26/05/2026
SOUL SEARCHIN'
at Golden Age Cinema
presented by Groovescooter
reviewed by me
Soul Searchin' is a highly relatable collection of stories surrounding the three main characters of Los Angeles' own Southern Soul Spinners crew, their individual histories and travels, all fuelled by the obsessive never ending search to uncover every soul recording known to exist and further, those lost to the dust of ages. Each perspective offers a unique personal insight into this world of cultural preservation but for me none more poignant than that of elder statesman Ruben Molina aka Flaco's accounts of survival from the turbulent street life of 60's Los Angeles and how Soul music would eventually offer a chance for communal healing and unity through the sentimental message contained within these very earnest songs of love. Each member's energy balances the other, which collectively add the perfect weight to a heart warming documentation; just one pocket of an insanely passionate and decades-deep scene, which stretches across continents. And with new blood on the rise, one which shows no signs of slowing. Shoutout to filmmakers Jesus Cruz & Alex Vigano, along with key subjects, Arlene Sepulveda aka Soulera 5150, Josh Whittlemore and the aforementioned OG, Ruben Molina. Our very own Queen of Sweet Soul, Miss Goldie gets a mention too, big up Samantha. Of course a super special shout to Georgie Zuzak from Groovescooter here in Sydney, who made the screening possible. Paris would be proud. Can't wait to see this film again,here's hoping it gets enough attention to warrant further licencing so our friends in other cities can check it out too. Oh and before i forget, below is the tracklisting for my set after the show.
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Small Society – Just Loving You (Cadde)
Talisman – Shady Side of Town (Head Hunters)
Al Jay – Reflections (Bump Shop)
Curly Myrick – It Be's That Way (Q)
Otto & Sensations – Keep On Loving You (CTI)
Jackson Five – Big Boy (Steeltown)
Ray Hines – Why Don't You Give Me A Try (RNH)
Ed Nelson – I'll Give You A Ring (Sagittarius)
Flint Emeralds – Just Like S Baby (Gatewood)
Vonciel Myers –It Won't Be Easy (Gaynote)
Soul Communicators – Please Don't Go (Fee Bee)
Earls Inc – Just An Illusion (Zudan)
PhD's –It Swells My Desire (Lamp)
Gamith – Don't Change Me (JSJ)
Quantrells – Can't Let You Break My Heart (Yambo)
Pam Kellum – Stand In For Love (Horoscope)
Cold Four – Love And Care (Drells)
Johnson, Hawkins, Tatum & Durr – You Can't Blame Me (Capsoul)
Diplomats – I've Got The kind of Love (Dynamo)
Volumes – I'm Gonna Miss You (Garu)
Stone Coal White – You Know (Shur N' Tel)
Black Aces Of Soul & Eyes Of Ebony – Betrothal (Black World)
TMG's – What Can I Do (Soul Shake)
Dorando – Didn't I (Music City)
Slaughter Inc– Here I Am (Py-Co)
Chain Reaction – Lady In Red Fish)
Doris & Kelly – You Don't Have To Worry (Brunswick)
Sly, Slick & Wicked –It's Not Easy (Paramount)
Ambassadors –I Ain't Got The Love Of One Girl (Arctic)
Unique Blend – Old Fashioned Woman (Eastbound)
Disciples of Soul – Together (Phantom)
Gene Williams – Don't Let Your Love Fade Away (Forte)
Compacts – Call Her (BunBea)
June Conquest – No One Else (Curtom)
Desciples of Soul – Peek-a-Boo (GV)
Differences – That Was The Day (Mon'ca)
Edge of Daybreak – Let Us (Bohannan's)
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