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.
Tobi Legend
Time Will Pass You By / Heartbreaker
Mala: 591 (45s)
a "Time Will ass You By" STOCK copy in near flawless condition!!
At this moment all I can say is WOW!!
Condition Report
NO drill, tiny x on label, almost invisible against "blue" backdrop. Vinyl forensics reveals the minutest hairline or two when angled in the light!<br /> <br /> A STUNNING COPY!
A STUNNING COPY!
Metrics
Wishes / I Found You
Chadwick : CH 101 (45s)
Condition Report
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Rico an his Blue Boys c/w Prince Buster & The Blue Beats
Soul Of Africa / Wash All Your Troubles Away
Blue Beat : BB 200 (45s)
Written by Rico himself, this Jazzy fluid groove exudes the feelgood pleasure of Jamaican SKA gives you.
Rhythmically addictive, uplifting, charged with everything that is good about that bygone era. Capturing those Jamaican musicians able to picture a picture, whisking you off of far away places; just my the manipulation of their given instruments. Both Rico Rodriquez and Prince Buster were masters of that illusion.
Two great sides, a hard disc to secure in clean condition.
Condition Report
Both solid center labels are clean, a-side vinyl has a few light hairlines. as you can hear nothing that affects play, listen to two crisp clean soundfiles. the flipside vinyl reveals only one or two hairkines and sits at 1/2 a grade better and excellent
Maytals with Bryon Lee & The Dragonaires
Bam Bam / So Mad In love
Doctor Bird: DB 1038 (45s)
Here is the winner of that even pressed onto a BMN records then released on Britian's icon Reggae imprint, Doctor Bird.
A 45 that is hard to acquire with clean labels, die cut center intact, and perfectly acceptable playing condition. Uncommon indeed
This is the cleanest copy we have encountered in memory.
Do not pass by, nice copies of DB 1038 are few ad far between
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, 4 prong center intact, vinyl reveals on the finest of occasional hairlinesa. As you can hear it plays crisp, loud and clean. Flipside has a few more tiny marks, hardly affecting play. A very nice copy
Frankie & Johnny
I'll Hold You / (I'm Never Gonna Leave You)
Hickory : 1391 (45s)
Not a common source of classic Northern Soul but this recording for British Decca, certainly underlines two rasping Celtic vocals of note, cradled by another standout Johnny Harris orchestral backdrop. With Johnny But put then togeter undr the eye of Johnny Curtis impressing for Parlophone under Harris. He was the perfect springboard for Maggie Bell to bounce off. This is n ot the first time Johnny Harris has been highlighted on these pages. Just like John Schroader he was an underestimated talent who produced, arranged and crafted so many great "Brit-Soul" recordings.
Discovered first on it's ultra rare UK Decca release, it stayed rather an exclusive spin for a priviledge few. Then to surprised British NS followers some Hickory 45's started to trickle onto the scene, and Frankie & Johnny went viral and F & J became a monster play, countrywide.
Today the USA Hickory supply flow has long run dry, and this variation is the only likely path to ownership if you are dedicated to owning and playing originals..
A NS classic that guarantees a refill the dancefloor rescue mission; just like it did back in day when Wigan, Yate, Cleethorpes, The Ritz all shook to Celtic tones of Glasgow... and Johnny Harris's richly equipped orchestra.
Condition Report
A few very fine hairlines, only sleeve contact blemishes, none of which affect play. Two clean labels that only show ultra mild storage rub on the label ridge. (see scan)
Don & Debbi
I Can Be Happy / Shut Out
Amos: AJB 142 (45s)
On highly regarded label that has given the rare Soul collector/ DJ Sam Nesbit, Ebony Jam and this the rarest 45 of them all, by the mysterious Don & Debbie, playing verbal volleyball, as they exchange independence, defiance and self esteem.
As two strong vocal fight it out for the upper-hand of survival after a love-breakup.
Strings cradle a shrug the shoulders of Don's indifference. Whilst Debbi hits back with a mighty Sister voice, echoing she feels exactly the same. For me, this is one of the greatest Soul duets ever committee to 45 release.. urgent, insistent and utterly compelling; giving up an unparalleled display of earth shattering vocals.
Flip it over and the pairing underline their vocal prowess, with a Funkier dance tune in which Debbi comes to the fore. Flexing her mighty vocal across some telling lyrics..
Two strong sides, one hard disc to acquire... perfect for the DJ wanting to inject "punch" and "Real Soul" into the mainline of his set.
