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Bell’s Cellar of Soul - Volume 2
Producer – M. E. Seahorn
Producer, Arranged By – A.Toussaint
Written-By – Allen Toussaint
A2 Sonny Fisher – Oh Love This Is Sonny
Producer – Randy Stewart
Written By – Al Stewart, Sonny Fisher
Written-By – Al Stewart, Sonny Fisher
A3 Lee Dorsey– Wonder Woman
Producer – A.Toussaint, M. E. Seahorn
Written-By – Allen Toussaint
A4 Zilla Mayes– All I Want Is You
Producer – M. E. Seahorn
Producer, Arranged By – A.Toussaint
Written-By – Allen Toussaint
A5 Mighty Sam– Nothing But The Truth
Producer – Papa Don
Written-By – Hirst, Ruvin
A6 Lee Dorsey And Betty Harris– Love Lots Of Lovin'
Producer – M. E. Seahorn
Producer, Arranged By – A. Toussaint
Written-By – Allen Toussaint
A7 Al Greene– A Lover's Hideaway
Producer – Curtis Rodgers, Palmer James
Written-By – P. James
A8 Melvin Davis– Love Bug's Got A Bear Hug
Producer, Arranged By – Coffey, Theodore
Written-By – Melvin Davis
B1 Eddie Holman– I'm Not Gonna Give Up
Arranged By – Luther Randolph
Producer – Harthon Productions
Written-By – E. Holman
B2 The Incredibles– Standing Here Crying
Arranged By – Jerry Long
Producer – Cal Waymon, Madelon Baker
Written-By – Cal Waymon
B3 Lee Jones And The Sounds Of Soul– On The Other Side
Producer – Chips Moman
Written By – Jones-Thomas-Wheatley
B4 Lee Dorsey And Betty Harris– Take Care Of Our Love
Producer – M. E. Sehorn
Producer, Arranged By – A. Toussaint
Written-By – Allen Toussaint
B5 Van And Titus– Cry Baby Cry
Arranged By [Horns] – Charles Chalmers
Producer – Buzz Cason, Mac Gaydon
Written-By – Cason, Gaydon
B6 Jimmy And Louise Tig And Company– A Love That Never Grows Cold
Producer – Papa Don
Written-By – Toney
B7 Spencer Wiggins– The Power Of A Woman
Arranged By – Al Danto
Producer – Quinton Claunch, Rudolph Russell
Written-By – Q. Claunch
B8 Faye Adams– Shake A Hand
Written-By – J. Morris
Label: Bell Records – MBLL 107
Series: Bell's Cellar Of Soul
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul
Bell's Cellar of Soul - Volume 2 is a vintage 1968 UK mono vinyl compilation album featuring a variety of American soul artists and tracks, many of which were considered too niche for single release in the UK at the time but became popular on the Northern Soul scene.
The album is a compilation of 16 soul tracks that were popular on the burgeoning UK soul scene in the late 1960s. It was part of a landmark series that helped establish Black American music in Britain, curated by Derek Everett and Trevor Churchill.
The tracks are a mix of up-tempo, dance-floor favorites and soulful ballads. The album has been praised for its high quality and for featuring songs that have endured and maintained their musicality over decades.
Caught In A Crossfire
2 Bottom Line
3 Drifting Apart
4 Love Me Right
5 If You Can't Help Me Baby
6 Somebody Done Messed Up
7 Don't Make Me Pay For His Mistakes
8 Walkin' The Back Streets And Crying
9 Caught In A Crossfire
Label: Ichiban Records – ICH 1128
Format: CD, Album
Country: UK & US
Released: 1991
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Nineties Soul-Blues
Caught In A Crossfire is a 1991 studio album by American soul and blues singer Vernon Garrett, released on the Ichiban label. The album is considered a very consistent work within the soul-blues genre, featuring a perfectly mastered sound and Garrett's deep, gutsy vocals.
The album is a blend of modern electric blues, retro-soul, and traditional soul music. It was produced and supervised by multi-instrumentalist Gary "B.B." Coleman, who helped create a solid and well-produced collection of tracks.
The record is characterized by a strong soul-blues style with convincing titles that highlight Garrett's vocal command and the tight musicianship backing him.
Key tracks often noted from the album include "Bottom Line," "Drifting Apart," "If You Can't Help Me Baby," "Don't Make Me Pay for His Mistakes," and the title track "Caught in a Crossfire".
