I have heard that debate before. I would probably have to go with the 70s as being the better period, mainly because I have listened to more of that music and still would now.

I 'discovered' soul music in two ways, listening to the high end sounds of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. I agree that the technical production side of that work was definitely better than the rawer sound of the 60s and it got me to listen. Then you realised as said above that it was innovative and crossover, I can't disagree with that. Much of that music stands up today.

As to the rawer soul music, it was after listening to Van the Man for a while and finding out about his influences that brought me back to Otis and Jackie Wilson. And then in the late 70s, Dexys went and rediscovered that sound all over again.

i can seperate personal taste from a realistic take on this... i really didnt like 70's stevie wonder, nor marvin gaye for that matter. but to deny that it was their most creative period would be foolish.

purists disliked dexys, trying to cash in on a credible ready made sound, plagiarising or simply covering old obscure tracks. .... personally i loved dexys! imho their 'searching for the young soul rebel' period (before the awful 'too rye ay) was fantastic. think its great that their tribute to geno washington got to #1 in 1980... beating more popular styles like punk, new wave, disco and rock and was a very creditable track. i prefered 'dance stance' but only just.

i had the pleasure of seeing them live, along with teardrop explodes, a great night out that was!