‘Regarded as the epitome of Northern Soul by many aficionados, I’m Gone, by Detroit’s Eddie Parker, captures the adrenalin and anger of a busted relationship, as he tells of his determination to start again — elsewhere. Expertly produced by Jack Ashford, one of Motown’s key Funk Brothers, the pulsating rhythm drives home the sense of riled frustration.
‘The flip Crying Clown is musically and thematically miles away: heartbreak and sorrow over a beautiful ballad backing.
‘Two of the greatest soul recordings from the 1960s.’
A scorcher from the golden age of gospel, via its cardinal label.
From 1960, during the family’s second decade with Savoy, featuring Gertrude Ward, Christine Jackson, Mildred Means and Vermettya Royster — and Clara, totally riveting and in-your-face with evangelistic fervour and raw soul.
Plus a rambunctious, floor-filling Wade In The Water, by Jessy Dixon and his Singers.
Handsomely sleeved (showing a contemporary but slightly different Wards lineup).