"One In A Row: The Willie Nelson Songbook" by VARIOUS ARTISTS [Doing Willie Nelson Cover Versions] – Twenty-Four Single and Album Tracks from 1960 to 2021 by Little Esther, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Doug Sahm, Dionne Warwick, Emmylou Harris, Vikki Carr, Tom Jones, Patsy Cline, George Jones, Spinners, Everly Brothers, The Beautiful South, Trisha Yearwood, Johnny Tillotson, Waylon Jennings, k.d. lang and The Reclines, The Flatliners, Timi Yuro, Bettye LaVette, Tanya Tucker and more (October 2024 UK Ace Records CD Compilation of Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Row-Willie-Nelson-Songbook/dp/B0DGQL45MH?crid=1CARPOAPT4HLY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TkWqU1q2xombHRCcBobp5A.Teg-W31zfudAX-GEq2-VfjrO0ceBLbxAr1zce1H1XAc&dib_tag=se&keywords=029667111720&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729260945&sprefix=029667111720%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=89cebaea8742f876ad66e6417e5a5f37&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"…Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground…"

I've had a hard time with some CD entries in the Ace Records Singer-Songwriter Series of cover version compilations – the Paul Williams one of July 2024 for instance had a Kermit The Frog track on it amidst a whole dollop of other Biff Rose, Petula Clark and Seals & Croft schmaltz that does this great reissue label no credit at all (only the opening song "Someday Man" by The Monkees saved that release from the trash can). But I had high hopes for this Willie Nelson set because melody-wise and lyrically – the grizzled old Country Rock buzzard that is WN happens to be (IRS repayment issues aside) one of the great unsung heroes of American songwriting. And I was right. 

Not perfect by any means, but when you peruse the 24-cuts offered on "One In A Row: The Willie Nelson Songbook" which range from a 1960 45-single by R&B firehouse Little Esther to Tom Jones going Production-naked in his 2015 stark stab, right through Bob Dylan doing a 1983 recording eventually issued in 2021 on one of those 5CD Bootleg Volumes - and all points in-between those hugely disparate dates – you can kind of work out that artists looking for good tunes reach for this songsmith more often than other more lauded luminaries. Honest tunes about real life and its kick-you-in-the-nuts ways. 

There is much to wail and weep over - cheatin' lyin' good-for-nuthin' dirty dogs – male and female – with a smell of cheap whiskey on their breaths and one beady eye on the highway by the barroom door. To the details…

UK released Friday, 25 October 2024 - "One In A Row: The Willie Nelson Songbook" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (doing Willie Nelson cover versions) on Ace Records CDTOP 1645 (Barcode 029667111720) is a 24-Track Remastered CD Compilation that plays out as follows (75:58 minutes):

1. Hello Walls – LITTLE ESTHER (March 1964 US 45-single on Atlantic 45-2223, B-side of "Double Crossing Blues")

2. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground – BOB DYLAN (1983 recording done during the "Infidel" album sessions - first UK issued September 2021 on the 5CD Variant of "Springtime In New York: The Bootleg Series Volume 16: 1980-1985" on Columbia/Legacy 19439865802. The Dylan version of this song issued October 1983 as a Non-LP B-side to "Union Sundown" on UK and European 45s is different. Willie Nelson's own original appeared in the movie "Honeysuckle Road" in August 1980)

3. Night Life – B.B. KING (December 1966 US 45-single on ABC Records 45-10889, A-side)

4. Me And Paul – DOUG SAHM And BAND (January 1973 US LP "Doug Sahm And Band" on Atlantic SD 7254 – features Bob Dylan on Blues Harp and Augie Meyer on Piano)

5. He's Not For You – DIONNE WARWICK (October 1976 US 45-single on Warner Brothers WBS 8280, B-side to "I Didn't Mean To Love You")

6. Sister's Coming Home – EMMYLOU HARRIS (from the "Blue Kentucky Girl" album issued April 1979 in the USA on Warner Brothers BSK 3318 – features Tanya Tucker on Backing Vocals)

7. Healing Hands Of Time – VIKKI CARR (from the "The Ways To Love A Man" album issued 1971 in the USA on United Artists UAS 6813)

8. Opportunity To Cry – TOM JONES (from the "Long Lost Suitcase" album issued 2015 in the UK on Virgin V 3141)

9. Family Bible – GEORGE JONES (December 1960 US 45-single on Mercury 71721, A-side)

10. Crazy – PATSY CLINE (October 1961 US 45-single on Decca 31317, A-side)

11. Man With The Blues – DEL McCOURY (from the "A Deeper Shade Of Blue" US CD album issued 1993 on Rounder 0303)

12. Funny How Time Slips Away – SPINNERS (November 1982 US 45-single on Atlantic 7-89922, A-side – Known as The Detroit Spinners in the UK, but the single was not issued there)

13. Good Hearted Woman – THE EVERLY BROTHERS (from the "Pass The Chicken And Listen" album issued 1972 in the USA on RCA Victor LSP-4781)

14. Valentine – THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH (from the "Golddiggars, Headnodders &  Pholk Songs" CD album issued October 2004 in the UK on Sony Music UK 518632)

15. One In A Row – TRISH YEARWOOD (from "The Song Remembers When" CD album issued 1993 in the USA on MCA Records MCAD-10911)

16. Pretty Paper – JOHNNY TILLOTSON (Unreleased 1966 recording first issued 1995 on the US CD Compilation "The Christmas Touch" on Varese Sarabande VSD-5550)

17. Three Days – k.d. lang & The Reclines (from the "Absolute Torch And Twang" album of 1989, also issued as a US 45-single October 1989 on Sire 7-22734, A-side)

18. I Let My Mind Wander – RAY PRICE (February 1967 US 45-single on Columbia 4-44042, B-side of "Danny Boy")

19. Pretend I Never Happened – WAYLON JENNINGS (September 1972 US 45-single on RCA Victor 74-0808, A-side)

20. You Took My Happy Away – TIMI YURO (July 1966 US 45-single on Mercury 72601, B-side of "Don't Keep Me Lonely Too Long")

21. Are You Sure – KACEY MUSGRAVES and WILLIE NELSON (from the Kacey Musgraves CD album "Pageant Material" US issued June 2015 on Mercury Nashville B0022816-02)

22. Somebody Pick Up My Pieces – BETTYE LaVETTE (from the CD album "The Scene Of The Crime" US issued 2007 on Anti Records 6873-2)

23. One Day At A Time – THE FLATLINERS (1972 recording first issued 1980 in the UK on the LP "One More Road" on Charly CR 30189)

24. My Own Peculiar Way – PERRY COMO (March 1965 US 45-single on RCA Victor 47-8533, B-side of "Dream On Little Dreamer")

The 24-page book does the absolute business by Nelson's legacy – typically indepth and inciteful TONY ROUNCE liner notes – observations on melody and chart history that are coming from a Soul Man who admires and rightly lauds singer-songwriter chops. Every song is poured over, naming the myriad cover versions and artists who probably could not be included on this set due to licensing reasons. There is usually the original US 45-single label, or LP/CD cover art, sheet music, industry adverts (like the promo photo by Polydor for Dylan's "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground" as used in the "Honeysuckle Road" movie), tour posters and every song gets thorough research. DUNCAN COWELL – Ace's resident Audio Engineer (he did almost all the praised Blue Horizon CD reissues too) does the mastering honours – and quality assaults the senses at every angle. To the cover versions…

The compilation opens with a Bert Barns-produced debut 45-single by 50s R&B firebrand Little Esther for her restart stint with Atlantic Records in 1964 – it was tucked away on the B-side and has a dig-the-city groove. Far, far better however is Bob Dylan with an "Infidels" outtake called "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground" that made it on the B-side of some 1983 singles (UK and Europe) in a different form than the one that is used here. A moving ballad/love-song with a typically brilliant lean in the lyric, it is a small wonder that it was not used on the principal album. Whatever way you look at it - "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground" is a huge plus and one of many surprises this understated CD offers.

