Having seriously collected soul music for more than 40 years Derek has been an inspiration in recommending quality new releases right back to his days in the early 70’s as the front man on the HMV 45’s counter.
Read his reviews of new cd’s and listen to selected highlights and like many others before, buy with confidence from a true soul lover.
1. Soul Cafe - Expansion - 3 x CD Set : - : 10.99 |
|
 |
Another fine compilation of recent soul cuts and crossover favourites ftg. Jiva, Maysa (Leake), Live Band, Frank McComb, Leo's Sunshine and many more.Great value! |
2. Dells - Standing Ovation - The Very Best Of 1966 - 1981 : Universal Double Set : 12.99 |
|
 |
Our best selling title this year, so far! Wonderful collection from the mighty Dells, in their prime. Lesser known classics like Make Sure, It's All Up To You etc. sit along snugly,alongside There Is, Run For Cover, stay In My Corner etc. 10 tracks previously unavailable on CD, lovingly compiled by Richard Searling - A must-have! |
3. Luther Ingram - Pity For The Lonely - The Ko Ko Singles Vol.1 : Kent : 12.99 |
|
 |
Sublime southern soul at it's best, by the late Luther Ingram. Brilliant mixture of styles by one of the great voices of soul. |
4. Black Gold (Sought After Soul) - Various Artists : Castle Dbl. Set : 10.99 |
|
 |
Another cracker in Castle's recent soul collections. Mostly 70's known and unknown gems, some unissued. Plenty of modern Northern / Modern / Crossover gems here. Benny Johnson, Yum Yums, Towanda Barnes, Whispers are just a few of the names on this extremely enternaning collection. |
5. The Wants List 3 - Various Artists : Soul Brother : 14.99 |
|
 |
Vol.3 of this excellent series. 17 classic, indemand & soulful rare grooves, it boasts on the case, and that's just what we get! Artists include the Modulations, Vernon Burch, Arnold Blair & Michelle Wiley. |
6. Tempests - Would You Believe! : Poker : 9.99 |
|
 |
Hard to get, in demand album that's always been a favourite on the Northern Soul scene. Blue Eyed 60's soul from the Smash label, includes the 4 x A & B sides that weren't on the original album. Dave Timperley's new label looks set to be a winner, with a collection of Roy Hamilton's MGM sides out soon. |
7. The Northern Soul Story Vol.1- The Twisted Wheel Story : RCA : 8.99 |
|
 |
Vol.1 of this superb series, compiled by Ian Dewhirst, concentrates on Manchester's legendary nightspot. Lou Johnson, Bunker Hill, James Carr, Shirley Ellis, Major Lance, Shirley & The Shirelles are just a few of the highlights. ( 25 Tracks) |
8. The Northern Soul story Vol.2 - The Golden Torch Story : RCA : 8.99 |
|
 |
Over to Stafford for this early 70's legendary club night. Lou Johnson, Major Lance, Roy Hamilton, Johnny Moore, Bobbi Lynn, Triumphs, Robert Knight are the stars of this 25 tracker. |
9. The Northern Soul Story Vol.3 - Blackpool Mecca : RCA : 8.99 |
|
 |
This favourite seaside venue was the choice of many, for the sounds here. Featured names on thisfine 25 tracker include Morris Chestnut, Lorraine Chandler, M.V.Ps,Lee David, Laura Greene, Aquarian Dream & many more. |
10. The Northern Soul Story Vol.4 - Wigan Casino : RCA : 8.99 |
|
 |
Wigan completes the story with a storming set featuring Paul anka, Dana Valery, Dean Courtney, Derek & Ray, Gerri Granger, Tobi Legend. Again 25 tracks. |
11. The Complete Motown Singles Vol.7 : 1967 : Hip O Select : 63.99 |
|
 |
Latest issue in this fantastic series! 120 tracks, spread over 5 CDs. Every Motown 45 released in 1967. Contours, 4 Tops, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye, and many, many more. Brilliant packaging, pictures and sleevenote complete the package. |
12. Sunday Soul Selection : Soul Brother : 14.99 |
|
 |
One of our best sellers right now, is this, mainly 70's collection of modern room faves. "16 Uplifting 70's Modern Soul Gems", is the legend on the case and that just about sums it up! Tracks by Pulse, Leon Thomas, Dells, Dramatics, Caroline Crawford are just a a few gems on show here. |
13. Bob & Gene - If This World Were Mine : Daptone< : 12.99 |
|
 |
Unissued Album, recorded between 1967 - '72 for the Buffalo, New York based Mo Bo label. Obscure soul duo, Bob & Gene cut some lovely ballads and upbeat soul, which got lost along the way. (Bob later had some success with Motown as Bobby Nunn.) For lovers of Eddie & Ernie etc. |
14. Good God! - Guerilla Reissues : - : 12.99 |
|
 |
Heavy funk covers of James Brown from all over the world 1968 '74. El Klan, Dillard Crume, Dave Pike, St.Vincent's Latinaires headline this fun-fest for all. |
15. Gloria Barnes / The Chosen Few - Soul Twins Vol.2 : Castle : 10.99 |
|
 |
