NORTHERN SOUL'S CLASSIEST RARITIES, Volume 6Reviewed by Heikki SuosaloRating: 7/ 10
(CDKEND 471; 24 tracks, 64 min.) Track listing and sound clips at http://acerecords.co.uk/northern-souls-classiest-rarities-volume-6. In his facts-filled liner notes Ady Croasdell writes that “this compilation is split roughly equally between new-to-CD rarities and proven favourites that have been overlooked or are not currently available elsewhere.” In the “proven favourites” category there are at least tracks by such luminaries as Johnnie Taylor, Betty Everett, Maxine Brown, the Detroit Emeralds and Carla Thomas. Incidentally, Sidney Barnes is quoted in conjunction with a couple of tracks he was involved in by Little Nicky Soul, Andre Scott with Jesse, Otis & Shotgun, and Jean Carter. Mostly these dancers and lively toe-tappers derive from the 1960s, and among some of the most delightful ones there are Love Is Gonna Get You by Peggy Woods, I Only Cry Once a Day Now by the Fidels, Why You Wanna Treat Me the Way You Do by the Hyperions and Nomad Woman by Joe Mitchell with the Fabulous Agents. The tracks are drawn from various sources - both geographically, and stylistically – so consequently we are first treated to some pop by Tamala Lewis, Betty Turner & the Chevelles and the Lon-Genes, and then to even funk by Jean Carter. The sweet and cool Chi-sound is represented by the Vows and surprisingly by the Detroiter J.J. Barnes, too. An honourable mention goes to the fast and rough Sunshine Love by Difosco aka Dee Ervin and two spectoresque tracks – Young Boy Blues by Daniel A Stone and Sad Tomorrows by Nooney Rickett – both produced and arranged by Jack Nitzsche. (7) © Heikki Suosalo |
