SOUL RECOMMENDATIONS MARCH 2015

Review:  The Charmels made a handful of singles, none of which gained much national play. "As Long as I've Got You" originally came out in 1967 and, notably, was the an early product of a collaboration between Isaac Hayes and David Porter. It's a deceptively delicate and melancholy ballad, with its fragile-sounding opening piano melody by the Stax house band falling into a heavy backbeat that gives the sweet voices of The Charmels some rhythmic density. In 1972, The Emotions' members were recording what was supposed to be their third album -- Songs of Innocence/Experience -- but for reasons still not fully explained, Stax chose not to release most of it until years later, on the Sunshine album. Even then, one song stayed in the vault, UNTIL TODAY: a cover of The Charmels' "As Long as I've Got You" which rivals, and even threatens to exceed, the original.

Review: 

Milton Wright's perfect deep Soul classic "Keep It Up" has always been a top shelf record, everything about it is almost flawless! Whether it's Milton's silky vocal delivery, the incessant guitar driven back beat or the total space Funk vibe of his omnipresent ARP-2600 synthesizer this record has it all. Originally released on TK Disco's more Soul and Funk orientated Alston label which was home to many legendary artists and records, this 1975 sunshine classic never fails to make people move. A classic rare groove indeed. "The Silence That You Keep" takes up side-B, a jazzy, flute driven love song that again features Milton's perfect voice and some fantastic arrangement. A real gem of a record, with the original 45 changing hands for over L100 a time in used condition.

This is the first time "Keep It Up" has been re-issued in it's original 45 rpm format with the original Alston label artwork. It's been re-mastered, re-pressed and made available again with the permission of TK Disco / Alston Records, Miami Florida, USA.

Review: Many will be familiar with Milton Wright's Friends & Buddies album, a much-sampled Miami soul classic that's been in demand since its' release in 1975. Intriguingly, that version of the album was Wright's second version; the first slipped out in limited numbers on promo before the master tapes were destroyed in a fire, forcing the artist to re-record it. This, then, is the first release of Wright's original version, rescued from permanent obscurity by Athens of the North. Notably folksier, looser and breezier than the version we've all come to know and love, Original Friends & Buddies sounds more like Terry Callier than Wright's later output. Happily, he tells the whole story himself in the excellent sleeve notes.

Review: 21 years later... The legendary Shirley Jones finally returns with brand new material. "Because You Love Me" is the first sign of freshness taken from her forthcoming album. Shirley's honey-tones are as strong and emotional as ever while Errol Henry's production is the ultimate in lounge-loving silkiness. Complete with a dub on the B, this is as smooth and authentic as you'd expect. Bring on the album.

Review: Originally released in 1969 on DPG, first pressings of this early Sir Guy outing fetch upwards of $200-a-pop. Now reissued by Tramp, Clarence Barron's broad soul style can be enjoyed at a much more reasonable price. "My Sweet Baby" is a consummate slice of soul, "Funky Virginia", meanwhile, is a much more upbeat affair, and it's a straight-up good-for-nothing funk jam that will cause the same sweaty reactions it did almost 50 years ago.

Review: Illustrious and super influential, One Derful was the springboard for many great soul, funk and gospel legends - including Jackson Five. Part of Secret Stash's extensive 140 track collection (over 50 of which have never been released before) this stunning compendium (and its detailed booklet) explores the Chicago imprint's clout with remastered clarity. From the sweaty, surging soul of The Five Du Tones' "When You Get That Feeling" and the swooning doo-wap of Lucky Laws "Who Is She" to the JB-level drama of The Sharpees' "Take Me To Your Leader", respect to One Derful's legacy is paid in full right here.