VA - The Groovesville Sound Archive (1997)

The Goldmine/Soul Supply label, England's champion of Northern soul, has put together another generous collection (24 tracks) of obscure soul gems from the latter half of the '60s. All the selections come from the Groovesville Sound Archive and were recorded at Detroit's famous United Sound Studios by producer Don Davis (his notoriety coming with a string of hits by the Dramatics and Johnnie Taylor, among others). Fine cuts by familiar groups like the O'Jays and George Clinton's first band, the original Parliaments, are included, but the highlights come from less well-known singers like J.J. Barnes, whose pleading vocal style is heard to fine effect on "Sweet Sherry" and "Let Me In." Steve Macha offers a grittier version of Barnes' singing style on the super bass stomper "Friday Night." Other highlights include Pat Lewis' "No One to Love," Darrell Banks' "Our Love Is in the Pocket," and the Debonaires' fine girl-group harmony cut "Loving You Takes All of My Time." Ending the set is the breezy, strings and soul instrumental "I'm the One Who Loves You." The sound of these original masters is top-quality, making this already attractive collection of rare soul an excellent buy~The Groovesville Sound Archive Review by Stephen Cook