Geoff

I can remember you doing a mainly 70s set when I was down there one night in 2003, I was with a friend from work, who isn't into soul in the way I am (in other words, not totally obsessed, lol). We were having a drink and you played the Spinners' I'll Be Around, it got me up dancing, I think he was a bit surprised when I stopped drinking and started dancing. Remember Don't Send Nobody Else from that set, you might have played Game Is Over. Surprised me a bit because I thought TOS was mainly 60s, but it was a nice surprise. I would also like to thank the people who post music files up, loads of great music I've not heard before, thanks.

Thanks to everyone who answered me on this, certainly a lot of versions, will try to hunt soundfiles down, if anyone can help let me know.

Please do post it, I love beat ballads, don't hear enough imo. It is hard to pick a favourite as there are so many I love. Just a few I like: Dee Dee Sharp - I really love you Roy Hamilton - The panic is on, Heartache hurry on by, etc Bobby Bennett - Alone with my tears Lenny Welch - Run to my loving arms Hal Miller - Blessing in disguise Clyde McPhatter - Lonely people (can't afford to cry) Freddie Paris - There she goes Magnificent 7 - Never will I make my baby cry Prince Harold - Forget about me Jimmy Beaumont - I never loved her anyway Little Anthony & The Imperials - Hurt so bad, It's not the same, I'm lost without you, etc I could go on and on, but I am sure you get the picture.

I'd forgotten about Brenda Holloway's version, got it on her double CD I think. Agree not as good as Tammi's. I also agree Kirk Whalen (think that is right) and Wendy Moulton is better than Stevie. Was disappointed when I heard his version). Not heard the Cleptomaniacs, any chance of an MP3 please? Anyone know of any other versions?

One of my favourite songs is All I Do (Is Think About You) written by Stevie Wonder. My favourite version is by Tammi Terrell, but there are quite a few other versions. Obviously Stevie Wonder's, but wasn't that issued in about 1980? Whereas Tammi's must have been recorded in the 60s. I also know of versions by Blackstreet, Maysa, the Four Tops, and one from the 90s by Wendy Moulton and someone whose name I can't remember, got it at home. Are there any others?

The September 2002 CSC at the Dome was the first club I'd been to for years, so glad I went. The music wasn't what I expected to hear, it was at least 2 hours before I heard a record I knew. Seeing that playlist brought back great memories, those would still fill the floor today imo. Funnily enough was playing Mayfield Singers on my MP3 player on the train today. Still miss the CSC and These Old Shoes.

La Discotheque, Wardour Street, 1964. Can't really remember too much about it, but I do remember Jan & Dean's Surf City being played. Really feel old after reading the other posts on this one. LOL.

Thanks for posting the information about Barbara's death. I Know was one of the first Sue records I heard back in the dim and distant past. Send For Me is a nice one, could get plays now I reckon.

The Clyde McPhatter track I referred to above is actually called Do Something For Me. It can be heard at the following link: https://www.group-harmony.com/warm.htm. An good website for anyone interested in group harmony vocal groups from the 1940s through to the late 50s. Clyde was a big influence of Smokey Robinson and other singers using a high tenor voice; while Roy Hamilton influenced Solomon Burke, Brook Benton and others with a slightly lower tenor or baritone.

Fascinating subject, but would have to go along with the consensus that soul music developed rather than one record causing a big bang, and inventing soul. Early Clyde McPhatter with the Dominoes (Do Something To Me) is very soulful. Also Little Willie John, tracks like Need Your Love So Bad, sadly he seems to have been forgotten or ignored. I often hear tracks at the soul nights I go to by groups like the Del Vikings, Dubs, etc. They were big groups in the doowop style in the 50s, but changed their style to something slightly Drifterish, hoping to have a hit I imagine. Just like all those Northern records we love that took Motown as a template but altered it and made it their own. Think by James Brown has been referred to, but the original is by the 5 Royals of Catch That Teardrop fame, they also did Dedicated To The One I Love before the Shirelles and the Mamas and Papas, as soulful as early James Brown. Sam Cooke had a great soulful voice, but his earlier hits were let down by the backings, especially the vocal group. Seemed to get better just before he died. Kent did 3 CDs on the Birth Of Soul, with Dave Godin. Reckon there is scope for more.

Don't they want a fiver to get in? As it is a bit of a dive that's cheeky imo.

