Soulcialism

Summer's Here: Let's Riot!

2008-05-27T16:15:00.004-04:00

So, like, it's that time of month - time for the Saturday Night Gospel to come alive like the lord 'n'at!

Des & Johnny are back from the U.K. for another Bit'o'Brit northern soul action, and the Viper Vaults have been bolstered by a plethora of new big, Big, BIG summer hits - many of which you may peruse at your luxury and leisure on this new Rhythm Riot mix! 45 minutes of sweaty funky Soul, raging Rhythm 'n' Booze, and the naughty end of Northern!

I suppose you want a tracklist - not that anyone ever asks... but hey, what'cha gonna do.

Rhythm Riot # 10

A.C. Reed - Boogaloo Tramp - Nike

Carl Burnett (no, not Carol, though that'd rule) - Jerk Baby Jerk - Carmax

Billy Butler & the Chanters - Nevertheless - Okeh

Melvin Davis - Save It - Mala

The Exits - You Got to Have Money - Gemini

Marvin Smith - Have More Time - Brunswick

Gospel Pearls - Two Little Fishes - Imperial LP

Ike & Tina - Finger Poppin - WB

Big Mama Thornton - Hound Dog - Angel

Willie Baby - Hot Buns Pt. 1 - Ding Dong

Etta & Sugar Pie - In the Basement - Cadet

Marvellos - Why Do You Want to Hurt the One That Loves You - Loma (a bit scratchy... a bit...)

Bart Jackson - Dancing Man - Sound Facts

Edwin Starr - 25 Miles - Gordy

The Swans - Nitty Gritty City - Dore (re)

Velvet Satins - Nothing compares to You - General American

The Capitols - Don't Say Maybe Baby - Karen

The Artistics - I'm Gonna Miss You - Brunswick

Jean Wells - What Have I Got to Lose - Calla

Edwin Starr - Running Back and Forth - Gordy

Yes, yes, yes, a little bit of Northern, of Funky Soul, of Motown, of Crossover, of R&B, even some Boogaloo and Gospel!

And as a special bonus, I'm making available to you the ENTIRE RUN of the first 10 Rhythm Riot mix installments - ab-so-lute-ly free!

My pledge to you: This Saturday night, you'll hear four hours of music like this - nothing but the biggest and best from the Soulcialism days ("25 Miles," "Love Really Hurts Without You") right up to the biggest and best records NEVER BEFORE PLAYED IN THE BURGH! (Gospel Pearls, the infamous "Watership Down Band," the grips Des & Johnny will bring!)

Seeya for the GOSPEL on SATURDAY NIGHT!!!

Rhythm Riot #9 part B

2008-04-23T13:36:00.002-04:00

UPDATE: Another half hour of Northern Soul and R&B! See below for the first part; this half hour is a bit more laid-back at times, but still concentrates on all-new acquisitions for the Viper Vaults...

YOU GOTTA HEAR IT! And of course, don't forget about PART A (tracklist and info below)!

Seeya this weekend at Vipers Soul Club.

New mix tracklist:

Lee Williams – Girl from a Country Town – Rapda
Millie McLaine – Caught Up – Soulville
The Steelers – Can’t Take This Pain – Epic
Johnson, Hawkins, Tatum & Durr – You’re All I Need to Make It – Capsoul
Little Rock Brotherhood – Girl Watching on Broadway – Ref-O-Ree
The Diplomats – Honest to Goodness – Minit
Nippy Hawkins & the Nip-Tones – It’s Gonna Be Too Late – Lorraine
Sonny Til & the Orioles – Hey! Little Woman – CP Parker
Buddy Lamp – My Tears – Double L
Bobby Jone’s – Talkin’ ‘Bout Jone’s – Expo
Eddie Holland – Candy to Me – Motown
Ronnie Walker – Precious – ABC

RETURN OF THE RHYTHM RIOT

2008-04-20T20:37:00.005-04:00

Quick post, because the one I just spent time on got lost to the crash wizard...

A long time coming, but hey - here's 30 minutes of Northern Soul and wild R&B to start psyching you up for Saturday's Vipers Soul Club - with special guests, Brad Hales and Robert Wells of Ann Arbor Soul Club!

This mix is almost all records acquired over the past 3 weeks - and what's more, there's another half hour of great new stuff set to pop up on Soulcialism in a few days - check back Wednesday or thursday for swell new 'chunes!

Oh, right, of course, THE MIX ... RHYTHM RIOT #9

TRACKLIST

Erma Franklin - I Don't Want no Mama's Boy - Epic

June Bateman - Possum Belly Overalls - Shaw

Jessie Mae - Don't Freeze On Me - Dra

Mighty Hannibal - Fishin' Pole - Josie

Professor Shake 'Em Up - Why You Wanna Leave Me - Double L

The Apollas - Mr. Creator - WB

The Fabulous Peps - With These Eyes - Wee 3

The Whispers - Remember - Soul Clock

Patti Drew - Stop and Listen - Capitol

Little Rose Little - You've Got the Love - Roulette

Lorenzo Holden - The Wig - Cee-Jam

Harold Betters - Tall Girl - Gateway

Betty Lavette - I'm Holding On - Big Wheel

John Lee Hooker - Big Legs Tight Skirt - Vee Jay

Rhythm Riot #8 plus CASHIN' IN THIS FRIDAY!

2007-11-15T12:17:00.000-05:00

First off, Friday Night - Nov. 16 - I'll be guest DJing at Cashin' In over at the White Eagle, bringing a li'l of that SOULCIALISM thing back to the South Side!

Second off, click the link above (OR JUST RIGHT-CLICK HERE) to download a brand-new mix of new rekkids - mostly Northern Soul, with some R&B for good measure. Here's a tracklisting.

Panic Buttons – O-Wow! – Chalom
Honey & the Bees – Why Do You Hurt the One Who Loves You – Arctic
Ernie K-Doe – A Certain Girl – Minit
Tawny Reed – Needle in a Haystack – Red Bird
The Themes – Bent Out of Shape – Minit
Queen City Show Band – Eleanor Rigby – Pow!
Ike & Tina – Two is a Couple – Sue
Ikettes – Two Timin’ Double Dealin’ – UA
Howlin’ Wolf – Pop it to Me – Chess
Betty Everett – I’ve Got a Claim On You – One-Derful!
Marilyn Brown – Fortune in Love – Dra
Vibrating Vibrations – Surprise Party for Baby – Neptune
Gene Chandler – After the Laughter – Checker
Will Collins & Will Power – Is There Anything I Can Do – GSS Reissue

Sorry for the brevity - see you FRIDAY NIGHT!!!

Rhythm Riot: New R&B

2007-08-24T16:02:00.000-04:00

Hey! It's that time of the week - time to shimmy & shake to the Friday Night Rhythm Riot!

I've been remiss in my DJing duties of late, but plan on being back with the Riot whenever possible for the next few weeks. And in case you aren't aware, next Thursday - AUGUST 30 - is my birfussday. And in celebration, I've tricked the Big Throwback kids into having me as a guest DJ at the Brillo Box - I'll be playing 70s Northern Soul and "modern", plus some deep funk and a lot lot lot of BOOGALOO!!

Hope to see yinz there.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NEW RHYTHM RIOT MIX - all steamy R&B, some serious shakers and quakers, as well as some "belgian" style popcorn bits for the dreamers. And it starts out with one of the best tracks ever to come outta Pittsburgh - Art Falls on Nautilus!

Here's a tracklist:

Art Falls – I Want you Baby – Nautilus
Maxine Brown – You Upset My Soul – Wand
Derek Martin – Daddy Rollin’ Stone – Crackerjack
Lee Tillman – Will Travel – Ron
Cornell Blakely – I Want My Share – Rich
Betty Lavette – What I Don’t Know – Calla
Professor Shake ’Em Up – Why You Wanna Leave Me – Double L
Ray Daniels with Rick & the Ravens – Soul Train – Aura
Ray Pettis – Don’t Use Me – Ex
Ernestine Anderson – Keep an Eye on Love – Juke Box (boot)
Marilyn Brown – Walk on the Wild Side – Dra
Joe Simon – When – Sound Stage 7
Dorothy & the Hesitations – Trying to Work a Plan – Jamie
Vernon & Jewell – That’s a Rockin’ Good Way – Kent
Freddy & the Kinfolk – Blabbermouth – Dade
Elmore James – Rollin’ and Tumblin’ – Fire
Mary De Loach – Move This Thing (Pt. 1) – Arctic

Thanks!!!

Soulcialism: THE NEW BREED

2007-07-27T09:12:00.000-04:00

First off, click the link above to download the new FRIDAY NIGHT RHYTHM RIOT mp3 mix!! The setlist is below, and it's basically comprised of about half an hour of stuff I've acquired in the past month, and is essentially for my personal listening, so if you don't like it, 'eves. (but you will.)

Secondly, HERE'S THE SCOOP YOU'VE BEEN WONDERING ABOUT:

You may have noticed that, since the all-niter in may, there's been no Soulcialist Party Workers activity. Well, that's cuz I've gone into semi-retirement on the DJ front, for numerous reasons, all of which have to do with scheduling and workload and stuff. Johnno decided, again for his own reasons, not to continue on at the Eagle on his own...

... but you can't keep a good night down, so put on your best wig and your high-heel sneakers and get ready to shake and fingerpop once again at SOULCIALISM: THE NEW BREED!! We've passed the (golden) torch to your new hosts, Ian and Gordy, both of whom you all know from their monthly drinkin'-and-dancin' bouts at Soulcialism and Restless!!

Everything remains essentially the same: NO cover, NO membership required, the White Eagle, 11th & Freyburg, South Side, FRIDAY AUGUST 10 at 10pm!!

Check the flier:

NEXT: If you didn't click above, CLICK THIS to download the new Rhythm Riot - Here's that playlist:

Chuck Corby & the Entrees – City of Strangers – Sonic
Four Tees – One More Chance – Kent
Steve Mancha – Just Keep on Loving Me – Groovesville
The Miracles – Shop Around – Tamla (first version)
The Sweethearts – No More Tears – Kent
Major Lance – It’s the Beat – Okeh
Barbara Mason – Bobby Is My Baby – Arctic
The Fascinations – Girls Are Out to Get You – Mayfield
Ray Pettis – Don’t Use Me – Exodus
Little Sonny – Wade in the Water – Enterprise
Pearl Woods – Sippin Sorrow – Charge
Darrow Fletcher – My Young Misery – Groove
Phil Flowers & the Flower Shop – Like a Rolling Stone – A&M
The Corner Boys – Gang War (Don’t Make No Sense) – Neptune
Charles Mintz – Give a Man a Break – Uplook

Awright. Seeyinz august 10. - Juddy

Steamy Modern & Breezy Crossover

2007-06-07T18:04:00.000-04:00

The return of the Friday Night Rhythm Riot! (Albeit on Thursday night...)

I made myself this mix for the singular purpose of outdoor grilling on warm summer evenings. Now I share it with yinz. But it comes with two warnings...

1) WARNING: This mix, of Steamy Modern & Breezy Crossover, contains some records which many amongst us (including myself) could truthfully think of as ... well ... DISCO. (Hey - cool with me! I love this stuff. But I thought some of you would wanna know.)

2) WARNING: This mix also contains some records - including the first one - which are not in mint condition ... so there WILL be scratchy noise and such. Again, I kinda like that. It's more real and lifelike. But some people are picky.

Anyway, here 'tis... Soulcialism presents...
RHYTHM RIOT #6: STEAMY MODERN & BREEZY CROSSOVER
45 minutes of late '60s, '70s, & even '80s soul!

