"Soul Voices: 60s Big Ballads" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring Walter Jackson, Freddy Butler, Roy Hamilton, Chuck Jackson, Kenny Carter, Ben E. King, Clyde McPhatter, Lou Johnson, Brooks O’Dell, Garnet Mimms, Tommy Hunt, Clarence Pinckney, James Carr and more (May 2020 UK Ace Records/Kent Soul CD Compilation of Remasters – Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry

This Review and over 184 More Are Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD Music Books Series - An Amazon E-Book

SOUL GALORE! 
 

60ts Soul, R'n'B, Mod, Northern Soul, New Breed and More
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

Also Includes Harmony Soul, Rare Groove and Funk...
Just Click Below To Purchase for £6.95 (December 2021 Update)
Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 
(No Cut and Paste Crap)

 

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B08YQR7ZW2&asins=B08YQR7ZW2&linkId=f4622ebcffdb7aa3fc1fd0d03ef4f143&show_border=t

 

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B084QJ24X1&asins=B084QJ24X1&linkId=43bbced51ba7cd92122fc99dabb471a7&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"...Reach Out For Me..."

This is the kind of CD compilation you just know is going to be dripping class and quality – its swaying anthems of lad heartbreak and misery awash with a big old hunk of churning-burning lurve gone wrong (or just plain gone) - all of which, apparently, is entirely the woman's fault (no honestly). 

Ace's 'Kent Soul' roster of CD compilations clocks up catalogue number 490 here and even after all these decades, we still get a wee flutter in the groin area at the mere mention of one. And so it is with "Soul Voices: 60s Big Ballads" – you pretty much get what it says on the tin - majestic male vocalists from the heyday of that swinging decade giving it some vocal silk and sophistication ably abetted by girly backing singers and heavy-on-the-mascara string arrangements where via US 45s words like 'cry' and 'gloomy' and 'wrong' and 'losing you' populate each and every mini opera. 

And if that's not enough, five of these twenty-four pleaders are in the kind of jaw-dropping STEREO that only bigger studios like RCA and Columbia could provide – whilst another five are Previously Unreleased – even these with some genuinely great finds amongst them. Let's get to the river of tears, which is just outside the town of lonely, across the border from...etc.

UK released 29 May 2020 (delayed from April 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic) - "Soul Voices: 60s Big Ballads" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDKEND 490 (Barcode 029667098120) is a CD compilation of 24-tracks that plays out as follows (68:59 minutes):

1. Forget The Girl - WALTER JACKSON (originally unissued 1968 Okeh recording, first appeared on the 2007 CD compilation "Speak Her Name: The Okeh Recordings, Vol. 3" by Walter Jackson on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDKEND 273)

2. They Say I'm Afraid (Of Losing You) - FREDDY BUTLER (from the 1967 US Mono LP "With A Dab Of Soul" on Kapp KL-1519)

3. Heartache (Hurry On By) - ROY HAMILTON (July 1965 US 45-single on RCA Victor 47-8641, A-side)

4. Like A Big Bad Rain - KENNY CARTER (2020, Previously Unissued 1966 RCA recording in STEREO)

5. (There's) No Place To Hide - BEN E. KING (August 1965 US 45-single on Atlantic 45-6371, A-side)

6. Lonely People Can't Afford To Cry - CLYDE McPHATTER (July 1967 US 45-single on Amy 993, B-side of "I Dreamt I Died")

7. Gloomy Day - HERB JOHNSON (August 1965 US 45-single on Arctic 109, A-side, co-write with Kenneth Gamble)

8. Just Outside Of Lonely - CLARENCE PINCKNEY (2020, Previously unissued Brass Parrot recording from 1973)

9. Seeing Is Believing - TONY MASON (February 1967 US 45-single on RCA Victor 47-9104, B-side of "Take Good Care"

10. Don't Make Me Over - TOMMY HUNT (originally unissued 1963 Scepter recording, first appeared on the October 1986 UK compilation LP "Your Man" by Tommy Hunt on Kent Records KENT 059)

11. Reach Out For Me - LOU JOHNSON (July 1963 US 45-single on Big Top 45-3153, A-side)

12. Now You Are Gone - BROOKS O'DELL (1968 US 45-single on Valentine VAL 104, A-side)

13. You Got Too Much Going For You - JIMMY BEAUMONT (June 1966 US 45-single on Bang B-525, A-side - Joe Simmons song)

14. A Day Or Two - GARRETT SAUNDERS (October 1962 US 45-single on Serock SR 2001, A-side)

15. Where Does Love Go - FREDDIE SCOTT (February 1964 US 45-single on Colpix CP-724, A-side)

16. I Can't Stand To See You Cry - CHUCK JACKSON (Originally Unissued 1965 Wand recording, first released on the September 1987 UK compilation LP "A Powerful Soul" by Chuck Jackson on Kent Records KENT 073)

17. Anytime You Want Me - GARNET MIMMS (February 1964 US 45-single on United Artists UA 694, A-side)

18. Can't Stand Your Fooling Around - GENE BURKS (October 1963 US 45-single on Arock AR-1001, B-side of "Monkey Man")

19. I Want To Be Loved - BILLY WATKINS (2020, Previously Unissued 1964 Kent recording)

20. Lover's Competition - JAMES CARR (February 1965 US 45-single on Goldwax GW-112, B-side of "I Can't Make It")

21. You Are A Lucky So And So - SAMMY SEVENS (July 1963 US 45-single on Swan 4146, A-side)

22. Good For A Lifetime - AL HIBBLER (January 1966 US 45-single on Satin S-401, A-side)  

23. Through A Long And Sleepless Night - JIMMY RADCLIFFE (2020, Previously Unreleased 'Alternate Vocal' of a September 1963 US-issued 45-single on Musicor 1033, A-side)

