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Sisters of Soul - CMQCD903

Often unjustly overlooked in favour of their male counterparts, the soul sisters of the 60s, 70s and 80s have left a magnificent archive of peachy R&B sides. Some of the best and most sought-after are collected on this superb compilation, which stretches back to Aretha’s mid-60s spell at Columbia and forward to find the finest females from the Solar catalogue. Also included are UK rarities from Immediate, gems from the Invictus stable, and genre favourites by such heroines as Linda Jones, Debbie Taylor and Candi Staton.

Compiled by David Nathan with thanks to David Cole at In the Basement Magazine. Given the compilers who both a) have a great love of the female soul artist and b) are both extremely knowledgeable it is no surprise that this is an exceptional package.

From the opening bars of the initial track - a subdued, restrained, controlled and extremely soulful early Aretha to the closing harder, raggy, gospel blues Aretha and all points in between – this album delivers it’s subject.

Laura Lee always supremely soulful but sometimes a little overbearing but Her Picture Matches Mine is perfect, the whole production is in tune to Laura’s strong vocal. Thelma Jones is represented on two tracks – the wonderful Salty Tears and I’d rather leave when I’m in love.

One of my favourites is Shirley Brown with her rendition of Van McCoy’s Giving Up. Actually the album is littered with favourites, and for the most part, it is great to see them getting some coverage – Linda Jones, Brenda Holloway and Candi Staton.

Also some crate digging unknowns like Matt Moultrie – Saddest Story ever told, Susan Phillips – Just How Long, Lezli Valentines – a version of the moments Love on a two way street.

The album spans the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, the latter represented by the Solar label, and contrary to public belief this contains some classic 80’s soul as eveidenced by Cat Miller.

A great album and if female soul is where your at there will be something here that is sure to grab you.

One Step Ahead - Aretha Franklin
Her Picture Matches Mine - Laura Lee
Salty Tears - Thelma Jones
Giving Up - Shirley Brown
You Really Didn't Mean It - Carolyn Franklin
Come Back - Freda Payne
A Quiet Place - Brenda Holloway
Ain't It Good Feeling Good - Elouise Laws
Who's It Gonna Be - The Honeycone
Not On The Outside - Linda Jones
Just How Long - Susan Phillips
Love On A Two Way Street - Lezli Valentine
Saddest Story Ever Told - Mattie Moultrie
Life Is But Nothing - P.P. Arnold
I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love - Thelma Jones
Be For Real - Cat Miller
Show Me Where You're Coming From - Carrie Lucas
Count On Me - Candi Staton
Too Sad To Tell - Debbie Taylor
Sending Out An S.O.S. - Retta Young
Little Miss Raggedy Ann - Aretha Franklin

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