Tracklist:

The Ethics – I Want My Baby Back – Vent
The Quadraphonics – Betcha If You Check It Out – Innovation II
Ultra High Frequency – We’re On the Right Track – Wand
Moments – Nine Times – Stang
Eddie Kendricks – Goin’ Up in Smoke – Tamla
Norman Connors (feat. Prince Philip Mitchell) – Once I’ve Been There – Buddah
Faith Hope & Charity – To Each His Own – RCA
Ecstasy Passion & Pain – Passion – Roulette
Phyllis Hyman – You Know How to Love Me – Arista (LP)
Frankie Kelly – Ain’t it the Truth – TWI
Rhetta Hughes – I Can’t Stand Under This Pressure – Tetragrammaton
The Invitations – They Say the Girl’s Crazy – Silver Blue
The Exceptionals – Unlucky Girl – GRT
Wales Wallace – Somebody I Know – BRC
Brothers Guiding Light – Getting Together – Goldmine (reissue)
Continental 4 – The Way I Love You – Jay-Walking
Brooks O’Dell – The Lively Ones – Columbia

There Was a Time #2 - Boogaloo, Baby

2007-05-23T15:37:00.000-04:00

There Was A Time
Fri, May 25 at The Remedy
5121 Butler St., Funky Lawrenceville
10pm / 21+ / NO COVER CHARGE

DJs Juddy & Kris lay down the groove with boogaloo, northern soul, funk, Hammond grooves, mod R&B and Jazz, latin soul, eccentric 60s pop, etc., etc., etc.

To Hear a li'l sampling of the kinds of things I'll be playing, check the above link (or just CLICK HERE, MOFO) for a 30-minute mix of likkle lovelies ... hell, while I'm at it, let's even tell ya what they are:

[[rhythm riot the younger]]

There Was A Time #2 – exemplary mixtape

Brother Jack McDuff – Talking ’Bout My Woman – Prestige
Roy Lee Johnson – Boogaloo #3 – Josie
Pete Terrace – It’s Boogaloo Time – album
Ray Barretto – Mercy, Mercy Baby – Fania
Joe Cuba Sextet – Sock It To Me – Tico
Lee Rogers – Sock Some Love Power To Me – Premium Stuff (boot)
The Poets – She Blew a Good Thing – Symbol
Hank Marr – The ‘Out’ Crowd – Wingate
The Emanon’s – Look In the Want Ads – All Brothers (re)
The Sweet – Got to Have More Love – Smash
Charles Mintz – Give a Man a Break – Uplook
Edwin Starr – My Weakness is You – Gordy
The Right Kind – I’ve Been Changed – Galaxy
Nancy Wilson – My Sweet Thing – Capitol
Mark Murphy – And Now You’re Gone – Fontana

Getting Used to the Blues

2007-04-29T18:55:00.000-04:00

New MP3 mix - 30 minutes of hot Northern Soul to celebrate the launch of NeverSouledOut.com! Click on the title link above or go to Never Souled Out to check out the new 'chunes...

(Added 5/6/07)
Forgot about the ole tracklist, eh?
Ohio Players – Love Slipped Thru My Fingers – Trip (LP)
Shirelles – Last Minute Miracle – Scepter
The “5” Royales – Catch That Teardrop – ABC
Rex Garvin & the Mighty Cravers – I Gotta Go Now (Up On the Floor) – Like
Velvelettes – Lonely Lonely Girl Am I – V.I.P.
Robert Parker – Let’s Go Baby (Where the Action Is) – NOLA
Bobby Bland – Getting Used to the Blues – Duke
Debbie Taylor – Don’t Let It End – GWP
The 5th Dimension – Too Poor to Die – Soul City
Tommy Neal – Goin’ to a Happening – Pameline
Originals – Don’t Stop Now – Soul (LP)
Ace Spectrum – Don’t Send Nobody Else – Atlantic

NEVER SOULED OUT

2007-04-29T10:43:00.000-04:00

Check the new Never Souled Out web site for more info on the first-ever Pittsburgh Northern Soul ALL-NITER, May 12 in Braddock PA!

Just How Loud?

2007-04-11T09:56:00.000-04:00

Friday Night, April 13:
Ward off your numerological fears and cabbalistic quabbles with a li'l bit o' SOUL

SOULCIALISM
10p-2a at the WHITE EAGLE
11th & Freyburg, South Side, Pittsburgh
$1 - No Membership Required - Cheap-as-hell Booze

Kick off the one-month countdown to NEVER SOULED OUT, Pittsburgh's first-ever northern soul all-niter!

Celebrate a pre-FLUX drink (or 12) with all your pals!

To get a taste of all the hot sounds - old and many many new - that you might hear Friday night, just click on the link below to download a 40-minute Northern Soul mix!
Cheers,
Juddy
Minister of Crate Digging and Sound Selection
Soulcialist Party Workers

Tracklist:

Rhythm Riot 2 – Northern Soul

Masqueraders – I Don’t Want Nobody to Lead Me On – Wand
Barbara & Brenda – Never Love a Robin – Dynamo
Roy Lee Johnson – Boogaloo #3 – Josie
Billy Mack – Love Me Now (No Not Later) – MGM
Billy Butler – Right Track – Okeh
Joe Kennedy – Slick Trick – Bang
Dean Parrish – Tell Her – Boom
Eddie Spencer – If This Is Love – Arc
Parliaments – Don’t Be Sore At Me – Revilot
Betty Everett – Bye Bye Baby – ABC
Candi Staton – Now You’ve Got the Upper Hand – Unity (RE)
Jamo Thomas – I Spy (For the FBI) – Thomas
Phil Flowers – I Saw Her Standing There – DOT
Archie Bell & the Drells – Here I Go Again – Atlantic
Fi-Dels – Try A Little Harder – Jay-Boy
Joanne Morgan – Just How Loud – MGM

Sleepless Nights ... in Braddock!

2007-04-03T09:58:00.000-04:00

On Sat., May 12, the former First Presby Church in Braddock (416 Library St.) will play host to the region's first-ever NORTHERN SOUL ALL-NITER - from 9pm 'til 6am the following morning.

NINE HOURS of non-stop Northern Soul music from some of the hottest DJs in the U.K. and the U.S.A. including:
Johnny Beggs (ex-Torch, the founding club of Northern Soul!)
Des Parker (of London's Solid Hit Soul club)
Karl Heard (of U.K.'s New Century Soul club)
Dave Brown (of Philly Archive and Funkadelphia Records)
Jazzy Jas (of Florida's Hitsville Soul Club and There's That Beat! magazine)
plus DJs from Baltimore, Cincinnati, and of course SOULCIALISM and RESTLESS!

Tickets are $8 advance (available soon!) and $10 door. The event is BYOB, and all ages are welcome!

Keep your eyes here or contact Juddy for more info as things progress - including a Friday-night party for those of you coming in from out of town, or those Pittsburghers who just can't get enough...

No More Teardrops, Kids: Soulcialism is Friday

2007-03-19T09:04:00.000-04:00

SOULCIALISM
10 pm Fri., March 23
White Eagle, 11th & Freyburg, South Side. Pittsburgh.
NO COVER-NO MEMBERSHIP REQ'D-CHEAP BOOZE

I can't even begin to tell you how many hot, hot new sounds have been acquired by your ever-lovin' Soulcialist Party Workers since last month.

It's just not even fair.

Come out and drink and dance and have a good-ol' time, and while you're at it, pick up info, fliers and TICKETS for Pittsburgh FIRST-EVER Northern Soul All-Nighter, May 12 at the Church in Braddock... niiiice...

juddy

Friday Night Rhythm Riot!

2007-03-16T16:39:00.000-04:00

So, before I go out on a Friday, I'll often crank out a few 'chunes of the rougher variety to get in that soulful mussed-up mood.

In honor of the Soulcialist spirit, and to give a taste of some of the R&B side of things that I'll be poppin' off at Soulcialism next Friday night, I'm going to start recording short mixes of some o' that stuff for y'all to download and - hopefully - get yr whiskey on to.

Click THE LINK to listen (or right-click to download, of course!) to...

FRIDAY NIGHT RHYTHM RIOT - VOLUME 1
Rough-lover R&B, hard-edged Northern Soul, Friday-night gospel, and black rock ’n’ roll straight off of scratched 45’s to get your energy pumped for the drinking to begin!

Vol. 1 Track Listing:
The Sheppards – Give a Hug to Me – Constellation
Della Reese – 99 and ½ Won’t Do – RCA Victor
Etta James – Seven Day Fool – ARGO
Junior Lewis – Tears on my Face – Columbia
Miss LaVell – Stop These Teardrops – Duke
David Ruffin – Knock You Out – Check-Mate
Ray Charles – You’re Just About to Lose Your Clown – ABC
Billy Wright – If I Didn’t Love You – Chris
Bobby Bland – Lover with a Reputation – Duke
Lulu Reed – Say Hey Pretty Baby – Federal
Amos Milburn – Let Me Go Home Whiskey – Aladdin

Goin' to a Happening

2007-03-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

Two dates to save:

1) the next Soulcialism is at the White Eagle on Friday MARCH 23.

2) the first EVER Pittsburgh Northern Soul All-Nighter is confirmed for Saturday, MAY 12 at the Church in Braddock, PA. We've got three DJ's from the UK, DJ's from Philly, Florida, Cinci, Baltimore, and of course all of your favorite Pittsburgh DJ's!! 9pm-6am!! Hang onto that date...

Tickets for the all-nighter SHOULD be available at the next Soulcialism, for $8 in advance. (It's likely to end up selling out, so get yer tixx NOW!)

YOU ARE WHAT YOU DANCE TO!

There Was a Time #1

2007-02-20T09:02:00.000-05:00

For any and all who love the sounds of funk and soul, in the spirit of Keb Darge & Andy Smith's across-the-board "Lost & Found" nights and the 70s Northern "modern" scene...

THIS SATURDAY
The debut of a new guerrilla DEEP FUNK & NORTHERN SOUL event
Brought to you in part by the Soulcialist Party Workers
10pm Sat., Feb 24
at THE REMEDY (formerly known as Ray's), 5121 Butler St., Lawrenceville
(Map to Club Location)

DJ lineup:
Jay Malls (The Big Throwback)
Juddy (Soulcialism)
Kris Rock (James Brown Stole My Dad's Airplane)
+ Dave "Funkadelphia" Brown (Philly Archives Records - THE expert on Philly funk and soul!!)
+ Des Parker & Johnny Beggs (UK northern soul DJs and Soulcialism favorites return!!)

Expect to hear:Slammin' 60s & 70s FUNK
Superior and rare DISCO
60s & 70s Northern SOUL "On The Real Side"
NY Boogaloo and South American FUNK
The best of today's new DEEP FUNK bands

Soulcialism Fourthiversary

2007-02-08T12:41:00.000-05:00

Soulcialism. Four years on. You've come a long way, baby.

Friday night at the White Eagle.

There's gonna be all your normal Soulcialism goodies - cheap booze, great music, hot sweaty dancing. Add in a free CD of hot Soulcialist newies, and some lovely little confectionaries from some of our pals and regulars, and you've got a sugar-rushed beer-addled whisky-soaked soul-thrillin' evening of sweat and dirt.

Here's the tracklist for the new CD. Hope you want one. Just ask at the DJ booth - err - table - err - tables-put-together, and we'll hook you up:

Etta James - Mellow Fellow
Aretha Franklin - Rough Lover
The Vontastics - Day Tripper
TSU Tornados - Getting the Corners
Chris Clark - Love's Gone Bad
The Precisions - If This Is Love (I'd Rather Be Lonely)
Dell-Vikings - Finger Poppin' Woman
Norma Jenkins & the Dolls - Airplane Song
Jimmy Holiday - Baby Boy's in Love
Marie "Queenie" Lyons - Fever
The Mob - Give It To Me
Shelley Shoop - Fair Shake
King Errison - Zola
The Valentinos - Sweeter Than the Day Before
Chuck Corby - Complete Opposites
Johnny Jones & the King Casuals - Purple Haze
+ bonus track Gloria Jones - Tainted Love (recorded live at Wigan Casino, late-70s)

Glory to the Winners of the War!!!

2007-01-31T12:08:00.000-05:00

GLORY TO THE WINNERS OF THE WAR!

WE ARE FOUR YEARS INTO OUR FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO LIBERATE SOUL MUSIC FROM THE HANDS OF THE ELITE!

POWER TO THE PEOPLE (RIGHT ON!)

Nothing Compares To You

2007-01-29T17:11:00.000-05:00

Quick post to say GOOD JOB, everybody, at January 19's sweltering Soulcialist Party Workers meeting. I was impressed with the work you all did, steaming up the spot despite below-freezing temp's outside. Special thanks to Ian & DJ for guesting with Johnno & I - it was a spectacular night of stormy Northern Soul!

Next installment coming soon: FEBRUARY 9 at the Eagle.

And it's a biggie - nothing less than Soulcialism's FOUR-YEAR anniversary as your Northern Soul one-stop shop... more info, including news on the FREE CD(s) you'll get, soon!!

Cheers.

2006 - One of the Top Ten Years of the Decade

2007-01-05T09:05:00.000-05:00

REMINDER: NEXT SOULCIALISM JAN 19 AT THE WHITE EAGLE

In lieu of doing something that required thought and effort, I've asked a few northern-soul types from Pittsburgh's Soulcialist Party Workers Extended Network of Comrades to drop top-ten-of-ought-six lists on us all. I asked for top-ten's from "any style, any decade," and they delivered - from my straight-up northern list to the James Gang and Lone Catalysts!!

So check this out, or ignore it, or whatever. Here's what rocked us in the Year of Dick Cheney Shootin' Mugs.

Juddy’s Soulcialism Top Ten for 2006
All Northern Soul ’n’ RnB
Since all of my cohorts took the “any style, any decade” part of my top-ten list request very seriously (and good on ‘em for it!), I’ve decided to just list ten Soulcialism plays that became favorites of mine this year.

Well, OK, it’s more than ten. I figured only listing ten records would be a sorta ‘cut ‘n’ run’ attitude – and we don’t want that. So in the spirit of modern-day America, I’ve bent the rules of logic a little bit…

10. Tranells – Blessed with a Love … unearthed from obscurity, and sent straight back there – aka the white eagle…

10. Young Jessie – You Were Meant for Me … one of several here that I seem to like more than everybody else combined – blinding R&B …

9. World’s Greatest Sinners – Miss Treatment … Jordan Valentine proves that she can belt ‘’em out like nobody else (her age), and that she single-handedly keeps the hair-care product market alive…

8. Etta James – Mellow Fellow and Seven Day Fool … Who dissed Etta so bad?

7. Alex Brown – Love Really Hurts Without You … femme vox may not be superior to Billy Ocean, but at least it’s a different version …

6. Barbra Carr – Shake Your Head … maybe one of the greatest records ever made, and only about 110 seconds long! According to the Bonedaddy, this record was the sound of 60s Pittsburgh dances – nice …

6. The Vontastics – Day Tripper … surprised by the response to this, as I don’t even dig it that much, but the people speak with their dancing feet …

5. Jackie Wilson – 3 Days 1 Hour 30 Minutes … my current favorite by arguably the greatest-ever soul singer … it almost hurts to listen to, what with all the grinning … and booze …

4. Hector Rivera – I Want a Chance For Romance … stand-in for the hot boogaloo action going on the turntables these days … could’ve been Bobby Valentin or Manny Corchado, but this one’s newer so I ain’t sick of it yet … plus Kris Rockwell bought me a beer when I first played it …

3. Brooks O’Dell – The Lively Ones … nobody likes it as much as me … killer mid-tempo, beauty voice, and I’d had it on my ‘watch out!’ list for a year, so finding it was probably better than actually listening to it … let me put up my anorak hood now …

3. The Crowns – Jerking the Dog … “I want everybody / who feels like I do …” Clap your hands and stomp your feet … makes me think I’m in a London club in 1965 high on speed … again …

2. Soulcialism New Orleans comp II selections: Diamond Joe – Gossip Gossip and How to Pick a Winner; Clarence Garlow – Sound the Bell; The Rubaiyats – Omar Khayyam … Tha ought-six was all about bringing back the Crescent City, and remembering what we lost … these became some of my favorites … along with about 400 others …

1. Sidney Hall – Weekend … rarer-than-rare, so it’s CD-for-me! … this thing is all about Pittsburgh weekends, just like we are: “It might be Sunday when it’s over / this little party of mine / I’m gonna drink all I can drink / honey you know it’s true / why should a hard workin’ man like me / let the weekend find me blue” …

Alpha and Omega. James Brown - Catalog … we’ll call the track for this one, “Jay Malls’ wicked five-hour JB-only set at Kelly’s right after Xmas” … there’s nothing left to say about JB except SOCK IT TO ’EM!!

A few more RIP honorable mentions: Wilson Pickett, “Baby Don’t You Weep”; Barbara Hall, “You Brought it On Yourself”; Lou Rawls, “Trouble Down Here Below”; Ruth Brown, “Mama, He Treat Your Daughter Mean”; Barbara George, “Love”; Ahmet Ertegun, “Everything On Atlantic”; Marshall Sehorn, “Everything on Sansu (including Diamond Joe as above”.

Jay Malls' Top-10 of 2006
Check Jay out at THE BIG THROWBACK, monthly at Brillo Box, and around town in general

SINGLES
Foster Sylvers - Misdemeanor (Pride)
Mel-man - The Mel-man (Movement Prod.)
Headliners - Little Sister (Super-M)
Creative Source – Who is He and What is He to You (Paul Winley) 12”boot- version
Myra Barnes - Message From the Soulsisters (King)

LP CUTS
James Brown – Blues and Pants (Polydor)
Lone Catalysts - Ones We Miss (B.U.K.A.)
Johnny Pate - Shaft in Africa (ABC)
U.S. Navy Port Authority Soul Band – Can’t Get Down, if I Can’t Get Up (USN?)
45 King – Checkmate You Lose feat. Ron Delight (Tuff City)

D.J.'s Top-10 of 2006
Check D.J.'s northern soul, reggae, etc. out monthly at Restless at the Smilin' Moose
1. Bobby Helms - Let's Copp a Groove into Joe Cuba's Bang Bang!
2. Kenny Hamber - Looking for a Love
3. Otis Redding - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
4. Joe Tex - I Gotcha
5. Joe Bataan - Special Girl
6. Merry Clayton - Gimme Shelter
7. Pete Rodriguez - Oh So Nice
8. Freddie & The Kinfolk - Mashed Potato Popcorn
9. The Soul City - Everybody Dance Now
10. Combinations - Bump Ball!

Johnno's Top-10 Britpop 'chunes of 2006
Soulcialist and ace anglophile Soccer John skips soul in favor of new Limey sounds!
10. The Holloways - Generator
9. The Feeling - Fill My Little World
8. Ordinary Boys - Lonely at the Top
7. The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger
6. The Kooks - Ooh La
5. Scissor Sisters - I don't Feel Like Dancing
4. Magic Numbers - Take a Chance
3. McFly - Sorry's Not Good Enough
2. Jaime T. - If You Got the Money
1. The Guillemots - Made Up Love Song #43

Ian Friend's Top-10 of 2006
A hearty mix of things you'll hear when this fella guests at Restless, and spins at his own THERMAL night weekly at the Lava Lounge
1: Clifford Curry - "Miss Shake-a-Plenty (In the micro-mini)"
2: Jackie Lee - "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness (B. White)"
3: O.V. Wright - "Oh Baby Mine"
4: Pheonix - (Tie) "The Rally" or "Sometimes In The Fall"
5: Gnarls Barkley - (Tie) "Smiley Faces" or "Who Cares?"
6: The Departure - "Arms Around Me"
7: Von Iva - "Soul Shaker"
8: CSS - "Let's Make Love & Listen To Death From Above"
9: Radio Birdman - "Smith & Wesson Blues"
10: The Mystery Girls - "My Bed Her Home"

Kris Rock's Top-10 Every-Mof'n Thing of 2006
Soulcialist Kris "James Brown Stole My Dad's Airplane" Rockwell truly leaves pretense in the past-tense and drops a Northern-Soul-Meets-"Guitar Hero" list on us. And while it's not true that the Police ever made a listenable song (tee hee), it actually is true that James Brown once stole Kris's dad's airplane. Like, f'real.

10. Boston - More Than a Feeling
Why? Because it's classic late 70's rock that just rules when you are playing Guitar Hero. And seriously, how does any man hit and sustain that high note?

9. Beastie Boys - Get It Together
The Beastie Boys. Not too much more to say.

8. Laurel Aitken - Hey Bartender
Just one more drink. Please? No, seriously...Please?

7. The Police - Invisible Sun
A less known, darker Police song. Well done.

6. James Brown - It's a New Day Part 1
Nope, not because he's dead, but because the song rocks pure and simple. And he's right: We gotta let the girls know what we want. Plus, he stole my dad's airplane.

5. Freda Payne - Unhooked Generation
If you are a Soulcialism regular, I know what you are thinking - "Holy crap! She has another song?" Yes she does, and it's better than that other one.

4. Fort Knox Five - The Brazilian Hipster
Great break beats, a jazzy feel and a nice Brazilian influence. What more do you need?

3. Eric B. & Rakim - Juice (Know The Ledge)
Not only is Rakim a rapping master, but the loops in this track will make you stop and say "Holy crap! That rocks!". From the starting bass riff to the funky flute loop, this song takes you just a little past the ledge.

2. The James Gang - Funk #49
This song is becoming more popular (again) and with good reason. Work this into any mix and you have a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Hearing these guys live on the Howard Stern show just proves they still got it.

1. Mary Wells - Can't you See (You're Losing Me)
I love female vocals on Norther Soul tracks. The piano and upbeat tempo are added elements that keep this track rockin'. If you hear me DJ, you WILL hear this track.

Set List

2006-12-17T20:20:00.000-05:00

Geeky me done writ dahn the rekkids I played Friday night. It's not really a set list, cuz I don't know what order they went in... but you get the picture...

Set List December 15, 2006

General stuff:
Al Wilson – Help Me
Johnny Jones & the King Casuals – Purple Haze
Rufus Lumley – I’m Standing
Shirley Ellis – Soul Time
James & Bobby Purify – Shake a Tail Feather
The Impressions – You’ve Been Cheatin’
The Show Stoppers – Ain’t Nothin’ but a House Party
The Vontastics – Day Tripper
Bunny Sigler – Girl Don’t Make Me Wait
The Tranells – Blessed With a Love
Al ‘TNT’ Braggs – Out of the Pan Into the Fire
Little Eva Harris – Get Ready/Uptight
Ike & Tina Turner – Somebody Needs You
The Marvelettes – Please Mr. Postman
Jr. Walker & The All Stars – Shake & Fingerpop
The Jackson 5 – ABC
The Supremes – You Keep Me Hangin’ On
Tony Clarke – Landslide
Etta James – Mellow Fellow
Edwin Starr – Back Street
The Fabulous Jades – Come On and Live
The Spellbinders – Help Me
N.F. Porter – Keep On Keeping On
The Capitols – Cool Jerk
Maxine Brown – You Upset My Soul
R. Dean Taylor – Ghost In My House (instrumental)
Brooks O’Dell – The Lively Ones
The Boogie Kings – Philly Walk
Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band – 25 Miles
Ben E. King – I Can’t Break the News To Myself
Clarence Carter – Back Door Santa

My half of tag-team boogaloo set with Kris:
Bobby Valentin – Bad Breath
Hector Rivera – I Want a Chance for Romance
Bobby Valentin – Use it Before You Lose It

A few R&B bits from that set:
Jackie Wilson – 3 Days 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Benny Spellman – Fortune Teller
Sugar Pie Desanto – Soulful Dress
Ray Charles – You’re Just About to Lose Your Clown
Anna Belle Caesar with Lionel Hampton – Little Annie
Sam Cooke – Sugar Dumpling

A modern selection:
Lynn Vernado – Wash & Wear Love
Voices of East Harlem – Cashing In
Brother to Brother – In the Bottle

James Brown set by request:
James Brown - Cold Sweat
Marva Whitney – It’s My Thing
James Brown – Give It Up Or Turn It Loose

My favorite night ender:
The New Young Hearts – The Young Hearts Get Lonely Too

Santa Go Straight to the Eagle

2006-12-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

First things first: Soulcialism, Friday, December 15, White Eagle.

OK, so, it’s ridiculous how many brilliant new records have fallen into the lap of the Soulcialist Party Workers over the past few months. And it’s more ridiculous that, like some kind of Soul Scrooges, most of them have been kept huddled away in the dark, miserly recesses of our record boxes.

So this month, at the December 15 meeting of the Soulcialist Party Workers, we’ll be providing a special winter warmer session of hot new soul sounds. Alongside all your newer favorites, and some of your old ones, you’ll hear special selections of some of the very BEST in hot-hot soul records – be they of the Mod, Latin, Funk, or Northern variety!

Check the Soulcialism Myspace site for sound clips of some of these tunes, up later today!

Top-Five New Tracks you’ll hear at this month’s Soulcialism:

The Tranells, “Blessed With a Love”
Uber-rare – until now! Possibly one of the greatest overlooked soul songs of the 60s, a Philly group with (apparently) some bad-boy backgrounds, belied by their sweet, sweet harmonies and uplifting tempo. Brought to you on a beautiful, LEGAL, and great-sounding reissue 45 released by Soulcialism regular Des “The Great Communicator” Parker.

Ben E. King, “I Can’t Break the News To Myself”
The “Stand By Me” singer’s finest effort? Huge, booming vocals, cheesy crescendos, dynamics to die for – if you like Soulcialism standards like Tom Jones’ “Stop Breakin’ My Heart,” you might pass out when this drops.

Bobby Valentin, “Bad Breath”
Boog-A-Loo like you know you do! Latin soul killer in the “Bang Bang” stylee from the guy that brought you crowd-pleasing favorite, “Use it Before You Lose It.” (You’ve clapped your hands to it. A lot.)

Lynn Vernado, “Wash and Wear Love” and “Second Hand Love”
I bought this for the A side, which is a Blackpool Mecca fave (for you Northern geeks – if there are any reading…) and which we heard to brilliant dance-floor effect at the Keb Darge/Andy Smith/Butch night in London in September. Lo and behold, the B side might be better?? You’ll hear ‘em both.

Marie “Queenie” Lyons, “Drown in my Own Tears”
Hotter-than-hell funk from one of James Brown’s protégé’s in the Lyn Collins soul/funk vein. When we funk thangs up a li’l bit, this one’ll pop on and you’ll pop out.

Blessed With a Love

2006-11-16T08:41:00.000-05:00

Keepin' it at the top: SOULCIALISM is next friday, Nov. 24, night after Thanksgiving, at the Eagle as usual - be there and give thanks for the goodness! New acquisitions are a-plenty and bountiful, so you'll wanna check out the tracks you'll be grooving to for parties to come!

Now for some discs worth checkin' out...

Northern Soul - Rare as Hen's Teeth
Goldmine (UK), released 2006

Doo-Wop Meets Northern Soul: 24 Tracks from the Roots of Northern Soul
Goldmine (UK), released 2006

Most Northern comps - and their fans - tend to fall into two distinct categories: Those arranged around a common theme - be that the club the tracks were broken at, the city from whence they came, or the label they were issued on - and those that act simply as collections. While the former may be more likely to contain some misses (Every club, city, and label produced some total shite!), the latter tends to stray more towards gratuitous stormers - the "Best of Northern" deals that result in you having ten discs with "Come On Train" on them. On these two Goldmine discs, however, we're offered up one of each type that, with a few minor exceptions, break those molds. Northern comps, in other words, worth listening to start-to-finish, rather than iPod-Shuffle stylee...

Rare as Hen's Teeth maintains that its tracks are threaded together around the theme of rarity: Yeah. Whateves. Sure, I'll never own any of these originals, but that can be said of thousands of soul and funk records. These are, essentially, rare tracks from the Goldmine record collection that may not have fit onto other Goldmine comps for whatever reason. But lets be thankful this holiday season that Hen's Teeth offered a chance to drop these on the public. There are some stormers on here, as you might expect, like The Dream Team's post-Otis answer, "I'm Not Satisfied," and the Videls' "Ain't Gonna Do You No Good." But for the most part, these are gorgeous mid-to-up-tempo dance tunes featuring truly original arrangements (the Tranells' "Blessed With a Love," also out now on a reissue 45 from Soulcialism pal Des Parker!), uplifting vocals from the likes of Derek Martin and Anetta Archibald (whose "Clip My Wings" also has some of the most beautifully subtle jazz-soul guitar playing in the Northern canon), and endearingly sincere cheese. (I'd love to hear Artie Feldman's "Wave a Banner," complete with timpanis, at a club - who's man enough to play it?) Side note: If you need a reason to pick this up, it's Sidney Hall's "Weekend," which - at $1,000 on Shrine original - you'll never otherwise hear, and which immediately joined my personal top-10 Northern tracks ever.

On the other side is the Doo-Wop Meets Northern Soul comp which, in the tradition of Goldmine's R&B Meets Northern Soul comps, looks back in order to move forward. With the tough R&B sounds spreading across dance floors in England's Northern scene peering further and further back into American soul music (hell, Keb Darge plays rockabilly and straight-up blues - but he doesn't really give a f&ck about anything; hence his enduring brilliance), it only makes sense to check out some of the more danceable Doo-Wop crossover sounds - from the period when doo-wops were gaining in tempo, more influenced by Sam Cooke and other artists beginning the transition to what would become the 60s sound. If you're a stormers-only fan of Northern, there might not be much to dig your feet into here. But for the more music-minded, Doo-Wop Meets... is a rich vein to mine: The Five Royales prove that "Catch That Teardrop" was no fluke with "Standing in the Shadows," which builds from almost nothing into a cathartic despair, and Vito & the Salutations - whose doo-wop "Unchained Melody" scored them a hit and landed them, 30 years later, in Goodfellas - make a mod-floor-filler-to-be with "I'd Best Be Going." (More cowbell!!) A few of these sound to me like they'd fall flat on a straight-up "Northern" dance floor - the Pheasants' "Out of the Mist" is harmonious and odd enough for a Charlie Apple or Porky Chedwick to drop a needle on it (412, baybee!), and Pookie Hudson's "Miracles" probably does get American 'oldies' play. But that only adds to the beauty of it all: In the hands of a maverick DJ and an open-minded audience, a whole new world could open up. And really, isn't that what Northern Soul ought to be?

(NOTE: I've linked comps to their Dusty Groove pages, not because I've got anything to do with 'em, but because it's the cheapest and easiest way to get these imports in the U.S. that I've found so far...)

Giving Thanks

2006-11-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let y'all know the next installment of SOULCIALISM is on Friday, Nov. 24 - the day after Thanksgiving - so come shed the pounds of all that turkey and red wine dancing to some serious downhome American music. (And, of course, loads of beer!)

More to come, including, for the first time ever, a couple of Soulcialism CD REVIEWS!!! WOW!!!

(I guess I should say that more like this: "Later on, I'll be writing some reviews to indulge my desperate love of northern-soul comp CDs, despite the fact that no one else really cares...")

Soulcialists Abroad

2006-10-05T08:12:00.000-04:00

Back from a few weeks in the UK, and just have a minute for a brief update. Our comrade Kris found a way to "need" to be in London two weekends ago, and the two of us hit Andy Smith and Keb Darge's "Lost & Found" night for a few brilliant sets of northern soul, blues, rockabilly, ska and reggae. Special guest Butch - a resident at the famed 100 Club all-niters - made my night early on with Lynn Vernado's "Wash and Wear Love" and a few other favorites. Johnny Beggs, one of Soulcialism's british associates and occasional visiting DJ, was there supping on Czech budweisers and flirting with broads half his age.

Afterwards, it was off to the 100 Club for their 27th anniversary party, along with 15,000 other soul fans (or at least it seemed so). Too many people, too little room, and we were too drunk - Kris, after all, had started the night out on pints of 7.5% cider and never looked back. (He hardly looked forward after about midnight.) I managed to dance my head off 'til about 5am, and then started getting a little dehydrated and dizzy, and figured I'd head home. The wrong way. For about a mile and a half. On foot...

In other words, we, ladies and gentlemen, are MORE than ready for one helluva kickoff to the Fall soulcialism season here in the City of Champions. Oct. 20 is the date, the Eagle is the place - in case you didn't see SPIN magazine. I sincerely hope for a packed house of sweaty dancers moving to a heaping helping of brand-newly acquired sounds. Mmm-hmm.

cheers.

Walking to New Orleans (again)

2006-09-01T10:10:00.000-04:00

10pm Fri., Sept. 8
White Eagle, 11th & Freyburg, South Side
SOULCIALISM
DJs Juddy & Johnno bring you four hours of raging northern soul
PLUS for a small donation, take home a CD of New Orleans' soul music - all proceeds go to help Big Easy musicians get back home.

A year ago, Katrina struck, the levees broke, and the combined forces of governmental negligence and mother nature attempted to wash away one of the most vibrant cultural assets in this country.

It's time for the musicians of New Orleans to be brought home. Scattered around the country, homeless and possession-less - even instrument-less - the musicians of New Orleans deserve all the help we, the music lovers, can bring them.

Last year, Soulcialism rush-produced a CD comp of New Orleans northern soul, funk, etc., which raised over $500 for the Tipitina's Foundation and WWOZ-FM (NOLA's brilliant roots radio station). Tip's Fdtn. has helped buy thousands of instruments for New Orleans' area students and musicians, and WWOZ is back on the air live around the clock, keeping the music alive. Meanwhile, the Habitat for Humanity Musicians' Village - a joint effort spawned for HfH by NOLA natives Harry Connick, Jr., and Branford Marsalis - has come together physically. But the red tape, the lack of gigs and health care and money - there are too many barriers keeping NOLA's musical lifeblood from returning home.

That's why the New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund exists: To help musicians take advantage of the opportunities out there for them, and to directly aid musicians in both their regular and professional lives.

This time, with a year's worth of music-learning and a little bit more time put into this thing, we're confident we've got a disc that's well worth your donations. Hold On, Help is On the Way: Soulcialism's Northern Soul, Deep Funk and Tough R&B of New Orleans Vol. II is one hot biscuit, straight out tha oven, and when you pick this up at the Eagle on Sept. 8, it'll be in your player 'til next year when you get volume three - guar-an-teed.

All proceeds go straight to the NOMHRF to start helping those musicians who want to move back to the Crescent City, but cannot until someone lends them a hand. Give a li'l back to the people who made the music we love. And have a damn fine time while you're at it.

Tracklisting:
Hold On, Help is On The Way:
Soulcialism’s Northern Soul, Deep Funk and Tough R&B of New Orleans Vol. II

1. G. Davis & R. Tyler – Hold On Help is On the Way
2. Ernie K-Doe – Come On Home
3. Pitter Pats – Baby, You Hurt Me
4. Diamond Joe – How to Pick a Winner
5. Lee Dorsey – Ride the Poney
6. Curly Moore – Little Sally Walker
7. Art Neville – Arabian Love Call
8. Betty Harris – I’m Evil Tonight
9. Clarence Garlow – Sound the Bell
10. Robert Parker – The Scratch
11. Elliott Small – Stay In My Heart
12. Elmer & Brenda Parker and the Nite Lighters – Got to Get Back to Louisiana
13. Diamond Joe – Gossip Gossip
14. Tommy Ridgley – In the Same Old Way
15. Benny Spellman – Sinner Girl
16. Earl King – Feeling My Way Around
17. Art Neville – What’s Going On
18. River Front Band – Warm Daddy’s Choice
19. The Rubaiyats – Omar Khayyam
20. Elliott Small – Girls Were Made for Loving
21. Irma Thomas – Wish Someone Would Care

Expressway To Your Heart

2006-08-19T11:44:00.000-04:00

First off, thanks to everyone who came out and made last night sumtin' special - at least in my mind. It was hot - though not as horrible, passing-out hot as July's - and sweaty and drunk (by midnight, they were out of three varieties of beer...), and wonderful.

Miss Jordan Valentine from The World's Greatest Sinners was in town to celebrate the release of the Sinners' great new full-length and 45, and brought tons o'shite to give away, all of which went to good soul-lovin' homes. Her presence dragged out some ol'-timers, which was lovely, and a li'l love from the media dragged out some newbies, which was similarly wonderful.

Through the daze of my second-hand-smoke hangover, I've managed to compile a setlist of 90% of what I played, and about 10% of what Johnno played - PLUS, I'm gonnna post my setlist from July, which I wrote up and never did anything with onnnaccount've laziness.

We'll see you Sept. 8 and Oct. 20 with more free goodies and hot soul music. And with a little luck, a bit less humidity and more humility.

juddy

[[FRI., AUGUST 18, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER WHATSOEVER]]
World’s Greatest Sinners – Miss Treatment; Seven Days Too Long; It’s Your Voodoo Working – [[All on Never Souled Out label 45 and CD]]
Etta & Sugarpie – In the Basement – Cadet
Barbra Carr – Shake Your Head – Chess
Henry Lumpkin – Soul is Taking Over – Buddha
The Crowns – Jerking the Dog – PAMA
Rita & the tiaras – Gone with the Wind Is My Love – Dore (reissue)
Show Stoppers – Ain’t Nothin But a House Party – Showtime
Miracles – Whoe Lot of Shaking In My Heart – Tamla
Isley Bros – This Old Heart of Mine – Tamla
Artistics – Hope We Have – Brunswick
Spyder Turner – You’re Good Enough for Me – MGM
Shirley Ellis – Soul Time – Columbia
Jackie Wilson – Higher and Higher – Brunswick
San Remo Golden Strings – Festival Time – Ric-Tic
The Fawns – [I forget the title] – Cap City
The Sweet – Got to Have More Love – Smash
Lou Johnson – Unsatisfied – Big Top
Buddy Guy – Women – Double L
Impressions – I Love You (Yeah) – ABC
Ronnie Love – Chills and Fever – Dot
Charley Gracie – He’ll Never Love You Like I Do – Diamond
Willie Mitchell – That Driving Beat – Hi
Bettye Swann – The Heartache is Gone – Abet
Bobby Bland – These Hands (Small but Mighty) – Duke
Bobby Paris – Night Owl – Cameo
Len Barry – 1-2-3 – Decca
Yum Yums – Gonna Be a Big Thing – Stardust (reissue)
Fantastic Four – As Long as the Feeling is There – Ric-Tic
The 5 Royales – Catch That Teardrop – ABC
Johnny Sayles – Don’t Turn Your Back On Me – Mar-V-Lus
Young Jessie – I Was Meant For You And You Were Meant For Me – Mercury
Marvelettes – Please Mr Postman – Tamla
Magicians – Keep Your Hands Off – Villa
Flamingos – Boogaloo Party – Philips
Spinners – What More Could a Boy Ask For – Motown LP

[[my box got all messed up so I’m sure I played these, too, but there’s others I’m missing]]
Soul Communicators – Those Lonely Nights – (compilation)
Eloise Laws – Love Factory – (comp) [request]
Voices of East Harlem – Cashin’ In
Edwin Starr – 25 Miles [request]
Freddie Waters – Steal it Steelers
The Steelers – Get it From the Bottom
Alex Brown – Love Really Hurts Without You
Candi Staton – Evidence [request]
Lyn Collins – Rock me again and again
Shirley Ellis – The Clapping Song [request]
Marvin Gaye – This Heart of Mine

[[A few I’m sure Johnno played though I was drinkin’ most of that time]]
Tina Britt – The Real Thing
Lew Kirton – Heaven in the Afternoon
Jay-sun – something
Al Wilson – Show & Tell
Wayne Gibson – Under My Thumb
O’Jays – Back Stabbers
Case of Tyme – Manifesto
Freda Payne – Band of Gold
Stevie Wonder – We Can Work It Out
Temptations – Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

JULY, 2006:
Set list, in no particular order – July 21, 2006

Valentinos – Sweeter Than the Day Before – Chess
Bob Seger System – Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man – Capitol
Shirley Ellis – The Clapping Song – Congress
Alex Brown – Love Really Hurts Without You – Roxbury
Voices of East Harlem – Cashing In – Goldmine reissue (reissue)
Originals – Suspicion – Stardust reissue (request)
Etta James & Sugarpie DeSanto – In the Basement Pt. 1 – Cadet
Marvelettes – Please Mr. Postman – Tamla
Jimmy Robins – I Can’t Please You – Jerhart
Barbra Carr – Shake Your Head – Chess
Charles Sheffield – It’s Your Voodoo Working – reissue
Steve Karman Big Band feat. Jimmy Radcliffe – Breakaway Pt. 1 – UA
Little Eva Harris – Get Ready/Uptight – Spring
Johnny Otis Show – Watts Breakaway – Okeh
Johnny Jones & the King Casuals – Purple Haze – Brunswick
Freddy Scott – Pow City – Marlin
Tyler/Davis – Hold On, Help is On The Way – Parlo
Bart Jackson – Dancing Man – Sound Facts
Rufus Thomas – The Memphis Train – Stax
Jackie Wilson – 3 Days 1 Hour 30 Minutes – Brunswick
The Crowns – Jerking the Dog – Pama
Laura Lee – To Win Your Heart – Ric-Tic
Impressions – I Love You (Yeah) – ABC
Jimmy Hughes – I’m a Man of Action – Fame
Marvelettes – I’ll Keep Holding On – Tamla
Bettye Swann – The Heartache is Gone – Abet
Jackie Wilson – I get the Sweetest Feeling – Brunswick
Platters – Washed Ashore – Musicor
Viola Wills – Together Forever – Bronco
Bobby Bland – These Hands (Small But Mighty) – Duke
Charley Gracie – He’ll Never Love You Like I Do – Diamond
Fascinations – I’m In Love – Mayfield
Fawns – Cap City
Billy Guy – Women – Double L
Edwin Starr – Way Over There – Gordy
Willie Mitchell – That Driving Beat – Hi

Soul Philosophy: Miss Shing-A-Ling visits Soulcialism This Friday

2006-07-19T12:27:00.000-04:00

Soulcialism - Juddy & Johnno with guest Miss Shing-A-Ling
10pm Fri., July 21
White Eagle, 11th & Freyburg, South Side
As always: *NO COVER* - *NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED*

Soul Plumbers Unite! You have nothing to lose but your "Chains of Love" (Wand)

Soulcialism started out with a very simple premise: Northern Soul - the uptempo, mod, 60s and 70s records so adored by the people of northern England (and of Pittsburgh!) - had been usurped by a host of money-oriented record collectors; people who'd, too often, gotten far away from the scene's origins in frantic, desperate good times at raging parties. Our job was to help Pittsburgh join the burgeoning international northern fraternity, without giving in to the one-upsmanship and elitism of that circuit.

...And we've done a fine job. In the years we've been at the White Eagle, we've never charged a cover, we've raised loads o' $$ for New Orleans post-Katrina, we've given away hundreds of copies of a half-dozen or more free CDs packed with Soul music rare and common. We'd like to think that we've kept soul from becoming mere commodity in this town - bought and sold by the tailored-suit mafia and their ilk.

...And we've reaped the rewards: The parties seem to get better every month - June's felt like a landmark, with some of the sweatiest dancing and most uplifting atmosphere we've had yet. Plus, the guests keep stopping by our little dive-bar on the south side - the 'club-least-likely-to', in many ways. We've had multiple guests from the UK northern scene remark on how much Soulcialism is like the 'old days,' or the 'early days,' at the Twisted Wheel or the Torch. No greater compliment could come through: Our sweaty, dingey dive is part of a long line of sweaty, dingey dives in neglected neighborhoods where soul music finds its seat.

...It all continues Friday night at the Eagle, when one of America's top northern jocks, MISS SHING-A-LING (NYC) - with links to Subway Soul Club, Hitsville Soul Club, and Jazzman Records - drops by to drop science on us. Let's show her that we may dress like plumbers and hippies, and we may drink and swear like sailors and barflies, but we get down like nobody from coast to coast!

You Met Your Match

2006-07-06T14:43:00.001-04:00

Holy shite! It's TRUE: We've actually PLANNED AHEAD!!

Here are the dates for the next three Soulcialism northern soul events at the White Eagle on Pittsburgh's beautiful and historic South Side:

Fri., July 21
Fri., Aug. 18
Fri., Sept. 8

Watch this space for more info on special guests, related events, and more and more! Yup.

juddy

You Met Your Match

2006-07-06T14:43:00.000-04:00

Heavy Music

2006-06-23T08:28:00.000-04:00

Soulcialism - tonight - Eagle.

Due to a severe case of Anorak-itis, I'm now going to post the tracklist to the CD we'll be handing out for y'all. Those of you who are normal people with social lives and drug habits, please skip on to the drinking and dancing portion of the evening. The rest of you, here y'are:

As always, some hits, some rarities, some new things, some old faves. Something for everybawdy.

“Shake Your Head” - Soulcialism Summer Soulstice tape

1) Little Eva Harris – Get Ready/Uptight
2) The “5” Royales – Catch That Teardrop
3) Louise Murray – The Love I Give
4) King Errison – Zola
5) Isley Brothers – Tell Me It’s Just a Rumour Baby
6) Stevie Wonder – You Met Your Match
7) Manny Corchado – Chicken & Booze
8) Barbra Carr – Shake Your Head
9) Bob Seger – Heavy Music Part 1
10) Jimmy Hughes – I’m a Man of Action
11) Viola Wills – Together Forever
12) The Spinners – She’s Gonna Love Me At Sundown
13) Lee Dorsey – Ride Your Pony
14) Bart Jackson – Dancing Man
15) Nicole Willis & the Soul Investigators – If This Ain’t Love
16) Shirley Ellis – The Clapping Song
17) The Futures – Our Thing
18) Willie Mitchell – That Driving Beat
19) Johnny Jones & the King Casuals – Purple Haze
20) The Valentinos – Sweeter Than the Day Before

Hitch it to the Mule!

