Monday, May 17, 2010

Kim Tolliver  


Kim Tolliver is a storied and much loved and respected icon of the Northern Soul scene, and as such, Party Lights, the hard hitting electro boogie B side of her last ever 12" single is regarded by soul purists as an anomaly to be ignored and forgotten, tarnishing what is a highly regarded soul back catalogue. This a favorite quote taken from a Kim Tolliver fan site:

"Her final disc, in contrast, was a rather weak recut of “Let Them Talk”. It was coupled with the dreadful uptempo “Party Lights”, without doubt the worst song she ever recorded and totally out of character.

This was a rather sad way to conclude such a distinguished recording career."

Well, what can I say other than to each his own, as this is the only Kim Tolliver record I play, and little perhaps do some of these soul beards realize, but Kim Tolliver walked in to a new genre at the tail end of her career and laid down possibly the most punchy, sexually charged track that the modern boogie sound ever produced. It slams. Kim Tolliver faded into obscurity, never producing a hit, but going on to run a successful real estate business, eventually passing away in 2007. Party Lights lives on.

Kim Tolliver - Party Lights

Posted by Black Shag | 3 comments

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3 comments: to “ Kim Tolliver


  • May 17, 2010 at 10:18 AM  

    It's really odd of a quote that the fan posted about Party Lights. It's the JAM and very effective on the dance floor. Thanks for posting!


  • May 17, 2010 at 1:39 PM  

    I agree. If something isn't to your taste, or the genre is one you don't have an affinity with generally, you shouldn't be calling it out as dreadful. The lady had to pay the mortgage so decided to make a modern dance track. I don't comment on electro banger haus anymore for the same reason.


  • May 17, 2010 at 3:32 PM  

    One of my personal favs, too! May not be for the purists, but it always gets my feet moving. Thanks for posting!