||||Bold Soul Brother

Montclairs - Hung Up On Your Love (Honest!)

What can I say, that most of you don’t already know… a fantastic mid 70’s release on Paula that become a favourite on the Northern Soul scene, virtually from its first play. I remember the first time I heard it, early 80’s all-nighter… hooked!

Mistakenly released as a misprint on Paula (381) instead of “How Can One Man Live” before it’s official release, again on Paula (390), these two versions command reasonable prices when they do arise; with the misprints fetching up to £40 and the actual issue up to £100.

I am lucky enough to own both, so have included both here for your audio-delight tonight.

The Montclairs were a vocal group from East St. Louis, Illinois reportedly named after a brand of cigarettes! Originally comprised of Phil Perry lead singer, David Frye, George McLellan, Kevin Sanlin and Clifford “Scotty” Williams they were representative of the vocal group resurgence of the 70’s when sweet vocals were fashionable.

Montclairs - Hung Up On Your Love

Their first single “Hey You! Don’t Fight It!” was recorded in 1969 on Arch Records (1305), but was only distributed in the St. Louis area. The following year they began recording for Oliver Sain at his Archway Studio. It was Sain who arranged for the group to sign to Paula Records (of Shreveport, Louisiana).

Whilst with Paula they released a few hits that charted: “Dreamin’ Out Of Season” (1972), “Make Up For Lost Time” (1974) and “Baby You Know (I’m Gonna Miss You)” (1974). They also released an album, “Dreamin’ Out Of Season” (1972) from which the track “Prelude To A Heartbreak”/”I Need You More Than Ever” was released as a single the following year.

The Montclairs also recorded tracks for Vanessa, Premium and United International. In 1974, Clifford Williams was drafted into the U.S. military and the group continued as a quartet until, when they left Paula in 1975, they disbanded. Like so many of the favourites of the Northern Soul scene, it’s such a shame these people didn’t get the recognition they so rightly deserved.

Bonnie & Lee : The Way I Feel About You

As requested by a visitor, today’s 45 is Bonnie & Lee’s “I Need Ya (Gotta Have You For My Own)” & “The Way I Feel About You”.

My copy is a DJ Promo issue (as shown) with a black and white label, the issue has blue and white stripes and “Fairmount” is in red.

When I was asked to feature this my first reaction (to myself) was “Bonnie & who? Do I own it?”

I think that’s because I’ve not played it much which itself is probably due to the A side (I Need Ya) being a ballad…

However, flip it and “The Way I Feel About You” is classic Northern Soul.

I can’t find any information on Bonnie & Lee, nor a discography. There appears to be no evidence of this record having been bootlegged or re-issued (probably due to its low value, c£20). Anyway… rather that me waffle on… enjoy the sounds.

The Capitols

Happy new year.

I hope, like me, you had a great night last night and enjoyed some good food, beers and great music with friends…

Just a quick post to make my latest mix available for your audio pleasure… it’s an eclectic mix, 65 minutes or so in length, mostly Northern Soul, some new tunes and a smattering of Funk.

I hope to be back later with a 45 post specifically requested by a visitor, in the meantime I hope you enjoy today’s mix.

Cool Jerk ‘68 Instrumental – The Capitols
I’ve Been Turned On – Jo Armstead
How Long Has It Been – The Casinos
Um Um Um Um Um Um – Major Lance
If I Could Only Be Sure – Nolan Porter
Happy Days – The Magictones
Come On Train (instr) – Don Thomas
There Was A Time – James Brown and the Fabulous Flames
That’s Enough – Rosco Robinson
Turning My Heartbeat Up – The M.V.P.’s
Mercy (instr) – The Third Degree
Beggin’ – Franki Valli & The 4 Seasons
Trying To Find My Woman – Lou Courtney
Opelia – Tim Tam
Tears (Nothing But Tears) – Lee Roye
Mean So Much – Cannibal & The Headhunters
Promised Land – Cheyenne
I’ve Got The Fever – Creation
The Gallop – Chevelles
Sliced Tomatoes – Just Brothers
There Was A Time – Jimmy Lynch
Hitch It To The Horse – Fantastic Johnny C
The Mule – James Boys
I’ll Bet You – Billy Butler
Go Go Girl – Lee Dorsey
Night Owl – Bobby Paris