The 'In Crowd'
The Story of Northern Soul - Castle Music CMEDD 049
Double CD - Released 26th February 2001.
 

Over the last five years or so we have seen an explosion of record companies issuing compilations of northern soul gems, so much so, that almost every well known classic will be available on a CD somewhere in the UK. Clearly this is due to the ongoing popularity of the worlds greatest underground music scene that still holds firm ground with the 40-50 year old soul boys (and girls) of the late sixties and seventies. Clearly there is no revival of this scene, it has never really gone away.

One only has to look to the north of England on any Friday or Saturday night throughout the year to find endless amounts of small, yet dedicated gatherings of soul fans enjoying their kind of music. Of course there are the big monthly events too such as the King George’s Hall at Blackburn, and a regular smattering of weekend events, and the ever popular bank holiday events at Manchester’s Ritz ballroom to name but a few.

The ‘In Crowd’ is nothing really new as most of these songs have appeared on other compilations previously. What you do have here is fifty of the very best dance tunes of all time lovingly restored to CD quality by Castle Music and whether you are simply buying this set to save on vinyl wear, or simply introducing yourself to northern soul for the very first time, you can be assured that this set is nothing short of essential.

I do not wish to bore the reader with an individual review of each track as most are so well known anyway. I have decided to simply leave you with the track listing which speaks volumes. Roll the carpet back and enjoy.

Personal rating 10/10
Released 26th February 2001
Price: Unknown at present - but within Castle Music’s double CD price range.

Track Listing

Disc One;

1. DOBIE GRAY - The In Crowd
2. BETTY EVERETT - Getting Mighty Crowded
3. MARVIN SMITH - Have More Time
4. DORIS TROY - I’ll Do Anything
5. ROSCOE ROBINSON - That’s Enough
6. ROBERT PARKER - Let’s Go Baby
7. LITTLE JOHNNY TAYLOR - Zig Zag Lightnin’
8. EARL VAN DYKE - All For You
9. THE FASCINATIONS - Girls Are Out To Get You
10. THE INVITATIONS - What’s Wrong With Me Baby
11. THE INCREDIBLES - There’s Nothing Else To Say Baby
12. DARRELL BANKS - Open The Door To Your Heart
13. BOBBY BLAND - These Hands
14. JIMMY CONWELL - Cigarette Ashes
15. LOU JOHNSON - Unsatisfied
16. SANDI SHELDON - You’re Gonna Make Me Love You
17. KIM WESTON - Helpless
18. JIMMY ‘SOUL’ CLARKE - Sweet Darlin’
19. ROSE BATISTE - Hit & Run
20. MAXINE BROWN - One In A Million
21. NOLAN CHANCE - Just Like The Weather
22. TONY CLARK - Landslide
23. SWEET THINGS - I’m In A World Of Trouble
24. WENDY RENE - Bar-BQ
25. EDDIE HOLMAN - Eddie’s My Name

Disc Two;

1. THE DELLS - Run For Cover
2. NELLA DODDS - Come Back Baby
3. THE CHARTS - Desiree
4. LINDA LYNDELL - Bring Your Love Back To Me
5. JOHNNY COPELAND - Sufferin’ City
6. SAM WARD - Sister Lee
7. J.J. BARNES - Sweet Sherry
8. EARL WRIGHT - Thumb A Ride
9. IDEALS - Mighty Lover
10. THE CHARADES - Key To My Happiness
11. MOSES SMITH - The Girl Across The Street
12. OTIS SMITH - Let Her Go
13. DEVONNES - I’m Gonna Pick Up My Toys
14. YUM YUMS - Gonna Be A Big Thing
15. DONI BURDICK - Bari Track
16. SHEPPARDS - Stubborn Heart
17. CURTIS BLANDON - In The Long Run
18. PATTI AUSTIN - Didn’t Say A Word
19. CODY BLACK - Mr Blue
20. LENNY CURTIS - Nothing Can Help You Now
21. JACKIE BEAVERS - I Need My Baby
22. THE CARSTAIRS - It Really Hurts Me Girl
23. ELOISE LAWS - Love Factory
24. LARRY SAUNDERS - On The Real Side
25. YOUNG HOLT UNLIMITED - California Montage

Don’t forget the book too, published by ‘Bee Cool’ priced at £29.99 available from Bee Cool Publishing PO Box 16924, London SW18 4ZU. Telephone 020-8543-4252 or visit their web site at www.beecool.co.uk