Various Artists - Psychedelic Soul: Produced by Norman Whitfield (Kent Soul)(2021)CD

Smooth soul is the key feature of this compilation from the UK on the Kent Soul label. All the songs on this various artists CD were produced by Norman Whitfield. Atmospheric and spacious is how these productions are described by the liner notes. For a taste of what I mean, check out Gladys Knight's Look of Love or Rose Royce with Love Don't Live Here Anymore. I am not sure that sound is psychedelic but this is good, smooth soul that should please anyone that likes quality soul music. My basic rule, if the release is on the Kent label...including Kent Soul....it is a must have.

Various - Masterpieces of Modern Soul (Kent Dance)(2003)(CD)

 

In my pursuit of finding Northern Soul compilations, I stumbled on this set of releases on the Kent Dance label out of the U.K. If it is on Kent, it is a must buy. The focus here is on 'modern' soul. The term 'modern' is a bit loose. For example, there are tracks from 1971 and 2003 (and all in-between). In any event, irrespective of the dates, the songs and music is superb. This is a must have. There are various volumes to this series and I plan to get them all. If you get this CD, you will get this banger, The Millionaires - I'm The One Who Loves You.  Modern soul moves me.

Various - Wigan Casino Soul Club: Station Road, Wigan 1973-81 (Charly Records)(2013)(CD)

 

I recently attended my first "Northern Soul" night in San Diego. While it does not compare to the original nor to the "Soul Nites' that occur all over the U.K. today, it was still a lot a fun. Over the years I have purchased some good compilations of Northern Soul. Dipping into my collection I pulled this compilation of Station Road, Wigan. For those not in the know, Wigan was one of the centers of Northern Soul in the U.K. This is a 2-CD offering. The first CD is a fantastic compilation of dance floor burners. The second CD is a Tommy Hunt live performance at the Wigan Casino from September, 1975. Great set.

If you want to explore Northern Soul, this is not a bad place to start! Don Thomas -  Come On Train

Various - Lost Deep Soul Treasures Volume 4 (Sounds of Soul) (CD)(2001)

 

Random purchase from Norton Records during one of their sales. I saw this title and I immediately wanted to buy it. According to Discogs this is listed as an 'unofficial' release. There is no booklet, no information on the artists, no credits of any sort. This compilation just contains 23 tracks of great soul music. Based on what I hear,  I would agree that this is a deep soul compilation. That is, the songs are more heartfelt cries and laments. Lots of songs to slow dance to with your partner. For example, give a listen to Blues Brothers No. 1's Letter of Regret. This was released in 1976. Another representative record is Freddie Watson's It's All Over Now. This was a B side from 1970! I really think it is worth trying to find all the volumes of this great series. If you like soul music, get this..Great soul music for all that love this genre.