Along with "Crazy" and "Funny How Time Slips By", Nelson's 1959 composition "Night Life" is probably his most famous song creation – over 100 cover versions and counting (it is almost a Jazz Standard in 2024). Here we get 60ts B.B. King with His Orchestra giving it some angst-shouting Blues while a Saxophone punctuates the right speaker like a hustler in a doorway (great audio as Blues Boy does a short guitar solo). The sound modernises and fills out with the shuffling Country Rock of Doug Sahm – his 1972 take on "Me And Paul" where Harmonica is supplied by none other than Bob Dylan is a shuffle you have heard in every retro band). Time for some soft Soul from Dionne Warwick and with it searching for the truth about a cheating man foolish women return to too often (hers is not a rebuke but a warning). More duped gals need to sleep all day long in "Sister's Coming Home" – Emmylou Harris and her flying band giving it pure Country with Pedal Steel and Fiddle – the fast pace hiding the heartache in this horribly honest Willie Nelson observation. But even the mighty Emmylou is given a fantastic run for her I-will-get-over-you broken-heart money by a shockingly lovely Vikki Carr cover of "Healing Hands Of Time" on a long-forgotten 1972 US album on United Artists.

Rounce is right about the shockingly sparse gravel-voiced Tom Jones stripping back the bleak "Opportunity To Cry" – TJ using only an acoustic guitar and lonesome organ note and his cracking voice in 2015 – it adds a genuinely unexpected poignancy to the track list. We get the wholesome "Family Bible" from Country Giant and uber-Christian George Jones – a tune I admit and despise as cack at one and the same time. But all that is hammered into a defensive corner cringing for dear life by the stunning Patsy Cline classic "Crazy". Rounce announces that there are said to be over 400 versions of this early Nelson penned-winner but truly only Patsy killed it good and proper. Bluegrass warbler Del McCoury gets all Coen Brothers on "Man With The Blues" sounding not unlike an eager-to-earn hustler with a Banjo and a Yodel-voice at a racecourse working punters like closing time is near.

Clever choice is the Brass and Strings Spinners slink of "Funny How Time Slips Away" – a very smooth slice of Soft Soul from 1982 on Atlantic Records. A co-write with Waylon Jennings, Nelson's "Good Hearted Woman" is given a Flying Burrito Bros treatment by The Everly Brothers – another tale of tears and laughter – staying the distance despite promises that will never be kept. But again – another stunner – Paul Heaton and The Beautiful South slaying the gorgeous "Valentine" – such a pretty and moving rendition. While Canadian icon k.d. lang (with her Reclines) paints her fabulous vocal honey all over a bopping "Three Days" – a yesterday, today and tomorrow misery gem from the "Absolute Torch And Twang" album of 1989. Trisha Yearwood too – a beautiful Judds-like delivery on the title track "One In A Row". And on it goes – more discoveries – more surprises…

I would admit that I don't need nor love Johnny Tillotson giving it oohs-and-aahs on the yucky Festive "Pretty Paper" – but the hits far outweigh the misses. "One In A Row: The Willie Nelson Songbook" by VARIOUS ARTIST is a winner. Investigate and once again, congrats to the nerds over at Ace Records…

"Hot Buttered Singles: 1969-1972" by ISAAC HAYES – Nineteen 45-Single Sides on Enterprise (USA) and Stax Records (UK) in their Edited Form – Musicians Include The Bar-Kays, The Isaac Hayes Movement and a Duet with David Porter (October 2024 UK Ace Records CD Compilation of Duncan Cowell Remasters – Volume 1 of a Series) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Isaac-Hayes-Buttered-Singles-1969-1972/dp/B0DGQLMR5B?crid=2LG3QTBMLA3BK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SbgnB5-uDMeY98Z1MGy6sQ.v4Gvtcvd_fu2ZqZy73eZPkXqD1L11x5UGYey6jCaF1M&dib_tag=se&keywords=029667024013&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1728920291&sprefix=029667024013%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=0d51ab7bbd6e6c0bdefff33f211ce330&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

RATINGS: 

Overall ****

Audio **** to ***** (mostly 5)

Presentation: *****

"…Ike's Mood 19…"

Purely on the facial - this is a humdinger of a release from those terribly with-it chappies over at Ace Records in England. But as with so many compilations, it ain't all as yeah-baby as any self-respecting dude/dudette would hope for.

Nine yellow-label Enterprise US singles plus One Bonus Instrumental – 19 tracks. There are 45-single edits galore on here that fans will dig (Non-LP B-sides too) all spliced together in the one place as opposed to the huge meandering Symphonic Soul trips on the expanded albums. The Audio absolutely rocks too (Duncan Cowell Remasters), there's the usual quality booklet that deep dives each release and their convoluted Stax/Enterprise Records Blaxploitation history (16-Pages of Tony Rounce liner notes) and it has a near 79-minute playing time too – all impressive.

But a Seasonal cheeseball twofer towards the start and the last five of the nineteen seriously let the side down including a badly thought-out duet with David Porter and an old instrumental on which Hayes only plays Sax – hence the four – and not the winning five. 

But - as it is also a DOUBLE VINYL-ALBUM issue for 25 October 2024 as well as CD – I can see both formats appealing to a huge part of the Big Man's rabid fanbase. To the gold chainmail baby…damn right…

UK released Friday, 25 October 2024 - "Hot Buttered Singles: 1969-1972" by ISAAC HAYES on Ace Records CDTOP 1650 (Barcode 029667024013) is a 19-Track Remastered CD Compilation of 45-Single Side Edits And Non-LP Material that plays out as follows – this review provides both US and UK 45-Single Discography details (78:37 minutes):

1. Walk On By (4:32 minutes)
2. By The Time I Get To Phoenix (6:54 minutes)
USA: released July 1969, Enterprise ENA-9003, A&B-sides
UK: released 17 October 1969, Stax Records STAX 133, A&B-sides
Both Tracks edited from their album versions on "Hot Buttered Soul"

3. The Mistletoe And Me (3:55 minutes)
4. Winter Snow (2:57 minutes)
USA: November 1969, Enterprise ENA-9006, A&B-sides
UK: no UK issue
Appears to have been re-issued November 1970 with the same catalogue number in the USA – a Re-Promote – Neither Song on LP – Both are Early 60ts Hayes compositions

5. I Stand Accused (4:04 minutes)
6. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (7:01 minutes)
USA: released August 1970, Enterprise ENA-9017, A&B-sides
UK: released August 1970, Stax Records STAX 154, A&B-sides
Note: A-side is a Jerry and Billy Butler cover version – full length 11:30 minute cut is on the April 1970 US LP "The Isaac Hayes Movement"; B-side is a cover version of the Bacharach and David song made famous by Dusty Springfield and is the same running time as the LP cut

7. The Look Of Love (3:17 minutes)
8. Ike's Mood 1 (5:57 minutes)
USA: released January 1971, Enterprise ENA-9028 (see Note)
UK: no UK issue
Note: Despite Ace's alignment of the tracks – the A-side in the USA was "Ike's Mood 1" with the edit of "The Look Of Love" on the B-side (the album version of the Bacharach and David song popularized by Dusty Springfield is 11:11 minutes). Despite his huge popularity in the States at the time (number 1 albums on the R&B charts) – the meandering/building "Ike's Mood 1" which was a guitar and piano Symphonic Soul instrumental punctuated by lady backing-vocals, but it did not score big on the US Billboard 45-Singles chart (the LP version is 6:31 minutes). The edited sung B-side "The Look Of Love" however made No. 79 on the Hot 100. Both tracks from the December 1970 US LP "…To Be Continued"

9. Never Can Say Goodbye (3:37 minutes)
10. I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You) (4:22 minutes)
USA: released April 1971, Enterprise ENA-9031, A&B-sides
UK: released 16 July 1971, Stax 2025 029, A&B-sides
Note: initially released as a stand-alone 45 – the A-side (a Clifton Davis song also covered by The Jackson 5 at the time of this release – both versions charted in the USA side-by-side) later appeared on the "Black Moses" 2LP set in December 1971; B-side is a Hank Williams cover version, is Non-LP and in Mono (all others Stereo)

11. Theme From Shaft (3:15 minutes)
12. Café Regio's (2:43 minutes)
USA: released September 1971, Enterprise ENA-9038, A&B-sides
UK: released 26 November 1971, Stax 2025 069, A&B-sides
Note: the UK issue credited the A-side as Theme From "Shaft"; this iconic Soul-Funk song has been reissued at least six times since in Britain; both songs (the B is an instrumental in a Lounge Music style) are from the Blaxploitation 2LP movie Soundtrack "Shaft" (released July 1971) starring Richard Roundtree in the lead role with all music by Isaac Hayes

