Still Paying Our Dues

Still Paying Our Dues

Still Paying Our Dues is a soul compilation bringing together 25 tracks from a rich variety of American vocal groups, solo singers and soul performers. Spanning the sounds of classic soul, R&B, Northern Soul and vintage dancefloor music, this collection offers an engaging snapshot of the songwriting, distinctive voices and infectious rhythms that have made this music a lasting favourite among soul enthusiasts.

The selection features an impressive range of artists, from established names such as The Drifters, Ben E. King, Mary Wells, The Coasters and The Pointer Sisters to lesser-known performers whose recordings reward deeper exploration. Barbara Lynn, Esther Phillips, Wendy Rene, Linda Lyndell and Darrell Banks each bring their own identity to a programme that moves between heartfelt vocal performances, punchy group soul and irresistible rhythmic grooves.

There is plenty here for Northern Soul followers and collectors of vintage American soul. Tony & Tyrone's Please Operator opens the collection with a taste of the dance-oriented soul sound associated with the Atlantic catalogue, while Darrell Banks' Angel Baby (Don't You Ever Leave Me) and The Drifters' You Got To Pay Your Dues bring the emotional directness of classic soul songwriting to the fore. Esther Phillips, accompanied by The Dixie Flyers on Catch Me I'm Falling, adds another distinctive voice to the mix.

The compilation also draws on the appeal of vocal-group soul. The Pointer Sisters' Send Him Back, Sister Sledge's Love Don't You Go Through No Changes On Me and Archie Bell & The Drells' Here I Go Again provide a varied perspective on the development of soul and R&B, while contributions from The Soul Brothers Six, The Astors, The Ambassadors and The Innocent Bystanders make this an interesting selection for listeners who enjoy digging beyond the familiar hits.

Elsewhere, the tracklist takes in the characterful performances of Leslie Uggams and Dee Dee Sharp, the earthy soul of Vala Reegan & The Valarons' Fireman, and the intriguing titles Bar B-Q, Choppin' Around and Today's Man. Rather than focusing on one artist or a single narrow style, Still Paying Our Dues brings together different strands of American soul, making it a rewarding listen for fans of vintage R&B, vocal-group recordings and the wider Northern Soul tradition.

Whether you're exploring the genre, expanding a soul collection or looking for a varied selection of classic-era soul artists, Still Paying Our Dues offers 25 tracks of musical discovery, familiar names and deeper cuts in one compilation.

Tracklist

1. Tony & Tyrone – Please Operator (2:46)

2. Bobby Wilson – Feels Good (1:59)

3. Darrell Banks – Angel Baby (Don't You Ever Leave Me) (2:52)

4. The Drifters – You Got To Pay Your Dues (2:29)

5. Esther Phillips With The Dixie Flyers – Catch Me I'm Falling (2:55)

6. Barbara Lynn – Take Your Love And Run (2:43)

7. The Pointer Sisters – Send Him Back (2:37)

8. Sister Sledge – Love Don't You Go Through No Changes On Me (3:22)

9. Archie Bell & The Drells – Here I Go Again (2:11)

10. Soul Brothers Six – Thank You Baby For Loving Me (2:55)

11. The Coasters – Crazy Baby (2:00)

12. Vala Reegan & The Valarons – Fireman (2:41)

13. Leslie Uggams – Don't You Even Care (2:03)

14. Dee Dee Sharp – Bye Bye Baby (2:14)

15. The Innocent Bystanders – Frantic Escape (2:15)

16. The Ambassadors – (I've Got To Find) Happiness (2:42)

17. The Astors – Candy (2:58)

18. Ben E. King – What Can A Man Do (2:32)

19. Mary Wells – Can't You See (You're Losing Me) (2:44)

20. Wendy Rene – Bar B-Q (2:28)

21. Al Perkins – Nothing Is Impossible (2:12)

22. Jimmy Wisner – Choppin' Around (2:11)

23. Linda Lyndell – Bring Your Love Back To Me (2:05)

24. Mark Putney – Today's Man (2:26)

25. The Crossroads – Coming Home To You Baby (2:26)