Condition Report
Fine clean vinyl, two equally clean
Jackie Lee
Darkest Days / One For The Road
ABC : 11146 DJ (45s)
It was dark times & barren years that crafted this masterpiece.
https://www.raresoulman.co.uk/jackie-lee-darkest-days-one-for-the-road-abc-11146-dj.html
Delta # 73393 Promo copy.
After his rather testing time 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 releasing life, had just drawn to a close, after only the label had only one 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 were barren times.
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 commands a 3 figure sum even though it was pressed 3 years after the original..
So before you today is a masterpiece 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 intro obscurity..
Go click the soundfile and see what teetering in despondency creates, when great talents meet in one room.
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 girls pour out sympathy, as Jackie Lee's cutting vocal fades away!
BRILLIANT!!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, play perfect hardly spun styrere, crystal clear fidelity delivers goosebumps, not matter how many times you've heard it before.
Ad Libs
New York In The Dark / Human
A. G. P. : 100 (45s)
The talented Mr. Taylor was allegedly reflecting upon the November, 1965 "blackout" of New York, with over 30 million people without electricity for over 1/2 a day. John allegedly sat down and wrote this Northern Soul winner which then then was released as a flipside. Admittedly the chosen a-side "Human" is a drop-to-your-knees, jaw-dropping version of Tommy Hunt's Scepter masterpiece. (an surprise Sunday chill choice if there ever was one)
"New York In The Dark" hit the Northern Soul scene like a bolt of lightning, rattling drums, juiced up vocals, spark the upbeat dancer into high voltage Northern Soul action. Mid-seventies this was simultaneously a top-tune at Wigan Casino, Cleethorpes Pier and everywhere else after Neil Rushton's West Midlands Inferno label reissued in in 1979, there was of course the inevitable horrid 70's bootleg with the statuary low-fi sound quality.
This is a Northern Soul classic that still has "legs", surprisingly underplayed, it would be an inspired "oldies" drop; a totally instantaneous dancefloor detonator. From the first note sparking the need to dance...
Today to locate a copy in clean condition, is not easy capture..
Condition Report
Under direct "light" which John Taylor didn't have, the vinyl reveals some sparse light hairlines none of which affect play EX+. The flipside vinyl there is a slightly greater amount but BOTH sides play loud, crisp and clrean./ Check out the double sound file prvided. Two wonderful sides, that would surely have given J. T. a hit if Blue Cat and the influence of Leiber & Stoller were behind it. Both labels as you can see are clean. Still sporting the full rich Blue it was given at birth..
Sy Hightower
The Carmen Recordings / Untited, Unissued, 6 track test press only album
Monarch Recordings: JP 2002 (LP)
This Los Angeles test press album from 1975 one of only 3 known copies - this is not only "THE" ULTIMATE Rare Soul album of all time. It is also one of the very finest examples of 70's independent Soul, you could ever dream of hearing
The 6 tracks exceptional track are:
1.Go Back Baby take 1 (killer rare soul dance, at the correct speed)
2 Go Back Baby take 2 (killer rare soul dance, at the correct speed with slight variations)
3. I've Been Thinking About You (a premier sweet soul harmony ballad, with group harmony of the highest calibrre)
4. I Know You're Leaving Me (no introduction required)
5. I Wonder Why (his most wanted recording, at the correct speed)
6. Wild Love (an inventive stop-start mid-tempo dancer)
The other two known copies currently reside in two of the world's top Soul collections, and are never expected never come to market.
A unique opportunity to acquire the rarest, greatest, most revered LP of the 70's decade.
If you are the type of collector or DJ who only settles for true authenticity, please note the disputed 2006 UK 45 on Hayley 45 was pressed at the WRONG SPEED!
Now enjoy snippets of the glorious emotion emitted by Sy Hightower and hear the tracks as producer Jerry "Pynes" Pittman originally intended.
Condition Report
Fine clean vinyl as you can hear plays crisp and true.
Clay Brown
Why You want To Change part 1 / Why You want To Change part 2
Florentine : 0020 (45s)
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, near Mint vinyl. Very nice copy indeed
Jason Knight
Our Love Is Getting Stronger / Standing In My Shoes
Astor : AP 1426 (45s)
Having already cut his recording teeth as a member of the Pye's 4 man R&B slanted group "The Loving Kind" and sang upbeat cover versions of "Ain't That Peculiar" etc. John Schroeder was quite happy producing two songs Derek had written. John Schroeder himself was heavily in favour of Soul & R&B and produced perhaps more homegrown "Soul" 45's than any other British producer during the mid 69's early 70s. A "Brit" the Northern Soul fraternity should maybe paying homage to, his output for "Soul" was truly astonishing.
