Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: On the latest edition of their excellent Soul Essentials series, Outta Sight has decided to bring together two versions of 'Ordinary Joe', a seemingly perennial favourite written by the late, great Terry Callier. His celebrated 1972 recording - all bold, sing-along choruses, organ stabs, jangling piano and lolloping grooves - breezes its way across side A, while Jerry Butler's earlier version, laid to tape in 1970, sits on side B. His version is much more expansive and musically detailed than Callier's take, with superb production from Gamble & Huff and some brilliant orchestral arrangements courtesy of Donny Hathaway. Both versions are, or course, incredible.

Review: This powerhouse 7" pairs two iconic tracks that have left lasting marks on music history. On one side, Gloria Jones' original 1964 version of 'Tainted Love' shines. Written by Ed Cobb and featuring Glen Campbell on lead guitar, this track laid the foundation for what would later become a global sensation with Soft Cell's 1981 synthpop rework. Jones' vocal delivery is fierce, underscored by Cobb's brilliant production and Lincoln Mayorga's sharp arrangement. Flip it over, and you get R. Dean Taylor's 'There's a Ghost in My House,' an infectious Northern soul anthem. Originally recorded in 1966 and written by Motown legends Holland-Dozier-Holland, it gained momentum in British dance clubs before soaring to number three on the UK charts in 1974. Taylor's commanding vocal cuts through the track's driving beat, making it an enduring favourite. These two songs together bring a vibrant blend of soul, grit and history to any collection.

Review: The King Casuals and were founded in 1962 by the late great Jimi Hendrix and after the guitarist's death, he was in the late sixties replaced by Johnny Jones. He leads them in stomping and high energy fashion and here on the a-side is his interpretation of the Hendrix classic 'Purple Haze.' It's got all the things you need to get steamy on the dance floor and it always used to shake the floor at Wigan Casino. Gene Chandler is a bonafide Northern Soul legend who is well known to fans of the genre and his 'There Was a Time' is a real raw gem on the flip.

Review: Paula Parfitt and Jeannie Dee deliver soulful magic on this split single. Paula Parfitt, who signed with Milton Samuels' Beacon label in 1969, made her debut with the single 'I'm Gonna Give You Back Your Ring.' Though initially overlooked, on Side-2, 'Love Is Wonderful' became a Northern Soul classic, lighting up dance floors for over five decades. After a brief stint recording for Beacon's UpFront label and later in Italy, Paula settled into Mediterranean life. Jeannie Dee, from Brixton, London, joined Beacon Records in 1968 as part of the duo Jon (aka Terry) and Jeannie. Known for soulful covers, Jeannie's solo rendition of the Supremes' hit 'Come See About Me,' produced by Donnie Elber, showcases her powerful voice. Often mistaken for her American namesake, Jeannie brought a unique British twist to classic soul, making her mark on the scene, and this release is respectful to both artists' enduring influence.