Wilton Crump [2023] - Give Your Love To Me b/w Think It Through [Numero Group #NUM4566]

A one-off private press single in 1975 on Olive Grove by Wilton Crump is the focus of the latest digital reissue from Numero Group.

They lead with the official B side, a falsetto led sweet soul ballad, "Give Your Love To Me". The other song, "Think It Through" is another ballad but without the falsetto vocals. Both songs were recorded at Chess and Curtom in Chicago.

Both songs have featured on CD compilations, "Give Your Love To Me" on Soul Junction's "We Got A Sweet Thing Going On (Volume Two)" in 2016 and again on "Sweet Soul Rolas Vol. 3" and "Think It Through" featured on "Sweet Soul Rolas Vol. 3" both from around 2010, but we're not sure how legit the last two comps are as they contain many rare songs, 'probably' ripped from vinyl?

Wilton Emanuel Crump was born in in 1949 in Gary, IN, he was in the Roosevelt High School band from the 7th grade and formed a trio the Mellowtones (which included his cousin John Hilson and future jazz sideman Ervin Bates) a year after acquiring a guitar when he was 11 years old. They were a teen hit in their native town until a certain Jackson 5 arrived on the scene!

The Mellowtones recorded one single which was to include a cover of The Impressions "For Your Precious Love" on the flip, which they got clearance for, but unfortunately let the clearance lapse so the recording went unreleased.

He left Gary in 1967 to study music at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. Upon returning to Gary he wrote songs and hawked them around with little success. He also supported recording projects and played in covers bands and word got around that he was a good arranger. Steeltown's Gordon Keith got wind of it and having released just one single by The Jackson Five before they went to Motown, he had another song in the can "We Don't Have To Be Over 21 (To Fall In Love)"  and Crump was commissioned to arrange it which released in 1970, although he was only credited on one of the label variants.

His sole single on Olive Branch in 1975 did nothing at the time but was discovered years later by the lowrider scene in L.A.  In 1979 he formed a covers band called The Ravens who performed up to the 90s. By 1997 he became music director of another Gary, IN, legendary group The Spaniels led by Pookie Hudson who were still doing the nostalgia circuit. After Hudson's death in Jan 2007 he took over as lead vocalist. As of 2014 (when the article we have referenced from Belt magazine was written) he was still performing, and as far as we are aware may still be doing so as he would be 73/74 now.

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Details

Rating:	7.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Sweet Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	NUM4566
Date:	08/08/2023
Key/BPM:	5A/73 / 4A/66
Price:	£1.79

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Franky & The Spindles [2023] - Crazy About Your Love [Numero Group #4546]

Numero Group continue to dig deep and digitally reissue lesser know or hard to find music. This one from Franky & The Spindles isn't particularly difficult to find nor expensive.  It was released on New York label Strawberry in 1977 and consists of vocal and instrumental sides of "Crazy About Your Love". A superb 70s smooth soul song.

They released around nine singles between 1968-77 and there is a good compilation of their complete singles "Count To Ten (The Complete Singles Collection 1968-1977)" by Select-O-Hits which, strangely, seems to have been only released in Poland (on vinyl and CD) and has been blocked for sale on Discogs, so presumably is a bootleg?

The group played in and around Baltimore and was formed by the merger of two groups Frankie and the Spinners and Little Ray and the Playboys. When their first record on Baltimore's Roc-Ker label (owned by writer/producer George Kerr and DJ Freddie Robinson)  was released in 1968 they had changed their name to Frankie & The Spinners to avoid conflict with Motown's The Spinners.

The group included two sets of brothers Franky Kennedy (lead), Robert Kennedy, Joseph Shields, Raymond Shields and Charles Graves and may have originated from Nutley, N.J.

NOTE: The group used the name Frankie, as well as Franky, & The Spindles and, whilst the label states Franky, many sites have it listed as Frankie just in case you search for it and can't find it.

