Tuesday 29 September 2009

Caron Wheeler - I Adore You 1992

Perspective Records PERT 7407


OK, this is another fine Caron Wheeler moment that had me all excited. Built around a sample taken from the Burt Bacharach & Hal David penned 'Don't Make Me Over' performed by Sybil. during the second 'Summer Of Love'. It was featured in the movie Mo' Money' and boasted a Flyte Time production by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and a Remix and another three remixes from Danny Tenaglia.

It turned out to be a wasted opportunity. Six tracks on this 12" and nothing touches the original LP Version. The sound of 1989 is all over the remixes, even the Jam & Lewis Dance Hall Version echoes to the melody of Todd Terry. It's a shame (IMO) but also fortunate that the splendour of the original needs no assistance.


  • LP Version
  • Dance Hall Version
  • I Adore Dubb
  • Club House Mix
  • Catch The Groove Mix
  • LP Radio Mix
The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Caron Wheeler.rar Filesize: 62.2 MB





Tuesday 8 September 2009

Closer Than Close - You Got A Hold On Me 1992

Slam Jam Records SLAM 3T


Closer Than Close featured the voice of Beverley Skeete, before she became the voice behind Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. Closer Than Close had some success with You Got A Hold On Me and A New Life, but it was only moderate success. They got involved in the production of other artists for a short time before disbanding the group.

Beverley Skeete is one of the UK's hardest working vocalists with commitment, enthusiasm and real passion. She is also one of the UK's most renowned background singers and has an awesome voice which will stir a touch of deja-vu in most people, since it has featured on more records than the average household has in its collection. One of my favourite performances is on Atmosfear's Xtra Special which can be found elsewhere on here and she is also Guilty by Perception which came as a surprise.

You Got A Hold On Me is written by Beverley Skeete, Hamilton, Coello & Allabaster but I know nothing of the other names and my lame research has turned up now't. I seem to recall Steve Hobbs writing about the group in Blues & Soul mag but my collection bit the dust in my last move (downsizing). Although the Blacksmith Remixes make this release interesting, I thought The Original Jam was strong enough to stand up under it's own power. The Brixton Club and Dub mixes have some dodgy breaks that had me checking the vinyl but I guess the Brixton Bass Mix is the main joint. Enjoy!


  • The Original Jam
  • Brixton Bass Mix
  • Brixton Club Mix
  • Brixton Dub Mix
The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Closer Than Close.rar Filesize: 42.54 MB





Thursday 3 September 2009

D'Angelo - Brown Sugar - (1995)

Cooltempo Records 12COOLDJ 307




D'Angelo was a breath of fresh air in 1995. Known to his Mum as Michael Eugene Archer, he was hailed as America's R&B Jesus. His first two studio albums, Brown Sugar and Voodoo, have both been held in high esteem by artists and listeners alike. Singer, pianist, guitarist and songwriter D'Angelo is known for his production and songwriting talents as much as for his vocal abilities.

Brown Sugar (the album) was released in June of 1995. The album crept up on an unsuspecting public finally breaking with Lady in 1996. By that time the title track debut solo single from the debut solo album of the same name, and the follow up single, Cruisin', had both been played to death by the more discerning soulies in the know.

On this UK 12" it's between the Soul Inside 808 Mix and the Dime Bag Mix and as much as I want Carl McIntosh to be the best, I think the Dodge Soul Inside mix just takes it. I love Dodge City Productions but I expect a Loose Ends connection to be more soulful, either way there not much in it.



  • Brown Sugar (Soul Inside 808 Mix)
  • Brown Sugar (Dime Bag Mix)
  • Brown Sugar (Dollar Bag Mix)
  • Brown Sugar
The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: D'Angelo 12.rar Filesize: 59.63 MB








Courtesy of Kymba and featuring an extra track but you still need the 12" for the Dime Bag Mix.

Kym says: I can't re-up the 12" in 320 as I don't have it. I am leaving Mick's write-up intact though for posterity. What I do have however is a nice clean high quality rip of the CDS. As with my other D'Angelo CDs this is in storage at the moment, so I can't rescan the artwork.

If any of the Soul Vendor fam can either rip the 12" or do us some fresh scans, I'd be greatly appreciative.



Tracklist
  1. Brown Sugar (Radio Mix) 
  2. Brown Sugar (Soul Inside 808 Mix) 
  3. Brown Sugar (Dollar Bag Mix) 
  4. When We Get By 
The Download Link is here: Download  Filesize: 41.782MB