Musical Episode #018: Closer To Heaven

The Supremes in the studio

Happy to say I’ve settled into a new house and though I’m still doing a lot of construction and my studio/work space with all my records isn’t even close to finished (I’ve barely started demolition!) I have been able to set up my tables and work out a way to get some podcasts up and get back to posting. I said it years ago and I’m sticking by it- I won’t apologize for gaps in my posting because this is meant to be educational, fun and to celebrate and learn about music and not a chore- but I’m happy to be able to get back to more frequent updates!

Another housekeeping note. I signed up for mixcloud at the prompting of a friend but hadn’t done anything with it but after Tumblr’s recent regressive policy changes I think it’s a good idea to have a back up space that won’t threaten to arbitrarily remove or delete my blog because an algorithm things a 45 spindle is a nipple.  So when I get all the old episodes up over there I’ll let you know, will also likely be a cleaner interface if you just want to breeze through each mix.

Anyhow, on to the music. This podcast comes from a box of records I pulled for a night I’ve been doing on and off for the last year called “Deep Down Inside” that focuses on slower music and not played for a dancefloor. Some of the songs are mid or even uptempo but usually qualify in my mind as companions to sweet soul, doo wop, deep soul and an assortment of other ballads that I love to listen to but don’t have a home at our weekly soul party.

I really love all these songs so I won’t go into too much detail but there’s a range here from slinky R&B to Pat Lundy’s deeply mellow track. Inez Johnston is the talent we know later in her career as Inez Foxx, The Inspirations are better known for the flip of this record but I like em both, Up The Ladder is an incredibly common and well known record but it’s one of my favorite supreme songs. A couple of tracks from 70 and though The Sequins record says 71, the first issuing of the song on Crajon were 69 but the mix is basically all 60s tracks. The Neville song- and what a song it is!- is a Jazzman reissue of a record that it seems was never issued back in the day so I’m sure you’ll excuse the fact it’s not an original pressing and enjoy what is arguably one of the heaviest grooves (never originally) committed to vinyl.

As always, reach out if you have any questions or clarifications and I’m very happy be back sharing all this beautiful music.

Peace,
George / Snack Attack

The Girls – The Hurts Still Here (Memphis, 1970)
The Charmels – Loving Material (Volt, 1967)
The Van Dykes – Shaking Me Up (Mala, 1966)
Brenton Wood – Great Big Bundle of Love (Double Shot, 1970)
Pat Lewis – Warning (Solid Hit, 1966)
Gene Chandler – After The Laughter (Checker, 1967)
The Sequins – Someday You’ll Be Mine (Fantasy, 1971)
The Originals – I Like Your Style (Soul, 1970)
The Supremes – Up The Ladder To The Roof (Motown, 1970)
The Cruisers – I Need You So (Gamble, 1967)
Betty Harris – I’ll Be A Liar (Jubilee, 1963)
LC – Put Me Down Easy (SAR, 1963)
The Sapphires – Who Do You Love (Swan, 1964)
Barbara Lynn – You’ll Lose A Good Thing (Jamie, 1962)
Dimples Jackson – Love Came Tumbling Down (Gardena, 1960)
Inez Johnston – Why Did Ya? (Brunswick, 1961)
Pat Lundy – Does She Ever Remind You of Me (Columbia, 1968)
Jackie Verdell – Why Not Give Me A Chance (Peacock, 1963)
Erma Franklin – Right To Cry (Shout, 1963)
The Inspirations – What Am I Gonna Do with You Hey Baby (Black Pearl, 1967)
The Radiants – Voice Your Choice (Chess, 1964)
Aaron Neville – Hercules (Jazzman, 1969; re)

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