24. I Love You So Much - JUNIOR LEWIS (2020, Previously Unreleased 1962 Arock recording)

Tracks 1, 4, 15, 16 and 17 in STEREO - all others in MONO

Tracks 4, 8, 19, 23 and 24 are PREVIOUSLY UNISSUED

Part of the joy of 'Kent Soul/Dance' CD compilations is the research and how classily Ace Records present it - always championing names that are criminally forgotten like Brooks O'Dell and Clarence Pinckney alongside others that are seriously sought-after like James Carr, Chuck Jackson and Garnet Mimms. And so it is with the 24-pages presented here - compiled and annotated by long-time Ace Records associate and genre lover ADY CROASDEL. Cool photos abound - an ageing ex Drifters and Atlantic Records vocal legend Clyde McPhatter still finding time to smile alongside Fame Records Studio hero Jim Hall - a suited and booted Freddy Butler looking dapper in a publicity black and white - trade adverts for Roy Hamilton and Freddie Scott 45s on RCA Victor and Colpix - Garnett Mimms letting it rip live at the Whisky A Go Go in 1967 - and even Gene Burks displaying more bling on his bejewelled fingers and shirt cufflinks than Fats Domino in his Aladdin Records prime. Every song gets a paragraph, facts and details unfurled and all of it alongside rare 45-labels repro'd between the texts. It's a typically classy job. 

Ace's trusted Audio Engineer NICK ROBBINS amps up the Remasters to truly lovely clarity. For sure one or two of the Mono singles feel like the tapes might not have survived as well as one would have hoped - but those stunning Stereo cuts, quality unreleased and seriously popular dancers (Clyde McPhatter) in this kind of audio quality is going to be a huge draw for Northern Soul fans galore. To the music...

"Soul Voices..." smartly opens with a Stereo winner where Walter Jackson realises that "...this time she's gone..." - if only he could "Forget The Girl". Amongst his final recordings for Columbia, it has beautiful production values and sets up the predominantly funereal pace of all to come. On the contrary, Freddy Butler doesn't feel ominous in any way as his girl could never be that cruel - flat out denying emotional catastrophe on the horizon in his gloriously camp LP cut "They Say I'm Afraid (Of Losing You)". Sweet as honey and deep as walnut, Roy Hamilton's fantastically expressive voice soars up and down in "Heartache (Hurry On By)" - a classic cross your arms across your heart dancefloor shuffler. Despite the hammy thunder and rain beginning, the first of five Previously Unreleased sides turns out to be a Stereo stunner from Kenny Carter - its top-notch RCA Victor production telling us that she's ready to move on again (what a find). 

And while the Ben E. King B-side "(There's) No Place To Hide" is aided by Bert Barns arrangements - most NS fans will leap to Track 6 and Clyde McPhatter's "Lonely People Can't Afford To Cry" - another B-side discovered through crate trawls that became expensive in the 80ts collecting scene (very tasty my dear). Personally though, the Clarence Pinckney discovery "Just Outside Of Lonely" from 1973 is far more exciting in my book - a pleader to not break his heart that features Gwen Guthrie amidst its three backing singers (another bonus worthy of the moniker). Rounding out the first eleven cuts, you then get a sort of Soul Men take on Lounge Music perpetrators double-whammy. Tommy Hunts brings genuine class to his cover of Bacharach and David's "Don't Make Me Over" (originally their first 45 for Dionne Warwick) - while Lou Johnson also elevates B&D's "Reach Out For Me" (an original song for him). Bacharach provided the arrangements (and piano I think) on the sweet Lou Johnson session and it is as lovely as crossover Pop vs. Soul can get (both Tracks 10 and 11 with fabulous audio too).

Making melodrama sound so good, another clever choice comes in the shape of Brooks O'Dell whose "Now You Are Gone" is a 'you were my symphony' crier - whilst Jimmy Beaumont (another drama merchant) is clearly channelling Phil Spector is his production of Joe Simmons' "You Got Too Much Going For You". You will recognise Beaumont's superb voice from The Skyliner's huge 1958 Vocal Group hit "Since I Don't Have You" - he was the lead vocalist and melodist on that gorgeous Calico Records ballad. Speaking of misery adverted - Garrett Saunders could avoid it too if only the memories didn't linger on in his 48-hours pleader "A Day Or Two". And amongst the final run is breathtaking Stereo for Garnet Mimms on his "Anytime You Want" while gorgeous is the only word I can use to describe the Van McCoy-written Chuck Jackson offering "I Can't Stand To See You Cry" - a rarity only available on a long-deleted Kent Records LP from 1987. And on it goes, tune after tune... 

As beautifully done and as swish as the photograph of Junior Lewis on the front cover of the booklet is - I also know that 24-cuts of this variety of shuffling 60s ballad might be someone's else idea of water-boarding. But I'm not one of them and I'm sure there will be legions more like me. 

Tony Mason saw his girl '...kissing his best friend the night before...' so had to hide his face, shed a grievous tear and walk on by. Thank God Producer Richard Tee was on hand to record his vocal response the next day, is all I can say. Buy and behold baby...and shame on all those ladies who were entirely at fault...no honestly...

"SOMETHING'S HAPPENING HERE Volume 7 - 1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD Exceptional Remasters" by MARK BARRY. Volume 7 of 7...Each Volume With Different Entries

  The SOUNDS GOOD MUSIC BOOKS Series...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B08RWRSTXM&asins=B08RWRSTXM&linkId=43653ceccaf9c487b13b219aace7450e&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

SOMETHING'S HAPPENING HERE 
Volume 7 of 7

1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD

Exceptional Reissues and Remasters...

* Vol. 7 - over 1,670 E-pages, 210 in-depth reviews, CD reissues 1990 to 2025

* Volumes 1 to 6 have 210-reviews each also, all different, no duplicates 

* Across the whole series are 1,470 different reviews

* Formats included - CD, SACD [Super Audio CD], HDCD [High Density Compatible Digital], Japan SHM-CD and Japan Platinum SHM-CD  [Super High Materials]

* Major Label Box Set Retrospectives from – EMI, Sony/Legacy, Universal and WEA

* Best Independent Reissue Labels highlighted...

