Kenny Thomas. Unstoppable. Best known for his 1991 smash hit Thinking About Your Love, Londoner Kenny is one of the most impressive soul acts ever to come out of the UK – and one of the most determined. The days of platinum albums may be behind him, but Kenny’s voice and songwriting are still top-notch. Unstoppable, his first full-length release since 2011, explodes into life with driving opener If I Can’t Have You – as upbeat and irrepressible as it is classy. Contagious bangers abound. The vibe is 90s R&B but the 11 tracks feel timeless. Stand-outs include Shout Out, an uplifting duet with Kim Wilde, and How Does It Feel – mid-paced and imbued with old-school soul. If the funky Stand Up For Love – co-written with former collaborator Eliot Kennedy – doesn’t set your feet tapping, you’re probably dead. Thomas’s infectious songs are like sunshine caught in a bottle. They feel like a portal back to the heady days of yesteryear’s soul clubs like Canvey Island’s Goldmine and the Lacey Lady in Ilford. Captivating numbers like What You Do For Me prove Islington-born Kenny, 56, still has strength in his voice and the ability to convey heartfelt emotion. This guy is the real deal, and despite its antique roots, his music still feels utterly fresh.
Various Artists. Stax Revue: Live In ’65! For those whose love of soul stretches back even further, these remastered songs, recorded live in LA and Memphis 60 years ago, are unearthed treasures. The 2xCD set has 21 recordings, nine unheard, from acts including Rufus Thomas, Booker T. & The M.G.’s, William Bell, Carla Thomas, Wilson Pickett, and David Porter, who co-wrote Sam & Dave’s classic Soul Man. To channel a Booker T song, hear this and you can’t sit down.
The Royston Club. Songs For The Spine. The 2nd album from the Strokes-influenced Wrexham indie band explodes with euphoric melodies. From the driving Glued To The Bed to future festival fave Cariad, there isn’t a weak song here. Opener Shivers sets a high bar, sweeping along with Tom Faithfull singing like a fallen Welsh angel before Ben Matthias’s rousing lead guitar takes off. Genuinely exciting.
Devon Allman. The Blues Summit. Devon, son of the great Gregg Allman, invites modern blues maestros – including ‘Kingfish’ Ingram and pedal steel ace Robert Randolph – to join him on 10 finely crafted tracks. Highs include soulful opener Runners In The Night, the exquisite Real Love with Sierra Green, and Willie Dixon’s irresistible Wang Dang Doodle. Hendrix’s version of Little Wing can’t be beaten, but Closer Midnight Lake Erie is an atmospheric joy.
Richard Hawley. Coles Corner. Hawley’s 2005 breakthrough album drew on retro sounds to produce 11 touchingly beautiful songs about love, loss and longing. He delivers the country-tinged Darlin’ Wait For Me, majestic ballad The Ocean, and there’s a hint of Buddy Holly on tender Born Under A Bad Sign. This reboot comes on half-speed-mastered vinyl; the 2xCD set has extra tracks.