A Complete Introduction To Northern Soul [Box set]

Northern Soul collections are thick on the ground, so picking a good one is difficult, particularly as many are simply cash-ins, with poor sound and re-recordings dominating. This set has Russ Winstanley as compiler, and with his pedigree, you can be sure this is no dud.

The set has a heavy Motown bias, but that's no bad thing in this reviewers eyes, and so all the floorfillers are here, along with some you may have forgotten (or never heard?). Experienced Northern Soul collectors will probably have most of these tracks, so I guess this is aimed at the more casual listener, and the fan who likes the box set concept, particularly as there's a booklet that accompanies the set.

So, 5 hours-ish of dancefloor favourites that helped define a whole new genre, some you'll be singing along to, some you might want to skip, but play this and if you don't feel like dancing, well there's no hope for you ! Recommended for Mods and Soul fans, so roll back the carpet, get out the talc and enjoy.

This box set places itself as a casual introduction to Northern Soul compiled by Wigan Casino DJs Russ Winstanley and Richard Stearling. Russ plays on the 'oldies' scene and has earned his defining role. Richard is still uncovering and playing a wide range of dance soul which he plays on the scene and on radio.

Rather than an introduction is provides a quite detailed examination of rare Motown (and labels they bought such as Ric-Tic & Golden World) alongside many classic Northern Soul tracks. There are those who say that Northern Soul is music in the style of Motown, though more rare and on other (often independent) labels. But it's a distinction that is fading away as rare unissued Motown is uncovered in addition to the well played favourite hits. CD series such as the 'This is Northern Soul', 'A Cellarful of Motown' and 'Soul Satisfaction' (volumes 2-5) complement this set by exploring the rare Motown soul catalogue being uncovered over the last decade.

However what really makes this set attractive for many Northern Soul collectors is the first legal inclusion on CD of the original recordings on the Cameo Parkway label in the genre from Chubby Checker, Yvonne Baker, The 3 1/2, Christine Cooper, Bunny Sigler etc. For many years this label was tied up in copyright dispute (it was bought by Allen Klein who had someone inflexible business practices). This is now resolved the label is starting to be issued on CD for the first time.

Along with songs on dozens of labels such as Okeh, Chess, Mirwood, Groovesville and Shrine these are rightly considered the crown jewels of Northern Soul. These songs on Cameo Parkway have turned up on many bootleg CD sets in reduced audio quality (notably the three CD 'Cam-Park' series) but here we have their proper issue. It is to be hoped the label will get a more thorough collection by such as Kent Records but for now, this is their best source on CD.

There are some curios on here and even a couple of tracks that have never really been played on the scene (the recent Funk Brothers soundtrack for example although it is wonderful). I can understand their inclusion so I trust the notes will place these into context.

The set really can only dip its toe into the music and the 'Keeping The Faith' 4 CD box set is another good route in with many more typical choices. If you're taken with this music though, this is very much the start of a journey that will stay with you for life. I've got through two vinyl music collections and now have about 1200 soul CDs to track down all the Northern Soul, 60s R&B and 70s/80s Modern Soul dancers. It's all money well spent.

From here explore CDs on the Kent & Stateside labels which will then take you further into the wonderful life-enhancing music.

Northern Soul is the ultimate OXYMORON - joyous irresistable uptempo dance music but with some of the saddest most moving lyrics about lost love.

Although I already have most of these tracks in my collection, to me, four tracks alone are worth the cover price.

At the discotheque
You didn't say a word
I have faith in you
You just don't know

If you don't have / know many of these tracks and you like Tamla Motown buy 2 copies. One for you and one for your best friend.

And when you play these tracks and you spine tingles with joy you will be "converted".

Hallelujah