Various Artists - Downtown Soulville, Mr. Fine Wine's Top 45s (WTS Soul No.8)

 

This is my first post of 2026, and it's already under difficult circumstances. I would like to wish each and every one of you a happy new year, but I can't see that happening. I mean, really now people of the US of A, what were you thinking when you elected this idiot, fascist, schizoid piece of shit? (MAGA loonies can kiss my arse. Don't bother leaving comments — you'll never see them posted, GET THE FUCK OUT OF THIS BLOG!). Anyway...

When it comes to soul music, no one can beat a Detroit native. Matt Weingarden - to his friends and fans, Mr Finewine - is a DJ and record collector renowned for his in-depth exploration of rare soul, funk and R&B 45s. It was the 'Downtown Soulville' show on WFMU that introduced me to obscure (or not) grooves more than two decades ago, and I'm not exaggerating when I say this guy's changed my life for better! 

I can't remember how or where I found a list of his most precious and beloved items, but I printed it out. This piece of paper was a map for what I was going to hear or chase over the next years. I've still got it, actually. I've put together this new collection using that old A4 wrapping in exactly the order in which he presented those 45s. So, if you're planning a party anytime soon, don't forget to bring this playlist along. Trust me! And make sure you'll send any fascist, racist scum to hell...

1. Downtown Soulville - Chuck Edwards
2. My Baby Likes To Boogaloo - Don Gardner
3. Peanut Duck - Marsha Gee
4. Your Sweet Love - Nelson Sanders
5. Don't Use Me - George Jackson
6. I'm Gonna Do It By Myself - Jimmy ‘The Preacher’ Ellis
7. You'll Always Be In Style - Sidney Barnes
8. From Now On - Nathaniel Mayer
9. Ride In My 322 - Spyder Turner
10. Moaning, Groaning, And Crying - Fuller Brothers
11. Quittin' Time - Big Maybelle
12. I'm Drunk And Real High - Ada Richards
13. Soul Dance Number 3 - Pervis Lavawn & The Commanders
14. Mellow Fellow - Etta James
15. Get Down With It - Bobby Marchan
16. Go Go Train - Jackie Paine
17. Hump Back - Eldridge Holmes
18. Souvenirs of a Heartbreak - Thelma Jones
19. You Were Meant for Me - Young Jessie
20. Soul Sister - Sam Dees
21. Welfare Cheese - Emanuel Laskey
22. Baby Do The Philly Dog - The Olympics
23. Rattlesnake, Baby, Rattlesnake - Joe Johnson
24. Oo-Ma-Liddi - J.J. Jackson
25. Loose Me Love - Virgie Till
26. That's My Girl - Dee Clark
27. The Queen - Big Ella
28. I'm Stuck On My Baby - Irene & The Scotts
29. Nerves Of Steel - Gino Parks
30. Soul Circle - Spot & The Blotters