We've had many threads on the definitions and semantics of the term. We have the fantastic media thread on the subject which continues to entertain and inform.

I thought I'd start a thread for people to nominate one record which they view as the ultimate embodiment of the genre.

I appreciate that these generic definitions are problematic and maybe unnecessary but hopefully this thread will give those who wonder what all the fuss is about an insight as to why fans of these records are so passionate about them.

It would be great if contributors could limit themselves to ONE record: that which is in their eyes the ultimate example of the term.

I'll start the ball rolling and nominate

RICHARD CAITON "I'D LIKE TO GET NEAR YOU" on UP TIGHT

I'll write a bit about exactly why I think it's the ultimate Crossover record a bit later, but I'm already looking forward to others' choices and am eager to see what, if any, consensus emerges.

There are no wrong answers.

F.J. JONES - Gone and Found Another - P.S. , arguably my all time favourite record ( plain yellow cut, not multi- coloured alt take)

Hold back the night - The Trampps

Agree with loads of previous posts.But how about..

TY KARIM - LIGHTEN UP BABY

TOWANA & DESTRUCTION - WEAR YOUR NATURAL BABY.

Edited March 25, 201015 yr by KevH

For me it's possibly King George: I Need You (Audio Arts)

and NO, I don't own a copy.

Put this up for my soulmate,too me along with the flip sums it up perfectly,pleased i got mine as the price will rocket on this eventually!! It is perfection.

BERNARD SMITH - NEVER GONNA LET YOU GO - SPECTRUM 7" -

BAZ A

Rather Awesome

Kev

I was always under the impression that Willie Wright's version pre-dated the Back To The World cut by quite a few years. It's only a theory but I wonder if Curtis Mayfield didn't specifically write the song for him: Willie Wright was a blind artist, after all. Finally getting to see a copy of the 45 was instructive too, featuring a Boston address and an incorrect telephone number with the area code scratched out and corrected in biro. I wonder if all of the pitifully few copies which survive are like this. Whatever genre it's classed in this is one of the greatest soul records of all to me.

Reading this was a complete surprise to me. Hard to believe that it would be this way around. What year was the Willie Wright released?

I was always under the impression that Willie Wright's version pre-dated the Back To The World cut by quite a few years. It's only a theory but I wonder if Curtis Mayfield didn't specifically write the song for him: Willie Wright was a blind artist, after all. Finally getting to see a copy of the 45 was instructive too, featuring a Boston address and an incorrect telephone number with the area code scratched out and corrected in biro. I wonder if all of the pitifully few copies which survive are like this. Whatever genre it's classed in this is one of the greatest soul records of all to me.

You're spot on that Willie Wright recorded the tune before the release of Curtis's 'Back To The World' album.

The Hotel recordings I believe were recorded/released in 1971 'Lack Of Education' and 1977 'Telling The Truth'. As you rightly say, it's a C. Mayfield penned tune and is featured on the 'Lack Of Education' album predating 'Back To The World' by 2 years.

It would be more accurate of me to say that it's the best ever cover of Curtis Mayfield's 'Right On For The Darkness' which is featured on the 'Back To The World' album. But I have no idea when the Hotel 45 of 'Right On For The Darkness' was released /recorded and, though I've heard the 45 version, I don't know if the album cut is the same version?

Anyway up, it's a tremendous and truly rare gem - interestingly only books at £150!!

BTW It is entirely plausible, and interesting theory, that Curtis had Willie in mind or even wrote it for him.

I've included an image from the only recorded popsike sale, which shows the details and marks you describe.

Regards,

Greg.

Edited March 25, 201015 yr by ClearVinyl

edit.

Edited August 13, 201212 yr by garethx

F.J. JONES - Gone and Found Another - P.S. , arguably my all time favourite record ( plain yellow cut, not multi- coloured alt take)

Knew that would be your choice Brett but how about this?

One of the few records we both actually own & on the right label too ( UK Pama).

Would also include it in my 'most Soulful' chart if I was ever put on the spot to do something that daft.

WILLIE FISHER - PUT YOUR LOVIN' ON ME - TIGRESS -

Tough call between Robert Tanner or Psychadelic Frankie.........

Gonna go for Psychadelic Frankie - Putting you out of my life

Cheers

Phil

bobby womack.......tried & convicted

richard caiton ... i see love girl in your eyes

stoppers .... come back baby

I don't think I could ever answer this question definitively, so based purely on the fact that every time I hear it i smile - Towana - Wear you natural baby.

gary

For me it's these

THE PERFECTIONS - GIRL YOU BETTER HURRY

21st GENERATIONS - HEY JAMES

We've had many threads on the definitions and semantics of the term. We have the fantastic media thread on the subject which continues to entertain and inform.

I thought I'd start a thread for people to nominate one record which they view as the ultimate embodiment of the genre.

