Servicemen [1967] - Are You Angry / Need A Helping Hand [Wind Hit #M-101]

As you will have probably noticed already, I'm having a Northern Soul day today as there's not much on the new release front of interest around today.  It's a mixture of well known and not so well known tunes.

This one, however, is a well known classic double-sider with one of the best stompers ever and still exceedingly rare to find an original. Both sides were written by group member James Mitchell and Hadley Murrell who had previously written songs with, and recorded by, Eddie (Campbell) & Ernie (Johnson).  

The Servicemen, as the name implies, were a 5 member group which consisted of three serving members of US Airforce and one from the army, all based in Arizona, plus another.

The connection between Murrell, Eddie & Ernie & Servicemen is that they were all based in  Phoenix, Arizona.

There's a great story about them on Soul Source by Karl 'Chalky' White from an interview with Larry Banks who was a member of the group.  Banks provided several interesting photos. Note this is not the same Larry Banks who was married to Bessie Banks.

Servicemen [1967] - Are You Angry / I Need A Helping Hand [Wind Hit #M-101]

This track was originally a doo-wop ballad.  It was recorded by Thee Midniters on Whittier in 1966 which is almost unrecognisable to the stomping version by the Servicemen. 

The Servicemen performed the song acapella (along with some other songs) in the intermission of a dance at a US Air Force base where Hadley Murrell was the DJ.  After hearing them, Murrell decided he wanted to record them. Subsequently he released 2 songs on his own Wind Hit label in 1967. 

Only one other record was released on Wind Hit (co-written by Murrell and Eddie Campbell) by Roy & The Dew Drops - curiously there is a clip on YT where '(Servicemen)' has been hand written on the label underneath the artist name - could the group also be them, or are they being credited with writing the song?  Apparently only 200 Wind Hit copies were pressed hence its scarcity.

It was bootleged on a 'counterfeit' look-alike label in the 70s to 'meet demand'. They are easy to recognise as the original is vinyl with moulded label, whilst the booleg is sytrene with 'stick-on' label. Originals are now selling for 4 figures.

Are You Angry (Acapella)

Servicemen [1967] - Need A Heping Hand [Wind Hit #M-101]

This side was also later issued on Patheway with 'My Turn' (a doo-wop / soul harmony tune) on the flip side. Most pressings on Patheway had the labels reversed.

 Need A Helping Hand (Acapella)

Bill Lucas [1967] - Cause I Know Your Mine / I Don't Wanna Ever Love Again [Dionn #502]

For lovers of 'vintage' soul it doesn't get much better than this, a superb double-sider from Bill Lucas (both also written by him). The third release on Gilda Woods' Dionn label out of Philly that also brought us Brenda & The Tabluations and Moses Smith. The only other two artists who recorded for Dionn were The Vareeations and The Ordells.

I also note that both sides were arranged by Philly producer Richard 'Richie' Rome who founded The Ritchie Family in 1975.

There is only one another Bill Lucas record listed, on Surprise #711 'Pledging My Love / Your Good Thing' (a Joe Cobb & Van McCoy song). It appears to be the only release on this label which is a Jamie/Guyden subsidary.  It is almost certainly the same Bill Lucas as Gilda Woods was the producer. Unfortunately there are no clips on YT. I would love to hear it based on the quality of the two sides on Dionn.

Bill Lucas [1967] - Cause I Know Your Mine [Dionn #502]

This side is difficult to categorise as it's not traditional Northern Soul but did get spins in the 80s at 'Top Of The World', Stafford by Keb Darge. Northern Soul, Beat Ballad, Crossover, Lowrider, categorise it how you will as it could fit in all of these 'pigeon holes', but one thing is for certain, it is sheer quality 60s soul music which starts slow and just builds and builds and leaves you wanting more as 2:30 just isn't long enough.

Bill Lucas [1967] - I Don't Wanna Ever Love Again [Dionn #502]

As if the A side wasn't enough to convince you to seek this out, the flip is equally as good. This time it sits firmly on the 'Beat Ballad' shelf. 'Beat Ballad Heaven'!

