Various Artists – “Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label” (Released 9th February 2024)

Description

//Numero Group//

£33.99 – 2xLP, Limited Edition “Dark Blue Teardrops” Gatefold Coloured Vinyl

£31.99 – 2xLP, Limited Edition Gatefold Vinyl

From 1967-1980, Kansas City’s Forte Records captured nearly every iteration of popular Black music; basement beehiver-y from The Ray-Ons and Four Darlings, funky soul from Gene Williams Lee Harris, Louis Chachere, and The Fantastiks, downtempo disco ballads from James W hitney and Sharon Revoal, and the newly independent work of James Brown’s former Soul Sister #1 Marva Whitney. Compiled here are 28 of the label’s enduring sides, contextualised with copious photos, ephemera, and essay, all housed in heavy weight gatefold jacket. Who knows how to do “The Hen”?

Tracklisting:

A
1. Gene Williams – Don’t Let Your Love Fade Away
2. Lee Harris – I Am Gonna Get Your Thing
3. Tear Drops – I’m Gonna Get You
4. Louis Chachere – The Hen Pt 1
5. The Fantasticks – Cry Night And Day
6. Marva W. Taylor – I’ve Lived The Life
7. The Fabulous Rhythm Makers – Mini, Mini Afro Twist

B
1. Tony Ashley And The Delicates – I’ll Never Be Satisfied
2. The Rayons – You Confuse Me Baby
3. The Four Darlings – Baby Your Love Is Amazing
4. Lee Harris – Lookin’ Good
5. Marva Whitney – Daddy Don’t Know About Sugar Bear
6. Gene Williams – Whatever You Do (Do It Good)
7. Everyday People – Is It Really That Bad

C
1. The Rayons – Baby Be Good
2. Tony Ashley And The Delicates – All Along I’ve Loved You
3. Lee Harris – I’ve Got To Have Somebody’s Love
4. Everyday People – Super Black
5. James Whitney – With Fun In My Life
6. Sharon Revoal – Reaching For Our Star
7. Marva W. Taylor – Nothing I’d Rather Be (Than Your Weakness)

D
1. The Four Darlings – Give Me Love
2. Unknown Artist – Dearest Lover
3. The Fantasticks – Live And Let Live
4. The Fabulous Rhythm Makers – Ya Gotta Be Doing It
5. Lee Harris – Skate Boogaloo And Karate Too
6. Tear Drops – Don’t Fade Away
7. Marva Whitney And Ellis “Gripey” Taylor – We Need More (But Somebody Gotta Sacrifce)