Auction
The condition and authenticity of all the records in our auction section are always carefully and closely scrutinised. If you enjoyed our auctions, then you may also enjoy checking out our latest soul additions.
Bobby Burn
I'm A Dreamer / I'm A Lonely Man
Chant : CH 522 DJ (45s)
Before today are two truly breathtaking Bill Haney productions out of Atlanta, Georgia, with both sides written by the artist "Bobby J. Wilburn" himself. Bill Haney did 3 years later persuade Philadelphia's Gamble label to release it after it passed by unnoticed throughout Georgia in 1968. But the 1971 reissue release under the name Bobby Wilburn met with the same response of zero sales. Presumably just too classy and way ahead of it's time. Genuinely extravagantly soulful which ever side you drop the arm on, not a commercial note to be heard anywhere.
Adored by the congregation at discriminating clubs like The Orwell, and always the top subject of conversation whenever superior Crossover rarities are the barstool subject at weekenders like "Soul Essence" Great Yarmouth or Sunday chill-outs at "Groovin' at the Tavern - Derby, "Feed Your Soul - Newark" or the original innovators of the Soulful Sunday chill-out day "The Horse and Groom - Doncaster" where outrageously unrivalled soulfulness rules.
Before you today is Northern Soul crossover so brilliantly delivered, it hurts, which ever side you drop the arm on.
Listen and swoon to an utterly elusive Northern Soul dreamscape of distilled quality, and frustrating rarity.
Condition Report
Two perfectly promo labels, full gloss unblemished mint minus vinyl.
Skatalites
Ball "O" Fire / Can't Go On
Island : WI 207 (45s)
Besides being one of this iconic gathering's lesser encountered British releases, this 3 prong center copy has two squeaky clean labels, and full gloss vinyl revealing just a few soft sleeve contact blemishes.
So now hear another killer "East Of Suez" influenced semi-instrumental drenched in additive rhythms and inspirational instrument manipulation from the greatest set of Jamaican musicians ever assembled...both sides give up brilliant irresistible crossover SKA, just as it enters the Rock Steady stage of the Island's musical development. Showcasing brilliant solo displays from the saxophone, the trumpet, giving pause from the avalanche of the all-for-one delivery of everything the group has in their locker.
"Ball "O" Fire" is a monumental mid-60's recording and so hard to acquire in clean condition, pleasingly free of any ticks and pop, to acquire a finer copy would be beyond challenging.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 3 prong centre intact, full gloss vinyl reveals only the merest sleeve storage blemishes under light. Top copy!
Errol Dunkley
I'm Coming Home / I'm No The man For You
Amalgamated : AMG 805 (45s)
This talented youngster's voice carries the power to focus your mind, with it's purity and innocence, saturated in heartfelt sincerity. Benefitting by being backed up by the precise guitar pulses of Lyn Taitt & The Jets, the seamless flow pulls you in, which ever side you choose to play; just the ideal conveyor of this young man's "soul".
The a-side is great, but I think the flipside is bordering on brilliance as its haunting qualities stay with you long after the recorded has finished.
Click the soundfile and allow Errol to change your mood with his completely unashamedly begging style...
so captivating..
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss vinyl revealed only a few fine hairlines when angled in the light. Both sides play clean
Emmitt Long
Call Me / You're Puzzling Me
Donoyia: CR-101 (45s)
Everybody adore this mesmeric slice of rare 70's Northern Soul
Condition Report
Two clean yellow labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl
Omystics
(I'm So) In Love With You / (Crab-Grass) Digitaria
Castle : 104 (45s)
The "Lowrider sound" enthusiasts will also be purring with delight, as soulful vocal-group-harmony does not come any finer than this falsetto led mid-tempo dance spectacle. From the home of such great Northern Soul classics, Castle Records of Camden, New Jersey an independent Bob Russen ran label, made famous on these shores by The Ellington's - (I'm Not) Destined To Become A Loser and The Millionaires - You've Got To Love Your Baby - both 45s simultaneously huge floorpackers at Cleethorpes Pier & Wigan Casino. Two stompers that took the NS dancer to the very limits of their footwork art.
This 45 however is much more subtle and 1000's of times rarer. The perfect drop for the NS DJ who revels in presenting superior soul music no-one else can, or is ever likely to. Stunning vocals woven into a steady but compelling easy dance pulses, a heavenly stepper both listeners and dancers will be swooning over.
We cannot stress enough, the acute unicorn-rarity. What I can certainly validate, is, if this record were mine, it would not ever be for sale. In the same class as The Answers on Scorpio but much rarer. It's a keeper for anyone who appreciates the value top-drawer vocal group Northern Soul that never comes up for sale.
You don't need to be advised by us.. do not pass by.
Listen and prepare to swoon..
Note if you're a fan of thumping funky-edged Northern Soul you need to hear the relentlessly destructive flipside.. a truly potent dancer indeed.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, beautifully flawless mint minus vinyl.
Reuben Howell
You Can't Stop A Man In Love / When You Take Another Chance On Love
Motown : M1274F DJ (45s)
Still my favourite version of this fabulous Terry Woodford, Clayton Ivey, George Soule creation, as the arrangement skills of the prolific master of "the strings" Mike Lewis & Charles Chalmers levitates the whole song above all others, the slow misty drizzle of its soulful brilliance saturating your mood with only good feelings and dance motivation. It certainly brings them to the floor in droves.
Simplistic laid back piano intro, prepares you for a strolling masterpiece that slowly blooms into a full-blown Northern Soul classic; currently on the comeback trail. As DJ's begin to revisit it's, with the delighted dancefloor lost once again in it irresistible charms, a positive response is assured, when ever this beauty is dropped on the turntable. As you'd expect when encountering such a "Soul" excellence. A male vocal delight, adorned with shrill girl choruses, strings, subtle horns and positively determined lyrics.
I adore everything about it!
Seldom seen in this fine mint minus condition.
Condition Report
two clean promo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, almost a MANSHIP MINT
Charts
Livin' The Nightlife / Nobody Made You Love Me
Wand : WND 1124 (45s)
In 1969 / 1970 The Charts 1966 Wand remake of their 1957 Doo-wop classic "Desiree" was one of the most-wanted Soul-allnite-club dance plays of the time. So much so Wand were commissioned to reissue it in 1972 to meet unprecedented demand. It was rumored, to be in line for a "Soul Sounds" repress if the label hadn't have been taken out of business.
At the time the Northern Soul scene had not encountered the group's, far superior 2nd single for Wand. It was so rare, it wasn't until March 1975 when the track was included within a raft of Wand rarities on UK Pye's "Disco Demand's Solid Soul Sensations" album, that the wider Northern Soul congregation got to really hear it, unless you visited the Blackpool Mecca "Highland Room" where this stunning dancer was one of "The Mecca's" proud "special reserves".
It's rarity through the decades has been legendary, puzzling collectors and DJs why "Desiree" was relatively obtainable but "Livin' The Nightlife" was proving a more-than-challenging problem to acquire. This was due to Wand's surprise R&B hit happening the same week with "Wand WND 1124" Roscoe Robinson's "That's Enough" was quickly climbing the charts. All in-house resources were channeled to "That's Enough" to ensure, not only the supply flow to record stores was seamless, but also their promotional focus was arrowed at Roscoe's NS classic reaching as high in the charts as possible.
