Search dance music

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: Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band were an U.K. based soul band, active between 1965 - 1968. Born William Francis Washington in Evanston, Indiana, Geno joined the airforce marching band and, after leaving high-school, was transferred to England - a week before his 18th birthday. His previously unreleased session recording featured here is 'If This Is Love (I'd Rather Be Lonely)' Also featured is 1965 Northern Soul number 'The Drifter', another unreleased Pye recording originally recorded in America in 1965. It was released in the U.K. the next year, where it was covered by English-Canadian Long John Baldry.

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: 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: 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.