Soul Junction 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Soul Junction are ever-dependable reissue specialists who look to Detroit vocalists The Counts for their latest slice of gold. The band started out under the name Fabulous Counts and were a five piece band who initially recorded under the mentorship of Popcorn Wylie. They first charted in 1971 before moving to Atlanta where they signed to Michael Thevis's Awae label. Various singles and albums followed and in 1978 one of the tunes they recorded was 'What's It All About,' a gorgeous tune with the most elegant strings and a perfectly string vocal compliment with subtle horn work. 'Watch The Clock' on the flip is a more dance-y number with big Rhdoes chords and driving drum grooves.

Review: Newcomers Energy MC2 are exactly the sort of ensemble needed by the supremely funky Soul Junction imprint. The label have done a great job in continuously finding new, raw talent in the soul game, and these dudes know the score. "If You Break It" features the voice of Vincent Bonham, and it's a veritable lovers tune, made for dance floor antics and Saturday night romance, whereas "Other Side Of The Mirror" is more of a soulful abstraction, a gorgeous little ballad led by the delicate, majestic vocals of Arnell Carmichael. Oh, boy...

Review: Regularly spotted passing hands for high triple figures, the Poindexter brothers' New York troupe's second D'ar Recording Company single finally enjoys a reissue. "Beautiful Philosophy" has a little northern soul stomp to it while still shimmering with 70s pop charm and some incredible harmonies while "Too Sweet To Be Lonely" takes The O'Jays' classic to emotional new highs with yet more fine tuned chorused vocals - too sweet to sleep on!

Review: Dave Welding's Soul Junction label is back with another limited edition 45rpm that keeps up the fine run of recent form. These two gems are the work of the late great Willie Williams, a blind singer from Chicago who was discovered performing in the Windy City's local clubs. He was signed to ABC records in 1966 and put out only a couple of other well received singles. 'Give It All I Got' is a beautiful piece with raw drum work and lush vocal backing harmonies next to a gentle piano line. It is stirring stuff while the flips-side 'Do You Understand' is more upbeat with its funky riffs, more great backing vocals and a rolling beat that locks you in.