Mike (Michael James Kirkland) & The Censations released 4 45s on Highland (the first was also released on Bryan) and then then went on to record 3 45s on Revue.
Mike James Kirkland then went solo from 1971-1973 releasing his seminal album Hang On In There in 1972 and Doin' It Right in 1973 on Bryan. He released a 45 on Zay in 1971 before joining Bryan where in addition to the 2 albums he released around 5 45s. There is another 45 by him with 2 tracks from Doin' It album on Yazoo which seems odd as the album was on Bryan and no other releases on Yazoo - perhaps a bootleg?
He then hooked up with Ruth Davis in the mid 70s as Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis with whom he released around 7 45s and an album on Claridge between 1975-77.
Mike James Kirkland then went solo from 1971-1973 releasing his seminal album Hang On In There in 1972 and Doin' It Right in 1973 on Bryan. He released a 45 on Zay in 1971 before joining Bryan where in addition to the 2 albums he released around 5 45s. There is another 45 by him with 2 tracks from Doin' It album on Yazoo which seems odd as the album was on Bryan and no other releases on Yazoo - perhaps a bootleg?
He then hooked up with Ruth Davis in the mid 70s as Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis with whom he released around 7 45s and an album on Claridge between 1975-77.
This post is focused on his time with Mike & The Censations. At the end of the post I've included 3 previously unreleased tracks only available on 2011 Don't Sell Your Soul album on Luv N' Haight attributed to Mike James Kirkland
Mike & The Censations [1965] - Victim Of Circumstance [Bryan #1001/Highland #1175]
Mike & The Censations [1967] - There's Nothing I Can Do About It [Highland 1181]
Soultsrutter's Rating: 9.4
Sublime group soul harmony / crossover.
This was reissued last year on Luv n' Haight and there are still some available on BandCamp on vinyl or digital.
This was reissued last year on Luv n' Haight and there are still some available on BandCamp on vinyl or digital.
Mike & The Censations [1967] - Don't Mess With Me [Highland 1181]
Soultsrutter's Rating: 7.5
Fairly ordinary Northern Soul dancer which is quite good but doesn't set my world on fire.
Mike & The Censations [1968] - Be Mine Forever [Highland #1186]
Mike & The Censations [1968] - I Need Your Lovin' [Highland #1186]
Mike & The Censations [1968] - Don't Sell Your Soul [Highland #1189]
Mike & The Censations [1969] - You're Living A Lie [Revue R 11401]
Very similar to There's Nothing I Can Do About It
Mike & The Censations [1969] - Shopping For Love [Revue R-11056]
Deep soul group harmony / lowrider
Now heres 3 tracks previously unreleased until issued in 2011 by Luv N' Haight on 'Don't Sell Your Soul' album available digitally from BandCamp long with all Mike & The Censations tracks.
Here's a link to a playlist on YT with all tracks on album.
Mike James Kirkland [2011] - I Need Your Love [Love N' Haight LH CD/LP 064]
Modern soul dancer
Mike James Kirkland [2011] - Love Is Back [Love N' Haight LH CD/LP 064]
Deep soul ballad
Mike James Kirkland [2011] - Whirling Around [Love N' Haight LH CD/LP 064]
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.7
Modern soul stepper
