Mary Love - Dance Children

Written and produced by the great Ashford and Simpson I thought this Mary Love track is just perfect for the weekend. Mary commands us to dance, but with this solid beat there's nothing much else to do than dance!

Mary Love herself is one of those Soul troopers that never did quite made it, but is still active today. Her Modern recordings have gradually become legendary in some cicles and are well worth checking out. Soulsource had the pleasure of interviewing Mary a few years back. Still a great read on this power house.



Available on The Real Thing: The Songs of Ashford, Simpson and Armstead

Major Lance - Monkey Time

Aside from being a brilliant song writer, vocalist and guitar player, Curtis Mayfield produced many great singles for other artists. It always amazes me just how many great records Curtis Mayfield recorded on himself with the impressions and others on the side. He was without a doubt one of the most creative souls ever to grace the recording industry.

Monkey Time is one of my favorites. Though it is arguably just a throw away dance record few dance records sound quite as warm and inviting. Any good dance record should invite you to join in the fun of whatever dance it promotes. With its punchy horns and it's subtle dragging funk groove you can't help but shout and shimney even though the record sounds almost unbearably light. Monkey Time is simply just one of those great mysteries that pull you in, whether you want to or not. The music begins to play and automatically you're on your way.



Available on Curtis Mayfield's Chicago Soul

Bobby Fuller Four - Don't Ever Let Me Know

Bobby Fuller is often characterized as something of a Buddy Holly impersonator. While Bobby did was a big fan of the horn glassed R&R legend and modelled many of his records to Holly's example, Fuller also managed to turn out a few stompers who came closer to Motown and the British Invasion bands of his day. Don't Ever Let Me Know is a prime example of one such singles.

Driven by a propelling beat and chipper hand claps, Don't Ever Let Me Know is a rather desperate lover's plea. The Fuller on this record knows he's being two timed by his baby, knows she's too much woman for one man. But, he'd rather not know. In ignorance he can enjoy his own vision on their love. Not knowing he can uphold that chipper outlook on their relationship and imagine he's got plenty of reason to celebrate his love in this fine stomper.



Available on I Fought the Law: The Best of the Bobby Fuller Four