"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...

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SOUL, R 'n' B, FUNK and JAZZ FUSION 
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"...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...

"A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976" by CAROLE KING - Guest Musicians Include The City, James Taylor, Danny 'Kootch' Kortchmar, Joni Mitchell, Merry Clayton, Dean Parks, Tom Scott, Harvey Mason, David T. Walker, Tom Horn, Andy Newmark, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkle and many more (April 1998 UK/EUROPE Ode/Epic/Legacy 2CD 36-Track Compilation with Four Previously Unreleased Tracks (Two Studio, Two Live) and Vic Anesini Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Home Again…And Feeling Right…"

Statistics are a strange one. 

Technically Carole King hammered the Seventies. When her second solo album came out after a decade writing for other artists and a one-album stint with a group called The City in late 1968 on Lou Adler's Ode Records - "Tapestry" hit the shops in the second week of February 1971 and it was little short of a sensation. Along with Joni Mitchell and her gorgeous "Blue" album in May 1971 on Reprise Records – they blew open singer-songwriting for women. Culturally, music has never been the same since but King's "Tapestry" was also a commercial beast – a No.1 for fifteen weeks – took four Grammys in 1972 and has gone on to near biblical deity status ever since (and rightly so). On re-release in October 2022, Joni's "Blue" finally achieved the No.1 status it had always deserved - a whole new generation digging its heart-on-my-sleeve and stomach-in-the-gutter songs of love gained and lost. 

Back to statistics to Carole King. The follow-up LP should have been another commercial and musical monster and the three after too - and technically they were. "Music" was her third album launched 30 November 1971 which went to No.1 for three weeks, "Rhymes & Reasons" hit the shops 4 October 1972 and charged up to No.2, her fifth "Fantasy" was released 2 May 1973 and hit No. 6 on the US LP charts while "Wrap Around Joy" released 18 July 1974 brought her back to the coveted No.1 slot. 

So why mention these – because I don't remember any of them bar "Tapestry" and to some degree – this strangely short-changing yet occasionally fab twofer seems to agree. "Tapestry" is included in full, but "Writer" gets only 2, "Music" gets 4, "Rhymes & Reasons" gets 3 and so on. And when you look at the playing times – ten minutes short on CD1 and fifteen on CD2. No genius like the "Snow Queen" song and US-45 by The City. 

You see for me, the albums that followed "Tapestry" were nice, good too in places – but somehow that magical cohesion she achieved with "Tapestry" was missing. And I can remember that as each album arrived in Ireland and England – they were met largely with indifference. But although it is too bare - what "A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976" does is hit you on two fronts – the choice cuts and the fact that they're coming out of your speakers with beautifully balanced Remasters (from original tapes) by VIC ANESINI. You throw in serious sessionmen and feel artists like James Taylor, Danny 'Kootch' Kortchmar, Joni Mitchell, Merry Clayton, Dean Parks, Tom Scott, Harvey Mason, David T. Walker, Jim Horn, Andy Newmark, Ralph Schukett, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkle, Chuck Findley (and more) – a 42-page booklet that respects and celebrates the mighty lady with style – then this twofer does indeed wrap itself around you with joy. To the Smackwater details…

UK/EU released 6 April 1998 - "A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976" by CAROLE KING on Ode/Epic/Legacy EPC 489321 2 (Barcode 5099748932129) is a 2CD 36-Track Compilation with Four Previously Unreleased Tracks and Vic Anesini Remasters throughout – it plays out as follows:

CD1 (66:36 minutes):
1. Hi-De-Ho (see Notes)
2. Wasn't Born To Follow (see Notes)
3. Up On The Roof
4. Child Of Mine
5. I Feel The Earth Move
6. So Far Away
7. It's Too Late
8. Home Again
9. Beautiful
10. Way Over Yonder
11. You've Got A Friend
12. Where You Lead
13. Will You Love Me Tomorrow
14. Smackwater Jack
15. Tapestry
16. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
17. Music
18. Brother, Brother
NOTES ON CD1:
Tracks 1 and 2 by THE CITY, the band Carole King was in before going solo in 1970. Both tracks from their lone album "Now That Everything's Been Said" released 18 December 1968 in the USA on Ode Records Z12 44012
Tracks 3 and 4 are from her debut solo album "Writer: Carole King" released 21 September 1970 in the USA on Ode Records SP-77006
Tracks 5 to 16 are the entirety of her second solo album "Tapestry" released 10 February 1971 in the USA on Ode Records ODE SP-77009
Tracks 17 and 18 are from her third studio album "Carole King Music" released 30 November 1971 on Ode Records SP-77013

