The Soul Mixtapes REVIEW of 2011

Loads to get through, so first off, below are my Best tunes of 2011 Playlist. Save the picture and peruse at your leisure:

Its interesting to note that if you downloaded the 70 odd tunes from Itunes/Amazon etc, it would, on average cost around £55 (UK pounds). If you got a voucher this Xmas, you could do worse than use the list as a strating point to get some great music.

I'm gonna select some of my favorites below. Not gonna include tunes in my list from LP's I've picked in our Best of 2011 post, though Erro's Picture Perfect (aside from being a great song it features the best drum programming of the year) and 9th Wonders One Night would definitely feature, so heres a reminder of those two gems:







So, after you've checked out my list above, take a listen to the 7 tunes I've singled out in no particular order, as the cream of the crop I couldnt live without this year.

BUT FIRST: Tunes that took you back to the 70's and 80's

Zo! Brought out his Just Visiting 3 EP, and this version of Wham!'s most soulful track (Didnt think I would ever say those words) killed



And then there was Vindhal's "Head over Heels", with a version of their 2010 tune arranged and sounding so 80's like, I nearly went out and bought some bad clothes. And not bad meaning good. Check that out too.....

As for the 70's, besides LP of the year lumiaries Electric Empire, we had this gem early in 2011.



Absolute quality from Aaries, taking you back to MJ "Off the Wall" days circa the great Rod Temperton.

In any case, here goes with my top 7 tunes:

7. Mark De Clive Lowe - The Why



After a great EP release from Mark, we got hints of what was going to be on the new LP and this tune leaked and it was a monster. This dude hasn't had enough exposure and we need to change that, check out his back catalogue too cause its hot. And search out the tribute to Tina Marie (Lovergirl) he produced at the begining of the year with Sy Smith after Tina's untimely passing, its great.

6. Jazmine Sullivan - Neverland



Harking back to the type of tunes you would hear from Betty Wright (Who released a great LP with the Roots this year) this may be a demo or an unreleased tune, but it knocked the socks off me when I first heard it and hasn't let go since. Produced by Salaam Remi, whose getting to be a favorite producer of mine since he also produced......

5. Amy Winehouse - Halftime



Didnt expect anything from Amy's posthumous LP of out-takes etc, then this tune got leaked. It has Questlove on drums, which brought to mind those rumours of a soul supergroup that Amy was going to front back in the day with names bandied about like Raphael Saadiq and Cee Lo Green. This, and I make no apologies for saying it, is one of the best songs she ever recorded. Something we at the Soul Mixtape HQ knew she was capable of, but we wont hear the like again.


Gonna take a break from the new, and have a little blast from the past. Came across the following on Youtube after watching a great 2 Hour talk from the Mizell Brothers online about thier recording history (See Grizz's mix on them and the inclusion of 2 of their great production pieces in our Best of the 70's LP list recently). Its an UNRELEASED tune from the one and only Marvin Gaye that really knocked both Grizz and I socks off. ENJOY!

Marvin Gaye - Woman of the World





After that Gem, back to our picks:


4. KING - The Story



Earlier in the year this tune from a brand new 3 piece vocal group not only blew me away, but the likes of Erykah Badu, Questlove and Phonte, who quickly got them involved in another fave's of my year "All the Kisses" from the Foreign Exchange. Great production, angelic vocals and harmonies, get the EP and wait on tenterhooks for the forthcoming LP.

3. Ayah - When it comes to you



I know I said I wouldnt list tracks from Artists that were on our Best LP's of 2011 list (Cause you should have them!), but this tune isnt off the "Back for More" LP. Its a great soul tune, with gutsy vocals from Ayah and a great lyric. "I need more than a drink, when it comes to you" she sings, and you believe. By the by, this video is directed by multi talented Slakah the Beatchild, our 2009 winner for Best LP here at the mixtape! His 2010 EP (On last years list too!) had tracks added to it by label BBE making it a fully fledged LP, and one of the tracks that blew my socks off was....