The general consensus among reviews points to Caught in a Crossfire as an outstanding album that deserved more attention than it received commercially. It is considered a solid, enjoyable record for those who appreciate authentic soul and blues music.
Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults) Vol. 1
2 Timmy Willis– Easy As Saying 1-2-3 (Timmy Willis 3:05)
3 Zerben R Hicks And The Dynamics– Lights Out (Larry Banks 2:51)
4 Irma Thomas– Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand) (Jeannie Seeley, Judith Arbuckle, Pat Sheeran, Randy Newman 2:57)
5 Jean Wells– Have A Little Mercy (Clyde Otis, Dorian Burton 2:35)
6 Dori Grayson– Try Love (Willie Ray James 2:36)
7 Brendetta Davis– I Can't Make It Without Him (Barry White, Vernon Jones 3:09)
8 Kenny Carter– Showdown (Larry Banks, Milton Bennett 2:49)
9 Larry Banks– I'm Not The One (Fred Skau, Joan Banks, Larry Banks 2:54)
10 Jimmy Holiday– The Turning Point (Jimmy Holiday 2:46)
11 The Incredibles– Standing Here Crying (Cal Waymon 2:29)
12 The Just Brothers– She Broke His Heart (Fred Bridges, Richard Beasley 2:27)
13 The Untouchables– You're On Top (Brice Coefield, Chester Pipkin 2:28)
14 Reuben Bell And The Casanovas– It's Not That Easy (Reuben Bell 2:24)
15 Van & Titus– Cry Baby Cry (Buzz Cason, Mac Gayden 3:21)
16 Jean Stanback– I Still Love You (Edgar Campbell 2:30)
17 Bessie Banks– Try To Leave Me If You Can (I Bet You Can't Do It) (Frank Green, Herman Wesley Kelley 4:34)
18 Raw Spitt– Songs To Sing (Jerry Williams, Troy Davis 4:16)
19 Lee Moses– How Much Longer (Must I Wait) (Lee Moses 2:36)
20 Billy Young (2)– Nothing's Too Much (Nothing's Too Good) (William D. Young 2:06)
21 Sam & Bill– I Feel Like Cryin' (Jesse Wilson 2:32)
22 Eddie & Ernie– I'm Goin' For Myself (Bert Keyes 3:35)
23 The Knight Brothers– Tried So Hard To Please Her (Elward Tobe, James Leon Diggs, Patricia Stokes 2:37)
24 Pearlean Gray & The Passengers– The Love Of My Man (Ed Townsend 2:48)
25 Jaibi– You Got Me (Herman Wesley Kelley, Larry Banks 2:36)
Label: Kent Soul – CDKEND 143
Series: Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 1997
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Deep Soul
Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures Vol. 1 is an acclaimed compilation album that curates a selection of rare, emotionally intense "deep soul" ballads from the 1960s, a style of music characterized by its heart-wrenching themes of love, loss, and life.
The album, released in 1997 by Kent Records, was a "labour of love" for the compiler Dave Godin, a prominent figure in the British Northern Soul scene who coined the term "deep soul". The tracks are not typically well-known hits, but rather overlooked "treasures" that Godin believed possessed a profound emotional honesty and intensity. The music has been described as an "uncompromising style" which, like the blues, adheres to a strict code of ethics in its raw expression of feeling. Godin considered this music a form of "therapy," allowing listeners to confront difficult emotions through the artistic expression of the performers.
The album features 25 tracks from various artists, including Irma Thomas, Bessie Banks, and Eddie & Ernie. Some of these artists made their UK debut with this compilation.
Get Up And Get Down
A2 Brothers Guiding Light– Getting Together
A3 Al Downing– I'll Be Holding On
A4 Joe Tex– Cat Got Her Tongue
A5 King Floyd– Can You Dig It?
A6 Aaron Neville– Hercules
A7 Cissy Houston– Midnite Train To Georgia
A8 Annette Snell– You Oughta Be Here With Me
B1 Whispers– A Mother For My Children
B2 Roy C– Got To Get Enough (Of Your Sweet Stuff)
B3 Etta James– Out On The Streets Again
B4 Joneses– Hey Babe (Is The Gettin' Still Good)
B5 Don Covay– It's Better To Have (And Don't Need)
B6 Ohio Players– Streakin' Cheek To Cheek
B7 Dramatics– Choosing Up On You
B8 Little Anthony & Imperials– La La La At The End
Label: Philips – 9299 160
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The album Get Up And Get Down (Philips 9299 160, UK release) is a 16-track vinyl LP compilation of soul and funk music from the 1970s.
