Soul
Video: Kat Eaton records two exclusive session tracks for Backseat Mafia
We’ve followed the trajectory of Kat Eaton for quite a while now, the Sheffield singer songwriter seemingly able to mix up pop and soul to make something that is not only good, but showcases the amazing instrument that is her voice. Certainly, the release of her forthcoming single Giving it Up – out on June …
Track: Victory Jones – Warriors
Warriors, the debut single from New York City’s Victory Jones, is (at least according to her) “…a song about overcoming insecurities, standing for what one believes in, having pure intentions and following one’s path no matter what… it’s about no dream being deferred if one just makes the decision to do it. It’s about courage, …
News: Soul Legend Percy Sledge dies
Percy Sledge is one of those rare artists who secured their pension pot with their debut single as When a Man Loves a Woman must be played on the radio somewhere in the world every second of the day. Sledge, who died today, is not unusual in the soul world for having one classic single …
Track: Brownish Black – Life Lessons
I’m here, stuck in traffic, and yet, with a bit of sunshine outside and the new Brownish Black single Life Lessons, and you know what – life’s all ok here. The Portland based octet started out as a three-piece garage rock band, who have expanded and added a soul edge to their garage roots. Life …
From an old record box: Sade – No Ordinary Love
For years that refrain of “this is no ordinary love/no ordinary love” held an enduring fascination for me. In hindsight I probably should have left it to memory. I should have listened to all the ways in which Sade’s music was described: this was a purveyor of super-slick, super-polished, slinky pop-soul and I was hoping …
A Buyers Guide to Frankie Miller 1973 – 1980
Frankie Miller is a name that few are familiar with beyond a freak hit single with a cover of a song he wasn’t that fussed with, and an undeserved reputation of being a second-tier white-soul vocalist. Having cut his teeth in short lived bands The Stoics and Jude, two acts that were both signed to …
Joan As Police Woman – The Classic
Sometimes it does what it says on the tin – but elsewhere track sequencing and the mix mean that this album ultimately frustrates. Joan Wasser is not alone as an artist whose first shot at a full-length remains their best some years later. “Real Life” is an excellent LP and still easily bosses “To Survive” …
Heyward Howkins – Be Frank, Furness
Soulful pop from sinuous-voiced Philly singer-songwriter. Keep an ear on those guitars – there’s magic hidden in those little decorations. Back in July we met Philly singer-songwriter Heyward Howkins. He was offering a first look at two of the tracks from his new LP “Be Frank, Furness”. He released the full-length earlier this month (you …
New Single: Josef Salvat – Every Night/Till I Found You
London-based Aussie singer Josef Salvat releases his new single, more timeless (mainly synth) pop-soul in the form of double-A-side “Every Night” and “Till I Found You”. Out on December 9th on Fingers & Thumbs. We’ve met Josef before, back in April when we reviewed his previous single “Hustler” (you can read about it here). There …
NOT FORGOTTEN – THE ISLEY BROTHERS – SHOUT!
How hard must it be to write a brilliant pop song? You know, one of the all time, genuinely timeless greats that doesn’t rely on the technology or gimmicks of the age, one that can withstand any number of heavy-handed and unsympathetic cover versions by even the most cloth-eared performer. “Shout” is one of those …