To prove that age is no barrier to creating fabulous soul, two veteran groups have just released new albums that all the young pretenders should study long and hard to hear how soul magic can be created. First up is a wonderful 14 tracker from a revitalised BLOODSTONE – ‘Now! That’s What I’m Talkin’ About’. The set is heavy on the ballads but that’s no bad thing with a cover of EDDIE FLOYD’S’ I’ve Never Found A Girl’ and a remake of ‘Natural High’ both outstanding. The date on the album suggests an original release date of 2008, but it’s deservedly being heavily repromoted. The musical menu is a little more varied on the evergreen TEMPTATIONS’ newie – ‘Still Here’. After a brief intro the set opens with ‘Change Has Come’ – an edgy tribute to OBAMA’S election while ‘Listen Up’ is a throwback to the group’s NORMANS WHITFIELD era. Highlight is the lovely ‘Warm Summer Night’ and RON TYSON is on superb form on ‘Woman’. Two quiet unmissable sets. For full reviews go to TOBY WALKER’S excellent site www.soulwalking.co.uk