On this Jason Knight recording, Schroeder together with Les Reed summon up and blend the forces of blaring brass, pumping Sax; accompanying the muscular vocal of an enthusiastic Jason Knight. The result is just perfect Northern Soul, beat for beat, bristling with all the credentials of a USA production. So good in fact, it has remained a Northern Soul classic to this day and is currently enjoying a huge renaissance with the dancefloor.
It was a title burned into the minds of every young Northern Soul fan during the early 70's, as the hope of finding a copy during a vinyl-dig was the dream, every time you walked into the corner junk shop or ran to the local market stall to see what was new.. it was records like this that drove the desire to get there first...
OMG I would have died a horrible death if anyone ever found a copy of this in Melton Mowbray when I was a kid.
Now before you is the extremely elusive 1967 Oz press.. a thing of beauty!
Condition Report
Beautifully clean vinyl, just the finest of hairlines revealed under direct light. Yellow background on the label has very mild age-foxing (inspect scan) there is the tiniest sticker removal scar just above the apex of the A in Astor. Minuscule flaws and not affecting it's huge desirability for such a rare, rare piece.
Mary Wells
Live at Tiffanys signed poster / Tuesday September 5th. 1972
Tiffanys: poster (MISC)
One of only TWO posters ever made for the event. The whereabouts of the other copy is unknown; presumably lost or destroyed, as few people saw value in posters back in the early 70's throw-away society.
Condition Report
nearing 50 years old and holding full depth of colour to the florescent orange, black print is unfaded. The only light flaws are the very top and bottom corner, with tiny pin pricks and tiny corner-tip tears, where it has been carefully removed from the entrance walls of Tiffany's 46 years ago
Marvelettes
Marvelettes / 1965 4 track EP with cover
Tamla Motown : TME 2003 EP PS (EP)
This EP features the Marvelettes best from 1963 / 64 recording that appeares on UK Stateside as singles, none of which of course were hits. But utterly classic style Motown girl-group dancer. With particually the lead track "Too Many Fish In The Sea" being a MOD club classic spin.
1. Too Many Fish In The Sea
2. He's A Good Guy
3. You're My Remedy
4. Little Girl Blue
As always a stunning cover compliments the label, the songs making the 13 the pinnacle of any TMG collection, once completed.
Here an elusive example in the right condition!
Condition Report
Only a few very fine laminate veins visible at he very edge, on close inspection of the otherwise flawless spine. Two perfect labels, both 4 prong center are clean, sporting the "sold Subject .." original text. Good gloss on the vinyl wit hardly a blemish. A mighty fine example..
Sam Fletcher
I'd Think It Over / Friday Night
Tollie: 9012 PS (45s)
In 1976 as a naive wannabe, I was combing the USA trying to find Northern Soul to bring back to the UK. It was hard back then to make a trip profitable, if didn't pay dividends I couldn't see how I could afford a return trip.. The record were there, my knowledge wasn't..
I had made contact with a Beatles collector in Miami by the name of Richie Ulloa. He had just purchased a rare Beatles related 45 off me. A Tommy Quickly - Tip Of My Tongue - a Lennon and McCartney composition 1963 UK press in Mint unplayed condition. He was a very happy Fab 4 boy, so he said if I get to the states drop by, he knew a few places I may find some records.. that was the biggest understatement of my life.
When he took me to a store where the guy had moved down from Chicago with 3 trucks loaded up with Vee Jay 45's and LP's. He used to be a Vee Jay big shot, he thought he would retire in Miami and sell the records he had accumulated within the business..
It was a huge beach front store full to the rafters with sealed albums; the 45's were in the back, a labyrinth of rooms racked up with 45's. Maybe 250,000 or more. Problem was the owner was in hospital having heart surgery, but the lady manager liked my accent so she said sure go dig around, but be careful it's a mess back there (another understatement) The owner had used the rooms as a clutter-tipping point. Bicycles, Fridges, Mops, buckets, Bread bins, mixers, boxes of clothes, shoes, and every other defunct household item you care to mention.
His lifetime of jumble and chaos blocked access to the first 8 shelves all three sides of the all the rooms, so I had to climb over his detritus to start looking at the top 3 racks.. I only had 3 days before I flew home...
