Northern Soul is the cult that simply refuses to fade away.
Sure, it's obituary has been written numerous times, but Northern Soul simply adapts to shifts in youth culture to find its niche once more.
Swedish vocalist Magnus Carlson draws a wealth of inspiration from the scene, allowing it to take his songwriting in fresh directions.
New EP 'The Northern Soul Sessions' is out now, and it's set to be followed by the full English version of his enthralling new album.
Magnus will play London's legendary soul allnighter Crossfire next month, and ahead of this the Swedish performer has picked out a few Northern Soul gems to get those feet moving…
The Salvadors – 'Stick By Me Baby'
This is very personal. My best friend Robert Plaszczyk and I run a monthly club night in Stockholm called Bangers 'n' Mash and we have DJ'd together for over 20 years now. This single has been the soundtrack of our DJing life together – and we both feel like teenagers again whenever we hear or play it.
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Frank Wilson – 'Do I Love You'
When I first started to go to northern soul clubs in Stockholm in the nineties, this track was my way into the whole scene. It such an immediate song, a great dancer and so easy to get hooked by.
And it’s also really symptomatic of the whole Northern Soul scene – well, it basically the essence of it: it’s an absolutely fantastic song and massive on the scene. But it was never the massive hit record it should of/could of been – like so many other amazing northern soul singles. Which is why I will never tire of this music.
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Eddie Holman – 'I Surrender'
Years ago I bought Ace Spectrum's 'Don't Send Nobody Else' by a Northern Soul friend in Stocholm for about fifty quid and as a bonus he gave me this for free! A tune I’d never heard before and I just loved it. It became my absolute fave track to dance to and that is why I just had to cover it and release my own version of it.
And, I guess, this single is probably actually worth more now than that Ace Spectrum track I bought off him. Thanks mate!
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Chuck Wood – 'Seven Days Is Too Long'
As a lot of other people my generation, I first heard this great tune when Dexy’s covered it. Then, digging deeper, I heard the original and was totally blown away that it was even better! A classic.
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Rita & The Tiaras – 'Gone With The Wind Is Our Love'
A storming female vocal soul track. On my national tour up and down Sweden earlier this spring I invited along a new local 6t's / Northern Soul guest DJ every night. This track is quite rare and I was well chuffed to discover that two of my Swedish DJ's actually brought and played the original vinyl single.
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Magnus Carlson's 'The Northern Soul Sessions' is out now. Catch the Swedish artist at Crossfire, 229, London on October 21st.
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