VA [2021 - The Key To Our Love Vol​.​2 [Symphonical Records]

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.

The song was covered in 2012 by The Jack Moves [Fulltime #FUL-112]

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.