madison blogs
November 2006
What is Northern Soul!
It’s a phrase that keeps cropping up, but what exactly is Northern Soul? Is it music that’s enjoyed by cloth-capped pigeon fanciers and whippet owners who drink warm beer!! No, not quite! The name Northern Soul was attributed to Blues & Soul writer Dave Godin who, in an article in the early 70's, claimed the soul music that people in the North were buying was different to soul music bought elsewhere in the country. It was, he said, 'a form of northern soul music', and the name was born! The records had to be up-tempo, 100 mph, in order to get people dancing! Typical tracks are The Right Track by Billy Butler, Out on the floor by Dobie Gray, Here I Go Again by Archie Bell & The Drells and Tainted Love by Gloria Jones. Keep the faith!
Essential Soul Section
Arguably, the greatest soul record ever made, What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye, which was only reluctantly released by the Motown label. This recording marked a departure from the label's usual method of a tightly controlled collection of singles. Instead, inspired by the return of his brother from Vietnam, Marvin Gaye created a 35 minute suite of lushly detailed pieces that blended social commentary and spirituality.
Rather than the normal slick sound of Motown singles, What’s Going On featured subdued bass-lines and a funky groove that would later become the bedrock of post 60’s soul music. The recording produced three major hits, "Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)", the title track "What’s Going On" and "Mercy Mercy Me". It’s also a testament to Motown session men, the Funk Brothers, such as bassist James Jamerson and guitarist Joe Messina. When they were allowed the opportunity to work in relaxed, open proceedings, they produced the best work of their careers.
It remains Marvin Gaye’s greatest moment, the message and the groove unified, as good as soul music can get!
Sat 13th Dec 2008