– Ace, Audio Fidelity, Bear Family, Beat Goes On, Big Break Records (BBR), Craft Recordings, Edsel, Esoteric Recordings, Grapefruit, Hip-O Select, Light In The Attic, Mobile Fidelity, Music On CD, Raven, Repertoire, Rev-Ola, Rhino, The Right Stuff, Salvo, Strawberry, Sundazed and Panegyric

* Technical data from the discs themselves (total playing times and more)

* Release Date, Catalogue No and Barcode to locate the correct issue

* Track lists and Details on Bonus material (if any)

* Vinyl Discographies referencing CD Box sets (track numbers to sequence singles and albums from the discs)

* UK and US catalogue numbers and release dates for original vinyl albums, 7” singles and EPs within each review

* Remaster/Tape Transfer Engineers highlighted

* Packaging descriptions, size of booklets, what’s contained within, who wrote the liner notes, repro artwork explained

* Reference to the Audio Quality of the CD - analysis of songs

* Guest Musicians highlighted – Cover Versions noted

* Find Artists and Guest Musicians (who played on what)

* Find Original Album Producers and Engineers

* Find your favourite Remaster Engineers and Authors of Liner Notes

SIXTIES and SEVENTIES RECORD LABELS covered by the book include:

ABC, ABC/Dunhill, A&M, Apple, Ardent, Asylum, Atlantic/Atco, Bearsville, Blue Horizon, Brain, Capitol, Capricorn, CBS, Charisma, Chrysalis, Columbia, Dawn, Decca, Deram (Nova), DJM, Elektra, EMI, Epic, Fantasy, Fly, Fontana, Harvest, Immediate, Island, Liberty, London, Marmalade, MCA, Mercury, MGM, Monument, Mooncrest, Parlophone, Parrot, Polydor, Probe, Purple, Pye International, RAK, Rare Earth, RCA Victor, Reaction, Reprise, Rolling Stones, RSO, Shelter, Smash, Straight, Track, Uni, Vertigo, Verve, Virgin, United Artists and Warner Brothers

Having worked for RECKLESS RECORDS in London for over 20 years as one of their principal Vinyl and CD buyers (one of the best secondhand record shops in the West End) and having over 3620 posts (CDs, DVDs, BLU RAYs) - as you can imagine I come across a huge number of reissues - some far more worthy than others. 

To that end I've collated together these SOUNDS GOOD books as guides to Exceptional CD Remasters offering up in-depth reviews on a wide range of titles. And it no longer has to cost the earth to Sound Good either – you just need to know which CD is the right issue to buy. 

 

Many entries in this large and unique book cost less than £10 while others are under a fiver. And even if some Box Sets/Deletions have acquired a price tag - because they're the best I've included them along with artists/titles that deserve your attention…

Enjoy the reads – Mark Barry (2025) 

"New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dancers" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring ZZ Hill, B.B. King, The Newports, Jimmy Holiday, Bobby Bland, Mary Love, Lowell Fulsom, Little Joe Hinton, Jimmy McCracklin and more (July 2001 UK Ace Records/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters - Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00005K9MY&asins=B00005K9MY&linkId=93006aa6d1ee2a8aeb6e3adb07102c75&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

"…Stand Up Straight And Tall…"

What a corker this is, the first in a string of seven CD compilations across nearly 20-years (see title list below) dedicated to lovers of New Breed R&B, dancing joy and serious bouts of unfortunate hip-displacement thereafter (but it was worth every trip to the A&E). A lot to mashed potatoes to Yakety Yak about, so let's get to the cool moves and sexy grooves right away...

UK released July 2001 – "New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dancers" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 (Barcode 029667219921) is a 24-Track CD Compilation of Remasters that breaks down as follows (61:38 minutes):

1. I've Been Hurt So Many Times – LARRY DAVIS (1969, Kent 4519)

2. No More Doggin' – ZZ HILL (1966, Kent 444)

3. Love You Baby – BOBBY "Blue" BLAND (Vocal) and IKE TURNER and His Orchestra (1962, Kent 378)

4. Tired Of Walkin' – LITTLE JOE HINTON (1962, Kent 368)

5. Long Gone Baby – B.B. KING (1967, Kent 462)

6. Stand Up Straight And Tall – JACKIE SHANE (1967, Modern 1031)

7. Dixie Women – THE NEWPORTS (1962, Kent 380)

8. Stuffed Peppers (aka "Humpin'") – FRANK ARMSTRONG (1967, Modern 1045)

9. New Figure – KING SOLOMAN (1965, Kent 451)

10. Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea – TERRY & THE TYRANTS (1964, Kent 399)

11. Baby You're The One – MARVIN & JOHNNY (1965, Kent 436)

12. You Gotta Bend A Little – LARRY & TOMMY (1967, Modern 1041)

13. You And Me Forever – VERNON GARRETT (1966, Modern 1026)

14. Just To Hold My Hand – VERNON and JEWEL (1965, Kent 430)

15. The New Breed – JIMMY HOLIDAY (1967, De Silva Music/Kent 482)

16. Me And The Chauffeur – BIG MAMA THORNTON (1965, Kent 424)

17. Let Your Hair Down – ARTHUR K. ADAMS (1967, Modern 1050)

18. Take Your Shoes Off (Part II) – BOOKER T. AVERHART & THE MUSTANGS (1965, Kent 437)

19. Lovin' Touch – LOWELL FULSOM (1968, Kent 505)

20. Ain't Givin' Up Nothin' – AL KING (1968, Kent 498)

21. Find Another Woman – WILLIE HEADEN (1967, Kent 473)

22. He's The One – IKE and TINA TURNER (1965, Kent 418)

23. Move A Little Closer – MARY LOVE (1966, Modern 1020)

24. I Got Eyes For You – JIMMY McCRACKLIN (1962, Kent 369)

Roughly based around a night's playlist at The Hideaway Club in Manchester, England (and The Twisted Wheel) – this dreamy Mod CD compilation has contributions from PAUL WELSBY (Hideaway Club) and is compiled by fan and archivist ADRIAN CROASDELL – so the floor-boogie credentials are all in place. The 16-page booklet is filled with photos of Kent and Modern USA demos, pictures of faves like B.B. King, Joe Hinton, Big Mama Thornton and even a colour snap of Arthur Adams in a hammock lounging with his guitar. 