13. Do Your Thing (3:17 minutes)
14. Ellie's Love Theme (3:16 minutes)
USA: released February 1972, Enterprise ENA-9042, A&B-sides
UK: no UK issue
Note: the A-side is an edit, album version is almost 20-minutes; both tracks on the 2LP Soundtrack to "Shaft"

15. Let's Stay Together (3:46 minutes)
16. Soulsville (3:45 minutes)
USA: released February 1972, Enterprise ENA-9045, A&B-sides
UK: no UK issue
Note: the A-side Instrumental is an Al Green cover on which Hayes plays Saxophone; the B-side is one of the few Vocal Tracks on the "Shaft" Soundtrack

17. Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One) (4:21 minutes)
18. Baby I'm-A Want You (4:35 minutes)
USA: released April 1972, Enterprise ENA-9049, A&B-sides
UK: no UK issue

19. Soul-A-Lujah (2:29 minutes)
USA: released July 1969, Stax STA-0040, B-side only
UK: no UK issue
Note: the A-side of this 45 is also called "Soul-A-Lujah" – a sung version credited to seven Stax artists – Johnnie Taylor, Eddie Floyd, William Bell, Pervis Staples, Carla Thomas, Mavis and Cleotha Staples – the B-side featured here is credited to Isaac Hayes and under the title as (Instrumental featuring Isaac Hayes on Clavinet)

The 16-page booklet features fantastically detailed liner notes from Ace's long-standing Soul Expert and Scribe – TONY ROUNCE – a sure sign of quality. All pages are sided with US, UK and European label repros and rare picture sleeves (dig the Belgium and German Pic Sleeves for "Shaft" and "Let's Stay Together" on Pages 9 and 12). The rare but rather ugly-looking 1969 typed title sleeve for "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" (with "Walk On By") that plugs the forthcoming "Hot Buttered Soul" LP is on Page 5 while British Yellow-Label Stax Demos sit proudly on Page 4. A good read and fabulous Remasters from DUNCAN POWELL even though he cannot do much with the jam-pig's ear that is "Let's Stay Together" or the rough and ready too-frantic "Soul-A-Lujah".

Completists will also quickly notice that despite the title-moniker of 1969-1972 – there are missing issues which Ace say will probably turn up in a future Volume – 1972 to 1976 or something like that. February 1971 in the UK saw the pairing of an edited "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" b/w "Our Day Will Come" on Stax 2025 029 (both on the "…To Be Continued" LP) which is absent – as is "Theme From The Men" b/w "Type Thang" issued September 1972 in the States on Enterprise ENA-9058 and November 1972 in the UK on Stax 2025 146. Haye's second 45 from January 1964 originally on Brunswick 55258 with the pairing of "Sweet Temptation" on the A and "Laura (We're On Our Last Go-Round)" on the flipside was licensed and reissued November 1970 on San American Records 950 to cash-in on his huge popularity – AWOL also. To the tunes…

There were few people in 1969 that expected a Soul Titan to tackle a Bacharach and David pop ditty made famous by Dionne Warwick – but Isaac Hayes did just that – he socked it to them – literally. From the opening punch of "Walk On By" – the clear and punchy Remaster is fabulous – those ladies begging our Isaac not to have tears in his eyes (you put a hurt on me baby). But it's the Symphonic Soul combined with fuzzed-up wah-wah guitars and his languid dripping-with-sex voice that grabbed an entire world by the shorts. The talking-for-the-most-part Soulified cover of the Jimmy Webb/Glen Campbell Country-Pop classic "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" is turned into a sermon – a seven-minute preach about leaving his woman seven times and seven times coming back (maybe he’ll get it right for return number eight, about three-thirty in the morning on the highway to despair) – and then he sings about three and half minutes in – and magic is struck. 

Given the Number 1 R&B LP status of both the double-albums "Shaft" and "Black Moses" in July and December 1971 with sales still hammering all comers in the first two months of 1972 - it is hardly surprising that Enterprise put out two Isaac hayes 45s in February 1972. First up came the killer combo of "Do Your Thing" b/w "Ellie's Love Theme" (both from "Shaft") quickly followed by the slightly odd instrumental version of the Al Green gem "Let's Stay Together" with the last remaining Vocal cut from the Shaft Soundtrack as its flipside – the brilliant and far-better "Soulsville". Even an instrumental with Hayes on it made No.25 on the R&B Billboard charts with a remarkable No.48 on Pop. 

Gorgeous is the only way to describe the stunning audio on "Never Can Say Goodbye" – no pain or heartaches on that front (dig that Flute schmooze – yeah baby). But I suspect it will be the flipside fans make a beeline to – Hayes reacting to a painful and on-going separation in real time and with real emotion. "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)" has a melody and those old-time-feeling lyrics that seemed to bring out the best in him – lush and surely worth the price of entry for many IH fans (even if it is the only cut on here in Mono). 

Written by Allen Jones and Homer Banks but made famous by Johnnie Taylor in January 1967 (Stax 209) and Luther Ingrams in March 1970 (KoKo KOA-2105) – the Luther Ingram ballad version of "Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)" is an absolute stomp-on-all-comers go-to favourite of mine when it comes to Seventies Soul – I love it so much. So, imagine my disappointment when two titans like Isaac Hayes and David Porter do a cover that ruins it completely. What was cute in 1969, by the time they have reached 1974, the wah-wah and funk formula not only feels dated, but even badly recorded on the audio front (the vocals just don't sound right or even powerful). Their slowed-down high-hat tapping stab at the David Gates-written Bread classic "Baby I'm-A Want You" is not a whole lot better – feeling too close to elevator music - no surprise that the American listening public did not take to either.

Despite its piddly faults towards the end run of tracks - I keep coming back to "Hot Buttered Singles: 1969-1972". This is a win-compilation for Ace and surprising it has not been done before (all the 45-edits in one place). I find myself playing this suave Symphonic Soul brute like a child rediscovering wonder and disappointment – thankfully, mostly the first. Can you dig it…yes you can my peeps…

PS: there is also a 2LP 19-Track VINYL version (no extra cuts) issued Friday, 25 October 2024 of "Hot Buttered Singles: 1969-1972" by Isaac Hayes on Ace Records HIQLP2 138 (Barcode 029667023818). It has Inner Sleeves that reproduce all of the liner notes in the CD booklet.

"Nothing But A House Party: The Birth Of The Philly Sound 1967-71" by VARIOUS ARTISTS - Featuring The Show Stoppers, The Delfonics, George Tindley, Jerry Butler, Honey & The Bees, Executive Suite, Cliff Nobles, The Ambassadors, Lou Jackson, Brenda & The Tabulations, Moses Smith, Sonny Boss, The Intruders, Barbara Mason, Peaches & Herb, Winfield Parker, The Ethics and more (May 2017 UK Ace/Kent Soul 24-Track CD Compilation with Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nothing-But-House-Party-1967-71/dp/B06Y5M39TH?crid=1PMDZLQ98USMO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DsFxjx0Mb1HYGkBF9fM5TQ.0KPjEql3yRp1rKJzHDM4AxIeF_mFDAnuiZ0Ul9lXahU&dib_tag=se&keywords=029667083829&qid=1721146323&sprefix=029667083829%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=7656ef4387cdc82ff6040c5d978b669e&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

This Review Along With 215 Others Is Available in my

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"...Don't You Understand What You're Doing To The Man..."

Having thoroughly enjoyed the Thom Bell Ace Records/Kent Soul CD compilation "Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" issued 31 May 2024 – I decided to root back further and unearthed this wee peach (from seven years back) dealing with early Philly pointers.

A typically cool release from Kent Soul of the UK in May 2017 and heralded on their rear inlay as 'Classic 60s and 70s soul from the City of Brotherly Love, recorded before the Philadelphia Sound went International' - "Nothing But A House Party: The Birth Of The Philly Sound 1967-71" has the usual Mono and Stereo 24-track MO, a beautifully annotated 20-page booklet festooned with label repros (TONY ROUNCE liner notes), promo photos and period memorabilia and corking Remastered Audio from their longstanding sound-engineer DUNCAN COWELL. 

