Dayo

Chuckling.

You may not agree, but to my ears this kid is the real deal. I was musing last night about which songs I might have her cover if I was her manager... The one that came to mind was "You been gone too long". Don't know why, but I reckon she'd do a cracking version of the Ann Sexton song. Just up her street. Putting your anti-cover version pants aside, are there any songs which you would you like to hear revamped by the teen queen of uk soul? Or not! lol Colin

Just wanted to give a mention to Crown Heights Affair Dreaming a Dream. Probably never on 12, but WHAT a record! Still sounds fab today.

What a healthy scene there was in Gloucester at that time. I remember The Wax Machine very well. The Soul Packs were great value. Bought some great records from there around '73. Still got a UK CBS Patti Austin demo(Are we ready etc) - it was in the rack at 50 pence. Was it run by a guy called Richard?

I feel sure someone can clear this up quite quickly: Was "If you ask me" given an ever so slightly different mix for it's Disco Demand release? I can't do an A/B comparison right now, but I feel sure that the girlie b/v's had a more spacey feel on my Calla copy... Could be my mind playing tricks though.

It's a cheapie I would think - and you're right - the strings are awesome.

YES!

Towanda Barnes also takes some beating, although in these post SKF days, the tempo is, er... challenging!

Simple question: If you love dancing - and don't we all? - then what's your all time or current fave to dance to? Which sound has it all? At Kidderminster Glades on Friday I nearly passed out after dancing to Joe Hicks, Don't it make you feel funky. Something about the tempo, the beat, those tasteful drum fills, just makes me want to show off. What sound turns your heartbeat up? Colin

Gladys Knight/Otis Redding

If memory serves, there was a small clutch of Mirwood instrumentals that all hit the scene around the same time - early '74? I'd always assumed that Soussan cut them to acetates after raiding Fred Smith's garage.

Beautiful sound, very chilled - as Billy said; spacey. Lovely harmonies. Satisifyingly long instrumental break. Gorgeous from the the first note till the last. When I hear records like this I often wonder if anyone in Detroit actually went to the record store and bought it? Did it get played at any local "record hops"? Did any DJ's plug it on the radio? Did any teens in the projects spin it endlessly on a bedroom Dansette (or the US equivilant)? I guess we'll never know. Yet another piece of sublime soul artistry that probably sank without a ripple...

I always thought mine was a boot coz I paid so little for it. Used to be around by the truckload in the West Mids

Grapevine anyone?

Does Carolyn Crawford "Just got to be more careful" ever get a play these days? I remember one weekend at Mecca when it seemed to be THE sound. What a zinger!

Now the dust has settled, I just wanted to say hi and thanks to everyone who took part and tried to police the "most widely loved sound" thread. I had no idea it would turn into such a monster. I hope you found it as interesting and stimulating as I did. I think that most people followed the spirit of it very well. I think we'd agree that here and there the odd ego got in the way, but it's understandable and forgiveable. With hindsight, I suspect we may never find a single sound that unites us - although I think that both Spyder Turner and Jerry Williams came mighty close! On a personal note, I was betting on the Salvadors winning through. I've never met a single soul who didn't love that powerhouse. Suspect it may have run it's course now. Be interested to hear any other considered reflections. Anyway thanks again for "getting it"! Best wishes Colin

Oh - we've also got Sandi Sheldon in the frame!

I'd agree but they are out of the frame now - sadly. Looks like we're left with Epitome of Sound at the moment.... PS If someone more organised and logical than me wants to moderate this thread please feel free to take up the reins, I'll be away for most of the weekend in any case.

Agree with Epitome of Sound. Epitome of Northern Soul. Could this be the one?

Sorry Mikey, it's bin squashed mate! lol I never tire of it either; killer intro don't you think?

Looks like we're on Freddie Chavez and The Velvets

I know, it's a tad complex maybe. But you got the hang of it. Agree to the Velvets.

Ok, this thread seems to be getting some legs, and it looks like you can't resist to make suggestions, that's fine. I'm flexible! Going to squash the Soul Brothers Six Big O. Great record, but the production is a bit too sparse for my ears.

Curse you Blade and your bloody football team! As a Baggies supporter, I'm still enraged by the "Battle of Brammal Lane" lol Off to the Sould Club Jukebox now to refresh my ears on Freddie Chavez!

Ok Mikey - Agree 100%. Love Sandi Sheldon too and I think it's a great candidate. But can we wait and see if evryone gets behind Bob Relf first? Come on everyone, from opening 3 notes, to the sublime soaring strings, to the hypnotic breakdown and the double time drumming outro, we can surely all agree, Blowing My Mind To Pieces blows us ALL away? Right?