Welcome back soul children!

As the seemingly endless pattern of work and sleep (wash, repeat, rinse!) continues I’ve taken some short down time to put a new mix together for you, if not for my own sanity!

Today’s collection is a split of new excavations as well as a few 45s that have been on the waiting list for a while now.

We kick things off with a modern soul number from 1981. This Carol Dionne cut crosses into disco but manages to retain enough soulfulness to earn its place here. Starting to get a few plays at the minute and rightly so.

Segueing the gap back to the funky side of things is ‘The Way To Get Down’ by Bobby Byrd. Featuring a fantastically sleazy bass line, the man behind ‘I Know You Got Soul’ works things up nicely here.

Inez & Charlie Foxx switch it up with this tasty 60’s groover taken from the Liberty label. I bagged this from a South Coast dealer and being a fan of 45 picture sleeves this went straight in my crates!

The ever reliable Daptone stable can’t seem to do any wrong these days IMHO. With consistently brilliant releases this Binky Griptite 45 is no exception. Usually found as part of Sharon Jones’ backing group The Dap Kings, guitarist Binky Griptite could quite easily win ‘The Coolest Man Ever’ award if anybody gets round to organising one!

‘Funky Worm’ has got to be one of the building blocks of Gangster Hip Hop and anyone familiar with Snoop Dogg et all will know just why after a quick listen to this one. This 45 notably gave the Ohio Players their first number one hit on the R&B chart back in 1972. Tough break to boot!

Those of you who collect or have anything more than a passing interest in the genre should be aware of this 1973 classic from Joe Quarterman And Free Soul. A great 45 nonetheless and is always guaranteed to fuel any dance floor when played.

Next up is a long time Hook And Sling favourite, Huey ‘Piano’ Smith And His Clowns. I always pick up any of his 45s when I see them out and about. Most of his recordings encompass the Cresent City party vibe and ‘Free Single And Disengaged’ from Johnny Vincent’s Ace record label is no exception. Top stuff!

Bonnie and Shelia step up next with ‘You keep Me Hanging On’ released on King records. This was a 1971 Wardell Quezegue produced number which was recorded in the same session as Jean Knights ‘Mr Big Stuff’ and King Floyd’s ‘Groove Me’. Both the latter went on to top the charts, but how this Bonnie And Shelia track failed to hit the mainstream completely escapes me! A great slice of NOLA sister funk!

Peace And Love throw in a nice little curve ball with this Mod tinged cover / reworking of The Mysterians track ‘96 Tears’. This Blue eyed version titled “New” 96 Tears’ is steeped in Hammond goodness and definitely ticks the correct boxes.

After the great responses I got from posting ‘Don’t Lead Me On Baby’ by Emanuel Laskey a few days back, I’ve decided to throw in the flip ‘You Better Quit It’ for you all. Infectious backing vocals make this catchy number a perfect way to finish up proceedings today.

It just remains for me to drop a gentle reminder about our monthly Funk And Soul excursion on the South Coast which rolls back into Chichester this weekend (Saturday 6th June). Both Myself and Hoppin’ John will be dropping our usual blend of all 45RPM vintage soul and funk floor fillers. So if your in the area roll on by and join us at La Havana Bar.

Stay safe and I’ll be back here shortly with some more of the ‘Good Stuff’ until then don’t go too far away.

Track List

Carol Dionne – I’m In Love With You Pt 1 – Gateway Records

Bobby Byrd – The Way To Get Down – Seville Records

Inez & Charlie Foxx – Hurt By Love – Liberty

Binky Griptite – One Time, You’re Mine – Daptone Records

Ohio Players – Funky Worm – Westbound Records

Joe Quarterman and Free Soul – (I Got) So Much Trouble On My Mind – GSF Records

Huey Smith And His Clowns – Free Single And Disengaged – Ace

Bonnie And Shelia – You Keep Me Hanging On – King

Peace And Love – “New” 96 Tears – Juke

Emanuel Laskey – You Better Quit It – Thelma Record Co.

Download Mr Double Down Presents Up On The Down Stroke HERE