The second volume of The Key To Our Love (Vol.2) was released on 26
Apr 2021 by Symphonical records digitally and will be available on vinyl
(limited to 2,000) on 11 Jun 2021.
It's a compilation of rare sweet soul targeted at the lowrider audience, many of which are one-off releases from both artist and label and most have
never sold on Discogs indicating their scarcity.
Click arrows to move through tracks
01 - The Arterials [1972] - What We Have [Mary #00662]
One of only five listed singles on the label which I believe may have
been based in Baltimore as several of the recordings were made at the
Blue Seas Studios which was built in a barge boat in Baltimore harbour
owned by The Lovin' Spoonful's bassist Steve Boone. This is also the
group's only listed release.
02 - Andre & Zero Plus [c1974] - Sparkle In A Woman's Eye
[Eyeball Records, Inc. #EB-1003]
One of only two listed singles on this Chicago label. There is
speculation that Andre is most likely to be Andre Williams as writing
credits show A. Williams, however the producer is also called Andre De
Leon so it may be that Williams wrote it, but which one recorded
it?
03 - Coast To Coast [1982] - I Want You Dear [Multi-Sound #none]
Coast To Coast were a group from Queens, NY (Bayside) who released two
singles in the early 80s. One of the members and writers, Mark
Beiner, has posted some footage of the group performing this and a few
other tracks on his YT channel. The only releases on the label were from them so I would guess that
they are private presses.
04 - Cold Blooded Express [1978] - You're The Life Of Me [T&L #KJPHC101]
Yet another sole release for group and label. No hints on label as to
it's whereabouts and can find no info or other recordings for writer,
producer or publisher so may truly be a one-off.
05 - Fred Moss [1971] - I'll Always Love You [Vanessa #V-111]
Fred Moss was from St. Louis and wrote both sides on this, his only
release. It was recorded at Archway Studios owned by Oliver Sain. The
top side is a Smokey Robinson sound-alike whilst the flip is
funky.
06 - The Ultimates [1971] - Why I Love You [Valentine #10001]
Only two releases listed for the label, both by The Ultimates, the
other is dated 1976. Both sides written by Kenny Fuller. Vocals are
naive, so may be a self released project by a young group. Again no
clues on the label as to its whereabouts and the sparse label design
suggests a private press.
07 - The Legends [1970] - A Fool For You [Red Balloon #RB-03]
Name spelt incorrectly on the compilation, it should be The Ledgends
who were members of the original Notations who split when Clifford Curry
decided to leave after their first recording in 1969 taking the
Notations name with him, so the remaining members became The Ledgends.
The odd thing is that Red Balloon is an LA label owned by Clarence
Johnson who along with the artists who recorded on the
label (Ledgends, Reggie Soul and Sunday Willliams) were all from
Chicago.
08 - The 5 Stepping Stars [?] - I'll Never Love Again [J.C.D.T. #none]
Only two know recordings by this group, and the other was an acetate
only until released last year on Omerta. They were the Simmons family from Newark, NJ, who later became The
Family Circle in the 70s. I would guess the label name is the initials
of some of the family members i.e. James, Charles, Don/David &
Trinna and is probably a private press.
09 - Rick St. John [?] - One Heart Hurting [Independent Sound Rec.
Co. #B-102-RSJ]
Another one-off for artist and label, self-written and produced with
Brinson & McCoy but no clues as to where this originated.
10 - Young Mods [1971] - I Can't Hurt You Back [Everblack #EB 1000]
This Dayton, OH, group recorded three singles between 1971-76, this was
their second, released in 1971 on Everblack which was re-issued by
Symphonical on 45 which I posted last month. Very reminiscent of Curtis Mayfied/The Impressions.
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