Soul — Coming Soon 
Great music in many modes -- northern soul, deep soul, harmony soul, modern soul, and group soul -- plus disco, funk, club, electro, rare groove, and more!
Just Added!
Decca (UK), Late 60s/Early 70s.
LP ... About April 13, 2019
A fantastic set – totally fresh, and way different than the usual Northern Soul compilation! The set features many tracks recorded in the UK – which makes for a sound that's different than some of the American-heavy grooves that you'll hear on other sets, and which adds in a compelling ... LP, Vinyl record album
Judy Pollak Featuring 33 1/
In Togetherness
Chatsford/Athens Of The North (UK), 1978. (reissue)
LP ... About February 22, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Billy Martin
Strawberry SoulReturn To Analog (Canada), Early 70s. (reissue)
LP ... About May 1, 2019
One of those lost funk classics that you'll never find in the original! Billy Martin leads a tight little instrumental combo – with a strong brassy finish, and lots of good wah wah guitar – through a set of originals and funky soul covers, all with a nice little groove, and kind of a ... LP, Vinyl record album
Solomon Burke
If You Need Me (180 gram pressing)Atlantic/Music On Vinyl (UK), Early 60s. (reissue)
LP ... About February 5, 2019 (delayed)
Seminal sounds from Solomon Burke – and a record that already has the young singer hitting the full heights of his greatness! There's a vibe here that's unlike anything else – even any of Burke's heavy-hitting contemporaries on Atlantic Records – and the album's key proof that ... LP, Vinyl record album
James Bradley
James BradleyMalaco/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About May 13, 2019
Side two is the real charmer, and features some great mellow tracks done in a southern modern mode – with production by Fredrick Knight that's in that smooth Jackson style, on tracks that include "I Can't Get Enough Of Your Love", "Knowing You're My Everything", "Never ... CD
Larry Saunders
Stranger (aka Prophet Of Soul)Soul International/Amherst, Early 70s.
CD ... About March 8, 2019
One of the few recordings ever from the amazing Larry Saunders – a 70s soul artist we'd rank right up there with Donny Hathaway or Stevie Wonder, but one who's also got some of the deep soul touches of Al Green too! This album's a total gem all the way through – full of beautifully-writ ... CD
Barbara Howard
On The RiseRemined/Colemine, 1970. (reissue)
LP ... On February 15, 2019 (delayed)
A lost Ohio soul treasure – the initial effort by a singer with a hell of a voice, but one who languished in obscurity after the poor response to this debut LP! Barbara Howard really knocks it out of the park here – singing like a deep soul diva with a hell of a lot of power and focus ... LP, Vinyl record album
Aretha Franklin
Amazing Grace – The Complete Recordings (4LP set)Atlantic/Rhino, 1972.
LP ... On March 22, 2019
A great record from Aretha! She performs with James Cleveland & The Southern California Community Choir for two CDs worth of some super gospel material. 27 tracks total, including "Mary, Don't You Weep", "How I Got Over", "Precious Memories", "Wholy Holy" ... LP, Vinyl record album
New Order
Temptation/Factory/Parlophone, 1983. (pic cover, reissue)
12-inch ... On March 22, 2019
A classic that never gets old! 12-inch, Vinyl record
Love Unlimited
From A Girl's Point Of ViewUni/Mercury, 1972. (reissue)
LP ... On March 29, 2019
Second pressing of the classic first album by Love Unlimited, with a cover that makes things a bit clearer than the original one. As we're sure you know, Barry White produced this little gem, and the record was a key proving ground for many of his stone cold soul production ideas before he went ... LP, Vinyl record album
Aretha Franklin
Songs Of FaithChecker, Late 60s. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
Aretha may have recorded for Columbia and Atlantic under her own contracts, but her father, the Reverend CL Franklin, was one of Chess/Checker's biggest recording artists – and these gospel tracks are probably lifted from pre-Columbia albums of Franklins that had Aretha singing with the group. ... LP, Vinyl record album
Lamont Dozier
Love & BeautyInvictus/Demon (UK), 1975. (reissue)
LP ... About March 29, 2019
A massive album by Lamont Dozier – probably his best ever! Every cut's a winner, and the LP shines with a sharpness and tightness that's missing from some of Lamont's other LPs from the 70s. The songwriting is impeccable – and as the album progresses, you get that eerie "deja ... LP, Vinyl record album
