Ian McCann

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Features2 months ago

‘Straight Outta Compton’: Why NWA’s Debut Album Still Blows You Away

‘Straight Outta Compton’ arrived like a road crash: you couldn’t ignore it. It launched gangsta rap and made the West Coast matter in hip-hop.

News2 months ago

Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Talks New Single ‘Human Touch’ And Future Plans

Released on Jamaica’s Independence Day, ‘Human Touch’ has a glowing, relaxed Carib-Latin groove certain to delight Jimmy’s millions of loyal fans worldwide.

Martha And The Vandellas credit EMI Hayes Archive

Features2 months ago

‘Dancing In The Street’: Behind Martha Reeves And The Vandellas’ Song

Both a euphoric floor-filler and a call to arms, Martha And The Vandellas’ ‘Dancing In The Street’ remains a prime example of Motown’s 60s pop perfection.

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Features2 months ago

Why DJs Still Flock To The Sound Of Chess Northern Soul

For the ravenous Northern soul collector, one label consistently brought the goods: Chess Northern soul classics continue to epitomize the sound today.

Features2 months ago

Best Stax Vocal Groups: 11 Essential Acts You Need To Hear

Among the best Stax vocal groups, you’ll find some of the finest soul singers of the 60s and 70s, letting you know how it felt to be young, gifted and black.

Features3 months ago

‘Baby I Need Your Loving’: The Story Behind Four Tops’ Classic Song

Recorded in the early hours of the morning, ‘Baby I Need Your Loving’ was nothing but sweet soul music that put Four Tops on the map.

Features3 months ago

‘Phases Of Reality’: William Bell Rings Some Home Truths

Presenting a view of life and love that still resonates, ‘Phases Of Reality’ – and William Bell – should be better remembered.

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Features3 months ago

Don’t Talk Back: The Last Word In Answer Records

You’ll find answer records in all walks of music. Some are aggressive, some motivated by a sense of injustice, and others show contempt through wit.

JJ Barnes and Steve Mancha Rare Stamps Vol. 1 album cover

Features3 months ago

‘Rare Stamps Vol.1’: A Special Delivery From JJ Barnes And Steve Mancha

‘Rare Stamps Vol.1’ found JJ Barnes and Steve Mancha taking the Detroit sound to Memphis for a series of great soul records that are now collectors’ items.

Features3 months ago

Best Motown Songs: Essential Tracks To Get You Dancing In The Street

The best Motown songs are timeless soul classics that capture everything it means to be in love, to suffer heartbreak – and to want to dance with abandon.

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Features3 months ago

Black Forum: The Spoken-Word Motown Imprint That Raised Its Voice

With the Black Forum label, Motown founder Berry Gordy created a place where African-American spoken-word artists could make their voices heard.

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Features3 months ago

‘Gettin’ Ready’: How The Temptations Prepped A Classic Soul Album

The Temptations were at a crossroads with 1966’s ‘Gettin’ Ready’: producing dancefloor hits of the highest order while heading towards the future of soul.

Features3 months ago

Who Is Lyn Collins?… Mama Feelgood, That’s Who

Rising to fame with James Brown’s revue, Lyn Collins fought for female artists during a difficult period, leaving a trail of soul and funk classics behind.

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Features4 months ago

Best Howlin’ Wolf Songs: 20 Essential Blues Classics

One of the finest artists on the illustrious Chess label, Howlin’ Wolf shaped the blues, as this playlist of 20 of the best Howlin’ Wolf songs makes clear.

Features4 months ago

Best Motown Samples: 20 Essential Tracks For Crate-Diggers

Not often a label thought of in hip-hop terms, the best Motown samples prove that Berry Gordy’s empire had more than enough beats for the crate-diggers.