Volume 3 from this ongoing series courtesy of Warner Brothers sees another massive selection of rare tunes from the vaults of Atlantic, Warner, Loma, Atco, and Reprise from that strange phenomenon known as northern soul. Afficiados to this scene will be well aware of many of these rare platters via their weekly jaunts to the country's many all-nighters and localised rare/modern soul clubs which keep surviving year in, year out.

This latest offering finds Smooth FM's Richard Searling as compiler and one has to say that the quality of recordings on this new CD are second to none with the original master tapes being accessed to all these songs, many of which graced the floor of the legendary and now sadly defunct Wigan Casino where many of these fine tunes made their debut back in the 1970's. The strange thing about the northern soul scene over the years is that no matter how many times songs get played the fans always come back for more and no matter how many 'new' records are discovered and broken here in the UK the classics tend to always rule supreme.

The scene is for many still as popular today than it was back in the 1970's when it reigned supreme with a number of 'northern' tunes finding their way onto the UK top 40 making them available to a wider audience although the hits were invariably confined to the more pop orientated songs that often lacked the real soul so many demanded. Clubs, DJ's, and even record dealers have all played a part in keeping the scene alive for over thirty years and many of the artists owe their thanks to the likes of the compiler Richard Searling, and the late Dave Godin, for giving unknown artists in the US exposure here in the UK and for that we must always be grateful.

'After Hours' 3 will not fail to impress even the staunchest of northern soul collectors and I guess that sales have already begun to materialise as this CD is already in the shops (I caught two guys studying it in HMV in Blackpool this weekend) and the quality of rare tunes is a credit to the scene. For those who enjoy the rarest of the rare will thrill at the inclusion of the ultra rare 'Got To Find A Way' from Cajun Hart, as well as the late Linda Jones' rendition (albeit faster) of the Shirelles song 'Last Minute Miracle' and Jimmy Hughes' 'Slippin'' Around' a track that had been massive on UK Atlantic for Art Freeman over the last twenty years or so.

Over the years the term 'northern' soul has widened it field with many newer sounding records making a bit impact on the scene and Sister Sledge were blessed with being accepted with their Philly sounding 'Love Don't You Go Through No Changes' from the middle seventies and it still sounds brilliant today. R & B stalwarts the Drifters rarely disappoint and their uptempo 'You've Got To Pay Your Dues' is still a favourite amongst collectors with the original Atlantic 45 rarely showing it's face these days. I am a big fan of the late Mary Wells and her 1965 black Atlantic single 'Can't You See Your Losing Me' is a stirring uptempo affair featuring a fabulous arrangement showing that Mary was equally potent away from Detroit.

Wigan fans will no doubt remember the Teen Turbans' uplifting 'We Need To Be Loved' as a massive floor filler but it is the likes of James Barnett's Fame recording 'Keep On Talking' that will most reaching for the repeat button and one that I think is the highlight of this CD - brilliant all-nighter track of the highest order. It's been a way of life on the scene that various versions of hit songs have been tried and tested over the years and whist the Capitols were known for their 100 mph record 'Ain't That Terrible' you'll find a great version here too from Roy Redmond. One other tune to mention that brought back many memories was that of the lovely Barbara Lynn whose Atlantic recording 'Your Losing Me' is a fine example of a simple soul song, with a simple arrangement, can often turn out to be jewel in the crown - Barbara was well known for her other Atlantic singles such as 'Take Your Love And Run' and recordings on Sue.

Other goodies for your attention include songs from Willie Tee, Cliff Nobles, Three Degrees, and the massively popular Pointer Sisters with 'Send Him Back'. There isn't a duff track in sight here and an investment in this compilation is nothing short of essential. Full credit to everyone involved in this project which has been compiled with tender loving care and dedication. Right On!

Rating 10/10