Eliminators
Loving ExplosionBRC/Demon (UK), 1974. (reissue)
LP ... About March 29, 2019
A rare funky soul classic! This one was originally issued on Brunswick in 1974, and it's darn impossible to find in the original, probably because Brunswick was having a great deal of financial trouble at the time. Whatever the case, the record's a great one – and it's got a tight ensemble ... LP, Vinyl record album
Gloria Barnes
Uptown (Japanese paper sleeve edition)Maple/P-Vine (Japan), 1971.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
One of the few rare albums on the Maple label – a 70s imprint that's known for some incredible funk and soul! Despite the title, the set's a record that sounds a lot more down-home than uptown – thanks to hard-wailing vocals from Gloria Barnes herself, and a nicely rough-edged quality ... CD
Upcoming Releases
Judy Pollak Featuring 33 1/
In Togetherness
Chatsford/Athens Of The North (UK), 1978. (reissue)
LP ... About February 22, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Young-Holt Trio
Wack WackBrunswick/Demon (UK), Mid 60s. (reissue)
LP ... About February 22, 2019
Amazing stuff from bassist Eldee Young and drummer Isaac "Red" Holt! At the time of this release, the pair had already risen to great fame as the rhythm backing for Ramsey Lewis in his first trio – but broke out on their own as a solo act, with a real focus on rhythmic piano ... LP, Vinyl record album
Curtis Mayfield
Keep On Keepin' On – The Curtis Mayfield Studio Albums 1970 to 1974 (Curtis/Curtom/Rhino, Early 70s. 4LPs
LP ... On February 22, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Curtis Mayfield
Keep On Keepin' On – The Curtis Mayfield Studio Albums 1970 to 1974 (Curtis/Curtom/Rhino, Early 70s. 4CD
CD ... On February 22, 2019
... CD
Undisputed Truth
Cosmic Truth/Whitfield/Kent (UK),
CD ... About February 22, 2019
... CD
ABC/Concord, 1962.
CD ... On February 22, 2019
Brilliant work throughout – both of Ray Charles' classic country albums on a single CD package! Volume one is the stuff of legends – and what seemed a silly idea at the time was true proof of Ray's genius – the most successful album of his career and a bona-fide number one hit ... CD
Spaceark
Spaceark IsMr Bongo (UK), (reissue)
LP ... About February 22, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Chaka Khan
Hello HappinessIsland, 2019.
LP ... On March 1, 2019
A record that's as upbeat as its title – and a set that returns Chaka Khan to the classic club territory of her 80s solo classics! The music is contemporary, but has lots of old school flavors underneath – hints of strings around the edges, and a warmth next to the beats – all ... LP, Vinyl record album
Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club (white vinyl pressing)Sire/Real Gone, 1981. (reissue)
LP ... On March 1, 2019
The first album by The Tom Tom Club – a group that started out as a side project by Talking Heads members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz – but which went onto have a surprising life of its own! Like the Talking Heads at the start of the 80s, Tom Tom Club were very open to pulling ... LP, Vinyl record album
Barbara Howard
On The RiseRemined/Colemine, 1970.
CD ... On March 1, 2019
A lost Ohio soul treasure – the initial effort by a singer with a hell of a voice, but one who languished in obscurity after the poor response to this debut LP! Barbara Howard really knocks it out of the park here – singing like a deep soul diva with a hell of a lot of power and focus ... CD
Flirtations
Sounds Like The Flirtations (plus bonus tracks)Deram/RPM (UK), 1969.
CD ... About March 1, 2019
Killer work from The Flirtations – originally an American group, but one who made a hip step to the UK in the mid 60s – where they began backing a lot of big artists, and also recorded this rare gem on their own! The sound is a wonderful blend of American soul and 60s UK girl pop ... CD
Spontaneous Overthrow
All About MoneyNumero/P-Vine (Japan), 1984.
CD ... About March 6, 2019
An eerie bit of soul from the 80s scene in Newark – one that's got a special vibe that's all its own – partly due to a real love of echo from the producers! The set uses a fair bit of the electro elements you might know from 80s soul, especially the east coast underground type – ... CD
Larry Saunders
Stranger (aka Prophet Of Soul)Soul International/Amherst, Early 70s.
