

1. Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson 2. Lonely Teardrops - Jackie Wilson 3. Baby Workout - Jackie Wilson 4. Wack Wack - Young Holt Trio 5. Wrapped, Tied & Tangled - LaVern Baker 6. Nothing Can Stop Me - Gene Chandler 7. I'm Gonna Miss You - The Artistics 8. Hold On - Marvin Smith 9. (I'm Just A) Fool For You - Gene Chandler 10. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher - Jackie Wilson 11. Girl I Need You - The Artistics 12. Hang On Sloopy - Count Basie 13. Come On Over To My Side - Billy Butler 14. The Who Who Song - Jackie Wilson 15. Baby Don't You Tear My Clothes - Little Richard 16. I Get The Sweetest Feeling - Jackie Wilson 17. Love Makes A Woman - Barbara Acklin 18. I'll Bet You - Billy Butler 19. From The Teacher To The Preacher - Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin 20. You Keep Me Hangin' On - Jackie Wilson 21. To Sir With Love - Barbara Acklin 22. There Was A Time - Gene Chandler 23. You Brought About A Change In Me - Jackie Wilson 24. Anywhere But Nowhere - Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin

trax disc 2:

1. I Get The Sweetest Feeling - Erma Franklin 2. Follow The Leader - Major Lance 3. Son Of A Preacher Man - Erma Franklin 4. Baby Boy - Fred Hughes 5. I Love You - Otis Leavill 6. Am I The Same Girl - Barbara Acklin 7. Sweeter As The Days Go By - Major Lance 8. Light My Fire - Erma Franklin 9. The Sly, Slick, And The Wicked - The Lost Generation 10. Turn Back The Hands Of Time - Tyrone Davis 11. Turn Back The Hands Of Time - Lionel Hampton 12. Funky Chicken - Willie Henderson & The Soul Expressions 13. Love Uprising - Otis Leavill 14. (For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People - The Chi-Lites 15. Have You Seen Her - The Chi-Lites 16. Oh Girl - The Chi-Lites 17. Homely Girl - The Chi-Lites 18. Too Good To Be Forgotten - The Chi-Lites 19. The Pimp Walk - Hamilton Bohannon 20. Disco Stomp - Hamilton Bohannon 21. You Don't Have To Go - The Chi-Lites

...Many thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

The Spinners "2nd Time Around" '70

Pre-Philly magic from The Spinners – a wonderful early album recorded for Motown – done with a heady Detroit sound that's quite different than their later work in the 70s! The album already has the group sounding amazing on the harmonic tip – definitely a cut above the groups that came before them – with that brilliant Spinners ability to harmonize heavily while still hitting a groove! Arrangements are by Paul Riser, Wade Marcus, and David Van DePitte – all of whom keep things full, but never overblown – presenting music with a perfect polish for the group, but in quite different ways than the later Philly groove. Titles include the classic original version of "It's a Shame", plus "My Lady Love", "Souly Ghost", "Ooh Child", "In My Diary", "My Whole World Ended", "I've Got To Find Myself A Brand New Baby", "Bad Bad Weather", and "Pay Them No Mind".  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.The Spinners' 2nd Time Around (1970) was actually their debut long-player for the short-lived V.I.P. subsidiary of Motown Records. The "Second Time" referred to in the title indicates the quintet's new direction, which was considerably funkier than the group's former R&B persona. The album likewise marked the final contributions of G.C. Cameron, who himself was the latest in a line of replacements that began when George W. Dixon made way for Edgar "Chico" Edwards in 1961. However, by the time the combo had become part of the Motown roster, Edwards' spot was filled by Cameron. The Stevie Wonder-penned "It's a Shame" became The Spinners' first Top 20 hit of the decade. It paved the way for the torrent of soul-pop crossovers that would follow with the arrival of Philippe Wynne in 1972 and the band's fortuitous collaborations with Thom Bell. There are definitely sounds and shapes of things to come throughout, including the effortlessly traded lead vocals on "It's a Shame," "(She's Gonna Love Me) At Sundown," and the testifying groove during "Souly Ghost." They also demonstrate their substantial harmonies on "Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music" and their particularly poignant blends on "Bad, Bad Weather (Till You Come Home)," "Pay Them No Mind," and especially the midtempo ballad "My Lady Love," which could be mistaken for the Temptations in their mid-'60s prime. "O-o-h Child" -- which the Windy City-based Five Stairsteps took to the Top Ten in June of '70 -- is given a distinctly Motown vibe, bearing the sonic earmarking of noted Hitsville U.S.A. arranger Paul Riser. "In My Diary" is a throwback to the Spinners of old, with a nod to their carefully crafted doo wop style and suitably matched string section. A further comparison to the vintage Temptations is inevitable as The Spinners' take of "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)" equals -- if not possibly surpasses -- David Ruffin's more familiar version, and students of the Motown sound should keep listening for Jack Ashford's propulsive percussion. 2nd Time Around closes with a medley of "Can Sing a Rainbow" and "Love Is Blue," a pairing that initially surfaced on the Dells' Love Is Blue LP, which they took into the Top 30 pop survey in June of 1969. (Lindsay Planer, Allmusic)trax:

