Daisy Hicks [2017] - French Cafe (Met Life Remix)

SoulStrutter Rating: 8.8

Daisy Hicks first came to my attention with a modern cover of one my all time favourite tracks by Jackie Wilson - I Get The Sweetest Feeling.  It added a completely different dimension to this classic song.  It originally came out on her 'Mistress' album in 2000, but was released on a B side of a  give-away vinyl 45 to commemorate the Trentham Gardens, Stoke-On-Trent 2nd anniversary all-nighter in 2002 (with Mr Soul (Al Scott) - What Happened To Yesterday).

Since then I've always checked her out and this one is a great neo/modern soul tune.  It was released as an EP with 5 different mixes but for me this is by far the best take.  There's a 5 min full version and a  3 min radio edit.  Unfortunately I have to post radio edit as full version is not (yet) on YouTube.

Daisy Hicks [2000] - Sweetest Feeling

As a bonus I've added her version of Sweetest Feeling referred to above.

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Rahsaan Patterson [2019] - Sent From Heaven [Shanachie]

SoulStrutter Rating: 9.5

Another mellow one! Rahsaan Patterson has been one of my favourite neo soul artists since bursting onto the scene with his self-titled debut in 1997 (with stand-out tracks like Stop By, Where You Are, Can't We Wait A Minute, Ain't No Way) and then cemented himself with the follow up Love In Stereo in 1999 (Any Other Love, It's Alright, Treat You Like A Queen etc.).

Fast forward to 2019 and his 7th studio album (one being a Christmas Album), his first for 8 years, and the wait was well worth it as Heroes & Gods is another classic album.  The track featured here is 'Sent From Heaven'. It just oozes soulfulness, set just below mid pace (what I'd describe as a ballad stepper).  I'm really surprised that an artist of his caliber hasn't crossed over into the main stream ... but then again I'm not (really) as this music, unfortunately, is simply just to sophisticated for the masses to appreciate!

Carmichael Musiclover [2018] - Count The Stars [One Mic]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.2

After a long lay-off posting on here I'm just catching up with some great sounds of recent years.  Someone who may be 'under the radar' to many is Carmichael Musiclover (or sometimes simply known as Carmichael).  I say under the radar mainly because most (if not all) of his music is self-released on his own One Mic Music, Atlanta.

The track I'm featuring here is taken from 'Journey' album from 2018 and is the lead track 'Count The Stars'. Very laid back and mellow tune right in the Maxwell mould.  I never tire of listening to this track.

There is an article about Carmicheal over at ScienceOfSoul

Reel People Feat. Mica Paris [2018] - I Want To Thank You

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.5

From the album Retroflection (Oct 2018), which is essentially an album of 80s cover versions, this is a cover of Alicia Myers' (One Way) I Want To Thank You (a long time fav. of mine) featuring Mica Paris who's always had such a great voice but material has let her down otherwise she'd be a much bigger artist.  

She never managed to top her initial 1988 hit My One Temptation which reached #7 UK Pop only having two more UK Top 20 hits: a duet with Will Downing on a cover of Where Is The Love 1989 #19 and I Never Felt Like This Before 1993 #15.  A further 6 Top 40 and 6 Top 75.  Her last chart appearance being with Black Angel in 1998.

The whole album is recommended and includes updated covers of classics from the likes of Teena Marie, Maze, Evelyn King, Carl Anderson, Skipworth & Turner, Geraldine Hunt.

I'm pretty sure many of these will feature in later postings.

Alicia Myers [1982] - I Want To Thank You [MCA #52107]

As an added bonus here's the original from Alicia Myers:

Charlie Wilson [2020] - Forever Valentine [BMG]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.75

Released on 17th Jan 2020 was a new single from Charlie Wilson targeted at the Chicago steppers scene with a return to a similar vibe to 'There Goes My Baby' from 2009 Uncle Charlie LP, which was only his second single to creep into the US Top 100 at #98. The other being Charlie, Last Name Wilson in 2005 which reached #67.

Former lead singer with The Gap Band, Charlie Wilson was nicknamed Uncle Charlie by Snoop Dogg. The Gap band retired in 2010 after15 albums.  Wilson released his first solo album in 1992 and has to date released 9 albums.

