Mark R

New show airs Monday 23 February 7-9pm GMT @ www.starpointradio.com............after last months look back at 2008, we take in some of the new releases that 2009 has to offer thus far!! Hope some of you can join me! Cheers, Mark R

My view, as printed in Xmas Soul Up North magazine....I'll get me tin hat!!: Raphael Saadiq Never Give You Up (US Columbia CD/LP "The Way I See It") Now then, those of you reading this that may be already familiar with this album will surely be thinking "has Randle lost the plot, only singling one cut out from this fine album?" Permit me to explain. It was clear from the late 80's, when Saadiq first appeared as part of Tony, Toni, Tone on Wing/Polydor Records, that he was a cut above and had that extra something. His work since as a solo artist has only served to reinforce that view. Only when he chooses to release this album of 60's influenced productions do certain factions of the UK soul fraternity decide he's worthy. So what we have is a situation where, for me as a follower of contemporary soul, as good as this album is I'm left disappointed as I would rather hear the man using his talent to take things forward. Yet those that care little for contemporary soul have gone for this. Do these talents have to do this to be accepted by "soul fans"? Answers on a postcard, but I hope it doesn't become the norm. I do fear it that it will though, as recently more artists have released material in this vein. The fact that this has also been released on 7 x 7" singles too says it all to me!! Regression ahead of progression or so it seems. Anyway, to the track in question: it's brilliant, features some bloke Stevie Wonder on harmonica, and is singled out here as the cut that I believe will appeal most to those of similar musical persuasion to I. Check the album out to see if it suits your taste, don't misunderstand me, it is top quality at what it attempts to do. Cheers, Mark R

Matt, did you take a listen to those Stafford clips I posted mate? 1.5 hours of it....make sure you don't miss it......some great stuff on there!! Cheers, Mark R

On the top right photo of the jocks, I got Tony, Adam, Brian and Ally, but who's the guy in the middle??? 25 years ago to the very day I believe since that great 2nd Anniversary night Cheers, Mark R

I've just found out that, as there were a few sound quality issues last week, the show is now on repeat 7-9pm. Cheers, Mark R

Cheers Nick......seems you'e in a minority of one on here mate.......but I s'pose it is more relevant to EMS than Soul Source. Worth a try though!!!! Cheers, Mark R

Great fun Barry!! Cheers, Mark R

OK....here's this months playlist, which consists of some favourites of mine from 2008......as usual, across the styles and tempo's: Al Campos - New York Feeling (UK Soul Unsigned Records CD) Lebrado - Beautiful (US Makecents Records CD) Anthony Hamilton - Do You Feel Me (US Def Jam CD) Reelsoul feat. Stephanie Cooke - A Thousand Ways (Groove Assassin Remix) (US Deep Haven MP3) Kimara Lovelace - Merry Go Round (Original Mix) (UK Newlite Muzik 12") Markus Enochson feat. Jocelyn Mathieu & Ingela Olson - If There Is (Sole Channel Vocal) (US Symple Soul 12") Heston - Radio (US Worldsoul Music CD) Joey Negro & The Sunburst Band - We Can Live Forever (JAP Village Again CD) Bennson - Let The Love (EU Raw Fusion CD) DJ Roland Clark pres. Urban Soul - Life Time (Dolls Combers Late 70 Mix) (US King Street Sounds 12") Ian Friday feat. Byron Moore - Springtime In Paris (Tea Party Vocal Mix) (UK Asante Records 12") Pirahnahead - Music (US Whasdat Music 12") The Rhythm All-Stars - Hold Me (US Jomar/Silk Records CD) Althea Rene feat. Tamara Jones - Come My Way (US Red Cat Music Group CD) Adrian Brown & Friends - Free (US Nikab Productions CD) Gregory Del Piero feat. Kenny Bobien - Don't You Ever Get (Kings Of Deep Soulful Remix) (EU Raisani 12") Ayro - Bounce (DJ Spinna Remix) (US Groovia Sound Project MP3) Wayne Brady - F.W.B. (US Peak Records CD) Common Knowledge feat. Darrell Wainwright - Just Friends (US Common Knowledge Productions CD) Sterling Ensemble feat. Mario Inchausti- Truth (I Know You Are Beautiful) (Man X + Reel Soul's Sunset Nights Mix) (US Deep Haven MP3) DJ Spinna & Ovasoul 7 - You Should Be Loving Me (Original Organic Vocal) (US Wonderwax 12") Listen again link here: Listen Again Thanks for taking the time to listen if you did Here's to more goodies in 2009!! Cheers, Mark R

Little reminder as it's slipped down the page.......coming up tonight at 7pm @ www.starpointradio.com Cheers, Mark R

As promised, the first show in 2009 will be a personal lookback at some favourites from 2008..............tomorrow night, Monday 26th January 7pm-9pm GMT at www.starpointradio.com. The usual mix of styles/tempos. Cheers, Mark R

