Editorial Reviews

The first entry in Sony BMG's top-notch The Northern Soul Story compilation series spotlights Manchester's Twisted Wheel, the acknowledged ground zero of the British soul-revival culture. Opened in 1963, the club played a mish-mash of soul, blues, and jazz in the first few years of its existence, but in 1967 adopted a strict uptempo soul music policy. Led by DJs Roger Eagle and Bob Bellars, the Twisted Wheel went on to popularize records like Gladys Knight's "Just Walk in My Shoes," Archie Bell & the Drells' "Here I Go Again," and Earl Van Dyke's "All for You," all virtually unknown in their native U.S. The Twisted Wheel was rewarded for its taste-making acumen with a devoted clientele among the so-called Mods -- young, mostly white Brits noted for their hipper-than-thou fashions, Italian motor scooters, and love of amphetamines. Unfortunately, the drug culture ultimately spun out of control, and the Manchester city council revoked the Twisted Wheel's entertainment license: on January 31, 1971, the club closed its doors for good. Still, what the Twisted Wheel set in motion continues decades after its demise, and this 25-track collection is a worthy celebration of its enduring influence, complete with superb mastering and track-by-track liner notes by British DJ Ian Dewhirst. Highlights include Sandi Sheldon's "You're Gonna Make Me Love You," Major Lance's "It's the Beat," and James Carr's "That's What I Want to Know." Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

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