... 7-inch, Vinyl record

One of the first big Philly moments for Archie Bell & The Drells! "Showdown" is an undisputed classic – with an incredible hook, and a strident soul groove that replaces the band's earlier Texas funk style. Gamble & Huff wrote and produced, and the cut's got some tight arrangements by Bobby Martin. The flip's tasty too! 7-inch, Vinyl record

A classic if there ever was one – a seminal 70s soul track, covered by many, and featuring the classic "diamond in the back" line! Sad thing is, everyone always thinks it's Curtis Mayfield – but it's William, and even better than Curtis! Part 2 is a nice instrumental extension of the song, with groovy guitar. 7-inch, Vinyl record

A whole different side of this Chicago soul special agent! "Too Many Memories" has Mamie working with Willie Henderson – singing sad, but soulfully, over a stomping groove that's laid out with bass, drum, and this nice kind of snapping percussion. A well-paced dancefloor track – and backed with the deep deep soul ballad "Have Faith In Me". What a great singer! Why didn't she ever cut a full LP? 7-inch, Vinyl record

Two tracks from this great New York group – one who recorded during the very early years of disco for the Event label – and who only really got the appreciation they deserve in later years! "I Can See Him Loving You" has fast funk grooves that are wonderful and mixed with a touch of strings – almost Sigma Sound in approach, but with a more underground vibe! "What Did I Do Wrong" is billed to "Mayberry Music" – and has a nicely different vibe – a laidback, slow-stepping quality – almost sweet soul, but with a bit more polish – and a heartbreaking mellow groove that's really wonderful! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Groovy Chicago soul group single! "Exterminator" is a sort of Temps-ish track about bugs – kind of a political number about the vermin in the ghetto! "What More" is even better – a fantastic group harmony track with a deep feeling, sweet vocals, and great production by Burgess Gardner. It's a wonderful late-nite cut – and it's "Bunky's Pick" too! 7-inch, Vinyl record

A shameless bit of self-promotion here – as Atlantic has The Sweet Inspirations cover "To Love Somebody", one of the strongest songs written by labelmates The Bee Gees. However, the move is a great one – and is possibly the first in what was a small (and great) trend (remember Al Green?) of southern soul artists covering songs by the brothers Gibb. "Where Did It Go" is an original – sweetly and deeply soulful. 7-inch, Vinyl record