Chuck Jackson - The Best of the Wand Years - import

First known to Britain’s original mods as a singer of superb ballads such as ‘Any Day Now’ and ‘Tell Him I’m Not Home’, Chuck Jackson attracted a loyal following, with further releases ‘I Keep Forgettin’’, ‘Beg Me’ and ‘Hand It Over’ demonstrating the depth of his talent on uptempo material. Other highlights of his Wand catalogue included his label debut ‘I Don’t Want To Cry’, which made his name in the USA, and the album-only ‘Two Stupid Feet’.

It was back to ballads in the mid-60s with stunning readings of the Skyliners’ ‘Since I Don’t Have You’ and Goffin & King’s ‘I Need You’. Those two sold well but his superb version of the Van McCoy-penned ‘I Can’t Stand To See You Cry’, which topped even Jerry Butler’s recording of the song, was never released.

Moving with the times, in 1965 Wand took Chuck to Detroit to record ‘Good Things Come To Those Who Wait’ which, like ‘These Chains Of Love (Are Breaking Me Down)’, was largely ignored in the USA but both became firm favourites on the UK’s early Northern Soul Scene. Those rare soul fans rekindled their appreciation of all things Chuck in the late 80s when we put out the previously unissued ‘What's With This Loneliness’ and ‘(I’d Be A) Millionaire’ which filled dancefloors with new recruits and established buffs who appreciated the easier pace and soulful delivery.

The compilation is crowned with a brilliant publicity portrait of Chuck on the cover that captures the majesty of his singing and the times. - ADY CROASDELL