Various Artists – Wigan 30 – Goldmine GSCD 163 

1973 to 2003. It’s a long time isn’t it. And it is worth celebrating, so when I first saw this CD I expected the usual top 30 Wigan sounds. I was pleasantly surprised though. There are thirty tracks, but they aren’t the usual predictable oldies, there are some wonderful forgotten dancers on this CD, and it has quickly become a favourite of mine for the moment. Minimal liner notes from Kev Roberts don’t add much (Is it just me that’s an information freak ?), but I really love the last track, and the cheeky sentiment behind it.

Northern Soul Of Shrine – Goldmine GSCD 162

My first thought was why ? Ady Croasdell and Kent have put out two CDs, two albums, and a clutch of singles already, from this Washington DC label. At the end of the day though, here are thirty tracks from the Shrine label, a couple of which haven’t been on CD before. I must admit though, some of the Shrine tracks leave me cold, yet others are major wants of mine (Shirley Edwards). If you’ve got the two Kent CDs, and the two albums you might not want this, but it is a worthwhile purchase in it’s own right.

Various Artists – Have A Good Time – Goldmine GCSD 161

The best Goldmine release for ages. This is great. Top draw rare Northern Soul. Add this to your collection today. One offs, unreleased tracks, the odd classy oldie, and current monsters, most of which haven’t been released on CD before, I can’t compliment Tim Brown on this one enough. More please ! My only criticism is that in the liner notes Tim says that Don Juan Mancha revealed that Jack Montgomery was actually Marvin Jones. Yes he did, in issue 32 of the very magazine you are holding in your hands now ! Does ‘SKM’ get a mention ? No it bloody doesn’t !!! Seriously though, the liner notes are good and do contain a lot of information, so just trust me on this one. Buy it.