…..that seeped into my heart was white. I was born in ’56 so I was the prime age to get swept up by Motown and Stax, but I didn’t. My love of black Soul Music came retrospectively, quite possibly through my love of Blu Eyed Soul.
At the peak of Motown I was too busy with Deep Purple, Zep and Yes.
And then, out of the radio, came She’s Gone by Daryl Hall & John Oates. Within a week, they were In Concert on the Beeb, on the OGWT, and the Abandoned Luncheonette album was welded to my turntable. And that was it. I was caught, hook, line and sinker. Within 2 or 3 years my record collection was full of The Average White Band, Kokomo, Boz Scaggs and Robert Palmer. And my beloved Hall & Oates.
So, my fellow music lovers, let’s have an old fashioned Friday night music thread. I’m off out for some amazing Italian food and wine but I’ll be back to check on you later. I’ll start you off with a few old favourites
niallb says
Jess Roden – On Broadway
Beezer says
Cripes, that’s excellent
niallb says
Good, isn’t it?
niallb says
Daryl Hall, from his album Soul Alone, and Borderline
niallb says
AWB – When Will You Be Mine?
Clive says
Come on, we all liked them didn’t we?…
Moose the Mooche says
…especially Gary Davis.
niallb says
Great choice, not heard it in yonks.
count jim moriarty says
From The Bad And Lowdown World Of The Kane Gang, a truly superb album. Unfortunately, a one-off classic. As often, the follow up was underwhelming.
Carl says
My favourite track off the album is Crease In His Hat.
I thought the second album was pretty good. Not as good as Bad & Lowdown, but pretty decent songs throughout.
count jim moriarty says
Fair comment – perhaps I was a bit harsh, if only because TBALWOTKG is so bloody great. They did have more than a little label competition – at the same time, Kitchenware was also housing Prefab Sprout, Martin Stephenson and Hurrah!, all of whom had their fair share of soulful moments.
Tony Japanese says
Having been made aware of Kitchenware through Editors in 2006 I was surprised to find out they’d been going since the 1980s at least.
Blue Boy says
Oh yes, another vote here for the Kane Gang – that first album was absolutely one of my favourite records of the 80s. And Motortwon was fine as well.
Moose the Mooche says
She’s Gone – choooooooooooooooooooooooooooon!
While I’m here….
niallb says
Can always rely on Todd.
retropath2 says
Not many people managed an Aretha cover this cool.
niallb says
Yep, nailed it. This still crops up in multiple playlists.
Morrison says
That rare thing – a new deep soul track – and a touch of remorse, regret and restraint. Irma Thomas sounding great too.
The whole album is late night delight with Walt easing back with just his guitar, a touch of Hammond or piano on a bluesy, soulful set that’s available on YouTube.
Fifer says
That Kokomo track was lovely. Here’s another reinterpretation, this time by the original artist.
retropath2 says
Fabulous. Sounds as if this record I have been dithering about, put off by the cover, might be worth buying after all.
Fifer says
For sure. As a live album – presumably from multiple gigs – the production is great. Many of the tracks, like this one, are reinterpretations not just reproductions. What a musician! Stop dithering and just do it.
niallb says
It’s a wonderful album. The level of playing is off the scale. The incomparable Richard Bailey (see Jess Roden’s peach of a version of On Broadway at the top of the thread) on drums.
Mike_H says
Drummer on Jeff Beck’s “Blow By Blow” and the amazing “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” on Wired too.
I think I’ll call Jeff’s GPPH soul music, just so I can link to it here. If you don’t approve, bite me!
Twang says
Effortlessly joining two ideas…
Morrison says
Another brand new track from the over-75s…Willie Hightower on a stunning Muscle Shoals-recorded set that’s just out on Ace. Quinton Claunch – now 95 – in the producers’ chair with studio veterans like Travis Wammack on guitar. Like all proper soul albums it weighs in at a shade over 30 minutes.
retropath2 says
Is he related to Rosetta? And isn’t Candi Staton Hightower kin?
Moose the Mooche says
Best. Pornstar. Name. Ever.
retropath2 says
Here’s some marmite, possibly, the great Michael McD, Doobie brother and Steely Donor.
Moose the Mooche says
Doesn’t What A Fool Believes belong on this thread?
I bloody love it, me.
niallb says
It does.
niallb says
MM could, as they say, sing the phone book.
retropath2 says
(Frankly, near anyone could sing this song. Joanie just sings it better.)
niallb says
Great version.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Gotta have this:
niallb says
Wonderful song, written by Free’s Andy Fraser.
