Is he overrated? I don't think so. Some say his voice lacked strength, but if you put 'You Better Move On' on any jukebox in the land it would get played endlessly.
"Peg, when I said I was after an oldie, I meant but a goodie."
A great and highly influential singer. Isn't he the only artist to be covered by The Stones, Beatles and Dylan? (Whatever that proves.)
Beloved of the original mods, yet quite different to the sort of 60s rnb listened to by most mods nowadays, most of Arthur A's tunes are very romantic.
I must say though, the lyrics of Go Home Girl are somewhat hard to take seriously - our man is spurning the advances of a young lady he loves, because his friend loves her too? You think any of your friends would do that for you Arthur? And your friend (Frank) won't forgive you anyway when he discovers that this lady likes you not him, so forget Frank and enjoy yourself Arthur, please.
Last edited by Yuca (2010-08-11 03:56:24)
Even black soul fans I know have never heard of him. They only know the more obvious names. I think it's because he sang ballads and they're used to Northern-style dance music. They almost certainly wouldn't know Little Anthony. People like Fontella Bass ring more bells.
Something about his vocal style has always reminded me of a country singer. Despite that, I quite like a few of his sides.
still think the best Arthur Alexander that I've heard is his first 45 on Judd
A-side: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yilifvgjiDw
B-side: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb0xFOEs6Go
the rest is all just a little bit too smooth for me...
Little Anthony is well known by all the Northern Soul lot, but only for Better Use Your Head and Gonna Fix You Good
Last edited by Yuca (2010-08-11 08:59:04)
I'm down with that, I love Arthur Alexander - "Anna" great early soul. Also, you do hear him played in Mod clubs now - "Shot of Rhythm and Blues" I've danced to it in the last few years..........