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 A review of various 7" and 12" singles from my collection mainly from the Seventies to start, with the odd Sixties, Eighties and Nineties tracks added for good measure. In this section I will try to steer clear of the more predictable reviews of sounds that are already reasonably well known and offer alternative records that you may enjoy or not as the case may be. This is all new to me so please bear with me if I don't go into great depth about the Artist, Label and genealogy of each track, I haven't got my full train spotter's badge yet but I am working on it, sad man that I am.

  • Ignore the completely naff title on this one, take it from me this is a little gem. From the very start of the Sly Stone sound-a-likey guitar riff you can tell this is going to be a good-un with it's swirling string arrangement and Bristol's trademark rich vocal and smooth delivery. This 70's mid tempo mover is ideal for today's discerning dance floor aficionado's and deserves to become a monster. As far as I know it is not particularly hard to find but if you see it snap it up while it's still cheap. Top class groover.
  • Another recent acquisition for me and like JB above from the 70's and fast becoming a bedroom monster in the Nightingale household (did that just come out right?) With Carl's classic spoken delivery intro this slow to mid tempo offering is at times reminiscent of Bobby Womack at his best. I really cannot praise this enough it is almost Modern Soul perfection, just waiting to be unleashed on an unsuspecting public. Again like the last not hard to find although it could end up hard once reserves start to dry up so get it while you can. Essential.
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  • A dreamy horn solo starts this one off with an understated jazzy vibe as you would expect from Mr Hubbard. It's when Jeanie Tracie starts her excellent vocal work that this one takes off, her pleading to her man who is in the process of breaking her heart as they always seem to do. Don't expect another "friends" from Jeanie this is a totally different vibe, mellower with a hint of jazz funk and after a few plays it's a real grower. This should also go down well on modern dance floors given a few plays a little harder to find than the previous two but well worth the trouble of finding it. A summer sensation in the making.
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  • Released in 1995 the former Driza Bone lead vocalist really excels on this up and coming 12 inch. Already getting plays, I'm told, and a possible rival to Driza's classic "Pressure" (yes it's that good). I picked my copy up in a second hand record shop a couple of weeks ago for next to nothing, without really knowing what it was, only later to find out about the Driza Bone connection. The record itself is instant in its appeal and very similar to the earlier DB cuts of the same period. With prominent piano and guitar accompaniment the vocal cuts in from the outset. Dee is on top form insisting that they ain't gonna stop until she receives total satisfaction. The original mix is a great mid tempo floater but if you like a touch of soulful garage there are a couple of good garage mixes on the 12 as well this really is essential listening. A UK product to be proud of.
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  • What can I say Gil's a bit of a hero for me, his music is usually a little too jazz/blues oriented for the Modern Soul scene, this outing is one of the exceptions I think. Trademark gruff vocal's and clever lyrics tell the tale of a man who thinks he is "God's gift to women, a legend in his own mind, on a day god wasn't giving up a thing". This may still be a little too jazz for some but a steady two step beat makes this an ideal alternative to the same old.... Easy enough to find on compilations of the great man's work, I recently picked it up on a seven inch but would really have no idea whether it is hard to find or not though I would be surprised given the label and Artists popularity. Highly recommended he 'de man.
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  • If you like Richard Caiton and Eddie Kendricks then you'll love this. A lavish production for this independent label release, with swirling strings and full orchestral sound, in fact everything but the proverbial kitchen furniture. All this is topped off with Danny boys pitch perfect falsetto delivery, sounding not unlike the musical version of the chocolate that melts in your mouth not in your hands. Believe me this really is a Treat, but probably not to everybody's taste. Danny our hero tells the tale of how he meets up with an old child hood sweetheart and reminisces days long gone. A little on the obscure side this one, but worth finding if at all possible. Class act.
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  • Easily my favourite record of the last six months or so. A stunning piece of crossover soul with a tasty deep funk instrumental on the flip. There is a definite Latin feel supplied by the distinctive horn riff that could have been supplied by those good ole boys from Tijuana. All this combines with a relatively simple vocal arrangement to deliver an outstanding cut above the average. A vinyl delight to truly lust after. Like Danny Bell a little on the obscure side, but well worth the hunt, leave no stone unturned in your search for this one. Essential.
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  • A cracking double sider from the eighties this one with "Save All" the slightly stronger of the two sides. This had a familiar sound from the very first play Donna's powerful vocal performance combining well with a relentless beat and full production. The flip "'scuse me while I fall in love" has a slightly more disco feel not unlike some Parlet offerings but without the wacky lyrics. Either side of this single would grace any dance floor it's just a pity I haven't got a 12" version. Not particularly hard to find and still cheap. Classy tune.
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  • How come I've never heard of this lady until now? This piece of delectable southern fried soul is as they say, "to die for". Sounding not unlike a cross between Barbara Lynn and Millie Jackson it just gets better and better each time I play it. From the moment Paulette starts her rap style intro this develops a chugging contagious groove that truly is 70's soul heaven. It really is the best five pounds I've spent in a long, long time I won't have a bad word said about it. Essential.
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    Reviews by John Nightingale for Life and Soul promotions 10/05/01 if you have any feedback or wish to know a bit more about the records reviewed contact me via e-mail at john.nightingale@wessexwater.co.uk

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