CD2 (60:39 minutes):
1. Sweet Seasons
2. Pocket Money
3. It's Gonna Take Some Time
4. Bitter With The Sweet
5. Goodbye Don't Mean I'm Gone
6. At This Time In My Life?
7. Been To Canaan
8. Ties That Bind
9. Corazón
10. Believe In Humanity (Live) 
11. Jazzman
12. Wrap Around Joy
13. Nightingale
14. Really Rosie
15. Alligators All Around
16. There's A Space Between Us
17. Only Love Is Real
18. You've Got A Friend (Live) with James Taylor and String Group
NOTES ON CD2:
Tracks 1 and 3 are from her third studio album "Carole King Music" released 30 November 1971 on Ode Records SP-77013
Track 2 is from the motion picture "Pocket Money" starring Paul Newman and Lee Marvin, also issued 11 January 1972 as the B-side to a US Carole King 45-Single for "Sweet Seasons" on Ode Records ODE-66022
Tracks 4, 5 and 7 are from her fourth studio album "Rhymes & Reasons" released 4 October 1972 on Ode Records SP-77016
Tracks 6 and 8 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED studio outtakes from the "Rhymes & Reasons" LP sessions in July 1972
Track 9 is from her fifth studio album "Fantasy" released 2 May 1973 on Ode Records SP-77018
Tracks 10 and 18 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED live songs; Track 10 recorded live 26 May 1973 in Central Park in New York City with Guests David T. Walker, Charles Larkey, Harvey Mason, Bobbye Hall, Tom Scott, Curtis my and many more; Track 18 recorded live 18 June 1971 at Carnegie Hall in New York City with guests James Taylor on Vocals and Keyboards, Barry Socher on Violin, David Campbell on Viola, Terry King on Cello and Charles Larkey on String Bass (Produced by Lou Adler)
Tracks 11, 12 and 13 are from her sixth studio album "Wrap Around Joy" released 18 July 1974 in the USA on Ode Records SP-77024
Tracks 14 and 15 are from her seventh studio album "Really Rosie" released 31 January 1975 in the USA on Ode Records SP 77027
Tracks 16 and 17 are her eighth studio album "Thoroughbred" released 15 December 1975 in the USA on Ode Records SP 77034

The card wrapround sleeve, fat double jewel case and especially its 42-page booklet lend this release a major feel. Produced and Project Managed by LOU ADLER, BOB IRWIN and PENNY ARMSTRONG for Epic/Legacy - the STEPHEN K. PEOPLES liner notes (dated April 1994) thank a long list of contributors and fact collaborators (and he should). Photos of her and James Taylor, live shots, the Carnegie Hall poster for June 18th that uses the Tapestry artwork and other musician friends pepper the details (singer Merry Clayton, Joni & JT at the microphones) – each album titled and discussed. The musical history building is seriously impressive – Billboard chart details for the eight No.1 singles and three No.1 LPs along with the heroes who musically accompanied her on such a groundbreaking journey – Danny Kortchmar, James Taylor, Leland Sklar and Russ Kunkle never mind the myriad of musicians after. 

There is discussion of the Brill Building/Tin Pan Alley songwriting beginnings with Gerry Goffin – Carol Klein morphing into Carole King. There are six pages alone of track-by-track and LP-by-LP credits at the rear (Pages 33 to 39) – it is impressive and deeply thorough.
And the original tapes were used throughout – the VIC ANESINI Remasters shining with what at times feels like compromised material – especially in 1970 and 1971. There are four rarities (discussed later), but overall the sounds get more audiophile as 1972 becomes 1973 etc. 

While CD1 cannot fail to impress with the entire "Tapestry" album dominating (Tracks 5 to 16) – the other six cuts are no slackers either. While (as I said earlier) the exclusion of the hugely melodious "Snow Queen" is a major dick move – the lovely re-working of her "Up On The Roof" (originally a hit in 1962) and her own "Child Of Mine" are pointing at the mellow and warm style that would flourish during the January 1971 sessions for "Tapestry". Her second album for the tailend of 1971 "Music" is under-represented here – but I will forever associate "Brother, Brother" with The Isley Brothers and their superb Soul-Funk cover of it on their "Brother. Brother. Brother." album on T-Neck Records). 

But things take something of a nose-dive for me when you get to CD2 and its mid-riff. Stuff from "Really Rosie" and "Fantasy" have not worn well at all with even "Jazzman" sounding seriously dated now. And while the two Previously Unreleased 1972 outtakes from the "Rhymes & Reasons" LP sessions are interesting at best – the 1973 live in Central Park previously unreleased song has her vocals wavering badly and is easy to hear why it remained canned. An emotional live rendition of "You’ve Got A Friend" – a hit for James Taylor from his "Mud Slide Slim And The Blue Horizon" also (also 1971) – takes it all home but again you can hear why it was canned – their vocals are off in places - James taking a few moments to get his voice in line with hers (at least the string instruments give it a lovely feel). "Only Love Is Real" is a forgotten melodious gem from the "Thoroughbred" album too.

Classily presented, sounding boss and lickity-split - "A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976" is a looker for sure and a wee treat on the ears into the under five pounds bargain. You just wish it had gone that extra mile on both discs – Carole King is indeed the kind of Legacy Artist who deserves it and more... 

"The Concert For Bangladesh" by GEORGE HARRISON and Friends – 20 December 1971 USA 3LP Live Box Set (7 January 1972 UK) on Apple Records – Benefit Concert Staged and Recorded 1 August 1971 at Madison Square Gardens in New York for Famine and War Relief in the Indian Country – Guests Included Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Ringo Starr of The Beatles, Eric Clapton of Cream, Blind Faith and Derek & The Dominoes, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, Most of Badfinger, Klaus Voormann, Claudia Lennear, Marlin and Jo Greene, Don Nix and many more (October 2005 UK Sony/BMG-Epic-Apple 2CD Clamshell Box Set of Remasters with New Front Cover Artwork, a 36-Page Booklet and a Bonus Track on CD2 That Features Unreleased Bob Dylan) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Awaiting On You All…"

Recorded across two shows on 1 August 1971 in Madison Square Gardens, New York City – George Harrison had roped in an impressive array of British, American, European and Indian Sub-Continent like-minded and concerned Music Citizens to host this First of its Kind Charity Concert. The aim was to raise awareness and money for the appalling starvation situation being faced by a politically stranded populace in the then impoverished country of Bangladesh (east of India, Bay of Bengal).