Carl says
Here is Frazey Ford backed by the same band that played behind Al Green:
duco01 says
I like that bit at about 2:52 when the slightly overweight cat comes padding along the path. Nice.
Moose the Mooche says
I enjoyed that video for several reasons, some of them absolutely terrible.
And yes, the cat was good.
Pajp says
That’s fantastic.
Just listened to it four times on the trot. I knew the name, but don’t remember hearing anything by her before. I love her voice… it reminded me a bit of Mary Margaret O’Hara’s voice, especially when she sings “my joy, my joy, my joy takes nothing from you”.
Tiggerlion says
Indian Ocean is one of the finest albums of the 21st Century! 😉
Pajp says
I’ve just been listening to some of the other Indian Ocean tracks on YouTube and it will definitely feature in my letter to Santa this year.
Carl says
I’m hoping that by the time Santa is due to call, Frazey will have a new album out.
Indian Ocean was released in 2014 (and is, as Tigger notes, one of the finest albums of this century) so it’s about time.
I’d also add that the gig I went to at The Union Chapel, when Frazey toured in support of the album is one of the finest it’s been my pleasure to attend. Pure musical magic.
Tiggerlion says
Four years! Seems like yesterday….
retropath2 says
Others backed by Al Green’s band include
1.) Cat Power
2.) Frank Black
niallb says
@Carl New one on me but I’m in love already.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Me too, and a tenner down. Marvellous.
Has this girl been to Daryl’s Place yet? I’d L.O.V.E. to hear that.
Carl says
Frazey has released a couple of tracks in the last year.
A cover of Funkadelic’s Can You Get To That (I only know that because of the YouTube caption)
and a cover of D’Angelo’s When We Get By (again I have to profess ignorance of the original)
Blue Boy says
I’m with Tigger on Indian Ocean. Completely coincidentally we played the album as we drove back home from the South West today. Still magnificent. The final two tracks kill me very time.
I remember I reviewed it on the Blog. A day or two later we had the almighty crash. Don’t blame me, or Frazey.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Haven’t played Indian Ocean for a couple of years now – what a silly boy am I! Magnificent!!!
Blue Boy says
Here’s more from the same album and featuring that magnificent, effortless-sounding band in the studio
attackdog says
This is another of those albums I read about on here, what, three or four years ago?, ordered, received and has been sitting in it’s unopened wrapper until today. It is now opened. And it is spectacularly good – the kind of stuff that transcends the ‘Americana’ tag (or any other genre – it doesn’t need one). It’s just bloody good.
Tiggerlion says
Cate Brothers – Can’t Change My Heart
niallb says
Tigg, from the same, brilliant album.
Tiggerlion says
In the context of the thread, I’d put their debut a smidge behind AWB White album.
niallb says
Correct.
mrxsg says
I’d never heard of the Cate Brothers before. Sounds great. Being a fan of AWB I’ll have to investigate further.
niallb says
That first album is a classic. Steve Cropper production and packed with great musicians.
Vincent says
I also followed this backward trajectory to soul music. I liked progressive, which led to fusion, which led to jazz and funk. I liked rock, which led to rhythm and blues, and thence to soul and gospel. Hall n Oates, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Todd Rundgren – all let their love of soul come through, and so it was natural to go to the originals. Sharon Jones and the Dap -Kings make me feel very happy – but sad she has already left us:
atcf says
Blue eyed soul. How I never tire of this performance:
Neela says
Pure class. Thanks for posting.
niallb says
So beautiful.
niallb says
Also from Later, a MIchael McDonald performance I will never forget. Such a clever lyric within a beautiful melody, I was weeping by the end.
niallb says
The Official Coolest Man On the Planet.
niallb says
How could I forget?
niallb says
Still sounds so fresh.
https://youtu.be/bRdw2romPII
Twang says
Go on then
niallb says
Great minds…..
Twang says
👍
niallb says
From a fantastic album…..
Iggypop1 says
garyt says
That would’ve been my choice as well
niallb says
Yep, stunning.
Twang says
Let’s do this…
niallb says
I love this album.
Twang says
I think this qualifies – Edgar in restrained mode. Gorgeous vocal – that last chorus…
niallb says
Love that!
