Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities
WithNorthern Soul's Classiest Rarities, ace label Kent, in the shape of the ever-reliable Ady Croasdell, has compiled a scorching selection of 24 Northern-soul discoveries. The inclusion of Audrey Matthews's simply sublime "I Have No Choice" is especially timely, as plays from newly cut acetates have generated a rapturous reception throughout the scene. Elsewhere, Dan Folger's regret-etched beat ballad "The Way of the Crowd," the legendary cover-up "What Happened to Yesterday" by Mr. Soul, and theDelfonics' falsetto-festooned "You'll Get Enough" top many a wanted list. However, there's one track that makes this compilation absolutely essential: jazz diva Karmello Brooks's potently crooned "Tell Me Baby." Originally issued on the jazz label Milestone in 1966, this self-penned, fully orchestrated uptempo slice of soul alchemy was actually the flip side. Phenomenal!--Chris D. King, Amazon.co.uk