Although the money and proceeds would notoriously become embroiled in rather ugly red-tape and poor distribution long after those helpless people needed it – it was a gallant and brave effort by the former Beatle long before Bob Geldof did 'Live Aid' for Ethiopia and the all-star 'We Are The World' song and album project that followed-on from that in the USA. This time around (2005) The George Harrison Fund For UNICEF is involved (logo in the booklet and the rear of the clamshell box) and the bulk of sales/proceeds go to many countries in crisis – thereby carrying on the quiet Beatle's fervent wishes.

The band famously featured Eric Clapton (off the back of Cream, Blind Faith and Derek & The Dominoes), Bob Dylan, Drummer Jim Keltner, Keyboardists and Singers Billy Preston and Leon Russell, Sitar Player Ravi Shankar, his old mucker and Drummer pal from The Fabs Ringo Starr, Bassist Klaus Voormann (of Revolver fame), Horn player Jim Horn alongside vocal boosting American Singers like Claudia Lennear, Marlin and Jeanie Green, Don Nix and Dolores Hall. Most of the British band Badfinger – Pete Ham, Tom Evans and Joey Molland (only Mike Gibbons was absent) - lent subtle acoustic guitars too (Badfinger were on Apple Records at the time and would issue their superb "Straight Up" album in December 1971 too in the USA, January 1972 in the UK – the same release schedule as "The Concert For Bangladesh"). 

And the music had Beatles classics George wrote, large dollops of the best from his 3LP 1970 Box Set "All Things Must Pass" (shame though he didn't do "Isn't It A Pity", my favourite track) and Bob Dylan songs on CD2 from his excellent set. This Remixed 2CD Clamshell Box Set even comes with an unissued Dylan track which finds him in great voice – a genuine rediscovery. To the collaborative details…

EU and UK released 25 October 2005 - "The Concert For Bangladesh" by GEORGE HARRISON And Friends on Sony BMG-Epic-Apple 82876729862 (Barcode 828767298627) is a 2CD Clamshell Box Set of Remixes and Remasters with New Front Cover Artwork, a (Truncated) 36-Page Booklet and a Bonus Track on CD2 featuring Unreleased Bob Dylan. It plays outs as follows:

CD1 (51:32 minutes):
1. Introduction by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar
2. Bangla Dhun 
3. Wah-Wah
4. My Sweet Lord
5. Awaiting On You All
6. That's The Way God Planned It
7. It Don't Come Easy 
8. Beware Of Darkness
9. Band Introduction (by George Harrison)
10. While My Guitar Gently Weeps

CD2 (48:00 minutes):
1. Medley: Jumpin' Jack Flash/Young Blood
2. Here Comes The Sun 
3. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall 
4. It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
5. Blowin' In The Wind
6. Mr. Tambourine Man
7. Just Like A Woman
8. Something
9. Bangla Desh (Live)

ADDITIONAL TRACK:
10. Love Minus Zero/No Limit

Originally US released 20 December 1971 as a 3LP Live Box Set on Apple STCX 3385 (7 January 1972 in the UK with the same catalogue number) - "The Concert For Bangla Desh" went to No. 1 – a placing better than the 3LP set "All Things Must Pass" had done at the tail end of 1970. However, the July 1991 US 2CD reissue has always had the worst of reputations – a truncated booklet that almost halved the impact of the initial 65-page LP-Sized Booklet and worse - rubbish sound. 

So here in October 2005 (almost four years after Harrison's sad passing in November 2001) - three Abbey Road stalwarts are involved in the Audio brush-up. ALLAN ROUSE and PAUL HICKS remixed the tapes while STEVE ROOKE did the Master/Remaster – names that appeared across nearly 20 Apple CD reissues and further into The Beatles catalogue in 2009 and beyond. 

And what a difference a trio makes – suddenly the veil has been lifted and there is power and far more clarity. The Box Cover is changed to a photo of George with guitar – while the starving child in front of an almost empty bowl (the original artwork) is inside on the cover of the booklet and on both the CD card sleeves (see photos provided). The August 1971 US concert poster is reproduced alongside snaps of Producer Phil Spector and track-by-track credit pages listing who played on what. A good effort – to the songs…
 
Admittedly the six-minute intro now tests your patience, but the sixteen-minute Indian Instrumental fest that is "Bangla Dhun" is not only a real introduction of World Music to an International arena but also timely (leave your egos at the door) and beautiful. Musicians on the Ravi Shankar written piece play Tabla (Ustad Alla Rakah), Sitar (Ravi Shankar), Tambura (Kamala Chakravarty) and Sarod (Ustad Ali Akbar Khan). Billy Preston who had duetted with The Beatles on the 'Let It Be' Sessions and was also on their Apple label at the time sings his "That's The Way God Planned It". Ringo Starr does a fab vocal and drums job on his single of the moment "It Don't Come Easy" – such a tune - while American Shelter Records hoodoo man Leon Russell joined George for duet vocals on "Beware Of Darkness" (Jim Horn also on Saxophone). Leon Russell did get some ego-flack (and still does) for hogging the vocals on his double-cover-version medley that opens CD2 – Don Preston also on Guitar and Vocals with Carl Radle of Derek & The Dominoes on Bass. But it is still a kick-ass performance. 