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Details

Rating:	8.5
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	70s Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	NNUM4546
Date:	28/07/2023
Key/BPM:	10B/84
Price:	£1.79

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Ike Noble [2023] - Your Love b/w Your Love Has Got Gusto [Numero Group #NUM4437]

A song we posted four different versions of a couple of years ago by Ike Noble has been digitally reissued by Numero Group. They have chosen the sparser first release of "Your Love" on Chanson in 1978 that has no female backing nor full strings like some of the later versions.

We won't repeat the full details here but if you wish to read about, and listen to, the other versions then check them out HERE. The last of the four versions, from his 1984 &1987 album "Lonely People", has been included below as it's the only other one available on Spotify.

A full Ike Noble Discography was also posted earlier in 2020 which was prompted by, the then current spins for, "It's Bad" tucked away on the flip side to a Northern Soul favourite "That's What I Get" an Alley from 1967.

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

Details

Rating:	8.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	NUM4437
Date:	10/07/2023
Key/BPM:	9B/82 / 8B/119 / 6B/82
Price:	£1.79

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Syl Johnson [2023] - Is It Because I'm Black b/w Let Them Hang High [Numero Group]

A song that has featured her on various occasions by different artists (e.g Ken Boothe, Nicky Thomas as well as Syl Johnson), "Is It Because I'm Black", has been digitally reissued (again) today by Numero Group along with the original B side of the Syl Johnson 1969 Twinight release "Let Then Hang High".

We would guess that they have utilised the image from the 1970 Spanish picture sleeve release.

Numero Group also reissued it in 2021 with "Different Strokes".

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

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Classic Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	None
Date:	24/07/2023
Key/BPM:	1A/67
Price:	£1.79

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Clifton Dyson [2023] - Cupid Shot An Arrow b/w Eye To Eye Contact [Numero Group #NUM2533]

A digital reissue of quite an obscure 1996 recording by Clifton Dyson on Grand Tereze Records. It was released as a Grand Tereze 12" and also appeared on a 1998 album  "'The Sound Of Clifton Dyson'  Mesmerized" on Two Halves Records (vinyl, CD and cassette).

The lead side, "Cupid Shot An Arrow", is a falsetto led sweet soul ballad with "Eye To Eye Contact" being more of a rap driven new jack swing style sound.

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

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Details

Rating:	7.8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Sweet Soul / New Jack Swing
Format:	Single / Reissue
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	NUM2533
Date:	17/07/2023
Key/BPM:	7A/66 / 9A/90
Price:	£1.79

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

The Sheppards [2023] - Stubborn Heart / How Do You Like It [Kent #REPRO 13]

In Northern Soul circles back in the heyday, not so much now, L.A.'s Mirwood label was revered for recordings by Jackie Lee, Bob & Earl, The Olympics, Jimmy Conwell aka Richard Temple, The Belles, The Mirettes and others, all receiving heavy rotation.

Another 'evergreen' is from The Sheppards who were actually from Chicago not L.A. with "Stubborn Heart". The song was written by Eddie LaShae and also recorded on La-Cindy by Ernest Mosley, later we presume given that The Sheppards is dated Jan 1967 and Mosley's is given as just 1967.

Mosley is by far the rarer of the two and has been bootlegged and reissued in 2014 on Jazzman's Fryers imprint and more recently digitally by Numero Group in Mar '23 which we posted at the time.

Kent is reissuing both sides of The Sheppards' only Mirwood single i.e. "Stubborn Heart" / "How Do You Like It",  another Eddie LaShae song perhaps overlooked in favour of the A side, on their repro label series which is set for release on 25 Aug.

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

Details

Rating:	8.5
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Northern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	7" Vinyl
Label:	Kent
Cat No:	REPRO 13
Date:	25/08/2023
Key/BPM:	6A/121 / 7B/125
Price:	£10

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Maxx Traxx [2023] - To Be With You [Numero Group]

A couple of weeks ago (15 Jun) Numero Group reissued five of six tracks from Third Rail's 1982 "Reaching For It" album. Third Rail evolved into (or from) Maxx Traxx and today they have reissued four tracks from  their 1982 self-titled album.

It actually looks like Numero Group is gradually building the full album as three of the four tracks on the latest release have accumulated with each release. i.e. they released the first track at the end of 2022 and then the second bundled with the first followed by the third with the previous two, so eventually it looks like the full album may be released.

