BIRTH OF SOUL VOL. 3 (KENT SOUL, CDKEND 189)

If you like the early sounds don't miss this classy collection of seminal music, skilfully compiled by Adrian Croasdell with sleeve notes by soul guru Dave Godin. Expect to find a mix of ballads and dancers of the first order with some rare sides too like the gorgeous Jimmy Ruffin's "Don't Feel Sorry For Me". R&B fans will appreciate Richard Berry's "Have Love Will Travel" and Chuck Wright's "The Palm Of Your Hand" while, if your preference goes for midtempo, check out the Miracles "If Your Mother Only Knew" and Carolyn Crawford's "When Someone's Good To You", the Motown sound at its best. Vocal groups abound too: "The Teacher" by the Falcons and "Help Me" by the Diplomats are two fine examples of perfect (and soulful) group harmonies. A great discovery for me is Brooks O'Dell's "Watch Your Step", a silky slice of uptown soul that was a hit in the USA. More gems for your collection!