My introduction to Northern and Rare Soul was not through someone taking me to an all-nighter or soul night - I "discovered" it accidently, while trying to track down the original versions of songs I knew from the Mod and Ska scenes. My knowledge grew through mixed tapes and compilation LPs throughout the late 80s and early 90s, right at the height of the "60s Newies" phase which followed on from Wigan closing and the UK scene shrinking, so I was exposed to a very broad spectrum of Rare soul all under the banner of Northern Soul.. and these next 3 in my Top Ten reveal that.
4. Lee Harvey - My Assurance - Kris 104
I first heard this song on one of the many tapes I received from Geoff Whitfield. I often wondered if this singers career floundered due to sharing parts of his name with JFK's assassin. The big-voiced midtempo dancer just has it all. An infectious beat, pleading lyrics, horns and plenty of stop-start breaks.
5. Sydney Joe Qualls - I Don't Do This - 20th Century LP
As I was discovering the 70s side of Northern Soul, I heard this one on a mixtape. I tracked down the LP easy enough and have owned it for 20 years now. It's still an absolute fave! I did once find a 10" acetate boxed set for this LP, with one side per side of each 10". The only acetate missing from the box? Yep, "I Don't Do This." I still wonder who has that.
6. Arthur Alexander - I Need You Baby - Monument 45-1060
After hearing Arthur's "Keep Her Guessing", I though he couldn't possibly have anything better than that. That was until I heard "I Need You Baby". Maybe it was because I had recently acquired Kents' Big City Soul compilation and was in heavy Beat Ballad Mode. Whatever the reason, it just grabbed me and has been a firm favorite ever since!
Part 3 to follow with the last 4 choices...