'Forever Valentine' is a collaboration with Bruno Mars despite a recent dispute over over Mars's Uptown Funk using parts of The Gap Band's 'Oops Upside Your Head' which was a massive hit in UK (#6) whilst just missing out on the US Top 100 (#102).  The matter didn't go to court as Charlie, Ronnie & Robert Wilson and 2 other members of The Gap Band were given writer credits.

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Ronn Colbert [2020] - My Love Was Made For You [Izipho Soul ZP-37]

From the ever expanding catalogue of independent UK label Izipho Soul is an issue of 3 previously unreleased tracks from around 1981. Well known for his 1981 stepper Just One Kiss Away [Silk City Sound] these tracks were presumably recorded at the same time for an intended album release which never happened.  But Izipho have managed to obtain the tapes from one Ronald Foster and here we have a 45 with 3 of the tracks: My Love Was Made For You, Here's To You & Looking For Love.

See other release from Izipho Soul

If you like this track then please support the artist/label 
by clicking on image above to buy directly from Izipho Soul. 
(NOTE this is a free link I make no money from it)

The links below will redierct you to Izipho's official Soundcloud page where you are able to play each track.

Ronn Colbert [2020] - My Love Was Made For You [Izipho Soul ZP-37]

Ronn Colbert [2020] - Here's To You [Izipho Soul ZP-37]

Ronn Colbert [2020] - Looking For Love [Izipho Soul ZP-37]

Rick Clarke [2020] - Family

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.7

Two up here from Rick Clarke which both use samples from 2 philly hits.

First up is Family released on 21st Feb 2020.  The backing track is lifted from Teddy Pendergrass' 'When Somebody Loves You Back' from 1978 LP 'Life Is A Song Worth Singing' (which I've added a link to below).

Rick Clarke is a UK soul musician, who had 3 singles that hit the lower reaches of the UK Pop 100 in the late 80s with Looking Out For You #96 1987, I'll See You Along The Way #63 1988 and Get Busy #77 1988.

Rick Clarke Feat. Don-E [2019] - Friends

Next up is Friends Feat. Don-E which uses samples from Lou Rawls - You'll Never Find A Love Like Mine released in July 2019.

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.2

Teddy Pendergrass [1978] - When Sombody Loves You Back [PIR]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.6

Rick Clarke Facebook

Toni Braxton [2018] - As Long As I Live

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.2

The second single from her 8th studio album Sex & Cigarettes released 9th Feb 2018.  This has  a certain haunting quality with a hypnotic beat and great melody and it just gets under your skin.  And does she still look good at 50!

If you like this track then support the artist

and click on image above to buy from Amazon

(NOTE this is a free link I do not make any money from it.

Toni Braxton is one of the biggest selling R&B artists in history having sold more that 67 million records worldwide and should need no introduction.  She's had most of her success in the 90s but this release from 2018 shows with the right material she can get back to her heights, although having said that, unfortunately this single didn't seem to make a mark outside the US R&B charts!

Laville [2019] - Thirty One [Acid Jazz]

SoulStrutter's Rating: 9

Andre Laville is a new UK artist having released 'Easy' on 45 in 2018 followed by the promo 45 and CD/LP The Wanderer released on 19th July 2019.

A track I am particularly enjoying came out on a Promo 45 on flip side to This City (Ashley Beedle Remix) last year (2019) and is also included on 'The Wanderer'.

If you like the track then support the artist 

and buy it direct from Acid Jazz by clicking the image above. 
(NOTE This is a free link I don't not make any money from it) 

From Acid Jazz:

‘The Wanderer’ is driven by a certain spirit – it’s almost as if after waiting so long Laville refuses to let this chance pass him by, bringing his intense sense of focus to the fore. A bold voice that adds something distinctly new to the tapestry of soul, Laville’s talent is too strong to remain a secret forever – it’s time for ‘The Wanderer’ to come home.

James Taylor Quartet Feat. Natalie Williams & Noel McKoy [2020] - People Get Ready (We're Movin' On)

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.4

One that isn't even 'off the press' yet as scheduled for release on 20th Mar 2020.  CD or LP no digital files available yet.  Having said that the single from it (here) was released on 31st Jan to promote the album and the UK tour.  They're appearing near me on 14th March so may nip along and get a signed and numbered vinyl copy!

