soleil rare 23 - same old.

Back on my soul ish.

Gladys Knight & The Pips - If I Were Your Woman.

For sampling purposes, I've been obsessed with this track. In vain. Sure, it's been done again and again but whatever...

In 1970, Gladys Knight hit the top of the charts with this song, and it was only justice. Gladys' performance gives chills and the orchestration is more than fine. A soul classic among the (Motown) soul classics.

The Bar-Kays - Knucklehead.

Drums ! As an dedicated instrumental band, the Bar-Kays are too nice to be left off a soul compilation. The rhythm on this track is just excellent, it's full of boogie. There's even a weird, almost annoying harmonica, which manages to blend into the music... Too short.

Ben E. King - Your Lovin Ain't Good Enough.

When you've been the singer of "Stand By Me", it's hard to top that success. Anyway, Ben E. King kept following his path, even after hitting everybody's heart in 1961. On his 1975 effort, "Supernatural", Ben sang "Your Lovin Ain't Good Enough", trying to catch up on the bass-driven soul, kind of sounding like Sly & The Family Stone. Going that way, Ben almost dived into funk, but that would have been another step.

Willie Tee - Reach Out For Me.

Oh, that flute. Oh, those bells. And what a gentle voice, also powerful when needed. Willie Tee shaped the sound of New Orleans black music. Way before Weezy.

Produced by David Axelrod, written by Burt Bacharach, "Reach Out For Me" couldn't go wrong. But overall, the whole album is a forgotten gem.

Ohio Players - Black Cat.

The covers of the Ohio Players are famous for having that sexyback feeling. And the same applies to their music. "Black Cat" is no exception. With a sweet introduction and military march drums, the contrast is obvious, until the track gets into some serious funk. Bass, horns, funky drums are the main ingredients of this song. Oh, and don't forget the vocals, simple as funk. 

Donny Hathaway - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.

Oh well, what can I say about this song ? Donny is a favorite of mine, and this song about friendship means so much to me. 

Forget all the covers, this is the real deal. 

Ann Peebles - I Pity The Fool.

This is straight Hi Records feel : you could easily replace Ann Peebles' voice by Al Green, and still get the same result, thanks to that signature production. 

But, as Mr. Green, Mrs Peebles is special : a strong voice and an impeccable soul feeling, almost saturating the microphone. Totally Ann. 

Nat King Cole - Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs.

Originally a Cuban bolero, "Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs" really acquired incredible fame through his appearance on the soundtrack of Wong Kar Wai's "In The Mood For Love", 42 years after Nat King Cole sang it. It's sweet, it's tender, and you can't get enough of it. Spanish with an American accent. Timeless.

Gil Scott-Heron - The Needle's Eye.

Mr. Scott-Heron was an ambivalent soul, struggling between his own addictions and his willingness to educate the youngsters. Far from his spoken-word habits, he delivers in "The Needle's Eye" a real yet minimal  orchestration, and showcases the possibilities of his singing style. 

This is how soul can join jazz in a up-tempo mode.   

Link in the comments.