It's All Over But The Shouting, and as they say, let's get to the detailed nitty-gritty…

UK released 26 May 2017 - "Nothing But A House Party: The Birth Of The Philly Sound 1967-71" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 466 (Barcode 029667083829) is a 24-Track CD Compilation of US 45-Single Remasters that plays out as follows (65:22 minutes):

1. Ain't Nothing But A House Party – THE SHOW STOPPERS (USA 1967 1st issue on Party Time PT-1002, A-side, 2nd issue March 1967 on Showtime STR-101, 3rd US issue October 1967 on Guyden 2131 – also UK March 1968 on Beacon 3-100, January 1971 UK on Beacon BEA 100 and others)

2. You're Been Untrue – THE DELFONICS (April 1967, Cameo C-472, A-side, Thom Bell co-writer and Producer)

3. It's All Over But The Shouting – GEORGE TINDLEY (July 1969, Wand WND 11205, B-side of "Ain't That Peculiar" - a Gulliver cover version, song by Len Barry and Tim Moore)

4. Never Give You Up – JERRY BUTLER (April 1968, Mercury 72798, A-side, written by Gamble & Huff and Butler)

5. Help Me (Get Over My Used To Be Lover) – HONEY AND THE BEES (April 1970, Josie 45-1020, A-side)

6. Christine – EXECUTIVE SUITE (October 1970, Jubilee 45-5705, A-side – Gulliver cover version – song written by Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates), Len Barry and Tom Sellers)

7. Love Is All Right – CLIFF NOBLES (February 1968, Phil-L.A. Of Soul 313, A-side)

8. Ain't Got The Love Of One Girl (On My Mind) – THE AMBASSADORS (March 1969, Arctic 150, A-side, written by Barbara Mason)

9. Peace To You Brother – LOU JACKSON (January 1971, Spring 110, A-side)

10. My Balloon's Going Up – ARCHIE BELL And THE DRELLS (August 1969, Atlantic 45-2663, A-side – a Gamble & Huff Song and Production)

11. That's The Price You Have To Pay – BRENDA And THE TABULATIONS (March 1969, Dionn 512, A-side – Bobby Martin and Thom Bell Production)

12. Rainmaker – THE MOODS (August 1970, Wand WND 11224, A-side – written by Tim Moore during his stint with the Rock Band Gulliver (that also featured Daryl Hall) but first issued by The Moods who would later evolve into the Disco Inferno famous Trammps)

13. Keep On Striving – MOSES SMITH (July 1970, Cotillion 45-44075, A-side)

14. Piper Must Be Paid – SONNY ROSS (March 1971, Event EV 202, B-side of "Alakazam" – also July 1971 in the UK on Mojo 2093 001, A-side – written by George Tindley (see Track 3) and Gerald Smith)

15. You Better Stop It – BARBARA MASON (June 1969, Arctic 154, B-side of  "Happy Girl" – both sides written by Barbara Mason)

16. Goin' Home To An Empty House – SUNSHINE (1972, Phil-L.A. Of Soul 359, A-side – song written in 1969 by Northern Soul fave Herb Ward but only released in 1972 under another name (Sunshine) without his permission, Produced by Thom Bell)

17. Every Day Is A Holiday – THE INTRUDERS (December 1969, Gamble G 240, B-side of "Old Love" – both sides written by Gamble & Huff and Produced by Thom Bell)

18. (You) Got What I Need – FREDDIE SCOTT (July 1968, Shout S-233, A-side – a Gamble & Huff song also Produced)

19. Girl You're Too Young – LEN BARRY (2005, That Philly Sound TPS-R101, A-side – written and recorded 1968 – writers Archie Bell, Thom Bell and Kenny Gamble – Len Barry is ex The Dovells - "Girl You're Too Young" was recorded by Archie Bell & The Drells, their May 1969 issued US 45-single on Atlantic 45-2644 made No.13 on US Billboard R&B charts)

20. Your Fool Still Loves You – OSCAR WEATHERS (February 1970, Top And Bottom 402, A-side – Written and Produced by Van McCoy)

21. What You Gave Up – THE CONTINENTAL 4 (May 1971, Jay Walking JW-011, B-side of "Day By Day (Every Minute Of The Hour)" – Written by Norman Harris and Albert Felder and Produced by Bobby Martin) 

22. Let's Make A Promise – PEACHES  & HERB (October 1968, Date 2-1623, A-side, also issued November 1968 in the UK on Direction 58-3829, A-side – Written by Thom Bell, Mikki Farrow and Kenny Gamble – Arranged and Produced Gamble & Huff and Tommy Martin)

23. I'm On My Way – WINFIELD PARKER – PREVIOUSLY UNISSUED Take of Spring 116 recorded in 1971 - Arranged by Bobby Martin)

24. Standing In The Darkness – THE ETHICS (March 1970, Vent V-1008, A-side - Written by Norman Harris, Arranged by Thom Bell and Norman Harris)

NOTES: 

All Tracks are MONO except STEREO on Tracks 5, 8, 14, 17, 18, and 24

The floorfiller-song this CD compilation derives its name from - "Ain't Nothing But A House Party" - came out three times in one year in the USA (and on three 1967 different labels) and saw almost as many British reissues follow suit too. The Show Stoppers were brothers Alex and Laddie Burke (siblings of Solomon Burke over on the equally mighty Atlantic Records) – the foursome completed by another set of brothers Earl and Timmy Smith. Penned in part by future Jazz-Funk hero Joe Thomas - "Ain't Nothing But A House Party" seemed ready made for British Northern Soul and Mod Clubs – thereby reaching No. 11 on reissue in 1971 on Beacon Records when NS was exploding all over Blighty. Prior to their breakthrough "La-La-Means I Love You" hit in 1968 (an R&B No.2) and in the dying bankruptcy throws of Cameo Parkway – The Delfonics pushed out the Thom Bell and William Hurt gem "You've Been Untrue" – the same duo who penned the infectious "La-La…". Stylistically close to the (well) Stylistics – the criminally unsuccessful "You've Been Untrue" is the Sound of Philly Soul fans tingle to and it sounds just juicy here. 

In the superb TONY ROUNCE liner notes, he clumps the George Tindley and Sonny Ross entries together (Tracks 3 and 14) – Tindley singing his own 45 of course whilst producing the latter. Philly singer Tindley went all the way back to the 1953 Vocal Group The Dreams and Kenny Esquire & The Starlites. Written by Len Barry and Tim Moore (later with US Rock group Gulliver which also housed an uppercoming Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates) – the Soulful B-side "It's All Over But The Shouting" is a corker while "Piper Must Be Paid" is another flip that in another world could have been an A-side. Class (and that is the right word) oozes out of every note in the Jerry Butler caress that is "Never Give You Up" – a co-write by the silken-voiced Butler with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff – the main men for Philadelphia International Records and a whole other 20-CD Box Set of hits. 

The four gorgeous gals of Honey & The Bees are pictured on Page 7 in silver dresses that amplify more than their pearly whites – lead vocalist Nadine Felder being the Honey in the Beehive (Gwen Oliver and Cassandra Wooten would go on to become a part of The Ritchie Family who had a No.1 Dance Chart hit in 1976 with "The Best Disco In Town"). Their Honey & The Bees contribution here is the oh-so-hip "Help Me (Get Over My Used To Be Lover)" – an infectious bopper from 1970 on Josie Records. Rounce pairs the 1970 entries for Executive Suite and The Moods again because of songwriters – this time with Tom Sellers, Len Barry (ex Dovells) and John Madara. Along with Tim Moore and Daryl Hall, Tom Sellers had been in Gulliver – a Rock Group mostly remembered because of the Hall & Oates connection (before they started their career with Atlantic Records). Rounce calls "Christine" by Executive Suite top-tier Vocal Group Soul (Vincent Unto is the lead Tenor, sharing lines with Hall) even if it failed to make waves past New Jersey and Philadelphia on initial release. The Moods and their "Rainmaker" is a joyful discovery for me – one of the hidden gems here that features ex Volcanos singers who would later morph into The Trammps come the Saturday Night Fever explosion in the late Seventies.

The Cliff Nobles A-side "Love Is All Right" has a reverse-face history – DJs ignoring it for the vocal-less backing track on the flipside which the Phil L.A. of Soul Records label had dubbed "The Horse". Played as a throwaway lead-in to News Reports and Traffic Bulletins and essentially featuring MFSB of Philly Fame in all but name, "The Horse" nonetheless elicited huge public interest and before Phil L.A. of Soul knew it, the B-side went to No.2 on the US Billboard R&B charts. Ace and Kent-Soul have decided to give us the brassy what-your-love-has-done-to-me A-side instead (Cliff Nobles is pictured on Page 9 of the booklet) – the path less travelled and a bopping dancer sweetie it is too. Soul heroine Barbara Mason is the connection between Tracks 8 and 11 – The Ambassadors and Barbara Mason – her "You Better Stop It" a seriously prized US 45 amongst Blighty aficionados. Lou Jackson wants to get rid of shame and hate is his Slow Soul message march song "Peace To You Brother" – got to be a brighter day. We move to Atlantic Records for Archie Bell and The Drells and the strings-and-bop sound of "My Balloon's Going Up" a - joyous Gamble & Huff concoction that made Northern Soul fans tingle and mingle. 