This may please many as the original vinyl sells for up to £462 on the resale market with none currently for sale on Discogs.

One of the, so far, omitted Maxx Traxx songs was originally on both albums  i.e. "Living Without You" which was on the Numero Group's Third Rail release and another is "Let Me Love You" which was  also on the Third Rail release.

That leaves "Mainstream" from Third Rail and "You & I" and "Tell Me" from Maxx Traxx still to come.

 

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

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul 80s
Format:	EP
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	None
Date:	13/07/2023
Price:	£3.49

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

VA [2023] - Eccentric Northern Soul [Numero Group] (Full Album)

A pretty respectable compilation of Northern Soul sounds from Numero Group was released yesterday (11 Jul) in their  Eccentric series "Eccentric Northern Soul". It is available digitally and on vinyl.

A rundown of each track below (NB values are approximate based on Discogs sales).

Out Of Sights [1970] - Tears Don't Care [Saru #1614] £150

A group from Cleveland, OH, who released four singles all on Chuck Brown's Saru label in 1969-70. The official title on original vinyl is "Tears Don't Care Who Cry".

The Sequins [1966] - He's A Flirt [Renfro #126] £10

Brenda and Patrice Holloway moonlighting with their friend/cousin Pat Hunt as The Sequins on Anthony Refro's L.A. based Renfro label in 1966. They recorded under other names such as Four Js, Wooden Nickels, The Secrets, The Watesians and possibly others. It was a popular tune in its day, so much so that it was bootlegged which has kept the price down.

Helene Smith [1966] - Thrills And Chills [Lloyd #009] £150-£250

Miami's Helene Smith who was married to Johnny Pearsall who owned a record store (where he 'discovered' Betty Wright) and also Lloyd and Deep City labels where Smith released most of her recordings until she was signed to Phil L.A. of Soul.

Morris Chestnut [1967] - Too Darn Soulful [Amy #981] £250

The only known solo recording by Morris Chestnut which has been a huge NS sound over the years. Originally released on Amy but reissued by Grapevine in 1979 after being bootlegged on Renfro which may seem odd until you realise that it was published and produced by Anthony Renfro. Chestnut was a member of The Vows who released a handful of a singles in the early 60s including one on Motown's V.I.P. imprint in 1965 and then The Sound-Masters and The Attractions all of whom have had records played on the scene.

The Sensations [1969] - Demanding Man [Way Out #2005] £1,750

Another Cleveland group who released this on #1 Cleveland label Way Out in 1969. This is a rare one with none ever selling on Discogs and only one available for sale for an eye-watering £1,750. Group members included John L. Washington and Rod Simmons who were the main writers for so many Way Out recordings including the wonderful "Four Walls And One Window" with Bobby Wade (A SS desert island disc).

The Extremes [1964] - How I Need Your Love [4 J #4J-514] £750+

The Extremes were an L.A. group whose members included Bobby Sanders who went on to form The Younghearts in 1967 who he managed and produced. Charles Ingersoll from The Extremes, who co-wrote this song,  was also a member of The Younghearts.  Sanders was also involved with several NS classics, he owned the Soultown label, including The Tempos "(Countdown) Here I Come", which may be a bit 'played out' but still an all time favourite.

It must be a rare record as there isn't even a label scan on Discogs, although there is for this side only on 45Cat and only one is listed on Popsike which sold for £732 in 2012 but the seller states that it was valued at anything between £1,300 (John Manship) - £4,000 (Tim Brown) in various guides.

Ed Crook [1966] - That's Alright [Tri-Sound #TS 601] £150-£200

An evergreen that, apparently, has seen a revival in recent years which I believe was a Torch (a legendary all-nighter at The Golden Torch, Tuntall, Stoke that ran for only a year 1972-73) spin originally from Ed Crook. It's another one-off recording by Edgar Crook in 1966 on Tri-Sound who only released one other single by Devotions which is another gem ("Same Old Sweet Lovin'") written by Bobby Eaton and Richard Knight (of Bridges, Knight & Eaton fame who wrote so may great Chicago sides and were of course Brothers Of Soul) that Numero Group has reissued.