CD ... About March 8, 2019
One of the few recordings ever from the amazing Larry Saunders – a 70s soul artist we'd rank right up there with Donny Hathaway or Stevie Wonder, but one who's also got some of the deep soul touches of Al Green too! This album's a total gem all the way through – full of beautifully-writ ... CD
James Brown
Motherlode – Unreleased Original RecordingsPolydor, Early 70s. (reissue)
LP ... On March 8, 2019
A stunning set of rare and unreleased grooves by James Brown – nearly all of which were cut during the classic early 70s years with the JBs, but never issued before this cool compilation! The set's got some essentials for any fan of JB – including the lost soul classic "She's The ... LP, Vinyl record album
Gloria Barnes
Uptown (Japanese paper sleeve edition)Maple/P-Vine (Japan), 1971.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
One of the few rare albums on the Maple label – a 70s imprint that's known for some incredible funk and soul! Despite the title, the set's a record that sounds a lot more down-home than uptown – thanks to hard-wailing vocals from Gloria Barnes herself, and a nicely rough-edged quality ... CD
Yvonne Fair
Bitch Is BlackTamla (Japan), 1975.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Heavy heavy funk from the mighty Yvonne Fair – a 70s bad soul sister that we'd rank right up there with Betty Davis! Yvonne got her start working with James Brown in a sweeter mode, but by the time of this mid 70s debut, she'd hit a really hard-wailing sort of style – one that had the ... CD
Scherrie & Susaye
PartnersMotown (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A surprisingly great album from these two former member of The Supremes – Scherrie Payne & Susaye Greene-Brown – put together with production help from Eugene McDaniels, who really helps give the whole thing a hipper spin than some of the girls' more famous work from before! There's ... CD
Finis Henderson
FinisMotown (Japan), 1983.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A sweet 80s classic from Finis Henderson – and the kind of record that should have launched him on a much bigger run as a lead singer! Despite the plastic look of the cover, the album's really solidly put together – produced by Al McKay with a vibe that definitely echoes his work with ... CD
Fantastic Four
Best Of The Fantastic FourSOUL/Motown (Japan), 1969.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Seminal sounds from this great Detroit group – and a key look at their less-remembered music of the 60s! Although Fantastic Four are probably best remembered for their later disco work – including the Alvin Stone album on Westbound – back in their early days, they were a great ... CD
DeBarge
All This LoveMotown (Japan), 1982.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A stone pop soul winner from DeBarge – the kind of record that made the group a heck of a lot of money back in the 80s, and which sounds surprisingly great to our ears today! The record features lots of electro arrangements – fuzzy keyboards and bass pedals grooving around in a way ... CD
Dazz Band
Keep It LiveMotown (Japan), 1982.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Dazz Band keep it plenty live on this early 80s gem – a killer set from the group's hit run for Motown! The set's got a bouncy groove that's very much in the best Motown funk style at the time – lots of bass at the bottom, and plenty tight on production – but never as smooth or ... CD
Spinners
2nd Time AroundVIP/Motown (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Pre-Philly magic from The Spinners – a wonderful early album recorded for Motown – done with a heady Detroit sound that's quite different than their later work in the 70s! The album already has the group sounding amazing on the harmonic tip – definitely a cut above the groups ... CD
Rick James
Cold BloodedGordy (Japan), 1983.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Another stone winner from Rick James' early 80s run for Motown – a set that follows strongly on territory opened up by previous records – especially that bass-heavy approach to funk! The record's maybe not as stone classic as others, but still is way tighter and more put-together than ... CD
Rick James
Throwin' DownGordy (Japan), 1982.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Rick James is massively throwing down on this classic set – tight, right, and on the money all the way through – in that trademark groove that so many others would try to cop, but never get this right! The album bristles with energy right from the start – lots of bass at the ... CD
Rick James
Street SongsMotown (Japan), 1981.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
One of the all-time great Rick James albums – a return to funkier sounds for Rick that worked both artistically and commercially – and actually got over far better than his more blatant attempts at crossover material on other records! The mix here is perfect – a true summation of ... CD
Leon Ware
Musical MassageMotown/Universal (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Amazing stuff! Arguably Leon Ware's greatest record – and one of the greatest Motown records of the 70's! The record is a beautiful set of interwoven mellow soul tracks, recorded right on the heels of Marvin Gaye's I Want You album, which was written and conceived by Ware, then taken at the ... CD
Syreeta