I DJ'd at a local doo last night Paul, and followed John Manship, and whilst I was waiting to come on he played a Dynamics record on Dyna, so I guess that's the one.......so John's also got one. He also played The Answers on Scorpion....which has been a favourite of mine for years.......was great to hear it out, which doesn't happen often as I'm only aware of Soul Sam and John having a copy. He was playing some rare things!! Cheers, Mark R

Not sure what the situation is Nick......if I find out I'll let you know. That KT Brooks is awesome mate...what a voice, and sadly no longer with us! Soul Purpose was great mate.....around 220 in, which was our highest attendance yet Once again, thanks for the support fella....nice one! Happy New Year to you and yours. Mark R

Thanks for your support Nick......appreciated mate! Cheers, Mark R

This months playlist folks......sorry it's late but I've been feeding my face with friends in Wing Wah!!: June Rochelle - This Christmas (US Vision Entertainment Media Group Promo CDS) Musiq Soulchild feat. Mary J. Blige - ifuleave (US Atlantic CD) Adriana Evans - Blue Bird (Feet Remix) (JAP Onepeace CD) Chuck Arrington - My Sole Desire (US Chuck Arrington CD) Incognito - Step Aside (Dimitri from Paris & DJ Meme Remix) (UK Dome 12") Uptown Funk Empire - You've Got To Have Freedom (Patchworks Remix) (EU Soulab 12") Natural Impulse - She Went Away (UK Soul Junction 7") Donnie Ray - Just My Woman And Me (US Ecko CD) The Chestnut Brothers - Choose Your Destiny (US Abent CD) Blu-Swing - A Prayer (JAP Columbia CD) Brenda Boykin - Ride Rich Rhythm (EU ChinChin Records CD) Five Corners Quintet - Skinny Dipping (EU Ricky-Tick CD) Anthony Hamilton - Please Stay (US So So Def/Arista CD) Jennifer Hudson feat. Fantasia - I'm His Only Woman (US Arista CD) Nicki Richards - Bring The Love (US Nicki Richards Music CD) Monday Michiru - Sands Of Time (JAP Knife Edge/Pony Canyon CD) DJ Kawasaki feat. Tasita D'mour - You Know How To Love Me (Full Version) (JAP Especial 12") Avant - Involve Yourself (US Capitol CD) Freddie Lee - Oh How I Love You (US Freddie Lee Peterkin CD) Episode - If You Think That You Love Me (US Cobalt Music Inc. CD) Halo & Kemal feat. Michelle Weeks - Come Together (Classic Mix) (EU Purple Music 12") Dennis Ferrer feat. K.T. Brooks - Run Free (Sean McCabe Vocal Remix) (US King Street 12") Thanks for tuning in if you did, and thanks for the support in 2008, it is appreciated. If you missed it, you can listen to the show here: Listen Again Here Cheers, Mark R

Quick shout for the last show of this year, tonight Monday 29th, 7-9pm GMT at www.starpointradio.com. Hope some of you can join me. Cheers, Mark R

Steve, there is a Mario Biondi 12" version too, not just CD. Ineresting actually, as only on Sunday when I played it on Mick Farrer's boat doo on the Thames, my mate saw the sleeve of it sticking out of my record box and said "you bastard...you got that?" Now he doesn't miss too much like this, and now you seem unaware of it, so is it less known than the Was-A-Bee or Mario Biondi CD version???? Cheers, Mark R

Available here if you already have it on original, and just want a better quality cut of it.............this also features the great Joyce Cooling "It's You", a big RS spin at the time this comp. was released. https://www.counterpointrecords.co.uk/docs/..._album.php?id=1 Just a thought! Cheers, Mark R

Brilliant Tony.....spot on for me!! As you say, it's interesting listening to the comments of those who are "soul" fans explaing their views......are you a soul fan or a fan of a "scene"?.....it's different!! So often I read this stuff and think to myself that just cos folks have been into whatever since year dot, don't make them qualified to tell me what's soul and what's not!! I'm very forthright in that view these days.....I feel I've listened to enough music to make that decision for myself!! Cheers, Mark R

My point is Tone, that I don't feel it's my place from the outside looking in (NS wise) propose it should be played......I actually think that in a whole load of respects it's exactly like the Northern ethos but as I'm not "on" the NS, I'm less inclined to push it on them. Cheers, Mark R

So let me get this right..........in your opinion mid-tempo modern soul fell off the same tree as Northern, but soulful house didn't!! Define "falling off the same tree" (do you mean scene wise/music wise etc) before I decide whether I disagree or not please! From your comments in general, and whilst I wouldn't suggest house mixes with Northern, I would propose that your attitude to this is counter-productive to the evolution of a balanced contemporary soulful black music scene. I hope your point of view doesn't sway too many to your way of thinking...........a horrible thought from my perspective Cheers, Mark R

Don't ask awkward questions you I have all the same thoughts but why bother!! Cheers, Mark R