Carl Henderson [1966] - That Girl [Renfro #115] £50-£80

Another 1966 Renfro recording from Carl Henderson who released five singles on the label between 1965-68, one of which was also released on A&M offshoot Omen along with another on Omen only. 

Bob & Fred [1966] - I'll Be On My Way [Big Mack #823M-6101] £2,500-£3,000

Yet another one-off recording from Bob & Fred and probably the jewel in the crown of Detroit's Big Mack label with a valuation circa £3k or more. A self-written, string-laden, song by Bob Thomas and Fred Brown and produced by Big Mack owner Ed McCoy.

Elvin Spencer [1971] - Lift This Hurt [Twinight #150] £50-£150 (prices all over the place)

The 'cream of crossover' by Elvin Spencer which we have posted previously and there are several versions of the song. This is the later Twinight cut after the 1970 Winner release which is a different, faster, take. He was a member of The Chosen Few who also released the Twinight version of the song on Bandit in 1974. The group then recorded their own version and released it on their own Chosen Few label. That is not the end as Spencer private pressed it on E.S. Cozy in the late 80s dubbed from vinyl as he didn't have the master tapes. Spencer was born in Memphis moving to Chicago in 1969 after military service.

Syl Johnson [1970] - One Way Ticket to Nowhere [Twinight #134] £5-£10

A song co-written by John Moore (aka Johnny Moore who has had several recordings played on the scene e.g. Walk Like A Man [Date] which has the superb "It's Just My Way Of Loving You" on the flip also recorded by Garland Green) with, everyone's favourite, good old Jack Daniels (!) who founded 4 Brothers and was head of A&R at Blue Rock. Therefore, it's no great surprise that the song was also recorded (as "One-Way Ticket") by Tyrone Davis a month later on Dakar as he was initially signed to 4 Brothers.

Eula Cooper [1972] - Standing By Love [Note #7100] £70-£150

Best known for her "Let Our Love Grow Higher" (Super Sound 1969) and several other recordings (e.g. "Try" and  "Beggars Can't Be Choosy") on Jesse Jones' Atlanta based Tragar group of labels, Eula Cooper released this on the Note subsidiary in 1972. Her first release on Tragar consisted of two self-written songs when she was only 14 and it got national release on Atlantic. Much of Coopers material is admirably showcased on "Eccentric Soul: The Tragar & Note Labels" .

Barbara Stant [1972] - My Mind Holds On To Yesterday [Shiptown #70822] £200

In May Numero Group released a Barbara Stant compilation which included most, if not all, of her material and included this track and used it as the title for the compilation. Released in 1972 on Noah Biggs Norfolk, VA, based Shiptown label.

Ty Karim [1967] - Lighten Up Baby [Car-A-Mel #K-1677] £1,200 +

A Ty Karin rarity that has never sold on Discogs that we have posted previously. The backing has been used on multiple recordings: Ike & Tina Turner "Somebody Needs You" (Loma 1965) Larry Laster "Go For Yourself" (Loma 1966), Darrell Banks "Somebody, Somewhere Needs You" (1966) and Larry Atkins "Lighten Up Baby" (1968), Herb & Doris "Somebody Somewhere Needs You" (Hip 1968) and The Mid Knights "Somebody Somewhere Needs You" (Warner Bros 1968). Only one original (it was reissued) is listed on Popsike which sold for £1,207 in Jun 2011, so will be worth much more now.

Stormy [1967] - I Won't Stop to Cry [Twilight #104] £300-£450

If my recollection is correct this was initially played for the other side "The Devastator" which starts off sounding like The Beatles "Day Tripper"  (covered by J.J. Barnes on Ric-Tic). This was released on the Twilight label (later renamed Twinight) in 1967. The only two to sell on Discogs went for almost £300 and only one is now listed for £450. Stormy is actually John Colley from Chicago who was also a producer and produced Saxie Russell's "Psychedelic Soul" (Thomas 1968). He released another single as a member of The Lost Family in 1974. 