This compilation is generally well-regarded by collectors for its selection of quality tracks from various soul and funk artists. It is appreciated for capturing the essence of the genre during that era and features tracks by notable artists such as Etta James, Al Downing, Joe Tex, and the Ohio Players. The album offers a good mix of well-known and rarer tracks, making it a valuable addition for fans of the genre.
The album is a sought-after item for vinyl enthusiasts, with copies in good condition fetching a respectable price on the second-hand market. The average rating for this release on Discogs is 3.6/5 based on a small number of ratings, indicating general satisfaction among owners. The packaging features a fully laminated picture sleeve.
Modern Soul Connoisseurs
2 Gloria Scott– A Case Of Too Much Lovemaking
3 Gene Chandler– Let Me Make Love To You
4 Beloyd– Get Into Your Life
5 Marvin Gaye– Come And Get To This
6 Timothy Wilson– It's Love Baby
7 Lawrence Payton– Tell Me You Love Me
8 Bobby Hutton– Wanting You, Needing You
9 The Topics– Booking Up Baby
10 Randy Brown – I Was Blessed The Day I Found You
11 Bottom & Company*– Gonna Find A True Love
12 Mojoba– I Know
13 Jesse James – If You Want A Love Affair
14 Brenda Lee Eager– When I'm With You
15 Howard Johnson– Keeping Love New
16 Jean Terrell– No Limit
17 Booker T. Jones– The Best Of You
18 Barbara Brown – Pity A Fool
19 Carolyn Sullivan– Dead
20 Dee Dee Warwick– I Haven't Got Anything Better To Do
Label: Spectrum Music – 544 973-2
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 2002
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The 2002 compilation album Modern Soul Connoisseurs has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from fans and collectors, generally considered a high-quality, essential collection of modern and crossover soul tracks curated by Northern Soul expert Richard Searling.
Reviewers widely praise the album as "pure gold" from start to finish and a "stunning collection of modern soul classics". It is frequently described as an "essential" part of any soul fan's collection, particularly for those interested in the modern end of Northern Soul or tracks that are otherwise hard to find on vinyl.
The album is noted for its quality curation, typical of Richard Searling's work. One user described it as "utterly brilliant" and a compilation that "really stands up" over time. The general consensus is that it is a "great comp" featuring first-class material.
The Deep Soul Of Stax
A2 William Bell– Bring The Curtain Down (Jones, Bell 2:27)
A3 Eddie Floyd– Why Is The Wine Sweeter (On The Other Side) (Jones, Floyd 2:43)
A4 Delaney & Bonnie– Hard To Say Goodbye (Bramlett, Radle, Bramlett 2:30)
A5 Booker T. & The M.G's– Soul Clap '69 (Jackson, Jones, Dunn, Cropper 2:40)
A6 Johnnie Taylor– Testify (I Wonna) (Taylor, Clinton 4:04)
A7 The Emotions– I Like It (Porter, Hayes 2:27)
A8 Isaac Hayes– Walk On By (Bacharach - David 4:20)
B1 Rufus Thomas– Do The Funky Chicken (Thomas 3:15)
B2 William Bell– Happy (Jones, Bell 2:34)
B3 Eddie Floyd– Don't Tell Your Mama (Where You've Been) (Jones, Floyd 3:55)
B4 Booker T. & The M.G's– Time Is Tight (Jones 3:08)
B5 J.J. Barnes– Baby, Please Come Back Home (Davis, Barnes 2:52)
B6 The Staple Singers– The Challenge (Crutcher, Banks, Jackson 3:40)
B7 Luther Ingram– Home Don't Seem Like Home (Baylor, Ingram 3:30)
Label: Stax – SXATS 1037
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1970
Genre:
R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Funk
The Deep Soul Of Stax is a rare, various artists compilation album released in the UK in 1970. It is a 12-inch vinyl record that showcases the raw, gritty Southern soul sound that defined the Stax Records label.
The album is a compilation of soul music tracks, focusing on the style associated with the Memphis-based Stax label. This style is noted for its church-based roots and emotional delivery.
The album features tracks from a variety of artists signed to Stax and its associated labels, typical of the compilations released by the label. It is known to include the track "Baby, Please Come Home" by J.J. Barnes.
Released as a UK pressing in 1970, it is considered one of the rarer Stax albums released in the United Kingdom. The release includes tracks that embody the 1960s and early 1970s soul and funk period of the label.