Stevie Wonder Presents SyreetaMotown (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Syreeta's second album for Motown – and a set that really expands the groove from the first! (Then) husband Stevie Wonder is all over the album – and in a way, the shift between this album and the first is similar to the shift between Stevie's Music Of My Mind and later efforts like ... CD
Syreeta
SyreetaMotown (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
One of our favorite soul records of the 70s – and one of the most unique albums ever cut by Motown, too! The lovely Syreeta steps out here with key studio help from then-partner Stevie Wonder – who makes things even more righteous and more cosmic than on any of his own 70s material ... CD
Odyssey
Odyssey (MoWest)MoWest (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A key moment in the west coast years of Motown – and one of the most unique albums the label recorded during the early 70s! The group's got a mixture of soul, funk, and rock – served up by a hip lineup of younger longhairs who make for a real change from the class and poise of Detroit ... CD
Jermaine Jackson
Let's Get SeriousMotown (Japan), 1980.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Sweet solo grooves from Jermaine Jackson – and a record that shows he was one of the brothers who really had something to offer on the solo tip! The album's got a bouncy, ebullient groove right from the start – upbeat and positive, and really coming off the best Jackson's tip of the ... CD
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Neither One Of UsSOUL/Motown (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A key moment in the career of Gladys Knight & The Pips – and a record that opens the group up to a whole new sound for the 70s! When Gladys Knight started out as a raw R&B-ish singer in the early 60s, nobody would have expected her to have such staying power – and to become one ... CD
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Standing OvationMotown (Japan), 1971.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Almost a deeper soul sound than before from Gladys Knight – a record that features some very strong southern-styled production from Johnny Bristol and Clay McMurray – but in a way that reflects the new sort of "adult" mode of the time! The style here is a careful blend of the ... CD
Edwin Starr
War & PeaceGordy (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A real breakout album for Edwin Starr – and the kind of full-on set that really helped give his music a bold new focus! Starr had already scored nicely on some playful tracks from the Motor City scene of the late 60s – but here, he emerges as a singer with a lot more depth than before ... CD
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Tears Of A ClownMotown (Japan), 1967.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
About as classic as you can get for late 60s Miracles! Smokey's vocals are in perfect form, and the group still has that 60s falsetto harmony sound, with lots of fragile bits and strong group backing. Includes the huge hit "Tears Of A Clown", plus a motherlode of great originals that ... CD
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Going To A Go GoTamla (Japan), 1965.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Legendary stuff from Smokey Robinson and his wonderful group – a killer set from the second all-male version of The Miracles – recorded with some wonderfully soaring harmonies! The group's got a nice bite on the bottom here – a groove to go with the "go go" promised in ... CD
Martha & The Vandellas
Dance PartyGordy (Japan), 1964.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
An album that definitely lives up to its title – but which also offers a lot more than you might expect – way more than just a few cash-in dancefloor tunes! True, the whole thing's pretty lively – and titles include the group's seminal version of "Dancing In The Street" ... CD
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Heat WaveGordy (Japan), 1965.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Wonderfully romping grooves from one of Motown's first great groups – a stunning set of tracks that really put The Vandellas on the map! The title cut's one of those stormers that played for years on both sides of the Atlantic – and was a key inspiration to the UK soul scene too – ... CD
Commodores
Midnight MagicMotown (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Lots of Midnight Magic from The Commdores – still nice and funky at the start of the evening, but also chilling out in the wee hours too – really finding a great way to follow the trajectory of the night with the tracks in this set! The album sparkles with strong arrangements and ... CD
Commodores
Natural HighMotown (Japan), 1978.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A pivotal album for The Commodores – still very funky here, with a sound that stays true to their roots – yet also able to reach out into some of the mature mellow ballads that would make them a huge crossover act in years to come! James Carmichael arranges and produces here – ... CD
Commodores
CommodoresMotown (Japan), 1977.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Not The Commodores first album – but a really that really broke them out of the box and exposed the group to a huge new audience! The album hits perfectly on both sides of the group's strengths – the tight ensemble funk on which they were raised, and some of the sweeter aspects that ... CD
