Soul Junction 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Northern Soul heads rejoice - Cam Cameron's delightful 1968 gem 'They Say' is back on 45 rpm thanks to Soul Junction. Cameron is a Black American artist who has a stunning voice, as you can hear here, but is one of many such talents to apparently have only ever recorded one tune before disappearing never to be heard from again. More's the pity. His real name was Alvin Cameron and he wrote this one while the lush strings come from the late John Andrew Cameron, a hugely respected arranger, producer and songwriter who had a big impact in the soul scene in the 60s and 70s in Chicago.

Review: It's not Oliver Cheatham's first trip through our ends. Soul Junction have released a steadily growing number of 7"s by the '70s soul crooner; they were first alerted to his talents circa 2012, when they heard two of his mid-seventies staples and were instantly charmed. 'Don't Pop The Question (If You Can't Take The Answer)' is a deliciously titled, and even better-sounding, classic track from that time. We've never encountered the phrase 'pop a question' before, but we're definitely not questioning this one: with a serene femme backing refrain and a popout wall-of-sound mix, Cheatham's paean to wresting oneself from the clutches of use and abuse in love. If you're tired of taking chances, cop this record.

Review: Diamond & James, aka Jesse James and Shirley Diamond, unite for a timeless collaboration that will swell the heart. First introduced by the late Harvey Scales, Jesse and Shirley's partnership flourished over time while Shirley, an educator from Atlanta, balanced her performing career with teaching, always showcasing her talents on weekends and school breaks. She has graced stages alongside music icons like Atlantic Starr and Bobby Bland, proving herself to be a versatile talent with notable releases like 'You Don't Have To Be Sad, To Sing The Blues' and 'Strong Woman'. This one 'You Don't Know Who You Sleeping With,' is a duet produced by Felton Pilate that highlights their enduring musical synergy and dedication to their craft.

Review: Milwaukee outfit Impulse are one of those soul bands that melt the heart. Their buttery smooth vocals and the funky grooves down low are a perfect accompaniment to late night smoochy sessions or dance parties alike. Made up of Wisconsin musicians incising Michael Reese, Cedrick Rupert, Jeffrey Williamson and Robin Gregory, they wrote and recorded their self-titled album at Wally Heider's Studio in San Francisco but it never ended up getting a proper release, until now. There are some raw and guttural sounds like 'What's That Sound' in among the more loved-up moments, which helps make it a real doozy.

Review: Reggie Soul And The Soul Swingers dropped their soul classic 'My World Of Ecstasy' back in 1969 on the Capri Records label. It is a cult and highly sought-after gem even all these decades later and there is currently just one second hand copy to be found and it will cost you almost four figures to own. Or you could buy this reissue on Soul Junction which is also backed with the raw and guttural 'Might Good Loving'. It hits hard, at high speed, with frantic drums and horns. 'My World Of Ecstasy' meanwhile is more sedate, with fluttery jazz melodies and gentle drums, great harmonies and a smoky lead.