AOR On The Radio: Soulful Years
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| Pedestrians in Georgetown,(Star Collection, DC Public) |
Back in the day dj's used to play a typical sound on the radio. That's what this mix is basically about: to recreate that sophisticated sound of FM radio in the 1970s.
One of the key figures in pop music is Mike Hurst. Before becoming a producer in the 1960s he was one of the Springfields (together with Dusty and Tom). He discovered Marc Bolan and Cat Stevens and was having hits with Manfred Mann, The Move, Spencer Davis Group, Colin Blunstone (who named himself Neil McArthur), Chris Farlowe and P.P. Arnold. In the 1970s he signed the band Showaddywaddy and subsequently produced 17 top 40 hits in a row with the band. In this decade he also produced and worked with artists like Cilla Black, Mud, Merton Parkas, The Four Tops and Hello. In 1978 he took over the management of Shakin’ Stevens and produced his first ever hit ‘Hot Dog’. He also discovered Bruce Wooley, who co-wrote ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’. In 1984 he became head of Lamborghini Records, which was only memorable for discovering Samantha Fox… More recently he worked with Belle & Sebastian.
There was interim period around 1970 when Hurst was persuaded by Capitol's vice-president Dick Asher to perform again. He had heard some demos by Hurst that had a Westcoast feel and he offered him a Westcoast deal. It resulted in 2 albums. The wonderful steel guitar on ‘Lord I don’t have the time’ from the second album 'In my time' is played by B.J. Cole and the husky backing vocals are by Doris Troy, Liza Strike and Nanette. The song shows Westcoast soul at its best!
Thanks to Mr Funk aka Seasidevibes, who gave me the inspiration for this ‘soulful Westcoast’ mix! If you like this one, then check our collaboration Soulful Westcoast as well. And thanks to Geoff Barton for supplying the jingles. Enjoy this new part of AOR on the radio!
Tracklist:
Eddie Kendricks – Get It While It’s Hot (1976)
Side Effect – Spend It On Love (1975)
Jacques Kloes & Patricia Paay – You Make It Alright (1979)
Bill Withers – Make A Smile For Me (1974)
Leon De Graaff – Pittsburgh In The Rain (1971)
Mike Hurst – Lord I Don’t Have The Time (1971)
Phillip And Lloyd – Baby I’m Sorry (1975)
Nicolette Larson – Lotta Love (1978)
The Hollies – Falling Calling (1975)
Jerry Corbetta – Caribbean Lady (1978)
Patrick Simmons – Why You Givin' Up (1978)
Lava – Give It Up (1981)
Randy Crawford – Look Who's Lonely Now (1982)
Kenny Loggins – Heart To Heart (1982)
Paul Anka – Walk A Fine Line (1983)
Sneaker – Jaymes [Northern Rascal Extension] (1981)
Steely Dan – FM (1978)
Charlie Dore – Pilot Of The Airwaves (1980)
The Day – We Are (2014)
Long John Baldry – (Walk Me Out In The) Morning Dew (1980)
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