Commodores
Caught In The ActMotown (Japan), 1975.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Wicked early funk from The Commodores – a group that spent so much time on pop ballads in later years, it's hard to believe they could be this sharp and hard-edged! There's plenty of that bass-heavy style that would later dominate many Motown combos at the end of the 70s – but the ... CD
Commodores
Machine GunMotown (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Lionel Richie come back! All is forgiven! We'd said bad things about you for years until we heard this funky groover – The Commodores' first album, a tasty bit of funk that almost makes us want to forgive you for all of your later crimes! The whole thing's pretty funky all the way through ... CD
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
You're All I NeedTamla/Universal (Japan), 1968.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – definitely all you need, if you're looking for Motown duet work of the 60s! The album's possibly the best-remembered from the pair – filled with classics that really define the Marvin duo mode – sublime little tunes that have Gaye and Terrell ... CD
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
UnitedTamla/Universal (Japan), 1967.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Fantastic soul duets between Marvin & Tammi Terrell – a landmark pair in 60s soul music, and easily one of the best male/female duos in pop music ever! Marvin and Tammi have a way of singing together that makes you feel like they're speaking the tunes, not singing them – a personal ... CD
Tamla (Japan), 1968.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Marvin's definitely in the groove on this set – cooking on all burners with a host of late 60s Motown hits – bad-stepping his way towards some of the more mature moments to come in the 70s! The album's probably best remembered for the cut "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" ... CD
Four Tops
Reach OutMotown (Japan), 1967.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A classic 60s album by the Four Tops – really one of their better efforts of the period – a record that finds the group working some soulful magic on a couple of their best known tunes, as well as adding a dose of deeper emotion to some hit songs of the time! Like other Motown success ... CD
Four Tops
Four Tops Second AlbumMotown (Japan), 1965.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
The Four Tops' second album – and quite possibly the most hitbound of all their early Motown work! The album's overflowing with classic numbers – and features the perennial favorites "I Can't Help Myself" and "It's The Same Old Song" – as well as a totally ... CD
Temptations
Truly For YouGordy (Japan), 1984.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A great 80s set from The Temptations – one of the few Motown acts who managed to deliver great work again and again over the years! The production has some 80s traces that are slightly dated, but the vocals are still top-shelf all the way – strongly moved much more into a mellow and ... CD
Temptations
ReunionGordy (Japan), 1982.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
An all-star effort from The Temptations – and a well-titled set that has the group brimming over with classic vocal talent! The group's expanded to a seven-piece outfit for the album – with Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin back in the fold, singing alongside Dennis Edwards, Otis ... CD
Temptations
All DirectionsGordy (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
The Temptations going in all directions – and all of them pretty darn groovy too! The set's still heavy on the solid, righteous sound of Norman Whitfield – who gives some of the best cuts that psychedelic soul imprint he really perfected with the group – a quality that has a lot ... CD
Temptations
Wish It Would RainGordy (Japan), 1968.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A pivotal moment for The Temptations – a set that has the group hitting even more of a deep soul sound than before – at a level that really sets them apart from some of the other groups on Motown at the time! There's a richer, fuller sound going on here – as the group work with ... CD
Temptations
With A Lot O' SoulGordy (Japan), 1967.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
The Temptations pick up a lot of soul on this classic Motown set – a deeper, darker groove than ever before – the start of that fuzzy psychedelic soul style that made them one of the most inventive Motown acts of the late 60s! Deep basslines roll out strongly right from the start of ... CD
Jackson 5
ABCMotown (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A seminal step forward for this legendary group – easily one of the greatest albums they ever cut! With ABC, the Jacksons are expanding their sound with the club-oriented grooves of the time – using Holland, Dozier, and Holland on many cuts, trying for a similar soaring groove as some ... CD
Jackson 5
Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5Motown (Japan), 1969.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
The fantastic first record from the Jackson 5 – and very much the stuff of legend all the way through! The tracks feature a number of tunes sung previously by other artists – but the quintet are already at a level that really transforms the material – not just through their ... CD
Supremes