But even that mirth is whomped into pure Soul submission with the gorgeous Brenda & The Tabulations 1969 gem "That's The Price You Have To Pay" – a Gamble & Huff production that has become legendary amongst lovers of the genre. Moses Smith is earnest enough in his "Keep On Striving" but followed shortly after by Barbara Mason, her invitation to arm-folding "You Better Stop It" is so Northern Soul it hurts. Deep-Soul legend Herb Ward does not want to go home where only loneliness and solemnity await – his mellow-drama overload "Goin' Home To An Empty House" put out by his record label without his permission and under the pseudonym Sunshine to hide their dodgy deed. The Intruders dancer "Every Day Is A Holiday" is so late-60ts Philly Sound – Freddie Scott the same – not surprising with Gamble & Huff behind both. Len Barry worries what her parents might think – his girl too young to hold his hand – mama not going to allow it. And on it goes to The Ethics getting all Stereo with their "Standing In This Darkness". 

Ace Records of the UK know their audience and punters know what to expect when they buy one of their CD compilations. But every now and then, you have dip your cloth-cap to their genius at listens like this. 

Great choices, tasty packaging and quality audio into the mushy bargain - bit of a belter frankly...

THOM BELL and some PHILLY SOUND CD Compilations

From Ace Records and Kent Soul of the UK (all reviewed)

1. Thom Bell by Various Artists - "Ready Or Not: Philly Soul Arrangements & Productions 1965-1978" 
UK released 25 June 2020, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 488 (Barcode 029667098021)

2. Thom Bell by Various Artists - "Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983"
UK released 31 May 2024, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 522 
(Barcode 029667110624)

3. Various Artists - "Nothing But A House Party: The Birth Of The Philly Sound 1967-1971"
UK released 26 May 2017, Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 466 (Barcode 029667083829)

4. Various Artists - "Psychedelic Soul Produced by Norman Whitfield" 
UK released 27 August 2021, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 504 (Barcode 029667103121)

5. Earl Young - "Groove Machine: The Earl Young Drum Sessions"
UK released 24 February 2024, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 1629 (Barcode 029667109925)

"The Best Of The Chi-Lites: The Original Brunswick Recordings 1969-1976" by THE CHI-LITES – Including Singles and Album Tracks featuring Eugene Record (June 1987 Original and February 2004 Reissue (with Different Artwork) UK Ace/Kent Soul CD Compilation with Adam Skeaping Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Chi-Lites/dp/B0000013C8?crid=3MH9PTKJOO0VH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OSZ3pHPfLng0nvJ2dVIF5Q.JysE5fp3ETdQ7sVGjQU7Jkko4-VY7aRDsaMeBi49RUo&dib_tag=se&keywords=029667291125&qid=1710683153&sprefix=029667291125%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=dd73ab563e9356db53c391f00fe2dc52&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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Rating: *****

"...I Found Sunshine..."

When Ace Records of the UK started issuing CDs back in the late Eighties (much to the excitement of collectors)  – this peach on CDKEN 911 was amongst their first vanguard of titles (originally released June 1987). I bought their Jackie Wilson CD compilation too - "Reet Petite" from May 1986 on Ace CDCH 902. I purchased both because they boasted astonishing remastered sound direct from original Brunswick master tapes. 

So why lose a winner to time because Ace has clearly decided to upgrade this early CHI-LITES CD compilation gem (the old artwork is pictured on the rear inlay - see photo above) by reissuing it in June 2004 with a different sleeve and better booklet (the same amazing Audio has been used). So here is the power to the people…

Re-issued February 2004 (see PS below) – "The Best Of The Chi-Lites: The Original Brunswick Recordings 1969-1976" by THE CHI-LITES on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEN 911 (Barcode 029667291125) breaks down as follows (74:18 minutes): 

1. Give It Away (January 1969 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55398, A-side)

2. Let Me Be The Man My Daddy Was (July 1969 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55414, A-side)

3. 24 Hours Of Sadness (February 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55426, A-side)

4. I Like Your Lovin' (Do You Like Mine) (July 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55438, A-side)

5. Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So) (November 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55442, A-side)

6. (For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People (April 1971 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55450, June 1971 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1138, A-side)

7. Have You Seen Her (October 1971 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55462, Number 1 R&B hit, December 1971 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1146, A-side)

8. Oh Girl (April 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55471, Number 1 R&B hit, April 1972 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1156, A-side)

9. The Coldest Days Of My Life (July 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55478, July 1972 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1162)

10. We Need Order (December 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55489, December 1972 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 1, A-side)

11. A Letter To Myself (February 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55491, March 1973 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 2, A-side)

12. Stoned Out Of My Mind (July 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55500, September 1973 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 7, A-side)

13. I Found Sunshine (November 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55503, June 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 12, A-side)

14. Homely Girl (February 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55505, March 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 9, A-side)

15. Too Good To Be Forgotten (May 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55512, B-side to "There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table)" in the USA - September 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 13, A-side in the UK)

16. There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table) (May 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55512, B-side to "Too Good To Be Forgotten" in the USA - September 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 13, B-side in the UK)

17. Toby (January 1975 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55515, January 1975 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 15, A-side)

18. It's Time For Love (October 1975 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55520, August 1975 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 25, A-side)

19. You Don't Have To Go (July 1976 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55528, June 1976 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 34, A-side)

The 1987 original UK CD (as I recall) had a basic inlay – the 2004 reissue features great liner notes for noted Soul expert TONY ROUNCE in a 12-page upgrade – a man whose name has turned up on countless Ace and Edsel reissues. This time the track-by-track text is peppered with those great US Brunswick singles, UK demos and Trade Adverts. But once again what really grabs you is the audio - fantastically good remasters full of detail and huge presence – Ultimate Sound from original Brunswick Tapes done by ADAM SKEAPING. As most fans will know the Brunswick label famously had the talents of the 5-time Grammy winner BRUCE SWEDIEN as their Audio Engineer (later worked on Michael Jackson's "Thriller") and man does it show. 

Take a song like "We Need Order" – a No. 13 Billboard R&B hit in the States (not so in the UK) – it's a mixed tempo song – slinky one second – fast the next. The remaster brings out the fabulous rhythm and layered vocals and brass. The whole run sounds truly amazing and makes for a serious audio nostalgia fest that will have more than a few olden types like me reaching for the Kleenex before the kids see.

Every one of the 19 entries detailed above charted on the American Billboard R&B listings (they had 8 in the UK with "Have You Seen Her" having been a hit twice in 1972 and 1975). The first five tracks were US only 45s - tremendous Chicago-based Soul/R&B - the first British 'Brunswick' 7" single was the seriously synth-funky "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People)". 

Of course the big secret with THE CHI-LITES was the songwriting talent of EUGENE RECORD - even now in 2024 - you forget how good his songs are and why they were so popular. The talking/strings tunes like "A Letter To Myself" and "The Coldest Days Of My Life" border on the cheesy for sure and yet they tug on the heart strings with ease. 

"Have You Seen Her", "Oh Girl" and "Homely Girl" are gorgeous Seventies Soul and now bona fide classics (covered by many in tribute). And while I love the huge synth intro to "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People" and the Beyoncé-sampled brass of "Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)" – my real poison on here has always been the fabulous "It's Time For Love" from 1975 – which in my book should have been a Number One. For me it encompasses everything that was so dash-darn good about 70ts Soul - Can You Dig It Y'all! Yes! I Do Brother!

There are lots of cheap CHI-LITES compilations (some with re-recordings bearing the same title) - but I urge you to look no further (seek this Kent Soul compilation out). A winner then and now…

PS: Rather confusingly both the 1987 and 2004 CDs for this release use exactly the same catalogue number CDKEN 911 – and worse – the same barcode 029667291125. I mention this because a seller will use the Barcode to locate the right issue for sale. You can therefore get the 1987 original issue with the lesser liner notes instead of the 2004 version with the upgraded booklet – so 'check' with your buyer that it is the 2004 version you're getting (the artwork presently showing on Amazon with the Kent Soul logo in the top right hand corner). 

