The Vibrations / Ray Frazier & The Shades Of Madness - Shake It Up / Gonna Get Your Love

Year Released: 1968 (Chess Records reissue)
Label: Chess Records
Genre: Soul / Funk / Northern Soul

Description:
This Chess Records reissue brings renewed attention to the vibrant late-’60s soul recordings of The Vibrations and Ray Frazier & The Shades Of Madness. “Shake It Up” features The Vibrations delivering their signature tight vocal harmonies over a driving rhythm section, punctuated by crisp horn stabs and percussive guitar licks. On the flip, “Gonna Get Your Love” showcases Ray Frazier & The Shades Of Madness’ gospel-infused energy, layered with punchy basslines and propulsive drumming.

The Chess reissue emphasizes a slightly warmer, fuller analog sound compared with the original Cameo-Parkway release, giving the grooves more depth and a richer midrange — a hallmark of Chess’ Chicago soul aesthetic. This release was aimed at both collectors and DJs, bringing regional gems from Philadelphia and Miami soul scenes to a broader audience.

Legacy & Influence:
Both tracks have been embraced in the Northern Soul scene for their irresistible dancefloor energy and classic soul instrumentation. Original pressings of the Chess reissue are highly collectible, prized for their sound quality and historical significance. These recordings have inspired modern funk and rare-groove DJs, while the infectious rhythms continue to influence contemporary soul and hip-hop sampling.