Love ChildMotown (Japan), 1968.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Really one of the nicer late 60s efforts by the Supremes – now with Cindy Birdsong in the group in place of the departed Florence Ballard – with the now well known title track, and a number of other great pop soul numbers, with the classic Motown sound! The Supremes could arguably ... CD
Supremes
ReflectionsMotown (Japan), 1968.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
One of the later Supremes albums with Diana Ross as the headliner – and the final Supremes album with Holland-Dozier-Holland pulling the strings – and led of by the incredible title track! "Reflections" is a straight up incredible tune – one of those late 60s Motown ... CD
Supremes
Supremes A Go GoMotown (Japan), 1966.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
One of the biggest charting LPs by The Supremes – and one of the best, too! The girls are opening it up a bit here – getting in on some of The Miracles Go Go action of the period, and laying down tunes that have a bit more of a northern groove to them – relying a bit more on a ... CD
Supremes
Where Did Our Love GoMotown (Japan), 1964.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
About as classic as you can get for the early Supremes – a set that has the group really hitting hard on all levels, thanks to production from the team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, plus a bit of help from Smokey Robinson – all of whom really help push the Supremes out of simple girl group ... CD
Nolen & Crossley
AmbienceGordy/Motown (Japan), 1982.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Obscure bit of modern soul recorded for Gordy in the early 80s. The sound's pretty smooth overall, with a balance of mellow numbers, uptempo cuts and nice 80s groove on other tracks. Includes "Face On The Photograph", "Chance", "Satisfied", "Into The Groove" ... CD
Mandre
MandreMotown (Japan), 1977.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A classic set of spacey club from Mandre – aka Andre Lewis – an artist we'd place right up there with some of the best cosmic sounds from Dexter Wansel at the time, and maybe even some of the more space-bound club artists of the European scene as well! The album's got some wonderful ... CD
Kiki Dee
Great ExpectationsTamla/Motown (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
One of the greatest blue-eyed soul albums ever on Motown – featuring early work by British singer Kiki Dee, better known for her later hit with Elton John! Kiki here sounds much more like a Motown soul act than on later work – singing with a wonderfully smooth style that fits the motor ... CD
Shorty Long
Here Comes The JudgeSOUL/Motown (Japan), 1968.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A fantastic album of funky soul – and Shorty's greatest album! Well, it's actually only one of two albums he cut – and the only one that was issued before his untimely early death – but it's a killer batch of tracks that mix together funk, Detroit soul, and a great sense of humor! ... CD
Brenda Holloway
Every Little Bit HurtsTamla/Motown (Japan), 1964.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Classic heartbreaking soul from Brenda Holloway – one of the weepiest early records on Motown, as you might guess from the title! The style here is almost more New York uptown than Detroit at times – a fair bit like Maxine Brown with its mix of strength and fragility on the vocals, and ... CD
Earl Van Dyke
Earl Of FunkSOUL (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Fierce funky instrumentals from Motown keyboardist Earl Van Dyke – a set that's overflowing with great original tracks, plus some sweet funky covers too! The style here is quite different than Earl's previous work – and quite different from most of Motown too – with a hard-edged ... CD
Earl Van Dyke & The Soul Brothers
That Motown SoundMotown (Japan), 1964.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A heavy batch of Motown soul instrumentals – headed up by Funk Brother Earl Van Dyke! The set features backings that are often very similar to the vocal versions on Motown – but are topped with sweet organ solo work from Earl – who has this lean, mean style that's mighty nice ... CD
Motown (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
By the time of this album done in collaboration with the Supremes, Jimmy Webb had been through the ringer of working with just about everyone who was interested – from Richard Harris to Glen Campbell to Johnny Rivers to 5th Dimension. But even at this shaky point, when his own solo work was ... CD
Aretha Franklin
Amazing Grace – The Complete Recordings (4LP set)Atlantic/Rhino, 1972.
LP ... On March 22, 2019
A great record from Aretha! She performs with James Cleveland & The Southern California Community Choir for two CDs worth of some super gospel material. 27 tracks total, including "Mary, Don't You Weep", "How I Got Over", "Precious Memories", "Wholy Holy" ... LP, Vinyl record album
New Order
Temptation/Factory/Parlophone, 1983. (pic cover, reissue)
12-inch ... On March 22, 2019
A classic that never gets old! 12-inch, Vinyl record
Aretha Franklin
Songs Of FaithChecker, Late 60s. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
Aretha may have recorded for Columbia and Atlantic under her own contracts, but her father, the Reverend CL Franklin, was one of Chess/Checker's biggest recording artists – and these gospel tracks are probably lifted from pre-Columbia albums of Franklins that had Aretha singing with the group. ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ray Charles