I have included Front, Inner and Rear artwork photos above for the 2004 reissue so you know what to look for...

"Back To The River: More Southern Soul Stories 1961 to 1978" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring Tracks by Betty LaVette, Judy Clay, Eddie Floyd, Mabel John, Clarence Carter, The Soul Children, John Fred, Clay Hammond, Don Covay and more (November 2015 UK Ace/Kent Soul 3CD Book Set – Duncan Cowell Remasters – Volume 3 in a Series of 3 – see also Volume 1 "Take Me To The River..." from 2008 and Volume 2 "The Fame Studios Story 1961-1973..." from 2011) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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"SOUL GALORE!" 

60ts Soul, R&B, Northern Soul

Mod, New Breed, Funk, Jazz Dancers, Rare Grooves

Atlantic, Chess, Motown, Stax Labels and many more... 

 

Your Guide To The Best CD Reissues and Remasters 

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RATING: ***** 

HIGHLIGHTS: 

Third KENTSOUL 3CD Box Set in a Series of 3 

Highlighting Rick Hall's Fame Studios in the USA

Audio Between 3 and 5 (mostly 5)

Superb Content and Vastly Improved Packaging Over The Two Previous Sets

 

"...Going Back Home..."

 

Mighty big shoes to fill...

 

When Ace Records of the UK put out the "Take Me To The River" 3CD Book Set in 2008 to universally giddy reviews (England's Mojo Magazine called it "...the greatest Soul compilation ever made...") – it was followed in 2011 by a second gem-filled Southern Soul 3CD overview - "The Fame Studios Story 1961-1973". So a 'threequel' to those two much-loved 3CD sets was always going to be a mouth-watering, trouser-trembling event for Soul fans everywhere. And e-by-gum but here it is at last – released late 2015 (delayed from 30 October to 20 November 2015) in all of its knee-knobbling Muscle Shoals glory...

 

"Back To The River: More Southern Stories 1961 to 1978" from England's Kent-Soul gives you 75 Remastered Mono and Stereo Tracks, 10 of which are Previously Unreleased Alternate Versions (including an Otis Redding Take 1 rarity) and with many of these Deep Soul sides making their CD debut for the first time anywhere after decades in the digital wilderness. It's presented once again in sumptuous packaging (and different in style thankfully to the awkward card slipcase and hardback look of the first two that caused so many problems) with liner notes that reflect Ace's knowledge, warmth and decades-long enthusiasm. Content wise - halfway through a second listen and I have to say that I'm thrilled with "Back To The River..." and am already thinking that its surely a shoe-in for Soul Reissue Of the Year 2015. There's a huge amount of info to get through so once more music lovers unto the Memphis Breach...

 

UK released Friday, 20 November 2015 (2016 in the USA) – "Back To The River: More Southern Soul Stories 1961 to 1978" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent Soul KENTBOX 18 (Barcode 029667073523) is a 75-track 3CD set housed in an outer Hard Card Slipcase and plays out as follows (all catalogue numbers are USA 7" singles unless otherwise noted):

 

Disc 1 – "Muscle Shoals Memphis Redux" (79:53 minutes):

1. I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free) – SOLOMON BURKE (1968, Atlantic 45-2507, A. Written by Billy Taylor – made famous by Nina Simone)

2. Nearer To You – BETTY LaVETTE (Allen Toussaint song - 1969, Silver Fox SF-17, A)

3. Private Number (Extended Version) – JUDY CLAY and WILLIAM BELL (2015 Previously Unreleased Unedited Version of a July 1968 US 7" single on Stax STA-0005)

4. Free Me (Take 1) – OTIS REDDING (2015 Previously Unissued Alternate Take of a 1967 US 7" single on Atco 6700, A)

5. A Touch Of The Blues – BOBBY BLAND (1967, Duke 426, B-side of "Shoes". Written by Deadric Malone aka Don Robey. Produced by Willie Mitchell)

6. This Love Won't Run Out –DEE DEE SHARP (1968, Atco 6587, A. Written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter)

7. I Got Everything I Need – EDDIE FLOYD

(2015 Previously Unissued Alternate Take of a 1966 Stax Recording that was first issued on the March 1994 Various Artists CD compilation "3000 Volts Of Stax" on Stax CDSXD 102).

8. Please Don't Desert Me Baby – GLORIA WALKER and THE CHIVELLES (1968, Flaming Arrow FA-36, A, Produced & Written by Eugene Davis)

9. Sugarman (Extended Version) – SAM BAKER

(2015 Previously Unreleased Unedited Version of a 1968 US 7" single on Sound Stage SS7-2620, A. Kris Kristofferson cover version)

10. Think I'll Go Somewhere And Cry Myself To Sleep – JOE PERKINS (1969, Nugget NR-1029, A – written by Bill Anderson and first recorded by the country artist Charlie Louvin in 1965)

11. Sure As Sin – JEANIE GREEN

(1969, Atco 6619, A. Written by Eddie Hinton and Marlon Greene – Jeanie's husband. She later sang with Elvis Presley in 1969 on the Comeback Sessions)

12. What's That You Got – RUDOLPH TAYLOR

(Previously Unreleased 1966-1967 recording that first appeared on the June 2012 Various Artists CD compilation "Lost Soul Gems From Sound Of Memphis" on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 378)

13. I Found What I Wanted – MARY WELLS (1971, Reprise 1031, A. Written by George Jackson and Raymond Moore)

14. I've Got Memories (Demo) – MELVIN CARTER (2015 Previously Unissued Goldwax Recording – written by Melvin Carter)

15. Message From Maria – JOE SIMON (1968, Sound Stage 7 SS7-2617, A. An Al Reed song - liner notes mistakenly credit it as Back Beat 631 – see 17)

16. Problems – MABLE JOHN (2015 Previously Unreleased Stax Recording. Possibly Isaac Hayes and David Porter song)

17. I've Been Searching – O.V. WRIGHT (1974, Back Beat BB-631, A. An Earl Randle song - Produced by Willie Mitchell)

18. She Ain't Gonna Do Right – CLARENCE CARTER

(2015 Previous Unissued Alternate Version of a 1967 US 7" single on Fame 1016, A. Written by Spooner Oldham and Dan Penn)

19. Give Me Back The Man I Love – BARBARA WEST (1969, Ronn RONN 32, A. Toussaint McCall song)

20. You're Gonna Want Me – BILL CODAY (1970, Crajon 48203, A and 1971, Galaxy 777, B-side of "Get Your Lie Straight". Written by Bill Coday – Produced by Willie Mitchell and Denise LaSalle)

21. I'm Just Living A Lie – BETTYE SWANN (1971, Fame 1479, A. Mickey Buckins and George Jackson song)

22. Home For The Summer – JIMMY BRASWELL

(Marlin Green and Eddie Hinton Song. 1970 USA 7" single on Quinvy Q-7004, B-side of "Hand Shaking". Originally recorded by Don Varner in 1967 on South Camp 7003, A)

23. Too Weak To Fight (Extended Version) – ELLA WASHINGTON

(2015 Previously Unreleased Unedited Version of a 1972 US 7" single on Sound Stage ZS7 1507, A. Clarence Carter cover version).

24. Everytime It Rains – NA ALLEN (Nathaniel A. Allen is the brother of Denise LaSalle. It’s a cover of the old 1950 Ruth Brown hit on Atlantic called "Teardrops From My Eyes". 1970, Ronn 47, A)

25. Yesterday – THE SOUL CHILDREN (2015 Previously Unreleased Stax Recording from 1974 of The Beatles 1965 classic from "Help!")

