Includes articles about Monifah, McAlmont, Busta Rhymes, Nine Yards, RZA, The 1998 MOBO Awards and Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Tony Rounce writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Malcolm Prangell writes about Jazz and Jazz/Fusion, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Mark Devlin writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include The Artist - "Come On" and "Touch Me" by Solo.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: KELE LE ROC - "Little Bit Of Lovin'"
UK Albums: FAITH EVANS - "Keep The Faith"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: ANOTHER LEVEL Feat SHOLA AMA - "Girl What you Wanna Do" (Promo CD)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: FAITH EVANS - "Love Like This"
UK Jazz Chart: DOWN TO THE BONE - "Urban Grooves II"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: JAY Z - "Hard Knock Life"
US Singles: DRU HILL - "How Deep Is Your Love"
US Albums: JAY Z - "Vol 2: Hard Knock Life"
Includes articles about Nu Society, Bad Boy Records (including Sean "Puffy" Combs, Faith Evans, Total and 112), East 17, Kenny Latimore, PM Dawn and Simply Smooth, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Mark Devlin writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Simply Smooth - "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" and "Love Like This" by Faith Evans.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: MONICA - "The First Night"
UK Albums:LAURYN HILL - "Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: R KELLY - "Home Alone"/"Only The Loot"/"Spending Money" (Promo LP)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: LAURYN HILL - "Doo Wop"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: NICOLE RENEE - "Strawberries"
US Singles: DRU HILL - "How Deep Is Your Love"
US Albums: JAY Z - "Vol 2: Hard Knock Life"
This was one of a number of classic Motown LPs to be reissued on CD around October 1998 as part of a promotion to celebrate the label's 40th Anniversary (see the advert in "Blues & Soul" 776 - 13th October 1998, Image #1598427).
This was one of a number of classic Motown LPs to be reissued on CD around October 1998 as part of a promotion to celebrate the label's 40th Anniversary (see the advert in "Blues & Soul" 776 - 13th October 1998, Image #1598426).
Includes articles about Cypress Hill, Gerald Levert, R Kelly, Jonny B Good, Mia Chavez, Carroll Singer, Nicole Renee and Tatyana Ali, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Malcolm Prangell writes about Jazz and Jazz/Fusion, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Mark Devlin writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Stetsasonic - "Talkin' All That Jazz" and "Sista Sista" by Beverley Knight.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: MELANIE B Feat MISSY ELLIOTT - "I Want You Back"
UK Albums: VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Kiss In Ibiza 98"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: 112 Feat MASE - "Love Me" (Promo 12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: LAURYN HILL - "Doo Wop"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: LAURYN HILL - "Doo Wop"
UK Jazz Chart: SOUNDSCAPE UK - "Smooth With A Groove"
US Singles: MONICA - "The First Night"
US Albums: LAURYN HILL - "Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill"
Includes articles about Trouble Funk, Canibus, Keith Murray, Kanya King, Charles Dockins, Dorothy, Blacka'n'ized, Joshua Redman, comedian Lee Hurst, Amma and Kele Le-Roc, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Tony Rounce writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Mark Devlin writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Lauryn Hill - "Doo Wop (That Girl)" and "Feelin' You" by Ali.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: HONEYZ - "Finally Found"
UK Albums: CANIBUS - "Can-I-Bus"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: FAITH EVANS - "Love Like This" (Promo 12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: ARETHA FRANKLIN - "Here We Go Again"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: AALIYAH - "Are You That Someone"
US Singles: MONICA - "First Night"
US Albums: LAURYN HILL - "Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill"
This was one of a number of classic Motown LPs to be reissued on CD around September 1998 as part of a promotion to celebrate the label's 40th Anniversary (see the advert in "Blues & Soul" 774 - 15th September 1998, Image #1597906).
This was one of a number of classic Motown LPs to be reissued on CD around September 1998 as part of a promotion to celebrate the label's 40th Anniversary (see the advert in "Blues & Soul" 774 - 15th September 1998, Image #1597910).
This was one of a number of classic Motown LPs to be reissued on CD around September 1998 as part of a promotion to celebrate the label's 40th Anniversary (see the advert in "Blues & Soul" 774 - 15th September 1998, Image #1597913).
This was one of a number of classic Motown LPs to be reissued on CD around September 1998 as part of a promotion to celebrate the label's 40th Anniversary (see the advert in "Blues & Soul" 774 - 15th September 1998, Image #1597914).
Includes articles about Dakota Moon, Skykap, Sweetbox, Truce, Rachid, Lauryn Hill, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang and Chaka Khan, plus Bill Buckley writes about the B&S "Essential 100 Soul Albums", Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Charles Waring takes a perceptive look at the sad state of Sweet Soul Music, Kev Cain waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Nicky Trax writes about House music, Malcolm Prangell writes about Jazz and Jazz/Fusion, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Cypress Hill - "Tequila Sunrise" and "You Should Be Mine" by Brian McKnight.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: HONEYZ - "Finally Found"
UK Albums: KELLY PRICE - "The Soul Of A Woman"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: ANOTHER LEVEL - "Guess I Was A Fool (Blacksmith Mix)" (Promo)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: ARETHA FRANKLIN - "Here We Go Again"
UK Jazz Chart: HEADHUNTERS - "The Return Of"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: MISSIONES & BIG PUN - "2 Way Street (Remix)"
US Singles: MONICA - "First Night"
US Albums: SNOOP DOGGY DOGG - "Da Game Is To Be Sold, Not To Be Told"
Includes articles about Gary Taylor, Jocelyn Brown, Nicole Ray, Juanita Dailey, A Tribe Called Quest and MC Lyte, plus B&S runs down their "Essential 100 Soul Albums" numbers 20-1, Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Tony Rounce writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Queen Latifah - "Paper" and "Don't Rush" by K-Ci & Jo-Jo.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: CLEOPATRA - "I Want You Back"
UK Albums: SPARKLE - "Sparkle"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: JOHN B - "Keep It Real"/"They Don't Know"/"Cool Relax" (Promo)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: CAM'RON Feat MASE - "Horse & Carriage"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: NEXT - "I Still Love You (Remix)"
US Singles: KELLY PRICE - "Friend Of Mine"
US Albums: SNOOP DOGGY DOGG - "Da Game Is To Be Sold, Not To Be Told"
Review"Please do not copy this record or upload it onto the internet as this will impact what future releases we are able to produce." is the rather dire request at the end of the booklet notes for this release. I can only hope that the guys at Soul Brother Records mean the recordings contained on it, rather than details of the release itself, or I might have to watch my back the next time I'm passing through the Putney area!!
Anyway, having got that off my chest this is the fourth release in Soul Brother Records "Wants List" series and it follows the same exacting standards as the previous three, consisting mainly of lush, highly orchestrated, ballad to mid-tempo '70s Soul (the tracks span the 1970-1981 period), with plenty of impassioned vocals and intricate harmonisation scattered throughout.
The whole point of the series has been to make available the rarities and obscurities that are in perennial demand amongst the customers at the Soul Brother record shop in Putney, South-West London and this fits the bill perfectly, with a mixture of less well-known tracks by familiar names, down-right obscurities and a couple of songs that were quite successful back in the day (notably Aretha Franklin's "Day Dreaming" which topped Billboard's R&B chart in 1972 and even made #5 on their Pop Hot-100).
I'm almost reluctant to post any links to YouTube, but I shall make an exception for the final track which (I think) is making its CD Debut here. To me this one track is worth the entire cost of the CD.
Includes articles about Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Kulay, De-Ryus, Luther Vandross, Honeyz, the Hip-Hop scene in Tokyo and Mary J Blige, plus B&S runs down their "Essential 100 Soul Albums" numbers 40-21, Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Tony Rounce writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Malcolm Prangell writes about Jazz & Jazz/Fusion, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Jocelyn Brown - "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Nights In Harlem" by Luther Vandross.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: PUFF DADDY Feat JIMMY PAGE - "Come With Me"
UK Albums: BEASTIE BOYS - "Hello Nastie"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: LAURYN HILL - "Doo Wop"/"Ex Factor" (Promo)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: BRANDY Feat MASE - "Top Of The World"
UK Jazz Chart: HEADHUNTERS - "The Return Of"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: NEXT Feat BIG PUNNISHER - "I Still Love You (Remix)"
US Singles: KELLY PRICE - "Friend Of Mine"
US Albums: JERMAINE DUPRI - "Life In 1472"
Includes articles about Jermaine Dupri, Coco & The Bean, Female Hip-Hop "Players", 4 Hero and Kelli Price, plus B&S runs down their "Essential 100 Soul Albums" numbers 60-41, Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Tony Monson, Big Al & Jeff Lorez write about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include AM:PM Presents - "Ronaldo's Revenge" and "Carefree" by Mica Paris.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: JAMIROQUAI - "Deeper Underground"
UK Albums: BEASTIE BOYS - "Hello Nastie"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: SHERNETTE MAY - "Alright With Me (Steve Anthony R&B Mix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: SPARKLE - "Be Careful"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: ANOTHER LEVEL - "Freak Me"
US Singles: BRANDY & MONICA - "The Boy Is Mine"
US Albums: KANE & ABEL - "Am I My Brother's Keeper"
Includes articles about the role of Vinyl in 1998, Another Level, Hinda Hicks, Cam'Ron and Charlie Baltimore, plus B&S runs down their "Essential 100 Soul Albums" numbers 80-61, Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Michael Prangell writes about Jazz & Jazz/Fusion, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Tony Rounce writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Ultra-Nate - "New Kind Of Medicine" and "I Wanna Be Your Baby" by Hinda Hicks.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: PRAS MICHEL Feat OBD & Introducing MYA - "Ghetto Superstar That Is What You Are"
UK Albums: MAXWELL - "Embrya"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: UNCLE SAM - "Baby You Are (Darkchild Remix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: DAVE MORALES presents THE FACE - "Needin' You"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: PRAS - "Ghetto Superstar"
UK Jazz/Fusion Chart: TERRY CALLIER - "Timepeace"
US Singles: BRANDY & MONICA - "The Boy Is Mine"
US Albums: MASTER P - "MP Da Last Don"
I've added an image for the ad that appeared for the CD release of this that appeared in "Blues & Soul" 769 (7th July 1998 - Image #1594952).
The ad states the CD release date as being 13th July 1998 but makes no mention of "Can't Let Her Go" being available as a 12" so presumably the 12" was only available as a promo.
Includes articles about Imajin, Eboni Foster, BeBe Winans, Monica, Tony Momrelle, Kleshay and Lionel Richie, plus B&S runs down their "Essential 100 Soul Albums" numbers 100-81, Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Sparkle Featuring R Kelly - "Be Careful" and "Naked Without You" by Roachford.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: PRAS MICHEL Feat OBD & Introducing MYA - "Ghetto Superstar That Is What You Are"
UK Albums: MAXWELL - "Embrya"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: JOE - "No One Else Comes Close" (Promo)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: DESTINY'S CHILD - "With Me"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: PRAS - "Ghetto Superstar"
US Singles: BRANDY & MONICA - "The Boy Is Mine"
US Albums: MASTER P - "MP Da Last Don"
I've added an image of the advert for "Lost In Space" that appeared in "Blues & Soul" 768 (23rd June 1998 - Image #1594732). The Ad has the release date as 15th June 1998 but doesn't seem to apply to this release but to 567 059-2 and 567 061-2.
Includes articles about Brian McKnight, N-Tyce, Maxwell, Lionel Richie, Des'Ree, Eagle Eye Cherry and Stephen Simmonds, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Malcolm Prangell writes about Jazz & Jazz/Fusion, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Spenitch - "Give Me Your Love" and "Different Drum" by PP Arnold.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: MARIAH CAREY - "My All"
UK Albums: DMX - "It's Dark & Hell Is Hot"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: ELISHA LA'VERNE - "Naked Without You" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: USHER - "My Way"/"You Make Me Wanna"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: BRANDY & MONICA - "The Boy Is Mine"
US Singles: BRANDY & MONICA - "The Boy Is Mine"
US Albums: DMX - "It's Dark & Hell Is Hot"
Added the Adverts for this that appeared in "Blues & Soul" 767 (9th June 1998) ... Images #1594306 & #1594325. The full page advert has the release date of this as 8th June 1998.
