I Know I'm Losing You - The Temptations

As much as I prefer Northern Soul to Motown it's hard to imagine the modern R&B landscape without The Temptation's influence. Many acts attempt to replicate their harmonies, smooth choreography and superfly threads, but none could ever match their unparalleled success. If I could entertain the fantasy of becoming an extra member of any band I wouldn't be a Beatle or Rolling Stone, I'd be a mother f'in Temptation. No question.

"I Know I'm Losing You" is one of their lesser known hits from 1966 and one of my personal favorites. Enjoy.


I Know I'm Losing You

This live version stars Dennis Edwards instead of David Ruffin on lead vocals. I was always impressed by the consistently high quality of their music despite rearranging their lineup several times over the years and decades.

You're Right, Ray Charles - Joe Tex

I first heard this crowd mover on the Mojo compilation Soul Riot years ago. Personally, I haven't the faintest idea why this funky 45 isn't sought out by more DJ collectors. "You're Right, Ray Charles" features classic Joe Tex at the peak of his unique rapping prowess. If this song is any indication, whatever dancefloor advice The High Priest of Soul bestowed to Tex was spot on. Enjoy.


You're Right, Ray Charles

The Snake - Al Wilson

Al Wilson's "The Snake" from 1968 is the king cobra of northern soul. It's one of the few records that managed to slither into nearly every mod playlist from the past decade. If you like songs with a little bit of bite then you'll definitely dig this cautionary tale.

The Snake

Al Wilson performing the b-side on Soul Train.


This Lambrini advert helped reintroduce "The Snake" to a whole new generation and audience.

Heavy Music (Parts 1 & 2) - Bob Seger & The Last Heard

"Heavy Music" might be the hardest rocking song I've ever heard with a finger-snapping introduction. It was released back in 1967, almost ten years before Bob Seger broke into the national charts with radio friendly hits like "Katmandu" and "Night Moves". It's speculated that if his record label, Cameo-Parkway, hadn't folded shortly thereafter "Heavy Music" could have been the breakout hit that made him America's favorite blue-collared, jukebox hero.


Heavy Music Part 1



Heavy Music Part 2

Pre-facial hair Bob Seger with the newly formed Seger System in 1968.

If I Were A Carpenter - Eldridge Holmes

Eldridge Holmes is arguably one of the greatest lost musicians of southern soul. He was one of Allen Toussaint's many gifted protégés, and possibly his best. However, despite Toussaint's everkeen production touch on records like"If I Were A Carpenter", Holmes remained largely unknown outside of New Orleans funk and soul circles. He released several quality singles, but never seemed to crack that elusive R&B chart. Truly, Holmes was a monumental loss of talent when he passed in 1998 making ends meet as a mechanic, bus driver, nursing assistant and, gulp, asbestos worker.


I never fancied Tim Hardin's original "If I Were A Carpenter" (or Bobby Darin's version, or The Four Tops version, or even the Cash & Carter duet). It was only after discovering this groovy rendition by Holmes that I really started appreciating the song. Enjoy.


If I Were A Carpenter

Lil' Red Ridin' Hood - The Undisputed Truth

The Undisputed Truth may have had some of the most ridiculous costumes, afros and makeup during the dawn of the disco funk era, but man, they could bust a funky jam like nobody's business. One of my favorites is their ghetto take on Little Red Riding Hood, 1974's "Lil' Red Ridin' Hood". Enjoy.


Lil' Red Ridin' Hood

"Smiling Faces" from one of Motown's more eccentric acts.

Dum Maro Dum (Take Another Toke) - Asha Bhosle

"Dum Maro Dum" is an often sampled and remixed stoner track featuring the one and only Asha Bhosle. It's taken from the Burman composed soundtrack for the 1971 film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. It's a really hypnotic song that her frequent co-star, Kishore Kumar, said was powerful enough to bring back the dead. So turn on, tune in and trip out, man...


Dum Maro Dum

The "Dum Maro Dum" scene from Hare Rama Hare Krishna.