01 it's a shame 02 i've got to find myself a brand new baby 03 together we can make such sweet music 04 bad, bad weather (till you come home) 05 pay them no mind 06 my lady love 07 souly ghost 08 o-o-h child 09 in my diary 10 my whole world ended (the moment you left me) 11 (she's gonna love me) at sundown 12 can sing a rainbow _ love is blue ...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

Allen Toussaint "The Wild Sound of New Orleans Piano" '58

These dozen sides represent Allen Toussaint's earliest solo recordings for RCA Records circa 1958. Toussaint was essentially discovered by Danny Kessler -- an early version of what would now be considered an A&R man. It was during another artist's studio time -- featuring Toussaint as the accompanying pianist -- that Kessler first heard and approached Toussaint to prepare a few instrumentals of his own. On January 29, 1958, Toussaint (piano) was joined by a local crew that included Alvin "Red" Taylor (baritone sax), Nat Perrilliat (tenor sax) or Lee Allen (tenor sax), either Justin Adams (guitar) or Roy Montrell (guitar), Frank Fields (bass), and Charles "Hungry" Williams (drums). As intimated above, the precise personnel has long been debated. Kessler produced an outing that yielded the infectiously up-tempo blues "Whirlaway" and the Ray Charles-inspired gospel-meets-barrelhouse-meets-swing title "Happy Times." Kessler turned the pair into a locally successful single and was so encouraged by the results, less than a month later the same assemblage gathered to record the remainder of what would be the Wild Sound of New Orleans (1958). The soulful "Up the Creek" is a dark waltz with Toussaint's stirring keyboard runs emphasizing the haunting refrain. On the opposite side of the emotive spectrum, the hearty "Tim Tam" is impelled by Williams' hard and heavy backbeat with Allen blowing his lungs out. Another contrast follows with the whimsical "Me and You." The melody is decked out with a classy early 20th century pop standard feel, while all the more striking is the percussive accompaniment replicating a tap-dancer doing an old soft shoe. Immediately, Toussaint's expressive keyboarding on "Bono" and "Nashua" give props to the performance style of Professor Longhair before settling into their respectively catchy, mid-tempo rhythms. The horns have plenty of room to strut their proverbial stuff and the syncopation of the latter immediately brings Mardi Gras to mind. Perhaps the best-known tune among the lot is the jaunty "Java," which took on new life thanks to a chart-topping remake by Al Hirt. The trumpeter turned it into his unofficial theme song, ultimately making a 30-plus-year career out of it. "Wham Tousan" and "Pelican Parade" each quickly rev up to full throttle with the saxes taking on and going head-to-head with Toussaint's rollicking runs up and down the 88s. (Lindsay Planer, Allmusic)

trax:

01 Whirlaway 02 Up The Creek 03 Tim Tam 04 Me and You 05 Bono 06 Java 07 Happy Times 08 Wham Tousan 09 Nowhere to Go 10 Nashua 11 Po' Boy Walk 12 Pelican Parade

