Deep

On the whole my taste in soul music tends toward the sweeter, more sophisticated and uptown end of the spectrum, but there are times when I'm in the mood for something deeper, something dripping with intense emotion, something sung by someone who sounds like they're about to burst into tears - those are the times when I reach for one of the three volumes of Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures. These albums go way beyond the usual suspects and dig up so many brilliant, obscure gems that they may the greatest collection of gut-wrenching soul ballads ever assembled, containing more heartbreak, tears, and infidelity than a whole season of "Dynasty." Trying to pick only one track was impossible, even two was bloody difficult, but here's a couple that should knock your socks off. From Vol. 1 comes the majestic "You Got Me" which Godin says is his favourite track of all-time which is high praise indeed coming from a man who's probably heard more great soul records than all of us combined have had hot dinners. "Like It Stands" from Vol. 3 is one of my favourite tracks in the whole series, I love the way Ramsey grunts "git it!" during the instrumental breaks like he's willing himself to reach the next emotional height. Lord have mercy.

[Download]
You Got Me - Jaibi
Like It Stands - Robert Ramsey