2. Slakah the Beatchild - The Cure



1. Thundercat - Walkin'



You could be mistaken into thinking that this is the funkiest tune Christopher Cross (Google it youngsters) made back in the 70's, cause thats what this tune brings to mind. As horrible as that sounds, its anything but, and I love it. Thundercats LP is a bit too left field for some, but this tune has not been off my playlist. Great Bass, great strings, great track.

We asked some of the great current artists creating soulful music a few questions about the year in music and what to look forward to and it makes great reading. They include Tracy Cruz ("Universoul Symphony" on our best of 2011 list), N'Dambi ("Pink Elephant" being on the Best of List 2010), Julie Dexter ("New Again" on our best of 2011 list), Deborah Bond ("Madam Palindrome" on our best of 2011 list), and Jason Heerah of our reigning No.1 of Best LP's of 2011 artists, Electric Empire :

1) Besides your own, what do you consider the best LP of 2011?

Julie Dexter: Jill Scott - Light of the Sun

Tracy Cruz: Thank you so much for your kind words about Universoul Symphony. I would say it's a tie between Eric Roberson's "Mr. Nice Guy" and Marsha Ambrosius' "Late Nights & Early Mornings"- both are incredible albums filled with heartfelt lyrics, stellar production and amazing vocals!

N'Dambi: One album that I think is a cool rendering is Rhianna's. I am a huge fan of how her album creatively tells stories using writing that is at times confident, clever, and very well thought out.

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - Adele 21, loving that a soulful voice like hers is getting so much love on radio

Deborah Bond: In my opinion the Best LP of 2011 is a tie!! I can't decide which one moves me more and they have equally inspired, moved, and enchanted me!! "The Lapdancer" -Soul Persona ft. Princess Freesia and Gretchen Parlato's "Lost & Found"

2) If you could have recorded a song released this year by another artist instead of them, what song would that be?

Deborah Bond: I am in love w/ the groove, the mood, the vocals, lyrics, arrangements of Princess Freesia/Soulpersona's "Stretched Thin"….this track is very ME I'd say and damn they NAILED IT! I'm a sucka for a hot dance, funk, groove, and this one will CRUSH live on stage! I sooo wish I'd done it! :)

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - I need a Dollar - Aloe Blacc. we don't want to stipulate that we need the dollar more than him, but we's definitley connect with this song :)

Tracy Cruz: "Blessed" by Jill Scott! :) I listen to that song every single day because it's so uplifting and inspiring!

Julie Dexter: Hear My Call by Jill Scott

N'Dambi: Actually, I have a tenor voice and a find myself strongly drawn to male vocals. With that being said, If I could have recorded any song released this year it would be "All I Want Is You' by Miguel.


3) Who should music fans be looking out for in 2012, in relation to new artists?

N'Dambi: In 2012 music fans should be on the look out for Bridget Kelly, Elle Varner, ACEG (All Cows Eat Grass) and Brandon Coleman.

Tracy Cruz: People should look out for the group KING. I can't stop listening to their EP "The Story". Beautiful,Beautiful,Beautiful!! I can't wait to hear more!

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - We getting into an indie folk band from our home town melbourne called the paper kites.

Deborah Bond: They should be on the lookout for Kenny Wesley, Alison Carney, Kia Bennett, Princess Freesia, Ntjam Rosie, Tracy Cruz and Suga Sp!! These cats are bout to do it up in 2012! I'm so excited to see how their musical future unfolds!! Special mention to Levi Stevens - Dude is tight!!!


Julie Dexter: Avery Sunshine, if they haven't already heard (If people haven't heard, its not because we aint been telling them Julie!)


4) Who is on your wish list to work with in the future?

Tracy Cruz: I would love to work with other independent Soul artists. I would also love to be given the opportunity to share the stage with Jill Scott, Ledisi, The Foreign Exchange, Eric Roberson, Lalah Hathaway, Kenny Wesley, Amel Larrieux, Deborah Bond or Marsha Ambrosius.

