Houston Outlaws - Its No Fun - Westbound

[Russ Vickers]

Houston Outlaws - Its no fun being alone - Westbound -

I think this slab of Detroit Soul is just bloody fantastic & doesnt get much better. Any idea if this is a hard number, i have only ever seen WD are there issues ?, also any idea of value. I have played it out on & off for awhile, generally get good reactions. What do you think, has it got what it takes to be a Crossover Classic ?

I also assume that Westbound/Eastbound labels had a lot of ex Motown/other detroit label moovers n groover on the payroll, particularly after Motown moved to LA. Does anyone have any information or a link to an internet site etc.

Thanks Russ

Edited October 21, 2009 by Russ Vickers

[Wrongcrowd]

Houston Outlaws - Its no fun being alone - Westbound -

I think this slab of Detroit Soul is just bloody fantastic & doesnt get much better. Any idea if this is a hard number, i have only ever seen WD are there issues ?, also any idea of value. I have played it out on & off for awhile, generally get good reactions. What do you think, has it got what it takes to be a Crossover Classic ?

I also assume that Westbound/Eastbound labels had a lot of ex Motown/other detroit label moovers n groover on the payroll, particularly after Motown moved to LA. Does anyone have any information or a link to an internet site etc.

Thanks Russ

Awesome is a word that's used too often...but if fits with this incredible tune. ..maybe a little too slow for a crossover play, but I've played it out during early doors sessions. There are issues, and they are definitely rarer than the promo copies, you very rarely see them. The Houston Outlaws were rumoured to be Archie Bell & The Drells...don't know what the foundation to that was other than the obvious Houston connection....anyone ??

[Dave Thorley]

Awesome is a word that's used too often...but if fits with this incredible tune. ..maybe a little too slow for a crossover play, but I've played it out during early doors sessions. There are issues, and they are definitely rarer than the promo copies, you very rarely see them. The Houston Outlaws were rumoured to be Archie Bell & The Drells...don't know what the foundation to that was other than the obvious Houston connection....anyone ??

Which could mean the backing was by The T.S.U.'s

[Russ Vickers]

Thanks for the input Cliff & Dave, wow can anyone confirm that the HO were AB & D ???........TSUT too ???. Any idea of value on this gem.

Best Russ

[Russ Vickers]

Just found this on the net, doesnt look promising from the AB point of view.

Russ

[Wrongcrowd]

Just found this on the net, doesnt look promising from the AB point of view.

Russ

Can't see the image you've posted Russ.....

Value on this I'd say 50-75 for a promo, and 50 quid more for an issue...maybe..

[boba]

Thanks for the input Cliff & Dave, wow can anyone confirm that the HO were AB & D ???

I seriously doubt it

[Steve G]

I seriously doubt it

Yes agree with Bob, they weren't AD & Ds.

All three of their Westbound 45s are TOP. And recommended by Steve G.

[Benji]

I also assume that Westbound/Eastbound labels had a lot of ex Motown/other detroit label moovers n groover on the payroll, particularly after Motown moved to LA. Does anyone have any information or a link to an internet site etc.

Thanks Russ

Russ,

Ace Records issued a "Westbound Sound of Detroit" CD a few years ago. here's a quote from their website which backs up what you said:

"The Westbound and Eastbound labels were the home to many classic soul groups from the late 60s through to the end of the 70s. Their two most successful outfits were The Detroit Emeralds and The Fantastic Four. All the hits and main albums by these two aggregations are already available on Westbound, so The Westbound Sound Of Detroit allows a long-overdue look at some rarer non-album and unissued tracks from both groups as well as the best tracks from others who also recorded for the Westbound and Eastbound stable. As an added bonus, many of the recordings feature the crack Detroit rhythm section of James Jamerson on bass, Robert White on guitar and Richard 'Pistol' Allen on drums. Among the groups featured are the Houston Outlaws (rumoured to be a pseudonym for Archie Bell & The Drells in their immediate post-Atlantic period), the personnel unknown-but-still-fabulous Motivations, the Richard 'Popcorn' Wylie-associated New Holidays and 1 track When I'm Back On My Feet by an (as yet) unidentified artist (which is a shame, as the song is terrific)."

I have the CD myself but haven't played it for years, I recall one of the tracks on that CD is an unissed goodie. I think it was one of the Unique Blend ones. Link to CD on Ace Records site

[Ady Croasdell]

I think that CD was compiled a very long time ago and was only speculative as it says "rumoured". Funnily enough I'm working on a Westbound/Eastbound dancers CD now. Anyone got a copy of Bob & Harold?

Ady

[Russ Vickers]

Thanks Benji & Ady...........brilliant info many thanks & look forward to the new Eastbound/Westbound dancers CD.

Best Russ

[Ady Croasdell]

Guess what, Tony's copy of this is a Jamaican issue which is a lower quality dub, Russ is in an ocean somewhere shipping water and we need a mintish copy for a dub as the master for this one never emerged. Can any of you help out please? You will be rewarded.

[Baz Atkinson]

id love to know who the Motivations were -the flip of the above is worth a listen also-think i put it refosoul at some point-? Lovely tune indeed!love the westbound logo in general!!

BAZ A

[Wrongcrowd]

Guess what, Tony's copy of this is a Jamaican issue which is a lower quality dub, Russ is in an ocean somewhere shipping water and we need a mintish copy for a dub as the master for this one never emerged. Can any of you help out please? You will be rewarded.

Ady, if it's a copy of "No Fun Being Alone" you need. I can lend you mine. Drop me a PM with mailing details......