I appreciate that these generic definitions are problematic and maybe unnecessary but hopefully this thread will give those who wonder what all the fuss is about an insight as to why fans of these records are so passionate about them.

It would be great if contributors could limit themselves to ONE record: that which is in their eyes the ultimate example of the term.

I'll start the ball rolling and nominate

RICHARD CAITON "I'D LIKE TO GET NEAR YOU" on UP TIGHT

I'll write a bit about exactly why I think it's the ultimate Crossover record a bit later, but I'm already looking forward to others' choices and am eager to see what, if any, consensus emerges.

There are no wrong answers.

Aw that was my choice!

Okay I'll choose another one......Willie Tee - First taste of Hurt

Loads to pick from .

Jesse Fisher - Honey ,

Carmelita - both sides ,

Freddie Terrell - You Had It Made ,

Paul Thompson - Special Kind Of Woman,

Wilson Love - Funny Money,

but I think James Phelps - The Look On Your Face takes some beating

ernie johnson-i cant stand the pain-artco,,gotta be up there with the best

Still can't bring down to just one, Chuck Cockerham would have to be up there and on the slower side

Johnny Gilliam - Room full of tears

I love the Johnny Gilliam , just perfect , those strings , and brilliant vocals ......Best,Eddie

I love the Johnny Gilliam , just perfect , those strings , and brilliant vocals ......Best,Eddie

HI Eddie

It is one is one of those records where they got close to perfection.

Hope all is well with you mate, are we gonna see you at the Stafford thingy.

Best

Dave

HI Eddie

It is one is one of those records where they got close to perfection.

Hope all is well with you mate, are we gonna see you at the Stafford thingy.

Best

Dave

JOHNNY GILLIAM -

HI Eddie

It is one is one of those records where they got close to perfection.

Hope all is well with you mate, are we gonna see you at the Stafford thingy.

Best

Dave

Hi Dave ,I sadly can't make it , wish I was going though , that venue kept me sane during the 80's .Johnny Gilliam has the word Stafford running through it like a stick of rock IMO...hope to see you both soon ,cheers ,Eddie

brenda jones ..... big mistake .....crossover magic

[quote name='diddy morgan' date='25 Mar 2010 - 06:46 PM'

brenda jones ..... big mistake .....crossover magic

Edited March 25, 201015 yr by sjclement

Love That!!!!!

WALES WALLACE - WE'RE NOT HAPPY - BASHIE -

Love This Too!!

thats a quality tune also , not surprising when you read the who the writers and producers are!!

couldnt even click my fingers to that diddy let alone dance to it

I'll throw a few in:

Soul Maditations Someone To Hold Me Ovide

Ron Harrington It Happened To Me Again Hillside

Harry Moon Woman's Man Sin/Jengers

The Fantastic's Where's There's A Will etc Impressario

Eddie Campbell Contagious Love Artco

Dave

Knew that would be your choice Brett but how about this?

One of the few records we both actually own & on the right label too ( UK Pama).

Would also include it in my 'most Soulful' chart if I was ever put on the spot to do something that daft.

Shocking record - sounds like a third rate Al Jarreau 'Moonlighting'.

p.s. shouldn't that be UK Jama?

Shocking record - sounds like a third rate Al Jarreau 'Moonlighting'.

p.s. shouldn't that be UK Jama?

Just booked you in at the local Hillsborough docs to get the old ears syringed Joe.

Right about it being on Jama though. Don't know where Pama came from.

Carl Hall-What about you-Columbia

George Perkins-I`m so glad your mine-Royal Shield

Chris

Just booked you in at the local Hillsborough docs to get the old ears syringed Joe.

No thanks Mart, if I have to listen to muck like this, then I'd rather my ears were bunged up.

Any more Moonlighting Soundalikes to suggest?

I'll give you a starter for ten - "Touching In The Dark" by the usually magnificent Walter Jackson.

We've had many threads on the definitions and semantics of the term. We have the fantastic media thread on the subject which continues to entertain and inform.

I thought I'd start a thread for people to nominate one record which they view as the ultimate embodiment of the genre.

I appreciate that these generic definitions are problematic and maybe unnecessary but hopefully this thread will give those who wonder what all the fuss is about an insight as to why fans of these records are so passionate about them.

It would be great if contributors could limit themselves to ONE record: that which is in their eyes the ultimate example of the term.

I'll start the ball rolling and nominate

RICHARD CAITON "I'D LIKE TO GET NEAR YOU" on UP TIGHT

I'll write a bit about exactly why I think it's the ultimate Crossover record a bit later, but I'm already looking forward to others' choices and am eager to see what, if any, consensus emerges.

