Duane Williams / Natural Impulse - Yes, My Love Is Real / She Went Away

Soul Junction, the label who brought us the fabulous Falcons compilation have delivered two modern monsters of wax, and I have to say that even to a CD-phile like myself the quality of these pressings are far superior to that which frequently turned my nose up all those years ago. Duane Williams “Yes, My Love Is Real” is a real essential modern soul stepper with elements of J Blackfoot, or Walt Foster within his soulful voice, and the tune smacks of Ronnie McNeir circa “Love Suspect”. I hope this single draws in the crows that it deserves – such a tune is exactly what we want to hear in 2009, and what magnificent work has been made between Duane Williams and Will Hatcher. The flip side is a short yet essential reprise – almost harking back to the days before 12” singles when we had Part 1 on the A side, and Part 2 on the other! The song is upbeat, breezy and will be one that will become lodged in your brain. One to whistle or hum to! The second single is from Natural Impulse who supply us with a jazzier, 70s flavour. I hark back to the likes of Wood, Brass and Steel, and even Richie Cole's “New York Afternoon” at the very offset on this group effort. Of the two sides I definitely plumb for the A side which is the strong, strong “She Went Away”. The Richie Cole type sax, soulful, aching vocal, hi-hat and female backing vocals speak of simpler, less complicated times. I find a lot of today's music overdone, over-egged and a bit too 'cramped', if you know what I mean. The real instruments, expansive and even sound of this song is pitched just right. No heavy synth-bass to drown out any subtleties on here! I love this song. I think this is much stronger than the party-time B-Side, “Time Is Right”, which takes on a Bar-Kays feel. This doesn't work as well for me at any rate, but that's a trifle compared to the finer A side. If Soul Junction keep up with this sort of material then all's the better.

Barry Towler

The Falcons - Good Good Feeling

The excellent Soul Junction Records have put together this must-have compilation of the music by the legendary Falcons; a comprehensive collection pieced lovingly together by David Welding and with sleeve notes written by the knowledgeable John Ridley the album is topped by being nicely presented. Lots of notes, photographs and information as well as 20 cracking tracks from the Big Wheel label out of Detroit. Sounds like a no-brainer to me, which is exactly what it is. Even more of a selling point is 7 unissued gems from Carlis “Sonny” Monroe and one modern re-cut from today's Falcons. There is lineage and pedigree to this outfit, boasting members such as Wilson Pickett and Eddie Floyd in their early days! This group certainly attracts quality! I love the music of the 60s equally as much as any other decade, and more so if the flavour of the Motor Town comes through strongly. And strong is exactly how it comes through. Take the ultra-rare single 1967 single, “I'm Tempted”, by Sandy Hollis, which featured the Falcons on backing vocals: this is serious, serious quality and has already won a place in my heart and has been spun many times since receiving this CD, as has her second inclusion “Tables Will Turn”.
A solid four to the floor beat pounds your brain on “Good Good Feeling” and will be loved by those who label this material as 'Northern'. I tend to shy away from that tag myself – it's recorded in the 60s and I either like it or I don't! Thankfully I love most of it! “Has It Happened To You Yet” is less intensive on the heavy beats stakes, but should still get the talcum powder kicking up clouds! I also highly recommend “I'm A Fool I Must Love You”, another track that exudes the virtues of 60s Detroit. Of the unissued material I cannot fault any single cut. From the brassy “You've Got The Power” - reminding me very much of a Detroit styled Impressions when the backing support kicks in, is superb, and so are Sonny Monro's solo '70s cuts for Epic. The gentle Disco flavour, strings and hi-hat aplenty of “Happiest Days Of My Life” stands up to scrutiny as does the Z.Z. Hill inspired “Why Do I Let You Do The Things You Do” which is excellent. The Ronnie McNeir-ish “Your Love Is Dy-No-Mite” is noteworthy too and so wraps up a classy, classy package on many levels.

Barry Towler