Mickey Finn

Sensational!

I like debate of this kind and appreciate your attempt to give us something to debate. But this debate is part of how the thread has evolved. The definition of 2 step remains an open question and hopefully we'll get some more perspectives on that. The regional variations are interesting, for example. Meanwhile Babinski will hopefully find some good tunes along the way. And the same goes for the rest of us. For what it's worth, those bpms you are quoting up there probably are more 4 to the floor than 2 step, in my opinion at least.

As I write I'm listening to the Expansion Soul Sauce volume 2 comp and this track by Wilton Felder featuring Bobby Womack from 1992 came up - seems to fit the bill:

That didn't last long, did it? The thread was started by someone with a particular interest in soulful slowies above ballad tempo looking for similar tunes. As far as I'm concerned the thread has not deviated at all. It's always interesting to see different perspectives on what qualifies as something such as "2 step", but while Martin S clearly knows his stuff and has channeled his inner James Hamilton to work up a particularly precise definition of "2 step", I don't see anyone else setting such rigid boundaries or calling for disqualification of this or that. We nominate tracks we like - others like them, or they don't. I appreciate the analysis and we are beginning to see variations in style thanks to the stuff posted here about Chicago, London, Hackney, my bedroom, etc. But even more I appreciate hearing great music I've not heard before or just forgot about. And hopefully Babinski's original request gets satisfied along the way. What's difficult?

Onward to 1987 for this Leon Ware masterpiece:

Nice to see the Roy Ayers productions getting recognition here - howsabout this from Roy himself in 1979:

Forward to 2010 for this big Mick O'Donnell spin by Miles Jaye:

And back to 1987 for some harmony soul with the Down Five:

And onward to 1993 for this wonderful track by Alex Bugnon featuring the criminally underrated Regis Branson:

Back to 1987 for this Jam & Lewis production, featuring Herb Alpert duetting with wife Lani Hall:

Valentine Brothers - absolute classic Featuring Porter Carroll on vocals, this from Bob Baldwin in 1992:

Superb 1980 track by Heat:

From one of the highlight albums of 1995 - Margi Coleman:

Greg Wilson has written a very informative tribute here: https://blog.gregwilson.co.uk/2018/12/paul-trouble-anderson/

Greatness from Dee Dee Sharp in 1977:

Isaac Hayes produced and wrote this for Donald Byrd in 1981:

Very decent obituary of the man here: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/dec/13/paul-trouble-anderson-obituary And a very fine tribute show hosted by Bobby and Steve and featuring all sorts of guests sharing their memories. https://bit.tube/play?hash=Qmabtkj45S4BhrJTqCtwYVVbNZe6H139T8tTCyrBCSLam6&channel=3755

Back to 1979 for this wonderful Isaac Hayes tune:

Lonnie again, this time from 1983 and with brother Donald on vocals:

Album tracking with Lonnie Liston Smith in 1991, featuring the amazing Spencer Harrison on vocals:

More little label goodness from 1985, this time from Willie Clayton:

From the days when Robbie Vincent's "little label collection" was a highlight of the Sound of Sunday Night - Phil Flowers from 1986:

One of the greats as a dj and a giant of the soulful house and dance scene. Not old school but all school as he used to say. RIP

Wonderful wonderful overlooked Van McCoy classic from the Choice Four:

Neglected later 1982 release by William DeVaughn: