Loose Ends formed in London in 1980, initially comprising vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, vocalist Jane Eugene, and keyboard player, writer and founder Steve Nichol. The latter two left the group in 1989 due to poor progression and since their departure the newer Loose Ends sound has gained higher chart positions globally and a wider fan base in the R&B genre through Carl McIntosh's production skills.
Hangin' On A String (Contemplating) is one of the UK's biggest ever soul tunes. It's a seminal, I'd even say Legendary cut and is hugely influential to this day, it knocked down the transatlantic doors and set the scene for the crossover success of UK acts like Soul II Soul in subsequent years.
Although this was released first on vinyl in 1985, peaking at #13 on the UK Singles Chart and #1 in the US R&B Singles Charts, that was before the time of the CD, and it was reissued on this (then) cutting edge digital format in 1988.
The Extended Dance Mix is a classic and just over 6 minutes of perfection. Jump right in!
Away from the obvious brilliance of the classic title joint, A Little Spice is a really catchy, latin-infused dance number and is well worth checking out if you're unfamiliar with it. Dial 999 is similarly catchy, and indicative of the 80's soul incarnation of Loose Ends' sound. There are some chords in the bridge that remind me of Saturday Love by Alex O'Neil and Cherelle. Let me know if you agree.
Tracklist
- Hangin' On A String (Contemplating) (Extended Dance Mix)
- A Little Spice
- Dial 999 (12" Extended Mix)
thanks for this beauty
ReplyDeleteA pleasure! :)
DeleteI was a big fan of loose ends and got to see them live in Leicester in 1985 in a nightclub. I never thought they got the recognition they deserved along with 52nd street, for British soul/funk music back then.
ReplyDeleteWell said Tim. We've never really supported our own soul artists in this country.
Deletethe above comment was from me not unknown,dont know what happened threre. lol
ReplyDeleteVintage great UK tunes. Hangin' was a hit, sampled by Bid Daddy Kane.
ReplyDeleteLittle Spice was later sampled by Camp Lo and also revisited by Guru. On point, as usual. Thanks Kymba.
Jaybilla
A pleasure, as ever!
DeleteTake me back to the 80's NOW!!!!
ReplyDelete