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REVIEW
#1
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The
Servicemen-Are You Angry/I Need A Helping Hand-Wind
Hit
One of my "Holy Grails", finally in my box.
When I first discovered soul music, it was "I Need
A Helping Hand"
that helped to set me off on my soulful journey. A short
while later I discovered it's first release on Wind
Hit included another side of epic proportions, the almighty
"Are You Angry". So began a 6 year search
for one of the best double siders ever made. The group
consisted of four Airmen who recorded this and a few
other unreleased gems for Hadley Murrell in Arizona.
They also had another well known release on Chartmaker,
"Sweet Magic" & "Connie", which
are superb tracks as well. As an extra touch, the signature
on the copy is lead singer James Mitchell's!! What better
way to be introduced into the world of soul than tracks
like these two?!?! |
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REVIEW
#2
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The Moments-Key To My Happiness-Stang
I was recently tipped off to this great record, which
is crimially ignored due to it's availability. These
guys made so many good records that it's inevitble
that something was gonna get overlooked. Rectify this
oversight and get yourself one... |
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REVIEW
#3
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The
Vipers-Little Mis Sweetnes-Duchess
Not sure of the origin of this one, with the label stating
Philly Music. A very cool groover that really grows
on you. Not sure if this has seen much turntable action
in the past, but it's definitely deserving now. Not
very often seen(at least in my experience), but still
reasonbly priced. And that's a real rarity these days... |
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REVIEW
#4
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Benny Curtis-DirtyHearts-Resist
Archetypel West Coast dance music of the highest order!
The lyrics may seem cheesy to most, but I find them
to be very witty. Lyrics like these are usually reserved
for West Indian music. Featuring the arranging of
L.A. legend Miles Grayson who's name is to be found
on many sought after gems. This copy says "Come
To Sax's", a now defunct record shop in L.A.
If only I could! |
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REVIEW
#5
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The
Eruptions-Price Of Love-Val
This is a strange one. A Pittsburgh group that must
have really been into the Chicago sound as they covered
two great tunes on one disc. The side for me is "Price
Of Love" as their version of "Whispers"
seems only a half decent effort. I think Jason recently
did a write up on Pittsburgh labels, including Val in
Theres That Beat. Have a read if you haven't! |
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REVIEW
#6
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Curtis
Liggins Indications-What It Is?-Kaycee-Soul
Here's another record that I just could not be without.
A little messy, a little funky, a whole lotta soul!
This record has it all for me, if only there were more
just like this. Drummer Ken Cameron lays down the beat
with Kelsy Hill's brilliant guitar weaving around it.
On bass guitar was 2 Awl Dog, AKA Mr. B of K.C. who
still writes and produces to this day. The future of
the soul scene is reliant on tracks like this, as their
appeal seems to cover a wide spectrum. A saucy slab
o' soul, that's truly a K.C. Masterpiece!!! |
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REVIEW
#7
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The
Charades-You Better Believe It-Harlem Hitparade
Music with a message, you better believe it! Produced
by Horace Ott and written by Rose McCoy and released
in '73. Not sure if it was recorded at that time as
it sounds more late 60's to me. Nonetheless, it's great
track that on first listen throws you for a loop with
it's "military" intro. The group should be
well known to most everyone, most notably for "Key
To My Happiness" on MGM. |
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REVIEW
#8
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The
Colt 45's-Lady,Lady-Jerry
A G. Billups/Ben-Lee production from the group formerly
known as The Moniques. A tricky dance number due to
the jazzy chorus, but a stormer nontheless. A love it
or hate type of tune, and as you can gather... I love
it! Philly must have been a great place to be in the
60's. Another one of my top ten tunes, I'm very grateful
to own! |
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REVIEW
#9
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The
Soul City-Cold Hearted Blues-Cameo
Tommy reviewed the flipside, "Who Do You Think
You Are" previously, but "Cold Hearted Blues"
is definitley deserving of some attention as well. This
copy was released in the the Phillipines, why I don't
know! Produced by Burt Keyes, but this seems a little
less polished than his other productions. |
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REVIEW
#10
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The
Lost Family-Blow My Mind-International Music Bag
Mostly known for their Kellmac sides as The C.O.D.'s.
Adding Larry Brownlee, they became The Lost Family and
released 2:17 of bliss! Firstly here on International
Music Bag, then again for Innovation II. This must have
been a last shot at fame as I don't think there's another
release by them after this. If so, they surely went
out in style as this is a killer track! Now getting
spins and a little more DJ interest which is well deserved. |
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REVIEW
#11
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Jerry
And His Uniques-Yes He Will-Lennan
A killer cut from outside of Los Angeles in Upland,
CA. A killer Mexican-American soul with a very unique
flavor. Recorded for Leonard Wojtowicz's Lennan label,
who also released the woderful Lil' Lavair & The
Fabulous Jades "I'd Be So Happy". As for Jerry
Soliz and his group, I must admit there's not much info
go on. Another reason why the West Coast is a plethora
of rare soul gems with such a diverse musical history.
