Dayo

Been mulling over this thread, not sure if I can make it work, but here's my thinking: We're all so passionate about what songs turn us on, and those that don't. I was wondering if we, as a cross section of Northern Soul devotees, could acheive consensus on one song that everyone on here adores? So, I'll suggest a track that I (IMHO) might consider to be loved by everyone. Post if you agree. Now if any forum member dislikes this record, feels it is only average, or is just indifferent to it, then that's fair enough; it's squashed and we move on. The "squasher" picks up the ball and suggests another that they think would achieve 100% on the lurve-ometer! We're looking for the most widely loved sound on our scene. Not the blandest, but the one song every single member would still get a tingle from. If it's obscure and you don't know it, then squash it too. Hope this makes sense. Maybe we can go further and find even more 100%-ers. Modify and morph thes rules if you want. Let's just see what happens... Here's my suggestion to kick things off: Bob Relf - Blowing my mind to pieces Surely no-one can fault this soul classic? Every single thing about it is just so right... agree? The only downer is that it may be too short, but that's such a minor niggle....

Paul - that's a soulful post, and if you don't mind I'll simply echo it. First time I heard that awesome Linda Jones track (Just can't) was at Va Va around '74. Searling was on it and it was breaking big time. I was off my head on my first ever blueys. The tingle that went down my spine when the breakdown comes, topped off by that heart wrenching wail - God that was a sublime moment for a 15 year old kid. Yep, if you got to pick one, that's a great choice.

Tons of stuff at Global Records in 1973. Two that stick in my mind are Jock Mitchell and Tony Hestor (watch yourself). Listed at £3 or less.

Edward Hamilton - 14 when he made "Baby don't you weep". link

Got a feeling (may be wrong) that Otis Smith Let her go was not all that old whn it first got played. Anyone know the year of release?

Tony - you da man! Another snatch of it here..... I've been taught a lesson You can't learn in school It's no good feeling at all To have been somebody's fool It's no good feeling at all It's too much Too much by Jimmy Conwell. Great dancer from the Torch - shame the recording is a tad on the muddy side. Does this ever get played today?

One of my fave lryic lines from a classic dancer: "I'm smoking more and enjoying it less, I get a whole lot of sleep but I don't get much rest" Anyone name that tune?

And I know this has been touched on before, but exactly WHAT does that guy say in the middle of Travis Wamack's "Scratchy?" My best guess: "Capital, please do it again won't you?" Sounds a tad PG Woodhouse though don't you think? pip pip!

I was just going to rave about that one! What about Brooks & Jerry for best gag? link

My fave lyrics - at the moment! Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby Ain't nothing like the real thing Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby Ain't nothing like the real thing I got your picture hanging on my wall But it can't seem to come to me When I call your name I realized it's just a picture in a frame I read your letters but you're not here They don't move me, they don't groove me Like when I hear your sweet voice Whispering in my ear I play my games of fantasy I pretend I don't see reality I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me I got some memories you look back on Though they help me when you're gone I'm well aware nothing can Take the place of you being there No other sound is quite the same as your name No touch can do half as much To make me feel better Let's stay together I'm so So glad we got the real thing, baby So glad we got the real thing Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby Ain't nothing like the real thing

Billy - that's quite an admission - you sly dog. Much respect coz I used to do the same thing. I once lifted most of Bobby Hebb's Love Love Love, and passed it off as a poem written for a rock chick girlfriend. She dumped me soon after! lol

You left off my fave! How dare ya! lol "Too Hot To Hold" is just sublime...

Ronnie's version is a bit more gutsy isn't it? I think most would go for Major Lance on the basis that he's an all time hero. Northern Soul before the term was coined. In fact, in those days we called them "good disco records"!

Russ W? In his dreams! Nope - Girl across the street pre-dates the Casino as a discovery. Massive everywhere in 1972/73 - especially at the Cats. One of the very, very best.

One of my all time faves this, lovely languid vocals, the bass line we know and love and killer backing vocals. I don't recall it was ever a cover-up; certainly was a monster. As to who Otis Smith is/was, I've no idea. Same goes for Moses Smith (another all time fave of mine and many others with good taste! lol)

Billy, yes it's the same Clifford Curry. Think he was in at least 4 vocal groups before going solo around 1967. Miff - don't recall any covers but you might be right.

Found this link https://www.soulfulkindamusic.net/inter1.htm

Well I've been a champion of this tune for more years than I can remember and I've never heard it out or understood why it never flew: Cliffard Curry - East, West, North or South - Elf Is it too common? Any ideas anyone?

Sometime - when there's more time - I'll tell you about my greatest crate digging hit which included a UK demo from Darryl Banks on London...

What a wind up! Can't believe anyone is buying into this baloney.

Geat work Pete and I've enjoyed half an hour trying to figure 'em out. Not going to post results though since I can only get about a third of them and I'm not showing myself up! lol

Great tune!

Does Bill Cosby count? "Uptight (Littlle ole man)" was a Wheel favourite... Still struggling!

That's right - I'd forgotten about that. Someone else just came to mind: Cuba Gooding Jr. As you probably know his father was lead singer with the Main Ingredient, and he did a credible version of "Happiness is just around the bend". Ok, not rare soul, but I'm struggling now!

You'd think there wouldn't be two; but there are. It's a different guy I'm sure. How about Leslie Uggams? She's a US TV star and has been in at least 4 movies. Quite how soulful her music is, I don't know. But her best known song was a massive tune wasn't it?