Chris Farlowe [1967] - Looking For You [Columbia (FR) #ESRF 1875]

A great blue-eyed version of Garnet Mimms' Northern Soul classic 'Looking For You' by Chris Farlowe.  This is album only ('The Last Goodbye' on Immediate) except for a French 3 track EP released on Columbia in 1967. Either will probably set you back £100+ in decent condition.

Chris Farlowe was born John Henry Dighton in London in 1940 and was also known as Little Joe Cook to perpetuate the myth that he was a black singer. He rose to prominence in the UK with a #1 hit with a cover of The Rolling Stones' 'Out Of Time' in 1966. 

He had 3 other top 40 and 2 top 50 hits between 1966-67, the most well know, other than #1 hit, is probably 'Handbags & Gladrags', a cover of The Small Faces album track, later also covered by Rod Stewart in 1970, although it didn't chart for Stewart, he often sings it live.

Here's the best of the rest, mainly Northern Soul style and a few cover versions.

Don't Just Look At Me

It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

I detect elements of Four Tops - 'Same Old Song' in this one

Yesterday's Papers

Moanin'

Cover Versions

We're Doing Fine

Dee Dee Warwick cover

Open The Door To Your Heart

Darrell Banks cover

In The Midnight Hour

Wilson Picket cover

Mr. Pitiful

Otis Redding cover

Reach Out, I'll Be There

Four Tops cover

The Wall Of Sound [1967] - Hang On [Big Bird #BB-127]

Following on from the Darlene Love post, this is possibly (probably) the finest example of the Phil Specter's 'Wall Of Sound' from a group given the name The Wall Of Sound titled 'Hang On'. It was recorded at the same Gold Star studios using the legendary session muscian's who were known as the The Wrecking Crew (L.A.'s equivalent of Motown's Funk Brothers), but Phil Specter was NOT involved with this recording.

Released first on Big Bird #BB-127 in Aug 1967 and then issued on Tower #363 in Oct. It was written and produced by Reese 'Buzz' Clifford and Jan Davis and has been a big tune on the NS scene 'forever'.

Darlene Love v Carolyne Daye - A Long Way To Be Happy

Recorded in June 1966 at Gold Star Studios in Holywood this, Phil Specter produced (Gerry) Goffin & (Carole) King written, song would be kept under wraps until 1976 when it was released on a UK compilation series of Specter's unreleased Philles material: 'Phil Specter Wall Of Sound Volume 6 - Rare Masters 2' on Phil Specter International records.

The song was also recorded by Carolyne Daye (a white artist) on Liberty and released in August 1966. It was arranged by Gene Page and produced by Calvin Carter. It is low key, more 'crossover', in comparison to Darlene Love's powerhouse 'Wall Of Sound' version.

Darlene Love [1976] - A Long Way To Be Happy [Phil Spector International #2307 009]

Carolyn Daye [1966] - A Long Way To Be Happy [Liberty #55909]

Moses Smith - Discography

I still believe that it is not known who Moses Smith was and there are only two records listed from him. The only thing known is that he won a singing contest at The Uptown theatre  in Philadelpha and as a result was signed by Gilda Woods to her fledgling Dionn label. She had earlier signed Brenda & The Tabulations to the label where they released their debut 'Dry Your Eyes' in Dec. 1966.

Woods was the wife of local radio DJ Georgie Woods ('the man with the goods') on WHAT-AM & WDAS) and they organised the talent shows at the Uptown theatre.