Mike_H says
(Terry Reid – River)
The distinct Latin flavour of this song is due to Terry having shared a London flat for a while with exiled Brazilian singer/songwriter Caetano Veloso, prior to Terry’s emigration to the USA.
niallb says
Gorgeous.
mrxsg says
Written with Hamish Stuart.
niallb says
Great version of a killer song. Here’s AWB with a live version that I must have watched a thousand times. Hamish and Alan are so in sync and Steve Ferrone on drums is locked in that pocket.
mrxsg says
No one seems to mention The Isley Brothers these days.
The intro was sample by Thundercat for “Them Changes”
Twang says
Possibly a bit rock but great vocal from Steve Ellis
niallb says
Great song. Stevie Ellis has a great voice.
Twang says
Back to Hall & Oates, this sums them up for me
niallb says
I adore the extended version of Possession Obsession. Daryl says it is one of John’s best songs and who am I to argue?
niallb says
I loved this album, back in the very late ’70’s (pre Level 42.) Grand Theft were a short-lived British soul/funk band and I loved them.
niallb says
Another from RP. These early albums, with most of Little Feat on them, are still joyous. God, this is good.
Mike_H says
A mix of Little Feat, The Meters and Stuff* on the “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” album.
Seriously funky.
*Google them.
(Sailin’ Shoes/Hey Julia/Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley)
niallb says
Yep, THAT’S what I’m talking about!
niallb says
From 1997, by a white Englishman. Stunning vocal.
niallb says
From Michael McDonald’s newest (and best for years) album. I had a conversation with my musician brother, who has always loved MM’s solo albums, and he agreed with my theory.
The reason I love songs like these is because, if I could write music, these are the chord changes I’d use.
niallb says
And the ever wonderful Jess Roden Band. I wanted the incendiary live album version but this will have to do.
Vince Black says
Stingray is a fabulous album with top vocalising from Joe and a wonderful restrained groove from the band which includes Steve Gadd, Chuck Rainey, Cornell Dupree and the great Richard Tee
niallb says
Wonderful. Amazing how you spot Richard Tee a mile off.
niallb says
Todd again, naturally.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Monster thread!
Vulpes Vulpes says
And she absolutely NAILS this:
niallb says
Oh yes!
Fifer says
Great tunes and great thread. Thanks Niall!
Blue Boy says
All this way and no Van yet?
niallb says
Crazy isn’t it?
Blue Boy says
Dusty
niallb says
OMG how did I forget Dusty? THE killer 60’s white soul voice,
duco01 says
We have a few Lewis Taylor fans on this board, don’t we? I seem to recall a couple of people mentioning him in the past, anyway. I only have Taylor’s first, eponymous album, which just sort of appeared out of nowhere in 1996. Some amazing tracks on it …
niallb says
A precious album. What a voice!
Beezer says
I’ve always liked this version of ‘Laughing Down Crying’
niallb says
Proper, proper version.
Blue Boy says
Ok I’m probably going to be slaughtered for this, but in the early 80s Paul Young fronting Q-tips was just glorious goodtime stuff
niallb says
Slaughtered? Not by me. Great stuff.
Twang says
I was going there but bottled it. I had this one in mind. I saw the Q Tips at Oxford Poly and they were excellent. In fact I stood next to Paul Young at the bar – he is very tall.
https://youtu.be/K2MXi81smSI
niallb says
Johnny Lyon just popped into my head and I’m remembering sneaking into a gig at Guildford Civic Hall, all white suits (them) and sweat (me), and this.
Twang says
Oh yes. Love Southside.
niallb says
When Springsteen writes this for you……
Twang says
I remember seeing them do it on OGWT and I was sold for life.
niallb says
Stevie Marriott. You cannot possibly have a thread about white soul voices and not have Stevie.
Beezer says
Wise words.
Here’s my fave white soul voice. James Hunter (Howlin’ Wilf that was)
‘Don’t Come Back’
niallb says
One of the most underrated voices of all time.
Rigid Digit says
and another fine, fine Stevie Marriott vocal
niallb says
Wonderful.
Blue Boy says
Thanks for a great thread @niallb. My introduction to Hall and Oates, was also Abandoned Luncheonette. To be honest I reckoned Hall and Oates were of no interest to me whatsoever, but it was 1976 and there was this girl, you see. She was a couple of years older than me, spectacularly beautiful, fun, classy, sophisticated and she adored Abandoned Luncheonette. Predictably, I got absolutely nowhere with her, but I did come to love the album……
niallb says
You are welcome. Hall & Oates got me out of my teenage ‘rock rut’ and opened the window into a whole other world of music. And they are still a great night out when they play live.
niallb says
This is one of my favourite threads I’ve ever started. I don’t mind saying I was getting a bit fed up with the navel gazing, in fighting and sniping. I have been here a long time. I have made some wonderful friends here. I have written some of my best stuff on this forum. I was only ever here for the music.