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REVIEW
#12
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Herbert Hunter-The Big Oak Tree-Poncello
Overshadowed by "I Was Born To Love You",
this ones been waiting in wings. Totally knocked me
out of my chair upon the initial listen. I wasn't expecting
anything like this. Most people I've told about this
get it confused with his weaker effort on the label.
His previous recordings seem to be doing covers for
the budget label Hit. Success seem to be out of grasp
and he now sells cars in Nashville. In my years collecting
I haven't seen another copy besides this one. Glad I
snatched it up when I did. |
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REVIEW
#13
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The
Hun's Review-Don't Make Me Love You-Sorro
Some records you immediately expect to be out of your
price range. This was one of those records for me. I
couldn't find anything at the time about the record,
and I don't think was listed in Manships 1st guide.
When I first met up with Tommy P. at a record show,
the first thing I asked him was if he had a copy of
this. I was in luck! And luckily it wasn't as expensive
as I first thought(even at his prices! LOL). I know
absolutely nothing about the group or label, besides
the fact they were from Allentown, PA. The song itself
is about explosive as they come with blaring horns and
crashing cymbals. 100% In-Yer-Face soul! |
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REVIEW
#14
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The
Ethics-I Want My Baby Back-Vent
Quality, quality, quality! One Philly's finest outfits
at their best. Not much to say about this one as it
should be well known 'round most parts. I'll let this
one speak for itself... |
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REVIEW
#15
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Othello
Robertson-So In Luv-Baby Luv
Someone must have had a lot of faith in this record.
Most likely trying to push the B-side ballad, "Soldier
Boy". Released first in Feb. 1967, it was soon
licensed to ERA and pressed up again on Baby Luv with
red text. I doubt it managed to make a dent in the charts
and soon disappeared into obscurity. Arranged by Eddie
Foster this really builds up with Ms. Robertson screeching
the hook, "So In Luv". She did do another
record with Dell Randle on Testifi, which is an R&B
type shouter. All in all it was great effort I'm proud
to have it in my box. |
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REVIEW
#16
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Chuck
Bridges-Don't You Make Me Cry-Scoop
Chucks first outing before moving to Vault, who even
released an album by him and The LA Happening. As you
you can tell by now I have a penchant for the rawer
side of things and this one is no exception. 100mph
with horns blaring, whats not to love! Seems he started
out in the Bay Area, then moved on to Los Angeles to
record tracks like "Keep The Faith Baby" and
the lovely LP only track, "Head Over Heels". |
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REVIEW
#17
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The
Conquistdores-Sadness And Madness-Signett
A group of fellows from Chicago's Westside, who went
on to record two wonderful records. They met in High
school and honed their skills at the local community
center. They went on to record two records, here on
Signett and another on Act IV. Guided by Al Johnson,
who ran the Teens With Talent program, and also helped
produce them. Before recording their first record,
they played charity shows around Chicago. Such a great
story behind the music as these guys were not only
trying to achieve fame, but help their community and
give something back as well. As for the record itself,
it's full of the most unique group harmonies you'll
ever hear. Very bouncy and catchy with a hook that
will remain in you head for weeks! |
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REVIEW
#18
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Joe
and George-No One Loves You-Now
Back to L.A. with a killer duo, Joe & George. Initially
released as Hot Cinnamon on S.O.S. and remains very
hard to locate. Another one of those killer two siders,
with "No One Loves You" doing it for me. A
drum roll intro kicks off just over two minutes of soul
bliss. An underrated record which had it not been released
on NOW, would definitely be in the four figures. I don't
like to look a gift horse in the mouth, so I'll settle
for my more affordable copy of this release...for now! |
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REVIEW
#19
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TSU
Tornadoes-Getting The Corners-Atlantic
Every bit bit as good as Frankie Crocker's "Ton
Of Dynamite", "Getting The Corners" is
one of the few instros I like. The group from Houston
was formed while attending Texas Southern University
by brothers Cal & Will Thomas. They went on to back
back Archie Bell & The Drells and achieved a small
measure of success, even breaking the Top 40! They recorded
for Ovide, Atlantic and Rampart Street, which I believe
to have not seen the light of day until recently. A
funky workout that's sure to get people moving. |
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REVIEW
#20
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Solid
Solution-Think About It Girl-Silver Spoon LP
This is a record that really broke the "modern
barrier" for me. It was just too good not to like!
I filed it to the back of the wants as I figured if
I liked it so much, it was gonna cost an arm and a leg.
I soon found out was an LP only track and although I
prefer 45's, I'll make the exception here. Rumored to
have been released on 45 and there is a suspicious photo
in circulation, as well. I'll believe it when I see
it(hopefully I find it myself!) |
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