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

Bernard Purdie "Purdie Good" '71 + "Shaft" '73

This two-fer reissue of his two 1971 solo albums Purdie Good/Shaft is a pounding demonstration of why Bernard "Pretty" Purdie was considered one of the premier "funky drummers" of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The set opens with a cracklin' cover of James Brown's standard "Cold Sweat" and includes other pop covers such as "Everybody's Talkin'" and a thumping, purely instrumental version of Isaac Hayes' "Theme From Shaft," with a dash of reggae sun splashed in from "Montego Bay." According to the liner notes (the originals from Purdie Good), Purdie patterned the bands on this release (which included pianists Harold Wheeler and Neal Creque, guitarists Billy Nichols, Ted Dunbar and Lloyd Davis, bassist Norman Edwards and Norman Pride on congas) after the soul/rock stylings of Blood Sweat & Tears. If that's truly the case, the collection pulsates and burns with soul/rock fire that thoroughly and absolutely eclipses Purdie's original inspiration. This is the sound of funky jazz from the end of the 1960s, so funky and swinging it just about dares you to stand still and not dance. (Allmusic)2 funky classics from the legendary Pretty Purdie! Purdie Good is Bernard Purdie's first album as a leader for Prestige – cut right after he'd hipped up plenty of other sessions for the label with his famous funky drums! The groove here is very much in the best Prestige jazz funk mode of the early 70s – tightly vamping rhythms that draw heavily from Purdie's monstrous drums – and which also offer solo showcase space for Harold Wheeler on electric piano, Ted Dunbar on guitar, Tippy Larkin on trumpet, and Charlie Brown and Warren Daniels on tenor. Rhythm is augmented by Gordon Edwards on Fender bass and Norman Pride on congas – and the grooves hit a variety of modes that show that Purdie could sometimes be a more open-thinking rhythmatist than his funky contemporary Idris Muhammad. Titles include great instrumental versions of "Cold Sweat" and "Montego Bay", plus the originals "Wasteland", "You Turn Me On", and "Purdie Good". Shaft is a full funky session from master drummer Bernard Purdie – a set that expands out his previous Prestige vibe, and almost goes for a soundtrack scope to match the record's Shaft title! The set leads off with a great take on the Isaac Hayes hit – one that follows in the same fully-flowing, slow-building mode as Ike's – but which comes across here as an instrumental with some great solo work from Houston Person – playing here almost in a Stanley Turrentine sort of mode! Other tracks continue the hip mix of jazz and larger backings – and feature a lineup of players that includes Neal Creque on electric piano, Gerry Thomas and Danny Moore on trumpets, Willie Bridges and Houston Person on tenors, Billy Nichols and Lloyd Davis on guitars, Gordon Edwards on Fender bass, and Norman Pride on congas. The sound is warm without ever sounding too smooth – and Purdie's funky drums at the bottom ensure that most tunes are nicely lively. (Dusty Groove)

trax:

01 Cold Sweat 02 Montego Bay 03 Purdie Good 04 Wasteland 05 Everybody's Talkin' 06 You Turn Me On 07 Theme From Shaft 08 Way Back Home 09 Attica 10 Them Changes 11 Summer Melody 12 Butterfingers

