Hi, this is a pretty self indulgent thread, but I want to share - for those of you who don't know it - the flip to 'Trying to get next to you' by Arnold Blair. Not sure how well known it is?

It's called 'I won the big deal' and it is an AWESOME ballad. Might take a few plays to really get a grip. But it has everything - brilliant lead vocals, lush backing vocals, cracking sax break, great drumnig... and the lyrics...

"Fooling myself about the life I wanted to live, giving to the world all that I had to give,

Been a lot of places, done a lot of things, lord knows I know the feeling loneliness can bring,

I won the big deal this time"

PS Any ideas on what the 'big deal' he is referring to is?

Cheers

Mark

Here's the soundfile, I hope (got lost somehow last time!)

Arnold_blair.mp3

Does nothing for me I’m afraid, but then this type of sound is not really my bag. Certainly not worth spending more money on the issue just to get this track, in my opinion that is.

yeah simon, truly awful. . cant see why any body would buy an issue just for this track .

nevr heard the b side before but it sounds great to me, i want it. fantastic, never heard it before, thanks for posting it up here, totally sublime 70's soul and thank you - Paul

Here's the soundfile, I hope (got lost somehow last time!)

Cheers

iv heard a lot worse than this,it may take time,better than that unsoulful house crap

Yes but again these days its the girls that live more in the fast lane flirting freely and its us fellas that get the real pain !

And usually are the ones shelling out after the storm!

Always loved this - well worth holding out for the issue copy.

Girf

Here's the soundfile, I hope (got lost somehow last time!)

Quality Soul...RThanx for sharing

Its bloody fab! Love this sort of slowie, real soul!

Tone

Hi, this is a pretty self indulgent thread, but I want to share - for those of you who don't know it - the flip to 'Trying to get next to you' by Arnold Blair. Not sure how well known it is?

It's called 'I won the big deal' and it is an AWESOME ballad. Might take a few plays to really get a grip. But it has everything - brilliant lead vocals, lush backing vocals, cracking sax break, great drumnig... and the lyrics...

"Fooling myself about the life I wanted to live, giving to the world all that I had to give,

Been a lot of places, done a lot of things, lord knows I know the feeling loneliness can bring,

I won the big deal this time"

PS Any ideas on what the 'big deal' he is referring to is?

Cheers

Mark

Indisputably better than the vastly overrated "Trying To Get Next To You" (the epitome of mediocrity)- always has been, and always will be. I feel a deep sympathy for anyone who can't see why...

TONE

Hi, this is a pretty self indulgent thread, but I want to share - for those of you who don't know it - the flip to 'Trying to get next to you' by Arnold Blair. Not sure how well known it is?

It's called 'I won the big deal' and it is an AWESOME ballad. Might take a few plays to really get a grip. But it has everything - brilliant lead vocals, lush backing vocals, cracking sax break, great drumnig... and the lyrics...

"Fooling myself about the life I wanted to live, giving to the world all that I had to give,

Been a lot of places, done a lot of things, lord knows I know the feeling loneliness can bring,

I won the big deal this time"

PS Any ideas on what the 'big deal' he is referring to is?

Cheers

Mark

great stuff,its also on a fairly recent curtom compilation album mighty mighty soul,curtom club classics vol 1?

Indisputably better than the vastly overrated "Trying To Get Next To You" (the epitome of mediocrity)- always has been, and always will be. I feel a deep sympathy for anyone who can't see why...

TONE

I disagree there Tone - a fantastic & unusual arrangement & certainly popular with the dancers - not that that makes a great record. Except I think that it is

Girf

Whats not to like? Sumptious Chicago 70s Soul. Love it.

Rich

Please refresh my memory ... who WAS Arnold Blair ???

Was he rumoured to be Leroy Hutson at one stage ?

Thanks in advance

Please refresh my memory ... who WAS Arnold Blair ???

Was he rumoured to be Leroy Hutson at one stage ?

Thanks in advance

I'd heard that he was a session musician - and, apart from this recording, is something of an enigma. But this is just hearsay - and it does seem amazing that someone with a voice like that only did one recording. Be really interesting to hear if anyone knows more?