Dreaming Into The Winter Season: The Montclairs

The Montclairs: Beggin' Is Hard To Do and Dreaming's Out Of Season
From: Dreaming Out Of Season [Paula, 1972]

DJ Still was right on point. Despite my heart praying otherwise, there's no doubt as I stare out the window at a grey and windy day that the season for hibernating is now upon us my friends. However I know all too well that if you can't beat them you better join them before you start losing the sensation in your limbs.

So, get your thermals on, get your cup of cocoa and your marshmallows to roast over an open fire and snuggle up to the sweet soul sounds of The Montclairs.

I feel to point out a soul group as underrated or cruelly slept on at this stage in my blogging life would be to somewhat labour a point, but, dammit, these guys were slept on, never even making the top 30 in the R&B charts. Considering the lushness of the harmonies it's surprising that they aren't more sought after today, maybe it's the lack of an equivalent to the Whatnauts funky break who knows, but these guys should really be right up there when considering sweet soul groups.

The first time I heard Beggin' Is Hard To Do it felt like a track I'd heard since my childhood. An absolute sweet soul classic full of sublime vocals and a heartbreaking string laden hook that floors me everytime I play out the track.

Dreaming's Out Of Season ain't far behind in the quality stakes either. It's a difficult task to make something this sweet without the gum rot setting in but these guys display their mastery of it, combining the anguish of the lyrics with the kind of effortless vocals that money just can't buy anymore.

Sadly the Japan only reissue of this album seems incredibly hard to come by but if you find a copy of this, the OG or the 2CD reish I'd highly recommend snagging it. It won't keep the winter nights away but at least you can warm your innerself with the brilliance of The Montclairs.