There are no wrong answers.

can't name a actual fave but all great tunes getting named on here but I'll throw in GEORGE PERKINS "I'M SO GLAD YOUR'E MINE" under rated if you ask me but a tune that got me into crossover soul many moons ago especially when goldmine brought out the crossover cd withis and JUSTICE DEPT "COME BACK BABY"on it both explain to the unlearned what this brand of soul music is about

Surely, Jean Wells "What have got to lose"

There again Sonny Til "Tears and misery"

or Garland Green "Just my way of loving you"

maybe Ike Lovely "fools hall of fame"

Paul Burton-So Very Hard To Make It or Sebastian Williams-Get Your Point Over. I first heard Dean play Sebastian Williams at Parkers early doors (the best time for the best tunes) and asking him about it a while later he was adamant he'd played the flip instead! I replied that as i danced to it i knew better! He couldn't argue with that logic.

For me it's possibly King George: I Need You (Audio Arts)

and NO, I don't own a copy.

I agree with you (yeah I know I've already voted for Robert Tanner), but ssshhhh.... it's over played apparently ....

I agree with you (yeah I know I've already voted for Robert Tanner), but ssshhhh.... it's over played apparently ....

Overplayed and everyone's got one

SAN FRANCISCAN TKO'S - MAKE UP YOUR MIND - KENT ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL -

Does Robert Parker - 'I Caught You in a Lie count ' as I,m still not sure what classes as crossover ?

Swifty

Nathan Williams - What Price or Bobby Wilburn - Im A Dreamer

Cant quite decide which

M.

Wouldnt this be some night if everything mentioned on here were played

Nice plush venue,

Hampsey, Tats, Thorley, Fenn, Ripoles etc

Any promoters up for it..................................??

Florecent Smogg.

i'd have to choose TOMMY TATE - I CAN'T DO ENOUGH FOR YOU BABY

These are just a few I rate as ultimate crossover.....

Connie Laverne - Can't live without you baby

Ella Woods - I need your love

Bobby Reed - The time is right for love

Almetta Latimore - These memories

Volumes - Same old feeling

Kenny Wells - Isn't it a shame

Bobby Cline - Say something nice to me

Bobby Taylor - Don't be afraid

Garland Green - Jealous kind of fellow

JB xxxKTFxxx

Still can't bring down to just one, Chuck Cockerham would have to be up there and on the slower side

Johnny Gilliam - Room full of tears

Johnny Gilliam

Can't really see many things above that tune, loved it since mid 80s and still do today, really wished i had bought it for £20 all that time ago..

Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuune..... That man Thorley got taste....

Will have a think of my own and get back on this.....

Edited March 25, 201015 yr by little-stevie

SAN FRANCISCAN TKO'S - MAKE UP YOUR MIND - KENT ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL -

very very good call ken ! fookin amazing tune

jason

Wouldnt this be some night if everything mentioned on here were played

Nice plush venue,

Hampsey, Tats, Thorley, Fenn, Ripoles etc

Any promoters up for it..................................??

Great idea mark, would be heaven for a nighter to play some great records all night.

If you look at how many folks get into the few venues that play class music, put the right dj's on, at a nighter,in a centrel location i would like to think it could work.

If nothing else there would be plenty of space on the dance floor,cos as we know no one dances to cross- over do they

Great educative thread chaps. Nobody's mentioned Barbara Acklin Am I Still The Same Girl?

I'm no expert on this genre, quite a 'pagan' in fact, but listening to some of the sound files you're posting,

I reckon it would fall into the Crossover category. A lot of Tyrone Davis's tunes as well.

Is it because they're ten a penny and therefore not so desirable? Someone mentioned Ty Karim 'Lighten Up Baby'. I thought that was more your typical 'Northern' tune. Enlighten me por favor...

Does Robert Parker - 'I Caught You in a Lie count ' as I,m still not sure what classes as crossover ?

Swifty

Does for me mate!

My take on "Crossover" is the same as "Northern", it comes from all directions "If it's good, and it fits...then it's in!" all good ingredients, just a different flavour!

I'd class...

Gino Washington's "I'll Be Around"

Martha's "My Baby Needs Me"

Joe Tex's "Old Time Lover"

Louis Curry "Toast To you"

..as crossover myself? (one man's meat and all that!)

been so many top choices!

picking a fav for me will always change, mainly coz I aint heard 'em all yet!

Philharmonics "I Need I Need Your Love" and..

Hesitations "Is This A Way To treat A Girl"

will always be up there somewhere for me

steve

Stevens & Foster - I want to be loved.

Edited March 25, 201015 yr by KevH

Whilst we're making a case for "ultimate" x-over how's about:

C Coulter - "I can't fight the feeling"

William Cummings - "Make my love a hurting thing"

Coco & Ben - "Good feeling"

To me these are what I consider to be what the definition encompasses, but I might be wrong!!

Ooh some proper wet knicker tunes have been listed so far...

The two that got to me when I were a wee lass were Vivian Copeland - Chaos and Softouch - After You Give Your All - so they'd have to go on my list!