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

Allen Toussaint "From A Whisper To A Scream" '70

Kent Soul has done an exceptional job in remastering and reissuing Allen Toussaint's classic sophomore long-player -- which was known simply as Allen Toussaint -- and the "bonus" selection, a vocal-less blues-meets-funk titled "Number Nine." When these songs first surfaced circa 1970, Toussaint (piano/vocals) had become a decade-long veteran of the New Orleans' Crescent City soul movement. Under his own name as well as the pseudonym of Naomi Neville, he was a composer, producer, and even a recording session musician. He left a trail of influential R&B titles that would resound back across the pond in the form of cover versions by the likes of the Rolling Stones ("Pain in My Heart"), the Yardbirds ("A Certain Girl"), and the Who ("Fortune Teller"), along with countless others. Toussaint's uncanny musical malleability resulted in a diverse yet solid second solo outing. He is supported by Mac Rebennack (organ/guitar) (aka Dr. John), Terry Kellman (guitar), Eddie Hohner (bass), Freddie Staehle (drums), John Boudreaux (drums), Clyde Kerr (trumpet), Earl Turbinton (alto sax), and none other than Merry Clayton (backing vocals) and Venetta Fields -- perhaps the most in demand studio voices of the rock & roll era. The dramatic "From a Whisper to a Scream" perfectly captures the synergy existing between Toussaint's ultra cool delivery and the understated yet piercing lyrical indictment. Other highlights include the pop-oriented, upbeat, and classy "Sweet Touch of Love," the author's interpretation of "Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky" and "Working in the Coalmine." The latter pair were likewise formerly charting sides Toussaint had inked for vocalist Lee Dorsey. Looking forward to the ensuing years, Toussaint garnered sizable clout for providing Bonnie Raitt with "What Is Success." The instrumentals "Either" and "Louie" foreshadow the type of stylish no-nonsense soul that informed his collaborations with the Meters. "Pickles" on the other hand is comparatively jazzier and doused in the revelry of Mardi Gras, complete with a catchy call-and-response. Finally, Toussaint's masterful touch and craftsman-like imprint is evident on the uplifting take of Vince Guaraldi's "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" as he explores alternate textures that lead the melody to some memorable places. While his mid-'70s platters for Warner Brothers may have provided him with additional exposure, this is a sonic touchstone worth repeated examinations. (Lindsay Planer , Allmusic)

trax:

01 From A Whisper To A Scream 02 Chokin' Kind 03 Sweet Touch Of Love 04 What Is Success 05 Working In The Coalmine 06 Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky 07 Either 08 Louie 09 Cast Your Fate To The Wind 10 Number Nine 11 Pickles

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

"THE BIG RUMBLE / KILLER DILLERS" Vol. 5

The last Lp in this wild “Desperate/Greasy Rock ‘n’ Roll” styled series from the 90’s. Great and raw 50’s and 60’s killers!traxfromwax:

1. no reason - The Recalls 2. surfin' crow - The Jades 3. won't somebody love me - The Tunetones 4. goodbye little star - Kenny Baker 5. hey sally mae - The Silvertones 6. rollin' stone - Larry O'Keefe 7. cast iron arm - Johnny Pelvin 8. good show, but no go - Chuck Dallis 9. go, go little queenie - Roy Hall's Alleycats 10. the scavenger - Dick Dale 11. i've got a love - Sonny Deckelman 12. stampede - The Bop Shack Stompers 13. she's mine - Chuck Mills 14. i've got a baby - Clyde Arnold 15. you're just that kind - Little Monty Jones 16. whoo-oeee (and oh so fine) - Charles Jones 17. my babe - Rodger Stafford & The Royal Monarchs

…originally served by Gyro1966...

R.B.Greaves "R.B.Greaves" (Atco LP 1969)

The amazing debut of RB Greaves – a soul singer with a difference! RB struck big with this album on late 60s Atlantic Records – yet despite production at Muscle Shoals, and arrangements from Arif Mardin, the sound here is quite different than most of his contemporaries – and certainly not the southern soul you'd expect! Instead, Greaves goes for a crackling quality that really showcases his trans-American roots – a vibe that's almost like Johnny Nash at points, and has a similar way of embracing a whole host of different sounds at one time – not just late 60s soul, but some other undercurrents of pop, and even some occasional folksy or island flavors as well. The album's standout hit is the legendary "Take A Letter Maria" – a cut that broke big on both sides of the tracks, and which is one of the most compelling story songs of the time. Other tunes include "This is Soul", "Ballad Of Leroy", "Ain't That Good News", "Home To Stay", and "Birmingham Alabama”(Dusty Groove)trax:

01 Always Something There To Remind Me 02 Don't Play That Song (You Lied) 03 Take A Letter Maria 04 Cupid 05 This Is Soul 06 Ballad Of Leroy 07 Ain't That Good News 08 Birmingham, Alabama 09 Home To Stay 10 Oh When I Was A Boy

...Many Thanks To clash For The R.B.Greaves Share! served by Gyro1966...

