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Third Instalment

Hello again peeps it's time for some more reviews so Mr Ashley tells me so here's another ten from the seventies and eighties for you delectation:

Rance Allen - The truth is marching on - Capitol.

Oh what can I say about this one it's basically a gospel record but please don't let that put you off. This is a powerful mid to uptempo dancer of the highest calibre and would grace progressive Northern and Modern soul dancefloors alike. A Seventies stomper in which Rance gives a enpassioned vocal display that simply makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand straight to attention, I'm sure that you know what I mean. It's not particularly rare and well worth tracking down.

Tomorrow's Edition - Part time love - Atlantic

A great example of an eighties mid-tempo groover. Sort of in a Bridge vein from the same label with a similar lavish production and tempo. I nearly didn't buy this because of the name of the group (sounds a bit too like a boy band kinda thang) don't let it put you off. If you like that early Eighties sound when they still used real instruments etc then this is for you, a compelling dancer.

Mill Edwards - I found myself - Cutlass

Slowing the pace right down for this slice of Crossover magic. A real slow intro, that picks up from the first chorus to allow the shufflers amongst us to strut our stuff without fear of a coronary. Our man Mill singing to his baby telling her that until he found her he hadn't found himself. An excellent piece of soul music, that should be in everyone's collection.

Gloria Gaynor - This Love Affair - Polydor

An extremely catchy dancer from Mrs Gaynor and again this one will grace the dancefloors of Northern and Modern venues alike. I'm told by Steve Jefferies that this one is already gaining big interest from the Northern boys and its price is starting to reflect that interest already, get it while you can.

Brenda and the Tabulations - Don't give up the love - A Major

Another from the Eighties this starts with that annoyingly typical mid-eighties synthesiser sound, however Brenda’s strong vocal delivery gets you past that in no time at all. I must admit, that when I first played this I dismissed it as pretty average fare. It was only because I needed a filler for a tape that I was doing for myself, that it got any further attention at all and well what do you know it just snuck up on me in no time flat. When you do get past that synth sound this is quite a strong song in it's own right and a good dancer to boot.

Gloria Jay - Know what you want - Stage Productions

Easily my personal favourite of this batch this is perfect SOUL music. A slow to mid-tempo killer, that is perfect for any Modern Soul venue. This really is two step heaven and I can't praise it enough. If you know it you will understand what I am saying, if you don't, get yourself aquainted with this potential monster now. It really has the lot a perfect soulful vocal a bit of a message and a two step beat to die for.

Patrick Alley - Groove Feeling - Persist

A Seventies rarity, and probably the hardest to find in this batch. Another classy dancer with a naff title and label (Yellow pink and silver!!) don't let it put you off this is a great dancer and all it takes is a few plays at the right venue and this will go huge. Lyrically it's never going to win any awards it's just really nice to dance to, couple that with the smooth vocal from Patrick and a hint of scarcity and you're on to a winner. One to watch….

Joe Simon - Who was that lady - Spring

After a stunning intro that will pull the punters onto the dancefloor at a rate of knots, this crossover killer develops into a luscious piece mid-tempo excellence. It's from the soundtrack of the film Cleopatra Jones although I don't think it made it to the album, (if I'm wrong let me know.) You could never cover this up it's just got Joe Simon written all over it and is quality from start to finish. I am told that it is harder to find than you would expect but there is a collectors market for film scores etc so happy hunting with this one I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

Bobby McClure - I got a good woman - Vanessa

Bobby is one of my favourite artists of the moment and this is just class. Again it's a slowy, in a very Al Greene style with the haunting Hammond organ bubbling all over the track. Bobby's delivery is faultless with a strong hook but simple lyric this is just great. It shouldn't be too hard to find so what are you waiting for.

A perfect record to end a soul nite on.

Norwood - Don't let love - Magnolia

Another dreaded Eighties tune and again this is lush. Just think of By All Means crossed with Will Downing and you'll get the picture. This Norwood chap is a bit of a good singer with another strong song that has a very danceable beat. Again this one crept right up on me without warning and is now a regular on the turntable at Nightingale Towers. Highly recommended.

That’s it for now hope you get as much enjoyment out of these records as I do. That is if you manage to track them down all are worthy purchases so good luck and Happy Hunting.

John