Lucy Jules [2007] - Devil With Heart [Chappell #CHAP 329]

Lucy Jules is featured on the new single from Brian Power 'Optimistic' (just posted) and I believe she was a backing singer for George Michael and has also featured with Sam Smith. I found this track by her, first released on a compilation 'Soul Revue 2' but also featured on the soundtrack for 'Damsels In Distress' in 2012.

It's a 60's / Motown throwback sounding a bit like Martha Reeves & The Vandellas (Heatwave) with elements of The Fascinations, Girls Are Out To Get You at the start.

There is another track by her on 'Soul Revue 2' called 'Baby I Want You' which is a bit 'poppy', but still has a Motown feel. It featured in the Netflix TV series Velvet.

R. Kelly [2002] - Heaven I Need A Hug [Jive #01241-41849-2]

I thought it was timely to post this track whilst we are in the midst of UK Lockdown #2. It is taken from the 'Loveland' bonus disc which was issued with the US limited edition release of 'The Chocolate Factory' album in 2003.

Apparently 'Loveland' was scheduled to be the follow up album to 'TP-2' in Nov 2002, but was delayed due to heavy bootlegging.  It was then dropped and 'The Chocolate Factory' was released in 2003 with 7 tracks from 'Loveland' issued as a bonus disc on a special edition US release.  Loveland originally had 15 tracks.

Bootlegs of 'Love Land' have been blocked from sale on Discogs, hence I would imagine they are pretty hard to come by.

Brian Power Feat. Lucy Jules [2021] - Optimistic [Soulhouse]

I posted this previously in The Breakers but it has now officially been released (29 Jan 2021) so deserve's its own post.  There are two mixes - Radio Edit and longer the Long Keys Remix.

It's always been a long time favourite since it's release in 1991 (30 years ago!!!) by The Sounds Of Blackness and this cover is fairly faithful to the original with a beefed up bassline that does it justice.

Long Keys Remix

Radio Edit

Brian Power is a London based DJ/producer and owner of Soulhouse records and I'm assuming it's the same Lucy Jules who was a backing singer for George Michael?

Gladys Knight & The Pips [1965] - Stop And Get A Hold Of Myself / Tell Her You're Mine [Ramrock Retro #RRET 001]

A pairing of two Northern Soul tracks originally released in 1965 on Larry Maxwell's MAXX label (334 & 335) just before they joined Motown and released one of their best NS tracks 'Just Walk In My Shoes' on Soul in 1966.

This has just been reissued on limited edition (500) 7" vinyl (20 Jan 2021) on a new label Ramrock Retro and is available to order via BandCamp.

Stop And Get A Hold Of Myself

Some live footage of them performing the track on a TV show in 1968. (NOTE sound quality not great).

Tell Her You're Mine

The Gospel Classics [1968] - More Love, That's What We Need [Checker #5050]

Staying with Gospel Northern Soul, and another released on Chess's Checker imprint's 5000 gospel series and also got a UK release. It was played early on the Northern Soul circuit at the legendary Twisted Wheel in Manchester.  It has seen plenty of reactivation over the years.

The Kindly Shepherds [1967] - Lend Me Your Hand [Checker #5038]

Fabulous Gospel / Northern Soul from The Kindly Shepherds on Checker from 1967 produced by Monk Higgins.

It recently got reissued in UK via Chess Northern Soul Box Set III in 2018. An original on Checker sells for well into 3 figures (approx £300-£500).

Don't Let The Devil Fool You

Whilst still on the gospel 'tip' here's another one, inspired by Craig Charles' trio of gospel northern tracks played on his show last night. A couple of covers/interpretations of Wilson Pickett's 'Don't Let The Green Grass Fool' and a gospel version of 'Just My Imagination'.

Rev. W. Bernard Avant Jr. & The St. James Gospel Choir [1972] - Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You (Don't Let The Devil Fool You) [Gospel Truth #GTA-1203]

Rev. W. Bernard Avant Jr. & The St. James Gospel Choir [1972] - Just My Imagination [Gospel Truth #GTS-2701]

A gospel version of The Temptations 'Just My Imagination (Just My Salvation)' also recorded by The Rance Allen Group earlier on the same label.

The Gospel Messengers [2015] - Don't Let The Devil Fool You [Self Released]

I 'wonder' if Bobby Wade credited here is the same Bobby Wade who released a few singles on Way Out and was a member of Little Anthony & The Imperials who I posted a feature on a while ago. I think he may be pictured back right on sleeve image below.

Deitrick Haddon [2004] - Stir The Gift [Zomba #82876-59482-2]

What a magnificent song and singer. Taken from his 2004 album 'Crossroads'. Three minutes and 19 seconds of pure bliss ... and that's just not long enough. This one's on repeat! Deep, deep gospel / soul. I cannot recommend this highly enough ... it is soul perfection if you like 'real soul' music.