It's Soul Time レコード& CD

Review: Following the passing of their brother and bandmate James 'Frankie' Boyce in Vietnam - founder and musical arranger of the Plainfield Admirations - siblings Jo Jo and Richard Boyce reformed after military service as BAGS with Glenn Goins in the early 70s, but only released a handful of 45s and madly these two incredible tracks never saw the light of the lathe. The 70's loss is 2017's gain as both finally get the justice they deserve on limited 300 copies. Fronted by Parliament/Funkadelic and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Glenn Goins, "Hey Girl" is a soft honey-toned balled while "Beautiful Birds" ups the gear for a pumping soul disco romp that's powered by triumphant urgency. There's lots to admire here.

Review: British singer/songwriter Tom Wardle has enjoyed rather a lot of success in the United States, though his star has yet to ascend in the UK. Perhaps this first ever vinyl outing, courtesy of New York imprint It's Soul Time, will change that. 'I Could Have Been a Millionnaire' sits somewhere between blue-eyed soul, Steely Dan style West Coast rock and glassy-eyed yacht-rock, with Wardle making his presence felt over a sweet, string-laden backing track. Arguably even better is boisterous and up-tempo flipside 'Let Your Love Shine Out', which sees the Nottingham-raised troubadour join the dots between Northern Soul, rhythm & blues and Crowded House.