Of all the artists ever to record for Motown during the sixties there can be no-one quite like brother Edwin Starr that encapsulates the raw power of the Detroit sound of that era, and is one of a handful of original Motown acts that still performs to this day and has built up a loyal following in the UK where many of his recordings have found favour with the northern soul fraternity who keep Edwin in a job with his many appearances each month at soul events.

As one of a number of class acts to record for Ed Wingate's now legendary Ric-Tic label from Detroit the label whilst producing some mouth watering sides began to ruffle the feathers of the bods at Hitsville, who in turn then bought out the label with almost all of the acts either moving to Berry Gordy's empire, or found themselves without a recording contract. Artists such as JJ Barnes/Laura Lee/Edwin Starr/Fantastic 4 to name a few actually recorded songs for Gordy with some of them finding single releases in the UK where they stand as classics to this day.

I do not intend using this review to preach to the already converted. If you are into your Motown you will know almost everything there is to know about Edwin and his recordings and out of all the 2 on 1 CD series currently being issued by Universal none will come anywhere near to these two fine albums which are clearly Starr's finest moments in his career and pull material from his days at Ric-Tic, as well as at Motown. It is a well known fact that 'Soul Master' in particular is Edwin's most collectable album mainly due to the amount of uptempo northern soul favourites contained therein.

Regular visitors to this web site will also be aware that I had the pleasure back in 1994, whilst presenting my own Motown show on local radio of having Edwin live in the studio for a three hour Edwin Starr special on his career at Motown and that complete interview is available on this site as streaming audio, and anyone researching Edwin Starr and Motown in the sixties will find listening to it fascinating. Imagine my surprise at being told who actually sang backing vocals on SOS (Stop On Her Sight) or the history behind such flip sides as 'If My Heart Could Tell The Story'

As one of THE most exciting and enduring artists ever to grace a stage his stage shows are a real pleasure to watch and if you have never had the pleasure of seeing him live then please check out our gig guide for his appearances in the UK.

'Soul Master' as an album release in 1968 had just about every track you could wish for. It is crammed with classics from start to finish and contain such hits as SOS/Agent Double-O-Soul/Way Over There/My Weakness Is You/I Want My Baby Back etc. etc. It must rate as the ultimate 'must have' Motown album from the sixties. It is no wonder when you witness dancefloor reaction to these great uptempo songs at any soul event.

'25 Miles' issued in early 1969 is every bit as good as the previously mentioned album with massive hit songs including the title song and 'I'm Still A Struggling Man'/'He Who Picks A Rose'/24 Hours' & the aforementioned classic flip side 'If My Heart Could Tell The Story' The one noticeable thing about this album is that the non single releases are every bit as good as those that did get issued making it a much sought after album.

As with all the current 2 on 1's there are three bonus tracks featuring 'Harlem' and the much admired early northern dancer 'Girls Are Getting Prettier' and 'It's My Turn Now'.

Make no mistake you will NOT find a better Edwin Starr CD anywhere in the world to match these two albums. At long last Universal Music pay tribute to the SOUL MASTER by issuing two cracking sets guaranteed to wear any carpets to nothing.

Rating 11/10

To locate my interview with Edwin please click here.
Other Edwin Starr CD reviews click here.
click here to sample some Edwin Starr audio