What a dick-head! I should have emptied each room and thoroughly looked at every record. But I was young, excited and knew just about nothing about doing a serious job on such an overwhelming load... worse than that time there was very little on Vee Jay 45's, other than Fred Hughes, Betty Everett that was a Northern Soul wanted 45 at the time. So I concentrated on labels like St. Lawrence, Champion, Exodus.. I scored like a pig. Tainted Love promo's, Batman At The Go Go promo's just a ton of stuff. I was really pleased, all mint, all 50 cents each.
Richie was super pleased too, I found a handful of Beatles Vee Jay EP's promo's in picture covers. I let him have (ffs) as I had no interest or knowledge of other priceless records at the time.. a moment that will stay with me forever..
at the very end of the building was a side wall about 8 ' by 8 ' just full of one title on Tollie.. thousands and thousands of copies of yellow label Sam Fletcher's. I didn't know the title so I played it. Thought it was ok but far too slow for a Northern Soul tune. I ignored them and went back to clambering around on the junk, randomly pulling out hand fulls of accessible 45's and finding a few I wanted, every so often.
I went to Miami Airport chuffed as hell with my finds.Amazingly my local competitor Rob Lythall of Leicester was in the same airport lounge after a holiday.. I couldn't wait to waft a few St. Lawrence promo's under his nose.. totally cruel but gave me a strange warming feeling inside...
Then when I got home, I reflected on what a crap job I did sifting through, this once-in-a-lifetime vinyl hoard... so I rang Richie and said I'd like to come back and do the job properly, clean each room out of junk and see the 80% I couldn't get at.
Then the bombshell was dropped, the Vee Jay man never recovered from heart surgery, the shop closed and nobody knows where the records went to..
I was gutted, Richie was gutted .. we lost contact and I never saw Richie again ..
But I can tell you, those 3 days still haunt me today, that indelible shining vision of wall to wall of Sam Flecther's ...
we all know that record-dealer hurt that strikes all to often when you reflect back upon your mistakes, due to inexperience and haste.
PS if anyone knows which "dump" those records went to, me and Richie would love to know.. apparently none of those records, ever turned up again..
Condition Report
Flawless labels, flawless vinyl and unblemished and rare PROMO only picture cover.
Double O's Demingo's
Color One Tear Black / Color One Tear Black part 2
Split : 305222 (45s)
From the streets of Cincinatti, Ohio this 1973 creation offers up two deliciously Soulful recording part 1 & part 2 but both totally different styles.
Part 1 is a harmony stepper, slow slick start, that picks up a little pace as it develops, that then falls back into a dreamy trance like state of Low-Rider excellence.
Then flip it over, and everyone concerned is up and at it. From sultry floater it transforms into a sexy mid-tempo dance groove dominated by hard hitting horns and an insistent Sax. As the vocally are carefully woven into this Jazzy arrangement, as a zipping piano takes control. Stabbing brass add the muscle, floating harmonies add contrast and the whole session fuses into a masterpiece of local SOUL!
What ever your preferance.
Condition Report
Multiple light surface marks, two lightly worn labels.
Principal Edwards
Captain Lifeboy / Nothing
Deram : DM 391 DJ (45s)
Principal members Richard Jones, Nick Pallett, Geoff Nicholls regrouped pulling in fresh blood; Shortening the band name (fabled to have derived from a Exeter University employee). The new teams first 45 for Deram was this weird and truly wonderful slab of Folk/Psyche/Prog Rock under the guidance of Nick Tauber recently engaged in many fine Thin Lizzy sessions.
Nick mentors a rich array of vocals, superior Spanish guitar picking, a wealth of percussion, heavy drumming & tambourines, with Jethro Tull inspired tin-whistle interludes. It all works so very well. Crafting a top-drawer example of early 70's Progressive Rock.
Flip is over another worthy fusion of Folk/Prog awaits
Condition Report
Both sides have flawless vinyl, labels have Radio Station notes on them (see scans ) all house in birth sleeve
Michael Rose
Observe Life / version
Carib Gems : C.G.002 (45s)
Just before this highly gifted artist joined Back Uhuru as lead singer he recorded this fluid dub gem in 1977.
An uplifting ditty showcases Rose's light but highly effective style woven into a simplistic arrangement.
Flip it over for a beefed-up Dub version enhanced by the heavy bass of Lloyd Parks, allowing Micheal Rose's sweet vocal to return at all the right times.
Hard to find, especially at this level of near perfectness.