"I also remember dad going to the Lycium Ballroom reggae nights (can't recall where that was though, somewhere in North London I think)" Would that have been the Lyceum ballroom in the Strand? When I used to go to the Mod clubs in the West End circa 63-66, ska was played, but it was called Bluebeat, after the record label. Generally the occasional record, not long sets of it. However it was obviously different in clubs where the majority of patrons were of West Indian descent. I remember going to a club in Lewisham with a mate, a fair trek for me from north London, and being disappointed that it was Bluebeat almost all the evening. At Mod clubs the records I principally remember are the Folks Brothers' Carolina and Prince Buster's Madness, etc. Also Gypsy Woman by Derrick and Patsy. Obviously loads of others played, but memory lets me down. I saw Prince Buster when he appeared at the Marquee (66 or 67) but was disappointed. Perhaps he didn't have the same musicians as on his records, loved those slightly off key trumpets. I noticed that from 66 onwards various clubs seemed to be playing far more Bluebeat (or ska) than soul, I remember the Flamingo one night like that. Also when the Scene reopened after being shut due to drug raids it went over mainly to ska. Manor House Bluesville did the same, but much later. I stopped going to those clubs because of that, don't mind a bit of ska, but after about 3 records I've had enough in a club. My recollection is that most of my friends bought soul records, and the occasional ska, but others may have done the opposite. I vaguely remember reading that Richard Searling was originally into ska before soul.

Don't think he ever made a bad record, though not so keen on show type numbers. My two top favourites are I Want You and I'm Gonna Give You Respect. Still rate What's Going On as the best soul album ever. And Come Get To This always pulls me on to the dance floor.

Reckon he is one of the most underrated soul singers. I remember when Duke Of Earl came out, number one in the USA, not really used to much doo wop over here then. I thought he would be a one hit wonder, but he went on to be a sublime soul singer. Incredibly difficult to pick a favourite. Nothing Can Stop Me, Good Times and A Song Called Soul will always take me back to the Scene. Great dancers. Love his ballads like What Now, Bless Our Love and Think Nothing About It. He seemed, like Major Lance, to work so well with Curtis Mayfield. I guess my favourite dance tracks would be Bet You Never Thought and I Can Take Care Of Myself; and I really like Without You Here, as played by Steve Plumb on Mark Bicknell's radio show, magnificent imo.

If this was played at a Northern night I think the DJ would be lynched, lol. I haven't got that much experience of Modern Soul do's, only MonuMental and New Chapter, so don't know how it would go down, but not for me personally, I'd call it sacrilege.

I hadn't heard her version of this song before, excellent. Thanks for posting and to everyone else who posted tracks too. Just love female soul singers, really hard to pick favourites as there are so many. But my favourite record is Almeta Latimore's These Memories, just sets me off everytime I hear it. The Sandra Wright one is great too. How about Gloria Scott's Too Much Love Making, something about that one? Is there a best of Linda Jones CD available? I've heard some great stuff by her. At Cleethorpes on Sunday Ginger finished his set with her Just Can't Live My Life, brilliant.

I seem to recall that Janet, whom some of you on the London soul scene many know, changed clothes about 7 times at the Soul In The City all dayer at the Valatone a couple of years ago. Anyone else remember that?

I heard Alice Fowkes play this track at Stow-A-Way Soul a few months ago. Quite amazed to hear it actually, I remember it when I was at school. It was called rock'n'roll then, but what's in a name? As has been said, based on What'cha Gonna Do by Chuck Willis. Ronnie's backing group was the Hawks, who later became Levon & The Hawks, and later the Band. Alice played his version of Mary Lou, the Young Jesse record recently. I've never been to the Hideaway unfortunately, but it is the sort of track I'd expect to hear there. So Gene, will you be playing this at Solid Hit Soul on Friday?

