Rob Jones reviews soul records from his collection. (Depending on your browser, you may need to click the video play button twice.)
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.
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.
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.
The 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.
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.
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 '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.😄
Moving Violation - Spinnin' Top (1974)
A somewhat forgotten but amazing old '70s record with plenty of soul appeal.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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'.
To be continued...