Speaking of boot-tapping and Eric – EC joined (not surprisingly) George on twin Lead Guitars for the 'White Album' epic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" much to the rapture of the huge audience. Clapton is also Lead Guitar on "Wah-Wah", "My Sweet Lord" and "Awaiting On You". Pete Ham of Badfinger joins George Harrison on a lovely Acoustic version of the "Abbey Road" gem "Here Comes The Sun" while both Beatles Ringo Starr and George Harrison alongside Leon Russell (on Bass) joined Dylan on stage (Sings, plays Acoustic and Harmonica) for a quadruple Bob-whammy of his Sixties nuggets - "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall", "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry", "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Just Like A Woman". George brings it all to a close with the Abbey Road stunner "Something" while Jim Horn once again lends a Saxophone hand for the live version of "Bangla Desh". 

But it must be said that it's a bit of a major boo-boo not including the studio recorded Single Mix of "Bangla Desh" as a second Additional Track – apparently it is still only available on an old 'Best Of' or an Expensive Whole Catalogue Box Set.

Compensating big time however is an outtake from the afternoon show – a live version of "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" with the band that consisted of Leon Russell, Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr. What a find – Bob Dylan in great voice and form – confident – not tired of playing the same old same old for fans.

For an album that reached No.1 (advance sales of over 3-million dollars) and made such an impact at the time (good and bad publicity) and that even Harrison himself parodied in one of his movies – it surprises me that the musical content of "The Concert For Bangla Desh" has been all but forgotten. 

Well, I would argue that two Beatles on the same stage (had not been so since 1966 in the USA) and Dylan et al in great form (it was his first appearance in five years) – Eric playing so fluidly – Billy and Leon adding a bit of colour and a decent set of tunes from when the mainman was actually Fab – then this is a rediscovery worth seeking out. And how we miss GH still… 

"Run With The Pack" by BAD COMPANY – January 1976 UK and US Third Studio Album on Swan Song Records featuring Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell and Simon Kirke (May 2017 UK Swan Song '2-CD Expanded Edition' with The Album Remastered on CD1 and CD2 Containing 14 Previously Unreleased Tracks – Jon Astley Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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MORE THAN A FEELING 

1976

Your All-Genres Guide To 

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RATING: ****

"...Silver, Blue & Gold..."

After the barn-storming of the self-titled "Bad Co." debut album in 1974 and especially "Straight Shooter" in 1975 with its two huge hits "Good Love Gone Bad" and "Feel Like Making Love" – it seemed that the ex-Free mob known as Bad Company could do no wrong. Island's coolest Rock Band seemed to take the best of what made Free (before them) so damn special and enhance that simple Rock sound for the rest of that halcyon decade. 

Then the Classic Seventies Rock band made the (perceived at the time) more than slightly lacklustre "Run With The Pack" and by early 1976 – that initial twofer outburst was already dust. Despite healthy chart positions of No. 4 in the UK and No.5 in the States where the album secured one-million sales – the writing seemed already on the washed-out wall for Bad Co. Their third studio effort was always the first LP fans would part with when hitting secondhand record shops and even in 2024 its less than £2.00 price-tag speaks volumes. The two studio efforts that followed "Burnin' Sky" and "Desolation Angels" (1977 and 1979) got lost in the Punk and New Wave explosion that made Bad Co music sound dated and tired in a cheesy macho way.

But – and this is always the big but – in hindsight - and with this toppermost 2017 Remaster and a slurry of very cool outtakes on CD2 (all fourteen of them unissued) – it is time to do right by your mangy cur once again. 

Deep LP dives like "Simple Man", "Silver, Blue & Gold" and "Do Right By Your Woman" are fabulous Bad Co tunes and sound suddenly HUGE on this '2-CD Expanded Edition' from Rhino/Swan Song. Throw in an inspired cover version of an Coasters Fifties R&B tune on Atlantic Records ("Young Blood"), the kicking radio-friendly opener "Live For The Music" and a couple of power ballads on either side – and "Run With The Pack" might just be one of those guilty-pleasure albums you return to more than the lauded pieces in their catalogue. Maybe its rainbow is overdue – to the Young Blood…

UK released 26 May 2017 – "Run With The Pack" by BAD COMPANY on Swan Song 081227953645 (Barcode 081227953645) is a '2-CD Expanded Edition' with the 10-Track Album Remastered on CD1 and 14 Previously Unreleased Tracks on CD2 that pans out as follows:

CD1 "Run With The Pack" Original Album Remaster (36:39 minutes):
1. Live For The Music [Side 1]
2. Simple Man
3. Honey Child
4. Love Me Somebody
5. Run With The Pack
6. Silver, Blue & Gold [Side 2]
7. Young Blood
8. Do Right By Your Woman
9. Sweet Lil' Sister
10. Fade Away 
Tracks 1 to 10 are their third studio album "Run With The Pack" – released January 1976 in the UK on Island ILPS 9346 and Swan Song SS 8415 in the USA. Produced by BAD COMPANY – it peaked at No.4 in the UK LP charts and No.5 in the USA.