If you like the track then please support the artist 
and click image above to buy from Amazon. 
(NOTE this is a free link I do not make any money from it)

The James Taylor Quartet were formed in 1985 from of the break up of The Prisoners after the demise of Stifff records.  In the 90s they were part of the UK Acid Jazz scene and have continued recorded to this day releasing approximately 32 albums.

This has got a late 70s, early 80s feel to it or more specifically a 90s 70s retro feel if you get my drift.  For me it has an authenticity about it sadly lacking in many neo soul/funk releases being made at present.

Official Website
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Vince Broomfield [2020] - I'm So Into You

To kick of the relaunch of the blog let's start with a hot off the press release from 14th Feb 2020.

SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.5

If you like the track then please support the artist 
and click on image above to buy from Amazon.
 (NOTE this is a free link I do not make any money from it!)

Vince Broomfield (not to be confused with Vince Bloomfield) is a saxophonist from Miami. He is from a talented family of musicians who have recorded under a number of different guises since the 1970s such as Broomfield Corporate Jam (B.C.J), La Voyage, Simplicious as well as most of them having solo careers.

He was a member of Broomfield Corporate Jam and LaVoyage with brothers Aaron, Al, Ronald (aka Eugene Wilde) and sister Dee Dee Wilde (aka Diane Broomfield).

Broomfield Corporate Jam recorded a handful of 45s in late 70s.

La Voyage recorded 2 albums and  45 on Trans A in the 1980s

In addition to several other solo tracks by him available on Amazon, Soul Junction in UK has released some previously unreleased material by Audio Feat. Vince Broomfield.

2011 LP New Beginnings [SJLP 5004]

consisting of unreleased material between 1989-1995

and 3 45s:

2009 Kisses Don't Lie / I Can't Take It [SJ 503]

2012 Won;t Somebody / The Answer's No [SJ 515]

2013 Don't Move A Muscle / Donna Lee [SJ 521]

Facebook: Vince Broomfield

UPDATE 4th March 2020

After a long sabbatical I've eventually completed the Northern Soul Top 500 from 501 to 600.

Since this project was first started there have been several updates to Kev Robert's book originally published in 2000 (2007 edition and 2012 Definitive Edition) and I suspect a new one might come. 

Most of these tracks can be easily found on YouTube or Spotify so I've decided to abandon this project and reactivate the blog to focus on bringing attention to lesser known tracks and new releases.  There are plenty of sites for traditional Northern Soul these days so I will be focusing more on Neo Soul, Modern Soul, Crossover and Lowriders.

NS501 Billy Arnell & The Sparkles [1965] - Tough Girl [Holly]

501 Billy Arnell & The Sparkles [1965] - Tough Girl [Holly]

Artist:	Billy Arnell & The Sparkles
A:	Tough Girl
B:	Tough Girl (Instrumental)
Format:	45
Country:	US
Label:	Holly
Label Discography:	Holly
Cat No:	1001
Year:	1965
Value:	£400-£600
Value Link:	Value
Artist Biography:	Soul Source
Artist Discography:	Billy Arnell & The Sparkles

Blue-eyed soul.  It was the instrumental version that was mainly played although the vocal did get played later.

This is the only known/listed 45 for artist and Newark NJ label.  It was bootlegged on a faux white promo.

Apparently his real name is Billy Smith and he was only 14 when this was recorded  although he claimed to be 17.  Read the story on Soul Source. 

He went on to be a producer in the 70s working with rock band Riot on his own Fire Sign label.

He also arranged some of The Drifters 70s hits such as 'Down On The Beach Tonight' and 'Like Sister And Brother' and others 

Billy Arnell on right of photo

501 Billy Arnell & The Sparkles [1965] - Tough Girl (Instrumental) [Holly]

501 Billy Arnell & The Sparkles [1965] - Tough Girl [Holly]

NS502 Bob Brady & The Con Chords [1969] - Everybody's Goin' To The Love-In [Chariot 526]

502 Bob Brady & The Con Chords [1969] - Everybody's Goin' To The Love-In [Chariot 526]

Artist:	Bob Brady & The Con Chords
A:	Everybody's Goin' To The Love-In
B:	It's Been A Long Time Between Kisses
Format:	45
Country:	US
Label:	Chariot
Label Discography:	Chariot Discography
Cat No:	526
Year:	1968
Value:	£10-£20
Value Link:	Value
Artist Biography:	Bob Brady & The Con Chords Biography
Artist Discography:	Bob Brady & The Con Chords   Soulfulkindamusic

Blue-eyed soul band from Baltimore founded in 1964 who tried to sound like Smokey Robinson and even did a cover of More, More, More Of Your Love prior to this 45.

