VA [2023] - Unreleased Gems (Compilation 1) [Boss Records]

An unusual compilation landed last Friday (17 Feb '23) titled "Unreleased Gems (Compilation 1". It transpires that all songs were written, and many recorded, (but unreleased) by Billy Nichols aka PapaDollaBill. Whilst it's available to stream, I've been unable to find it for purchase anywhere.

Nichols was a member of B.T Express and was the writer of their biggest hit "Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)" in 1974. Prior to that he joined Motown in 1964 and was a member of the road band led by Choker Campbell. His first job was working with Martha & The Vandellas and later became Marvin Gaye's musical director.

He is quite a prolific songwriter with his first recorded song "To Love To Love" being released on the flip side to "Summertime" by Billy Stewart on Chess in 1966. Millie Jackson recorded several of his songs along with a couple done by other artists on Spring such as Garland Green and Act 1.

As the songs on this compilation are all previously unreleased and by unknown artists (except for Willie Collins) it's difficult to date them but most sound like 80s recordings and as such fall on deaf ears to this listener mainly because of the transition from real musicians to early 'thin' computerised synthetic sound which is completely lost on me. 

However, there are one or two choice cuts. The clear standout is Walter Coleman with "Girl You're Tearing Me Apart" (which has that early/mid80s independent soul sound) with only really another two standing the test of time to these ears i.e. James (Bo) Wright  "It's Just a Matter of Time" and Ernest Nichols (a relative?) "I Almost Lost It". Outsiders are two tracks by Sandy & Beverley "Two Can Play That Game" and "The Luv U Started". But if you like the 80s sound there may be others that appeal so will post the full set of 24 tracks.

Thanks to Paul Regan (Brighton Boris).

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist. 

Details

Rating:	7.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	80s Soul
Format:	Album / Compilation
Media:	Digital
Label:	Boss Records
Cat No:	None
Date:	17/02/2023
Price:	£?

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