But the big news for real fans has to be the stunning song choices combined with NICK ROBBINS remasters from original master tapes. This Kent Dance 60ts New Breed R&B CD sounds absolutely amazing. Let's get the shakers and makers…

It opens with the brassy dancer "I've Been Hurt So many Times" and you literally see those shimmy-shaking dudes and dudettes on some club dancefloor giving in shapes their respective mums would find alarming. Hard-hitting floor-filler continues in the equally lively "No More Doggin'" by ZZ Hill - where his woman has spent all his money on whiskey, beer and wine (naughty girl). We get genuine old-time R&B with "Love You Baby" where a young Bobby Bland wails in front of an Ike Turner band that's cooking. Far better is the "no more" growl of Little Joe Hinton where he tells us he's "Tired Of Walkin'" against a stabbing backbeat with the guitar and brass going at it good-o.

One of the highlights on here – B.B. King's rare British 45 on Polydor 56735 from 1967 of "Long Gone Baby" on that distinctive mottled red label is pictured in the booklet across Pages 4 and 5 – and not surprisingly, it's a corker. That's followed by the wickedly funky organ shuffle of Jackie Shane – a very clever choice and the kind of cool killer tune you wish you could find at some car-boot sale for 50p on a Sunday morning (fat chance). Tempo-wise it's smartly followed by "Dixie Women" – a mid-tempo piano and girl's hand-clapper that has a fantastic saxophone solo in the centre. "Stuffed Peppers" is a superb hip-shaking Saxophone and Guitar instrumental also known as "Humpin'" because – well – that's what it sounds like.

King Soloman is digging his new figure mama because she sure looks good – even if she has gained a little weight (she’s gained it in the right places you see). Staying with a saucy theme – Big Mama Thornton (pictured on Page 9 on tour in the UK in 1965) – takes the Ernest Lawler Blues tune about doing naughty things in cars and funks it up into a frantic James Brown dancer – all shiny suits and wicked shuffling footwork (what a winner – and fabulous audio quality too). Another Funky Blues nugget follows with fantastic guitar and organ grooves on "Let Your Hair Down" – Arthur Adams even giving some James Brown-"Uh!" in-between brass breaks. 

Part II of "Take Your Shoes Off" is a flipside saxophone and guitar instrumental sounding not unlike Ike Turner's Rhythm Kings lashing one out. The audio remaster on "Lovin' Touch" is shockingly good, a fab Funky Groover with an irresistible backbeat where Lowell Fulsom wants to tell his lady that she's in luck – he still has that loving touch (thank God for that). And on it goes, winner after winner to the sweaty-betty end.

It becomes commonplace in reviewer circles to award Ace's Kent Soul and Kent Dance CD compilations five stars.

But sometimes when you’re faced with this much brilliance and it’s presented this well by people who both know their stuff and care – then five-stars it is…

Titles in Ace's "New Breed R&B" CD Compilation Series on Kent Dance

In Release-Date Order (2001 to 2020)

1. New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dances (July 2001, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 – Barcode 029667219921)

2. King New Breed Rhythm & Blues (July 2002, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 – Barcode 029667221023)

3. New Breed R&B With Added Popcorn – Early 60ts R&B Dancers Right In Today's Groove (February 2008, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 – Barcode 029667229128)

4. King New Breed R&B Volume 2 (April 2012, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 373 – Barcode 069227237321)

5. New Breed Blues with Black Popcorn (April 2013, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 393 – Barcode 029667239325)

6. New Breed Workin': Blues With A Rhythm (January 2016, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 443 – Barcode 029667244329)

7. New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special (July 2020, Ace Kent Dance CDKEND 492 – Barcode 029667098823)

"King New Breed Rhythm & Blues" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring 1957 to 1967 Tracks by Lula Reed, Freddie King, Mike Pedicin, Tiny Topsy, Mary Johnson, The "5" Royales, Joe Tex, Little Willie John, Albert King, Ike Turner, Bobby Byrd, Johnny Watson and more (July 2002 UK Ace Records/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters – Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B000067FQ9&asins=B000067FQ9&linkId=906db866e5b4adc0dfd5974ca4f44342&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

 

"...Hug you With All My Might..."

As Northern Soul lovers began to expand their musical horizons - it didn't take British Mods long to work out that a rich (and similar) vein of bopping gold was to be mined in the fields of America's Blues and Rhythm 'n' Blues - especially if you concentrated on the King and Federal labels between 1957 and 1967 - whose rosters contained some storming names and tunes (as this compilation does).

And that's where this fab little British CD from 2002 comes in – the second compilation of its kind in a series of seven titles to date (July 2020). Compiled by experts/genre lovers at Ace Records for British dancers to shake their talcum tail feather to in nightclubs up and down Blighty - good names like Adrian Croasdell, Paul Wellsby, Damian Hewitt and Roger Banks have been involved in this first Volume on their Kent Dance label imprint (see list below). And what a corker it is too. Here are the Club A-Go-Go details...

