Popcorn

Calvin “Popcorn” Ward put out just one album and a couple of EPs during the height of his musical career, which were held in particularly high esteem by Soul and Funk afficianados in Europe, less so in the states where his work generally remained canned, a few singles and a coverless version of Prime Choice appearing in very limited quantity. His only other notable musical appearance from the time was a vocal cameo for the disco group Passion on their self titled album on Prelude, appearing on the track Midnight Lovers.

The album Prime Choice was released on Shanell in 1983—the singular copy available on second-hand sites currently going for £630—a floridian label that has only boasts four releases, all from the Popcorn catalogue. About time then, that Mad About Records continue their fine vein of reissue form by giving this the heavyweight, analogue remastered job that it deserves. The most notable track on the album and an underground soul-stepper, Song For You, shuffles along with a slick, funky bassline rumbling beneath scratchy 11th chords, counterbalanced by Ward’s delicate vocals. The track most recently saw a renewed wave of poularity after featuring on a French bootleg series called Unlimited Love in 2016, after which it recieved regular club play in the French, German and Benelux scenes.