So "Livin' The Nightlife" was now "lost", even though the recording shimmered with that slick Bert DeCoteaux expertise for a superior production. WND 1124 was simply neglected and a Northern Soul grail was born..
But the story doesn't stop there, the Northern Soul scene is also guilty of overlooking a jewel; the magnificent flipside "Nobody Made You Love Me " another fabulous down tempo vocal-group NS stepper benefitting from Bert's genius at the controls, has only in recent times been presented to the dancefloor by DJ's who dig a littler deeper than the obvious.
Two killer sides, both giving up top-drawer Northern Soul which ever side you drop the arm on this long-iconic label.
Noting this red text STOCK copy is MINT and incredibly elusive!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, tiny bb drill but complete fee of writing, stickers or stains. The bright emblematic combination of black, gold, white and red is crisp sparklingly definition.
Jimmey ( Soul ) Clark
( Come On And Be My ) Sweet Darlin' / ( Somebody ) Stop That Girl
Soulhawk: SH-001 DJ (45s)
This Detroit dancer was the very first Northern Soul record I paid more for, than what my weekly wage for...and it was only mere a red stock copy.
I snagged it off those legendary Brian "45" Philips sales list in 1971, it was £15, I was earning about £10 a week as a gas fitting apprentice as Southfields College in Leicester. To afford the purchase, I took a whole box of British soul 45's that I'd accumulated over the previous two years. Rare UK blue Stax, red Atlantic, Tamla Motown, Chess etc. The short-lived second hand record shop on Charles Street, Leicester gave me £8 for the lot. That was my first lesson, to not show "need" when selling vinyl. I was desperate to own Jimmey Soul Clark and I stupidly told the proprietor how imperative it was I bought it. His offer was diminishing in his head with every sentence I naively spouted.
In the end I hustled up enough to buy some postal orders to send to Brian in Manchester. The wait for it to drop through my letter box was agonising. When it did I immediately fell in love with the cool "Soulhawk" logo and the "Palmer" motif, neither of which had I seen before. I think Soulhawk 001 led me on a path of uncontrollable label fetishism. Still today this white promo copy with the typeset "PALMER RECORD CO. - DETROIT MICHIGAN" pulls on my retina. Just as much as Popcorn Wylie & Tony Hester prick my ears up to attention.
The beseeching slow intro never prepared me for what was to follow, an on-his-knees pleading performance, saturated in love salutations delivered with convincing devotion. Popcorn Wylie banging away at the piano, Tony Hester conducting that rich male vocal group harmony backing. Another collaboration giving up not one but two sensational Motor City motivators, I found I liked the flipside every note as much.
"( Somebody ) Stop That Girl" to this day is a forgotten NS gem, drenched in all the same qualities. With classic Detroit rhythms you can't avoid moving to. On this side "Popcorn" excels on the keyboard as he effortlessly rolls out those dance pulses (the man was a genius). His collaborations with Tony Hester crafted some of the greatest Northern Soul ever committed to vinyl.
"Enough Is Enough, I Just Can't Take No More Confusing - I Need Her - But What I So Don't Need is Misusing" Tony Hester a lyrical thesaurus, with Mike Terry in close attendance, this time not burping his baritone saxophone but busy making sure the arrangement flows seamlessly into your heart.
Dynamic Detroit from four guys who will be fondly remembered every day, as long as Northern Soul is still listened and danced to...Wylie, Hester, Clark & Terry ensured a decisive change to my musical journey from Stax/Atlantic/Chess into the kaleidoscope of small USA label, independently produced street-soul and the magnificent music it spawned.
How lucky am I...
Condition Report
Two totally clean promo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl ARP stamped matrix - of course.
Montclairs
Hey You Don't Fight It / Never Ending Love
Arch : ARA 1305 (45s)
A Northern Soul vocal group masterpiece! That just rams those floors into shoulder to shoulder dancefloor congestion.
I can actually remember when this was an occasional spin at the Blackpool Mecca circa ‘75/‘76, but never reaching the dizzy heights of other “Curtis” cliquish turntable delicacies, although my “Mecca”buddy Shelvo from Leicester would always pester Colin to spin it.
Just too classy for those golden years of Northern Soul diversity, when LP tracks by Tavares, Babe Ruth, The Miracles, Moments, Bobby Hutton, George Clinton were edging out these exclusively rare 45s with their dancer preferred dominance, presenting a moderner “Ritz floor-shaking” pulses.
So this St. Louis, Ms born male harmony killer, snoozed in its own obscurity, steadily it’s reputation growing, its value percolating towards boiling point. The lifeblood required to make this beauty explode into the complete Northern Soul monster, then happened. A local St. Louis dealer located enough copies to feed that simmering British DJ demand, allowing several NS jocks to play this gorgeous tune, simultaneously. It immediately exploded into being one of the scenes most-wanted, best-loved floor-packers of the 21st century. The previous dearth of copies had sadly hampered its undeniable class to be heard by enough dancers to trigger the unstoppable Northern Soul monster it became 30 years later.
Their were of course many collectors, DJs and dealers envious of the St. Louis “find”, instructing the scene to avoid buying a copy. “There was 1000’s found, it’ll be worthless next year” a dealer of renown advised me at the Austin Record convention. Oh how many times have we heard that one ? Of course there wasn’t 1000’s found, the market didn’t become irreparably flooded and the doubters and meddlers were left with “egg on their face” as supply quickly dried up as we watched the value soar and soar…
Today this beyond-brilliant Northern Soul beauty is one of the world-wide scene’s truly essential 45s…do not ponder the value of this eternal must-own is only going one way…
Condition Report
Two clean labels full gloss mint minus vinyl - top copy - just immaculate
H.B. Barnum
It Hurts Too Much Too Cry / Lonely Hearts
RCA : 47-8112 PS (45s)
well, not quite, the all important and seldom-seen picture sleeve is an unbelievable MINT minus, (the finest we've ever encountered) as are the two labels MINT! the vinyl reveals only the merest wispy sleeve storage hairlines when angled under light. Near perfect throughout, complete with the extremely elusive picture cover, unblemished!
A listing for those of you serious about condition and just as serious about Northern Soul big productions.
This listing ticks both those boxes. Spectacular flawless condition, of a seldom encountered 1962 completeness with H.B. most-wanted 45 "It Hurts Too Much Too Cry"
Even back in 1962 at the tender age of 27 this guy was already a recording studio veteran, having already earned the right to be christened "The Great". After spending his childhood acting in movies and TV. Moving into singing as a young man he was part of highly regarded Los Angeles Doo-Wop group "The Dootones". In 1960 he released a "swing" album released by RCA and from then on in, his producing skills were in big demand. Also launching his RCA career this talented pianist was also running his own label. Arranging, producing, starting up his own L.A. based label "Little Star". Guiding up and coming young stars like The O'Jays, Jimmy Norman, Dorothy Berry etc. Later becoming a Northern Soul icon with his recording & producing output when he graduated to Capitol Records.
But before his highly influential Capitol work, came this now Northern Soul classic written of course by H.B. himself. "It Hurts Too Much Too Cry" underlines H. B.'s early mastery of the big production, as kettle drums, violins, marching percussion collide, fusing the perfect vehicle for H.B.'s rich but beseeching vocal to journey through. Then he brings in the "girls", a masterstroke, as shrill choruses now takes to the air and a H.B. Northern Soul monster is born.
The USA single is no easy find these days. A 45 single of "It Hurts Too Much Too Cry" was never released in the Europe. There can be no better way to add this gargantuan to your collection. Condition is simply stunning, you will not find a more perfect example of the prestigious picture cover anywhere....
Condition Report
As described above.
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
Get Out (And Let Me Cry) / You May Not Love Me
Landa: 703 DJ (45s)
Richie Barrett's imaginative 1964 Philadelphia vocal-group creation, that had all Northern Soul dancefloors in 1973/74 mesmerized, anticipation of the ultimate slow start intro, holding the Northern Soul dancefloor in suspension before a lift off of mammoth proportions.
An anthem held close inside the very embodiment of the Northern Soul scene. One listen, will cast, either your memory right back to those golden-times or fire your imagination of what it must have been like standing shoulder the shoulder awaiting, that irresistible clip-clopping dance beat, decorated with the most divinely rich male harmonies.
So truly timeless, I'm 20 years of after again.
Never, ever in 1973 could I have appreciated the genius of the flipside that today is universally recognoised as one of the finest male harmony ballads of all-time. A huge favorurite in the heartlands of Pittsburgh clubs in the mid-sixties, which today has lighted up my afternoon with it's seamless brilliance.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, immaculate full gloss
Freddie Houston
If I Had Know / Only The Lonely One
Old Town : 1156 DJ (45s)
For dormant Northern Soul scene in the early 80's, it was a point in time, when the search was on for more sounds to compare with this seismic club night demolisher. A fork in the road that left the late 70's penchant to bouncy sugary pop dancers, as Neolithic nonentities. The "Stafford Sound" completely altered the now unstable voyage of Northern Soul forever. Beat Ballad Heaven is now engrained into the very psyche of the NS culture although we borrowed heavily from the Belgium Popcorn Pioneers who blazed the trail long before us.
If your discussing Big Vocal Big City Northern Soul boomers, nothing but nothing, beats this 2:18 min nuclear bomb from New York, a mood-altering statement of unparalleled power, from a vocal that defies superlatives..... just to add, Northern Soul never had bigger bollocks than this.
Before clicking the soundfile, be sure you have valid buildings insurance...
Condition Report
A-side promo label has two soft sticker residue stains, ballpoint xxx denoting the playside, flipside label is totally clean. The sturdy Old Town vinyl gives off booming fidelity, from a strong gloss surface, revealing some soft surface marks when angled in the light, none of which react with the stylus. Playing a booming Excellent plus throughout. .
John Edwards / Loletta Holloway
Ain't That Good Enough / This Man's Arms
Kent : 6T 11 (45s)
The 100 Club after picking up the mantle from the defunct Wigan Casino, Cleethorpes Peir, Yate, Stafford Top Of The World is now the benchmark for all promoters attempting to replicate those Golden Days of The Twisted Wheel, The Torch, Leeds Central, The Catacombs etc. before Northern Soul was hurtled into the wider world of commercialism which in 2021 has now hit an all time peak. But if you're seeking an authentic throwback experience, to relive the atmosphere generated by dancers seeking rare Soul music to dance to, there is no other place on planet-earth that gets as closer than the 100 club to the beginnings of Northern Soul, whilst still seeking out new previously unknown examples of the NS sound along the way.
Once a year is the celebrated 100 Club anniversary night, where lucky ticket holders not only revel in the most anticipated night of the year, they also receive an on-the-door only gift of an exclusive single. Almost without exception a precious, previously unissued 45 that is certain to escalate in value before you’ve even climbed back up those stairs into the dawn-light of London.
This example is one of the finest in this series of treasured exclusive 45s from 1995 celebrating the 6T's 16th Anniversary. An exquisite previously unissued version of the Joshie Jo Armstead, Valerie Simpson and Nick Ashford Crossover masterpiece, that Garland Green first recorded so brilliantly in December 1969.
A stunning record not only celebrating the unrivaled affection and majesty the 100 Club holds within the Northern Soul community but also another vital piece of superior soul created on this most-collectable of imprints.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl.
Janie Grant
My Heart, Your Heart / And That Reminds Me Of Me
Parkway : P-982 DJ west coast (45s)
But there is another dedicated area where NS 45 collectors are just as committed to their unwavering search to acquire all the "jumbled Parkway promos" those eye-catching label vista from Los Angeles, partly triggered by the fact some never, ever received a release i.e. Chubby Checker- You Just Don't Know (What You do To Me Girl) a West Coast NS Holy Grail on this artistic label. Which seen in a run, are most impressive indeed. Jerry Jackson, Christine Cooper, Yvonne Baker are all jaw-droppers to the Parkway west coast promo devotee. So the search widens for the collector, to amass as many of these elusive beauties as possible.
Before you today is one of the seriously elusive ones in this series, a March 1966 Monarch promo press in glorious mint minus condition. Delta no. 61207 with encircled MR stamp plus a partial Bell Sound stamp
the mid 70's bootleg of course has a Delta no. 101714 etched in the deadwax.
Ask any Parkway devotee Parkway P-982 DJ west coast in mint minus condition, is a prize indeed.
Condition Report
Two totally clean promo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl inside the stunning vintage sleeve, beauty is in the eye of the beholder,
Four Larks
I Still Love You (From The Bottom Of My Heart) / Groovin' At The Go-Go
Tower : 402 (45s)
Back in the golden years, the A-list DJ's would instantly drop a record from their play list if it became reissued or bootlegged so "Groovin' At The Go-Go" quickly faded from memory. With the much superior "I Still Love You" lost before it had chance to make an equal impact on the scene.
Today though "I Still Love You" is the thinking DJ's oldie spin, that you can't help but want to dance to. It is seamless vocal group Northern Soul driven by Motown-esque rhythms. When Thom Bell "borrows" from Eddie Holland & Norman Whitfield's brilliant Temptations track - "Girl, (Why You Wanna Make Blue)" utilizing all those uplifted horns and dance riffs. With Vivian McDougal's sweet vocal pledging her undying love and husband Weldon McDougal ensuring his talent team make another silky Northern Soul irresistible...
Listen and wonder how big would "I Still Love You" have become if that side was consistently played at the Torch..?
Note this copy is the durable VINYL press, the much rarer stock copy.
Condition Report
two clean labels, strong gloss VINYL revealing just a few soft surface hairlines..
Bongo Herman and Les Crystalites
True Grit / True Grit part 2
Song Bird : SB 1018 (45s)
The Jamaican fascination with cowboy heroes and movies, led Derrick Harriott to titling this addictive instrumental after the 1969 all-action cowboy romp movie "True Grit" starring John Wayne as U.S. Marshal Rooster.
With vague trotting across the prairie rhythms, peppered with Bongo Herman's pattering's and strong guitar pulses fits the turn of the decade mood for Reggae instrumentals. Derrick Harriott's "Move & Groove" production creep[s under your skin, demanding more than just one spin, Bongo Herman raises the bar of bare-hand percussion.
Part two extends the mood of part 1 with no surprising additions..
This listing is all about the fine clean condiotion, this Song Bird 45 has a reputation od being rarely encountered in such a clean state, playing fine crisp and clean. .
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss vinyl revealing only the merest soft hairlines under light.
Creations / Danny Gomes with the Creations
Crash / Chickie Darlin
Top Hat: 12699 / 12700 (45s)
Showcasing this very cool 4 man band "The Creations" with their first of only two 45 releases. Both create a smoke-screen over their middle-class small-town origins with a red-herring address location as TOP HAT RECORDS INC. NEW YORK., N.Y. these sunglass wearing dudes hailed from the beautiful and affluent coastal town of Milford, Connecticut. But conveyed hard-nose New York attitude with an angry n' pacey guitar blow-out. Displaying peerless-plectrum manipulation with a fast n' furious guitar assault, whilst still maintaining melodic rhythms among the crashing cymbals and the agitated drumming, an instrumental experience you can't help be inspired by.
The flipside "Chickie Darlin " also has its followers, with considerate guitar picks backing up a melancholy Teener, that made me quickly flip it back over to relight my spirits.. I'm not a fan of young crooners wooing a girl with unnecessary pleading. Somebody should have told Danny Gomes, girls are drawn to guys who don't give a damn, like the lead guitarist on "Crash". A brilliantly belligerent display of guitar masterery.
No wonder this 45 is one of the 60's most-wanted surf instrumentals.
Condition Report
tiny neat inscription "Eve + Dick Hudson" on the whining Teener flipside, is the label's only pimple on an otherwise sturdy "Rite Sound" pressing. Some soft age-browning to the white background (see images) . Vinyl is typically "Rite" heavy-duty solid groove mastering. Carries strong gloss with multiple soft hairlines revealed when angled in the light. As you can hear "Crash" plays loud crisp and clean, the occasional soft tick if you listen hard enough, is totally lost in the "crashing power of the surf..."
The Group featuring Cecil Washington
I Don't Like To Lose / The Light Of Day
Prophonics: 2029 (45s)
Even more so in 2021 this 45 is coveted as one of Northern Soul's most important records, ever.
This Holy Grail in utterly immaculate mint minus condition, still holds the power to send electricity and shivers down this old man's spine.
One of the ultimate Northern Soul in "impossibly" fine condition.
Do what you need to do, to secure a record of a lifetime...
Condition Report
two flawless labels, full gloss unblemished mint minus vinyl that has been lovingly cocooned for
Lonnie Lester
You Can't Go / You Choose
Nu-Tone: 210 (45s)
The power of the dancefloor, the needs of the Northern Soul DJ plus this 45's growing elusiveness, have pushed the demand and value of this explosive slab of R&B skyward..
A droning whistling hum intro, hanging in the background. But not overwhelming the aggressive snarling, a spitting verbal attack that Lonnie Lester delivers with no mercy whatsoever. What a combination! Chuck Danzy's Funk inclination drives a wild uncompromising backing track, so in tune with Lonnie's attitude saturated style.
It's pure Chicago meat & potatoes R&B aided by Lonnie's Gary, Indiana formative years, the edginess of the neighbourhood hanging on his every phrase..
Northern Soul with balls, a dancefloor detonator... every time!
The Deep soul flip drips in emotion also - do not overlook it.
Condition Report
two perfect labels, previously unplayed vinyl
Roddie Joy
He's So Easy To Love / The La La Song
Red Bird : RB 10-031 DJ (45s)
Not only another Mike Lewis & Stuart Wiener girl-vocal masterpiece but also a 45 we have a duty to list and an review as may collectors have mistakenly paid rich-money for the counterfeit copy made to meet the demand of New York "Island Scene" for which this beauty was a monster play.
Shimmering with all the class Lewis & Wiener coated The Stoppers - Come Back Baby - you can hear exactly why this slice of gorgeousness got counterfeited. A stuningly narcotic groove.
So let's talk about what to identify whilst looking for the authentic original promo press and not counterfeit pressed in early part of 2000's.
Firstly this original June 1965 disc was pressed in styrene the counterfeit is pressed in harsh vinyl. The deadwax of the " He's So Easy To Love" side has an italic machine-stamped "Audio Matrix" moniker. Flip it over the "The La La Song" (also recorded by The Stoppers) has the unmistakable and unreplaceable raised X stamp. This is the authentic 1965 original.
So now listen to the unsung genius of Mike Lewis & Stuart Wiener with a New York songbird who's recording career only lasted two years and every one of her six singles she released are magnificent example of the east coast girl-sound. Carefully tailored to stir a man's emotions with her alluring, effortless, beckoning sirenesque voice.
Both sides of Red Bird RB 10-031 are proper girl delicacies to savour...an imperative soul-collection resident.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, note the "not for sale" text has been carefully removed. Full gloss mint minus vinyl, plays perfect, listen.
Jackie Trent
You Baby / Send Her Away
Pye : 7N 17047 (45s)
One of England’s most accomplished female singers compliments the classic big production also recorded by The Ronettes, Len Barry, Lovenotes, John Holt, The Turtles to name but a few.
Right from the off you just know this is gonna be a more-than worthy version, when triumphant horns take to the air giving us the most impressive and instant Northern Soul impact, compared to all the takes of this great song.
A thundering drum onslaught collides with a regal fanfare of trumpets, immediately capturing your attention. It’s potency harnessed by Jackie’s rich voice displaying the ultimate control and clarity of the lyrics, and we have Northern Soul lift off. No wonder this recording became an instantaneous Wigan Casino monster! Imagine that hollowed hall resounded to fullness of really Soulful Britishness.
But that is not all, turn it over for the genius of Tony Hatch, who writes and produces a wicked girl “group” Northern Soul dancer for his future wife on the flipside.
Both songs strongly featured at all the 70’s Northern Soul all-nighters, so much so, in 1978 the Wigan dedicated label “Casino Classics” issued them both on release number 4.
BUt there's no need for a reminder, Pye 7N 17047 is the only way to respectfully own it, very RARE in this neat clean condition
Do not pass by one of our greatest homegrown offerings to Northern Soul, with a flipside of urgent MOD Hipshaker that's lived somewhat in the shadows of "You Baby" but still enjoys a dedicated underground following
Condition Report
Two clean labels revealing only soft signs of storage wear, 4 prong centre intact, strong gloss on vinyl,
Edwin Starr
Stop Her On Sight (S.O.S.) / I Have Faith In You
Polydor : BM 56702 DJ (45s)
A record woven into the very fabric of the Northern Soul psyche, with "Stop Her On Sight (S.O.S.)" the record our embryonic Northern Soul dance inspiration was nurtured by. Plus the flipside that many consider possible the greatest Northern Soul recording ever. Right up there alongside Darrell Banks's "Open The Door To Your Heart" to lift those internal emotions to the very elation.
This is the very pinnacle of collecting truly timeless Northern Soul in its rarest form.
A pulse-racing vinyl vista.
Condition Report
Two clean red & white labels, no writing, stickers or marks. With staggering full gloss mint minus vinyl, revealing the merest soft sleeve storage hairline when angled in the light. Still housed in birth sleeve.
Universal Joint
Love Won't Wear Off ( As The Years Wear On ) / same: instrumental
Sniff Records : 109435 (45s)
This exemplary, fully orchestrated 1968 New York floater, captures the very essence of the Northern Soul Crossover sound. Blending a room crammed with talent. Proper musicians, real instruments, glorious soaring girl choruses and a mature experienced purring vocal from Billy Guy convincingly hitting all highs and lows, within this affirmation of love, with perfect timing and controlled emotion.
On the instrumental side you can fully appreciate the no expense spared orchestral arrangement. Spiraling strings the foundation for discreet horns to waft a warm breeze through the background, a bevvy of girls elevate the backing to yet another level with their rich choruses. It's classy, it's rare, it's inspiring Northern Soul Crossover dance at it's finest...
Once Billy Guy weaves his manly vocal into place, you are witnessing sheer Northern Soul resplendence!
Condition Report
two clean labels, some soft age-browning to the white background (see images). But no writing, stickers, stains or tears. Superb unblemished vinyl
Brenda Holloway
Lonely Boy / blank:
Jobete Music Company Inc.: acetate (45s)
"All I want for Christmas is Brenda Holloway's finest ever Northern Soul recording, on the unique unissued Jobette Music acetate autographed by Brenda herself, please"
Her original and infinitely superior version of Eric Mercury's - Lonely Girl - a Holy Grail dream acetate that has just sent waves of tingling pleasure down my spine.
Click the soundfile Brenda is about to take you to heaven, pleasuring your Northern Soul psyche like never before! As the song takes her through her completely impeccable vocal range.
Her finest, and my finest Northern Soul experience in a very long, long time - what a stunning record this is - I feel very privileged to listen to my favourite Motown sister today with one of her greatest creations that never reached vinyl.
Stunned...!
Condition Report
label signed by Brenda, title in red type, recording ownership in black type. acetate lacquer is all intact in its original state, some soft storage hairlines. as you can hear it plays perfect.
Ivorys
Please Stay / I'm In The Groove
Despenza : 12266 script logo (45s)
Condition Report
Faded X X on a-side label, flipside label is clean (see images) Fine clean vinyl, carrying strong gloss and just a few soft surface blemishes
Tony Drake
Suddenly / It Hurts Me More
Brunswick : 55437 DJ (45s)
From those fertile pens of Eugene Record and Barbara Acklin; aided by Chicago Soul studio magicians Tom Washington & Willie Henderson, this dream-team craft a striking piece of "end of a decade" Soul.
New decade, new approach ? As this dancer carries a abundance of unique characteristics that no other Brunswick 45 was blessed with.
Rattling bongo intro, tin drum tickles, Tony Drake purring away in the background poised to strike with those imploring lyrics, just as the trumpeting takes to the air...
some "cool" intro; then it's lift-off on a wave of strings, subtle brass, and jazzy breaks collide with vocal-group chants of "Ooh, Arrh, Arhh, Pa Da, Ooh Pa, Dah " with Mr. Drake's commanding vocal booming away upfront and fully in charge, with provocative saxophone intrusions...make for a fabulously classy Northern Soul experience you could never tire of hearing.
In recent times one of my personal favourites fitting snug into today's preference for soulful dance productions from that bridging style between the 60s and 70's when producers pushed the envelope, creating more imaginative sounds.. This record is unique in it's Chicago make-up, nothing sounds quite like it. So memorably different..
As we tipped several years ago, we felt this rarity had a long, long way to go, recently ridiong the crest of a wave, with several high-profile DJs dropping the arm on it, what has been in the past a forgotten jewel. But within a packed room, on a loud system nothing matches its individuality...
Some potent crossover tune this is.. and not easy to find, especially in this fine, near perfect condition.
PS do not overlooked Tony's silky delivery of a fabulous Van McCoy song on the flipside, a stunning mid-tempo that should also feature in on of those discerning chill-out Sundays..
Condition Report
Both labels are clean except for the merest minuscule graze on the flipside promo label (squint at image just under the B in Brunswick) see scan housed in birth-sleeve. The vinyl in an impeccable Mint minus. Listen and enjoy, what is a unparalleled example of Chicago Soul in transition.
Groovers
I've Just Been Feeling Bad / Don't Fight It
T. C. B.: RI3166 (45s)
A b-side of a recording we can imagine illuminating the small clubs and halls Virginia and the Carolina states, as the Groovers aimed their style at the Beach Music scene through the late 50's and 60's. Their penchant was certainly drawn from the "Stax/Atlantic" Memphis sound. The 45 leads with a Northern Soul version of Wilson Pickett's "Don't Fight It". With the five man gathering choosing another "Steve Cropper" composition with a silky version of Eddie Floyd's Deep Soul ballad "I've Just Been Feeling Bad". Unlike Eddie's version, producer Warren Harding Jr., brings in haunting girl-group choruses, swirling strings, considerate subtle horns building a landscape for the group's preference for soulful covers spring from. A difference style to Eddie's hardcore Memphis mournful horn driven Deep Soul classic.
This mysterious disc is by far the Groovers rarest recording, a 45 that never comes to market. A beautifully played out song of regret and remorse, with soften edges guilt and palpable sorrow. A fabulous ballad drenched in obvious potential for Sunday Chill-out days or Lowrider sets, seeking to expose the seriously obscure.
Relegated to the flipside of a raucous thumping NS dancer, in true classic "Memphis" mode. The Groovers are in destructive mood, calling up persistent muscular keyboard rhythms, blasting horns and stabbing saxophone; then it's all hands to the pump as they do Wicked Pickett's classic, more than justice.
Two great sides, a local recording, registering a total absence of any Discogs acknowledgements EVER! underlining this 45's beyond-rare status.
Check out the group only minor success when they covered William Bell's " Every Day will Be Like A Holiday" and "The Temptations - Ain't To Proud To Beg" with small local success in Virginia. With seemingly only two 45s on their home town label T. C. B.
If you like 'em ludicrously rare, this low-run Virginia indie from 1967 ticks all the boxes.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, revealing some soft storage wear but free of writing, stain, stickers or tears. Vinyl carries strong gloss, some some surface hairlines show when angled in the light. both sides play clean, as you will hear.
Jay Nelson
Don't You Wanna A Man Like Me / Rocka Me All Night Long
Excello : 45-2178 (45s)
Impossible previously unplayed archive copy, still in birth-sleeve. The protective factory film coating, has been carefully removed for the perfect double soundfile to be recorded.
Hidden away on the reverse of a sulking guitar / piano driven 1959 Blues stroller, lays a thumping slab of Jumping R&B that e preserve of that gang from Boogie Chillun R&B Club Belfast, always seeking out the most motivating rare R&B dancers. As you'd expect A-list DJ Billy Kealy has been firmly behind this prodigious dancefloor-destroyer for quite some time.
Your opportunity to own perhaps the last know perfect copy - Impossible previously unplayed is a real trophy-piece for any elusive Excello 45
Condition Report
A perfect previously unplayed copy, still housed in birth-sleeve
Nolan Porter
If I Could Only Be Sure / same: 3:12 mono version
ABC : 11343 DJ (45s)
It is after all, saturated in all the qualities a Northern Soul dancefloor monster requires...addictive rhythms, memorable arrangement, a voice that penetrates your heart. So very easy to dance to, with peaks that lift your movements into hand-raising appreciation.
Just brilliant, and the crowd reaction every time it's dropped confirms this as a timeless classic, that sounds just as fresh today as it did back when you first heard it.
Here's a fine clean PROMO copy - snug in it's birth sleeve.
A vista just as irresistible as the music it gives up.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, vinyl reveals only the lightest signs of turntable handling, a few very soft of surface brushes, not affecting play. ABC sleeve is immaculate.
Johnny Talbot and Band
Turkey In The Briar Patch / Do The Broken Hip
In : H 6301 (45s)
Johnny Talbot local R&B bandmaster gives up two gritty shakers, that have enjoyed a strong cult following and extreme rarity.
The original flipside, the totally outrageous but highly individualistic "Turkey In The Briar Patch" was recently bootlegged to cater for the "Tittyshaker/R&B" market; a weird but rather addictive R&B Jam melding heavy-duty percussion, relentless double-guitar pulses, attacked by unhinged vocal chants of "Turkey In The Briar Patch" decorated with gobble, gobble impersonations. A total novelty session that creeps under you skin, displaying why, over the decades this audacious free-for-all has gathered up a large enthusiastic collectors following. Personally I much prefer the original a-side, a meaty sax instrumental "Do The Broken Hip" which has NOT been bootlegged, and remains mostly unknown, arguably the superior of these two Johnny Talbot marshalled sessions.
"Do The Broken Hip" is a thumping display of saxophone-saturated R&B dance-craze, pelted with burping pulses through the intro, then the sax-man starts to show us what he is all about, wielding instrument joined hard hitting drums, then a fabulous Blues guitar break bridging the two parts together.
Johnny Talbot an highly respected Bay Area musician with only 3 45's to his band's credit, all bursting with adventurous energy.
This rare disc is flawless archive still housed in birth sleeve.
Condition Report
two clean labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, revealing only a few soft sleeve storage hairlines. top copy
Four Tops
Ask The Lonely / 1965 USA 8" by 10" music sheet
Jobette Music : mar 6 chart (Magazine)
Just imagine this eye-popping, authentic vista, neatly framed and hanging in your record den or adorning any of the walls in your house.
It is a transfixing Motown vista and conversation-piece in stunning unblemished mint minus condition.
Rarely seen for sale at this level of perfection.
Just utterly beguiling...
Condition Report
an unblemished mint minus throughout.
Garnet Mimms
Looking For You / More Than A Miracle
United Artists: UA 951 DJ (45s)
Although markerted in the UK as a flip side. "Looking For You" in the USA was the a-side, but discouraging USA sales, persuaded EMI to relegastre it to true B-side in the British marketplace.
From the very embryonic years of Northern Soul “Looking For You” has been a treasured dance floor classic. With that’s x-factor ingredient, that prevents it ever becoming played out.
Those desperate lyrics woven into Garry Sherman's mighty arrangement ; unwinding with a flurry of crashing piano notes, ringing vibes collide with bombardment of brass. Garry Sherman was a conductor who cut no corners, spared no expense to achieve his desired level of power... a true master of New York’s Big City sound.
As he did with Paul Anka's "I Can't Help Loving You" and 100's of other huge Brill Building sounds, he layers instrument upon instrument, in precise but persuasive order until a volcano of sound erupts, big enough to compliment the power of Garnet's voice.
This is what can happen, when accomplished studio members come together. Jerry Ragovoy, Garry Sherman and Garnet Mimms; a determined threesome pursuing perfection.
BIG, POWERFUL and IMPOSING! A top-drawer Northern Soul classic
A deep-rooted in our club-scene-history embedded in our psyche... proper Northern Soul that nobody ever tires of hearing! A proper tune in enviable condition.
Condition Report
Red X on label, small faded insignificant sticker residue stain, right hand upper middle. Vinyl is superb, a strong unblemished Mint minus.
Eddie Boyd
Come On / Ten - To - One
Push Records: PU 1050 (45s)
Bob Geddins was the street level driving force behind Blues, R&B and the beginnings of Soul in and around Oakland in the 50's and 60's working with local talent that became iconic stars of the Black Music scene across the USA. Lowell Fulson, Jimmy McCracklin, Johnny Fuller, Sugar Pie DeSanto and Etta James were his really successful students but Bob also worked with local hopefuls who got no further than the local Blues clubs and a couple of 45 releases.
Eddie Boyd went on to become a street Blues icon, this 45's is perhaps his rarest 60's creation. Both sides snarl, bite and growl their way into your heart, with "Come On" perched and ready to take the European R&B scene by the scruff of the neck and shake the audience headlong onto the dancefloor.
Distilled animalistic R&B POWER!
To acquire it in archive condition in 2021 is really more than remarkable!
Condition Report
An archive condition copy, two clean labels, bright crisp gold text black labels. As good as it gets condition.
Checkerboard Squares
Double Cookin' / A Day In Saulito
Villa : 705 (45s)
THIS IS INSPRATIONAL HANDCLAPPING NORTHERN SOUL!
and some...
Condition Report
Two clean labels, bb drill in label near 3 o'clock (see images), playing surface visually reveals soft surface marks, but as you can hear it plays crisp, clean and loud! a superb copy
Gloria Jones
Come Go With Me / How Do You Tell An Angel
Uptown : 732 DJ (45s)
But what that deceiving black stock copy "fake" has done, is lift the value of the very rare white promo copy, as there is no mistaking its authenticity, the white promo as it has never been counterfeited.
In a vinyl world of counterfeits, bootlegs and reissues it is essential you're armed with the accurate researched information or buy your vinyl from record dealers who know how to spot a "wrong 'un" in this case just a cursory glance at the white promo is obviously a real one. As documented in our Rare Soul Guide documentations.
THIS ORIGINAL The genuine authentic original PROMO press with the etched in matrix. The 3 turn deadwax is 11.50mm wide (deadwax width may vary very slightly only a few mm, as label placement can differ by mm on each press) . The matrix reads 67091 (a gap of 20.11mm) then -1A R-550. The vinyl is .98mm thick at the start of the run-in. "A" in the matrix is straight & sharp, the right had down slope of the A is slightly thick the the left hand downslope.
There you have it, one of the very most important girl vocal Northern Soul classics of all time, arguably the most perfect "to dance to" productions ever , that has illuminated every Northern Soul venue in Great Britain for the last 50 years.
Listen again, to be catapulted back through the decades, to the very best of times, firing up, euphoric memories of your golden years of Northern Soul, an anthem of huge repute!
One of the greatest Northern Soul girl recordings ever made.. and so very, very hard to capture this PROMO the undisputed REAL THING!
But in your excitement of reviving your youth, to not overlook the rather good flipside "How Do You Tell An Angel" where Gloria again displays her magnificent vocal within another Northern Soul dance production.
Condition Report
a soft bordered initial EM on a-side label (see image) Otherwise both promo labels are clean. Vinyl carries full gloss, revealing only few very mild sleeve storage hairlines, detected when angled under direct light, plays PERFECT (listen) all housed in the correct genuine Uptown sleeve. Just a delight to hold and hear..
Sheila Anthony
Livin' In Love / Woman To Woman
Buttercup : 45-007 DJ (45s)
Another standout 1970 New York creation from Teddy Randazzo & Victoria Pike. A fruitful collaboration that crafted so many truly great songs for Little Anthony and the Imperials, Royalettes, Porgy & The Monarchs, Derek Martin etc. The pairing invariably producing hugely uplifting creations, with smooth potent vocals and full orchestra support. Typically New York and typically Randazzo & Pike.
Starting life as a flipside "Livin' In Love" it didn't take long for this failed Buttercup release, the only release credited to this mysterious lady, to find its way into heart of the Northern Soul scene. Similtamneously played at The Casio, The Pier to rapturous dancefloor response, it was the perfect dancer for the 1975/76 NS generation.
A listing for those many of you who have dedicated their collecting focus, on the records that rammed the dancefloor full in those golden years from 1971 to 1979. Years that truly defined the classic Northern Soul sound.
Condition Report
two clean promo labels, full gloss vinyl revealing soft surface hairlines when angled in the light. Presented here in its Jubilee Jay Gee distributors sleeve
Ronnie & Robyn
Sidra's Theme / Blow Out The Candle
Sidra : S 9007 (45s)
The genius of Dale Warren and the engineering expertise of Robert d'Orleans craft a Northern Soul instrumental that after one it's first plays as a cover-up impacted so many young minds back in 1973..when the Explosions "End of the World' reverberated around the Highland Room, Blackpool Mecca.
A truly magical blending of the harp, horns, vibes, low key sax and that rhythmic Dennis Coffey-esque guitar driving the intro. Constant barrage of brass and magnificent percussion there was not anything else like it at the time and there's not been anything to truly compare it to, since.
A true classic instrumental that still crams the dancefloors today, with that unique quality of that never exhausts the ears.. or the feet.
THIS IS NORTHERN SOUL but with a difference in spectacular MINT condition
Condition Report
Full gloss unblemished vinyl, mirror-like surface, Two clean labels, whose only tiny flaw is a neatly executed bb drill.
Lorraine Chandler
I Can't Hold On / She Don't Want You
RCA: 47-8980 DJ (45s)
It was the zenith of Pied Piper's creativity, their golden mid-60's years, when their handpicked team seamlessly jelled, to produce not only quintessential Detroit Northern Soul. But in our opinion the finest, tightest most ingenious 60's Soul productions ever fashioned. Now heralded as a lost-art among the followers of classic style Northern Soul.
Jack Ashford, Ray Monette & Lorraine Chandler combine their lyrical prowess to construct a despairing statement of "defeat" as Lorraine can hold on no longer. All crocheted into driven bass-guitar led honkin' horm production, with those compulsory celestial girl-group choruses hovering above. The dance beat is relentless, driving from one crest to yet another higher summit as the song becomes more and more soul-destroyer as Lorraine decides to give up on her relationship. One of the ultimate Northern Soul Sister classics, that stays with you long after the song has concluded...
Sure the other side can't be as inspiring..?
But it is! "She Don't Want You" from the first blasting of brass, song grabs you with another signature Pied Piper production. Soaring girl-choruses cradle Lorraine's searing truth-telling, a Mike Terry saxophone break elevates this experience even higher. Those girls raise the chorus bar even higher, with Lorraine proving her voice is right up their along side any other Detroit-diva you care to mention.
An immense double sider of infinite quality, underlining the 60's soul-collecting oneness, that Pied Piper was indeed the unassailable production team, that provided us with this lost-art of impeccable 60s Northern Soul dance.
Two sides to die for in near Manship Mint condition.
Condition Report
Almost a Manship Mint!. Two clean promo labels, full gloss vinyl where you have to forensically explore to find even the merest surface blemish.
Flowers
For Real / For Real part 2
LA Xpressio: LAX 101 DJ (45s)
N. F. Porter associate, Los Angeles craftsman Richard Flowers, constructs a wondrous orchestral intro that instantly demands your attention, nobody has bettered this approach to Soul music before or since.
Tranquil gliding of the harp, melds with two sighing lovers, creating a serene floating platform, for fully loaded strings to zip into a skyward journey of overwhelming euphoria. Then in steps the fully at-ease rich vocal of Richard Flowers. Such a commanding presence, whilst simultaneously giving up a nonchalant performance saturated in love. Enriched by shrill harmonies from the equally unhurried choruses. Relentless celestial strings dart in and out, cutting a swath through this misty-masterpiece as you fall deeper and deeper entranced with its Soulful mystery...
Flowers - For Real - sits high in my personal top five favourite records of all time... yet again I'm transfixed by its second-to-none mesmeric powers...
VINYL ECSTASY!!
Condition Report
Fine clean vinyl, strong EX+. Both promo labels suffer from aged h2o exposure,
Chapter Five
One In a Million / Hey Hey
CBS : 2696 DJ (45s)
The Chapter Five were actually EIGHT Barrow In Furness musicians with high hopes for their R&B influenced recording, both of their two 45's for CBS are highly regarded Northern Soul dancers. On this "One In A Million" you can appreciate this gatherings power as they deliver serve up an intro of trembling bass-guitar pulses, hard blown horns including a baritone sax, relentless percussion with well timed vibes and triangle rings, aerial backing vocals enrich the landscape... you've got to applaud this version. The young band of North-Westerners spilling over with Soulful intentions.
The Flipside is haunting British soul/garage with Dave McGrerty's swirling keyboards pulling you into his sulking mood.
Comes with an aged white card cover autographed by organist Dave McGerty and drummer Tony Flanagan.
A proper British collector 45 - promo only of course!
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, no writing stickers or tears, there is some minuscule age foxing, minute and not detracting from its promo gorgeousness
Calvin Grayson
Love Just Begun / You've Got To Be Willing
In Records : In 6312 (45s)
Brilliantly constructed by label controller Ricardo Lewis, none of the Eddie Foster - I Never Knew - none of his piano subtly with this session. This time Ricardo goes all-out for a bludgeoning attack on the senses, Blaring brass, burping baritone sax open the gates for Calvin's "Niagara" level rumbling voice, bolstered by a muscular male vocal-group. With the middle passage delivery mouth opening magnificence whenm all the components converge with untold power raining down on the dancefloor!
PROPER REAL DEAL NORTHERN SOUL with an off-the-scale rarity reputation.
Today though, the string saturated flipside is triggering ripples of appreciation among the ranks, as "You've Got To Be Willing" becomes better known, courtesy of the worldwide web. Another overlooked flipside that never got considered in 1975 but sounds completely ideal for a head-turning spin in. Turntable voyeurs will jump to their feet..
Condition Report
This record would grade mint minus if it wasn't a lone soft scuff on the a-side that only reacts with the eye, NOT the stylus, if you listen intently there are a couple of low-fi, soft background pops lost in the power of the music 2/3rds through. Both labels are brilliantly glossy clean.
Silford Walker
Lambs Bread / Dub wise
South East Music: no number (45s)
This copy is complete ON-CENTRE with gloriously clean mint minus vinyl and sneaky clean bright yellow checkered labels
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss
Wailing Souls / Brentford All Stars
Row Fisherman Row / Moon Ride
Coxsone : no number (45s)
flip it over a fantastic Melodica dominated instrumental peppered with freestyle stabbing-horns, that invite you to get on your feet, as the Brentford All Stars strut their stuff.
Two great sides pulling from the very best influences of Kingston 1970 crafting exemplary feel-good Reggae.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, "MADE IN JAMAICA" stamping on the side, full gloss vinyl revealing only the merest signs of sleeve contact blemishes. strong mint minus throughout
Sammy Williams
Nobody Loves Me / Gonna Let My Hair Down
Red Fire : AD 1001 (45s)
Well our barometer of rarity, comes from the ultimate source of Deep Soul documenting "Sir Shambling" when that unparalleled site hadn't yet documented its existent and obviously no "Discogs" file when this copy turn up on my desk, we knew we had a real Deep Soul treasure on our hands.
1964 as San Francisco based "Dimples" ventured out with his new label "Red Fire" this was the first record he write and produced for this eye-catching label. Noting this Sammy Williams bears no relation to the iconic Sam Williams on Tower. But a mysterious prodigy of Richard "Dimples" Fields from we believe, Oakland. An artist, we can find no more releases by, even though he possessed the most imploring soulful vocal, that Richard Fields decorates with a classic style Deep Soul arrangement. Gentle guitar picks are the under-current for a heavenly breeze of horns, as Sammy strolls through his despairing confidence-shattered life, anguished by his lack of family support and the absence of a girlfriend.
Sammy makes sure you feel his pain... standout as rare as it gets Californian Deep Soul
flip it over a typically Bay Area R&B Northern Soul shaker unfolds, this time Dimples Fields embellishes the session with a snaking flute and bluesy guitar pulses. Killer R&B the preserve of a few A-List New York DJ's and few few others.
Two excellent sides shimmering and validated |"rarest" possible status, all in perfect condition.
Condition Report
A previously unplayed archive copy, in impossible condition, still housed in its birth sleeve, vinyl reveals the merest sleeve contact, storage hairlines. .
Danny Overbea with King Kolax Orchestra
40 Cups Of Coffee / I'll Follow You
Checker : 774 (45s)
Nearly 70 years old and still cocooned in it original scallop top, serrated seamed brown birth sleeve.
A real collectors trophy, but surely there'll be a stampede of European R&B DJ's you would relish spinning a perfect/Mint copy of this dancefloor-shaker that is so hard to find in anything but scratched battle worn condition.
King Kolax provides a rattling "pacing" drum, introduce the moody slide guitar pulses, wailing horns, relentless piano peppers Danny's building frustration, with Danny pacing the floor saturating himself in caffeine waiting for his gal to come home. The Killer instrumental break and it's a quater for four you can now hear Danny now snarling exasperation, as he bemoans the fact she still isn't home.
It's been hours and 40 cups later she arrives home at a quater to five, he wanted to hug and kiss her, but was just glad she came home alive!
A narrative that pulls you, feeling sympathy for his situation, then the fabulous conclusion, the floor pacing is over - a killer example of top-drawer Chicago R&B in just impossible condition!
Condition Report
MINT! Archive stock, impossible previously unplayed condition.
Jimmy Moore
Church Street Sally / I Hate You Baby
S.P.Q.R. : 1006 DJ (45s)
Frank Guida as always takes his work to the limit, with this death-defying rollercoaster ride of high-octane R&B Northern Soul. The Sheiks lead singer Jimmy Moore wheel-spins his snarling vocal, boucing off the screeching harmonica, squealing girls, an a mournful saxophone whistles in the background, as the studio begiun s to party. Frank’s behind the wheel.. be prepared to wreck the dancefloor, burn-up the soles of your feet, as the friction from fully-charged Northern Soul turbo's trigger all those compelling gymnastic desires into action.
Church Street was of course where all the action was in mid-60’s Norfolk.. and Sally was the Queen of that neighborhood. So let Sally into your life, she’s an unparalleled beast with one intention...to wear you out.
What a way to go!
Breathless, exhausted and with a smile on your face...
This is Northern Soul at it most-motivating
Condition Report
two clean promo labels - fine clean play perfect mint minus vinyl - no sign of any NS DJ
Billie Davis
Just Walk In My Shoes / Ev'ry Day
Piccadilly : 7N 35350 (45s)
From the beginning this stylish south-west London Mod girl stood out from the rest, her beseeching vocal style, mesmeric beauty, along her cutting edge fashion sense, enhancing her natural stage presence. Carol Hedges won a talent competition at the age 17 which started her on a recording career of mostly R&B Soul. Guided by an associate of Joe Meek, producer Robert Stigwood who wet on the future "Cream" and "Bee Gees"
By her 2nd. record, a vivacious version of The Exciters "Tell Him" Billie broke into the top 10 of the British pop charts. He career looked set to fly, unfortunately a serious car crash, sparked newspaper rumours of an affair with a married man and her career went quiet. Decca terminated her contract, from then on her newly released records were largely ignored by radio stations. Starting a barren 5 years of no hits. Until she again hit the lower end of the charts with ""I Want You To Be My Baby" in 1968, another Northern Soul dancefloor pleaser..
In between her two spells with Decca Billie recorded some killer Soul duet with R&B exponent Keith Powell. Carol Hedges had soul/r&b running through her veins, you can hear it trembling in her emotional delivery. "Just Walk In My Shoes" is by far her most-wanted least seen 45. Brilliantly produced by blue-eyed soul-boys John Schroeder ad Alan Tew who whilst capturing the essence of Motown with the horn crammed, girl chorus decorated backing track, Billie's vocal ifts it up and away from jus another "copycat" version. Her vocal having an identity all of its own, delivery inspiring Brit-Northern Soul. Listen and be prepared to be impressed!
Do not pass-by the flipside, as the talented Billie writes her own stomping Hammond laden MOD shaker " Ev'ry Day" that seems to have been overlooked through the decades, even though the keyboard break and her pleading, reaching-out vocal is superlative MOD fuel.
Condition Report
two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss vinyl, revealing some very soft sleeve storage surface hairline blemishes, both sides play clean. still housed in its birth-sleeve.
Joe White
Rodie All Around / Bad Man
Doctor Bird : DB 1069 noc (45s)
The slightly more PC friendly title for the UK market adjust from the Jamaican original release on Wirl 125 "Rudie's All Around" for "Rodie All Around" Doctor Bird promotiomn team very weary of the over zealous BBC watchdog at the time.
But it mattered not as the delicious slice of Kingston street-level Rock Steady never achieved any airplay whatsoever. The only way to hear and buy it was from the specialist Jamaican music shops dotted around the major cities of England.
Today it seldom comes to marks, condition of this copy is "blues party" weary but plays an exceptional Excellent list how multiple soft hairline scuffing DOES NOT affect play.
Two great sides singing about delinquent local boys and a dishonest bad man, a daily problem on the lively streets of Jamaica.
This 1967 harmony dancefloor experience captures the mood completely...
Condition Report
A-side label is clean, with only soft storage rub, flipside label has two H - S in red ballpoint, original centre has been removed. (see images). Vinyl carries multiple soft hairline scuffing under light, not one that is fingertip sensitive, thus not pretty but plays a totally clean excellent, listen to both soundfiles lifted directly of this visually vg surface. amazingly clean!