The Olympics - Mine Exclusively (Mirwood 5513)

"Mine Exclusively" (recorded by the Olympics) was written about my relationship with my playboy boyfriend at the time. Even though the song was written as if our relationship was great, which it was, I was aware that he was very 'fond of the ladies'. We eventually broke up, however the day afterwards, I began a lengthy relationship with his best friend who revealed that he had a crush on me for a long time. While I was writing for Mirwood, both of these guys worked for Motown.

Fred Smith, the producer of the song, had a keen ear for recognising and producing 'hits'. I'm also singing the background vocals on the record, along with Brenda and Patrice Holloway.

Sherlie Matthews

  Calvin Arnold - Snatchin' Back (MGM 1378)

Originally recorded on Mickey Stephenson's Los Angeles based Venture label and produced by the Mighty Hannibal, 'Snatchin' Back' is a powerful slab of pure Soul recorded in 1967 which has always been a big favourite of mine. Although copies on the US Venture label can be picked up quite cheaply, the UK MGM 1378 demo featured here (flipside of 'Funky Way') is another story when it comes to valuation. Having said that, it does still tend to turn up in charity shops from time to time! It's certainly worth checking out the other great tunes by this much underrated artist on labels such as IX Chains, Sonday, Sound Stage 7 etc, none of which will break the bank for the collector who appreciates real Soul music performed with a passion.

Rob Jones

  Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music (Atco 6463)

I've loved soul music all my life. As a teenager James Brown was 'my man'. There are so many great soul classics, it's hard to pick a top bunch, but Sweet soul Music by Arthur Conley stands out because it is DJ heaven. A good length intro and that magical first line "Do ya like good music?" I can do it in my sleep "This is DC on the BBC and I've go one question for y'all"...

The second one would be Wicked Pickett and Midnight Hour. To a 20-something single in the London clubs, that said it all, and, I could dance to it without trying. Third would be the soul Goddess Ms Franklin and 'Respect'. What a voice, what a song.

Dave Cash (BBC Radio Kent)

  Gladys Tyler With Ray Scott & The Scottsmen - A Little Bitty Girl (Decca 31991)

New York recording artist Gladys Tyler certainly delivers the goods on this seething R&B belter from 1966. The great pity about this particular 45 is most people don't get to hear it, as it does command a rather high price tag for an R&B tune and having said that, those DJs lucky enough to own it usually don't play it anyway. Written by Gladys herself and accompanied by Ray Scott & The Scottsmen, 'A Little Bitty Girl' was recorded in Memphis. Other Gladys Tyler 45s for you to check out -

One Man's Woman / I Am Confused Over You - BROOKS 101 (1961)
Pack Up / Be Anything (But Be Mine) - ASCOT 2130 (1963)
Hurry On Down To My House / I'm In The Mood For Love - CORAL 62389 (1964)
Mr Green Mrs Green / That Man Of Mine - DECCA 32135 (1967)

Rob Jones

  The Icemen - It's Time You Knew (Ole-9)

The Icemen were James Stokes and Gino Armstrong. Although they only recorded a few New York 45s, the vocals on these recordings are instantly recognizable. Interestingly, Their first 45 on the Samar label featured Jimi Hendrix in his formative years. I've played 'It's Time You Knew' on several radio stations and the reaction has always been one of interest, so I thought I'd share this amazing heavweight rare Soul song with you here, along with a list of other Icemen recordings for you to check out if their style appeals to you.

(You've Got A) Style Of Your Own / Let That Song Play - Vest 8008
(My Girl) She's A Fox / (I Wonder) What It Takes - SAMAR 111
Sugar Baby / Only Time Will Tell - SAMAR 117
How Can I Get Over A Fox Like You / Loogaboo (The Choice Is Yours) - ABC 11038
It's Gonna Take A Lot To Bring Me Back Baby / It's Time You Knew - OLE-9 1007/8

Rob Jones

  Pat Lundy - It's Rainin' Outside (Leopard)

Pat Lundy was another New York based recording artist and actress and she was the girlfriend of New York producer Buddy Scott. Pat was originally in a group called the Symbols which she left in 1962.

It's Rainin' Outside is a 1963 composition from the legendary Al Kooper, who apparanty wrote the song as a replica of Martha & The Vandellas Heat Wave. The song certainly retains the fast pace of Heatwave, but for me it has a much rawer R&B feel, which makes it a superior tune in many ways.

Pat eventually married Chuck Patterson an actor and Equity advocate for minorities and women. She continued performing and became an SGI member dedicating her life towards peace in the world. Pat Lundy died of brain cancer in 1994 just before her 52nd birthday.

Rob Jones

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