Rob Jones reviews soul records from his vinyl collection.
Afrique - Soul Makossa (1973)
Originally written and recorded by Cameroonian saxophonist and songwriter Manu Dibango in 1972, this somewhat more powerful version by Afrique was my first introduction to the song when I was about 14 years old.
There are a couple of other decent versions worth checking out, perhaps most notably by All Dyrections on Buddah (also released in 1973). Afrique however, was and still remains the best version to my ear. Also released on the US Mainstream label.
Betty Harris - 12 Red Roses (1966)
Out of all Betty's recordings on the Sansu label this one has always stood out for me for its sheer grittiness and real deal soul feel. She also did a great version of 'Ride Your Pony' on the same label which is also worth a listen.
Chairmen of the Board - Let Me Down Easy (1972)
A record I've often referred to as "the missing link" as far as the UK is concerned, as I've never understood what the company could have been thinking when they decided not to release it as a single over here.
The band had a huge UK audience which has since developed into a cult following and this record was certainly one of their best, so perhaps it was a marketing oversight which left fans turning to the US Invictus label to complete their COTB collections - sometimes after only discovering the song's existence in later years.
Damon Shawn - Feel the Need (1971)
Damon Shawn's Westbound 193 cut was actually the first recording of this song to make it to vinyl before the Detroit Emeralds' 1972 Westbound 209 version. Although the backing track is identical, this one has extra backing vocals which I assume were purposely removed for the Emeralds' version when it was retitled 'Feel the Need in Me'.
A great old classic either way though, which judging by its ongoing popularity, will probably go on forever.
Donnie Elbert - I Can't Help Myself (1972)
I've included this for a couple of reasons - not only was it one of the most incredible floor packers ever when it first came out and throughout the ensuing years, but here is the only white demo I've ever seen, which originated in Spain.
Along with the flip side 'Love is Here and Now You're Gone' (titled 'Love is Here and You're Gone' on this copy), the record has always been a sure-fire winner in radio shows and live gig situations alike. In fact, I'd go as far to say if I had a penny for every time I've played this one, I'd have seventeen pounds four shillings and sixpence now. 😄
Kenny Williams - You're Fabulous Babe (1977)
I think it would be fair to say this is a record which somehow lost its true stature when it was hammered to death as the soundtrack of a seemingly endless TV advertising campaign for Fabergé Babe perfume back in the late 1970s.
Take all that away though and you have a very classy, high-quality soul tune which has often been championed by UK broadcaster Pete Schofield in numerous radio shows. Click here to visit Pete's radio station.
Kurtis Scott - No, No Baby (1966)
A brilliant old 100mph (161km/h) dancer which had an instrumental counterpart called 'I'm Doing My Thing' by Soft Summer Soul Strings released on Columbia circa 1969.
Kurtis Scott was actually Kurt Harris, probably best remembered for his 1964 tune, 'Emperor of My Baby's Heart' on Diamond - another song well worth a listen.
Loading Zone - Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead (1968)
Although this particular tune may not be familiar to you at first, it's certainly worth a listen as you will hear from the video.
Released back in March 1968, this obscure and relatively unknown version of the old Marvelettes classic can be found lurking on the flip side of 'Don't Lose Control (Of Your Soul)'. The band came from Oakland, California and consisted of Paul Fauerso (keyboards and vocals), Linda Tillery (vocals), Peter Shapiro (guitar), Steve Dowler (guitar), Bob Kridle (bass) and George Newcom (drums).
Although this particular tune may not be familiar to you at first, it's certainly worth a listen as you will hear from the video.