Julie Dexter: Georgia Anne Muldrow (Check out her new LP BTW)

Deborah Bond: Of course I keep mentioning this name but definitely Princess Freesia, Tony Momrelle, Gregory Porter, Jose James, Simon Grey, Gretchen Parlato, Esthero, Anthony Hamilton, and Ed Motta.

N'Dambi: There are so many amazing talents that I am hard pressed to pick just one. What I will say is that I am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to work with any artist that is passionate about the music.

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - We would all agree that working with the legend himself stevie wonder would be an amazing experience. :) ( LOVE to see that happen!)

5) What's in the pipeline for you in 2012?

Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) - The pipeline for us is to delve even further into the songwriting aspect to EE, while still spreading the Live sound & show to the world

Julie Dexter: Continue striving to be a better Mother, Wife and Musician and continue promoting my new album New Again, releasing a couple videos too

Tracy Cruz: I'm currently lining up several shows next year to promote my new album Universoul Symphony. Also I will be recording a few more music videos and releasing a remix album for Universoul Symphony in 2012. Lastly I would love to travel and perform across the United States and overseas.

N'Dambi: In 2012, I plan to release an album and involve myself in other areas of writing such as writing a children's book.

Deborah Bond: US & International Tour, Lots of shows!!!! More video/visuals from db/3L, hopefully some tv spots, LOTS of musical collaborations, and possibly a new album from Deborah Bond/Third Logic




We can't finish the year without giving you a mix to download. Out of all my mixes, this one seems to have been the most popular. Our friend Philip Clark made this the mix of the week on his blog's weekly FREE SOUL MUSIC post a long while back, and since then people have really responded well to it. Was deleted from Rapidshare for a while now, but back here in all its glory:


SoulNRnB's Nu Soul Jazz Volume 1

And thats that. Thanks to all the talent that answered our questions, and just as important, Grizz and I want to wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Thanks for visiting the Soul Mixtape, spread the word, and lets enjoy what soul music has to offer in 2012 together, whilst taking a listen to the gems its given us up until now.

DJ Grizz- Uplifting Soul 2011 Vol. 2

My last post of 2011 and I'm ending the year on a positive note. Now i normally only post one volume of soul n jazz tunes that are unashamedly uplifting per annum but 2011 has been such a rough year for many of us I thought it called for a 2nd volume.

Contributions from The Main Ingrediant, Teddy Pendergrass, Roy Ayres, and topped off with a Keni Burke anthem that I played many a time as my final tune back when I used to 'play out'. Plus 6 more solid old school tracks all with a feel good and uplifting message!

I'll see you in 2012 after SoulNRnB gives us his always comprehensive review of the year.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AGHWZ05O

Tracklist in comments.

Seasons Greetings

Grizz and I would like to wish you all a Happy Xmas.

Don't miss Grizz's post at the start of the week, and my review of the year before year end!

SoulNRnB

The Soul Mixtapes Top 10 LP's of 2011

OK, first part of my big 2 posts of the year. Some of you have requested a re-post of last years best of mix (See The Soul Mixtapes Top 10 LP's of 2010 post for details) and thats here: The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of 2010

But now, onto this years list.

 

2011 was on a par with last years output soul wise in my Opinon. Some really excellent LP's and some that didnt quite make it but deserve a mention for sure. Some decision making around one particular artist (more to follow) plus a little cheating on a par with last years joint placing of Slakah's and Eric Rico's EP's. So, with no more hesitation, here are my list of the best LP's of the year, in no particualr order save for the No.1 spot.

10. Tyler Woods - The Mahogany Experiment

Presented by 9th Wonder (more of which later), this was a FREE EP released earlier in the year. Yes. I said it. FREE (more of which, again, later). So if you dont got it.....why the hell not?

All tracks on the LP were produced by 9th Wonder except the single “Lost In Your Love.” which in no way sounds out of place, the EP also features guest appearances from Talib Kweli and Styles P. Tyler gives props to the sounds of those he admires, (Jodeci, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green) whilst creating some great mid tempo soul tunes. GO GET!!


9.Phonte - Charity starts at Home + 9th Wonder - The Wonder Years -

Earlier this year, we tweeted that if you mashed up these two LP's into 1, you would have the best Hip Hop LP of the year. So eff it, its my blog, thats what I'm gonna do. These guys are all over each others work so thats all the excuse I need!

For "Charity starts at home", the LP resembles, IMO, FE's first LP, "Connected". Phonte shows off his rhyming skills to full effect on tunes like "The Life of Kings", "Who loves you more" and one of my faves, "Sending my love." Grown Folks Hip Hop for sure. Again, featuring 9th Wonder on production duties for some tracks, leading us to his LP "The Wonder Years."

Featuring the expected great production, with always a soulful inflection, featuring artists like Erykah Badu, Phonte, Terrace Martin, Teedra Moses and Marsha Ambrosius, the rhymes are hot, the vocals compete and the LP features one of my tunes of the year in "One Night" that was featured on a previous Street Sounds. Hot.

Mash these LP's up and realise Hip Hop aint dead.


8.Julie Dexter - New Again

Female vocalists have run things this year for real. (MORE LATER!!) This is one quality LP, full of Soul, Organic and sometimes Jazzy, its one of the rare LP's you can listen to from start to finish. "Sunshine" kicks things off right, a mid temp track with some great instrumentation, "Blue Skies" is another 70's mid tempo groove, "Love2Love" recalls Mr Gaye in its bridge, and elsewhere theres latin influence, soulful house grooves and lots more Soul. A Must purchase.

7.DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ayah - Back for more

Did I say "more later" when mentioning Tyler Woods Free EP? Then thats because of this. A free LP from another great produver, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and his recent muse, the great Ayah; with input from one of our "Great Producers" James Poyser this is another must have. How did Free music get so good?

What do you expect from these two artists? Oh well, you got it; Over 13 tracks. Jeff picks the samples and brings the beats; Ayah gives vocal attitude. Personal Faves? "One Life"; "Notorious"; "Be Alright" and "Tables Turn", but truth be said its a solid LP. Did I say it was free?

6.Josh Milan - Honeycomb music Volume 1

One half of renowned Soulful House duo BLAZE as well as writing, recording, and performing music with "Little Louie" Vega, dance music artist Barbara Tucker and producing giant Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, Milan has finally launched his own record company, Honeycomb Music; He brings everything you expect to his new Showcase double LP.

Milan has written and produced a full length CD that features songs with Sandra St. Victor of "Family Stand" fame, ChinahBlac, Crystal Johnson, Cinnamon Brown, and Angela Johnson. House grooves that welcome Soul, Jazz and Latin influences with open arms, this is, hands Down, best Soulful House LP of the year.

5.Deborah Bond - Madame Palindrome

Yep. I said it. The female artists are running things. Deborah's previous outings have fallen into the "like" category for me rather than the "Love". Thats changed.

This LP kind of brings together the "Acid Jazz" sound with an electronic sound, showcased on tunes like "Nothing matters", "Blind Paradise" and the great single "You are the one." Tracks full of strings, bass lines and good grooves. And then theres the shiver down the spine soul of "Say it" with another hint of the Mizell Brothers in its execution that sends the LP into the top ranks for me. Another must purchase, if only for the good taste of hooking up with the UK's Lewis Taylor (Where you been?) on the funky, incognito like "If I didnt need you."

4.Eric Roberson - Mr Nice Guy

OK. An admission. I like this LP less than any other Erro LP. Does that make it bad? Nope. It has moments of genius (As you would expect) like the single "Picture Perfect" (Featuring tigallo tigallo tigallo again?!?!?) with its great beats and atmosphere, the great lyrics of the title track (Check out when the drums come in.....great stuff), and the old school Erro sounding "Shake her Hand".

