Vinyl, 1/LP + WAV download

The definitive survey of America’s independent 70s soul scene, and a companion piece to Now-Again’s long-running Soul Cal series.

“(Soul Cal) captures the retro-utopian vision of a past where every smalltown record store or garage in the US might have hidden a virtuosic funk outfit; the thrill of knowing that jobbing musicians might be getting paid for the first time; plus the bittersweet knowledge that those that passed on are getting deserved recognition. And all that before you get the thrill of the music itself.” - Wire Magazine. 

Compilation produced, annotated and researched by Eothen “Egon” Alapatt. Art direction by Errol Richardson. Mastered by Dave Cooley, Kelly Hibbert and Jason Bitner. Additional coordination by Tanner McCrary. 

Licensed courtesy: Luther Davis (RIP), John Roode, Ron Brown (RIP), Glenn Walling, Clifford Nyren (RIP), Arthur Lane, Leon Mitchison, Ishmael Rolle, Bobby Hamilton, Milton Smith. 

1. Luther Davis "You Can Be A Star" (04:37)
2. UPC All Stars "Don't Get Discouraged" (03:32)
3. Pure Essence "Wake Up" (06:08)
4. Anubis "Ecology" (04:01)
5. Sag War Fare "Girl You Better Change" (02:59)
6. Leon Mitchison "Love Is" (04:17)
7. Luther Davis Group "To Be Free" (03:53)
8. Ellis & Cephas "I'm Gonna Miss You Girl" (02:50)
9. Clifford Nyren "Keep Running Away" (02:56)
10. Mixed Feelings "Sha-La-La" (03:28)
11. Henry Woods Troupe "The Stranger" (08:33)
12. Freedom Express "Get Down" (03:24)

Cover photo: Freedom Express