502 Bob Brady & The Con Chords [1969] - Everybody's Goin' To The Love-In [Chariot 526]

502 Bob Brady & The Con Chords [1969] - It's Been A Long Time Between Kisses [Chariot 526]

Bob Brady & The Con Chords [1967] - Goodbye Baby [Chariot CH 100]

 

2nd issue dist. by Cameo Parkway

Bob Brady & The Con Chords [1967] - Tell Me Why [Chariot CH 100]

One for the 'lowriders'

Bob Brady & The Con Chords [1967] - More, More, More Of Your Love [Chariot CH 101]

Bob Brady & The Con Chords [1967] - It's A Better World [Chariot CH 101]

NS503 Marsha Gee [1965] - Baby, I Need You [Uptown 704]

503 Marsha Gee [1965] - Baby, I Need You [Uptown 704]

Artist:	Marsha Gee
A:	Baby, I Need You
B:	I'll Never Be Free (Because I Love You So)
Format:	45
Country:	US
Label:	Uptown
Label Discography:	Uptown
Cat No:	704
Year:	1965
Value:	£150-£200
Value Link:	Value
Artist Biography:	Ollie Jackson
Artist Discography:	Marsha Gee

Nothing is known about Marsha Gee who appears to have released this solitary 45.  A catchy mid 60s girlie skip-a-long sound so popular in the mid 70s at large all-nighter venues. 

The Peanut Duck record credited to her is NOT Marsha Gee.  Peanut Duck was a Virtue studio acetate that was bootlegged in UK on Joker in 80s and 'covered-up' as Marsha Gee.  The singer of Peanut Duck is still unknown but what is known is that it isn't Marsha Gee. It got an 'official'? release in 2005 on Penniman using a model on the picture sleeve.  There is also an 'illegal'? reissue on Disque D'Or from 1998

503 Marsha Gee [1965] - Baby, I Need You [Uptown 704]

Marsha Gee [1965] - I'll Never Be Free (Because I Love You So) [Uptown 704]

Marsha Gee [198?/2005] - Peanut Duck [Joker JK0001 / Penniman PENN 45013]

This has never officially been released as it was originally discovered on a Virtue studio acetate.  I am guessing by DJ Mark 'Butch' Dobson given that the bootleg has Butch Music on it?  Virtue Studios offered a service whereby anyone could pay a fee and come in and record 2 sides and either release it on the Virtue label or a label of their your own.  Therefore it is pretty difficult to track down who this artist really is unless the someone involved recognises it ... and after nearly 40 years I guess that is going to be unlikely now?

NS504 Jackie Wilson [1968] - I Get The Sweetest Feeling [Brunswick]

504 Jackie Wilson [1968] - I Get The Sweetest Feeling [Brunswick]

Artist:	Jackie Wilson
A:	I Get The Sweetest Feeling
B:	Nothing But Heartaches (Keep Haunting Me)
Format:	45
Country:	US
Label:	Brunswick
Label Discography:	Brunswick Discography
Cat No:	55381
Year:	1966
Value:	£10
Value Link:	None
Artist Biography:	Jackie Wilson Biography
Artist Discography:	Jackie Wilson Discography

Absolute classic from Jackie Wilson that needs no introduction.  Surprisingly not covered by that many artists as how could you possibly top the original? Erma Franklin probably came closest, The Platters, The Chants (early incarnation of The Real Thing), Liz McClarnon (Atomic Kitten) had a decent effort in 2006 (see below) and a few others here. 

504 Jackie Wilson [1967] - I Get The Sweetest Feeling [Brunswick]

Jackie Wilson [1967] - Nothing But Heartaches (Keep Haunting Me) [Brunswick]

The Platters [1968] - I Get The Sweetest Feeling [Musicor MS 3171]

From the album of the same name, here's The Platters version from 1968.