So why the reservation? I dont know if its the upbeat sentiment behind some of the tunes. Erro has always been about yearning and loss, which feeds into the musicality and atmosphere of the tunes he writes and sings on. "Borrow you", "Pen just cries away", "Obstacles". All examples. Theres some of that here, but, for me, it feels different. And, I guess, I'm in the minority (See next weeks Review of the year as a famous friend of the blog recommends this LP as best of the year) as theres LOTS of love for this work.

But hell, I love this guy, and the LP has enough good stuff on there for me to heartily recommend a purchase.....so do that! Its one of my best LP's of the year still damn it!!

3.Jill Scott - From the Vault Volume 1

So, I talked earlier about female artists running things. Here's another example. But I also talked about controversy, so here it is.

The prospect of 2 Jill Scott LP's in one year blew me away. But there was bad news; I love Jill Scott. I was disappointed by her new LP, "Light of the Sun". There were moments on there, (weirdly, mostly the bonus tunes, but So in Love and Blessed were good value too) but it seemed commercial and light. There. I said it. And, as above, there are LOADS of people and artists that disagree with me.

In any case, the good news for me was that Hidden Beach, her old label that Jill had a public falling out with, released an LP of unreleased tunes (approved by Jill) that reminded me of why I love her. And these were out takes.

Tunes like "Running Away" had that "Words and Sounds Vol 2" feel, "Wondering Why", "I'm Prettier" and "Dear Mr. & Mrs. Record Industry" all provided what I would have expected from her first Warner Brothers LP. Soul, heart and more great lyrics. Even the DJ Jazzy Jeff produced "Lovely Day" (A song we should all be sick of from over playing rather than quality) was fun and vocally on point. Maybe "The Light" was meant to appeal to more commercially, I dont know. But to me it was a lesser work and Im hoping we get the full blown Jill Scott on her next Warners LP. In the Meantime, "The Vault Vol 1" will do me fine.




One thing though, for both LP's: That voice is still ON POINT!!!

2.Tracy Cruz - Universoul Symphony

Tracy has been on my radar for a while right back to when I first caught her on "Feel'osophy" back in '08. "Son-Shine" was a favorite of mine back then and she had a real Neo-Soul/RnB vibe to her.

"Universoul Symphony" ups the ante, and as the title suggests, added orchestration. "Mind Travel", "Dream Flight" and "Electricity" all have a new, modern sound but harks back to a funkier, organically soulful period in black music. However, standout track for me, and one of the best of the year IMO is "Love's Galaxy" that featured on a Street Sounds mix earlier this year and hasnt left my iPod playlist since. Purchase and support good independant music!

1.Electric Empire - Self titled

And here is my favorite LP of the year. When I say this harks back to the 70's it does so with no modern pretentions. This LP could have been released then. This Australian bands influences stand out a mile; Donny; Stevie; Marvin to name but 3. And Pastiche is not what they aim for. This LP is reverence.

You may have caught the single "Baby your lovin'" or the great Donny /Stevie flavored "Always" on a previous Street Sounds Mix. If you have then youll know the quality of this LP and it shines. Recently touring with UK Soul god Omar and Beverley Knight, (us lucky folks in the UK had a chance to see them live) which if you search for on Youtube, you can see how good these guys are.

Support these guys and lets get good......nah....GREAT soul music back in the charts (Like we did with Aloe Blak last year, one of our 2010 recommendations).

A great LP and worthy of standing next to Slakah the Beatchilds "Soul Movement" (2009) and Zo's "Sunstorm" (2010) as LP of the year.

