Proper soul collectors are currently being spoiled by the quality and quantity of vinyl releases from the UK’s boutique soul labels, and one of the brand leaders is SOUL DIRECTION who are lining up a tasty new 7” for June release.
The 45 features two previously unreleased tracks from 60s Philly-based soul man TIMMY CARR backed by THE COOPERETTES. “Timmy Carr” was the alter ego of Timothy Carstaphen and to confuse all and sundry he recorded under a number of aliases – amongst them Timmy & The Empires and Timmy the Persianettes
However on the two “new” Soul Direction sides, it’s definitely Timmy Carr and the Cooperettes; the Cooperettes were actually an all-family affair of sisters, Janette, Debbie, Tina and Angie Cooper, hence the name.
The release’s A side is an energetic, foot-tapping, body swaying ‘Got No Time’ which was written by Howard Ravitsky and famed Philly tunesmith/producer/and sometime artist Phil Hurtt. It’s a little rough round the edges – with the engineer counting in and an unedited run out. That though only adds to the charm and real soul feel – you’ll know you’re listening to proper soul as it was meant to be! The flip is another Ravitsky/ Hurtt song; it’s sturdy beater, ‘I Want My Loving From You’ on which the Cooperettes’ BVs are more prominent.
Both tracks are great 60s soul artefacts and real rarities – winning vinyl release for the very first time with the soul sleuths at Soul Direction finding the music on master tapes at the Impact Recording Studios. Some anoraks believe the songs might have found their way onto a Virtue label acetate too.
As a footnote Timmy Carr released music on the Olympia, Hot Biscuit and Kee labels but he enjoyed little success despite an obvious talent. Timmy died in 1969 in a work accident. He was working in a loading bay when a consignment fell on him, crushing him to death. A sad end to a singer with ambition and talent but no real luck.
Timmy Carr & The Cooperettes – “Got No Time” / “I Want My Loving From You” – (Soul Direction)Mastered from the original studio tapes. Release Date – 11th June 2023 (Pre Order from 28th May 2023).learn more @ https://soul-direction.co.uk/
