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Soul Togetherness 2001 - CD EXP14

The next and long awaited (well a year!) in the Soul Togetherness series and this does not disappoint, from Modern Soul anthems and floorfillers to in demand obscurities from the seventies onwards. Pump it up and play it loud - a magnificent set with hardly a dull track.

Starting with 'I'll go' by Rahsaan Patterson, falling into the anthem class. This one is large and rightly so (even though I'm a great fan of Rahsaan personally I prefer Donell Jones on this one). 'So Good' by Charles & Gwen Scales (of Modern Tribe) follows with Gwen's powerful lead taking over.

'Watchersign' - Pratt & McClain was new to me and is apparently mega rare. Sadly thought vocal was weak and it didn't do much for me. 'I just want to fall in love' - Spinners - If you think this is now played out I suggest you play it again, this is one of the great tunes. 'Don't send nobody else' Ace Spectrum is also a cracking very popular 70's tune and this and the Spinners have 'crossed over' to the Northern Soul brigade. 'Why don't we fall in love' John Valenti is a cool jazzy thing but again weak on the vocals. 'You gotta let go' Marcia Hines, mother of Deni, is a top uplifting modern soul dancer.

'When you're gone' Al Hudson & Soul Partners is simply excellent - Al Hudson being one of those guys who doesn't do much wrong. 'Never do' Romina Johnson brings us right up to date. This is an almost universal 2001 record being big on the R'n'B scene and featured on several compilations, also a Caister anthem, and top Modern Soul.

'Keep on pushing love' Al Green is anthemic. A great track on CD but even better in a dancehall with 200 people singing with Al Green wailing over the back. On of those tunes that hit live. Doesn't get many plays theses days but 18 months ago this was the top track. 'Why don't you why don't I' Eric Gadd is pleasant enough. 'For your love' Fats Gaines presents Zorina, another unknown and just a bit disappointing. 'Bring back the love' Reggie Calloway of Midnight Star is classy.

The next track in it's full 9 minute glory is awesome, previously only available as an expensive Japanese import, Spend the day without you' Crue-L Grand Orchestra ft Philip Ramirez builds and builds and then builds some. Starts of in a jazzy house kind of beat, then the chorus builds and then Philip takes over and gets higher and higher. This album is worth the money for this track alone. 'Closer to the source' Camelle Hinds winds things down with the Leroy Hutson tune.

Some unknowns, some popular and whatever your personal choice you will find 3 or 4 tracks that you must have. Compelling and like I said last time - one of these a month please.

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