Curtis Mayfields' label Curtom goes under the spotlight again this month with two releases that highlight the labels dancefloor appeal during the 70/80's and what a fine collection they are too. Let's look at volume one first which is a relatively commercial set of tunes that opens with Leroy Hutson's  superb mid tempo tune from the seventies entitled 'Don't It Make You Feel Good' (reviewed elsewhere on this page - see reviews for Leroy Hutson on the pick list at the top of this page). Curtom diva Linda Clifford delivers her monster dancefloor classic 'Runaway Love' which in it's day was one of the most requested tracks in commercial and specialised fields, mainly due to its extended version that Warner Brothers introduced to nearly all of their 12" releases at that time to compliment the excellent sound quality that 12" brought at that time.

The Notations' modern soul belter 'Think Before You Stop' is still played to death at quality oldie venues and still sounds as fresh today as it did back in the early seventies. Next up is the killer track on this set in the form of the Impressions whose 1976 UK single 'I'll Always Be Here' must rank as the ultimate modern soul cross-over track blending the Philly Sound with Chicago to devastating effect. Mainly ignored when it first surfaced on UK Curtom at the time.

Billy Butler, a name known to most on the scene delivers his rare groove classic 'Sugar Candy Lady' which complete with female orgasmic groans probably stopped vital radio plays at the time and robbed him of a chart hit. Curtis Mayfield comes next with his killer track 'We Gotta Have Peace' one of his most commercial and powerfully delivered appeal for world peace and programmed carefully can still deliver on today's dancefloors.

There will be no shortage of happy soul fans to learn that the Natural Four's gentle beat ballad 'Count On Me' is included on this set and whilst new soul fans may not see it as a 'club' track in the true sense, there is no denying that this is a perfect example of quality soul at its very best. For further details of Natural Four releases on Sequel please e-mail them.

Holly Maxwell a name that is relatively obscure recorded some nice tunes for Curtom and the superb Impressions influenced 'No One Else' is a pure audio delight and ranks amongst the great Chicago soul sides of the sixties. This is a track NOT to be missed. Northern Soul fans are given a treat on this set with the killer track from Marvin Smith 'Who Will Do You Running Now' a perfect piece of uptempo Chicago soul that is extremely rare and collectable today but is here in wonderful quality at under a tenner. Next track finds Leroy Hutson deliver his ultra popular 'Get To This' an ever so easy to dance-to piece of magic and one that mixes well with other great seventies club classics ensuring  a packed floor with each and every play. This is one of those songs that you find yourself singing non stop after just one play, and it's easy to see why he is held in such high esteem within soul circles.

Finally, we have A track from Gene (Duke of Earl) Chandler who is one my personal all-time soul music favourites and whilst this track is perhaps not as strong as his output on Constellation/Brunswick etc, it nevertheless still contains that vocal magic that only he can deliver, and this disco belter 'Don't Have To Be Lying Babe' still makes essential listening. Whether you buy this CD for dancing or listening to, matters not as the quality overall is stunning and the enclosed sleeve liner notes make essential reading. It is worth pointing out that the majority of these tracks are available on other Sequel/Curtom CD's and you are recommended to check out all the Curtom titles currently available.

Personal Rating 7/10
Expect to pay around £10.00 in the UK.