UK released July 2002 - "King New Breed Rhythm & Blues" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 (Barcode 029667221023) is a 24-Track CD Compilation of Remasters that breaks down as follows (62:53 minutes):

1. Burnt Toast And Black Coffee - MIKE PEDICIN (1961, Federal 12417, A)
2. I'm Shakin' - LITTLE WILLIE JOHN (1960, Federal 5342, A)
3. Thanks Mr. Postman - BOBBY KING (1962, Federal 12449 and Federal 12473, A)
4. Just A Little Bit - TINY TOPSY (1959, Federal 12357, A)
5. Had You Told It Like It Was (It Wouldn't Be Like It Is) - ALBERT KING (1963, King 5751, A)
6. You're Welcome To The Club - LEE "SHOT" WILLIAMS (1964, Federal 12522, A)
7. Not Much (Do You Baby) - ROSEMARY (Previously Unreleased Alternate Version of Federal 12447 recorded 1961)
8. Now I've Got A Woman - FREDDY KING (1964, Federal 12529, A)
9. Three Little Pigs - JAMES DUNCAN (1964, King 5966, A)
10. Don't Be So Mean - WILLIAM PATTON (1967, King 6116, A)
11. I Say, I Love You - JOHNNY WATSON (1963, King 5833, A)
12. My Kinda Girl - HANNIBAL (1963, King 5837, A, written by Jonny Watson)
13. You're Using Me - THE KING PINS (1964, Federal 12519, A)
14. I Found Out - BOBBY BYRD (1963, Federal 12486, A)
15. Hard Forgetting Memories - MARY JOHNSON (1963, Federal 12506, A)
16. It's Easy Child - LULA REED & FREDDY KING with SONNY THOMPSON 7 His Orchestra (1962, Federal 12477, A)
17. Think - The "5" ROYALES (1957, King 5053, A)
18. Pneumonia - JOE TEX (1956, King 4980, B-side of "Get Way Back")
19. I Don't Know About You - LLOYD NOLAN (1962, King 5680, A)
20. You Don't Want Me Around - MIKE WILLIAMS (1966, King 6067, A)
21. Bad Girl - THE FABULOUS DENOS (1964, King 5908, A)
22. I'm Better Off Now (Than I Was Before) - THE PREMIERS (1966, King 6061, B-side of "She's Always There")
23. Some Other Day, Some Other Time - FREDDY KING (1964, Federal 12532, A)
24. She Made My Blood Run Cold - IKE TURNER (1957, Federal 12297, A)

ADRIAN CROADELL gives wonderfully detailed and affectionate mini histories of each song in the 12-page booklet - who wrote what - who featured in the mix - their place in musical history etc. There are superb photos of LULA REED, THE FABULOUS DENOS and FREDDY KING (with fans Bill Millar and Ray Topping) - whose tracks are amongst the highlights on here. And the remasters from original analogue tapes have been carried by the vastly experienced DUNCAN COWELL - a Sound Engineer who must have over 400 remaster credits to his name - if not more. These tracks sound fabulous - full of Sixties atmosphere and King Production values.

Hand-picked for both musical and rarity value - this is a CD that barely puts a foot wrong. It opens with the bopping Saxophone and Drums R&B of "Burnt Toast And Black Coffee" - a tune that captures the crossover of R&B into early Sixties Soul. But things really swing into cool action with "I'm Shakin'" by Little Willie John with its speeded-up "Fever" feel. The hip choice kicks in with Tiny Topsy's fantastic "Just A Little Bit" - a lady with a huge growling voice and a frame to match (not unlike LaVern Baker).

Two total winners turn up midways - the unlikely sounding "Three Little Pigs" which has that neck-jerking Sixties beat that's half R'n'B half Motown ("...huffin' and puffin' have mercy...") - utterly brill. And shortly after that is Johnny (Guitar) Watson cutting a monkey shine on the cool guitar bop of "I Say, I Love You" where he admits to his lady that he's been something of a "dirty dog" with other women in the locale. James Shaw (aka Hannibal) gives it some groovy Wilson Pickett gravel vocals on the "been around the world" song "My Kinda Girl".

It's strange to hear Bobby Byrd sing but he's a great set of expressive lungs on the lightweight "I Found Out" while Phil Spector drama comes to the fore on Mary Johnson's obscure "Hard Forgetting Memories". Speaking of fabulous lungs - a huge dancer favourite is the Dinah Washington vocals of Lula Reed duetting here with Freddy King on "It's Easy Child" - a cool mid-tempo piano and drum shuffle. 

You immediately "Think" of James Brown who took the "5" Royales tune and practically launched his career on it (and for a 1957 song - it's staggering how borderline Soul it is without knowing it). Tex's "Pneumonia" has some aggressive lyrics towards his baby while the finger-clicking "I Don't Know About You" by the obscure Lloyd Nolan has an effortless Sixties cool about it. The lovely "Bad Girl" by The Fabulous Denos is the kind of 45 that would surely trade hands for serious money - a wicked little tune.

"I guess I'll investigate..." - Mike Pedicin sang on "Burnt Toast And Black Coffee". 

I think that Sixties hipster was on to something...

Titles in Ace's "New Breed R&B" CD Compilation Series on Kent Dance

In Release-Date Order from 2001 to 2020

1. New Breed R&B: Soulful 60s Blues For Today's Dances (July 2001, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 199 – Barcode 029667219921)

2. King New Breed Rhythm & Blues (July 2002, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 210 – Barcode 029667221023)

3. New Breed R&B With Added Popcorn – Early 60ts R&B Dancers Right In Today's Groove (February 2008, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 – Barcode 029667229128)

4. King New Breed R&B Volume 2 (April 2012, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 373 – Barcode 069227237321)

5. New Breed Blues with Black Popcorn (April 2013, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 393 – Barcode 029667239325)

6. New Breed Workin': Blues With A Rhythm (January 2016, Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 443 – Barcode 029667244329)

7. New Breed R&B: Saturday Night Special (July 2020, Ace Kent Dance CDKEND 492 – Barcode 029667098823)

"SOMETHING'S HAPPENING HERE Volume 5 - 1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD Exceptional Remasters" by MARK BARRY. Volume 5 of 7...Each Volume With Different Entries

 The SOUNDS GOOD MUSIC BOOKS Series...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B07VPX7ZCV&asins=B07VPX7ZCV&linkId=f9ab463d39eca2b6ec9c7db96826f1b6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

SOMETHING'S HAPPENING HERE 
Volume 5 of 7

1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD

Exceptional Reissues and Remasters...