CD2 "Run With The Pack" Bonus Tracks (51:09 minutes):
1. Live For The Music (Take 1, Alternative Guitar and Vocal) 3:35 minutes
2. Simple Man (Take 3, Early Mix) 3:41 minutes
3. Honey Child (Early Mix, Alternative Guitar Sound) 3:20 minutes
4. Run With The Pack (Extended Version, Alternative Vocals) 6:00 minutes
5. Let There Be Love (Take 1, Previously Unreleased Outtake) 4:11 minutes
6. Silver, Blue & Gold (Take 1, Early Mix) 5:14 minutes
7. Young Blood (Alternative Vocal) 2:45 minutes
8. Do Right By Your Woman (Alternative Vocal) 2:55 minutes
9. Sweet Lil' Sister (Live/Studio Backing Track) 4:31 minutes
10. Fade Away (Early Mix, Alternate Guitar Solo) 2:54 minutes
11. Do Right By Your Woman (Acoustic Version) 2:57 minutes
12. (I Know) I'm Losing You (Studio Jam, Previously Unreleased Outtake) 3:22 minutes
13. Young Blood (Alternative Version) 2:44 minutes
14. Fade Away (Island Studios Demo) 3:00 minutes

BAD COMPANY was:

PAUL RODGERS - Lead Singer, Keyboards, Guitar (Harmonica on "Do Right By Your Woman")

MICK RALPHS - Lead Guitar

BOZ BURRELL - Bass

SIMON KIRKE - Drums

These '2-CD Extended Editions' all come in a gatefold card Digipak - a threeway foldout two Swan Song logo CDs and usually a flap depicting the original master tape boxes (same here). The 16-page booklet features new liner notes from DAVID CLAYTON who promptly declares "Run With The Pack" as a bit of a guilty-pleasure nay even favourite. The text is peppered with rare Euro Picture Sleeves (Germany, Turkey), Tour Posters, Trade Adverts, Publicity Photos and interviews with Singer Paul Rodgers and Drummer Simon Kirke. It's a nice job done and Remaster Engineer JON ASTLEY who did much of The Who catalogue has done a fabulous job with the Remasters. In fact I can't stop playing CD2 as an alternate album - the outtakes and alternate versions are that good. 

Of the fourteen on CD2 fans will leap to Track 5 "Let There Be Love" - an unreleased Ralphs smoocher that is mid-tempo - its good without being great - but is a definite asset here. Better is the extended mix of "Run With The Pack" which has more guitar but they were right to tighten it up. Fans will thrill to a genuine fave like "Silver, Blue & Gold" having a Take 1 on here - it's remarkably similar to the finished version but just as lovely and lilting (time it takes for a love to go cold). Ralphs does cool guitar strums that smack of such musicality - a rainbow overdue. And dig those end-of-song vocal interplays they didn't use on the LP mix. 

Their grungy cover version of The Coasters 1957 Atco Records B-side "Young Blood" gets a grittier take - the call and response voices not as witty as the finished version (they were still working it out). But it is so well recorded - the band Funky as they Rock. Then the magic hammers home - an Alternate of "Do Right By Your Woman" - it's not as 'produced' as the finished version but that gorgeous Free/Bad Co. lilt is still there in its seductive flange sway. You get an Acoustic Version of "Do Right..." later (Track 11) which has a count-in and gorgeous audio - slide acoustics - I dig this the most even if it feels like they probably dubbed the original vocals over re-recorded acoustic guitars. And then a Harmonica echoed and lonesome. The second genuine outtake comes in a studio jam on piano doing "(I Know) I'm Losing You" - the old Motown hit the Faces turned into a Rock-Soul anthem. It's ramshackle for sure but damn is it cool to hear them still sound so good (even on a throwaway). And I prefer the Demo of "Fade Away" to the finished LP cut - feels more genuine.

These 'Deluxe Editions' are a hit and miss affair especially if the core album doesn't have the greatest reputation in the pantheon of Rawk Glory. But Bad Company's "Run With The Pack" in this 2-CD Expanded Edition form from 2017 is a winner. And as I say, I keep going back to Disc 2 as my go-to Play. Fantastic stuff really...

"Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 6" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring 1963 to 1971 US 45-Singles and Previously Unreleased Material (November 2017 UK Ace/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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RATING: *****

"...I Only Cry Once A Day Now..."

There was a two-and-half-year lapse between Vol. 5 and Vol. 6 in this exemplary series from Ace Records of the UK (the premier label for oldies of this ilk) – but as always – they made it worth the nerve-shredder wait. And as of March 2024 (as I write this) - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 6" in Number Six in a Series of Seven (see list below).

You get Twenty-Four more US dancers, shufflers and talcum powder mufflers stretching from 1963 to 1971. Amongst the crying and the wailing and the dying of hearts to a danceable beat – you are plied with Four Unreleased cuts, several originally unissued slices from now deleted rarity compilations as well as the usual plethora of choice 45 A's, B's and LP tracks.

And while names like J.J. Barnes, Maxine Brown, The Detroit Emeralds, Betty Everett and Johnnie Taylor will be well known to Northern Soul afficionados - Kent Dance (Kent Soul and Kent Dance are label imprints Ace Records of the UK employs) present enough obscurity finds and re-discoveries to keep the faithful popping. Volume Five was a great listen – but I think Volume Six is even better. Here are the low-down production details that produced big bucks collectables...

