Dave Godin – Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults...) (Volume 1)

Dave Godin – Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults...) (Volume 1)

A landmark collection for lovers of deep soul, Dave Godin’s Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults...) (Volume 1) brings together 25 powerful performances drawn from the rich and often overlooked history of American soul music. Originally issued on the Kent label in 1997, this carefully curated compilation reflects Godin’s passion for the music’s emotional honesty, combining rare discoveries and sought-after recordings in one essential collection.

The journey opens with The Knight Brothers’ heartfelt “I'm Never Gonna Live It Down” and moves through an extraordinary range of voices and styles. Irma Thomas delivers the enduring “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand),” while Jean Wells’ “Have A Little Mercy,” Dori Grayson’s “Try Love” and Brendetta Davis’ “I Can't Make It Without Him” capture the intensity and vulnerability at the heart of the deep-soul sound. Elsewhere, Larry Banks’ “I'm Not The One,” Jimmy Holiday’s “The Turning Point” and Lee Moses’ “How Much Longer (Must I Wait)” add further depth to a collection rich in expressive vocals and memorable songwriting.

The compilation also shines a light on artists and recordings that deserve to be heard beyond the specialist collector’s circle. From the driving appeal of “Showdown” by Kenny Carter to the distinctive character of Raw Spitt’s “Songs To Sing,” the moving “The Love Of My Man” by Pearlean Gray and The Passengers, and Jaibi’s closing track “You Got Me,” each selection contributes to a compelling portrait of soul music at its most direct and affecting.

With 25 tracks spanning an impressive range of performers, this is a rewarding listen for seasoned soul collectors and newcomers exploring the genre alike. Dave Godin’s discerning ear makes Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults...) (Volume 1) more than a compilation: it’s a passionate celebration of the voices, songs and recordings that give deep soul its lasting power.

Tracklist

1. The Knight Brothers – I'm Never Gonna Live It Down (2:55)

2. Timmy Willis – Easy As Saying 1-2-3 (3:05)

3. Zerben R Hicks And The Dynamics – Lights Out (2:51)

4. Irma Thomas – Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand) (2:57)

5. Jean Wells – Have A Little Mercy (2:35)

6. Dori Grayson – Try Love (2:36)

7. Brendetta Davis – I Can't Make It Without Him (3:09)

8. Kenny Carter – Showdown (2:49)

9. Larry Banks – I'm Not The One (2:54)

10. Jimmy Holiday – The Turning Point (2:46)

11. The Incredibles – Standing Here Crying (2:29)

12. The Just Brothers – She Broke His Heart (2:27)

13. The Untouchables – You're On Top (2:28)

14. Reuben Bell And The Casanovas – It's Not That Easy (2:24)

15. Van & Titus – Cry Baby Cry (3:21)

16. Jean Stanback – I Still Love You (2:30)

17. Bessie Banks – Try To Leave Me If You Can (I Bet You Can't Do It) (4:30)

18. Raw Spitt – Songs To Sing (4:16)

19. Lee Moses – How Much Longer (Must I Wait) (2:36)

20. Billy Young – Nothing's Too Much (Nothing's Too Good) (2:06)

21. Sam & Bill – I Feel Like Cryin' (2:32)

22. Eddie & Ernie – I'm Goin' For Myself (3:35)

23. The Knight Brothers – Tried So Hard To Please Her (2:37)

24. Pearlean Gray & The Passengers – The Love Of My Man (2:48)

25. Jaibi – You Got Me (2:36)