TY KARIM レコード& CD

Review: While many Northern soul bits might deal with subject matters that lie on the more generic end of the spectrum, Ty Karim's 'Lighten Up Baby' almost certainly does not fall into that category. Lyrically concerning a love interest who has grown cynical of the reality of the LA songstress' affections, Karim here insists the subject "consider her heart" and the sincerity with which she chose her favourite person. So lighten up, and allow the A to play through all the way, before flipping this one over to the B, where the bright spark is rather sadly put out. 'All At Once' dashes our hopes with a bluesy stepper that regales the story of said lover leaving Karim for another. Don't let the sadness deter you though, as both are bangers!

Review: Digging and finding rare soul, funk and disco 7" is like a right to passage for many obsessed with finding black gold in record shops. Sometimes, it's just too hard to find good copies let alone one at all. Kent Records does us all a big favor and gathers up two hard to come by soul tracks for one special 45. Towana & The Total Destruction's - 'Wear Your Natural, Baby' & Ty Karim's 'If I Can't Stop You (I Can Slow You Down)'. Both of these were originally released on Romark, which was a small Los Angeles label releasing funk and soul, and are destined to delight the hardcore afficianado and casual visitor to soul music alike.