Soul Strutter: Out Of Sights [2021] - For The Rest Of My Life / My Womans Love [Big Man #BMR 1004]

A reissue of two sides from the Out Of Sights (Out-Of-Sights) was released 13 Feb 2021 on Mark Bicknell's Big Man label, the 4th release to date. Originally released on Cleveland label Saru, named after the owners (Chuck Brown and Frank Key) mothers Sara & Ruth.

The top side was the first release on the label in 1969 and is a rare as hens teeth. The flip was originally released as the B side to 'I Was Wrong' in 1971. They released two other 45s on the label.

Numero Group has previously reissued 'For The Rest Of My Life' on their Boddie imprint in 2014 with 'Tears Don't Care Who Cries' on the other side, which is another great, soulful Northern Soul/Crossover tune. Note that these are demo takes recorded prior to signing for Saru that were found in the Boddie vaults. 'Tear's', especially, is a different, much better, take to the funky take that was issued on Saru. This reissue seems to be hard to find now with none currently for sale on Discogs, with the last one selling for £100.

Other notable releases on the label include a one-off by The O'Jays (who were from Canton, Ohio) in 1971, just before they joined Gamble & Huff at Phildelphia International, and Bobby Dukes' wonderful crossover tune 'Just To Be With You'. The song was also recorded on Saru by Elements (S-1224), (which going by Cat. No. was the issue before Bobby Dukes' version) and was reecently reissued by Numero Group in 2019 (but appears to be Japan only).

Interestingly, The O'Jays also recorded a version of 'Just To Be With You' on 45 and on album titled 'Superbad', both released on Little Star. The album also included the two sides of their Saru 45. The same album also appeared on other labels with different titles but was essentially the same tracklist.