John Lester with Cal & Bertha of the VelvelettesDEBONAIRES I’m In Love Again (UK Track)
I first heard this on BBC Radio 1 and was overwhelmed how Motown this track sounded. I bought the 45 on UK Track and later read that HDH had marketed the song at the Midem festival – all false information. Issued on Solid Hit in the States, it’s my all time favourite Detroit record.
TERI BRYANT When I’m In Your Arms (Verve)
Keith Rylatt suggested I buy a few Detroit records from one of his record lists years ago and to me, this was the one that stuck out. Out-and-out Detroit and this is just how I like it.
AL KENT The Way You’ve Been Acting Lately (Ric-Tic)
Now firmly convinced by Keith that ANYTHING that came out of Detroit was worth buying, I started collecting the Ric-Tic label. In the days when London record stall “Cheapo Cheapo” was run by Ady Croasdell, there used to be loads of Ric-Tic records for sale at 30p and I chanced this one. This was the best and one I still play constantly.
FANTASTIC FOUR I’ve Got To Have You (Ric-Tic)
Sweet James had a powerful voice and this song was made for him. It’s full of emotion and it hit me right between the eyes when I played it for the first time. It’s one I have to stop and listen to because it really
pulls at the heartstrings.
ADORABLES Daddy Please (Golden World)
Previously recorded by the Velvelettes as ‘Let My Boyfriend Stay’, the Adorables later version made a few lyric changes and added that stomping Detroit beat to make it one of my huge favourites. Co-incidentally,
it’s reminiscent of the Velvelettes ‘Needle In A Haystack’.