Thanks for the support. xx
Twang says
Me too dude. The bantz and virtue signalling I try to ignore.
ruff-diamond says
Rodders. In his day THE greatest interpreter of other people’s songs, bar none, and one of the finest white soul/blues voices to ever come out of these islands. Here he is with Labi Siffre’s Crying Laughing Loving Lying:
niallb says
Spot on. One of the great voices.
fitterstoke says
This:
niallb says
Wouldn’t have been my first thought but it works.
fitterstoke says
I believe it fits the general tone….
Freddy Steady says
I’m an indie rock guitary kinda guy and not really a soul fan but would echo the positive comments on this thread….some ace stuff!
Does this count?
Moose the Mooche says
Bloody loved the Christians first two albums. Still do. As Marcello Carlin points out, Garry’s diction (steady!) is probably the best you’ll hear on any record of that era. Take that, so-called Elton!
niallb says
Great choice.
timtunes says
Great thread thank you – quite a few here I’d never heard of before
AWB and Robert Palmer were first loves for me – both well covered above but how about
and
niallb says
Yep, great choices.
timtunes says
This may not go down well, but they were Boz’s band of course
Mike_H says
Another surprisingly funky one from Toto.
(Georgy Porgy)
niallb says
As my love for Toto knows no bounds (probably most seen and most met live band) so, great choices.
Tiggerlion says
Not enough ladies on this thread for my taste.
Shelby Lynne – I Thought It Would Be Easier
https://youtu.be/gRtZZ4TPS2w
niallb says
Liquid chocolate.
Tiggerlion says
Never underestimate Lulu – Oh Me Oh My (I’m A Fool For You Baby)
niallb says
Gorgeous voice.
Tiggerlion says
Duffy – Warwick Avenue
niallb says
Yep, great song too.
Tiggerlion says
Joss Stone (yes, that’s right) – Fell In Love With A Boy
niallb says
First album was a belter.
Tiggerlion says
Lisa Stansfield – You Can’t Deny It
niallb says
Choon.
Tiggerlion says
Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry On Their Own
niallb says
Another great voice.
Blue Boy says
There were several great female British white soul singers in the 80s and the queen of them all was Annie Lennox
niallb says
Great example. Always loved the soulful edge to her voice.
Blue Boy says
And, talking of the 80s, I loved Helen Terry’s work with Boy George on Colour by Numbers
niallb says
One of those singers who should have had more recognition.
KDH says
Sadly passed away this year…
niallb says
Love this.
retropath2 says
Maybe not an obvious choice but……
niallb says
I always think of Christine at the folky end of the spectrum but this works really well. Thanks @retropath2
Morrison says
Recently picked up Karen Carpenters posthumous solo album for pennies – never heard it before – but interesting “too slow to disco” slick 80s soulful direction. And as ever, that voice.
niallb says
That’s gorgeous.
Twang says
Bit of Gram, anyone?
niallb says
How cold I forget this gem?
niallb says
And from one of my favourite singers of all time…..
niallb says
How could I forget these 2?
niallb says
https://youtu.be/6Lfo2IPvXMw
niallb says
If I’m having Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes (and I am) then I should have their producer/songwriter. This album is a stunner.
Morrison says
Enjoying this thread. Here’s a couple more – from the days of “Thursday night at the local poly when the band on stage would outnumber the audience or their genteel soulfulness would be pitched as a support act to someone like Budgie.”
Or
niallb says
I just created a Spotify playlist for the thread (see my new post) and have added the Cado Belle track. Sadly this one is not on Spotify. Pity – it’s lovely.
KDH says
I think Cado Belle features Colin Tully, who did the great (and sadly never released) soundtrack for Gregory’s Girl. I like the track above.
Carl says
Cado Belle were a superb live band.
pencilsqueezer says
Better late than never I suppose. A couple from me.
niallb says
Both fine choices, P and both added to the playlist.
Kid Dynamite says
More Dan Penn. Never been a massive soul head, but heard this on a compilation a while back and it got me right there.