UK released 24 November 2017 – "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 6" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 471 (Barcode 029667085922) is a 24-Track CD Compilation that pans out as follows (63:55 minutes):

1. Love Is Gonna Get You – PEGGY WOODS (Originally Unissued 1966 Murco Recording, first released 1988 as a 100-Club Anniversary UK 45-single on Kent 6T 4, then issued in 1992 on CD but with wrong mix, here presented in 2017 as a Full Finished Version)

2. You Won't Saying Nothing – TAMALA LEWIS (June 1965 USA 7" single on Marton 1002, A-side)

3. I Only Cry Once A Day Now – THE FIDELS (Previously Unissued 1966 Doré Records recording)

4. Friday Night – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (August 1970 USA 7" single on Stax Records STAX 0068, B-side of "Steal Away")

5. I Got To Tell Somebody – BETTY EVERETT (October 1970 USA 7" single on Fantasy 652, A-side, Arranged Donny Hathaway)

6. I Can Fly – THE MAGNIFICENTS (Originally Unissued 1973 Just Productions recording (written and produced by Jack Ashford), issued 2017 as a UK 7" single on Kent ST 33, B-side. The A-side is Lorraine Chandler "Ease My Mind" and is part of the Kent Anniversary Special Series of UK 45s)

7. Why You Wanna Treat Me The Way You Do – THE HYPERIONS (March 1965 USA 7" single on Chattahoochee CH 669, A-side)

8. Sunshine Love – DIFOSCO (1971 USA 7" single on Earthquake EQ-2, A-side – Difosco is Dee Ervin aka Big Dee Irwin)

9. I Wanted To Tell You – LITTLE NICKY SOUL (August 1964 USA 7" single on Shee Records SR-101, A-side – co-written and produced by Sidney Barnes of The Rotary Connection)

10. Young Boy Blues – DANIEL A. STONE (Originally Unissued 1965 recording from "Phil Spector's III", a 2007 UK CD Compilation on Ace CDCHD 1149)

11. No Mad Woman – JOCK MITCHELL with THE FABULOUS AGENT'S (1968 USA 7" single on Golden Hit Productions 103, A-side)

12. Sad Tomorrows – NOONEY RICKETT (Previously Unissued 1965 recording – Produced by Jack Nitzsche – the Jack Greenwich and Jerry Marcellino song was originally a 1964 hit for Trini Lopez on Reprise Records)

13. Wait A Minute (You're Getting Careless With My Heart) – THE KITTENS (1963 USA 7" single on Vick 300, B-side to "Somebody New")

14. One In A Million – MAXINE BROWN (Previously Unissued Take of US 45-Single Wand WND 1117 - original was an April 1967 A-side)

15. Naughty Boy – JACKIE DAY (1965 USA 7" single on Phelectron PH-382, B-side of "I Want Your Love")

16. The Winds Kept Laughing – BETTY TURNER and THE CHEVELLES (1964 USA 7" single on Crescent 637, A-side)

17. Lost In The City – THE VOWS (December 1964 USA 7" single on Big 3 Records 400, A-side)

18. Poor – Unfortunate – Me (I Ain't Got Nobody) – J.J. BARNES (November 1964 USA 7" single on Ring Records RING 101, A-side)

19. Cry In The Arms Of Another Love – ANDRE SCOTT with JESSIE, OTIS & SHOTGUN (1968 USA 7" single on Sunflower 101, B-side to "One Girl")

20. Love Live The King – THE DETROIT EMERALDS (from the 1971 US LP "Do Me Right"  on Westbound WB 2006, Janus 6310 204 in the UK)

21. Love Hangover – JEAN CARTER (1968 USA 7" single on Sunflower 102, B-side to "I Bet You")

22. (Marriage Is Only) A State Of Mind – O.C. TOLBERT (Originally Unissued 1972 recording, finally issued 30 June 2017 in the USA on Remined RMND-102)

23. Dream Girl – LON-GENES (1964 USA 7" single on Romark 108, A-side)

24. Little Boy – CARLA THOMAS (Originally Unissued 1961 recording first released 1991 on the UK Carla Thomas CD compilation "Hidden Gems" on Ace Records/Stax CDCHD 039)

NOTES:
Tracks 3, 12, 14 and 23 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED (2017)
All tracks in MONO except track 6 which is STEREO

Compiled and Annotated by long-time Soul Nutter ADY CROASDELL – his 20-pages of liner notes are the usual plethora of repro labels (Fantasy, Kent and Chattahoochee on Page 6) with rare publicity photos for Johnnie Taylor, Betty Everett, Carla Thomas and a black and white of The Vows on the back page few will ever have seen. The mighty Sidney Barnes is looking good in a Northern Soul teeshirt on Page 16 with another rarity – a colour snap of O.C. Tolbert on Page 17. NICK ROBBINS has done the remasters/transfers and given that all but one is in homemade Mono – most sound good to great – with the lobe Stereo cut singing. There is joy in these songs and even if they are not audiophile – Robbins has given them the just-enough oomph they need. To the pocket-draining joy unto the rave fantastic…

Volume 6 opens with an unissued by Peggy Woods and I can hear why they chose it, but I am not entirely convinced. Better for me is a very cool run of  Tamala Lewis, The Fidels and old Johnnie Taylor fretting about Friday Night – another Stax cut that I must admit passed me by. The unreleased Fidels song is a great discovery as is the Nooney Rickett cover of a Trini Lopez hit from 1964. 