Condition Report
two flawless labels, superb mint minus vinyl
Pink Floyd
Meddle / 1971 original first UK press
Harvest : SHVL 795 (LP)
First press matrix is variant ONE.
a-side matrix SHVL 795 A -3 additional matrux stamps C11 @ 3 o'clock 3 9 o'clock
flipside matrix SHVL 795 B - 1 U
The fragile texted gatefold cover is also in exceptional condition, only very mild corner-tip storage rub (see scans) reveals it's age. Inside the gatefold cover is free of any flaws, except the expect =occasional ageing stain very light brown, sparse and certainly not distracting or devaluing in an way. (see images will shall provide later this week.
An iconic 47 year old in cherished almost unbeatable condition..
Just stunning!!
Condition Report
Spectacular vinyl, is totally unblemished, not sign of play other than the soundfile we have just lifted. A-side label has a solitary fine spindle trail from the centerhole. B-side label is perfect completely free of any spindle trail. media could hardly be finer, housed in original Harvest poly-lined inner.
The Girls - My Baby / My Love - Capitol
My Baby / My Love - Capitol / My Love
Capitol : 5528 (45s)
As featured on that wonderful CD "Girls With Guitars" here are the wicked Sandoval Sisters, giving up fingernails-bared performance featuring PMT vocals and strumpet guitar playing..
Girl with attitude - bring it on... personally I'm bored with hard-done-to teenage guys with whining voices, moaning about their girls being untrue.. makes you wonder how they would handle dating any of these four gorgeous ladies, with raucous vocals and strident guitar gifts..
It maters not which side you drop the needle onto. Both sides deliver outstanding Girl-group recordings. Although Capitol's chose of lead side "My Love" a beefed up Girl-group version of a Shadow Morton with the Shangri-las session. Tons more attitude, strong production and excellent guitar work.
But for me and and presume true Garage collectors what is hidden on the flipside is truly a breathtaking experience of "Girls At Their Best" The 4 Sisters leave all sugary girl characteristics at home and turn into sorceresses of Garage. Relentless, urgent, determined and convincing; with harmony thrown into a cauldron of guitars and wailings..
LOVE IT!!!
Condition Report
Good gloss, some light surface marks but plays (as you can) hear very well indeed. Label has moderate storage rub..
Joey Gilmore
Joey Gilmore / inc: Funny Feeling
Blue Rock : 55059 (LP)
The whole album a mix of 70's Soul and Southern Funk crafted by the two prolific Florida producer / lyricists Snoopy Dean & Horace Straws; a pairing that has a plethora of standout Soul songs to their credit. They surely must have hoped for "Funny Feeling" would catch T.K.'s and Henry Stone's ear, I hear a "hit" dancer over the airwaves it it ever achieved airplay. But it didn't, the album flopped and had to wait for European vinyl-archaeologists to discover another hidden gem
They recording drips with potential, for an enthusiastic Jock to give it more than a cursory push.
Click the soundfile, an underplayed jewel awaits a DJ scholar or discerning collector of rare LP's
Condition Report
Fine clean vinyl, perfect labels, unblemished cover. Mint - / Mint - / Mint -
Valentinos
Sweeter Than The Day Before / Let's Get Together
Chess : 1977 (45s)
Just click thew sound file.. Do not overlooked the nearly as impressive B-side and be assure this copy is near mint minus with two unblemished labels house in it's birth sleeve..
When a 45 is as classic as this guaranteed floor-destroyer..
That's all you need to know.. isn't it?
Condition Report
The occasional blemish can be found under direct light, plays perfect. Both labels are impeccable
Fourmyula
I Dig Your Act / Alice Is There
HMV New Zealand: HR 334 New Zealand (45s)
Let's take you back to the seaside town of Cleethorpes and the Northern Soul invasion it experienced in 1973 when Mary Chapman first started a her occasional Sunday afternoon Northern Soul all-dayers in an small elongated room upstairs at the seafront dance palace the "Winter Gardens"
Even though Cleethorpes was the very edge of the British Soul movement universe, Mary was able to gather up a roster of up and coming DJ's. Poke, Dave Appleyard, Rick Scott, Chris Dalton, Dick Jervis and Johnny Manship. Soon they would be joined by Ginger Taylor, Soul Sam and Mary's first All nighter at "The Pier" was only months away.. the rest of course is history..
But there was a second wave of Cleethorpes influence on the scene towards the later part of the 70's, when Mary enlisted two charismatic DJ's to the line-up, both became Cleethorpes legends and arguably the most popular of all the resident DJ's who played the "Cleethorpes" scene.