Royal Jesters [1966] - Use Your Head [Jester #JR-103] £40-£130

A 1966 recording by The Royal Jesters from San Antonio, TX, on their own Jester label. The song was written by Barrett Strong, Chuck Barksdale (The Dells) and Richard Parker and originally recorded by Mary Wells on 20th Century Fox in 1965 at a slightly slower pace.

Otis Brown [1965] - I'm Ready For Love [Lujuna #10655-4] £20-£35

It's funny how you read a bio on Discogs which is clearly inaccurate as it states that his first recording was "South Side Chicago" on Ole in 1966 when in fact he released a handful of singles on his own Lujuna label (named after his daughter) in 1965, this being the second one of them.  One of the singles on the label that was not recorded by him is a new take, using the same backing, on Jimmy Burns "I Really Love You" (Erica 1965) by the Brand New Faces titled "Brand New Faces". Other versions exist by Bobby James (Karol 1966) and The Mystics (Teako 1970) all of which we posted in Apr 2020. This is a relative cheapie which can be picked up for around £20.

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Details

Rating:	8.5
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Northern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital / Vinyl
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	None
Date:	11/07/2023
Price:	£9.99 /£22

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Andre Gibson & The Universal Togetherness Band [2023] - Apart: Demos 1980-1984 [Numero Group] (Full Album)

In 2020 Numero Group released "Apart: Demos 1980-1984" by Andre Gibson & The Universal Togetherness Band but there were only 8 tracks. They have reissued it (digitally and on vinyl) on Friday with an additional 4 tracks, actually 5 as "Quickie" from the original is not included and has been replaced by one of five new tracks prefixed #:

#1 - All My Pals

2 - Thankful For You

#3 - Love Changes Life's Changes

4 - Bring Me

#5 - Call Me

6 - Valentine Lover

7 - Don't It Feel Good

#8 - I Wanna Take You Away

9 - Stuck On A Thrill

#10 - Say I Will

11 - Breakaway

12 - I'm Falling

A year ago Soul Direction released two tracks "I Want You" / "Call For Love" on vinyl from another, eponymous, previously unreleased album released by Numero Group in 2015. You can read some background about the Chicago student group there.

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Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	80s Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	None
Date:	07/07/2023
Price:	£7.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Yvonne Gage [2023] - Garden of Eve [Numero Group #NUM4519]

Yvonne Gage surprised us last July ('22) with an album  "Feel Love" which was one of the albums of the year. 

At the time we suggested that she was perhaps best known for her underground dance hit "Garden Of Eve" which was her debut single released on Atlantic in 1981.

It has been re-released digitally by Numero Group earlier this week (27 Jun). Sadly an opportunity has been missed as they reissued only the 7" rather that the 12" mix! However, if you click the link above, we posted the full 12" version (along with a video of her performing the song) back in 2020

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

Details

Rating:	8.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	NUM4519
Date:	27/06/2023
Key/BPM:	1A/114
Price:	£1

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Helene Smith [2023] - I Am Controlled By Your Love [Numero Group] (Full Album)

Helene Smith has been dubbed 'The First Lady of Miami Soul' and was married to Johnny Pearsall who co-owned two of the labels she recorded on, Lloyd and Deep City, with Willie Clarke. 45Cat lists fifteen singles for her starting in 1963 through to 1972. Her recordings were predominantly on Miami labels (Blue Star, Dade, Reid, Lloyd and Deep City) apart from an excursion of a few singles on Phil L.A. of Soul (45Cat lists 2 but Discogs lists 4) between 1967-69 finishing with a pair on Miami's Dash in the early 70s.

A compilation of twelve of her 60s recordings has been released by Numero Group titled "I Am Controlled By Your Love" which contains three tracks released in Jun '22 by Hit And Run on 45 "I Am Controlled By Your Love" / "You Got To Do Your Share" / "True Love Don’t Grow On Trees".

Helene Smith is still alive and well and released a single in 2019 "Let A New Day Begin", video included below (from 2022).

