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Funky 45's
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The Harthon Northern Soul Sound of the |
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| The Harthon label (and it's related
productions) created some of the best soul records (Northern and
otherwise) to come out of Philadelphia. From the Volcanos, to Eddie
Holman, the Four Larks, Lee Garrett, Larry Clinton (who's 'She's Wanted'
is one of the rarest Philly soul 45s), Bernard Williams & the Blue
Notes and more obscure acts like the Twilights, Joann Jackson and the
Philly Four, the Harthon stable was, if not a 'hit factory', a 'should
have been a hit' factory. Led by Weldon McDougal with able assistance from Luther Randolph and Johnny Stiles (the latter two releasing a couple of great soul jazz 45s on the label), Harthon had it's pick of the finest songwriters, vocalists and musicians in Philadelphia and the high quality of the resulting records shows that they new what to do with that raw material. They released many high quality records on Harthon, as well as licensing tracks to Cameo, Bell and Cobblestone among other labels. I haven't been able to find out anything about who the United Four actually were, but this 45 (I believe they had at least one other) was one of the finest on the label. The a-side, 'She's Putting You On' is a certified Northern Soul classic (placing about halfway down Kev Roberts Top 500 list), from it's opening snare roll, throbbing bass and ringing piano to the fantastic lead and harmony vocals. The flip side, 'Go On' is a wonderful slice of sweet soul, with an Eddie Holman-inspired lead vocal. Both sides of the 45 were co-written by Weldon McDougal, and were arranged by Luther Randolph. 'She's Putting You On' has been comped multiple times, but for a serious look at the greatness of Harthon productions pick up Goldmine's "Groovin' At The Go Go - The Harthon Label' comp. |
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