Music Review: Casino Classics (Complete Collection)

By Noreen Sobczyk

In 1978, DJ Russ Winstanley and Wigan Casino manager Mike Walker joined forces to create a record label. Between 1978 and 1980, Casino Classics issued numerous 45s and two compilation albums, combining the Northern Soul scene’s most memorable American originals with tracks recorded especially for the label. This three-disc set, Casino Classics (Complete Collection), includes everything ever recorded or issued by the boutique label.

Although many fans of the scene prefer only rare 45s, even the most ace face has to admit this collection soars above the usual slapped together reissue schlock, as it reveals both painstaking appreciation and craftsmanship. There are extensive liner notes and memorabilia for the die-hard participants of the original Northern Soul scene, as well as those whose interest may have been stoked by the recent films about the Wigan Casino, Soul Boy (2010) and Northern Soul (2014).

Some of the floor fillers included here are the famous cover of “Shake a Tail Feather” by James & Bobby Purify and the original “Tainted Love” by Gloria Jones. (No Soft Cell did not originally record the song; that was a cover). There are some instrumentals as would be expected with a collection of this nature, but some, like “Time Out” by Autumn, seem like they would have kept the party going rather than served as an excuse to head outside for some air.

Some of the tracks are a bit hit or miss, but a lot of the Northern Soul genre has always struck me as a bit too smooth around the edges. I like my Soul dance songs to compel me to the floor with raw emotion. The selections here are a pretty safe bet, however, including The Tams and Ramsey Lewis Trio.

Cherry Red Records continues to taunt Rhino and delight music geeks with its lovingly crafted reissues and compilations, and their Northern Soul label Soul Time is one more weighty addition to their heavy-hitting arsenal.

Casino Classics (Complete Collection) was released by Soul Time/Cherry Red Records on August 28.