FALCONS I Found A Love (Lupine)
From 1962, one of the true early stepping stones of the soul years. Manic, sanctified vocal performance from Wilson Pickett, backed by the Ohio Untouchables, and featuring the shimmering guitar of Robert Ward.
OHIO UNTOUCHABLES I’m Tired (Lupine) This time, it’s Robert Ward giving the unbridled vocal performance. Superb, deep, early gospelly, performance. Roger Eagle first played me this in his ‘luxury’ pad in Withington, 1967, and I was blasted away by it. I pecked at his head for yonks, ’til he flogged it to me!
DARRELL BANKS Open The Door To Your Heart (Revilot)
I first heard this as a new release, one afternoon, in Ralph’s Records, Manchester. It killed me on first earful! From the opening horns and Darrell’s sublime vocal performance, to the fade, every second counts. It really has retained it’s popularity over the years.
EDWIN STARR I Have Faith In You (Ric-Tic)
Flip of ‘S.O.S.’ of course, this took ages to creep up on me. Much more subtle than the hit side, it’s truly a lovely performance.
DEON JACKSON All On A Sunny Day (Carla)
Released in the UK on Atlantic, it’s the b-side of ‘Ooh Baby’. I love both sides, but if push comes to shove, this side just wins. A beaut of a floater, featuring Deon’s Smokey-influenced vocal, it really seemed to epitomise the summer of ‘68. (Nostagia, I remember that....)