In addition, there are a few LP's that deserve a mention:

Rapper Big Pooh - Dirty Pretty Things
Musiq - musiqinthemagiq
Zo! - Just Visiting THREE
Kindred the Family Soul
Miles Bonny - Lumberjack Soul
Anthony Hamilton - Back to Love
Havana - Entervention
Lalah Hathaway - Where it all begins
TwinSpirit - My Beautiful Ugly
Betty Wright & The Roots
Georgia Anne Muldrow - Owed to Mama Rickle
Mark De Clive Lowe - Renegades
Ledisi _ Pieces of me
Reel People - Golden Lady


So thats all from me, If you agree or disagree, let me know on the blog. We got to keep promoting good soul music of all varieties! Will be posting up a review of the year next week including The Mixtapes Songs of the year plus recommendations from some of the artists in this years best LP's LIST!!

Dont forget ive included last years best of mix that got deleted from Rapidshare up above, so you can compare and contrast.

But here is a feel of what we believe are the best LP's of 2011:

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of 2011

Tracklist in comments.

DJ Grizz- Soul Niceness 30

My last Soul Niceness of 2011 and as usual its packed full of those hard to find grooves 'n' soul nuggets from the 70's & 80's.

Containing contributions from Ron Banks with a rare groove classic, The Moments just before they morphed into Ray Goodman and Brown, a Taana Gardener 1981 oft sampled club anthem, and topped off with a 70's soul cut from 60's star Mary Wells.

SoulNRnB is hard at work on his review of the best of 2011 for you. I'll be back next week and looking to end the year on a positve high!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LVUVPAEN

Tracklist in the comments section.

XMAS MEGA PACK: SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 70 and MORE

As promised, a bumper edition of Street Sounds Sessions:

Not only does this pack include the latest Street Sounds, but also those that were removed for one reason or another (As requested, see previous posts for Updates) and a couple of my favorites from the year.

Edition 70 though is fire: The UK's Black Einstien provides a tune that holds up with the years best, A track from the the Amy Winehouse LP, more from Common and 4Hero's Dego, plus the great Kyoto Jazz Massive, Big Pooh and Phife, and new artists like Patrice Covington.

Big stuff coming up from me in the next coupla weeks: 1) Best LP's of 2011 mix and review. 2) A review of the years music, including best tunes plus the picks of some of the famous friends of the Mixtape, at least two of which have LP's in this years Best of LP's List!!

Grizz back on Monday, see you with my list next week!

SoulNRnB's Street Sounds Sessions 70 and MORE

DJ Grizz- Xmas Soul 2011

Ho Ho Ho! 2 weeks to go and time to post my annual slice of Xmas tunes that Soul lovers can listen to. Containing an old time festive mix of soul, gospel, reggae n blues to get you into the spirit.

Includes The Drifters, Baby Washington (apparantly Dusty Springfields favorite singer!), reggae royalty Barrington Levy and topped off with some accapella goodness from the Persuasions plus much more xmas-soulness.

SoulNRnB's goes Street Sounds crazy at the weekend and i'll catch you you next week.

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P1XYWS00

Tracklist in the comments section

XMAS SPECIAL: SoulNRnB's Rare as Rocking Horse Poo....2!

After the success of last years mix of rare and unreleased tunes from the likes of 4Hero, Raphael Saadiq, and many more (Deleted by Rapidshare, but re-upped here for your listening pleasure: SoulNRnB's Rare as Rocking Horse Poo Mix 1 ) we have chapter 2!

A good hours worth of rare and unreleased music from the likes of Maxwell, Carl Thomas, Musiq Soulchild, Jon B, Rahsaan Patterson, Sunshine Anderson, Raheem Devaughn/DJ Jazzy Jeff, Janelle Monae, Roy Ayers and much much more.

A Real RnB fest that you will hopefully love just as much as the first edition. Ive posted both tracklistings in the comments.

Stay Tuned for Grizz's Xmas mix next week (Nearly Here!!) and a Bumper Xmas Street Sounds Sessions from me!

SoulNRnB's Rarer than Rocking Horse Poo Mix.......2!!!!

