Review: Oooh! Angie Stone's "Wish I Didn't Miss You" definitely belongs in the canon of all time modern soul classics. Taken from her 2001 second album Mahogany Soul, the Swizz Beats produced track made optimum usage of an O' Jays sample and was instrumental in that LP going gold and propelling the former D'Angelo collaborator to stardom. It also inspired countless official and under the counter remixes with Blaze's perhaps the most recognisable. So yes this reissue on 7" from Outta Sight is worthy if you don't have the original in your collection and features a housed up remix from Hex Hector on the flip.
Review: Northern Soul fans will be well familiar with Darrell Banks, who is a proper scene legend. In 1966 he put out his Iconic Revilot single 'Open The Door To Your Heart', backed with 'Our Love (Is In The Pocket).' It is one of the most played, collected and revered 45s in the whole scene and when a copy was found in 2014, it was eventually auctioned off for L14,000 and helped cement his status. He had many other gems in his catalogue including this one. 'I'm The One Who Loves You' has it all - the swirling grooves, the big horns, the lush strings and aching vocal. 'Forgive Me' sinks into a slightly deeper and more tender vibe, and makes just as much of an impact.
Review: The Outta Sight label makes a noteworthy debut here with a fine first vinyl release. This reissued 7" gives you a great idea of what to expect froths label going forwards - timeless Northern Soul classics that were there are the birth of the scene and remain a vital part of it decades later. Eddie Billups has a buttery warm voice and a big soul sound. Firstly, 'Shake Off That Dream' is a free-flowing, feel-good sound with big strings and smooth grooves. On the flip, Eddie gets more vulnerable and tender with his effective and confessional 'Try Something New.' Two superb sounds.
Review: On the latest edition of their excellent Soul Essentials series, Outta Sight has decided to bring together two versions of 'Ordinary Joe', a seemingly perennial favourite written by the late, great Terry Callier. His celebrated 1972 recording - all bold, sing-along choruses, organ stabs, jangling piano and lolloping grooves - breezes its way across side A, while Jerry Butler's earlier version, laid to tape in 1970, sits on side B. His version is much more expansive and musically detailed than Callier's take, with superb production from Gamble & Huff and some brilliant orchestral arrangements courtesy of Donny Hathaway. Both versions are, or course, incredible.
The Temptations - "All I Need Is You To Love Me" (3:19)
Review: Soul fans will be delighted with this one from Outta Sight. It serves up two gems from the genre with 'Whenever I'm Without You' up first from Chris Clark. His Motown legacy continues to serve up surprises as this one was discovered only in 2018 despite being recorded back in 1968. Here it makes a glorious vinyl debut backed with another big tune that somehow has never been released before on wax, and that is The Temptations' 'All I Need Is You Love To Me' which was also penned first in 1968. There must have been something in the water to mean neither saw the light of day but at least they do now, some 55 years on.
Review: Alfie Davison's "Love is Serious Issue" was famously one of the only records that united both sides of the infamous Northern Soul divide. While the "modern soul" contingent - led, of course, by DJs Ian Levine and Colin Curtis - loved the track's overblown disco production, those still welded to the scene's original sound appreciated the song's driving back track, rousing horns and Davison's impassioned vocal. This timely 7" reissue not only includes the familiar edited version on the A-side, but also the phenomenally hard to find 12" version on the flip. It's this, with its extended instrumental sections and emphasis on the heavy disco-rock groove, which should have you reaching for your wallet.
Review: The newly launched vinyl arm of Outta Sight gets off to a fantastic start this month with no fewer than three utterly curial 7"s all dropping. The label deals in golden era Norther Soul reissues and this Sam Diss offering certainly falls within that remit. These vintage soul tunes were first out out in 1968 and come with carefree, loved up moods thanks to great use of acoustic drums and alto sax leads. The vocals are of course what really pack in the emotion as they rise and fall to take you on a proper rollercoaster.
Review: Philadelphia-born singer and songwriter Tony Drake is best known for his super hit and Philly classic 'Living In The Footsteps Of Another Man,' That tune was a hit for Eugene Record who re-sung it with the Chi-Lites and had earlier written the 'Suddenly' tune for Drake in 1970. It was a hit, eventually, and is not in hot demand as copies are hard t find. Here it gets a vital reissue on 45rpm next to, for the first time on the format, Gene Chandler's Sublime 'My Baby's Gone.' Tow real soul classics that are short but devastatingly sweet.
Review: Epitome Of Sound get a much needed reissue featuring two standout soul tracks from 1967. The A-side, 'You Don't Love Me Anymore,' offers a powerful soul sound with commanding vocals, a feelgood song that's sure raise your spirits up. On Side-2 'Where Were You' also delivers another classic soul experience, enhanced by a rich string arrangement. This reissue is particularly noteworthy for including both original tracks, offering collectors a special chance to own these rare pieces in their complete form.
Review: Isley Brothers hand many great tunes in their oeuvre but the superb soul gem 'My Love Is Your Love' stands out from the crowd. We don't think it has ever been on its own 45 rpm before now so shout out to Outta Sight for pressing it up. As well as the gorgeous A-side with its warm and sunny disposition, you have the more traditionally Motown-sounding flip, 'Tell Me It's Just A Rumour Baby, with its driving rhythm section and classic tambourines next to great vocal leads and rousing backing singers.