Discography

1968 - The Girl Across The Street / Hey Love (I Wanna' Thank You) [Dionn #508]

1970 - Keep On Striving' /  Come On, Let Me Love You [Cotillion #45-44075]

2002 - Try My Love / Try My Love (Inst) [Jamie #4019]

1968 - The Girl Across The Street [Dionn #508]

1968 - Hey Love (I Wanna' Thank You) [Dionn #508]

1970 - Keep On Striving' [Cotillion #45-44075]

A good double-sider from Moses Smith which apparently Ian Levine started playing 'Come On, Let Me Love You' at the Mecca at the same time as his better remembered 'The Girl Across The Street' 1968 outing on Dionn was being hammered by Richard Searling at the Casino.  It's the other 'crossover' side I prefer 'Keep On Stiving' which wouldn't have got a look in back in the 70s.

1970 - Come On, Let Me Love You [Cotillion 45-44075]

2002 - Try My Love [Jamie #4019]

A brilliant, previously unknown, 'proper Northern' track by him 'Try My Love' was released on 'The Northern Side Of Philly Soul' [Jamie #4019] in 2002. Apparently it was recorded at the same session as 'Girl Across The Street' but stayed in the can until 2002.

It was also issued on 7" single with a look-alike Dionn label in 2002 with 'The Girl Across The Street' on the other side. I guess that it must be a legit reissue via Jamie/Guyden as this is now fetching 3 figures (£100-£150).

2002 - Try My Love (Instrumental) [Jamie #4019]

An instrumental version also appeared on the compilation CD.

Jack Montgomery [1966] - Dearly Beloved [Scepter #SCE 12152] PLUS Discography

I'm not quite sure when this side went 'big' as I'd been off the NS scene for most of the 80s and 90s, I don't recall hearing it before 1983, but I do remember it being a floor-filler in 1998/99 and it was re-issued on UK Soul City in 2000 which might suggest that it had only recently become popular around then. Incidentally it was re-issued as 'My Dear Beloved', the title used on one of the Scepter releases, which may have been a second issue?

Initially the Scepter release was sought after for the other side 'Do You Believe It' which appeared on one of the very first NS compilations compiled by Ian Levine, 'Disco Demand's Solid Soul Sensations' on Pye in 1975 which I probably wore out when it was released. It was reissued on CD in 2004 with ten additional tracks, which included 'Dearly Beloved'.

I recall in 1998/99 it was valued around £75 as I was keen to get hold of it. It is now well into 3 figures (one sold on discogs for £400 but you should get one for less than that).

Jack Montgomery's real name was Marvin Tyrone Jones. He was given the stage name Jack Montgomery by Detroit songwriter, musician Don Juan Mancha who ran 60s Groove City label (which released two NS 'monsters' Sam Ward's - 'Sister Lee' and The Professionals - 'That's Why I Love You' / 'Did My Baby Call' their version of Steve Mancha's Wheelsville track). 

Discography

Montgomery only released 4 singles, 3 of them played on the NS scene. 

1966 - 'Dearly Beloved' / 'Do You Believe It' [Scepter #SCE 12152]

1967 - 'Don't Turn Your Back On Me' / 'Never In A Million Years (Inst)', [Barracuda #BRC-101]

1968 - 'Baby, Baby Take A Chance On Me' / 'Baby Take A Chance On Me (Inst)' [Revue #R 11009]

19?? - 'Beauty Isn't Born' / 'Beauty Isn't Born (Inst)' [Auston's #001] 

The last release is a mellow soul ballad. It is the only release on the label and the date of release is unknown but I would guess it was his last release late 60s/early 70s. The 1967 release on Barracuda is also the only (known) release by the label.

The Honey Bees released a vocal version of 'Never In A Million Years' on Garrison in 1967 produced by Montgomery, Mancha and arranged by Mike Terry. The same personnel were also credited on Just Brothers 'Carlena', an earlier release on the same label.

Montgomery is also credited (as Marvin Jones) for co-writing Satisfaction Unlimited's 'I Know It's Love' and 'Come On Back' with Winford (Johnny) Terry (founder of Garrison) for their 1972 album 'Think Of The Children' released on Holland, Dozier, Holland's Hot Wax label.

Montgomery died in 1982 aged only 40.

