Biggordy

Willie Hightower's another chap in his 70s who still has a decent voice.

Agreed, what a night. Percy's still got it too.

I called out a general party DJ on Facebook for playing a tired set of tunes from a laptop and got ripped to shreds for it from people suggesting that he can play what he wants from whatever format he wants. I'm glad that proper DJ values are mostly adhered to on the soul scene and if I called out a DJ for playing from laptop or boots or whatever on here I'd be amongst like minded people mostly.

The album's great too.

It's mostly about the singers for me. Started this journey loving the voice and the lyrics of Curtis Mayfield in the early 90s. I don't go out much and definitely can't dance so while the beat IS important, it's a secondary factor when I look for a tune (hence my love for deep soul too).

A legend of legends. Rest Well Lady Soul.

What's the latest? I didn't pay upfront like others, just buying on release, but it'd be nice to have the full set. Thanks Gordon

Another nice sound from Tony:

Lovely modern sound that's had a few plays I believe. (Note that being a Jamaican press all copies have a small bit of crackle in the background).

As the original poster said, took a punt on hundreds of great CDs, most for less than the cost of a pizza.

Buying too many soul 45s as well as my beloved ska and rocksteady 45s would bankrupt me so CDs are a good way of hearing as much soul as possible without breaking the bank. Can't go wrong with 20 plus tracks for under a tenner if you know where to buy from. Most recent purchase - Complete Tri-Phi Singles Vols 1&2 for THREE quid each! Budget label (Hallmark) but surprisingly good sound quality.

Out of the 15 singles featured, only five are what I'd call super rare. A great set for casual reggae/ska fans though. Some of the 45s were recently available from reggae dealers around the world for about 7 quid a pop, like the Cornell Campbell, Ken Boothe, Larry & Alvin. But they are drying up now as when I was in Jamaica a couple of months ago there were hardly any records to be found. I had better luck in New York on a layover on the way home.

Original vinyl is for DJing with. Boots and pressings are for listening to at home. (Then again, why even buy them for that when there are hundreds of great CDs on Kent, Outta Sight etc?). Simples.

I've got the Complete Recordings CD on US Rhino from a couple of years ago, should I be getting this one too. What tracks are on the Kent set that aren't on that set? Cheers.

You're right there! I kept asking people about this Jerry Butler 45 "Find Yourself Another" hahahaha. That was pre-internet days in the early 90s.

Prince Buster's Fabulous Greatest Hits was the first album I ever bought as a 12 year old in 1980. It was my initial love of Jamaican ska and rock steady that eventually got me into soul music too. R.I.P.

Fantastic tune Eli, can't wait for the new album and UK tour. I used to chat to you sometimes on the old Yahoo Southern Soul group back in the early 2000s and have followed your career since more or less the start. I didn't know much about the music back then and to be honest a lot of guys on there sneered at a young-ish guy wanting to get into the music deeper, but you and a few others were really helpful. I recall that you were in Chicago at the time and used to see Jerry Butler and Fontella Bass around town amongst others. Great to see you having success!

Tom & Jerrio (aka Jerry O) - Boogaloo on ABC Paramount. A moonlighting Funk Brothers on the backing.

Confirmed by his niece, April Foster.

Eddie Foster R.I.P. View full article

If you don't know his Twinight label stuff, get to know it! Essential Chicago soul.

I think this chap may be trying to muscle in on the ska, reggae and scooter scene now. Had a message on Facebook from someone called "Crewe Dub Club" wanting me to play for them but he needed a large deposit up front to cover the venue and equipment costs. I remembered this thread and reckon it may be the same guy as he's been around Cheshire. He didn't even tell me the date or time or venue for the event, just kept hassling me for money for a deposit. I may not be MENSA material but I'm not a dummy either, when he wouldn't give me any firm details of the event I deleted him. So if you DJ on the ska or scooter scene, watch out!

These kids nowadays who think they're "gangstas", would crap their pants and scream for their Mums if they came face to face with some of the original gangs (hypothetically that is due to most of the OGs being in their fifties and sixties now!).