Genius Of Ray Charles (mono)Atlantic, 1959. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
Some of Ray's biggest tracks for Atlantic, including many remakes of standards like "Just For A Thrill", "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin", "Am I Blue", and "It Had To Be You". You've heard it all a million times, but it's still beautiful stuff – and ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ray Charles
Yes Indeed! (mono)Atlantic, 1958. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
Yes indeed – a mighty early classic from the great Ray Charles – one of his first full length albums, and a set that brings together the searing sort of work he was doing for Atlantic Records in the 50s! Ray's completely confident and at the top of his game here – and a lot more ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ray Charles
What'd I Say (mono)Atlantic, 1959. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
A pivotal album for Ray – one that features the sweet electric piano jammer "What'd I Say" – offered up here in 2 parts, and a track that would become the prototype for so many funk songs in years to come! The Raelettes back Ray up on most tracks – and other tracks ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ray Charles
Genius After Hours (mono)Atlantic, 1956. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
One of the later Atlantic albums by Ray – and one that, like the others of this vintage, focuses on his instrumental side. Ray plays piano in a number of small groups, with players like David Fathead Newman, Emmott Dennis, Oscar Pettiford, John Hunt, and Joseph Bridgewater. The record ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ray Charles
Ray Charles (mono)Atlantic, (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Ray Charles
Genius Sings The Blues (mono)Atlantic, 1961. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
Classic bluesy soul from Ray – featuring an assortment of original tunes, plus a few standards, done in a mode that's got more of the jazzy touches associated with his late 50s "genius" years. Titles include "Feelin Sad", "Ray's Blues", "The Midnight ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ray Charles
Great Ray Charles (mono)Atlantic, Late 50s. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
As Ray was making the switch to ABC for his vocal-oriented material, Atlantic managed to capture his jazz-oriented talents on a few great sessions like this one – which features Charles' piano in the foreground, set in a nice small group setting with other players from his band, like David ... LP, Vinyl record album
Atlantic/Cherry Red (UK), 1990.
CD ... About March 25, 2019
Wonderful work from the ladies who helped redirect R&B during the 90s! Sure, En Vogue were chart toppers for many years – but they also were some of the first female singers to really use the changes in hip hop production to work out a more solid approach to soul music, and the crossover ... CD
Love Unlimited
From A Girl's Point Of ViewUni/Mercury, 1972. (reissue)
LP ... On March 29, 2019
Second pressing of the classic first album by Love Unlimited, with a cover that makes things a bit clearer than the original one. As we're sure you know, Barry White produced this little gem, and the record was a key proving ground for many of his stone cold soul production ideas before he went ... LP, Vinyl record album
Love Unlimited Orchestra
Love Unlimited Orchestra – The 20th Century Records Albums 1973 to 1979 (9CD set)20th Century/Universal,
CD ... On March 29, 2019
... CD
Lamont Dozier
Love & BeautyInvictus/Demon (UK), 1975. (reissue)
LP ... About March 29, 2019
A massive album by Lamont Dozier – probably his best ever! Every cut's a winner, and the LP shines with a sharpness and tightness that's missing from some of Lamont's other LPs from the 70s. The songwriting is impeccable – and as the album progresses, you get that eerie "deja ... LP, Vinyl record album
Eliminators
Loving ExplosionBRC/Demon (UK), 1974. (reissue)
LP ... About March 29, 2019
A rare funky soul classic! This one was originally issued on Brunswick in 1974, and it's darn impossible to find in the original, probably because Brunswick was having a great deal of financial trouble at the time. Whatever the case, the record's a great one – and it's got a tight ensemble ... LP, Vinyl record album
Donna Summer
Another Place & Time (expanded 3CD edition)Atlantic/Driven By The Music (UK), 1988.
CD ... About March 29, 2019
Donna Summer's in the hands of 80s pop superproducers Stock/Aiken/Waterman this time around – and the trio give her music just the kind of catchy, bouncy feel of some of their bigger hits for other artists at the time! The approach is surprisingly strong for Summer, and almost returns her ... CD
ABC/Concord, 1962.
LP ... About April 1, 2019
Brilliant work throughout – both of Ray Charles' classic country albums in a single package! Volume one is the stuff of legends – and what seemed a silly idea at the time was true proof of Ray's genius – the most successful album of his career and a bona-fide number one hit that ... LP, Vinyl record album
Future Days/Light In The Attic, Mid 60s-Early 70s.
LP ... On April 5, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Decca (UK), Late 60s/Early 70s.