2006-06-19T11:15:00.000-04:00

!SOULCIALISM!
10 p.m. FRIDAY, JUNE 23
White Eagle, 11th & Freyburg, South Side, City of Champions.
*NO COVER* *NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED*

Your long-suffering residents, Juddy & Johnno, bring you 4+ hours of the steamiest, sweatiest, floodingest Northern Soul around, as you sip on ridiculously cheap drinks and dance like Jackie Wilson!

PLUS, be one of the first 50* people in the door and celebrate the official start of summer with a brand-new FREE CD of Soulcialism classics and classics-to-be!!! Hits and rarities from The 5 Royales, Stevie Wonder, the Isleys, Manny Corchado and oh-so-many more!!!

Cheers,
juddy

*As you know, we sometimes get a li’l lazy, in which case you probably wanna be one of the first 25 people thru the door, ifyaknowwhatImean.

Shake Your Head

2006-06-07T09:26:00.000-04:00

Those of you who attended SOULCIALISM last Friday night at the White Eagle understand the true meaning of "underground soul". Packed, hot, sweaty and steamy, a bathroom flooded by rainwater and a dancefloor besotten with the loaded and ecstatic!

In other words, THANKS - to our dancing friends, our special guest DJs (Des, Johnny, and Kris), and most importantly to Soccer John for fixing the freakin' P.A. system while I decided to simply retreat into a bottle...

Here are a few new favorites you heard Friday from our guests and residents - watch for some of 'em on a new SOULCIALISM CD to be handed out at our JUNE 23 gig!

Barbra Carr - Shake Your Head - dance floor mind-destroyer
King Errison - Zola - Des Parker gets the most drunks asking "Who IS this?" in Soulcialism history
Saxie Russell - Psychedelic Soul - Johnny Beggs' classic reborn in the Burgh
Esquires - Think - storming funk instrumental version of the Lyn Collins classic
Chris Clark - Love's Gone Bad - just you wait...
Bart Jackson - Dancing Man - for all the hipper-than-thou non-dancing dudes at the bar

See ya next time - juddy

Bright Moments

2006-04-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

It's almost that loveliest time of month again, and it's definitely that time of year - everything seems so optimistic, so possible, all of a sudden. There are porches to be sat on, cocktails and 40's to be supped - it's so magnificent, in fact, that even the 1970s suddenly seem far more than palatable; almost required.

In honor of such feelings, I had to make myself a car tape of northern-goes-funky-disco stuff - tentatively titled "Klipschorn Mecca" after David Mancuso's Loft and Ian Levine's Blackpool Mecca, two of the 1970s most important nightlife spots. Really I'll probably call it "Soulcialism Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry," or even better, "Fuck Off, Snobs."

Anyway, point is, I'm going to bring a dozen or so copies to Soulcialism at the White Eagle on Friday, April 21, to give to interested parties. Not a general-issue freebie, since not everybody digs the modern-northern or funky-disco sounds, and I don't wanna bother mugs who don't care. So if you're interested, make sure to email me and/or come up to the decks-desk on Friday! A buck for the blank disc would rock, but not mandatory.

Tracklisting below. See ya at the Eagle. Leave your pretense in the past tense.

Soulcialism Means Neve Having to Say You're Sorry:
1) Eloise Laws - Love Factory
2) James Fountain - Seven Day Lover
3) Rasputin's Stash - Your Love is Certified
4) Candi Staton - Evidence
5) James Taylor Quartet - Redneck
6) Barbara Mason - You Better Stop It
7) Wales Wallace - Somebody I Know
8) Diane Jenkins - Tow-Away Zone
9) The Philadelphia Story - People Users
10) Marie "Queenie" Lyons - Fever
11) Rosie Lopez - Too Hot to Hold
12) Larry Saunders - On the Real Side
13) Blacklove - Get Down (Part I)
14) Lynn Vernardo - Wash & Wear Love
15) Diane Jenkins - I Need You
16) Esther Phillips - I've Never Found a Man
17) Carstairs - You Really Hurt Me Girl
18) Ultra High Frequency - Incompatible
19) The O'Jays - I Love Music (Part I)
20) Bright Moments - She's So Fine

2006-03-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

Soulcialism, YOU SHOOK ME UP - TONIGHT!

2006-03-21T10:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to the King of Rock-n-Soul!

2006-03-18T12:06:00.000-05:00

It's true - Young Hearts Get Lonely Too

I Pray Everyday

2006-03-18T11:25:00.000-05:00

Back at the Eagle for your monthly prescription next Friday night, March 24, and by way of 7-day prep, I thought I'd drop a few titles on y'all. These are tracks that I've been somewhat annoyingly obsessed with lately - not rare or even 'northern', but hot-as-hell uplifting required-reading soul... Next Friday's gonna be the good stuff, with a capital 'Yinz'. I wouldn't O-buffet ya.

Things seem a little lowly around us at the moment, at least in my circle - a lot of bad things happening to good people. But I interviewed Roger Lewis, the 65-year-old sax player and founding member of New Orleans' Dirty Dozen Brass Band, yesterday, and he said this about the spirit of his hometown: "We don’t dwell on nothing – it’s like a jazz funeral, we’re gonna march you to the cemetery and play you into the ground, but after we put you in the ground, we gonna march on the second line and play some music! We might talk about you and say what’s good about you, but we’ll say what’s bad about you too, and we gon’ go to where the food is and where the drinks are, and hopefully we gon' meet some honies. 'Cause we from New Orleans, and that’s how we roll."

That's a sentiment I'd like to subscribe too, and in its honor, here's some team-spirit uplifters I've been gettin down to of late. Come out Friday, and you'll unquestionably hear 'em all.

David Ruffin - "I Pray Everyday (You Won't Regret Loving Me)"
Former Temps singer does a kind of gospel-slash-stomper crossover that brings to mind unshod feet sullying church pews and Sunday-hatted women feinting in the aisles. The faux-Eastern intro and bridge, 1969's requisite sitar-guitar sound, fused onto Motown's uncanny ability with a throat-choking drag-beat rhythm lapse - the melodramatic drag of the beat just before its massive horns-and-choir refrain - makes this about as rich as the summer of '69 could've possibly offered. Reminds me, conversely of course, of a line from a Tom Waits song: "You keep telling me that it's gospel / but I know that it's only church." Well, this isn't anything as feeble as church - this is religion.

The Spellbinders - "Help Me (Get Myself Back Together Again)"
Another in my Springtime uplifting-thankful-goodness-gracious-me-oh-my set of current obsessions: The Spellbinders get mad-Tamla on a Northern classic with the vocal hallmarks that make soul music resound so timlessly - the verses sung like a bedroom dreamer, like the stable center surrounded by a whirlwind of pounding snares and relentless tambourines, desperate backing vocals and melodramatic strings. I was thinking this morning, while listening to a radio-news piece about a certain incredibly-overrated indie-pop singer/songwrter, that people seem not to write universal songs anymore. As though connecting with an audience has become a signal of weakness, of pedestrianism. I put it down to playlist-ism - the uber-specialization and lifestyle-ization of popular culture that's made the music one listens to and books one reads into no more than another accessory, like the iPod you listen to it on: People make records aimed at other people like them, people who will see those records as identifiably their own and, more importantly, NOT that of others. The Spellbinders' "Help Me" - like all the greatest soul records - is definitively democratic-socialist in its universalism: Whether you're a broken-hearted bisexual punk phone-sex worker in Toronto, or a New Orleans shopkeeper with a broom and a lifetime of mud, this thang's for you. And like they do in N'Awlins, you might as well dance your troubles away.

The New Young Hearts - "Young Hearts Get Lonely Too"
A West Coast low-rider classic; sloooow and loooow, crooned and swooned by (some of) the men who brought us the northern anthem-of-all-anthems, "A Little Togetherness." Apparently, according to the lyrics, even if you're a member of a group as internationally famous as The New Young Hearts (minor sarcasm there...), it's possible to feel lonely and saddened by romantic despair. "The song I sing over the microphone / can soothe my aching heart, but I'm so all alone / yes, it's true / Young Hearts get lonely too." Besides just being brilliantly self-referential - kind of a post-modern romantic soul-harmony ballad - there's something beautiful in The New Young Hearts' sentiment: "Yeah, we get lonely too / we get lonely for you, you, you." Again, the great equalizer; the soulcialist ideal; we're all in this together, and we need you more tha you need us. I'm grateful as all hell to Ruben Molina for his thorough document, The Old Barrio Guide to Low Rider Music 1950-1975 - if you've got any interest in these bad-ass harmony soul things that the latino low-rider community's been preaching for half a century, check out Molina's site HERE and you'll find out a lot. (As long as you can ignore the book's typos ... ;) He's also got low-rider comp's and collections for sale, and some beautiful shots of labels from The Day, including "Young Hearts Get Lonely Too" on Zea.

To Win Your Heart

2006-03-07T16:28:00.000-05:00

Big-ups to everybody who came out two Fridays back for the three-year anniversary of Soulcialism - personally, it was my favorite night we've had yet: The crowd was the right size (ie there was a little more room than in January), in great form, and well enthused. Thank you all so much. If you didn't get a copy of the new CD, either email me or just come out next time - March 24 - as we should have more copies. (We're requesting, though by no means demanding, a donation for this one, so that we don't lose too much loot on making 'em!)

Speaking of new music, I'm working on a way to slap mp3s on this site, so that i can get some feedback on new songs, or just share great 'chunes with yinz, since if you're reading this you must be a hardcore Soulcialist. (Or, more likely, you're me, since I don't think anybody else reads this...)

Next party at the Eagle is on March 24, but if you can't wait, Johnno and I will be spinning some soul as well as lots of classic and modern Britpop, indie, electro, Madchester, mod, post-punk, etc. at Casual Fridays on March 17 at the Upstage in Oakland. Celebrate St. Pat's Day without all that "come out you Black an' Tans" silliness!

Check back soon for muzik and more events!

cheers.

Newies with Real Appeal

2006-02-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

This weekend, myself and Soulcialism extended family member "Hot Sauce" Stu Braun head up to Bahhston to lay down tracks with the World's Greatest Sinners for the band's upcoming debut album. Before departing, however, I thought I'd leave y'all with a taste for some of the new grooves you'll hear when (not if!) you come to Soulcialism at the Eagle next Friday (Feb. 24).

They're all cheapies, no high-falutin' $100 records here, and they're all brilliant. Hope you can make it out!

Ultra High Frequency - "Incompatible"
Philly soul from Wand circa. 1973 - call it early disco, call it floating 70s northern soul, call it freakin' excellent, they're all true. With one of the most soaring lead vocals I've heard on a 70s track, complemented by a harmony trio and some bittersweet lyrics - plus, of course, all the string arrangements and full-band hits you'd expect - and you've got my new favorite track. Expect to hear it in a set that also contains Eloise Laws' "Love Factory," Larry Saunders' "On the Real Side," and my other new favorite...

Rasputin's Stash - "Your Love is Certified"
Another early-70s gem, this time from Cotillion and a band best known these days for providing samples for the likes of Beck. A bizarre opening/refrain with country-ish slide guitar means that some will raise an eyebrow and lose a step when this starts. But the beat, once it kicks in after a few bars, is relentless, driving, and funky. Toss in some falsetto wailing and tight horn riffs, and things are getting diiirrrty...

