M People - Northern Soul (RSD2026)

RELEASE DATE: 18 April 2026

LABEL : Commercial Group

FORMAT: 2xLP

x2 Baby Blue LP Vinyl - Expanded Gatefold 2LP pressing mirroring the digital release 

Expanded 2LP pressing mirroring the digital release. In the beginning, the M People were at the cutting edge of the early Nineties dance scene. Innovators of the happy/handbag house sound, M People's debut Northern Soul showcases their innovative sound. Comprising Heather Small on vocals and Mike Pickering on keyboards (along with assorted other group members), the album justifies why they were originally seen as a dance act. Although hinting at the future direction the group would take, their sound here is a lot less polished than their later work and the rough edges make the album all the more exciting. Opening with the club classics "Excited" and "How Can I Love You More", the album right from the onset positions you in the heart of early 1990s house music. The pace is slowed down somewhat by less frantic tracks such as "Landscape Of Love" and "Tumbling Down", but even they have a distinctive housey pulse.