The album was issued as a 12-inch vinyl LP in a cardboard sleeve, with some pressings featuring a flipback laminated cover.
The Hi Records 45’s Collection: Vol 1
2 Otis Clay – Let Me Be The One
3 Otis Clay – I Didn't Know The Meaning Of Pain
4 Otis Clay – If I Could Reach Out
5 Otis Clay – That Woman Don't Live Here No More
6 Otis Clay – You Can't Escape The Hands Of Love
7 Otis Clay – You Did Something To Me
8 Otis Clay – It Was Jeaslousy
9 James Fry – Tumbling Down
10 James Fry – Still Around
11 James Fry – Mam's Boy
12 James Fry – I've Got Enough
13 Ann Peebles – I Can't Let You Go
14 Ann Peebles– Heartaches, Heartaches
15 David Duke – Is It Over
16 Eddie McGee – What Made You Change?
17 Norm West – Hey Little Girl
18 Norm West – Baby Please
19 Syl Johnson – Anyone But You
20 Syl Johnson – I Want To Satisfy Your Every Need
21 Bobo Mr. Soul – She's My Woman
22 Bobo Mr. Soul – Hitch-hike To Heartbreak Road
Label: Hi Records – HIUKCD 135
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released:
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
The Hi Records 45’s Collection: Vol 1 compilation is generally well-regarded by soul music enthusiasts for its excellent selection of classic and rare tracks from the legendary Hi Records label. The collection is praised for highlighting a diverse range of artists beyond the label's biggest star, Al Green.
Reviewers on platforms like Discogs and Amazon give the album high ratings, typically around 4 to 5 stars, with the music itself being described as "pure gold" and "brilliant funky soul with attitude". The key appeal of this collection is its focus on the depth of the Hi Records catalog, presenting a comprehensive look at the label's output through original A and B-sides of singles.
The collection includes 44 classic and rare singles from artists such as Otis Clay, Ann Peebles, George Jackson, Syl Johnson, and others, covering a wide range of soul and R&B styles produced by the influential Willie Mitchell. The sound quality generally receives positive to mixed reviews. Some listeners find the mastering to be very good, offering clear sound for these classic recordings. However, other opinions suggest that a more modern, high-end remastering could improve the sound, noting the current quality is "not a complete disaster but a good remastering job would increase these excellent tracks ability to shine".
The album features a strong lineup of soul musicians, making it a valuable addition for collectors and fans of the genre.
The album successfully captures the authentic, deep soul sound that made Hi Records a legendary label, and it is a popular choice for those wanting to explore the label's history beyond the well-known hits.
The Pain Goes Deep (More Deep Soul Gems)
2 Linda Jones– Fugitive From Love 3:15
5 Little Archie– I Need You 3:06
4 100% Proof Aged In Soul– I Don't Care If I Never Get Over You 3:58
5 Annette Snell– You Oughta Be Here With Me 3:55
6 George Jackson– Aretha, Sing One For Me 2:53
7 Jean Plum– Loneliness 3:50
8 Melvin Davis– I'm Worried 3:33
9 Doris Duke– He's Gone 4:33
10 Big John Hamilton– Take This Hurt Off Me 2:25
11 Tyrone Davis– I Keep Coming Back 2:37
12 Charles Smith– I'm Useless 3:43
13 Leon Byrd– I Catch Myself Cryin' 2:47
14 The Whispers– Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong 2:49
15 Betty Lavette– Let Me Down Easy 2:52
16 Aaron Neville– Been So Wrong 3:39
17 Laura Lee– I'll Catch You When You Fall 3:53
18 Sidney Joe Qualls– I'm Being Held Hostage 4:05
19 Quiet Elegance– You Got My Mind Messed Up 2:48
20 Tommie Young– She Don't Have Too See You (To See Through You) 3:09
21 Ann Sexton– I'm His Wife (You're Just A Friend) 2:53
22 Jackie Wilson– Just As Soon As The Feeling's Over 3:11
23 Joe Valentine– I Can't Stand To See You Go 2:57
24 Wilson Pickett– I'm Down To My Last Heartbreak 2:35
Label: Harmless – BACKB030
Series: Backbeats
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 2011
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Deep Soul
The Pain Goes Deep (More Deep Soul Gems) is a compilation album of various artists within the southern/deep soul genre, part of the popular "Backbeats" series by the independent record label Backbeats.