NOTES on Disc 1:

Tracks 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14 to 22 and 24 and 25 are MONO

Tracks 1 to 5, 9, 12, 13 and 23 are STEREO

Tracks 3, 4, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23 and 25 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

Disc 2 – "Southern Routes" (79:30 minutes)

1. The Only Girl (I've Ever Loved) – JOE TEX (1961, Dial 45-3000, A)

2. Rainy Night in Georgia – BROOK BENTON (1970, Cotillion 44057, A. Tony Joe White cover version)

3. Love Comes In Time – JOHN FRED (and his Playboys) (1966, Paula 247, B-side of "Outta My Head")

4. Somebody Done Took My Baby And Gone – JOEY GILMORE (1971, Saadia 7985, A and 1971, Phil L.A. Of Soul 345, A)

5. I Found All These Things – C. P. LOVE (1971, Chimneyville CH-438, A. Joe Broussard song)

6. A Woman Will Do Wrong – HELENE SMITH With the Rockateers (1960, Deep City 2638, A)

7. Depend On Me – STEVE DIXON (1969, Spotlite 101, A)

8. I'm In Love – ESTHER PHILLIPS (1969 Recording first appeared in 1986 on the US 2LP Set "Set Me Free" by Esther Phillips on Atlantic 7 81662-1. A Linda Cooke and Bobby Womack song)

9. Easier To Say Than Do – SAM DEES (1969, Lo Lo L-2306, A)

10. Without Love What Would Life Be – TERRIE & JOY LA ROY with the Bill Parker Show Band (1971, Anla ANLA 119, B-side of "Why I Shed So Many Tears")

11. I've Got To Tell You – COUNT WILLIE with LRL and The Dukes

(1975, Minaret NR6156 and Brown Dog BD-9010, A. Cover of Al Green's "God Blessed Our Soul" credited here as "I've Got To Tell You")

12. You Need Me – JOE WILSON (1972. Avco 4609, A)

13. Nearer To You – JOE MEDWICK (1967, Tear Drop 3197, A)

14. Your Love Is All I Need – DELLA HUMPHREY

(1968, Arctic 144, B-side of "Girls Can’t Do What The Guys Do" - Written by James Corbitt and Clarence Reid)

15. Nothing Takes The Place Of You – TOUSSAINT McCALL (1967, Tear Drop 3197, A. UK May 1967 7" single on Pye International 7N.25420, A)

16. How Sweet It Would Be – GEORGE PERKINS (1972, Soul Power SP-113, A. Tommy Tate and Helen Washington song)

17. Daydreaming – WARREN STORM (1968, Preview 1005, A)

18. No More Ghettos In America – STANLEY WINSTON (1970, Jewel 149, A. There is a later re-recorded version on Golden Records GR 111, A. Written by Stanley Edwards (Stanley Winston’s real name) and Eugene Harris)

19. Do Right Man – LITTLE BEAVER (1970, Saadia 5283, A. Real name William Hale)

20. (Sometimes) A Man Will Shed A Few Tears Too – JOHNNY ADAMS

(1966, Pacemaker PM-249, B-side of “When I’ll Stop Loving You”. Makes its CD debut here)

21. Asking For The Truth – REUBEN BELL (1975, Alarm 107, B-side of "I'll Be Your Woman")

22. I Can't Stand to See You Go – JOE VALENTINE (1967, Val 67119, A and Ronn RONN 14, A)

23. You Got Everything I Need – DON HOLLINGER (1973, Dash 5008, A)

24. A Sad Sad Song – CHARLES CRAWFORD (1973, Hy Sign 2114, A)

25. Tell It Like It Is – AARON NEVILLE (1966, Par Lo 101, A)

NOTES on Disc 2:

Tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 to 20 and 22 to 25 are MONO

Tracks 2, 8 and 21 are STEREO - No Previously Unreleased

 

Disc 3 - "Going Back Home" (78:45 minutes):

1. Going Back Home – GROUND HOG (1970, Turbo TU-010, A. Written by William Guy and Joseph Richardson.

Features William Guy on Vocals (ex Coasters) and Joseph "Ground Hog" Richardson on Guitar (later with Don Covay's band)

2. Cry To Me –FREDDIE SCOTT (1967, Shout 211, A. Bert Barns song – a Solomon Burke hit in 1962)

3. Lookin' For A Home – LITTLE BUSTER (1964, Jubilee 5491, A. Edward "Little Buster" Forehand)

4. The Girls From Texas (Extended Version) – JIMMY LEWIS

(2015 Previously Unreleased Unedited Version of a US 1967 7" single on Minit 32017, A. Written by Clifford Chambers, Jimmy Holliday and James Lewis)

5. Ain't No Way – ARETHA FRANKLIN

(1968, from the Stereo LP "Lady Soul" on Atlantic SD 8176 - a Mono Version appears on the US 7" single Atlantic 2486, B-side to "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone". Features The Sweet Inspirations on Backing Vocals - especially her sister Carolyn Franklin)

6. I Found A Man In My Bed – ROY C (1970, Alaga 1003, A. Roy Charles Hammond)

7. Take Your Time – CLAY HAMMOND (1966, Kent 468, A. Written by Clay Hammond)

8. Just A Touch Of Your Hand – AL GARDNER (1968, Sir-Rah 504, A)

9. You're Good For Me – DON COVAY (1965, Landa 704, A. Different cut to the version on his debut album)

10. I Found The One – BILLY SHA-RAE (1970, Hour Glass 007, B-side of "Do It". Bobby Womack cover version)

11. Don't Make Me Pay For His Mistakes – Z.Z. HILL (1971, Hill 222, A)

12. What Can You Do When You Ain't Got Nobody – THE SOUL BROTHERS SIX (1967, Atlantic 2456, B-side of "You Better Check Yourself")

13. That's How It Is (When You're In Love) – OTIS CLAY (1967, One-derful 4848, A)

14. Go On Fool (Extended Version) – MARION BLACK (2015 Previous Unreleased Unedited Version of a 1970 US 7" single on Capsoul CS 20, A)

15. I Want Everyone To Know – FONTELLA BASS (1972, Paula 367, A. Don Bryant song – O.V. Wright cover version)

16. You Wants To Play – OSCAR WEATHERS (1970, Top & Bottom 405, B-side of "The Spoiler")

17. (I Want Her) By My Side – THE FULLER BROTHERS (1967, Keymen 110, A and 1971, Soul Clock 1002, B-side to "Stranger At My Door")

18. Shackin' Up – BARBARA MASON (1975, Buddah BDA 459, A. Jackie Avery song)

19. Don’t Blame Me – WILLIE HIGHTOWER (1973, Mercury 73390, A)

20. Stop – LESTER YOUNG (1966, Barry 1009, B-side of "Barefoot Time In New York". Lester Young song)

21. Someone To Take Your Place – BILL LOCKE (1968, Fraternity 1008, A. Joe Tex cover version)

22. If Loving You Is A Crime (I'll Always Be Guilty) – LEE MOSES (1968, Dynamo D-115, A. Written by Swamp Dogg using his wife's name Yvonne Williams)

23. Easy As Saying 1-2-3 – TIMMY WILLIS (1970, Jubilee 5690, A)

24. I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me - Parts 1 & 2 – LITTLE RICHARD (1965, Vee-Jay VJ 698, A. Written by Don Covay)

25. Mary Jane – BOBBY RUSH (1968, Galaxy GAL 778, A)

NOTES on Disc 3:

Tracks 1 to 4, 8 to 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 25 are MONO

Tracks 5, 6, 7, 15, 18, 19 and 24 are STEREO

Tracks 4 and 14 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

PACKAGING and SOUND:

The mistakes made with the packaging of "Take Me To The River" (if you could call them that) where the flimsy card wrap and book were near impossible to not destroy – have been learned. There's an outer 'hard card' slipcase this time (far sturdier) that contains a foldout card digipak within (all three colour-coded CDs are on see-through plastic trays) alongside a stand-alone booklet. The separate 64-page booklet is an oversized softback and superbly laid out - much like the oversized booklets Soul Jazz Records use on their chunky and brilliant reissues. It contains brilliantly observed and informative liner notes by Soul Aficionados and Lifetime Fans DEAN RUDLAND and TONY ROUNCE (who also compiled the set). Alongside the factoids are copious amounts of photos of those desirable 45s on Sue, Stax, Atco, Sound Stage, Reprise, Monument, Back Beat, Ronn, Fame and all points in-between. Supporting the tens-upon-thousands of words are the usual plethora of beautiful studio publicity shots, Press and Trade Adverts, Biog Pages, In-Studio Session snapshots and even photos of local Record Shops on Beale Street in Memphis. DUNCAN COWELL has carried out the Remasters and an exemplary job has been done – most are none too hissy – and even if they are – the remastering hasn’t sucked the life out of them by compression or silencing techniques. This music feels alive and is a joy to hear in such clarity...and as you can see from the total playing-times of the 3 discs above – each is pushing the 80-minute envelope – so there's no scrimping either on content or value for money.