The Chants [1969] - I Get The Sweetest Feeling [RCA (UK) 1823]

The Chants were founded in Liverpool in 1963. In 1969 they released a cover of the Jackie Wilson classic.  Eddie Amoo from The Chants joined his brother Chris who had started The Real Thing in 1972.  It wasn't until Eddie joined the group in 1976 that they began to find chart success.  They had a UK #1 with 'You To Me Are Everything' and went on a 10 year run of UK hits.  Eddie died in Feb 2018 in Australia.

The Chants were different from the rest of the beat groups in that they were a black vocal group who had a style which owed much to American groups of the Fifties such as The Ravens and The Flamingos. They were formed in Liverpool in 1962 and originally called themselves the Shades. Late in 1962 they turned up at the Cavern club for an audition but didn't have a backing group, the Beatles offered to provide backing for them, but Brian Epstein objected. John Lennon overruled him and the Chants made their Cavern debut in November 1962 with the Beatles providing their backing. Despite his initial opposition, Epstein briefly took over the management of the group early in 1963. They found him ineffectual as a manager and he agreed to release them. Then they signed with a Manchester-based agent, Ted Ross, who arranged a recording deal with Pye Records. The Chants made an impact on several tours and in Eddie Amoo they possessed an effective performer.. They sustained their career throughout most of the '60s without troubling the charts despite recording for several different labels. In the mid-seventies singer Amoo finally found success with the disco band The Real Thing. 'I Get The Sweetest Feeling' was The Chants last single release. 

Erma Franklin [1970] - I Get The Sweetest Feeling [Brunswick 755430]

Older sister to Artetha and Carolyn does her 1970 cover of the Van McCoy & Alicia Evelyn track.

Liz McClarnon [2006] - I Get The Sweetest Feeling [All Around The World]

A 2006 solo release from former member of Atomic Kitten tucked way on the B side of 'Woman In Love'.  'Purists' ... don't let that put you off ... give it a listen and I think you will be plesantly surprised by what you hear.

Daisy Hicks [2002] - I Get The Sweetest Feeling

Daisy Hicks did a modern arrangement on her 'Mistress' album in 2000.  It was released on a vinyl 45 to commemorate the 2nd Anniversary of Trentham Gardens All-Nighter (Stoke-On-Trent UK) in 2002.

It has been posted here

NS505 George Lemons [1967] - Fascinating Girl [Gold Soul 1024]

505 George Lemons [1967] - Fascinating Girl [Gold Soul 1024]

Artist:	George Lemons
A:	Fascinating Girl
B:	Fascinating Girl (Instrumental)
Format:	45
Country:	US
Label:	Gold Soul (Detroit)
Label Discography:	Gold Soul Discography
Cat No:	1024
Year:	1967
Value:	£2,640
Value Link:	£2,640
Artist Biography:	Soulful Detroit Article
Artist Discography:	George Lemons Discography

Lemons was given 3 life sentences along with his mother and 2 brothers for the first degree murder of 3 police officers in a Detroit motel in July 1987.  Full story here and here. Apparently he died in prison in 1996, he would have been about 55 (he was 46 at the time of the murders).  According to the linked story the murder trial was delayed several times owing to Lemons needing (kidney) dialysis so I would guess that was the cause of his death.  His mother (Alberta Easter) also died in prison living until 2011 aged 93 (she was 69 at the time of the murders). 

The record is a Marmite type of tune ... some love it others hate it.  I am the latter!  The song was written by the 'terrible three' i.e. Roy, George & Bill (William) Lemons who were all convicted for murder.  For me it has no redeaming features, the vocals are incredibly poor.  This is a rare record and for me that is why 'some' like it as for me it has virtually zero musical merit and was released by some 'bad mother f*ckers'!

505 George Lemons [1967] - Fascinating Girl [Gold Soul 1024]

Lemons Bros. Orchestra [1967] - Fascinating Girl (Inst) [Gold Soul 1024]

He also did a version of Walter Jackson's Uphill Climb To The Bottom which was unreleased until it surfaced on a Goldmine Soul Supply CD The Lost Soul Of Detroit Vol. 1 in 1993.
It is so bad it is almost good!  The off key notes seem to add to the charm!!!

George Lemons [196?] - Uphill Climb To The Bottom [Unreleased]

Walter Jackson [1966] - It's An Uphill Climb To The Bottom [Okeh ]

... and how it SHOULD sound!