Out On The Floor Tonight

Fifteen obscure recordings compiled to represent every facet of Northern Soul. Not a hit in the bunch, and only a few artists have any name recognition. The Ad-Libs scored with "The Boy From New York City," but are represented here by "New York in the Dark"; the Showstoppers charted with "Ain't Nothing But a House Party," but you won't find it here, instead you get "Got to Get Closer to My Love." Eloise Laws, the beautiful but least famous Laws' Sibling does "Love Factory" which flopped in the States. Interesting "That's What You Wanted," by Frank Beverly & the Butlers, an upbeat rocker with a Viagra beat, sounds nothing like his creations with Maze. "Out On the Floor" by Dobie "In Crowd" Gray has the perfect Northern Soul beat, similar to his smash, but less compelling. Good efforts by Anne Sexton, the Jelly Beans, and Gloria Jones track with the Four Perfections' "I'm Not Strong Enough," a mid-tempo Chicago sounding number, and "I'll Hold You," by Frankie & Johnnie, a beat ballad burdened with unrelated movements. The Crow shouts the gritty "Your Autumn of Tomorrow," and Sandy Wynn's soprano smolders on "A Touch of Venus" despite the long verses. Casual fans beware: for soul music afficionados only. ~ Andrew Hamilton|