Virginia Blakly v Bobby Vee - Let Nobody Love You

This is 'no contest' ... Virginia Blakly wins hand down but some may not know Bobby Vee's version.

Virginia Blakly [1968] - Let Nobody Love You [Mojo #101]

The first of only two known (listed) records on this 60s Los Angeles label. Both are great records. I've previously posted the other, by Betty Willis with a slower version of Rita & The Tiara's 'Gone With The Wind' with a stunning deep soul ballad 'Ain't Gonna Do You No Good' on the other B side.

The flip side is a funeral paced deep soul tune 'Butterflies & Misty Eyes'. 

As far as I am aware this is her only release. These now sell for just into 4 figures!

Bobby Vee [1968] - Let Nobody Love You (While I'm Gone) [ Liberty #LST-7592]

An album only track from 'Do What You Gotta Do' in 1968.

Bobby Hebb [1968] - You Want To Change Me [Philips #40551]

A superb and uplifting Gamble & Huff penned tune from Bobby Hebb, who had some other, more 'poppy', tunes played on Northern Soul scene which were also chart hits: 'Sunny' #2 US/#12 UK in 1966 and 'Love, Love, Love' #32 UK in 1972, a reissue from 1966 with 'Sunny' on the flip. 

His only other chart entries were in US with 'A Satisfied Mind' #39) (which had 'Love, Love, Love' on the flip) and  'Love Me' (#84) which is quite similar to 'Sunny', so much so it could be described as 'Sunny Pt. 2'!

Here's an interview he did regarding Sunny.

A few more of his recordings of interest.

1966 - I Am Your Man from 'Sunny' album

1966 - Got You On My Mind - from 'Sunny' album - live performance on 'The Beat'

1966 - Babee I'm Crazee (Crazy Baby) flip side to 'Love Me'

1968 - Dreamy  flip side to 'You Want To Change Me'

1972 - I Was A Boy When You Needed A Man - single on Cadet

Also recorded in 1969 by Billy Shields an alias used by Tony Orlando

1972 - Some Kind Of Magic - single on Philips

1972 - Good Good Lovin' - flip side to 'Some Kind Of Magic' in UK only

1976 - Sunny '76 - 70s version

1976 - Sunny (Disco) - 70s longer disco version

1975 - True I Love You - his last single on Laurie

1975 - Proud Soul Heritage - flip side to 'True I Love You'

2005 - Bobby Hebb Feat. Astrid North - Sunny - jazz version with German jazz singer released in Austria on CD

Randy Crawford [1982] - When I'm Gone [Wanner Bros. #1-23687]

Here's a version of this song that I have forgotten/overlooked. Several Motown artists recorded this Smokey Robinson written song. The original version was recorded by Mary Wells in 1964 but it wasn't released. It has subsequently turned up on several compilations. Motown actually pressed it with a full colour sleeve in June 1964 (M-1061) but decided not to release it as Wells had left Motown (acrimoniously) to join 20th Century-Fox. 

Another unreleased record by Wells in 1964 was 'Whisper You Love Me Boy' (subsequently recorded by The Supremes in 1965) / 'I'll Be Available' (subsequently released by Brenda Holloway in 1965). It was schedued for release as M-1065. Whisper You Love Me Boy did get a 45 release by Mary Wells in Holland in 1965.

Brenda Holloway had the first release of 'When I'm Gone' in 1965. Barbara McNair released it in 1969 on 'The Real Barbara McNair' album and Bonnie Pointer in 1978 on her self-titled album and it was issued as a single only in Holland in 1979 and UK in 1980.

A New Zealand blue-eyed artist, Alison Durbin, released a version on an album 'Soft & Soulful' in 1969.

Randy Crawford's version was album only on her 1982 Windsong album.

So apart from Bonnie Pointer's UK & Dutch issues, the only 45 version is the original from Brenda Holloway. The US Tamla issue is quite cheap and easy to find, but the UK TMG 508 now sells for 3 figures (5 currently for sale between £120-£225).