* Over 1,415 e-pages, 210 in-depth reviews, CD reissues 1990 to 2025

* Volumes 1 to 6 have 210-reviews each also, all different, no duplicates 

* Across the whole series are 1,470 different reviews

* Formats included - CD, SACD [Super Audio CD], HDCD [High Density Compatible Digital], Japan SHM-CD and Japan Platinum SHM-CD  [Super High Materials]

* Major Label Box Set Retrospectives from – EMI, Sony/Legacy, Universal and WEA

* Best Independent Reissue Labels highlighted...

– Ace, Audio Fidelity, Bear Family, Beat Goes On, Big Break Records (BBR), Craft Recordings, Doctor Bird, Edsel, Esoteric Recordings, Grapefruit, Hip-O Select, Light In The Attic, Mobile Fidelity, Music On CD, Raven, Repertoire, Rev-Ola, Rhino and Rhino Handmade, The Right Stuff, Salvo, Strawberry, Sundazed, Panegyric and more

* Technical data from the discs themselves (total playing times and more)

* Release Date, Catalogue No and Barcode to locate the correct issue

* Track lists and Details on Bonus material (if any)

* Vinyl Discographies referencing CD Box sets (track numbers to sequence singles and albums from the discs)

* UK and US catalogue numbers and release dates for original vinyl albums, 7" 45-singles and EPs within each review

* Remaster/Tape Transfer Engineers highlighted

* Packaging descriptions, size of booklets, what's contained within, who wrote the liner notes, repro artwork explained

* Reference to the Audio Quality of the CD - analysis of songs

* Guest Musicians highlighted – Cover Versions noted

* Find Artists and Guest Musicians (who played on what)

* Find Original Album Producers and Engineers

* Find your favourite Remaster Engineers and Authors of Liner Notes

SIXTIES and SEVENTIES RECORD LABELS covered by the book include:

ABC, ABC/Dunhill, A&M, Apple, Ardent, Asylum, Atlantic/Atco, Bearsville, Blue Horizon, Brain, Capitol, Capricorn, CBS, Charisma, Chrysalis, Columbia, Dawn, Decca, Deram (Nova), DJM, Elektra, EMI, Epic, Fantasy, Fly, Fontana, Harvest, Immediate, Island, Liberty, London, Marmalade, MCA, Mercury, MGM, Monument, Mooncrest, Parlophone, Parrot, Polydor, Probe, Purple, Pye International, RAK, Rare Earth, RCA Victor, Reaction, Reprise, Rolling Stones, RSO, Shelter, Smash, Straight, Track, Uni, Vertigo, Verve, Virgin, United Artists and Warner Brothers

Having worked for RECKLESS RECORDS in London for over 20 years as one of their principal Vinyl and CD buyers (one of the best secondhand record shops in the West End) and having been an Amazon 'Hall Of Fame' reviewer six times in the past - as you can imagine - I have come across a huge number of reissues - some far more worthy than others. 

To that end I've collated together these SOUNDS GOOD books as guides to Exceptional CD Remasters offering up in-depth reviews on a wide range of titles. And it no longer has to cost the earth to Sound Good either – you just need to know which CD is the right issue to buy. 

Many entries in this large and unique book cost less than £10 while others are under a fiver. And even if some Box Sets/Deletions have acquired a price tag - because they're the best I've included them along with artists/titles that deserve your attention…

Enjoy the reads – Mark Barry (2025) 

"The Singles Volume Five: 1967-1969" by JAMES BROWN - Featuring Bobby Byrd, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Jimmy Nolen, Nat Jones and Clyde Stubblefield of The Famous Flames with guests Vikki Anderson, Alfred “Pee Wee“ Ellis, Marva Whitney and The Dapps (February 2008 USA Hip-O Select 2CD Anthology of Remasters - No. 5 of 11 Volumes of Singles Compilations – Alan Leeds Annotation and Seth Foster Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00112A6MS&asins=B00112A6MS&linkId=ca1d06a9727e39697f669a9298754648&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

This Review Along With Nearly 200 Others Is Available in my

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

"SOUL GALORE!" 

60ts Soul, R&B, Northern Soul

Mod, New Breed, Funk, Rare Grooves

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

 

Your Guide To The Best CD Reissues and Remasters 

Thousands of E-Pages

All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

 

<iframe sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mabasreofcdbl-21&language=en_GB&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B08YS58MPX&asins=B08YS58MPX&linkId=3962ed6fb1283b3f93519653796b8ade&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

 

"...Say It Loud... I'm Black And I'm Proud..."

The 43-Tracks of "The Singles Volume 5..." by all things JAMES BROWN covers November 1967 through to March 1969 – fifth in a truly stunning 11-Volume Series of 2CD-Compilations that has had most fans reaching for the say-it-loud superlatives, and genuinely finding there aren't enough. 

Alongside every A&B-side, we also get mistakenly pressed Stereo mixes, a European Alternate Take different to its US variant and sidebars into JB associated stuff by Bobby Byrd, Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis, Vicki Anderson, Marva Whitney and his backing vocalists band - The Dapps. 

Volume Five also has the same spectacular Audio and beautifully presented 28-page fact-filled booklet on Soul Brother No. 1 that all these volumes have - with a feast of fan-pleasing details and memorabilia provided by a team of experts on all things JB Productions (printed on a sort of sepia feel paper – ALAN LEEDS, his manager and pal being principal among them).

Make no mistake - all eleven volumes of "The Singles" Series for 'James Brown' are superlative 2CD Reissues, and along with the 'Motown' and 'Chess' Book Set Reissues has gone a long way to emblazoning 'Hip-O Select' as a reissue label dear to collector's hearts. Here are the When You Touch Me details...