The Little Nicky Soul seven-inch has ludicrously high market values of over £3000 and Ace have uncovered the story behind the single by Producer and Co-Writer SIDNEY BARNES who would late join Minnie Riperton in The Rotary Connection on Chess’s Cadet Concept Records before she went onto to solo fame in the 70ts on Epic. Barnes tells us that his real name was Nicholas Faircorth, and the name-change was of course to spruce up the showbiz presentation. Not only did Sidney give this young singer a break on Shee Records (he even designed the label) – the session included such luminaries as Bernard Purdie on Drums, Eric Gale on Guitar, Richard Tee on Keyboards with Jean Carter, Himself (Sidney Barnes) and a lady called Gena doing the backing vocals. Although most all these names would have been virtual unknowns at the time (1964) – they later became huge in their own Soul, Funk and Jazz-Fusion way. 

The ultra-desirable US 45 (co-penned with Lucille White of Motown's Jobette Music) apparently got a lot of radio play in New York (maybe not so many sale) and made Nicky a star for a while but then he disappeared. A killer dancer with a great lead vocal and backing vocal wall that dominates as much as the bemoaning lead - it was of course the Northern Soul nuts of the UK that picked up on "I Wanted To Tell You" and Barnes has cited them as the reason for its resurgence and staggering value. What a joy it is to have on here. 

Another staggeringly cost-prohibitive tune (near three and half grand sterling) comes in the shape of the Jackie Day 1966 B-side "Naughty Boy" on the obscure Phelectron Records – an unknown to aficionados until it was spun at an 80ts all-nighter in Stafford. Ace have even managed to uncover a photo of the classy-looking lady stood beside a smiling Big Jay McNeely (Page 11) – winners both. And there is no one who loves Sweet Soul Music can ever get enough of Maxine Brown – Ace having found an alternate and unissued take on "One In A Million" – a Northern Soul scene standard floorfiller for over 40-years – wow – how very cool! The San Diego based Crescent Records is another absolute unknown where the brass on the dancer "The Winds Kept Laughing" (Crescent 637) was supplied by a local school band sometime in 1964. And again, The Vows from Chicago on Big 3 Records score a ballad belter with "Lost In The City" – the kind of scorched-earth soul that sends fans into a froth at the gills (a steal at just under six-hundred and fifty quid to us mere digital mortals).

With a Detroit ensemble J.J. Barnes cut his hugely enjoyable "Poor – Unfortunate – Me (I Ain't Got Nobody)" in Chicago with a Marvin Gaye Motown sound in mind (there is a picture of this Soul Hero on Page 13 showing him on stage in a 1975 London visit). Once again Chess Records genius Sidney Barnes helped a teenage street vocal group Jessie, Otis & Shotgun by bringing in a young singer called Andre Scott and whipping their "Cry In The Arms Of Another Love" into a slice of Temptations-like commerciality. Tall tales surrounded Roosevelt Anderson (the Shotgun in the original trio) because his nickname came from the fact that he carried such a weapon with him to school – sawn-off and hidden under his jacket (nice) – no wonder he had such a high voice and low tolerance. And on it goes…

I didn't love everything on Volume 5 of this "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities …" Series – but here in Volume 6 - the goodies are more abundant and outweigh the unissued-for-a-reason disappointments (of which there are thankfully very few).

Another must-own-or-I-die comp from Ace's Kent Dance and Volume 7 (although I have not heard it yet) that followed in 2021 is apparently just as boss. 

Would we expect anything else from this giant of a reissue label…

Ace's "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities" Series (up to July 2024)

27 August 2001 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 192 (Barcode 029667219228)

30 May 2005 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 2" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 248 (Barcode 029667224826)

26 May 2008 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 3" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 338 (Barcode 029667229524)

28 June 2010 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 4" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 338 (Barcode 029667233828)

30 March 2015 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 5" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 432 (Barcode 029667243223)

24 November 2017 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 6" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 471 (Barcode 029667085922)

26 February 2021 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 7" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 498 (Barcode 029667101721)

VARIOUS ARTISTS – "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 5" – Featuring 1965 to 1975 US 45-Singles and Previously Unreleased Material (March 2015 UK Ace/Kent Dance CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Sending Vibrations..."

It never ceases to amaze me just how deep and rich the vein is that runs through American Soul Music. Last day of March 2015 - a good 50 years after the event - and still the Dancer/Shuffler goodies keep coming at us.

"Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 5" from Ace/Kent Dance (Kent Soul and Kent Dance are label imprints Ace Records of the UK employs) does pretty much what it says on the tin – you get eighteen uber-rare/desirable homemade American 45s (worth a fortune and impossible to attain on actual vinyl) complimented by one 2014 CD find and a further six previously unreleased cuts for this 2015 release. And frankly Frank – Northern Soul fans are gonna love it hook, line and sinker. Here are the low-down production details that produced big bucks collectables...