The Upper Hand - "Real Appeal"
Class of '66 rockin' soul stomper that I think must come from Florida (anyone?). I'll wager that this has had a few plays in the U.K., but I see why it didn't catch on - it's rock-y and a bit white. But the beat is killer, it's loud and proud, and I think we'll see a few beads of sweat form on faces in the Iggle when it comes on. Classic-to-be? Maybe. Classic-for-a-night? Definitely.

Raffaele Scarpino and the Mr. DeSimone Band - "Le Belle Donne"
Totally off-the-grid Italian crooner doing "Delilah" with Super Mario accent and cheeseball organ accompaniment ... but the B-side is this thing somewhere between Dean Martin and Jacques Dutronc; Spaghetti-and-martini club singer meets Mod backbeat, organ, and electric guitar. Again: I'm lovin' it - what will y'all think?

Soulcialists on Rust Belt Soul tonight

2006-02-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

Check the link.

I'll be joining DJ Nosteel for his Rust Belt Soul show on WPTS-FM tonight, Feb. 7, from 9-11pm.

Tune in for some Pittsburgh-centric (and other) northern soul, and maybe a li'l Pandemic-style modern madness for good measure.

Get it From the Bottom

2006-01-30T19:49:00.000-05:00

Check this link out to a discography of records that Pittsburgher Bob Babbitt played bass on: You'll see all the hits he's well known for, like the Temp's "Ball of Confusion" and "Masterpiece," Marvin's "Inner City Blues," and the Spinners "Rubber Band Man."

But check out the '60s part of the list - before Babbitt was a Funk Brother, he was basically hard at work recording Soulcialism's Greatest Hits. Edwin Starr's "SOS" and "Agent 00 Soul," Little Carl Carlton's "Competition Ain't Nothin'", Platters' "With This Ring," Eddie Holland's "Leavin Here," Freda Payne's "Band of Gold," Chairmen's "Give Me Just a Little More Time,"all get regular spins when we break out the crowd-pleasers - he's even on the biggest Eagle hit of 'em all, Stevie Wonder's "We Can Work It Out."

Steel it Steelers

2006-01-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

Big thanks to everyone who came out and made Friday perhaps the most packed Soulcialism so far - judging purely from the absurd beer consumption.

Des Parker and Johnny Beggs played a storming hour-plus of hits and oddities (everything they brought with 'em), and were duly impressed with the crowd's size and capacity for drunken dancing - we were duly impressed with their ability to knock 'em back, too.

In fact, this weekend was good enough to require a Soulcialism top-ten list.

10) "Big Bad Wolf" by Johnny Watson, on Johnny Beggs' "Northern Cowboys" mixtape. Storming R&B from Mr. Gee-tar. I'll never own it, so this dub will have to last me a lifetime - a new all-time favorite.

9) "Countdown Here I Come" by The Tempos. One of my fave's ever, and an occasional Soulcialism play, but doesn't it sound THAT much better when you don't know it's comin'?

8) Johnny Beggs' late-night recounting of dodging razor-sharp soup-can lids hurled by Burnley fans in his youthful Stoke City days.

7) Troy Polamalu. 'Nuff said.

6) Panang Curry with seafood at 3am. Clears the sinuses, rocks the mouth. Up to 11. Thai is America's Indian.

5) "Baby Don't Weep" by Wilson Pickett. Going back over some of his stuff, this thing's the killer, f'sure. Bless 'im.

4) Austin Shifrin's sweat-soaked smash-n-grab dance to Bob Seger's "Heavy Music." Dude must do laundry every day.

3) Big Ben. 'Nuff said.

2) "R 'n' B Time" by E Rodney Jones tied with "Too Late" by Williams 'n' Watson for dancefloor-slaying supremacy.

1) Pittsburgh Steelers and Northern Soul - the new/old steeltown tradition. The rousing 'here we go' at the end of the night at the Eagle Friday was enough to bring a wee tear to the eye. Sniff!

Soulcialist Goings-On

2006-01-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

The new year has rung in bright and bubbly in Soulcialist Party Workers headquarters here in the capitol of Appalachia and the Rust Belt. For one thing, there was the blustery and brain-clouded manner of the end of '05 - SOULCIALISM at the White Eagle on 12/30, which proved to be one of the odder evenings of our brief history: With the holidaze came a largely newcomer crowd to the Iggle, lots of new faces and some truly bad drunken dancing. Loved it. Pure outta hand.

Then there came confirmation of the next big thing in Pittsburgh's northern soul continuum: On January 20, 2006, we're proud to welcome back to the decks Mr. DES PARKER, current big-dog in the U.K.'s explosive newies scene, bringing sounds you've probably never heard before, as well as first-time visitor and guest of honor (I s'pose), Mr. JOHNNY BEGGS, a veteran of the U.K. northern scene going back to the days when Sir used to spin at the Golden Torch in Stoke, one of the founding-father clubs of northern soul. Today, Beggs runs the popular STEAM all-niter in Crewe, at the forefront of introducing newly discovered '60s soul to the northern crowd.

Finally, '06 is starting out great because Johnno recently pointed out to me that February will mark THREE YEARS of Soulcialism, from our premature start at Zythos (yikes!) to our almost-but-not-quite mature present at the Iggle.

Hope to have some more fotos for you soon from last time, and some other news and info coming up. And with a li'l luck, I'll remember to update this a wee bit more often. Thanks for the patience!

Upcoming Soulcialist Activity

2005-12-06T09:03:00.000-05:00

A quick update to let yinz know what's going on in the Soulcialist camp.

The next party at the White Eagle is on Fri., Dec. 30 - New Year's Eve Eve!

After that, we'll be back again on Fri., Jan. 20 for a hot-goddamn wicked Soulcialism with some very special guests we'll announce as soon as they're confirmed! Keep your eyes out for another installment of Never Souled Out coming up around April-ish, and more big big events for the '06.

One of these days, I'm definitely gonna have to do a proper update, huh.

2005-11-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

One of these people has enjoyed 1,000 frothy malted beverages ... your erstwhile soulie and Miss Sharon Jones.

How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?

2005-11-08T08:18:00.000-05:00

SUPER-SOUL ALERT: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - with special guests, your very own New Alcindors - perform at 7pm tonight, Tue., Nov. 8, at Club Cafe, South Side. Extremely "Not To Be Missed". Jones is the one who waxed regular Soulcialism spins "Pick It Up And Lay It In The Cut" and 2004's hottest rekkid, "Genuine"!!

SUPER-SOUL ADVANCE ALERT: *SOULCIALISM* returns to the White Eagle for our November soul fury on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18. There will be another free Soulcialism comp-CD giveaway, and there may be other good'n'fun news, so WATCH THIS SPACE. N'at. Go steelers.

FIRST THINGS LAST: THANKS to everyone who came out in October to make it one of the get-down-ingest, shimmy-shakin'est, biggest ROAD BLOCK Soulcialism parties yet!! Big Ups to Mary & Joe & the Eagle and of course all y'all, from Juddy 'n' Johnno and the Soulcialist Party Workers. HA!

2005-11-08T08:17:00.000-05:00

Miss Sharon Jones, Queen of Soul, plays at Club Cafe tonight at 7pm (Tue., Nov. 8).

Photos

2005-10-18T18:02:00.000-04:00

Photos from the last Soulcialism - Sept. 9 - are below.

Don't forget: This Friday, Oct. 21, White Eagle, South Side - SOULCIALISM.

2005-10-18T18:01:00.000-04:00

Natalie and Johnno with the U.K. contingent at September's Soulcialism: (L to R) Nattie Ice, Paul, Johnno, Des, Angus

2005-10-18T17:58:00.000-04:00

We like the new arrangement - one room for dancers, one for drinkers, and one just for us... we assume this was taken during Charles Sheffield, "It's Your Voodoo Working"

2005-10-18T17:53:00.000-04:00

My bar is a good bar.

Oh, my. What a lovely time we'll have.

2005-10-17T11:55:00.000-04:00

So much coming up, I'll just list it.

Friday, Oct. 21 - 10pm
Soulcialism at the White Iggle
Juddy & Johnno spinning fine 60s and Northern Soul material for you to dance and drink and fall down to.

Saturday, Oct. 29 - 10.30pm
Halloween with the New Alcindors and Local Honey
Club Cafe, South Side
Funky, soulful, country-ish, yummy, costumed good times!

Tues., Nov. 8 - 7pm
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings wsg. New Alcindors
Club Cafe, South Side
No explanation further.

Fri., Nov. 11 - 10pm
New Alcindors join Camera and Bullet Parade
31st St. Pub, Strip District

Martha Reeves

2005-09-28T11:17:00.000-04:00

Two weekends ago brought Martha and the Vandellas to Pittsburgh for the PCA's annual house party fund-raiser. I'll just hit a few pertinent points:

How disorganized can an event be? Consider such a question answered... hundreds if not 1000+ people paying large to find a single bar manned by two overwhelmed dudes, their shirts stained with blood and whiskey, trying to find one last sliver of gin so as not to face my wrath. A friend who came to meet us there walked around the entrance holding $30 cash aloft, desperately seeking someone to take it off his hands - he was eventually forced to "sneak" in without paying, for want of someone to pay. There was no contingency for rain - who knew it'd rain in Pittsburgh in September? - and after Martha finished, the 200-odd remaining ticket-buyers were told to go back to the PCA building where she'd be signing autographs: It was closed and locked.

But sweet Martha Reeves and her alleged sisters (are they really all Reeves? You tell me) sounded glorious, despite some touch and go moments with the pick-up band and the PA. (The only thing thin on that stage was the sound...) Finest moments: Kris and I demanding "One Way Out," and Martha singing it accapella, just like at the Wigan Casino anniversary so many years ago... The ladies recreating their back-up parts from Marvin's "Hitch-Hike" - no music, no lead, just pitch- and rhythm-perfect backing vox... doing the funky chicken with a Vandella... Was it all worth it? Hell yeah.

Final unrelated note: if you're going to Cleveland for Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings on Sunday, lemme know!

Wrap-up/N.O.L.A./Martha Reeves

2005-09-14T09:19:00.000-04:00

G. Davis and R. Tyler released "Hold On Help Is On The Way" as an Aaron Neville single - he was, after all, the name in New Orleans music; they, just the Parlo label owners. I think it was when Des Parker played "Hold On..." - one of my all-time favorite northern soul records - and I drained a yearning Straub in order to rush out and muss up the dance floor, that I picked Friday as Soulcialism's best-yet installment.

Be proud, Pittsburgh: Despite the Eagle's rep for cheapness, and the Soulcialism crowd's adoration of said low-cost lovin', we raised over $450 for the Tipitina's Foundation - the venerable N'Awlins' club's non-profit group now focusing its attentions on housing and other help for members of the Big Easy musicians' diaspora. (A portion of donations will also go to WWOZ Radio, America's best radio station, decimated by the flooding, yet still on the air, cuz that's how they roll.) That's slightly more than I had dreamt we'd do, $$-wise, and loot's still coming in - the CD your Soulcialist Party Workers concocted of N.O. northern and funk is still churning up the odd donation, so watch that number rise!

Des and Paul Cross brought in a box of rarities - including some Pittsburgh stuff, like the Dell-Vikings' "Finger Poppin' Woman" on local Fee Bee Records - and launched the local career for at least one new bona fide Soulcialism mega-hit. I've got a couple photos from Friday on their way, so watch this spot for those, too.

