Dave Godin – Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults...) (Volume 3)

Dave Godin – Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults...) (Volume 3)

Discover the depth, emotion and raw musical power of classic American soul with Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults...) (Volume 3), a carefully curated compilation assembled by renowned soul authority Dave Godin. Originally released in 2000 on Kent, the third instalment in Godin’s acclaimed series brings together 25 tracks celebrating the expressive intensity and diversity of deep soul and R&B. The original CD release appeared as Kent catalogue number CDKEND 200.

Dave Godin was a hugely influential champion of Black American soul music in Britain, known for his passionate writing, encyclopaedic knowledge and commitment to recordings that deserved wider recognition. His Deep Soul Treasures series reflected a particular understanding of the genre: deep soul was not simply a matter of slow tempos or melancholy ballads, but music distinguished by the passion, conviction and intensity of its performers.

Volume 3 captures that philosophy through an absorbing selection of established names, exceptional vocalists and less familiar recordings. The line-up spans the commanding presence of James Brown and Bobby Womack, the unmistakable voices of Etta James and Irma Thomas, and the distinctive artistry of performers including Toussaint McCall, Bessie Banks, Doris Duke and Bettye LaVette.

There is plenty here for listeners drawn to the emotional heart of Southern soul, classic R&B and vintage soul ballads, alongside fans who enjoy discovering overlooked corners of the music. Etta James’s enduring “I’d Rather Go Blind” sits alongside James Brown’s “Lost Someone”, while Syl Johnson’s “Is It Because I’m Black” brings a socially conscious dimension to a collection that explores soul’s capacity for both intimate heartbreak and wider reflection. Other highlights include Toussaint McCall’s “I’m Undecided”, Irma Thomas’s “Wish Someone Would Care” and Doris Duke’s “He’s Gone”.

The compilation also showcases the breadth of soul’s vocal traditions, from solo performances steeped in vulnerability to group recordings shaped by the rich harmonies and arrangements of the era. The result is a varied journey through classic soul, balancing familiar favourites with selections that reward deeper listening.

For dedicated deep soul enthusiasts, collectors of vintage R&B and anyone exploring the music beyond its best-known hits, Dave Godin’s Deep Soul Treasures (Taken From The Vaults...) (Volume 3) offers a thoughtfully assembled portrait of the genre’s emotional power. It stands as a tribute to Godin’s enduring work in bringing exceptional Black American soul recordings to a wider audience.

Tracklist

1. Toussaint McCall – I'm Undecided (2:05)

2. Baby Washington – Breakfast In Bed (3:12)

3. Dee Clark – In These Very Tender Moments (2:53)

4. Jean Plum – Look At The Boy (2:36)

5. James Brown – Lost Someone (3:29)

6. Eddie & Ernie – Thanks For Yesterday (3:05)

7. Bessie Banks – It Sounds Like My Baby (3:05)

8. Bobby Womack – Baby I Can't Stand It (2:35)

9. Etta James – I'd Rather Go Blind (2:37)

10. Syl Johnson – Is It Because I'm Black (3:23)

11. Maxine Brown – All In My Mind (2:31)

12. Robert Ramsey – Like It Stands (2:57)

13. Irma Thomas – Wish Someone Would Care (2:21)

14. Ray Gant & Arabian Knights – Don't Leave Me Baby (3:40)

15. Carla Thomas – I Can't Take It (2:40)

16. J R Bailey – Too Far Gone To Turn Around (3:11)

17. Betty Lavette – Let Me Down Easy (2:55)

18. Bobby Bland – I'm Too Far Gone (To Turn Around) (2:59)

19. Barbara & The Browns – I Don't Want To Have To Wait (2:47)

20. The Enchanters – I Paid For The Party (2:52)

21. Rozetta Johnson – Who Are You Gonna Love (Your Woman Or Your Wife) (3:47)

22. Rick James & Smokey Robinson – Ebony Eyes (4:00)

23. Doris Duke – He's Gone (4:37)

24. The Impressions – My Deceiving Heart (2:53)

25. Loretta Williams – I'm Missing You (2:44)