UK released 30 March 2015 – "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 5" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 432 (Barcode 029667243223) pans out as follows (65:06 minutes):

1. When The Boy That You Love (Is Loving You) – THE AVONS (A Bob Holmes Recording – Previously Unreleased)

2. Hang Around – MARVA HOLIDAY (1968 USA 7" single on GNP Crescendo GNP-411, A)

3. That Same Old Feeling – THE VOLUMES (1966 USA 7" single on Impact 1017, A)

4. Just Beginning To Love You – THE STEELERS (1967 USA 7" single on Crash 430, A)

5. I Can't Get Hold Of Myself – CLIFFORD CURRY (1968 USA 7" single on Elf 90013, A)

6. Losing Control – MARY SAXTON (1965 CANADA 7" single on Pace 8-18-1166, A)

7. They Didn't Know – TERRI GOODNIGHT (1966 USA 7" single on Phelectron PH-701, B-side of "The Fighting Is Over")

8. It's All In The Way (You Look At It Baby) – MOUSIE & THE TRAPS (1966 USA 7" single on Toddlin Town 8204, A)

9. It's Alright To Cry Sometime – J.J. BARNES (1964 Ring Recording – Previously Unreleased)

10. Lover Man – THE SOUL BROTHERS (1967 USA 7" single on Sho-Biz 402, A)

11. How I Got Over – DARONDO PULLIAM (1972 USA 7" single on Ocampo 001, A)

12. Hook, Line And Sinker – ROY WRIGHT (1966 USA 7" singles (first) on Vick 210, (then on) Mica 2016, A)

13. Just Another Smile – MEL DAVIS (1969 USA 7" single on Golden State GSR 4-69, A)

14. I'm Sending Vibrations – THE WEBB PEOPLE (Extended Version of USA 7" single TCB Records 1446 – A Rob Keyloch Mix – Previously Unreleased)

15. Butterfly aka I Wish I Knew – THE BALLADS (1975 USA 7" single on Music City 897, A)

16. It Ain't No Achievement – THE MILLIONAIRES (1971 USA 7" single on Specialty 719, A)

17. Two Loves Have I – BIG JOE TURNER (1970 USA 7" single on Blues Time 45001, A)

18. Wrong, Wrong, Wrong – RAY & DAVE (1966 USA 7" single on Mica 501, A)

19. Pins And Needles – EDDY GILES (an originally unissued Murco recording first aired in 2014 on the EDDY GILES CD compilation "Southern Soul Brother: The Murco Recordings 1967-1969")

20. I'm The Reason – CLEO JACKSON, HUCK & THE SOUL PATROL (1969 USA 7" single on Mar-Kee 711, A – mistakenly credited in the booklet and on the inlay as Mar-Kee 717)

21. If You Don't Know, You Just Don't Know - THE DIALTONES (1967 USA 7" single on Dial 4054, A)

22. Do The Popcorn – LITTLE JOHNNY HAMILTON (1969 USA 7" single Soul Shack 531, A)

23. Break Someone Else's Heart – JEANETTE JONES (a Golden State Recorders recording – Previously Unreleased)

24. This Man Wants You – JESSE COWAN (Golden State Recorders recording – Previously Unreleased)
NOTES:
Tracks 1, 9, 14, 23 and 24 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED (2015)
Track 19 is a 60ts Murco Recording first released 2014 on an Ace CD
All tracks in MONO except 1, 12, 14, 15, 17, 23 and 24 which are STEREO

Compiled and Annotated by long-time Soul Nutter ADY CROASDELL – his 16-pages of liner notes are the usual plethora of repro labels (and a Jeanette Jones Acetate) with rare publicity photos for Mel Davis, Darondo Pulliam and J.J. Barnes snapped in full flow at the 100 Club in London. Marva Holliday gets three photos in the booklet, front cover top left, Page 4 and a full colour plate on the rear – not surprising given her great homemade voice and Tammi Terrell-gorgeous looks. NICK ROBBINS has done the remasters/transfers and given that much of the material sounds decidedly lo-fi and is in Mono – most sound good to great – with the Stereo cuts being particularly great.

It opens with a 1-2-3 count in and we're off into Girl Group territory with Motown affectations. Marva Holliday lays into a Sherlie Matthews song called "Hang Around" on GNP Crescendo GNP-411 and gives fabulous insights into its creation (her inexperienced and young vocal only lend it more charm). Record labels like Phelectron, Toddlin Town and Ocampo aren't exactly rolling off the tongue or household names even in knowledgeable Soul circles. 

Mary Saxton comes on like Tina Turner's younger sister "Losing Control" over her man (great dancer and apparently only available in Canada). The 2nd release on the Phelectron Records label by Terri Goodnight ("They Didn't Know") went for nearly $3000 on Auction in 2010.

Croasdell rightly praises the vocals and arrangements on the Millionaires cut "It Ain't No Achievement" – a rare Soul outing for Specialty Records. How weird is it to hear Atlantic's Big Joe Turner take the Ted Murrell oldie "Two Loves Have I" (covered by crooners like Nat King Cole) and turn it into a successful upbeat brassy Soul dancer! Another that I like is "Pins And Needles" by Eddy Giles – a nice groove and a great voice. I've reviewed Ace's CD on Eddy Giles elsewhere - another belter. And on it goes to an Unreleased Jeanette Jones recording (ninth issued on Kent).

I can't honestly say everything on "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 5" is my absolute travel-bag – but the goodies outweigh the negs by a mile. Another winner from Ace's Kent-Dance and Volume 6 that followed in 2017 is just as good…

Ace Records and Kent Dance's 

"Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities" Series 

(All Releases up to March 2024)

27 August 2001 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 192 (Barcode 029667219228)

30 May 2005 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 2" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 248 (Barcode 029667224826)

26 May 2008 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 3" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 338 (Barcode 029667229524)

28 June 2010 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 4" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 338 (Barcode 029667233828)

30 March 2015 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 5" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 432 (Barcode 029667243223)

24 November 2017 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 6" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 471 (Barcode 029667085922)

26 February 2021 - "Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities Volume 7" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 498 (Barcode 029667101721)