S.O.U.L. "What Is It" '71 + "Can You Feel It" '72

Incredible work from a group who've definitely earned their name! Naming a group SOUL might be suicide for a band that can't carry off the groove – but these guys are funky monsters, with a real talent for a hard heavy sound that was rarely matched by other combos. The band have a great drummer, with a good talent for the funky break, but also a jazzy flourish that works well on SOUL's mellower numbers – and apart from the usual bass and guitar riffing, the album also features some great funky flute, in a mode that's similar to some of Jeremy Steig's excellent early work. Some tracks have vocals and some have instrumentals – and both albums are great! ACE put together both these masterpieces of heavy funky grooves and laid them back to back on one CD of super-heavy funky tracks. The set's a great deal, and both albums are winners all the way through! Tracks include "Down in the Ghetto", "Burning Spear", "Soul", "Tell it Like It Is", "Peace Of Mind", "My Cherie Amour", and "Sleeping Beauty".  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.

trax:

01 down in the ghetto 02 get ready 03 burning spear 04 express yourself 05 soul 06 message from a black man 07 memphis underground 08 can you feel it 09 tell it like it is 10 do what ever you want to do 11 peace of mind 12 my cherie amour 13 love, peace and power 14 to mend a broken heart 15 sleeping beauty

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

"The Best Of Queen Records 1945-1947"

Early jive based boogie blues from the label that was the precursor to the mighty KING label out of Cincinatti...Fine collection of jump blues, R&B and a bit of jazz recorded for Syd Nathan's Queen label between 1945 and 1947. Syd had started the legendary King label in 1943 to issue recordings of country music. Realizing there was also a market for black music he started the Queen label in 1945. In 1945 he folded Queen into KIng and reissued many of the Queen titles on King with the same numbers. Artists featured here include two bluesmen who got their start in the 1930s - Jimmie Gordon and Johnny Temple. The indefatigable Slim Gaillard is here with three tracks including the unusual but fascinating Travelin' Blues. The Al (Stomp) Russell Trio has the nice topical blues World War 2 Blues with fine vocals and mellow guitar work from Joel Cowan. Other artists include Robie Kirk, David Green (an early reference to "Jodie"), Harry Dial & His Bluesicians, Charlie White & His Orch. (the jivey Pots And Pans +1), Deacon Lem Johnson, The Jubalaires (smooth vocal group), Gay Crosse & His Orch and others. Quite a few of the tracks are pretty "tame" but there is much to enjoy. Sound quality is decent and there is full discographical data though no notes. (FS)

INFO

http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=19712

trax:

1. Rock That Boogie - Jimmy Gordon 2. Where Is The Groove - Robie Kirk 3. Slim Gaillard's Boogie - Slim Gaillard 4. Jodie-Jodie Blues - David Green With Memba Pop Trio 5. Big Foot Sam From Birmingham - Sam Taylor & His Alabama Swingers 6. Wedding Day Blues - Harry Dial & His Blusicians 7. Three Bones - Panama Francis & His Miamians 8. Travelin' Blues - Slim Gaillard 9. Pots And Pans - Charles White & His Orch. 10. World War 2 Blues - Al Russell Trio 11. Let's Go Upstairs - Robie Kirk & His Orch. 12. Walking The Boogie - Deacon Lem Johnson 13. Ain't I Losing You - Ben Holton 14. Yum Yum Yum - Johnny Temple 15. Jube's Blues - The Jubalaires 16. I Like What I Like I Like It - Harry Dial & His Bluesicians 17. Gay's Blues - Gay Crosse & His Orch. 18. Harlem Hunch - Slim Gaillard 19. Takin' Up Where I Left Off - Charlie White & His Orch. 20. Mix The Boogie - Robie Kirk 21. My Heart - Gay Crosse & His Orchestra 22. Sighing Boogie - Slim Gaillard 23. I Believe I'll Go Downtown Again - Johnny Temple 24. Holiday Blues - Al Russel Trio

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Lonnie Johnson "He's A Jelly Roll Baker" 1939-1944 Bluebird

This 20-song collection covers 1930s and '40s material in which Johnson primarily performs blues tunes, doing salty, sassy, mournful, and suggestive numbers in a distinctive, memorable fashion. His vocals on "Rambler's Blues," "In Love Again," the title cut, and several others, are framed by brilliant, creative playing and excellent support from such pianists as Blind John Davis, Lil Hardin Armstrong, and Joshua Altheimer. This is tight, intuitive music in which Johnson set the tone and dominated the songs. If you're unaware of Lonnie Johnson's brilliant blues material, here's an excellent introduction. (Ron Wynn, Allmusic)

trax:

