VA - OKeh - A Northern Soul Obsession (1996)

A great R&B/Soul label, Okeh Records didn't get the recognition it deserved in the 60's. Under the guidance of production kings like Carl Davis, Okeh released some excellent records, many of which made the charts. This CD contains obscure Okeh tracks, featuring such artists as the Triumphs, the Seven Souls, Johnny Robinson, the Opals, the Carstairs, Jimmy Church, the Little Foxes, and the Autographs. The only real hits are The Artistics' "This Heart Of Mine," and Walter Jackson's "It's An Uphill Climb To The Bottom." Billy Butler & the Chanters does "My Heart Is Hurtin'," and the Vibrations' "Gonna Get Along Without You Now," both chart strangers. The Carstairs "He Who Picks A Rose," previously done by both the Temptations and Edwin Starr, is as scorching as the Motown originals. In addition, there's two pre "Love Won't Let Me Wait" sides from Major Harris, as well as, tracks by Little Richard, and Tommy Tate. Twenty-three interesting tracks, with strong liner notes enhancing the unfamiliar music.~OKeh: A Northern Soul Obsession, Vol. 1 Review by Andrew Hamilton