Hifi Sean - Testify (Feat. Crystal Waters)

The latest release from Defected Records comes in the form of 'Testify' by Hifi Sean and Crystal Waters, which draws on influences from house, northern soul and acid house. A track that has already made a huge impression on many people and continues to get better with every listen. Get your copy HERE.

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Smoove & Turrell - Lay It On Me

A bit of Northern Soul for your Thursday afternoon, courtesy of Geordie duo Smoove & Turrell, who keep going from strength to strength. This is taken from their third album 'Broken Toys', which will be released on May 26th.

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Liam Bailey - Please Love Me (Official Video)

Visuals for the new single from Liam Bailey, who shot into the spotlight after his feature on Chase & Status' hit single 'Blind Faith' last year. This reminds me of Michael Kiwanuka, but with Liam's own twist of modern R&B and crossover Soul, with a hint of Northern Soul for good measure. Big fan, pre-order HERE.

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R. Kelly - All Rounds On Me

Legendary R&B star R. Kelly takes it back to the 50s/60s with 'All Rounds On Me'; the latest track to leak from his forthcoming album 'Write Me Back', which is set to drop June 26th. Another track called 'Green Light' has also surfaced and has that classic Kells sound to it (which you can also check after the jump), but this one has my feet tapping and my face smiling. Pre-order HERE.

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Lauren Housley - My Baby Cry

Produced by Tom Dibb, 'My Baby Cry' is my favourite track from Manchester-based Soul singer Lauren Housley's forthcoming debut EP 'One Step Closer', which is set for release on June 11th. The 5 tracks all have a completely unique sound, but Lauren's breath-taking vocals and refreshing writing skills make this an incredibly cohesive and enjoyable listen. Her voice would sound at home alongside Soul legends such as Ray Charles, and with the evident Northern Soul influences, 'One Step Closer' brings everything that was positive about 60s/70s straight into the 21st Century. You can check out an exclusive preview of the EP HERE and follow Lauren on Twitter HERE. Love, love, love.

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The Third Degree - Can't Get You Out Of My Head (Smoove Remix)

A couple of years ago, The Third Degree reared their heads by releasing a funky soul-inflected revamp of Duffy's smash hit "Mercy". It was amazing, and the good news is that they're back. Spun during Craig Charles' Funk and Soul show on 6 Music at the weekend, this effort sees them turn their attention to Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" and introduce an entirely fresh element to a pop classic. It would seem as though 2012 is the year of the rework, especially with PNAU's reinterprative Elton John album forthcoming later this year. Presented to you as remixed by Smoove here, this is the perfect record for almost any occasion. No word on a release yet, but my God I hope it gets one. Northern soul for the 21st century. On repeat.

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The Snake

Was listening to my Dad’s 101 Northern Soul Anthems in the car with him the other day and this classic from Al Wilson popped up. Still one of the best genre’s ever.

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