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Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	60sSoul
Format:	Album / Compilation
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	None
Date:	02/06/2023
Price:	£7.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Robert Tanner [2023] - Sweet Memories [Numero Group #NUM4414]

The song "Sweet Memories" was originally recorded by The New Sound on their solitary album "The New Sounds" on Turbo in 1970. Robert Tanner was one of three lead singers with the group and recorded a solo version the same year on Megatone which has become a trophy record in rare soul circles selling for up to £3.5k.

Both versions were reissued on 45 by Outta Sight in 2012 with both sides extracted from their 2011 CD only compilation "Willie & West Meet The New Sounds".

Numero Group has reissued it digitally today, so if you're not hung up on having it on vinyl and want save a few grand then snap it up or buy the CD or 45 reissue from Outta Sight, if still available otherwise it's the resale market.

The New Sound album is also in-demand and Hit And Run reissued three tracks from it last Aug.

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

Details

Rating:	8.5
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Northern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	NUM4414
Date:	06/06/2023
Key/BPM:	11B/108
Price:	£1

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Joyce Williams [2023] - The First Thing I Do In The Morning [Numero Group #NUM 4549]

Sister funk from 1972 by Joyce Williams with "The First Thing I Do In The Morning" is the latest Numero Group reissue. It was released twice, on Act IV and also on Richard Pegue's Nickel and featured on their "Eccentric Soul: The Nickel & Penny Labels" compilation in 2011. The flip side is "Smilin'" written by Sylvester Stewart aka Sly Stone.

There's not any information available for the artist but her first single was "The Wrangler Shake" a promo for Wrangler jeans in 1964 written by Bob Elgin and Norman Meade (aka Jerry Ragovoy). It may appeal to the Northern Soul scene if they are not already on it.

Another campaign song, "The Wrangler Stretch", was also recorded by The Pirouettes who in reality were session singers Cissy Houston, Dee Dee Warwick, Estelle Brown and Judy Street (not the one of "What" fame) who would later form The Sweet Inspirations who were in demand session singers particularly for Elvis and Aretha Franklin.

She released just one more single "I Don't Want Your Love" in a similar vein on an unnamed label which looks like the Sunrise label out of Chicago which is undated but probably early 70s.

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Details

Rating:	8.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Funk
Format:	Single / Reissue
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	NUM 4549
Date:	01/06/2023
Key/BPM:	6A/92
Price:	£1

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds [2023] - Welcome Home b/w Trackdown [Numero Group #NUM4408]

More digital reissues today from Numero Group. We have actually featured Harvey Scales and both these songs ("Welcome Home" / "Trackdown") previously as we did a "Harvey Scales - Best Of" in Apr 2020, although it appears that many of the YouTube videos we used at the time have now been removed, so will have to revisit.

"Welcome Home" was recorded by late great Walter Jackson on Okeh in 1965 (and again with a longer version in 1976 on "Feeling Good") credited to C. (Chip) Taylor (real name James Wesley Voight, son of actor Jon Voight, who, if you didn't already know is the father of Angelina Jolie), yet the Scales single credits it to Jackson. A few others have covered the song including Garnet Mimms, Frank Dell, P.P. Arnold (one time member of the Ikettes), Dusty Springfield and Taylor recorded it himself on "Hit Man" in 1996. 

Scales stamps his own mark on the song which starts off as a deep soul ballad and then towards the end at 4:10 turns into a frantic funky dancer, so don't be lulled into thinking that as you've heard other versions that it will be more or less the same.

The flip, "Trackdown", is a thumping Northern Soul dancer written by Scales and Magic Touch label owner Lenny LaCour. The record was originally released on LaCour's Magic Touch in 1969 and now fetches high prices (c£300).

Scales' finest moment, commercially at least, was writing Johnnie Taylor's #1 hit "Disco Lady" in 1976. He was from Milwaukee and began working with the Moorer's who later formed The Esquires. He died in 2019 aged 78, although his given birthdate is 1940 on Discogs and 1942 on Wiki.

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

NOTE there is a longer version HERE but the uploader has not enabled embedding

Details

Rating:	8.5
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Northern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Numero Group
Cat No:	NUM4408
Date:	25/05/2023
Key/BPM:	6B/77 / 3B/118
Price:	£1.79

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved