Ending this Wednesday
For the very rarest, most sought after 45s and lp’s all the best soul vinyl deals, browse our ‘Ending This Wednesday’ Auction section, for the fully automated LIVE auction. for at least 20 rare and collectible discs. All available online at Rare Soulman. This section is always stocked with the coolest and rarest finds so be sure to keep coming back to check out our selection of stock. Add something different to your collection today.
The condition and authenticity of our ‘Ending This Wednesday’ records are always carefully and closely scrutinised. If you enjoyed our Motown Worldwide records, then you may also enjoy checking out our soul auctions ending next Wednesday.
Betty Lavette
What Condition My Condition Is In / The Get Away
Karen : 45-1544 DJ (45s)
Betty at her most powerful...
A guaranteed floor igniter!
Condition Report
Two perfect promo label, sharp gloss finish, no ring wear,
2 Times 2
Outside The City / Across The Sea
New World : N/W-2X2 DJ (45s)
Here's a most likely PROMO only, musclebound slab of Northern Soul goodness from some of New York's most respected. A Frank Cari production calling upon 3 New York names of high acclaim; Scott English, Victor Millrose and Teacho Wilshire all add their extra expertise to build a broad-shouldered Big City beater, once heard never forgotten.
2 Times 2 originally a 6 member band, paired down to four (Two X Two) with associates of the band Charlie Ingui , Richie Ingui, Kenny Jeremiah,, Joe Forgione, Paul Venturini, moving south down the east coast, entering the orbit of Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff; forming the foundations of "Soul Survivors". Giving Gamble & Huff their first sizeable hit with "Expressway To Your Heart" on Philly based Crimson Records.
You can clearly hear the matching vocal styles of 1968 hit to the 1965 launching pad of their careers. Giving up, booming bass vocal decorated by tinkling triangle rings. Drawing inspiration from Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield as additional rich harmonies hover above as all voices merge. Melodic piano notes suddenly collide with a wall of brass, triumphant trumpets take to the air. Forming a "Spector" worthy "wall of sound"
A proper "Big" production delivering a rich bulk of silky smooth harmonies... brilliantly delivered on wave after wave of horns...
Seldom seen for sale, especially in this exceptionally clean condition!
Condition Report
Two clean yellow labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, revealing only the merest sleeve storage blemish when angled in the light.
Patti and the Emblems
It's The Little Things / Easy Come, Easy Go
Congress : CG 263 DJ (45s)
The magnificent ease of Patty Russell's voice engages the vibes, and the subtle "Wiz" arrangement, as Eddie Watts, Vance Walker and Alexander Wilde enrich the production with flowing harmony choruses. Lifting Patti's vocal on every verse, until she majestically cruises to a crescendo. Killer Saxophone break, most likely conducted by Artie Kaplin and Panama Francis in charge of The Vibes and drumming.
Together this capable gathering deliver perfectly stunning vocal group Northern Soul, with the effortless lead vocalist, exquisitely displaying her songbird talents.
A record that always pleases the ear, as not too many DJ's have a copy, of a classic with miles of life still in it.
The NS classic collectors seeking rare formats, will already be aware, that even a casual google will confirm the elusive STOCK copy is 10 times rarer than the promo.
PS check out the lively flipside "Easy Come, Easy Go" also saturated in oodles Northern Soul goodness, partitioned by an explosive sax-break. .
Two killer girl group dancers...
Condition Report
Two unblemished red and white promo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl - a beauty!
Gloria Jones
Tainted Love / My Baby Boy's Coming Home
Champion : 14003 DJ west coast press (45s)
Beyond timeless, in fact an immortal Northern Soul anthem in it's least encountered format, a West Coast PROMO copy delta no. 56260 , the rare spring of 1965 "barred" white label design; totally clean and free from any X's, writing, stains or stickers. Two glorious near unblemished promo labels, fine clean full gloss play surface surfaces. Direct from the USA absolutely no Northern Soul circuit exposure.
This is emblematic Northern Soul, so very classic, even people outside the Northern Soul scene know every word off by heart. A stomping, hand-clapping, sing-a-long dancefloor classic with few equals. For instant reaction on the thumping opening bars. before Gloria's powerhouse vocal collides with you head-on.
The music speaks for itself, the vision of the label, condition and design, says much more than we ever could...to elevate it's already gigantic NS kudos. If you are going to own a real-deal anthem acquire one in its most attractive, least seen formats.
We would also like to point out, do not overlook the fantastic flipside that has sat in the shadows of "Tainted Love" for far too long.. and is at long last, raising it's head in some of the more adventurous DJ sets...is worthy of your attention also.
Condition Report
Two clean, black text promo labels, free of writing, stains, X's, stickers or any other label scar to spoil the view. Fine clean vinyl, but revealing soft soft surface hairlines, no indication of previous turntable action, playback is flawless
Harry Starr
Step In to My World / Another Time, Another Place
End : E 1129 (45s)
"Another Time, Another Place" became a fixture with my choice of plays. But today I prefer the flipside "Step In to My World" and that's the side we showcase first on this listing, of New York "Beat Ballad Heaven" x 2. A double-serving from a master of the "Big City Sound", Robert Banks constructs two almighty examples of The Big Apple's penchant for the powerhouse Beat-Ballad.
The acutely gifted Robert Banks had his own reasons for mostly singing in the background. Presumably his dedication to Gospel Music he didn't see fit to use his own name in a commercial recording. But contradicting that statement, RB man first coming into the Northern Soul eye, when one of his few 45's credited to him on his 1967 Verve "Mighty Good Way" rattling every all night Northern Soul Club in the early 70's. When the "Bradford Market" MGM / Verve haul set a few copies free...to shake the foundations of "The Torch".
Robert Banks from his strong Gospel roots was also an accomplished keyboard player, guitarist, lyricist, arranger, producer. His credits can be found on a multitude of independent Northern Soul products from in and around New York.
A year before "Step Into My World" in 1963 Harry S fronted the The Keyavas - on IPG "If This Is Goodbye" another two Betty Jackson compositions. All his cuts, Harry's presence behind the microphone sent shivers through me...the perfect Big Vocal presence Northern Soul fans adore. Gnarled, grisly, delightfully frayed but not broken, Soulfully shattered with emotional hairline vocal chord cracks, adding huge authenticity to his singing, gravel-coated whilst still be comfortably warm, smooth and fluid when required, so versatile.
Truly one of the greatest creators of the "Beat Ballad Sound", Roberts Banks was a master-craftsman guiding just a stunning voice, so now enjoy his work twice over, we are betting on a Harry Starr renaissance in the near future..
Listen and melt!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss on vinyl reveals only a few soft blemishes, hear the double soundfile on a few discreet background ticks
Bobby Moore and The Fourmost
You Got To Live For Yourself / Dance Of The Land
Fantasy: 585 DJ (45s)
Two totally differing styles but equally desirable sides, an East Coast Newark, New Jersey creation, that found a release in San Francisco, California in 1964 at the renowned Jazz / R&B label who already had some of the most respected Jazz musicians from around "The Bay", but were open to Soul / R&B recordings from around the country unable to find a "home".
The stunning harmony ballad "You Got To Live For Yourself" was without a label after Jerry Cohen's D.W. Records stopped releasing discs in 1964. This was earmarked for Bobby Moore and The Fourmost 2nd 45 for the D.W. label but Bobby Moore had to go 2,900 miles west to get his songs onto a 45.
Former "Fiestas" member, Bobby Moore contributed much to the Northern Soul scene many highly sought after tunes. Notably "Think Smart" and the thumping George Kerr, Eddie Jones, Gerry Harris " I Carefully Checked Your Heart" on Kay=O, very rare seldom seen for sale. This example of their work was after Bobby split from the Fiestas he had branched out with his new group "The Fourmost " Ronald Mikes (tenor), Charlie Chambers (baritone), and Bobby Frazier (bass. This Fantasy 45 we is their 2nd rarest disc according our meagre data on the band.
The 45 leads with the highly desirable "Lowrider" stroller "You Got To Live For Yourself " on the lead side. A soaring Bobby Moore falsetto intro hangs in the air, underpinned by the vocally rich trio delivering choruses, the four craft a beseeching testament to his life so far, with the narrative of having to go for it "yourself" if you want success. A thing Bobby knew all too well and was more than willing to enact.
The lesser known but totally imposing cocktail of Latin / R&B, deliver a vocal-group shaker on the flipside "Dance Of The Land" a muscular hipshaker. Dance craze songs "The Waddle, The Mash Potato" and "The Watusi" weaved into a crashing Kettle Drum peppered arrangement, an insane sax interlude, wild bluesy guitar breaks, whilst a relentless "Arabia" style vocal storm goes on in the background. Potent R&B poised to go big.
Very tough to find 45, especially in this flawless mint minus archiver condition.
Condition Report
Two perfect labels, full bright "gold" text on rich burgundy backdrop, full gloss achieve level mint minus vinyl still housed in birth sleeve. AS goo as it gets
Tommy Tucker
Oh! What A Feeling / Wine Bottles
London : HLU 9932 DJ (45s)
an irresistible clean white promo vista, just begging to be unleashed, onto some unsuspecting dancefloor.
For some unknown reason this prowling Northern Soul / Popcorn growler from the desk of Herb Abramson never received the USA release on "Festival" it was scheduled for, I have yet to see a copy, not even a test press.
Leaving this imposing UK only mid-tempo, so very tough to find; thus limiting its undoubted Northern Soul monster potential obstructed by sparse exposure (hardly any DJ's able to acquire a copy) holding its exposure back, that same situation still applies today. But the powers of the internet are alerting more and more DJs and collectors, that this 45 ticks all the boxes for dancefloor success.
The very familiar snarling voice of Tommy Tucker is put to good use as Herb Abramson conjures up a stabbing horn backdrop, peppered with piano decoration and relentless hammering percussion. The vocal delivered in the manner of Jimmy Robbins, Bud Harper, Vernon Garrett etc. a bellowing rasp that instantly grabs you by the throat, serving up threatening R&B Northern Soul at it very, best best!
The raw blues guitar showered, Hammond driven R&B infused flipside "Wine Bottles" is well worthy of your attention also.
Condition Report
Two clean eye-popping promo labels, see images. Strong gloss on Ex a-side vinyl plays clean (listen) flipside visually is vg+ but plays clean (listen) all housed in an original birth sleeve.
Jackie Lee
Darkest Days / One For The Road
ABC : 11146 DJ delta 73393 (45s)
From Los Angeles where this masterpiece failed to register to surface in the West Midlands of England to receive the adulation it so deserved. A Carl "farmer" Dene discovery that swept the country, rising to become an anthem at all the leading clubs of the time.
It was inspired determination after some dark times & barren years that crafted this blinding recording.
After riding a crest of wave in the late 50's thru to the mid-60' Earl Nelson experienced rather testing times at Mirwood Records, where between himself & Bob Relf they racked up hit after hit, allegedly with very little recompense for their huge contribution. In the autumn of 1968 Jackie Lee was indeed in his "Darkness Days". in limbo after Mirwood Records had drawn it's last breath. With the label winding down to only a one solitary release in 1967 and only two in 1968, none of them Jackie's. 1965/66 being Mirwood's golden years & Jackie their golden boy.. the whole of 1967 and most of 1968 Mirwood hit a drought of material.
On the back of this, allegedly Charles Jones pulled together lyrics, that reflected Jackie's situation. Collaborating with partner Bob Relf and the two greatest Soul producing talents Los Angeles had to offer. Fred Smith and the gifted James Anthony Carmichael pooled resources to craft a Northern Soul masterpiece. That became a Golden Torch anthem; so much so Nottingham's "Select-A-Disc" on Arkwright Street, the Cellar Record bar an oasis for Soul collectors throughout the early 70's commissioned ABC/Dunhill for a re-issue.
The reissue carried a new delta # of 85897, but still today still commands a 3 figure sum even though it was pressed 3 years after the original..
So before you today is a stunning Northern Soul created by L.A.'s finest, with their back's to the wall, in search of a resurrection. But sadly it never happened.. another gem that fell through the cracks into neglected obscurity..
Listen to hear what teetering on the brink of possible career ending times, how talented people rise again when determined talents meet in one room.
Ear-pricking solitary guitar plucks, castanets make for an iconic intro.. a pleading Jackie Lee serves up a determined beseeching performance; softened by shrill girl choruses that fill your being with inspirational thoughts. A bank of strings lift the song into the Heavens, the studio girls rain sympathetic choruses upon Jackie Lee's cutting-edge vocal before it fades away!
UTTERLY BRILLIANT!! and this is the pinnacle choice to own it in; First press promo from September 1968 ABC 11146 DJ delta no. 73393
Condition Report
Two clean white promo labels. Vinyl revealing only minuscule signs of sleeve storage, absolutely NO stylus fatigue from the NS circuit, this is a fine clean USA copy find.
Dee Dee Sharp
I Really Love You / Standing In The Need Of Love
Cameo Parkway : C 375 DJ noc (45s)
In the beginning the Soul Allnite club DJ's of Great Britain favoured the Barrett Strong Motownesque dancer "Standing In The Need Of Love" the perfect dancefloor motivator for the MODS of '66. Four beats to the bar, Northern Soul perfection, with Dee Dee's Diva vocal riding jingling vibes, rolling drums, bolstered by male vocal group choruses, Motown inspired saxophone bridge as Gamble & Huff not for the first or last time match the Motown sound, this time using Kim Weston recordings as a blue print for inspiration.
No wonder the British MODS elevated this dance tune as one of the UK's most-wanted 45s. Totally passing by the original mid-tempo a-side. An a-side that today is the perfect-match for the Northern Soul scene's acceptance of the truly wonderful mid-tempo dancefloor cruisers, so very in vogue.
"I Really Love You" is a Philly masterpiece constructed by three of the city's most gifted at the time. Kenny Gamble collaborates with Arctic label owner Jimmy Bishop crafting a stunning beat ballad of pure excellence. Swirling strings, cradle Dee Dee's convincing pleas and affirmation of love, creating one of the finest sister soulful strollers of all-time and my preferred choice of play for the last 4 decades.
Presented here fabulous condition, needless to point out, if the 4 prong centre was still intact, their would an almighty bidding war for ownership. So with some of those more fastidious British collectors may be hesitant of going too hard for ownership. We still consider this listing as a thing of really beauty. Two killer tunes in its most desirable form. With flawless vinyl, clean promo label. Let's be right, large centre hole makes for easy-peasy DJing and will turn heads on the weekender turntable cams.
What's not to love -- listen an melt to this Soul Diva's delivery guided by Philly's most talented music-men.
Two killer sides!
Condition Report
Two clean DEMO labels, discreet white initial on b-side label (see image) 4 prong centre neatly removed, full gloss stunning mint minus vinyl, perfectly clean playback, housed in Cameo Parkway replica sleeve.
Jimmy Ruffin
Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got / World So Wide, Nowhere To Hide (From Your Heart)
Tamla Motown : TMG 603 DJ (45s)
James Jameson’s booming bass guitar, lifts the curtain to Motown storytelling at its most poignant. Jimmy’s convincing tones of hope, take the listener with him on a journey filled with desire, love and relief … he’s a free man again, he cannot wait to board the train that’s gonna take him all the way back to his girl. A riveting narrative many a Hollywood movie has been based on… but this is better than a movie, because you’re travelling right there beside him all the way to Detroit.
Motown’s greatest gift to the dancer or the listener was its ability to encapsulate a film, a book or a play into less than three minutes. A chance for your mind and body to drift away into Jimmy’s world. Vividly envisaging all of Jimmy’s emotions, as the lyrics paint the picture in your head of struggle, strife and despair. Whilst Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield paint the landscape with tinkling vibes, swirling strings, rattling percussion carrying you to the the climax of his intentions. A patient girl-choir bursts forth, a tsunami of strings descend onto this tale of impending elation, with the genius crowning moment of thundering kettle-drums driving the story home.
One of my all-time favourite Motown productions..it has everything a blockbuster movie should have, including flashbacks of you wondering what that final moment was like when Jimmy was in her arms again…
In all the joy this record delivers, please do not pass by the wonderful Northern Soul experience waiting on the flipside “World So Wide, Nowhere To Hide (From Your Heart)” a yet to be exposed dancer of the highest calibre, delivering a most-awesome saxophone interlude. ... that Simon Soussan used to rave about on his early 70's mailshots from Los Angeles.
Two great sides...
Condition Report
Discreet writing on a-side label, blink and you'll miss it. Strong gloss on vinyl, reveals some soft surface hairlines but playback is crisp n' clean.
Jackie Wilson
The Who Who Song / Since You Showed Me How To Be Happy
Coral : Q 72496 DJ (45s)
The NS collectors who delight in owning Northern Soul classics in their very rarest clothes...
We think it's gorgeous, Jackie looks so cool on a silver-top London, something that never happened in the UK.
"Since You Showed Me How To Be Happy" the original a-side built by the same principles as Carl Smith & Gary Jackson's lively hit "Higher & Higher" hoping for the same level of success, whilst "Since You Showed..." sold well in the USA it was the vibrant " Who Who Song " that captured the hearts of the British MODS to become a Twisted Wheel / Mojo/ Scene and every other allnight club monster. Carrying on right through to late Wigan Casino, Mr. M's in particular rockin' to the vibes of Jackie's infectious flipside.
As a mint British DEMO this is a trophy-piece, drenched in huge desirability...
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, 4 prong centre intact, most likely previously unplayed mint minus vinyl still housed in its wavy-top birth sleeve
Jimmie Reed Jr.
I Ain't Going Nowhere / Do You Remember
Mercury : 72668 (45s)
The only 45 Jimmie Reed's son released and BOTH sides are totally fabulous Northern Soul delights!
Credited to Jimmie Reed but in truth both sides are quintessential Chicago male-group-harmony dancers.
produced by Jimmy Smith Snr. long-term mentor Al Smith. As the label credits suggest, when the gifts of Terry Callier and Trudy Johnson collaborate, you know something good is gonna happen; especially when Philip Wright is on keyboards decorating the session with delicate ivory tinkling, setting the background alive, with subtle simplistic breaks lifting the session. Whilst conducting the uncredited vocal group choruses to fall in place. An understated recording shimmering with brilliance every step of the way.
Flip it over and the Chicago charisma continues, with another vocal group assisted mid-paced treasure. For me the Jimmy's own song "Do You Remember" is equally as enthralling, a stronger vocal-group presence building up the landscape with seamless oohs and arrhs all beautifully stitched into place, again following the subtle piano prowess of Phil Wright and again the studio experience of Al Smith pulling everything tightly together.
Two wonderful Soulful strollers, way ahead of their time, as both songs have been in the past, labelled as stunning Crossover.. surely "crossover" wasn't a thing in 1967, well, unless your names were Callier or Wright... I'd a categorise both sides as seamless Northern Soul , so good it would slip into a "crossover" set without disrupting that slick soulful vibe.
Condition Report
Two totally clean labels, tiny bb drill hole its on flaw. Full gloss mint minus vinyl playing crisp and clean (listen) Still housed in its birth-sleeve. <br />
Prince Love and his Royal Knights
Don't Want No Wars / The Stomp
Allah : AL-1000 DJ (45s)
1962 original press from Sylvester Sly Stewart project protesting his fears of a possible Nuclear war , when Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev reached an agreement to station neuclear warhead on Cuba point at the USA. After the failed U.S. attempt to overthrow the Castro regime in Cuba with the Bay of Pigs invasion.
While the John F. Kennedy administration planned Operation Mongoose, in July 1962 Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev was steadily building Russian forces on Cuba. It was a delicate situation that could have led to World War. Here's the always outspoken view of Sly Stewart on the situation. An explosive R&B Screamer from Los Angeles, that today enjoys such strong a cult following!
This rarely encountered disc, NEVER turns up in anything but severely worn out state, worn or water damaged labels and poor condition vinyl. Then on only very rare occasions.
The chances of a mint minus copy sits at lottery win odds.
Do not pass by! We shall never encounter the likes of this rarity at this level of near perfection ever again!
Condition Report
Two bright clean RED TEXT labels, clean archive level mint minus vinyl still housed in birth sleeve. Unbelievable!
Bobby Garrett
I Can't Get Away / same: instrumental
Mirwood : 5508 DJ (45s)
In fact, the face of Northern Soul in the UK has changed from people finding their own style of music, to being so agreeable; literally 100's of TV Shows, adverts, radio adverts and jingles have featured NS across the airways.
Bobby Relf's wonderful November 1965 recording now sits firmly as one of the best-loved timeless NS classics that virtually the whole population has listened to.
Although the really rare "purple" label variation is it's least seen format. A white promo copy carries perhaps as much kudos. Especially as confusion reigns with the vinyl blue label stock copy; as the counterfeits can erroneously get sold as an original. The White Demo just like the purple variation there can never be any speculation about authenticity.
With the minefield of trying to collect Northern Soul authentic originals for ever triggering doubt, it's good to be certain about what you are buying. With the styrene White Demo you are certain of it being a genuine original.
So click the soundfile to hear the genius of Fred Smith, Bob Relf, Jackie Lee in their attempts to emulate Motown's success in California. Sadly Mirwood never became Los Angeles answer to Motown, the label badly stumbled after just 35 releases. The majority of them standout Soul recordings. Many have tried and succeeded to run the whole label, a few have took on the much more difficult task of running the label with White Demo's only. What a glorious sight that would be, to witness finished all in release number order as promo copies.
To the Northern Soul collector Mirwood is one of the greatest labels ever, Bob Relf one NS's best loved artists... with the White Demo labels of all Northern Soul 45's, addictive and so very irresistible.
How many boxes does his 45 tick?
Condition Report
Two totally clean promo labels, the two play surfaces are super clean, Mint minus throughout - a beauty!<br />
Ronnie McCain
This Time I'm Gone / Too Much Of A Good Thing
Triode: T-116 (45s)
Here's Ronnie again is a less aggressive mood, but just as impressive with a fabulous Northern Soul Crossover cruiser.. of the highest order. Backed up with a strong Northern Soul dancer that received turntable action back in the late 70's before "Crossover" evolved into being the preferred choice.
Preferred choice, because this Ben Smith and Ronnie McCain collaboration oozes Soul at just the right pace of delivery, for those of you crazy-about-crossover. The jangling guitar lays down an inviting pace, for Ronnie's purring rich vocal to unfold his story. A narrative of a man who has suffered, at last making up his mind to leave his love with no bad feeling left behind. Resolute and upbeat Ronnie's vocal portrays relief and hope his decision of leaving will bring him. Beautifully constructed lyrics woven into a sympathetic horn and guitar rhythms with stabbing hard-blown brassy moments driving his decision home. Top drawer Northern Soul crossover of the highest calibre.
Flip it over for "Too Much Of A Good Thing" you may remember this receiving plays late Wigan Casino or Cleethorpes Winter Gardens; memorable funky guitar pulses provide the landscape for those horns again to blare forth enriching this NS dancer again benefitting from Ronnie's powerhouse vocal. A side that could also easily be revived, no doubt turning a few old-school minds back 40 years..
Two strong tunes, with "This Time I'm Gone " being a very special tune indeed.
Condition Report
Two perfect labels, full gloss unblemished mint minus play perfect vinyl
Olivia Alexander
He's Gonna Love Me The Right Way / He's Gonna Love Me The Right Way part II
Gatewood : AH 204 (45s)
Her soaring Minnie Riperton style delivery hitting several different octaves during her celebration of her man. Such a soulful exercise the pair decided a part two was required, in part two this soul-drenched diva in parts sensually raps her story, adding another dimension to what is, a fabulous "Lowrider" essential. Delivering a head turning vocal over a simplistic but highly affective piano led arrangement, crafted by a 60's soul legend!
Top rare stroller so very challenging to acquire.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss on vinyl, reveals only the merest soft blemishes when angled in the light. Plays clean
Vala Reegan & The Valarons
Fireman / Living In The Past
Atco : 45-6412 (45s)
The well practiced girl-group virtuoso Herb Bernstein straight from the school of Bob Crewe Productions. Adds these young New York songbirds to his already impressive list of girl-vocal triumphs that include The Flirtations, Laine Hill, Kathy And The Calenders etc. With this "unknown" gathering of young ladies, the mysterious Vala Reegan with her bevvy of shrill girlfriends oohing overhead, with enthusiastic male voiced choruses underpining proceedings.
Superior Northern Soul dancer with a difference, served up and driven by wave after wave of heavy duty percussion, pelted in every corner of this insistent production.
by relentless Bongos, racing rhythms, soaring oohs take to the air driven by bass guitar pulses, that break out inviting triumphant horns to explode skyward into lift-off mode. A sustained attack on the Northern Soul senses that will leave you quite breathless.
But it's the flipside that provokes my girl-vocal addictions, as the mesmeric sisters enslave me in their thrall. Simplistic piano arrangement spark my sweet girl frailties, I'm immediately absorbed, floundering, about to drown in the beauty of the "unknown" Vala's honeyed voice. "Living In The Past " carries the same heart-enslaving qualities that Herb sprinkled over the magnificent Laine Hill "Ain't I Worth A Dime"
I'm a beyond redemption "druggie" for this style of sister "Beat Ballad Heaven" - " Living In The Past" ticks all my sister soul music fetishes.
You can warm up your ass on the dancefloor to "Fireman". But me I'd much rather curl up with the sublimely addictive " Living In The Past" ...
Yes two awesome sides!
Condition Report
Clean a-side label, flipside has a faint, faded number 10 written in blue marker (see images)
Fabulous Moonlighters
For Granted / I've Lost Again
Blue Eagle : BE 1011 (45s)
The first time I heard the "For Granted" was in 1984 after a young British hopeful "digger" Chris Modley from Boston, Lincolnshire had spent a holiday in Chicago's famed record store "Beverley Records,1612 Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643" he found some great 45s, fell in love with the Windy City and even had Chicago's famous skyline tattooed on his forearm. He also found copies of The Attractions on June Bug, no wonder Chris nurtured a love for everything Chicago.
Chris was really excited with his handful of copies, and sold me a few and "For Granted" was soon up and running as a proper Northern Soul "find" everyone wanted own. Produced by legendary soul producer "Nashville's" Bob Riley, a collaboration with "Moonlighters" lead man "Herbert William Gibbs" crafted top-drawer Northern Soul vocal group dancer.
With the rest of the world now drooling over late 60's harmony sweet-soul perfection "I've Lost Again" a sublime harmony ballad, we all overlooked at the time when we were blinkered Northern Soul DJs.
Two contrasting but killer sides, today a very tough find in this sublime condition!
Condition Report
Two totally clean labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl reveals only the merest sleeve storage hairlines when angled under direct light, both sides play flawless (listen)