Soul Strutter: 100% Pure Poison

100% Pure Poison were a group made up of American military personnel stationed in Zwiebruken, Germany during the early 70s.

Members included Danny Leake, Jackie Beard, James Wells (Ian Levine 'protege' who recorded Am I Still The Same Man in 1976 one of Levine's first forays into tailor made Northern Soul), James Williams, Marvin Daniels (Left to join Chops and then Mutiny), Pie Harrison, Slide Beard.

They recorded an album in 1974 (UK only) from which 2 45s were released. Their best known 45 is if course the modern/NS dancer 'You Keep Coming Back' which was only released in UK & Germany. It got reissued by Soul Brother Records in UK in 2001 backed with 'Windy C' (a psychedelic funk track) not previously available on 45 (LP only).

Note that Discogs lists a track by them from 1972 Do Whatcha Do Pts 1 & 2 on Poison, however, this is not the same band according to Margie Harrison (the wife of Pie Harrison.

I was originally planning on just posting the deep soul cut 'Don't Let Your Pride, but as they only released 2 45s I've decided to feature all sides plus a bonus LP track which was reissued on 45.

100% Pure Poison [1974] - Don't Let Your Pride (Overcome Your Love) [DRL]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.5

For the deep soul lovers, tucked away on the B side of 'Hole In My Shoes' on DRL from 1974. This is a hard one to find on 45, only one ever sold on Discogs (VG £52 in 2018) and a VG- listed on Popsike sold for $188 (approx £150) in 2016), although it is also on their 'Coming Right At You' album from the same year.

100% Pure Poison [1974] - Hole In My Shoes [DRL]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8

The flip side is a 'grower', 70s funky/crossover which is becoming more vogue on the UK scene.

100% Pure Poison [1974] - You Keep Coming Back [EMI International]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.6

A 'modern' Northern Soul dancer which sells for quite big money these days. At time of writing (Mar 2020) there are 2 for sale on Discogs for £175-£200. Even the Soul Brother 2001 reissue sells for up to £40.