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Thursday, 26 March 2020

Mike & The Censations - The Best Of ...


Mike (Michael James Kirkland) & The Censations released 4 45s on Highland (the first was also released on Bryan) and then then went on to record 3 45s on Revue.

Mike James Kirkland then went solo from 1971-1973 releasing his seminal album Hang On In There in 1972 and Doin' It Right in 1973 on Bryan. He released a 45 on Zay in 1971 before joining Bryan where in addition to the 2 albums he released around 5 45s.  There is another 45 by him  with 2 tracks from Doin' It album on Yazoo which seems odd as the album was on Bryan and no other releases on Yazoo - perhaps a bootleg?

He then hooked up with Ruth Davis in the mid 70s as Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis with whom he released around 7 45s and an album on Claridge between  1975-77.


This post is focused on his time with Mike & The Censations. At the end of the post I've included 3 previously unreleased tracks only available on 2011 Don't Sell Your Soul album on Luv N' Haight attributed to Mike James Kirkland

Mike & The Censations [1965] - Victim Of Circumstance [Bryan #1001/Highland #1175]




Mike & The Censations [1967] - There's Nothing I Can Do About It [Highland 1181]

Soultsrutter's Rating: 9.4

Sublime group soul harmony / crossover.

This was reissued last year on Luv n' Haight and there are still some available on BandCamp on vinyl or digital.



Mike & The Censations [1967] - Don't Mess With Me [Highland 1181]

Soultsrutter's Rating: 7.5

Fairly ordinary Northern Soul dancer which is quite good but doesn't set my world on fire.


Mike & The Censations [1968] - Be Mine Forever [Highland #1186]


Mike & The Censations [1968] - I Need Your Lovin' [Highland #1186]


Mike & The Censations [1968] - Don't Sell Your Soul [Highland #1189]


Mike & The Censations [1968] - Baby What're You Gonna Do [Highland #1189]


Mike & The Censations [1969] - You're Living A Lie [Revue R 11401]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.8

Very similar to There's Nothing I Can Do About It 



Mike & The Censations [1969] - Shopping For Love [Revue R-11056]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 7.8

Deep soul group harmony / lowrider



Now heres 3 tracks previously unreleased until issued in 2011 by Luv N' Haight on 'Don't Sell Your Soul' album available digitally from BandCamp long with all Mike & The Censations tracks.

Here's a link to a playlist on YT with all tracks on album.

Mike James Kirkland [2011] - I Need Your Love [Love N' Haight LH CD/LP 064]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.4

Modern soul dancer



Mike James Kirkland [2011] - Love Is Back [Love N' Haight LH CD/LP 064]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.6

Deep soul ballad



Mike James Kirkland [2011] - Whirling Around [Love N' Haight LH CD/LP 064]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.7

Modern soul stepper








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