01 Why Women Go Wrong 02 Nothing But A Rat 03 Jersey Belle Blues 04 The Loveless Blues 05 I'm Just Dumb 06 Get Yourself Together 07 Crowing Rooster Blues 08 That's Love 09 Somebody's Got To Go 10 Lazy Woman Blues 11 Chicago Blues 12 I Did All I Could 13 In Love Again 14 The Last Call 15 Rambler's Blues 16 Baby Remember Me 17 He's A Jelly Roll Baker 18 When You Feel Low Down 19 The Victim Of Love 20 Watch Shorty

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Freda Payne "Unhooked Generation" The Complete Invictus Recordings (1969-1973)

Killer soul from Freda Payne – one of the first new powerhouses of the 70s soul scene! Freda broke big early on with the hit "Band Of Gold" – and she was a heck of a talent who worked for Holland-Dozier-Holland's Invictus label to craft some sublime soul gems that ranged from funky grooves to mellow ballads to classy groovers, and a lot more! This 41 track set features all of Freda's recordings for the Invictus label – tunes cut between the years 1969 and 1973, easily her best period – and a great fold-out booklet with notes, discography, and rare photos! Titles include funky classics like "Unhooked Generation" and "The Easiest Way To Fall" – plus loads of other great numbers like "Deeper And Deeper", "Band Of Gold", "Misery's Favorite Child", "Reaching Out", "Goodbye", "Through The Memories Of My Mind", "Two Wrongs Can't Make A Right", "Rock Me In The Cradle", "Love On Borrowed Time", "You Brought The Joy", "Just A Woman", and "He's In My Life".  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.Freda Payne was one of the great female soul singers of the early '70s -- her voice was powerful enough to rank highly among her contemporaries, but what set her apart was her daring material, its consistency, and the wonderful, ambitious production given her by the Invictus label. All of this is apparent on a mere single-disc collection, but for the best appreciation of the full scope of her achievements, the 41-track collection Unhooked Generation: The Complete Invictus Recordings is necessary for any serious soul collection. Though this is a lot to ingest at once, part of the reason for that is that it's dense, layered music; there's a lot going on in the lyrics and music is busy, filled with glorious details that help elevate this music ahead of much of the soul music of the time. As her biggest hits suggest, Payne pushed the subject material of soul further: "Band of Gold" dealt with a marriage falling apart because of male impotence; "Bring the Boys Home" was an anti-Vietnam protest song. This hints at what's covered on the rest of her albums for Invictus, all available here. What's remarkable is how Payne and her team of writers sound fearless throughout these recordings, pushing the boundaries of contemporary soul forward -- even if the songs don't cover new thematic ground, or are merely good generic pieces, there's something in the arrangement, production, or performance that elevates it above its peers. So, while this is a lot of music, it's worth exploring -- music this rich deserves such an exhaustive, loving presentation and any serious soul fan will be well-served by acquiring this. (Stephen Thomas Erlewine , Allmusic)trax disc 1:

01 unhooked generation 02 the easiest way to fall 03 band of gold 04 i left some dreams back there 05 deeper and deeper 06 rock me in the cradle (of your lovin' arms) 07 love on borrowed time 08 through the memories of my mind 09 this girl is a woman now 10 the world don't owe you a thing 11 now is the time to say goodbye 12 happy heart 13 cherish what is dear to you (while it's near to you) 14 i shall not be moved 15 i'm not getting any better 16 suddenly it's yesterday 17 you brought the joy 18 he's in my life 19 you've got to love somebody (let it be me)

trax disc 2:

01 instrumental prelude 02 the road we didn't take 03 bring the boys home 04 odds and ends 05 mama's gone 06 how can i live without my love 07 just a woman 08 come back 09 you're the only bargain i've got 10 we've gotta find a way back to love 11 two wrongs don't make a right 12 rainy days and mondays 13 if you go away 14 right back where we started from 15 mood for love 16 reaching out 17 for no reason 18 the man of my dreams 19 mother misery's favourite child 20 you brought the joy 21 band of gold (alternative version) 22 deeper and deeper (single version)

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...