Blast - Damned Flame

Blast - Damned Flame (1973)

Belgium's Blast are a fun noisey blast of proto: Proto-punk, proto-thrash, proto-Motorhead and proto whatever else. The vocalist keeps it in a pop song realm making it somewhat less harsh than those future genres turned out to be though. I think they did just this one 7" single. Pretty cool.  

Elvis Presley - Burning Love

Elvis + Cowbell = The Best!

*You'll have to put this through a good system or headphones for full funky affect. The drumming on this tune is so good. 

Toshiki Kadomatsu - If You...

Toshiki Kadomatsu - If You... (1984)

A spritely piece of funky boogie from Japan. An 80s bass and saxamophone extravaganza. An 80s dancefloor anthem from a parallel world. If you want an entire other 80s of this type it's ready and waiting for you in these Japanese recordings.  

The Jacksons featuring Michael Jackson - Show You The Way To Go

"They" can smear MJ all they want but a massive part of the population know he is still the king of pop and all the unkind words in the world will not change their love for him. 

After The Jackson 5 left Motown they changed their name to The Jacksons and signed to Philadelphia International. This Gamble & Huff tune is one of the most lushly lovely tunes Michael Jackson ever did. A total nitrous oxide marshmallow: Luxuriant mellifluousness. 

Peak R&B!

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - The Love I Lost

Great Teddy Pendergrass vocal backed by MFSB on this 1973 Gamble & Huff tune. The secret architect here is legendary veteran arranger Bobby Martin with superior strings.

The Exciters - Movin' Too Slow

The Exciters - Movin' Too Slow (1969)

We all know their ubiquitous hit Tell Him from 1962 but here's a later one from the same era as their single Blowin Up My Mind that's very fucking cool. This deep cut from the Caviar & Chitlins LP moves along at quite a pace and it's a hell of a satisfying ride. Pop perfection innit. I mean...just press play. Sometimes talking about music is dumb.

Sons Of Robin Stone - Got To Get You Back

Sons Of Robin Stone - Got To Get You Back (1974)

The Philly soul sound goodness is so good on this Bobby Eli production. Melodies in the 70s were just way more expansive and forthright weren't they? Conga, string and horn extravaganza! 

The Dynamics - Yes, I Love You Baby

The Dynamics - Yes, I Love You Baby (1966)

This is such an inspired weird little jam. I'm pretty lost for words on this one...it just seems so instinctual, like it just came out like this and there was nothing they could do about it. It's fun raw off kilter minimal funky soul with a hint of rock'n'roll or just old school unreconstructed rhythm & blues. Whatever it is, it's pretty bloody infectious. Some absolute magic is captured right here on this platter. 

Rewind.

Gwen Owens - Just Say You're Wanted (And Needed)

Gwen Owens - Just What You Wanted (And Needed) - (1966)

This on the surface sounds like just another Detroit mid 60s soul-pop number but it's also pretty insane. What is going on with the band? Sometimes it sounds like there are two bands playing and they're coming in and out of phaze. The drums are so unhinged they sound like they've dropped in from outer space or the studio next door or another song entirely. The bass also seems to be quite unruly, it wants to run off and do its own thing. It's all so deliciously spirited, I can't stop playing it. On top of all the crazy is Gwen's incredible voice. Like one of the great soul voices ever. Her timbre coupled with her restraint put her in an outstanding class. She could have been a huge star. 

The Spinners - I'll Be Around

The Spinners - I'll Be Around (1972)

ALL of the Philly soul goodness. I mean this is just perfection innit. THE INTRO: Best ever! The ecstatic keys. Congas, congas, congas! Sweet soul vocal sounds of Bobby Smith. The toe tappin' tempo. That bassline. The ladies doing back-up. The guitar. The brief but brilliant string and horn sequence. The little organ swirls too. Everything. Written and produced by Thom Bell, thank you very much.

The fact that Bell uses all those elements and I'll Be Around sounds uncluttered and deceptively lean is genius. 

Rewind!