Ace Records wade into 2010 with some great new releases including a trio of outstanding compilations which though not specifically soul, contain loads and loads of soul gems along with lots and lots of pop classics. First there’s Ace’s second look at the venerable old London American label. The new 28 tracker looks at 1961 and features cuts from BEN E KING, SOLOMON BURKE, THE COASTERS, THE DRIFTERS and THE MAR KEYS alongside many more main stream memory jerkers like AL CAIOLA’S rousing ‘Magnificent 7’ theme. Then, ‘Mr Success’ offers Ace’s second retrospective on the genius of BERT BERNS. This collection of the writer/producer’s work includes music from TAMMI TERRELL, SOLOMON BURKE, WILSON PICKETT, GARNETT MIMMS, THE EXCITERS, ROY C, FREDDIE SCOTT and many more. Collectors will want to investigate if only for the rare ‘Come On Girl’ from the legendary KNIGHT BROTHERS. Collectors will be equally excited by the third new Ace compilation – ‘You Heard It Here First, Volume 2′. The album, of course, features original versions of well-loved songs like THE FOUR PREPS’ version of ‘Love Of The Common People’ and PINO DONAGGIO’S original Italian version of the song that became DUSTY SPRINGFIELD’S ‘You Don’t have To Say You Love Me’. Most exciting cut on the set though is THE DELLS’ version of ‘Higher And Higher’. The recording featured on the group’s ‘There Is’ LP, then with a few tweaks and a little re-writing it was recorded by JACKIE WILSON and we all know the rest…Three essential albums for all serious (in the “real” rather than “dour” sense) music collectors