R Dean Taylor - "There's A Ghost In My House" (2:27)
Review: This powerhouse 7" pairs two iconic tracks that have left lasting marks on music history. On one side, Gloria Jones' original 1964 version of 'Tainted Love' shines. Written by Ed Cobb and featuring Glen Campbell on lead guitar, this track laid the foundation for what would later become a global sensation with Soft Cell's 1981 synthpop rework. Jones' vocal delivery is fierce, underscored by Cobb's brilliant production and Lincoln Mayorga's sharp arrangement. Flip it over, and you get R. Dean Taylor's 'There's a Ghost in My House,' an infectious Northern soul anthem. Originally recorded in 1966 and written by Motown legends Holland-Dozier-Holland, it gained momentum in British dance clubs before soaring to number three on the UK charts in 1974. Taylor's commanding vocal cuts through the track's driving beat, making it an enduring favourite. These two songs together bring a vibrant blend of soul, grit and history to any collection.
Review: The King Casuals and were founded in 1962 by the late great Jimi Hendrix and after the guitarist's death, he was in the late sixties replaced by Johnny Jones. He leads them in stomping and high energy fashion and here on the a-side is his interpretation of the Hendrix classic 'Purple Haze.' It's got all the things you need to get steamy on the dance floor and it always used to shake the floor at Wigan Casino. Gene Chandler is a bonafide Northern Soul legend who is well known to fans of the genre and his 'There Was a Time' is a real raw gem on the flip.
Review: Two rare Motown originals from Barbara McNair, the American soul singer, actress and early Chicago favourite. The subject of many a bootleg, 'It Happens Every Time' has retained its place in soul history perhaps thanks to its use of a rather cinematic string breakdown, euphoric as it is predictive of similar motifs in disco. 'You're Gonna Love My Baby', meanwhile, is a more formalistic jaunt, dealing in the subject of continually being beaten down. Two exquisite snapshots of the 60s.
Review: Over the years, the rare West Virginian soul gem, Garnet Mimms' 'Looking For You', saw many different release iterations. Originally out in 1966, it was first pitted alongside Mimms' B-side 'I'll Take Good Care Of You', providing certain hitmakership for the R&B emoter and his then label, United Artists. Several versions later, however, and we come to now, with the song now appearing in stereoized glory with its true soulmate: 'As Long As I Have You'. From the change in track (and in turn, the track title) we get the sense that Mimms truly found love and intends to keep it; the song is a swinging barrage of sensual, monogamous joy, and is remastered here for our 7-inched pleasure. Winky face.
Review: Paula Parfitt and Jeannie Dee deliver soulful magic on this split single. Paula Parfitt, who signed with Milton Samuels' Beacon label in 1969, made her debut with the single 'I'm Gonna Give You Back Your Ring.' Though initially overlooked, on Side-2, 'Love Is Wonderful' became a Northern Soul classic, lighting up dance floors for over five decades. After a brief stint recording for Beacon's UpFront label and later in Italy, Paula settled into Mediterranean life. Jeannie Dee, from Brixton, London, joined Beacon Records in 1968 as part of the duo Jon (aka Terry) and Jeannie. Known for soulful covers, Jeannie's solo rendition of the Supremes' hit 'Come See About Me,' produced by Donnie Elber, showcases her powerful voice. Often mistaken for her American namesake, Jeannie brought a unique British twist to classic soul, making her mark on the scene, and this release is respectful to both artists' enduring influence.
Review: Two sides, two years, two source labels: This powerful soul blast 45 captures two sides of LA songwriter Nolan's criminally short recording career. The A is his famous northern soul / Joy Division-riffed favourite "Keep On Keeping On" from 71 on cult soul imprint Lizard while the B "If I Could Only Be Sure" is a smoother R&B cut from his time on MCA's ABC imprint. Loose limbed feel good funk and swooning bluesy soul with big harmonies, this represents Nolan's diverse range with respect and timelessness.
Review: Barbara Randolph's 'I Got A Feeling,' originally released on September 14, 1967, is a stellar example of classic soul, now available in a new reissue on 7" vinyl. Barbara Randolph, born May 5, 1942, in Detroit was a notable singer and actress. A former member of The Platters in 1964, she later recorded for Motown during the mid to late 60s. Her standout 'I Got A Feeling,' features uplifting lyrics and a fantastic backing band, reminiscent of The Supremes' sound. The wonderful horns add a vibrant touch. On Side-2, 'You Got Me Hurtin' All Over' bursts with catchy, blistering energy, giving you the magic of 1960s soul. This reissue preserves the original tracklist, offering a delightful experience for funk and soul enthusiasts.
Review: Outta Sight has only been around for two years but their catalogue would suggest otherwise. In this short space of time they've out our a truck loads of records, all in the form of sweet, highly sought after reissues - hot damn! Dee Dee Sight's "Comin Home Baby" gets the rounds this time and it's a peach. Those swingy rhythm & blues strings sounding so ahead of their time. The B side is "Standing In The Need Of Love", equally as amazing but more of anthem - we can almost imagine a lazy summer day in the mid 60s. Soulful would be too much of an understantement.
Review: Outta Sight's latest monthly rare soul missive contains hard-to-find and overlooked classics from "hard-hitting" New Jersey vocal group Soul Brothers Six and New Orleans Rhythm and Blues man Willie Tee. It's the former's wonderfully sweet and loose "I'll Be Loving You" (first released in 1966, fact fans) that takes pride of place on the A-side, serving up a lightly sauteed soul take on the rhythm and blues template. Willie Tee's 1967 jam "Walking Up A One Way Street", a summery affair blessed with a superb horn section, leisurely groove and brilliant lead vocal from the man himself, can be found on the B-side.
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