Northern Soul - Keeping The Faith

“Reach Out For Me” first appeared in 1964; a 7” vinyl cut by Dionne Warwick on Scepter 1285, when she was at the height of her single-selling powers. The record duly charted, adding further gravitas to the Warwick opus. For me, the vocal master that was Roy Hamilton cut the best version of this song, during 1965. His version appeared on the RCA LP “The Impossible Dream”, (although it has now been re-issued as a 7” cut on the ‘Stardust’ logo.) Also during 1965, Nancy Wilson released her version of "Reach Out For Me" on her ‘Make Way For Nancy Wilson’ LP, which came out on Capitol records. All three of these versions are very creditable: there are many more covers of this song, (I only include one more version, by the Sweet Inspirations.) Click on the artist’s name below to hear the track, and judge for yourself.

When you go through a day,
And the things that people say,
They make you feel so small;
They make you feel that your heart
Will just never stop aching:
And when you just can’t accept
The abuse you are taking…
Darlin’, reach out for me;
Don’t you worry, I’ll see you through.
You just have to reach out for me;
I’ll be there and I’ll comfort you.
Oh yes I will, comfort you and love you.
How I’m gonna love you.
When good friends prove untrue,
And the things they do to you,
They make you feel so bad.
They make you feel that
You haven’t a reason for living.
So when you feel you
Could just throw in the towel
And just give in…
Darlin’, reach out for me.

June 2010 – and at last the long, warm summer evenings have arrived. Lazing on a deck-chair in the garden, and preparing to open the second bottle of Chardonnay. Moods like this call for super cool sounds that totally engulf your every sense.
(Click on the title to hear the track)

SMOKEY ROBINSON          EVER HAD A DREAM
BROWN SUGAR                  THE GAME IS OVER
JIM NABBIE                          LOOK HERE GIRL

DARROW FLETCHER THE RISING COST OF LOVE

WILLIE HUTCH SLICK

To Listen To Sound Clip Click Title.

To View Scan Of Label Click Artist.

JAN – FEB 2010
Out and about – enjoyed hearing several different DJ’s spinning the sounds – ripe track and revivals filling the dance floors. Click on the title to hear the track.

Soul Brothers Six          What You Got                                Atlantic 2645
Chuck Corby                 Boogie Woogie Big Daddy            Sonnic 119
Gary Edwards               I’ve Got A Lot Of Love To Give      Fraternity 1009
Jr Walker                      Shake And Finger Pop                   Soul 35013
Tripps                           Give It Back                                    Victoria 1003
Happy Cats                  Destroy That Boy                            Grapevine 110
Soul Twins                   Give The Man A Chance               Karen 1533
Bobby Wells                 Be That Way Sometimes                Romur 1000
Kent Meade                  Funky To Me                                   Magic Carpet 6000 Masqueraders              I Ain’t Gonna Stop                           AGP 108