Spirit Of Philadelphia Volume 2 – Various Artists CD (Expansion)

While born of the 70s, ‘The Sound of Philadelphia’ is very much alive in 2006. Championed through the decades by DJs like Gilles Peterson and Norman Jaye, the influence the music has had on the dance scene has been immeasurable.

More recently, some of the giants of the sound have stepped back in the studio to recreate new records, while original records have been sampled by new artists on both the r&b and dance scenes. From this compilation Vince Montana’s “That’s The Way” was one of the biggest club records of 2005 having been a weekender anthem at Southport, Prestatyn, Togetherness, Caister and others.

This Philly compilatioin is unique in that it acknowledges a fresh collection of Philly gems being revived, so many here are on CD for the very first time as it’s the first time they have ever been re-issued. In demand tracks include “Let’s Go All The Way Down” by Brenda & The Tabulations, a huge ‘rare groove’ record since the 80s, and the impossible to find 12” version of Gateway’s “Can’t Accept The Fact”. There are also some incredible moments here from legends such as The Four Tops, Eddie Kendricks from The Temptations. Ben E. King and The Whispers. For Thom Bell fans (Thom produced the No.1 hit “Are You Ready” for Elton John/Spinners), there are also rare recordings here on Little Anthony and New York City (whose song “I’m Doing Fine Now” was a classic hit).