QUOTE(FrankM @ May 27 2006, 03:19 PM) That's an old criticism applied by soulies who didn't like that fact that he was popular and preferred their music filtered through the Detroit Strings and Motown's Quality control. Amongst Otis's endearing faults were half learning other people's songs thereafter repeating the first verse and chorus throughout the song. As he released four live albums he appears to have spent half his time on stage testifying. Although he was a superb live artist who really connected with UK audiences. He enjoyed himself on stage, did not take himself too seriously but could break your heart with the next song. On the other hand his use of brass as a choral background and the response to his call provided some wonderful moments on record. E.g. Fa fa fa fa Sad song and Call me Mr. Pitiful. He was fond of borrowing other people's songs but usually applied a twist and came at them with a different perspective. e.g. Lowell Fullson's Tramp which Otis turned into a memorable duet with Carla Thomas, Sam Cooke's Yeah man which he turned into Sweet Soul Music for Arthur Conley. Most of Otis's recordings do not fit in the traditional northern templates but with Loving by the Pound being played out and the increasing influence of R&B Love Man has been picked up (I blame Dirty Dancing). I'm sure younger DJ's without the prejudices will pick up other stuff like his versions of Shake, Papa's got a brand new bag and 634 5789. Well said, that man. 'd been looking for the right words to come to Otis' defence myself, but you seem to have found them all. Especially where his horn arrangements were concerned (and the one on his marvellous version of "Higher Than Higher" is of premium quality). Having said that, I do realise that only a very few of his sides are likely to appeal to the Northern-only fan - but any deep soul fans who summarily turn their nose up at Otis (as many of them seem to do) are worthy of considerable scorn. The man made some of the genre's most stellar recordings. How could anyone not fail to be perpetually moved by the likes of "Good To Me", "I Love You More Than Words Can Say", "I've Got Dreams To Remember" or "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)"? As you say, Otis' accessibility and popularity damned him in the eyes of the same people who clasp James Carr, O.V. Wright and their ilk to their collective bosom and bang on about how much better they are than Otis. The simple fact is that these, and other equally brilliant artists in the deep soul genre are not better than Otis, although many are as good and that's a huge complement to their talents. And I have no doubt whatsoever that they would have been among the first to tell you that they were not better than Otis, had you asked them during their lifetimes. People who dismiss Otis Redding's work out of hand today, just aren't listening... TONE I absolutely agree with these comments. Otis was a great soul singer, surely one of the best of all time. I often smile when I hear him getting the words slightly wrong, Lesley used to say it was one of his charms. An enthusiast for the songs (especially of Sam Cooke) but who got so carried away he got the lyrics wrong. I can still remember the first time I heard I've Been Loving You Too Long, some time before it was issued in the UK. It just knocked me sideways, the lyrics were so true for me at that time. Also love his version of A Change Is Gonna Come, he gets the words wrong but the emotion is so strong. One of the great deep soul singers imo. Also a good producer, Baby Cakes by Loretta Young. I saw him at Finsbury Park when he toured (was it 66 or 67?). He was brilliant on stage, I can still see him in my mind striding up and down the stage, did a lot of his songs faster than the record, but most seemed to do that then. Years ago I saw a film of the Stax revue live in Paris. I've always wanted to get that as it brought back great memories. Anyone on here know anything about it? Probably too raw and Southern generally for the Northern scene but worth delving into for those who don't know his material.

I love enders, especially the beat ballad type. So many to choose from but enjoyed hearing Lenny Welch's Run To My Loving Arms at NMD alldayer a few weeks ago. Also would like to hear Bobby Bennett's Alone With My Tears as an ender, perhaps Solid Hit Soul? These Memories by Almeta Latimore is a great one for a Modern type night.

Surely the Geno Washington who sings If This Isn't Love is not the same Geno Washington of Ram Jam band fame? The GW of If This Isn't Love is a Detroit singer, or so I was told (doesn't he do Like A Baby, hear that quite often at SITC); while the other GW, who is currently touring the UK I think was a GI who settled here in the 60s. Or have I got it all wrong? Wouldn't be the first time.

"The instrumental of "Crying Time" is superb northern soul too." I like this one too, not as much as the vocal, but a great dance track. However it always seems to jump at least once.

I've not heard the Unifics track referred to so can't comment on it. However I must admit to remembering Tell Laura I Love Her when I was at school. Original, and best version, is by Ray Peterson, covered in the UK by Ricky Valance (number 1 hit) and John Leyton. Death discs were rather popular at that time, especially in the USA, e.g. Teen Angel by Mark Dinning and Ebony Eyes by the Everly Brothers. Ray Peterson later did Give Us Your Blessing, another death song, later covered by the Shangri-Las. Twinkle did Terry, about a guy on a motorcycle in this country, about 63 or 64, seem to remember her on Ready Steady Go, thought it rather bizarre singing about motorbikes on a tv show ostensibly for Mods. Later hits in the USA in this style included Patches by Dickie Lee and I Want My Baby Back, can't remember who did it at the moment. I think that was the nail in the coffin (no joke intended) of the genre, if I recall correctly a slight hint of necrophilia. Terribly embarrassed to admit that I loved the song by Ray Peterson, as my wife used to say, what a wimp!!! If I can do it I will try to post a file of it over the weekend. I would reckon 99.9 per cent of Soul Sourcers will loathe it. The follow up was called Tell Tommy I Miss Him, but I can't remember who sang it. I apologise for another trip down memory lane.

"today i've been pluggin' myself into sam dees, okay not yer actual wigany floor filler but soul oozes as free as the insides of a big mac when you take that first bite!!!" Surely one of the greatest deep soul records of all time. Must be heartbreaking to hear this when going through relationship breakup or divorce. I hadn't heard of him before hearing this track, and although I've heard some good ones by him, none match this.

Pete Hulatt played More Love on Friday night at Solid Hit Soul, nice to hear it. It's a track that most soul people like, doesn't seem to matter what genre is their preference. On the subject of Mike Raven, Lesley and I used to go to Bluesville, Manor House in North London when he DJ'd there on Wednesday nights, 66/67. We always used to enjoy it, he played all the big soul tracks of the time, and sometimes got imports quite early. I used to get the Record Mirror, and had just read that Wilson Pickett had recorded Land Of A Thousand Dances, so was delighted when later that evening he played it. Also still got the American disk of Little Darlin' by Marvin, which he played and offered to the first person up to the front, zoomed up there and got it. Happy carefree days.