 

CD1:

It begins with a social-conscience statement from Solomon Burke doing a heartfelt rendition of "I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)" – an anthem made famous of course by Nina Simone. It may be slightly hissy – but "Nearer To You" by Betty LaVette is a torch-song stunner (a signed photo adorns Page 9 of the booklet). What is a shock is the 'Extended Version' of "Private Number" by William Bell and Judy Clay – it may only be 20 or 30 seconds longer but man what a difference it makes – turning the song into a more muscular experience. Then you’re hit with a sensation – a Previously Unissued Alternate of Otis Redding's "Free Me" on Atco 6700. Its 'Take 1' and his rendition is little short of magic – the audio beautifully clear too (top job done Mr. Cowell). Torch song versions continue with Eddie Floyd's "Everything I Need" and Gloria Walker's abandonment-anthem "Please Don't Desert Me Baby”. Things finally get slinky with the cool groove of "Sugarman" by Sam Baker (a Kris Kristofferson cover) where he laments how his baby has to sell her body to feed her 'sugar' habit. I love the chugging Soul of "What's That You Got" by Rudolph Taylor and the sophistication of "Sure As Sin" by Jeanie Greene where she tells her man the physical truth - "...I'm not a good woman...but I'm good for you..." The combo of Mary Wells and Rick Hall produced the excellent dancer "I Found What I Wanted" which feels like a great Stax side circa 1971 even though it was actually on Reprise Records. Rounce is right to call Melvin Carter's unadorned demo of "I've Got Memories" 'stunning' – it's raw, alive and deeply Soulful and surely one of the highlights amongst the Previously Unreleased material. Best Audio has to go to the stunning "Problems" by Mable John – an amazing piece of quality unreleased Soul. And as if that isn't enough to impress – Barbara West floors me with her beautiful version of Toussaint McCall's "Give Me Back The Man I Love" – a criminally forgotten 45 on Ronn Records from 1969.

 

CD2:

Early days for Southern Soul comes with Joe Tex's "The Only Girl (I've Ever Loved)" – a 1961 pleader on Dial Records. I've always loved Brook Benton's magisterial version of Tony Joe White's wonderful "Rainy Night In Georgia" – a million seller for Benton and his 7th USA R&B No. 1 (a stunning Arif Mardin production where even the syrupy strings don't ruin the song). When you look at the Paula 45 repro'd on Page 30 of the booklet with a credit to John Fred and his Playboys – you don’t automatically think 'Otis Redding soundalike' – yet that's what you get. With the chops of say Eddie Hinton – the "Judy In Disguise" frontman puts in a Soulful barnstormer on "Love Comes In Time". I don't know Joey Gilmore (shame on me) but his lovely "Somebody Done Took My Baby And Gone" is a sweetie and I’ll look into his Blues albums of late. An intensely Soulful C.P. Love (Carlton Pierre) recorded the aching "I Found All These Things" at Malaco's studios in Jackson, Mississippi and saw it released on Chimneyville in 1971 (what a nugget this track is). Genius choice goes to Helene Smith's version of Paul Kelly's "A Woman Will Do Wrong" – a 'man she loves' tale of caution and woe (so sweet a tune). Uber rarity goes to Steve Dixon's "Depend On Me" – said to exist in only 500 copies on the obscure Spotlite Records – and for me probably the sweetest song on Disc 2 (stunning Eddie Hinton-type vocals).

 

A threesome of Lo-fi and crude recordings (but full of genuine feeling) – first is the duet pleader "Without Love What Would Life Be" by Terrie & Joy La Roy - a real sweetie – second is Joe Medwick's impossibly rare "Nearer To You" and third is the morose (and very hissy) "Nothing Takes The Place Of You" by Toussaint McCall. But then you're hit with a triple-whammy of well-recorded Seventies classy Soul – sky-bound is the beautiful "I've Got To Tell You" by Count Willie (Smith) with LRL and The Dukes – an obscure piano-led wonder from 1975 that steadfastly remains dateless (what a find this is) – and next up is the Mississippi-recorded "You Need Me" by Joe Wilson which Rudland describes as 'exquisite' – and he'd be right. Last is the truly gorgeous strum of "Asking For The Truth" by Rueben Bell – a fabulous and heartfelt vocal performance enhanced by quality arrangements. Discovery-time includes the lovely Tommy Tate/Helen Washington written "How Sweet It Would Be" by George Perkins – an organ led 'love and loneliness' tune. The predominately ballad-driven Disc 2 continues – but with Stanley Winston's gospel-driven "No More Ghettos In America" - things get passionate and real as he speaks and wails of equality. The long run of smoochers and pleaders ends with a genuine classic – "Tell It Like It Is" with the ethereal vocals of Aaron Neville.

 

CD3:

After the ballad-fest of Disc 2 – Ground Hog's "Going Back Home" comes as welcome butt-wiggling delight – it's a mean and cool Funky Al Green Type Groove. Co-written by Ex Coaster's singer William Guy and Joseph Richardson (later with Don Covay's Jefferson Lemon Blues Band) – it features Richardson's Albert King-like guitar licks throughout and is the kind of winner you wish you owned so you could impress your friends with your knowledge and smarts. The boogie is short-lived though – but you don’t mind because Freddie Scott's slow and wailing "Cry To Me" (written by Bert Barns and a hit for Solomon Burke) is a truly fantastic pleader – and here is gorgeous Audio. The 'love them right or leave them alone' words of wisdom in "The Girls From Texas" comes in an 'Extended Version' for Jimmy Lewis - while Aretha's sister and songwriter Carolyn Franklin (from The Sweet Inspirations) threatens to steal the 1968 crown from the Queen Of Soul with Carolyn's operatic backing vocals on the beautiful ballad "Ain't No Way". Marital trouble and shenanigans hit both Roy Charles Hammond (Roy C) in the funky but sore-headed "I Found A Man In My Bed" - while Clay Hammond says that despite his love and a house full of kids – his missus is out on the razzle every night and he should have listened to mama when she advised Clay to "Take Your Time" (oh dear). Z.Z. Hill has it just as bad – another man gave his lady six babies – but he's the one that gives them a home in the slinky stepper "Don't Make Me Pay For His Mistakes". Of their group's five Atlantic 45s – the pain-dripped B-side "What Can You Do When You Ain't Got Nobody" by The Soul Brothers Six is probably their best cut coming complete with the screeching Bobby Womack-like vocals of John Ellison. The funereal "Go On Fool" by Marion Black mines the same misery territory of Toussaint McColl (see Track 15 on Disc 2) – but is actually far better in my book.

 

Pure class 70ts Soul shows up with Fontella Bass and her cover of O.V. Wright's "I Want Everyone To Know" (penned by Don Bryant) from her "Free" album on Paula Records in 1972 (beautifully arranged and produced by Oliver Sain). Originally issued as the B-side to the Van McCoy written “The Spoiler” – American DJs had other ideas and flipped the Oscar Weathers single to find "You Wants To Play" – giving its simple but heartfelt Blues-Soul the air time instead of the slicker A (I can so hear why). Busybody neighbours gossip during the rap-spoken "Shackin' Up" by Barbara Mason – a cool outside-marriage follow-up to her "From His Woman To You" hit in December 1974 (Made No.3) – "Shackin' Up" rightly made the US R&B Top 10 peaking at No. 9 in April 1975. Next we get a flurry of mid-tempo Southern Soul pleaders – especially enjoyable is the 'Lord have mercy' croaking of Lee Moses on the wonderfully titled "If Loving You Is A Crime (I'll Always Be Guilty)" and a stunning two-part Soul workout from Little Richard on his excellent "I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me" – an overlooked nugget from his years at Vee Jay. It ends on an out-and-out winner – the Funky Blues of "Mary Jane" by Bobby Rush – the kind of groove I eat for breakfast and always want a second helping of...

 

SUMMARY:

With Disc 2 being made up of entirely ballad-like material and Discs 1 and 3 featuring copious amounts of the same Southern Soul ache and plead – those expecting boogie and shuffles should stay away (I think this 3CD set might have been re-named "Kent-Soul Ballads" and be done with it). Best of all though is the discoveries – the wonderful finds - I'm dipping in all the time and loving it more and more – a genuine feast.

 

For sure 2015's "Back To The River..." is not as utterly immediate as 2008's "Take Me To The River" – but its 60ts and 70ts Soul pleasures are so many that I know I’ll be turning to it years from now – petting its wicked 'Fame Gang musicians stood on a bridge' cover like it's a Star Wars toy I'm glad I didn't wreck or throw away when I was young and too stupid to know its true beauty.

 

What a journey...and kudos to all involved for bringing this Soul joy to us in such style...