The album focuses on "deep soul" and R&B, featuring tracks that are rich in raw emotion and powerful, soulful vocals.
The "Backbeats" series is designed to showcase quality music from various independent labels over the past 50 years, using original 12" or album versions of tracks.
As the title suggests, the collection features songs that deal with themes of heartbreak, pain, grief, and raw emotions, which are characteristic of the deep soul genre.
The album offers significant musical value, with over 75 minutes of music from various original artists.
The album is available to purchase on CD by clicking the Amazon image below, or may be purchased as digital downloads.
Vesta
Backing Vocals – Bryan Loren, Vesta Williams
Instruments [All] – Bryan Loren
Producer – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren
Written-By – Bryan Loren 4:11
A2 Sweet Thang
Backing Vocals – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren, Vesta Williams
Instruments [All] – Bryan Loren
Producer – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren
Written-By – Bryan Loren 5:08
A3 Don't Blow A Good Thing
Backing Vocals – Vesta Williams
Instruments [All] – Bryan Loren
Producer – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren
Written-By – Bryan Loren 4:35
A4 Get Out Of My Life
Backing Vocals – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren, Tami Meggett
Instruments [All] – Bryan Loren
Producer – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren
Written-By – Bryan Loren, Tami Meggett 5:16
A5 I Can Make Your Dreams Come True
Backing Vocals – Bryan Loren, Vesta Williams
Instruments [All] – Bryan Loren
Producer – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren
Written-By – Bryan Loren 3:41
B1 My Heart Is Yours
Backing Vocals – Alex Brown, Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren, John Valentine
Instruments [All] – Bryan Loren
Written-By, Producer – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren 5:27
B2 You Make Me Want To (Love Again)
Arranged By [Strings] – Bryan Loren, Jeremy Lubbock
Backing Vocals – Billy Valentine
Instruments [All] – Bryan Loren
Producer – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren
Written-By – Billy Valentine, Leon Ware 4:58
B3 It's You
Arranged By [Strings] – Jeremy Lubbock
Backing Vocals – Alex Brown, Billy Valentine, Marva Barnes
Bass – Nathan East
Drums – John Robinson
Keyboards – Randy Waldman
Producer – Billy Valentine, Bryan Loren, Jeremy Lubbock
Written-By – Leon Ware 3:50
B4 Don't Let Me Down
Arranged By – David Crawford, Vesta Williams
Backing Vocals – Vesta Williams
Bass [Synthesized] – Bryan Loren
Electronic Drums [Linn Drums] – Craig Cooper
Guitar – Charles Fearing
Keyboards – James McKinney
Percussion – Eric McCain
Producer – David Crawford
Synthesizer – Ian Underwood
Written-By – Louis Russell (2), Vesta Williams 4:12
B5 Once Bitten Twice Shy
Arranged By – David Crawford, Vesta Williams
Backing Vocals – Vesta Williams
Bass [Synthesized] – Laythan Armor
Electronic Drums [Linn Drums] – Craig Cooper
Electronic Drums [Synthesized Drums] – Jeff Lorber
Guitar – Charles Fearing
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Producer – David Crawford
Soloist, Synthesizer – Patrice Rushen
Synthesizer – Ian Underwood
Written-By – Dean Gant, Vesta Williams 4:03
Label: A&M Records – SP-5118
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Vesta Williams' self-titled 1986 debut album, Vesta, is highly regarded for its powerful vocals and quality production, featuring a mix of uptempo R&B tracks and soulful ballads. Though some tracks are considered filler by a few critics, the standout songs and Williams' vocal prowess make it a cherished album among R&B fans.
Vesta marked the singer's debut on A&M Records and introduced her powerful, Chaka Khan-esque vocal style to a wider audience. The album was released around the same time as labelmate Janet Jackson's Control, and many fans feel that Williams was overlooked in terms of promotion and marketing dollars in comparison, despite the album's clear quality.
The album features production work from the likes of Bryan Loren and David Crawford, with mixing by Steve Hodge, giving it a sound often compared to the Jam & Lewis style popular at the time.
It achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at No. 43 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. It spawned two notable R&B hits: "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (peaked at No. 9 on R&B singles) and "Don't Blow a Good Thing" (peaked at No. 17 on R&B singles and No. 5 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart).
The album perfectly captures the late '80s R&B sound while showcasing Vesta's unique, commanding voice, and established her solo career after years as a sought-after background vocalist for artists like Chaka Khan and Sting.