2 nights, 2 posts. I told you I was back! I was just messin' around the house and thought I'd do up a mix for those of you who've waited a long time for me to show my face again. It's not huge as I decided to split it into 2 or possibly 3 sets for future posts. I hope you like it.
Nods go out to Kevin for his always exciting bins of 45's for me to dig through. One day I'd love to digitize those "really expensive" singles of yours for SHINDIGGIT (nudge nudge) LOL. Todays selections are all either true Northern classics or have a good Northern flavour to them. They all have 1 thing in common and that's the fact you can dance your *** off to all of them. If you don't find yourself at least tapping your feet, you're deaf or dead! Let's break it down shall we?:
Nods go out to Kevin for his always exciting bins of 45's for me to dig through. One day I'd love to digitize those "really expensive" singles of yours for SHINDIGGIT (nudge nudge) LOL. Todays selections are all either true Northern classics or have a good Northern flavour to them. They all have 1 thing in common and that's the fact you can dance your *** off to all of them. If you don't find yourself at least tapping your feet, you're deaf or dead! Let's break it down shall we?:
1. Archie Bell & The Drells - (There's gonna be a) Showdown (Atlantic) Archie never disappoints. Tighten Up and Can't Stop Dancin' are fav's but this Gamble & Huff production just invites you to fancy up your steps and give it a spin on the dancefloor. I love the countdown near the end....
2. Chubby Checker - (At The) Discotheque (Parkway) He'll forever be know as "that guy who sang the Twist" but Chubby was still filling the dancefloor years later with this Northern flavoured dancer
3. Bill Deal & The Rhondels - What Kind Of Fool Do You Think I Am (Heritage) Now, I have no idea if this was ever played at a Northern all-nighter but I think it has a great sound. The horns and pace make it a great dancer.
4. The Impressions - Can't Satisfy (ABC) Curtis & The fellas released this in '66 and while not rare at all, it's a classic...
5. Edwin Starr - I Have Faith In You (Ric-Tic) Released as the B-Side for the smash (SOS) Stop Her On Sight, this song has found it's way into the hearts of Northern Soul fans. Edwin seemed to turn everything he touched into gold.
6. The Chessmen - Why Can't I Be Your Man (Chess) Okay, I can't find ANYTHING about these guys. I'm assuming they're the Chess House band but no info is forthcoming. The song starts out frighteningly similar to "I Can't Help Myself" but then moves on. Fantastic northern soul.
7. Jackie Lee - Your P.E.R.S.O.N.A.L.I.T.Y. (Mirwood) Another Northern Stonker from the mills of Mirwood Records. Jackie Lee is best known for his single "The Duck" which I'll post on here at a later date.
8. Gloria Jones - Heartbeat Pt 1 - (Capitol) Yes, She of "Tainted Love" fame actually made other songs too. This is my Canadian pressing which seems a little too deep in the Bass but maybe that's the way they all are......the song is killer so it's not so bad.
9. The Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache (Deram) Sweet mother of god I love this song. As I've mentioned to my friends, it's relentless. It just sets the pace in the first 3 seconds and it's cruise control till the end.
10. Lou Pride - I'm Com'un Home In The Morn'un (SUEMI) Ya I don't think this is the original so don't get too excited! This single kinda crosses borders. It's a great funk tune but it also works as a Northern dancer as well. Crazy Rare (Like maybe 500 REAL copies worldwide kinda rare), but I'll keep this copy as a place holder till I find the real thing. Trust me, you're gonna love this track!
11. Madeline Bell - Picture Me Gone (Philips) The B-Side of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" this is one of those Classic Northern tunes you never forget.
12. Lou Johnson - Unsatisfied - (Bigtop) I finally scored this on the Yellow Bigtop label. What an amazing song! Another classic, but it just moves ya AND grooves ya. It's one of a few in my collection that still gives me goosebumps when it starts playing. How about you?
13. Bob Kuban & The In-Men - The Cheater (Musicland USA) Vocals by Walter Scott This track is a barnstormer! I have so much fun with this. It's integral Northern Soul (IMHO of course!)
14. Chuck Wood - Seven Days Too Long (MOJO) I believe this is the first re-release of this classic Northern song. In the 70's Seven days was apparently too long to wait for the next all-nighter....That makes this track an anthem. That and you'll have a hard time getting it out of your head once you hear it!
15. The Olympics - Do The Philly-Dog (Mirwood) This label is chock full of great tunes, but then so is Revilot, Ric-Tic, O'Keh and the zillions of other indie labels of the time. This track is another song about dancing.....but at least this is a catchy one :)
16. Gloria Jones - Heartbeat Pt 2 (Capitol) Last but not least, I thought I'd revisit Gloria. This is the little played yet eqally brilliant part 2. It'd be great to pin those 2 parts together somehow...Hmmmm....
Well there you have it folks. I was going to post the labels but it'd take up way too much room. Let me know what you think.I have another mix on the way (Vol 2) so shout out loud if you want to hear it!
- Jason X
- Jason X