USA released 29 February 2008 - "The Singles Volume Five: 1967-1969" by JAMES BROWN on Hip-O Select/Polydor B0010411-02 (Barcode 602517536715) offers 43-tracks Remastered onto 2CDs (a Limited Edition). 

All catalogue numbers provided below are US 45-singles (unless otherwise noted) sided with their peak US R&B and Pop Chart placing (no entry means it didn't chart). Each disc breaks down as follows...

Disc 1, 22-Tracks, 66:02 minutes:

1. I Can't Stand Myself (When You Touch Me) 

2. There Was A Time

Tracks 1 and 2 are King 6144, released November 1967, as by James Brown And The Famous Flames. The B-side is a live 3:35-minute edit of a 20-minute track called "Let Yourself Go" recorded at The Apollo Theatre, Harlem in June of 1967. But at the time of this 45-release in November 1967, neither version had been on any album – so was exclusive. US chart peak No. 3 R&B and No. 36 Pop 

3. The Soul of J.B. 

4. Funky Soul No.1 

Tracks 3 and 4 are King 6133, released November 1967, as James Brown and The Famous Flames. Track 4 is an Instrumental of a Bobby Byrd tune  

5. You've Got To Change Your Mind 

Track 5 is the A-side of King 6151, released January 196, as by Bobby Byrd and James Brown. The B-side is a Bobby Byrd solo track called "I'll Lose My Mind" - Track 18 on Disc 2 

6. Bringing Up The Guitar

7. Gittin' A Little Hipper

Tracks 6 and 7 are King 6147, released January 1968, as by The Dapps featuring Alfred Ellis 

8. I Got The Feelin'

9. If I Ruled The World 

Tracks 8 and 9 are King 6155, released February 1968, as by James Brown and The Famous Flames. US chart peak No. 1 R&B and No. 6 Pop

10. You've Got The Power 

Track 10 is the A-side of King 6152, released March 1968, as by Vicki Anderson and James Brown. The A-side is a remake of James Brown's own tune available originally as the B-side to "Think" on Federal 12378 in August 1960 - itself a duet with Bea Ford. The B-side of King 6152 was "What The World Needs Now Is Love" by Vicky Anderson (not on this compilation)

11. Shhhhhhhh (For A Little While)  

12. Here I Go 

Tracks 11 and 12 are the instrumental A&B-sides of King 6164, released April 1968, as by James Brown and The Famous Flames

13. America Is My Home - Pt. 1

14. America is My Home - Pt. 2

Tracks 13 and 14 are King 6112, released May 1968, as by James Brown and The Famous Flames. US chart peak No. 13 R&B and No. 52 Pop 

15. Licking Stick - Licking Stick (Part 1)

16. Licking Stick - Licking Stick (Part 2)

17. Licking Stick - Licking Stick (Part 1) Stereo Mix

18. Licking Stick - Licking Stick (Part 2) Stereo Mix

Tracks 15 and 16 are King 6166 in Mono (all Promo copies were Mono too), but some copies were mixed into Stereo - hence Tracks 17 and 18. Released May 1968 as by James Brown and The Famous Flames. US chart peak No. 2 R&B and No. 14 Pop. "Licking Stick - Licking Stick" is a co-write with Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis and Bobby Byrd and marks Byrd's exit from the band/Fred Wesley's entrance 

19. There Was A Time 

Track 19 is the A-side only of King 6169, released June 1968, as by The Dapps featuring Alfred Ellis. It is an instrumental Saxophone solo version of the vocal "There Was A Time" issued as the B-side to King 6144 (see Tracks 1 and 2 on CD1). The B-side of King 6169 is an instrumental called "The Rabbit Got The Gun" by "Pee Wee" Ellis (not on this compilation). King 6169 US chart peak was No. 3 R&B and No. 36 Pop 

20.I Guess I'll Have To Cry, Cry, Cry 

21. Just Plain Funk 

22. I Guess I'll Have To Cry, Cry, Cry (Alternate Take)

Tracks 20 and 21 are the American A&B-sides of King 6141, released June 1968, as by James Brown and The Famous Flames. Track 22 is the version issued as the A-side in Germany (also June 1968) on Polydor 59226. King 6141 US chart peak was No. 15 R&B and No. 55 Pop 

Disc 2, 21-Tracks, 61:09 minutes:

1. Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud (Part 1) 

2. Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud (Part 2)

Tracks 1 and 2 are King 6187, released August 1968, as by James Brown. US chart peak No. 1 R&B and No. 10 Pop

3. Maybe Good, Maybe Bad (Part 1)

4. Maybe Good, Maybe Bad (Part 2)

Tracks 3 and 4 are King 6159, released September 1968, as by James Brown and The Famous Flames. Both sides are instrumentals and this is the last record to credit The Famous Flames

5. Goodbye My Love

6. Shades Of Brown 

7. Shades Of Brown (Pt. 2)

Tracks 5 and 6 are King 6198, released October 1968, as by James Brown. US chart peak No. 9 R&B and No. 31 Pop. Track 7 released February 1969 as by Steve Soul (Alabama DJ Steve "Soul" Meyers) on King 6216. The A-side of 6216 was called "James Brown - A Talk With The News" but was the DJ name-checking soundbites on previous JB hits and because it doesn't actually feature JB, isn't included

8. Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto 

9. You Know It 

Tracks 8 and 9 are King 6203, released November 1968, as by James Brown

10. Tit For Tat (Ain't No Taking Back)

11. Believers Shall Enjoy (Non Believers Shall Suffer) 

Tracks 10 and 11 are King 6204, released November 1968, as by James Brown. The B-side is an instrumental that features the Bass Line from Brown's 1964 hit "Maybe The Last Time" as arranged by Bassist Nat Jones

12. Let's Unite The Whole World At Christmas 

13. In The Middle (Part 1)

Tracks 12 and 13 are King 6205, released November 1968, as by Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis

14. In The Middle (Part 2) 

Track 14 is the A-side of King 6206, released December 1968, as by Marva Whitney and The James Brown Band. Also issued as King 6214 in February 1969 as by Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis

