James Fountain / Raymond Smith / Jeff Floyd - Seven Day Lover

Here's 3 versions of James Fountain's - Seven Day Lover, originally recorded by on William Bell's Atlanta based, short-lived Peachtree label in 1970 and is regarded a Northern Soul classic.  The first one by Jeff Floyd from 2012 may not be that well known to many.  Raymond Smith's on IX Chains has be well known for years but hardly ever played out (to my knowledge).

Jeff Floyd [2012] - Seven Day Lover [Wilbe]

Released on 'Watch Me Work' album from 2012 on Wilbe (William Bell's label).  

James Fountain [1970] - Seven Day Lover [Peachtree P-127]

James Fountain's real name was James Wilridge and he was from Jackson, Florida.  He had 2 releases on Peachtree in 1970 and an earlier one on Stop.

I believe it was first played by Ian Levine at Blackpool Mecca's Highland Room and was one of the more modern records along with The Carstairs that changed (split) the scene. I seem to recall at the time it was the most expensive record to sell at around £170 (which is about £1,500 in today's money).  They have been selling recently for around £800 so must be getting reactivation spins.  It was one of six NS classics to be released on Manchester's Cream in 1976.

The person that allegedly paid £170 for a copy was none other than soul record dealer John Manship.  Here's his recollection of events:

"Back in 1974 some over enthusiastic young aspiring Cleethorpes DJ, allegedly paid £170 to become the owner of this Northern Soul prize!

I do dispute that piece of NS folklore, as no cash changed hands, it was all trades. The fact that just one record within the toppling vinyl tower was “Billy Harner’s - What About the Music - instrumental on UK Kama Sutra and all the other 40 / 50 45 were very collectable NS classics.. I believe that legendary £170 would today be valued at nearer £20,000.

I should have know better, the scene’s-sharks hooked into my desperation to own my favourite Northern Soul current spin, that I needed the punters of The Pier to experience.

Imagine when “Seven Day Lover” was reissued by Manchester based “Cream Records” only 3 weeks later.. my first experience of Northern Soul “insider dealing” crushed me.

The charismatic Dave Withers on the “This England Wigan Casino” TV documentary told of how, the buyer was not brokenhearted because he still had the genuine original press.. . Dave I was suicidal.. and still weep inside at what was in that trading deal."

Here's James Fountain performing it in one of Ian Levine's videos for The Strange World Of Northern Soul.  Sady he died not long afer recording this video for Levine.

Raymond Smith [1975] - Seven Day Lover [IX Chains NCS 7007]

A good 1975 version with an instrumental version on the flip of the issue (promo has same both sides in mono/stereo) which you can pick up for around £25.

This appears to be his only release. Discogs links this to a guitarist who was part of a British rock band Head, Hands & Feet which included Chas Hodges of Chas & Dave fame!  I don't think so ... do you?  

Another 'interesting' release on IX Chains is Trieste's version of the Anderson Brothers classic I Can See Him Loving You.

James Fountain - Discography

The Soul Chargers Feat. James Fountain 

1969 - Soul Charge Part 1 / Soul Charge Part 2 [Stop ST 264]

James Fountain

1970 - My Hair Is Nappy / Burning Up For Your Love [Peachtree P-124]

1970 - Seven Day Lover / Malnutrition [Peachtree P-127]

The Soul Chargers Feat. James Fountain [1969] - Soul Charge Part 1 [Stop ST 264]

James Fountains first release which is in the Archie Belle & Drells Tighten Up vein.

The Soul Chargers Feat. James Fountain [1969] - Soul Charge Part 2 [Stop ST 264]

James Fountain [1970] - My Hair Is Nappy [Peachtree P-124]

Hard funk

James Fountain [1970] - Burning Up For Your Love [Peachtree P-124]

This is sort of funky / crossover. I've no idea whether anyone has played this out but this sort of sound is currently right in vogue.

James Fountain [1970] - Malnutrition [Peachtree P-127]

Funky flip to Seven Day Lover