This coming weekend brings Martha Reeves and the Vandellas to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts House Party on Friday night. (Check out tickets HERE.)Been swooning to the Watchout! album by Ms. Reeves, and lemme tell ya - if I could, I'd vote her into office just on the basis of "One Way Out".

Thanks again - we'll see ya next time On the Real Side.

Soulcialism FRIDAY

2005-09-07T10:10:00.000-04:00

SOULCIALISM!
10 pm THIS Friday, Sept. 9
at the White Eagle, 11th & Freyburg, South Side
NO Cover, NO Membership required, 21+
Click here for a MAP TO CLUB

Soulcialism’s monthly installment of ’60s/Motown and Northern Soul comes early in September, with some special bonus features!

First off, this time around your resident deejays from the Soulcialist Party Workers, Johnno and Juddy, will be joined behind the decks for a cameo appearance by Des Parker and Paul Cross, two Northern Soul scene stalwarts from the UK. These guys will bring a li’l taste of what the UK 60s rare-soul scene is dancing to these days, but more than that, they’re going to drink bottled beer by the gallon and have y’all show them a luvly time!

Secondly, as always, there’s NO COVER CHARGE for Soulcialism at the Iggle. However, this time around we’ll be collecting voluntary donations at the door, with all proceeds from the evening going to charities such as WWOZ Radio, the Tipitina’s Foundation and the N.O. Musician’s Clinic set up specifically to help New Orleans music people rendered homeless, workless and worse by hurricane Katrina. In addition, for a li’l bit more of a donation, you can pick up a special CD-r comp of New Orleans- and Gulf Coast-based northern soul tracks and related sounds – pretty sweet, eh?

But most importantly, it’s time to come out and DANCE and DRINK and FALL OVER to big ole hits by STEVIE WONDER, JACKIE WILSON, CURTIS MAYFIELD, THE DELLS, the JACKSONS, FELICE TAYLOR, WAYNE GIBSON, and tons of other soul favorites – with the odd li’l lick of funk and R&B for good measure!!

Pass the word along to your friends, enemies, bartenders… we gon’ have a good time. Mmm. Hmm.

New Orleans

2005-09-01T10:58:00.000-04:00

A horrible, horrible scenario is laid out by this article from Fox News.

Apparently Fats Domino, Irma Thomas and Antoinette K-Doe are all missing in the wake of Katrina. Allen Toussaint is in the SuperDome waiting to be evacuated - he managed to get a message out to his daughter. The Nevilles are safe and dry, though the family may have lost absolutely everything.

After the lives lost, the economic impact, the crime, the displacement, the absolute disruption in the lives of such a large segment of our nation's population - after that's all totted up, we'll have to start looking at the cultural and historical impact of this damned event. An entire generation of a vibrant locality's musicians and artists who, by ALL rights, should be living out their golden years in the glow of recognition may be wiped out - either literally or financially. Not to mention everything they had to tell us and pass on.

This shit can make you a praying man.

Soulcialism last Friday

2005-08-29T07:42:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out, danced the mashed potato, sucked down several barrels and a thousand cases of bev-er-age, and had what seemed to generally be regarded as a damned fine time Friday night at the Eagle. Special bigups to Mary and Willis and urraybody at the iggle. The dancefloor was packed - at one point, according to Johnno, the entire floor of the building was shaking - and very sweaty, and little pockets of extra-dance broke out in the adjunct room and the entrance hall room. Nice-up.

I was particularly excited to see some of the new thangs we had on offer go down a storm Friday: "Love Factory" by Eloise Laws in particular, but also the Skull Snaps ("My Hang Up Is You") which we haven't played for a year or two, Millie Jackson's "My Man, A Sweet Man", and, of course, the Soulcialism classic-to-be "Cashin' In" by Voices of East Harlem.

The big news now, of course, is that next Friday, Sept. 9, sees the return of Des and Paul from the U.K. These guys are both Northern Soul collectors going back to the Wigan Casino days (Paul was at the Casino's FIRST EVER all-niter), and are stopping by Pittsburgh on their cross-country trip just to come and play records and hang out at Soulcialism. Let's show 'em a good time, eh?

2005-08-27T16:22:00.000-04:00

With Antoinette K-Doe at the Mother-in-Law Lounge, New Orleans - Burn, K-Doe, BURN!

Burn, K-Doe, Burn!!

2005-08-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

Final post of my morning catch-up.

Just back from New Orleans, where much beauty was beheld in the form of crawfish etouffe, red beans and rice, Sazerac, Vieux Carre and Ramos Gin Fizz cocktails (big thanks to Marvin Allen at the Carousel bar for being one of the world's greatest bartenders and mixologists), Abita beer, and, of course, soul, R&B and jazz music.

Three places stand out in my mind as Soulcialist highlights: Donna's bar and grill with the world-famous Treme Brass Band, who proved that anarchistic brass-band music is amongst the world's most excitingly soulful, even (especially?) when played by musicians who seem to have no more than a passing-through knowledge of the real, physical world. These guys didn't seem like they knew there were instruments, nonetheless a club and an audience. Yet the full-frontal cacophonous chaos they produced ended up being spot-on perfect for the vieux carre - taunting, laughing, 75% overjoyed and 25% death-march music.

Secondly, Jim Russell's Records in the Lower Garden District. Again, chaos: Like the best record stores, there seemed to be absolutely no rhyme nor reason to the organization. But, while that unknown copy of "Do I Love You" or Frankie Beverly never reared its head, I picked up some lovely if less-rare stormers to keep the masses happy at the White Eagle on Friday night. Most importantly, Jim's daughter-in-law Denise ranks up there with the Jerry's crew in terms of friendly-and-helpful - a rare commodity in the record game. (PS - Jim's a Pittsburgher by birth and rearin'. Rawk on, yinz.)

Third, and most importantly, Ernie K-Doe's Mother-in-Law Lounge. Certainly the greatest bar I've ever walked into - a shrine to the late great self-declared "Emperor of the Universe", Ernie K-Doe, singer of hits such as "Mother in Law" and "A Certain Girl", noted eccentric, and creator, from beyond the grave, of some damn fine hot sauce as it turns out. The lovely and gracious Antoinette K-Doe, Ernie's widow, greeted us at the door and stayed with us all night, bowling me over with tales about her pals - you know, like Jerry and Billy Butler, James Brown, Jessie Hill, Robert Parker, etc. Even Antoinette refers to her place as "impossible to describe", so I'd best wait 'til it's all sunk in a bit more. Suffice to say: GO.

Never Souled Out - Weekends pile up

2005-08-23T09:15:00.000-04:00

It's never too late to rehash old good times - and this one was just two weeks back.

First off, Aug. 13 was Never Souled Out (see mass of photos below) at the Shadow Lounge. A great time, and a watershed moment, we may later agree, in Pittsburgh's northern soul thang. Eight deejays in two rooms playing six hours of soul music only SEEMS like a good idea until you mix in 150-200 people and a pair of beer barrels through the night, filling the Lounge with dance moves (good and lousy - both count!) and fine, fine sounds.

After a bottle of champagne and a long-ass night, it seemed that DJ's idea of keeping setlists of what we each played wasn't as logistically impossible as it had at 7:30pm - in other words, I've got no information on the lovely sounds Grover brought in from Western Ohio, or the newies that DJ or Johnno played. Hell, I'm not sure what new things I spun meself, though I believe a funk set from Daptone Records, "Cashin' In" by Voices of East Harlem, and "Wake Up to the Sunshine" by Joey DeLorenzo all went down a storm.

Secondly, Aug. 14, Solomon Burke out at Hartwood Acres. I mostly agree with Ed Masley HERE that Burke's voice is in fantastic form, and that his band is absolutely top-notch - from organist Rudy Copeland's chaotic Hammond-and-Leslie stabs to the bari sax player's hot-in-the-face-of-tech-difficulties jump onto harmonica. But Burke played to the crowd TOO much, skipping a lot of his own hits and recent-album beauties in favor of a long medley-ish performance of blah blah blah soul hits like "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" and "Georgia on my Mind". But Solomon Burke's nothing if not a salesman, and the audience was in a buying mood, with hundreds of ex-hippie lasses doing the white-liberal-guilt in the caged-off stagefront box. I don't blame him.

When he did shine brightest, like on "If You Need Me", it was magical, his voice shooting from tender weep to valley-filling full-throated melodic shout, 0-60 in one glissando. Hope we get him back someday soon.

2005-08-23T09:14:00.000-04:00

Never Souled Out at the Shadow Lounge - my fave is the dude with the suit and the brown paper bag. This town's all class. (Photo, you guessed it, courtesy DJ Riel)

2005-08-23T09:13:00.000-04:00

Never Souled Out at the Shadow Lounge - DJ makes the damn thang work! (Photo, somehow, courtesy DJ Riel)

2005-08-23T09:12:00.000-04:00

Never Souled Out at the Shadow Lounge - before that last glass (read: cup) of Champagne, I knew how this thing worked... "The Right Track" by Billy Butler in cue. (Photo courtesy DJ Riel)

2005-08-23T09:11:00.000-04:00

Never Souled Out at the Shadow Lounge - Austin is, I dare say, Mashed Potato-ing. Perfect.(Photo courtesy DJ Riel)

2005-08-23T09:09:00.000-04:00

Never Souled Out at the Shadow Lounge - Sean does the Monkey Time

Little Milton

2005-08-12T08:37:00.000-04:00

Little Milton succumbed to the inevitable last week - read the Guardian's obit HERE. I do hope that someone (ah-hem, Johnno?) will have the prescience to haul Soulcialism/White Eagle favorite "Grits Ain't Groceries" along to Never Souled Out tomorrow. Then again, if we start doing the obit-record thing, we gotta play the Chi-Lites and Four Tops and ... well, it'd end up being a seven-rooms-of-gloom of a night.

Hittsburgh ain't Never Souled Out

2005-08-11T08:24:00.000-04:00

Ton of stuff going on in Hittsburgh - I'll be as brief as possible.

Big news, obviously, is Never Souled Out this Saturday night - nearly double-digit DJs spinning Northern Soul, Deep Funk, Motown, and other yummy goodness (including, of course, your Soulcialism pals). There's a piece in the City Paper HERE, and a blurb in the P-G HERE, if you're looking for some kind of media validation.

Sunday night is the large-and-in-charge Solomon Burke at Hartwood Acres. I saw Burke a few times in 2002 and believe-thou-I, it is amongst the only shows my slow-and-old ass would still rate as 'not-to-be-missed'. Check out Ed Masley's interview with the King HERE, or my li'l preview HERE, or, of course, the man's website HERE.

And for a great read, check out Tube City Almanac's piece - Long Backup on the (Cameo) Parkway Finally Ends - HERE. A nice rundown on the Cameo/Parkway label catalog's sordid past, done by good people over in the rare-vinyl capitol of earth, McKeesport!

Soulcialist Party Workers

2005-08-11T06:59:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the SWP HQ blog.

Inspired by a combination of my twin inabilities (can't create a website OR shut up), I've decided, as SPW Minister of Propaganda, to open up this blog as a space to discuss northern soul, funk, rare groove, and any other kind of soulful music as it stands here in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. (He said 'area'.)

Here you'll be able to find out what's on the Soulcialist agenda, what the SWP and pals are listening and dancing to, where we'll be, and anything else that seems worth chatting about in the vast void of the bloggosphere.

Please don't hesitate to leave comments or email me for more information, to get your two cents in, or just to say hi.

Thanks. And remember - you are what you dance to.