Ray Pollard [1965] - The Drifter [United Artists UA 916]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.5

In 1965, after The Wanderers had disbanded, Ray Pollard launched a solo career.  The Drifter was his second UA 45 and is regarded as a classic in Northern Soul circles.  Not your typical 100 mph stomper, this is the archetypal 'beat ballad', typically played towards the end of the night to bring the tempo down.

I'm not quite sure when this first got spins but has been around as long as I can remember and simply oozes with soul.  Apparently this is one of the hardest to find United Artists 45s.

There is a discussion here on Soul Source regarding this tune.

The song was obviously popular in the UK as there are at least 3 UK blue-eyed covers by Long John Baldry, Don Charles and Dane Hunter which I've linked to for comparison .... none come anywhere near Ray Pollard's original in my view .. what do you think?

Here's a great professional looking video produced by Rob's Big City Soul

Long John Baldry [1966] - The Drifter [United Artists (UK)]

Don Charles [1968] - The Drifter [Parlophone (UK)]

Dane Hunter [2016] - The Drifter [Record Collector]

... and finally as a matter of interest/intrigue there was another UK blue-eyed cover by Dane Hunter which was found on a rare (CBS?) acetate that was sold on with Record Collector magazine website in  2016. There was a limited edition of 500 signed and authenticated released.  There are 2 versions - a restored version and original acetate.  I'd guess the sound clip below is the original acetate as it sounds a bit tinny! I suspect that it was recorded in 1965 after Pollard's was released because he has only 3 other 'known' recordings all from 1965 ... one being a cover of The Tams - Silly Little Girl from 1964.