Dayo

Any thoughts?

After a third listen, I agree.

Thanks Cod and Simon - that's the track! Lovely ain't it? Bit M.O.R perhaps? Col

Is it Bartley or Jackson - I'm confused! Col

Tone I feel the same way about Silent Night. Have you ever heard it sung in German? Stille Nacht. It's sounds wonderful. There's a story about the temporary armistice that used to take place during the 1914-18 war on Christmas Day. At one God forsaken battle ground, The Brits started singing Silent Night and the Germans joined in from their trenches singing in German - each trying to doutdo the other. It ended with a game of soccer between the two enemies in no-man's land. Next day, it was carnage as usual. Colin

Heard a fab track on the radio last night (Saga Soul Train) - sadly couldn't ctach the title or artist! Can anyone help? It's a female ballad. Probably 60's. Sounds like Linda Jones, but probably not her. Quite a dramatic song and the chorus goes something like; Cause I've got nothing better to do.... Thought it was gorgeous and I don't think I've heard it before. Egg on my face if it's a well known classic, but hey, I'm gettin' old! Thanks in advance Colin

This thread may have been done before, but it's a goodie! Pretty weel certain that there has never been a better British Northern record made than Dusty, WIGB. My fave is one from the Wheel; Band Of Angels - Invitation. Best Colin

I think it's a great record. Had the luxury of hearing it WITHOUT knowing who sang it. Was gobsmacked to find out it was Lisa S. How long has it been kicking around?

My long time champion: We Live In The Ghetto - Four Voices Maybe not 30, perhaps 40 quid....

Great selection Paul! Let's add the superb Superlatives, I still love you. Short, but still gets me leaping onto the dancefloor! Colin

Good taste makes a good collection.

It was the first Major Lance record I ever got. Must have paid all of a quid for a UK issue back in '71. I was told back then it was a fave at the Wheel, but that was probably a bit of hype from the guy on the market stall! Still love it - especially the backing vocals.

I think you guys nailed it. Groovy little track - thanks! Col

Not sure if I've asked this before, but there's a track that's bugging me, which I can't identify. It's not Northern, although in parts it almost is - not even sure if it's soul music really. The vocal sounds like Miriam Makeba and the feel is very Burt Bacharach. It's possibly a late 60's recording. Chorus goes something like; what is wrong with grooving.............. I really like it, although it's probably not a sound for soul purists. Any ideas anyone? Please. Ta! Colin

Martha and Gladys... sound like characters from Coronation St. circa 1963! No wonder my kids can't take my musical tastes seriously! Col PS I saw Martha perhaps a couple of times in the 80's and she was great. Mary Wells was on the same bill at one gig - I'm afraid she struggled a tad.

She is soul sister number one. I mean, she kept the vibe going long after Aretha had gone trashy. Even her disco outings ooze class (Bourgie Bourgie etc) And her best? The sublime, Walk in my shoes. Let's not forget the contribution made by her fantastic backing singers - the Pips. They were no journeymen. Please get to see her if you ever get the chance. Great to see so many share my love of the great Gladys!

Not rare soul, just a soul related thought: Marvin Gaye, What's Going On. Yes, I realise that Marvin's recording is a landmark in our music, a pinnacle of artistic excellence blah blah blah. But... It's just a feeling I can't shake; I actually prefer Donny Hathaway's version these days. Might be shaking a few feathers in the Marvin is God camp, but it seems to me that Donny's version has aged far better. He out-sings Marvin, out-grooves him, and out-plays him (just listen to the keyboard solo's). I can't imagine for a second that anyone will agree, but in case you haven't heard it lately, I'm throwing up a soundfile to remind you... One thing I hope you do agree on; Donny Hathaway had neither the commercial success or plaudits that many far less talented musicians enjoyed. Enjoy the track Colin

Anyone agree that the '72 re-issue was a slightly different mix? Handclaps sounded odd if memory serves... Could be my memory playing tricks again

I'd bet anything it was played at The Wheel. I certainly heard it when I first got onto the scene, which was in the latter days of the Wheel. It was a well known record. As for Len Barry, good to hear so much postive feeling towards his stuff. Always thought that It's a crying shame was a fab little groover.

Welcome to the Forum!

Great choice!

Do you have a favourite lead singer from a vocal group? Kick you off with two, if I may: How about Philippe Wynne or G.C. Cameron from the Spinners? Motown's most under-rated group with GC, and then the ultimate expression of Philly with Philippe. Any thoughts? I'm guessing David Ruffin is going to come up real soon! Colin

True. Look what happened to Aretha. Gladys kept the soul flag flying though! Colin

How did it go Craig?

Agreed! And did Tammi really do a version? Never knew that. Would have been written by Stevie quite a bit a earlier than his version then.... Colin