1997 B&S Poll Results edition. Also includes articles about Fred Wesley, Philip Bailey, Lutricia McNeal, Tuff Jam & Booker T, N'Dea Davenport, Brandy and Lenny Kravitz, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Mary J Blige - "7 Days" and "Do 4 Love" by 2Pac.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: ALL SAINTS - "Under The Bridge"/Lady Marmalade"
UK Albums: VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Underground Frequencies Vol 2"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: JANET JACKSON - "Go Deep (Teddy Riley Funk Mix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: MARIAH CAREY - "My All (Mixes)"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart:NEXT - "Too Close"
US Singles: JANET Feat BLACKSTREET - "I Get Lonely"
US Albums: BIG PUNISHER - "Capital Punishment"
Editorial Contributors: Steve Hobbs, Lewis Dene, Roger St. Pierre, Pete Lewis, Mat-C, Jon-Andre Holley, Nick E, DJ Debra, Russell Crewe, Jamie Topham, Mark Webster, Tony Monson, Pete Reilly, Tony Rounce, Ralph Tee
American Representatives: Jeff Lorez, David Nathan..
1997 B&S Poll Results edition. Also includes articles about George Benson, Deniece Williams, Mariah Carey, Ali and The Jungle Brothers, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Malcolm Prangell writes about Jazz & Jazz/Fusion, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Busta Rhymes featuring Erykah Badu - "One" and "The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy & Monica.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: WYCLEF JEAN - "Gone Till November"
UK Albums: MASSIVE ATTACK - "Mezzanine"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: MARIAH CAREY - "My All (Full Crew Mix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: MOUSSE T - "Horny (Mixes)"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart:NEXT - "Too Close"/"Butter Love (Remix)"
US Singles: NEXT - "Too Close"
US Albums: BIG PUNISHER - "Capital Punishment"
Includes articles about 7 Mile, DJ Cam, Nu Flavor, Total Commitment, K-Ci & Jo Jo, Next and Kenny Gamble, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nicky Trax writes about House music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Beverley Knight - "Made It Back" and "Teardrop" by Massive Attack.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: LORD TARIQ & PETER GUNZ - "Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)"
UK Albums: MASSIVE ATTACK - "Mezzanine"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: SPARKLE Feat R. KELLY - "Make It Back" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: ARETHA FRANKLIN - "A Rose Is Still A Rose (Mixes)"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: WYCLEF Feat R. KELLY - "Gone Till November (Remix)"
US Singles: NEXT - "Too Close"
US Albums: VARIOUS ARTISTS - "I Got The Hook Up OST"
Includes articles about Ol Skool, Public Announcement , The Rhythm Nation Posse, Peace By Piece, Mica Paris, Elusion and Ultra Nate, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Busta Rhymes - "Turn It Up" and "All My Life" by K-Ci & Jo Jo.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: JANET JACKSON - "I Get Lonely"
UK Albums: GANGSTARR - "Moment Of Truth"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: NEXT - "Too Close (Phatboy Boogi Mix & Garage Mixes)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: BUSTA RHYMES - "Fired Up"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: BUSTA RHYMES - "Turn It Up"/"Fire It Up"
US Singles: K-CI & JO JO - "All My Life"
US Albums: C-MURDER - "Life Or Death"
Includes articles about King Britt, Keni Burke, Tashan Rasheed, Juice, Tamia, Aretha Franklin, Rebbie Jackson, Erick Morillo and Phoebe One, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Nicki Trax reports from the Miami Winter Musical Conference, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Juice - "Best Days" and "Found A Cure" by Ultra-Nate.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: DESTINY'S CHILD - "No No No"
UK Albums: DESTINY'S CHILD - "Destiny's Child"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: NEXT - "Too Close (Phatboy Boogi Mix & Garage Mixes)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: JANET JACKSON - "I Get Lonely"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: DESTINY'S CHILD - "No No No"
US Singles: DESTINY'S CHILD - "No No No"
US Albums: SCARFACE - "My Homies"