ALBUM: Various Artists ‘The Capitol Northern Soul 7s Box’

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This complete rarity of a Northern Soul collection contains 14 tracks on 7 double sided 45’s from world famous Capitol Records and its counterparts Tower and Uptown. An archaic blast from the soul scene past that spans from 1965 to 69, this limited edition collection also includes first 7” appearances for Doris Troy’s ‘Face Up To The Truth’, Jay D Martin’s ‘By Yourself’ and The Magnificent Men’s ‘Keep on Climbin’, as well as a first time world vinyl issue of Alexander Patton’s ‘(True Love Is) In The Heart’. These tracks have been given a new lease of life and they sound better than ever.

The collection morphs and develops as we go further and further in, with different aspects of the northern soul sound characterized by syncopated beats and fast tempo mid-’60s Motown style sounds being exhibited, but nonetheless still maintaining the funkadelic, infectious, rhythm blues groove. The first three tracks (Jay D Martin: ‘By Yourself’ , Sam Williams: ‘Love Slipped Through My Fingers’ and The Magnificent Men: ‘Keep On Climbin’) are certified soul style dancers provoking images of the Northern English “stompers” and confirming the uplifting and joyous associations with this genre. This contrasts slightly with the more toned down record 5 track, Bobby Sheen: ‘Sweet, Sweet Love’, as it presents the more endearing, romanticized element of Northern soul. The final track (Doris Troy: ‘Face Up To The Truth’) is a heavily Motown-infused conclusion to the collection with a strong solo female vocal and a central message to the track which suggests overcoming fears to stand up to something. The strong-willed and motivational feel around this song is something this genre embodies.

The Northern Soul scene, resonating from the mid 1960’s, was far removed from the mainstream and records of this sort have always been a rare find. This particular Capitol Records collection would be an invaluable addition to any Northern Soul DJ or enthusiast due to the joyous sensation it gives it listener through its use of storming Motown-style vocals, an abundance of horn instruments and the syncopated drum beats and rhythms. The athletic dancing accompanying these elements was rubberstamped by stand out Northern soul tracks such as Tony Clarke’s ‘Landslide’ and most notably Gloria Jones’ ‘Tainted Love’.

The appeal of a major label like Capitol Records (formed in 1942) delivering this collection is sure to catch the eye of Northern Soul beginners, as well as familiar collectors, with its high level of producers and songwriters involved in its making.

The Capitol Northern Soul 7s Box is released on 24th July via Capitol Records.

Luke Jewell

Luke Jewell

Luke Jewell

Luke Jewell

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