The Originals [1975] - California Sunset [Motown #M6-826S1] (Full Album)

Last week, on a quiet day for new releases, I posted a Lamont Dozier produced album by Ben. E. King from 1976 mainly for the title track "Let Me Live In Your Life" which is an album only cut. 

Regular blog reader BlueSky left a comment that it was in fact originally recorded by The Originals on their 1975 "California Sunset" album (again an album only track) also produced by Lamont Dozier. I should have recalled that, as I have the album, but thanks for reminding me. 

He also pointed out that a couple of other tracks also feature on both albums (i.e. "Fifty Years" and "Sweet Rhapsody") and another three tracks from the Ben E. King album are featured on Lawrence Hilton Jacobs 1978 self-titled album which I'll have to try and dig out. Purely coincidentally, another song by The Originals was posted the same day as Ben E. King i.e. "I'm Someone Who Cares".

There are few other nice cuts on the album (including, but not restricted to, "Financial Affair", "Why'd You Lie", "Good Lovin' Is Just A Dime Away"), which was released on the cusp of the birth of  Disco, so here's the full album.

Only one single was released from the album "Good Lovin' Is Just A Dime Away" c/w "Nothing Can Take The Place (Of Your Love)", although it would appear that "Fifty Years" c/w "Financial Affair" was scheduled for release but remained unreleased.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Motown
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital/LP
Label:	Motown
Cat No:	M6-826S1
Date:	1975
Value:	£7.99 / £5-£10 approx.

The Originals [1972] - I'm Someone Who Cares [Soul #S-35093F]

Taken from their album "Definitions" is this classic modern soul spin from The Originals "I'm Someone Who Cares" from 1972

I remember hearing this for the first time played by Sean Hampsey, more years ago that I care to remember, and my jaw dropped. A timeless tune from Motown's finest who were extensively used for (uncredited) backing vocals on so many Motown hits, a male equivalent of The Adantes if you will. The song was co-written and produced by Johnny Bristol and arranged by H.B. Barnum.

Details

Rating:	9
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Soul
Cat No:	S-35093F
Date:	1972
Key/BPM:	9B/83
Value:	£10-£25 approx.

The Originals [2021] - Young Train / Young Ideas [MD Records #MDJW003]

This was originally a 1973 Motown promotional (only) record intended for the mayoral campaign of  Detroit's first black mayor Coleman Young who was inaugurated in 1974 as Detroit's 66th mayor and served until 1994 (hence 'Young' Train and 'Young' Ideas). It was the first in a series of 70s promotional releases (PR-1 through PR-46), and shared a catalogue number with a Marvin Gaye/Diana Ross release. 

The tracks have been licensed from Universal Music Group. It is the third in a 'Black Top' series from MD records with picture sleeves, released at the end of May.

"Young Train" is a driving funky number right in the groove of the sort of record that is currently finding exposure on the Northern Soul scene. The flip "Young Ideas' is more recognisable as Motown which would probably qualify as crossover. Both tracks are included on the YT clip below.

Available only on vinyl either direct from MD Records (link on image below) or via the usual dealers.

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Details

Rating:	7.6
Genre/Style:	Northern Soul / Crossover
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	MD Records
Cat No:	MDJW003
Year:	05/2021
Key/BPM:	N/A
Value:	£12