15. Little Green Apples 

16. Come On In The House 

Tracks 15 and 16 are King 6199, released December 1968, as by Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis featured with The James Brown Band

17. Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose 

18. I'll Lose My Mind 

Tracks 17 and 18 are King 6213, released January 1969, as by James Brown. US chart peak No. 1 R&B and No. 15 Pop

19. Soul Pride (Part 1) 

20. Soul Pride (Part 2)

Tracks 19 and 20 are King 6222, released March 1969, as by James Brown. US chart peak No. 33 R&B and No. 117 Pop 

21. You Got To Have A Job (If You Don't Work-You Don't Eat) 

Track 21 is the A-side of King 6218, released March 1968, as by Marva Whitney and James Brown. B-side was a reissue of the "I'm Tired, I'm Tired, I'm Tired" track by Marva Whitney (not included in this series)

Like all 11 Volumes in this Hip-O Select 2CD series, the 28-page booklet by noted JB expert and former tour manager ALAN LEEDS and is a joy to look at — a hugely informative read that's packed to the gills with track histories, concert posters, trade adverts, magazine covers and a thoroughly detailed recording Sessionography. Produced with affection and firsthand knowledge by HARRY WEINGER and ALAN LEEDS (Leeds was Tour Manager from 1970 to 1974) - the inlay beneath the see-through CD tray has a repro of the R&B News magazine review for SOUL BROTHER No. 1 and his triumphant shows in Africa. 

Photos include JB in the studio at the dials, atop a car giving it some Say It Loud salutes, Soul Santa dressed up in red and white, Marva Whitney trade adverts and even a hairstyle comment telling black kids in the neighborhood to wear their colour natural like JB. There is a gorgeous tinted colour photo on the rear of the booklet that has JB with the four smiling white boys of The Dapps at the Living Room Club in Cincinnati, Ohio mid funky routine that literally oozes pleasure (would love that as a poster on my wall). 

Cool and smart attention to detail shows that both compilers know what fans want - for instance the song by song Sessionography in the last few pages provides master numbers, band personnel, 45 and LPs with catalogue numbers noted, Disc and Track location etc. So you learn that the extended version of "You've Got To Change Your Mind" on the King LP 1030 has three trumpets and three more trombones that aren’t on the single mix – and that "Gittin' A Little Hipper" by Marva Whitney was scheduled to appear on the album "I Sing Soul with James Brown" on King LP 1053 but was not issued – so the single mix is exclusive here. The only clunker/mistake I can see is that the A-side "You Got To Have A Job" on King 6218 (by Marva Whitney) had a James Brown-penned B-side "I'm Tired, I'm Tired, I'm Tired" that isn’t included on Disc 2 when there was room. If you want that track and many more besides, seek out the 1998 2CD compilation "James Brown's Original Funky Divas" on Polydor/Chronicles 537 709-2 (Barcode 31453770928). You'll find Marva Whitney, Vikki Anderson, Lyn Collins and more in stunning Suha Gur Remasters.  

As in previous issues, SETH FOSTER has transferred the first-generation master tapes for the single mixes and he's done a truly superlative job — warm, clear and fabulously alive. The word "Limited Edition" is embossed in gold lettering on the rear inlay – numbers are not stated but presumably it's a worldwide limited edition of 5000 copies like its predecessor (Volume 5 is dedicated to Bobby Byrd, 1934 to 2007, who had just passed). Now to the music that transitioned key horn players Bobby Byrd and Fred Wesley out of and into The JB’s...

Good God, uh, early in the morning, James Brown gets excited when his lady gets all touchy-feely – the "I Can't Stand Myself... " CD1 opener as tight as a nun's winklepickers on a Saturday night out with the gals (live B-side too). But my poison is the fantastic Guitar vs. Saxophone groove in "The Soul Of J.B." and the organ grinder flipside "Funky Soul No. 1" – not a single you hear every day of the week - and one where the A-side is the kind of hep-thing that might turn up on a New Breed R&B compilation CD real soon. Other goodies include the baby-baby-baby groove of the fantastic "I Got The Feeling" – and easy to hear why its cold-sweat groove must have destroyed radio at the time (another No. 1 R&B hit). 

I have to admit that I rushed to the STEREO mixes of that mama come here quick with your "Licking Stick... " – it just leaps out of your speakers (that Maceo solo) with a fullness that is unnerving having been used to the standard Mono mix for so long. Same goes for "There Was A Time" where JB's live vocals are mixed out in favour of a red hot "Pee Wee" Ellis Saxophone solo version – it did the trick and put the incessant groove up to No. 3 R&B. 

It's hard to be rational about "Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud... " – the 'we demand a chance to do things for ourselves, tired of banging our heads against the wall working for someone else' lyrics lighting a cultural torch – amazing stuff. Cool discovery time comes in the shape of the fabulous slow Joe Turner Blues of "Maybe Good, Maybe Bad... " – JB giving it some in your face piano chops that although rooted in the traditional – feel fresh and new. He lent his pleading vocals to the I-believe-you-got-another-man smooch and punch of "Goodbye My Love" – that floating organ note carrying the pain until he erupts again (great stuff). And on it goes to the monster groove in "Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose" – the band cooking despite minor mistakes as they take it to the bridge – another No. 1 on the R&B charts in a year where he seemed to be pumping out a winning 45 every month. There are more...  

I've diligently collected this entire series of 11 x 2CD 'Singles' sets for JAMES BROWN - first released Stateside in September 2006 by Universal's highly collectable mail-order wing - Hip-O Select. Stunning is a word often overused - but on these wickedly good Remasters, it hardly does these twofer peaches justice. And his band would only go on to re-route Soul and Funk come Volumes 6, 7 and 8 that take us up to the early-to-mid Seventies. 

For those wanting to know why Funk happened or simply hear evidence of his relentless musical genius during those amazingly productive years - its an absolute must own. Come on in the house, indeed...