Rob Jones reviews soul records from his vinyl collection.
Moving Violation - Spinnin' Top (1974)
A somewhat forgotten but amazing old '70s record with plenty of soul appeal. The band originally formed in Cleveland while attending Patrick Henry Junior High School with members Mark Anthony (lead singer), Ulysses Barnes, Enos Scott and Ronald Sims. After recording several singles as the Elements for Saru Records in the early 1970s, they changed their name to the Moving Violation and released 'Spinnin' Top' on Atlantic, changing their name again in the late 1970s to Sonlight. There are a couple of different US demos of this, the other one being the Monarch pressing which is quite easily identified by the different font style and a the 'ST-A-28772-MO' on the middle left of the label. Perhaps not as desirable to collectors as this one, but what a tune on any label design!
Norvells - Why Do You Want to Make Me Sad (1967)
A quality if somewhat underrated Chicago tune which can still be found relatively cheaply. Also released on the Janis label.
Penny Carter – We Gotta Try Harder (1966)
The second of only two records Penny Carter made on the Verve label and an absolutely brilliant tune with an authentic soul classic feel which I've played on the radio on more than one occasion. Penny was a former member of the Masterettes before they changed their name to the Exciters.
Sam and Bill - Come On Show Me (1971)
Sam Davis (who'd replaced Sam Gary by this point) and Bill Johnson's 'Come On Show Me' is one of those great old tunes which unfortunately seems to have slipped into obscurity over the years.
A highly recommended and essential addition to any soul vinyl collection which won't break the bank.
Sugar and Sweet - You Don't Have to Cry (circa 1964)
A recommended if somewhat obscure old R&B belter which seems to have a hugely fluctuating price range nowadays on any of its releases. I've seen it on a couple of other labels (PEP and Morton) and there's also a black S S J label release, plus another version by Baby Lloyd on the old Wolfie label called 'I Refuse to Cry'.
T.I.M. Love - The Lively One (1967)
This was actually J Vincent Edwards who underwent a name change in the US due to potential confusion with a well known actor of the time.
This traditional sounding old soul dancer was also released in the UK as Vince Edwards on United Artists. The flip side of 'I Can't Turn Back Time' (another goodie) on both labels, although I personally prefer this side.
Tempos - Sad, Sad Memories (1966)
Often confused with the earlier Pittsburgh Tempos, this band hailed from Los Angeles, a melting pot of musical talent in the 1960s. The first copy I ever had of this was the later Canterbury label 1967 release as the flip side of 'Countdown Here I Come' and as good as that storming dancer is, I've always preferred this. I believe 'Countdown' received some regional airplay in the US at the time, only to fade into obscurity before its revival here in the UK, where it became so in demand it was quite heavily bootlegged.
'Sad, Sad Memories' was released twice on the Soultown label, but I've always favoured this one as it has the fantastic instrumental on the flip side.
To be continued...