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Hello again and thanks for taking the time to read the sad ramblings of a self confessed Soul addict. These ten records are all from the Seventies and all available on seven inch releases so without further ado: -

• Bobby McClure - You bring out the best in me - Island What a corker to start off with, this is a UK only release on 7" (I am not sure whether it appears on an album at all perhaps someone out there can tell me) the backing to this is exactly the same as the Love Affair's classic Modern Soul anthem "I can't stop loving you". That in itself is enough to recommend this record but to top it off with Bobby's exquisite vocal treatment of this version (totally different lyrics) is what makes this record highly sought after in some circles. At a fraction of the price of the Love Affair version this is a must have if you like your Soul slow to mid tempo and with a side order of smooch. As a bonus the flip side isn't too bad either Daybreak by Daybreak a mid tempo disco offering in a Chic-esque style that is rather catchy in it's own way. Nice.
• The Mob - I dig everything about you - Colossus Well this blue eyed soul band must have swallowed a whole Gene Chandler on the day that they recorded this little gem. This record is just great and will appeal to both Northern and Modern enthusiasts because it quite simply has got the lot. I first heard this on an Urban compilation album compiled by Fat boy Slim no less (let's hope he never does a remix) and have loved it ever since. Great harmonies and a faultless vocal combine with a backing that is just so good to dance to. This record deserves to be and has the potential to be a massive tune. Cool.
• Catherine Miller - Don't waste your time - Tyson A slightly rawer sound on this crossover nugget. Again a mid tempo offering of the highest calibre that should appeal to those dancers who don't want to go at 100mph to the latest stomper all the time. Catherine tells all her girl friends not to waste their time with her man, 'cos he's in love with her, over a simple but effective backing. This is a great little record highly recommended by me for what that's worth. Sassy.
• Spirit of Love - Power of your love - Birthright. Seventies Gospel on the soul scene well you can take it from me that it "Suits you sir". If you like The Sounds of Blackness and other similar contemporary Gospel outfits then you will almost certainly like this. These guy's were just years ahead of their time on this outing that would not be out of place in the late Eighties. A mid to uptempo number that has soul to spare. Righteous.
• Guitar Red - Share your love - Mod Art Now here's a thing a record that I'm sure a lot of you will hate but by the same token a lot of you will love it (as I do). This is slightly reminiscent of Guitar Ray's "you're gonna wreck my life" and if you don't like that then forget this. A haunting if off the wall backing that is certainly distinctive if it's nothing else, with a falsetto vocal that really sets this apart from the norm. My wife hates this record but what does she know, you can't expect her to have good taste in everything now can you? Spooky
• Jerry Butler - I don't want nobody to know - Motown This record was one of the biggest bonuses of last year for me. I bought the record on the strength of the other side "Chalk it up" but for me this is far and away the better of the two sides. Typical Jerry Butler big production with a vocal that is smoother than Dr Slick from Smoothesville Arizona US of A fresh from his doctorate in advanced flannel. Jerry tries to convince us that he chucked his girl but we all know that that is just one big porker. The tune fair belts along with blaring horns wah wah guitars et al. It's tailor made to be a rare groove monster, I don't know whether it has ever had any plays on that scene but I'm sure it would be more than well received if it did. Groovy.
• Carl Graves - Heart be still - A&M Very Lew Kirton this one, also covered by Jackie Moore and Lee Garret but for me this is the best version. A great mid to uptempo dancer that has probably been overlooked because it ain't that rare at all. Why should that matter it's a good little record that could catch on at any time check it out for yourself. Sweet.
• Betty and Angel - Honey coated lovin' - Everyday Crossover R&B now there's a thing and you get two great sides for the price of one. "Honey coated lovin'" is ideal for today's Northern scene an incessant dancer with a great hook, I'm told that it is already popular to say the least, and it seems to be rocketing in price to match its popularity. The flip is a much mellower affair sweet soul to make your hair curl. Gritty.
• Lenny Welch - I thank you love - Fig Touted as the next big thing by some last year, it still doesn't seem to have taken off in the way many thought it would (yours truly included) A slowy this one but what a record. It sends shivers down my spine and stands the hair on the back straight to attention, dripping with soul and oozing heartfelt emotion. A winner in anybody's book, forget about whether it's big or not just get it, a great record. Smooth.
• Willie Hutch - Get ready for the get down - Motown I've had this record on tape for years (from Soul Train on Radio Piccadilly in the mid seventies) and all that time it has remained one of my favourite soul records of the era all that time. Last year I finally managed to obtain a copy on seven inch for a ridiculously low price, Bargain. It starts off in a barely restrained party type atmosphere and just builds and builds. Hutch with his typically laid back vocal over the funkiest of grooves excels himself on this his ultimate party piece. It really is a must, if you don't like it so what you've only lost a couple of quid and you can't even buy a pint for that nowadays. Funkin'

Reviews by John Nightingale for Life and Soul promotions 27/06/01 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