Two obscure and much sought after albums, Gloria "Towanda" Barnes' Uptown album and Chosen Few's Taking All The Love I Can, from the early 70s, get an unexpected airing. Gloria's album mixes upbeat ( inc. her northern soul fave, You Don't Mean It) and some fine deep stuff, while Chosen Few were a typically 70's sweet soul group. There's a couple of modern / crossover killers on this set. |
16. Shirley Brown - Soul Brother : - : 14.99 |
|
 |
Classic 70's SOUL from Memphis. This is Shirley's Arista album from 1977, after her move from the Truth label. Mixes superb slowies with Upbeat numbers with ease. |
17. New York In The Dark Vol.2 : - : 8.99 |
|
 |
Long awaited follow-up to vol.1, a selection of northern soul from the Big Apple. 25 storming tracks from the likes of Blue Color, Jive Five, Jimmy Helms, Ellie Greenwich etc. |
18. Northern Soul Southern Style : Goldmine : GSCD196 : 11.99 |
|
 |
Storming collection of dancers from USA’s deep south in the 6o’s. Featuring son’s Of Moses : Soul Symphony, first time on cd. Other great tracks feature Tommy Yates (aka Tommy Tate), Ann Hodge, Ben Atkins & the Nomads etc. |
19. Northern Soul of Texas : Goldmine: GSCD194 : 11.99 |
|
 |
If you like the Northern Soul, Southern Style cd , this one is right in your bag! Kicks off with The Commands ultra rare “Hey It’s Love”. Other gems from Oscar Perry, Johnny Copeland and The Malibus on this no frills attached collection. |
20. Doo-Wop Meets Northern Soul : Goldmine: GSCD198 : 11.99 |
|
 |
Wonderful early 60’s, birth of soul stuff, mostly featuring male vocal groups. The legendary Five Royales get the ball rolling with a The legendary Five Royales get the ball rolling with a super “I’m Standing In The Shadows”. Pookie Hudson, Persians, Daylighters are just some of the star picks of this collection. |
21. Talcum Soul vol:6 : EMI/ Stateside: 3819972 : 8.99 |
|
 |
The latest & final chapter of this excellent Northern Soul series. A few lesser known gems are featured here; D & Joe “who’s It Gonna Be?” & Purple Mundi’s “Stop Hurtin’ Me Baby” (£750 on 45 at the last count!) being just 2 sterling examples. Well recommended! |
22. The Uplook Records Story : Grapevine: GVCD3033 : 14.99 |
|
 |
Obscure Philly label , host to Teddy Pendergass’ earliest efforts. Charles Mintz’s £1,000 45, “Running Back” is probably the star cut here, along with alternate & inst. versions. Delegates Of Soul’s “I’ll Come Running Back” is another mad priced 45 on the playlist here. |
23. Ref-O-Ree Southern Soul : SPV Blue 95882 : 8.99 |
|
 |
The legendary Ted Jarret’s 70’s reincarnation , led to some brilliant, but underrated Southern Soul gems (from Nashville, in this case). A fine mixture of Uptown & Deep gems here, featuring Freddie Waters, Roscoe Shelton, Gene Allison. Highlights inc the aforementioned Freddie Waters near hit “Singing A Sad Song” and Peggy Gaines in demand floater “When The Boy That You Love”. Nice digi pack presentation too! |
24. Soul Rennaissance: A Soulful Tale Of Two Cities : SRR06001: 2xcd : 28.99 |
|
 |
Superbly packaged double set, all recently recorded. Two legendary music cities pay tribute to each other, on this current Richard Searling pick. Motown singers sing Philly hits & vice versa. Producers include Phil Hurtt, Bobby Eli, Bunny Sigler, Lamont Dozier etc. Artists inc. Jean Carne, Bunny Sigler, Major Harris, Ollie Woodson, Lamont Dozier, Vevelettes & many more. Try William Hart’s (ex Delfonics lead) version of The Four Tops classic “Ask The Lonely” as a fine example of a 60’s classic, brought up to date. |
25. Soul Resurrection vol:1 : Soul Americana records : 16.99 |
|
 |
Fine release from the USA put together from the Playground studio’s vaults in Florida. Mostly unissued. Doris Allen’s deep soul classic “Hanging Heavy In My Mind” is presented in a super unissued version, while Reuben Howell’s “Bad Habit Baby” & “How Can I Prove”, are actually Johnny Adams. Most of this stuff comes from the SSS International / Minaret label’s vaults. A mixture of early 70’s southern soul, from deep to funk to crossover. |
26. This Is Soul : Rhino 5144 – 20123 : 9.99 |
|
 |
Classic 60’s budget price album of Atlantic tracks, is reissued here, with a host of other classics. You’ll know ‘em all ; Pickett, Conley, Redding etc. The Mad Lads version of Lee Dorsey’s hit “Get Out Of My Life Woman” is a fairly obscure LP track & is a real stand out bonus. |
27. Soul Desirables : Expansion: CDEXP25 : 14.99 |
|
 |
Latest from Expansion, featuring modern dancefloor sounds. Luther Vandross’ in demand remix of “Bad Company” kicks off proceedings nicely, followed by recent rare mixes, remixes & previously unissued sounds from Sara Devine, Donald McCollum, Incognito etc. |