LP ... About April 13, 2019
A fantastic set – totally fresh, and way different than the usual Northern Soul compilation! The set features many tracks recorded in the UK – which makes for a sound that's different than some of the American-heavy grooves that you'll hear on other sets, and which adds in a compelling ... LP, Vinyl record album
Billy Martin
Strawberry SoulReturn To Analog (Canada), Early 70s. (reissue)
LP ... About May 1, 2019
One of those lost funk classics that you'll never find in the original! Billy Martin leads a tight little instrumental combo – with a strong brassy finish, and lots of good wah wah guitar – through a set of originals and funky soul covers, all with a nice little groove, and kind of a ... LP, Vinyl record album
James Bradley
James BradleyMalaco/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About May 13, 2019
Side two is the real charmer, and features some great mellow tracks done in a southern modern mode – with production by Fredrick Knight that's in that smooth Jackson style, on tracks that include "I Can't Get Enough Of Your Love", "Knowing You're My Everything", "Never ... CD
Barbara Howard
On The RiseRemined/Colemine, 1970. (reissue)
LP ... On February 15, 2019 (delayed)
A lost Ohio soul treasure – the initial effort by a singer with a hell of a voice, but one who languished in obscurity after the poor response to this debut LP! Barbara Howard really knocks it out of the park here – singing like a deep soul diva with a hell of a lot of power and focus ... LP, Vinyl record album
Freeway
FreewayPeoples Potential/P-Vine (Japan), Late 70s.
CD ... About February 6, 2019 (delayed)
Not the famous Freeway, of aughties hip hop fame – but instead an obscure 70s group, and one who are equal parts jazzy soul and AOR! Despite their indie roots, these guys have a tight sound that could easily compete with the bigger blue-eyed acts of the time – sharp songs, catchy ... CD
Solomon Burke
If You Need Me (180 gram pressing)Atlantic/Music On Vinyl (UK), Early 60s. (reissue)
LP ... About February 5, 2019 (delayed)
Seminal sounds from Solomon Burke – and a record that already has the young singer hitting the full heights of his greatness! There's a vibe here that's unlike anything else – even any of Burke's heavy-hitting contemporaries on Atlantic Records – and the album's key proof that ... LP, Vinyl record album
Cloud One & Others
Flying High – Patrick Adams P&P MastersP&P/Octave (Japan),
CD ... About January 23, 2019 (delayed)
... CD
Regime/P-Vine (Japan), Early 70s.
CD ... About January 12, 2019 (delayed)
Massive grooves from a very unique group! These guys play guitar and percussion all at once – in a flurry of fast grooves that rip away tremendously, but with a style that's still plenty darn earthy! There's definitely a bit of a global influence in the music overall, but the sound comes ... CD
Floaters/
Float On (extended)/Because (France),
12-inch ... About January 1, 2019 (delayed)
... 12-inch, Vinyl record
Judy Pollak Featuring 33 1/
In Togetherness
Chatsford/P-Vine (Japan), 1978.
CD ... About December 25, 2018 (delayed)
... CD
Disco Space Funk Band
Journey Through The NightBaby Grand/Everland (Austria), 1978.
CD ... About December 20, 2018 (delayed)
A sweet little record that's way better than you might ever guess from the title – almost more of a jazz funk effort overall, with excellent work on guitar, trumpet, saxes, and keyboards! There's vocals on the album, but maybe more in a backup sort of way – and although the cuts could ... CD
Clydie King
Rushing To Meet YouTiger Lily/Everland (Austria), 1976.
CD ... About December 20, 2018 (delayed)
The rare second album from Clydie King – recorded at a time when she was lending her backing vocals to artists like The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, and Humble Pie – but a set that firmly puts Clydie in the lead! King's got an amazing style of singing – deep and raspy at one ... CD
Perry & The Harmonics
Intrigue With SoulMercury/Monkey Dog (Germany), Mid 60s. (reissue)
LP ... About December 10, 2018 (delayed)
Totally excellent! This is a rare bit of funky instrumental soul, cut in Chicago for Mercury by this group that included Clarence Perry on tenor, Richard McCrea on organ, and legendary soul composer and producer Ed Townsend on piano! Townsend produced the whole session, and he also does some ... LP, Vinyl record album
Perry & The Harmonics
Intrigue With SoulMercury/Monkey Dog (Germany), Mid 60s.
CD ... About December 10, 2018 (delayed)
Totally excellent! This is a rare bit of funky instrumental soul, cut in Chicago for Mercury by this group that included Clarence Perry on tenor, Richard McCrea on organ, and legendary soul composer and producer Ed Townsend on piano! Townsend produced the whole session, and he also does some ... CD
Emilia
EmiliaSvart (Finland), (reissue)
LP ... About October 26, 2018 (delayed)
... LP, Vinyl record album
Various
Trax – The Foundation Of HouseTrax/Demon (UK),
LP ... About February 22, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
