I was not sure which side to post of this Northern Soul favourite because both have their champions. I’m going with Under The Street Lamp because that was the A-side that gave them a minor hit in 1967. (more…)

There’s a long story behind this mid-Sixties song – the debut single by an obscure British freakbeat band called The Living Daylights. And an unlikely connection with both Elton John and Ian Dury. (more…)

Here’s the only known recording by the strangely named Sag War Fare… which is apparently meant to be a pun on “Savoir Faire.” (more…)

Here’s a steamy gumbo of blues, soul and funk from Louisiana to suit the last day of sultry summer weather, from Bobby Rush. (more…)

RIP Lamont Dozier – Motown songwriting legend, one-third of the hitmaking trio Holland-Dozier-Holland. (more…)

Here’s a sweet slice of classic country heartbreak from a brand new band called Plains – a duo of Katie Crutchfield and Jess Williamson. (more…)

If anyone remembers Diane Renay’s brief 15 minutes of fame, it’s as the teenage one-hit wonder who sang Navy Blue. (more…)

The opening chant of Vivian Jackson’s debut single in 1972 is what gave him his nickname of Yabby You (or sometimes Yabby U). (more…)

The Toys were a teenage trio who formed at high school in New York in 1961. They sold two million copies of their only hit single. (more…)

Antony Szmierek comes from Manchester: he’s a rapper with a relaxed, conversational delivery and an emotional flow. Unlike a lot of spoken word music – and there’s loads around now – this one makes me want to listen again and again.

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