Quite simply, it's a work of art, structured around a highly-addictive backbeat and complemented by a infectious saxophone along with some compelling guitar work. This activity is still prevalent today and it's virtually impossible to put into words the sheer thrill and delight on hearing a quality 'new' side on tape which leaps immediately to the top of your 'wants' list and you spend the next twenty years in the fervent hope that one day you WILL unearth a copy! There is always an imaginary musical pot bubbling away at Kent with contenders for the next volume of this fine series. The eye-opener on this new collection will be the previously unissued version of ‘I Only Cry Once A Day Now’, a superb Gene Page arrangement treasured by the Puffs on Doré but performed here by the mighty Fidels. This latest episode of the high-quality end of the Northern Soul world is as varied as the scene has become, featuring manic funk, Detroit grooves, doo wop-inspired ballads, neo-Motown and pure soul stompers.

The lesser-known Inconquerables single should have been dubbed as by the Unobtainables so few are its sightings. If there is a certificate we’ve missed out on then it’s probably for a 50 metre swim badge at the local swimming baths.The series has proved much appreciated by the soul cognoscenti, making this new vinyl edition a necessity. An even more established gem is given an interesting twist in a newly acquired early version of Maxine Brown’s ‘One In A Million’; the subtle differences make it an aural thrill. In the 70s and 80s it was considered a result just to obtain the desired side on tape which you would swap with other like-minded souls at the Allniters or via the pages of the dedicated soul fanzines. Pat Powdrill’s ‘Do It’ proceeds at a furious pace but the great melody makes it an indispensable listen, even if the dancers’ legs can’t keep up. We’ve positioned a wodge of funk-edged soul into the CD and hope to have your toes-a-tapping if not actually four-cornering around your living room by the end of it.

Producer Dave Hamilton managed to employ an accomplished brass section for the date and the sax solo is so skilful that I’m thinking “maybe Sonny Stitt? Originally issued on legendary jazz label, Milestone, the combination of the catchy, uptempo vocal, enhanced by the full-blown orchestral back up, renders this an undisputed classic and inspires reverence the length and breadth of the country. Whilst there can never be a substitute for owning the original 45s (anyone with a spare copy of Dan Folger for sale? We carry a broad range of CDs and vinyl (7”/12” singles and LPs) and specialise in indie, alternative, rock, punk, metal plus a few other genres.

It’s the tale of how six GIs stationed in Thailand managed to form a group, gig regularly around the country, compose their own material and record a great double-sider of a 45, all within their allotted year’s conscription. Our other Jesse, Mr Davis demoed his big beat ballad ‘There’s Someone For me’ for none other than Dean Martin who must have been on a bender when he foolishly rejected it.

Jack’s Pied Piper set-up produced the Hesitations’ ‘Soul Kind Of Love’, the second 45 from their superlative “Soul Superman” LP, and his later work with Detroiters Lorraine Chandler and George Rountree is represented by Philly singer Ray Gant’s update of Eddie Parker’s ‘I Need A True Love’, and the Family Brick’s vocal group version of ‘I’ll Fly To Your Open Arms’, which Jack sang on his “Hotel Sheets” LP. Tracks such as Marva Holiday’s ‘It’s Written All Over My Face’ and Darrow Fletcher’s Detroit-produced ‘What Good Am I Without You’ were played at the famous Northern Soul venues of yesteryear but got lost in the waves of 70s discoveries. Other prized items include Ty Karim’s ‘You Just Don’t Know’, Eddie Whitehead’s soulful floater ‘Just Your Fool’ and the poppy stomper ‘Losing Control’ from Mary Saxton, a white teenager with a voice like Tina Turner. Other soul legends include Major Lance with ‘Girl, Come On Home’ (the original flip of ‘Since I Lost My Baby’s Love’) and the Exits’ ‘Under The Street Lamp’, which epitomised the aspirations of black street corner vocal groups.More recently we acquired the Fidels’ version of the Puffs’ Doré sleeper ‘I Only Cry Once A Day Now’ – a historic recording from the revered group. High-quality dance records from across the Northern Soul spectrum – floor-fillers, chin-strokers, the esoteric and the sometimes obvious.

The Flodavieur label is one of the west coast’s rarest imprints and we’re proud to present its two most collectable items. The trademark guitar chords herald an ultra-soulful lament and the brass section apes Johnny Pate’s Impressions arrangements to a tee. Crazy Things’ by the unknown Joe Douglas, one of Jack’s earliest productions, was cut in Philly with a Motor City backing track. Difosco (aka Dee Ervin) recorded the ebullient ‘Sunshine Love’ for another Los Angeles imprint, Earthquake, and its standing among collector’s continues to grow, while we finally put out the correct brass-filled version of Peggy Woods’ great mid-80s discovery ‘Love Is Gonna Get You’ for the first time on CD.New York, LA, Detroit, Memphis, Nashville, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Norfolk are all represented here. a CD such as this goes a long way in easing and catering for that desire, and all without having to remortgage the house!