Review: The second BBC bank holiday Beatles special From Us To You was recorded on February 28, 1964, at BBC Piccadilly Studios and it aired a month later on Easter Monday, March 30. Hosted by DJ Alan Freeman, the set featured The Beatles' debut performance of 'You Can't Do That,' which had been recorded just two days earlier. Initially considered for their next single, it was later placed as the B-side to 'Can't Buy Me Love,' which came in March of that year. Bonus tracks included here from the August 1964 show are 'Boys' and 'Long Tall Sally,' which serve to highlight the band's evolving repertoire and their energetic live performances during this period.
Review: Talk about being truly timeless. Chicano soul sensation Johnny Benavidez is the kind of artist who can figuratively, and spiritually, transport listeners to a golden age of Doo Wop, funk, and R&B, writing tracks and songs that glide on a smooth, easy listening cloud but still pack plenty of bite when it comes to the nitty gritty. Music to move you in many ways. Grandson of John Lorenzo Guzman (background vocalist for Sonny Powell & The Night-Dreamers), this relationship has a lot to answer for, with Pa encouraging Jr to take up singing and pursue music seriously. We're glad that happened, given My Echo Shadow & Me - a two tracker that could almost be considered retro or pastiche, if it didn't sound so damned fresh. Or at least ageless.
Review: Northern Soul devotees have long been captivated by unreleased Motown gems, and this one may be the best yet. Written by Chester and Gary Pipkin, 'Stuck-Up' was crafted to replace Mary Wells after her departure from Motown. Although Oma Heard recorded extensively, including a duet with Marvin Gaye, she was dropped for not fitting the label's image. The song was then given to Shirley Gunter, whose 1966 version on Tangerine Records became one of the rarest Northern Soul records, often fetching over 500 quid. Recently, the original Oma Heard version surfaced on a Motown unreleased CD and has been hailed as a classic by Ian Levine. Now, for the first time, it gets released on vinyl by Motown's V.I.P. label.
Review: Get ready to dance with Junior Dell and The D-LITES' exciting ska rendition of Mel Torme's 'Comin' Home Baby.' Their phenomenal take on this soul/popcorn classic is bound to get you moving. This UK label release by Neil Anderson promises serious fun on the dancefloor. Neil, a lover of soul, funk, blues, r&b, 60s, Latin, ska and reggae, utilises his skills to craft recordings that echo the original era's style, making them DJ-ready for club nights. With a knack for producing rare and unique classics, his label never disappoints. Every release, including this 7" gem, is designed to get the coolest crowds grooving. Don't miss out on this perfect record for adding some vibrant ska energy to your collection.
Review: The Cuban boleros of the 1950s and Nuyorican street soul of the 1960s always embodied a timeless Caribbean romanticism in the midst of New York City's urban landscape. La Triunfadora's debut album captures this sense of revival with experimental, psychedelic arrangements that revitalise classic tunes with fresh interpretations. Their debut 7-inch on Names You Can Trust honours Cuban bolero maestro Cesar Portillo De La Luz with lush orchestration and vocals by Candace Camacho and Benjamin R. Julia. The B-side reimagines Ralfi Pagan's 1969 Latin soul gem 'Hijo De Mama' by blending analogue warmth with a modern twist.
Review: This new album presents previously unreleased recordings by the legendary French psych and garage band Dogs. Renowned for their unique blend of '50s and '60s influences, they thrived from 1977 to 1984 and released albums that, despite their near-classic status, sometimes lacked raw authenticity due to production choices. Often, the demos are considered superior to the final releases, and this collection proves that. It features just that for their Legendary Lovers album and the tracks are wild, rocking, and occasionally moody with an elegance that sets a high bar. Superb stuff that has aged to perfection.
Frankie Valli - "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (3:22)
Review: The release of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' greatest hits from the 1960s is a nostalgic treat for fans of classic pop. This collection encapsulates the group's meteoric rise during the decade, highlighted by iconic hits like 'Sherry,' 'Big Girls Don't Cry,' and 'Walk Like a Man.' With Frankie Valli's distinctive falsetto leading the charge, the album showcases their mastery of catchy melodies and dynamic vocal harmonies that defined their era. Each track is a legendary story to their enduring popularity and influence, solidifying their place as one of the biggest acts of the time. Remastered on vibrant sea blue vinyl, this release not only delights long-time enthusiasts but also introduces new listeners to the timeless charm of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' music.
Review: Margo Guryan's solo album, Take A Picture, originally released in 1968, has attained cult status for its enchanting blend of honeyed vocals and sophisticated songwriting. Known for her influence on soft-pop and dream-pop genres, Guryan's album features the iconic track 'Sunday Morning,' later covered by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell. This reissue, now available on vinyl, features Guryan's jazz background shining through in her meticulous compositions, which have been praised for their funky sunshine arrangements and lush melodies. As a renowned songwriter, her works have been performed by artists ranging from Astrud Gilberto to Harry Belafonte. Take A Picture stands as a bridge between Burt Bacharach's sophistication and the indie pop stylings of Belle & Sebastian, influencing artists like the Wondermints and even inspiring Diablo Cody during the creation of Juno. Despite critical acclaim, Guryan preferred the role of songwriter over performer, reflecting her dedication to musical craft and independence from the spotlight.
Review: Margo Guryan's Take a Picture is a charming artifact of late '60s pop, blending the orchestral sophistication of Burt Bacharach with the dreamy resonance of early Belle & Sebastian. Guryan, a seasoned songwriter with credits including Ornette Coleman and Harry Belafonte, crafted a singular album that's both a lush time capsule and a showcase of her unique vision. Now released on gold vinyl, the production is richly adorned with horns, strings, and sweet harmonies, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Tracks like 'Sunday Morning' (later covered by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell) and 'Sun' radiate a carefree energy, capturing the essence of Sunshine Pop. Ballads like 'Think Of Rain' and 'Thoughts' are very nostalgic, while 'Love' intriguingly veers into Psychedelic Rock. Take a Picture endures as a delightful reminder of its era, offering a glimpse into a bygone musical sensibility with Guryan's endearing, Doo-Wop-inspired vocals at its core.
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