The Gangster Soul Harmony Archive
Gangster Soul Harmony Vol. 1 Archive
The volume that started it all. George Miller Jr. compiled Vol. 1 in 2005: 19 sweet soul, harmony and deep soul recordings from independent American labels of the 1960s and '70s. Every entry records what's known from label records, press and collector research, and flags what's still uncertain.
- Compiled2005
- Tracks19
- Era1966–1974
Cover, back and label
Track History
| # | Title · Artist | Label | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | No Sign Of Sadness · Bull & El CapalarasPersonnel are largely undocumented; the archive doesn't tie the group to Bull & The Matadors without evidence. | Bell | c. 1971–72 |
| 02 | I Don't Think I'll Ever Love Another · Rock CandyB-side: Alone With No Love. The flip was an earlier Contemplations recording reused here; the archive keeps the two groups separate. | Dontee 103 | 1971 |
| 03 | Lonely Man · The Fabulous TraitsB-side: Love Is Strange. Chicago group also known as The Original Traits and later Centre Stage; exact release year unclear. | Tele-Phonic | Early 1970s |
| 04 | Tell Me Why (We Can't Be Friends) · Four Below ZeroProducer Patrick Adams signed this New York quartet; the single drew regional attention before "My Baby's Got E.S.P." | P&P | 1974 |
| 05 | You Don't Care · The SupurbsA-side: Only For Lovers. Chicago research points to 1970 rather than 1971; not every label color variant is treated as an original pressing. | Alteen AL-3004 | c. 1970 |
| 06 | When Will My Turn Come · The VibrationsB-side: Sneakin'. Thom Bell is credited as arranger, linking the record to the Philadelphia soul sound. | North Bay NB-307 | 1972 |
| 07 | I'm So Lonely · The BaronsB-side: Some Kind Of Fool. New Orleans group; first issued on Super Dome, later reissued on Alithia with more push. | Super Dome 501 / Alithia AR-6049 | 1973 |
| 08 | Love Storm · The PerfectionsB-side: Leaning Post. Produced in Miami by Willie Clarke and Clarence Reid; Indianapolis roots and ties to the Betty Wright Revue. | Drive 6230 | 1973 |
| 09 | It's Not That Easy · Reuben Bell & The CasanovasB-side: Hummin' A Sad Song. Reuben Bell sang lead and wrote the song; a deep soul collector favorite. | Murco | 1967 |
| 10 | Poor Loser · The CautionsA-side: No Other Way. Written by Eddie Singleton; Shrine releases are rare, a scarcity linked to a warehouse fire. | Shrine SR-115 | 1966 |
| 11 | Why Don't You Write? · The VelonsThis Washington, D.C. group's first single, described as a tribute to servicemen in Vietnam. | BJM | 1968 |
| 12 | He Stole The Love That Was Mine · Steve ManchaClyde Wilson (Steve Mancha) cut this Detroit track for Groovesville; it surfaced only on later archival releases. | Unreleased at the time | Rec. c. 1967 |
| 13 | I've Been Good To You · The Young VandalsB-side: Too Busy Thinking 'Bout My Baby. The Isley Brothers produced this Smokey Robinson song; member Damon Harris later joined The Temptations. | T-Neck TN-917 | 1970 |
| 14 | My Turn · The ServicemenB-side: I Need A Helping Hand. Recorded by active-duty airmen near Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, with Edgar "Goody" Goodman on lead. | Patheway 102 | 1967 |
| 15 | That Was The Day · The DifferencesB-side: Five Minutes. Clifton Dyson wrote both sides; a reported link to Family Circle is not yet verified. | Mon'ca M-1783 | 1971 |
| 16 | You Came Along · The SinclayrsB-side: One And One Are Two. Possibly a Boston-area group, kept separate from the Sinclayrs on Detroit's Fortune label. | Boss Town | Year unconfirmed |
| 17 | I Don't Have To Cry · The TopicsA-side: She's So Fine. Newark group produced by Joe Evans; Robert Lee McCoy credited as writer. | Carnival 520 | 1966 |
| 18 | Lost Love · The LintonsA-side: Don't You Ever Walk Away. Chicago record; release date revised from 1970 to 1972. W. Hartford credited as writer. | Erica 005 | 1972 |
| 19 | Lovers In The Park · The FidelicsB-side: I Love You Baby. Philadelphia group recorded at Virtue Studios; J. Harvey wrote both sides. | Rising-Soul RS-109 | 1968 |