BRIEF ENCOUNTER レコード& CD

Review: Athens of the North have done plenty of work with the excellent catalogue of Brief Encounters, including albums of singles as well as some tasty 7"s. Next up from a band that broke up way way too soon is this album on P-Vine which first came in 1981. It is a private press holy grail that takes in modern soul, disco, sweet soul and more and is well worth having on vinyl not only for its commercial value but the musical goodness within. An essential one for soul loves with standouts like 'Since I Met You Girl' and 'If You Want My Love'.

Review: Throughout the 1970s, North Carolina outfit Brief Encounter released a string of fine, but largely overlooked, funk and soul 45s. Their most significant and celebrated release, though, is 1981 album "We Want To Play", a warm and groovy collection of boogie-fired soul songs that regularly changes hands for significant sums online. As this Athens Of The North reissue proves, the LP has lost none of its luster over the years. Highlights include the inspired string-drenched ballad "Now I Know I Love You", the groovy dancefloor heat of "Rocking" and the soaring gospel-disco brilliance of "Always".