DJ Grizz- New Funk Vol.8

After Mr SoulNRnB went all 70's on you guys last week, I feel I need to try and bring some balance back to the universe and post something upfront! So here's New Funk Vol.8 with another selection of retro-funk style goodies from the last few years.

Featuring tracks from The Sugarman Three, some Italian funk from The Esplanade Orch., The UK's Hannah Williams, and a supergroup full of Acid Jazz/New Funk artists- The Fantasy Funk Band, put together courtesy of DJ/actor Craig Charles who's Radio 6 Funk and Soul show is always good value. Plus 6 more heavy new funk cuts!

After another SoulNRnB weekend treat next week I'll be posting my annual Soulful Xmas mix to help you last minute shop with some Xmas style soul!

Grizz

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2KU0BUM6

For tracklist, click on comments.

The Soul Mixtape's TOP 11 LP's of the 1970's

This mix is firmly in Grizz territory; The 70's. So when compiling this mix I put forward my choices to the man himself. And, suprisingly, found that we had no real differences in artists. Just the particular LP's. Stevie? Check, on his list too. Marvin? Check. And so on, just a different LP preference.

I have to say, this era of music (and indeed this list) contains at least 2 of my favorite LP's of all time. I'll let you know what they are at the end. So, my choices for Top 11 LP's of the 70's are:

1.Donald Byrd - (Places & Spaces)
2.Aretha Franklin - (You)
3.Marvin Gaye - (I Want you)
4.Johnny Hammond - (Gears)
5.Stevie Wonder - (Songs in the key of life)
6.Earth Wind & Fire - (All n All)
7.Minnie Ripperton - (Perfect Angel)
8.Al Green - (Still in love with you)
9.Leroy Hutson - (Hutson)
10.Brenda Russell - (Brenda Russell)
11.Lonnie Liston Smith - (Loveland)

Why "I want you" rather than "Whats Going on"? I love that sound Marvin developed with Leon Ware. Is "Whats Going On" a great LP deserving to be on a list like this? Hell yeah, but one per artist is my rule!

"Songs in the Key of Life". Recognised classic LP. No need to go on about it. Same with "All n All" and "Still in Love with you". So, lets do a little bit on the others:

- "Places and Spaces" and "Gears" - Great musicians in thier own right, complemented by some classic production work by the brothers Mizell.

- "You" - Why pick this Aretha LP? It was a commercial failure, has been out of print since the early 1980s and has never been issued on compact disc. But theres some great work on here from Gene Page and Jerry Wexler and I think "It Only Happens (When I Look At You)", "You Got All The Aces" and "You Make My Life" are some of the best work Aretha has done and are rare groove classics.

- "Perfect Angel" shows off Minnie to great effect IMO, a great voice and includes some classic tracks like the Stevie Wonder written title track and "Take a little trip", but is better known for the much pastiched "Lovin' You".

- and then theres the underrated: Leroy Hutson, Brenda Russell and Lonnie Liston Smith. You should all know about Lonnie from Grizz's recent artists mix, but "Loveland" is a great place to start your LLS collection. As for Leroy, the man has made so many classic soul tunes. I would highly recommend you listen to all of his 70's and early 80's LP's, but picked "Hutson" for its listenability start to finish. As for Brenda Russell, what a songwriter. Aside from the tune that Luther made his own, "If only for one night", this LP includes classic tracks like "In the Thick of it" and "Little bit of Love".

And thats that. Ive done the Seventies, Eighties, Nineties and Noughties and between all of those lists you will have some of the greatest Soul, Jazz and Funk LP's I know. We start off the holidays with a list and will end the year with one, the best LP's of 2011, so stay tuned and feel free to argue, correct, or agree with my choices.

Oh yes, my Faves? Stevie's "Songs in the key of life" and Johnny Hammond's "Gears" which both are classics from first track to last.

The Soul Mixtapes Top 11 LP's of the 1970's