Who could ever forget "BUB" the larger-than-life Disc-Jockey, who told hilarious jokes in-between records, and could be witnessed carefully aiming a spray of spit onto his vinyl, before cleaning them on that vast expanse of tee-shirt front. This Jolly figure was a true connoisseur of clean vinyl, in his quest for a dust free playing surface. The man was infectious cheering up the most miserable days & nights the North-Sea weather could blast that exposed cavernous dance hall with.
Then of course was the equally engaging presence of Nottingham's relentless hand-shaker Nev Wherry. His tall convivial figure, peering down from the stage, enthusiastically playing an endless stream of envy-inducing British release 60's Demo's mixed with all manner of off-the-wall Northern Soul dancers..
Before you today is a rare Nev Wherry discovery and constant play in his sets; the previously unknown and rare New Zealand version of the O'Jay's classic "I Dig Your Act"
Every time I hear William Bell's "Happy" I affectionately think of BUB!
But I haven't heard this "I Dig YOur Act" southern hemisphere style in decades, "The Fourmyula" on my turntable today, catapulted me back 40 years to a Nev Wherry DJ set and the joy he took in playing truly surprising records, that left you wondering how the hell did this guy from the suburbs of Notts, keep coming up with these weird and wonderful Northern Soul offerings..
This record has just ignited my Saturday morning into a warming renaissance with two of Cleethorpes & Northern Soul's great DJ's ever.. both sadly, no longer with us on stage... but certainly with us, in our hearts...
Condition Report
Stunning vinyl, close to perfect MINT, two clean labels
Flirtations
Stronger Than Her Love / Settle Down
Festival : 705 DJ (45s)
Rattling piano keys meld into searing vibes, that collide with a barrage of brass..
WHAT AN INTRO!!
a starting pistol for a mass migration from the carpet to the wooden floor of expression. The girls elevate those boasting lyrics on almost every word, as the lead singer becomes intent on breaking the sound barrier.. the awaited crescendo dores not disappoint! Burping sax, resounding vibes, a determined lead voice that is just not gonna be defeated... the tsunami of sound drives the dancefloor mood up and beyond all that's been played before ..
THIS IS GIRL NORTHERN SOUL at it most potent!
But do not overlooked the delicious mid-tempo flipside that has lived in the shadows of a Soul-blitz for too long..
Then there's that stunning label-vista to consider... does Northern Soul collecting get any more satisfying than this 45?
A listing that delivers on every aspect you could consider, whilst chasing the real-deal NS classics
Condition Report
The highly desirable multi-coloured labels are flawless. Nice clean vinyl with hardly a blemish. Strong clrean Mint minus both sides. Neatly housed in distributors sleeve.
Donna Colman
Your Loves Too Strong / If You want Me
Avin : 102 (45s)
David Wilkerson had the knack of creating the all powerful Northern Soul song. Classics like The Duettes - Every Beat Of My Heart - pleasured The Wheel, The Torch, Mr. M's at Wigan and most selective oldies events ever since. Plus the obscurity seekers thought his session with Perk Lee - The Docks on USA records was a real winner too.
But surely this solitary session with the mysterious Donna Colman, is Wilkerson's best-loved & most-wanted..
His penchant for the beseeching lyrics for potent productions, couldn't be more visible of this double helping of driving Northern Soul.
The topside enthralls as it drones on a wave of male-vocal harmony, creating a steady pontoon for Donna shrill vocals to spring from. Bass drum rhythms, an insistent piano, tambourines shake to the beat; just motivational Northern Soul that drill a hole straight through you. The guys take a pause, allowing Donna to drive home her desire with only the support of drums and piano. Her vocal performance is so very impressive.
But do not, in your mind-dancing euphoria of the a-side overlook the flip; as this disc delivers twice over.
The guys have left the building, and Donna takes her opportunity to prove what a muscular voice she can deliver. Projecting another musclebound Northern Soul dancer, that is surely worthy of surprise spins.
Two great sides - one elusive 45 - especially in this tip-top condition.
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, vinyl reveals hardly a blemish. Really nice copy..
Endeavours
Sweet Dreams / I Know You Don't Want Me
Stop : ST 372 (45s)
This 1970 press is now starting emerge on Radio and Sunday chill play lists in favour of the hard hitting Funkier side. How refreshing it is, now that the rare Soul DJ has the freedom to express his personal taste setting many stasndout recordings free. So much so Sweet Soul is now a burgeoning market all over the world. This is a fine example of that discerning trend.
Two John Thomas recordings, seamlessly constructed offering up two polar opposites of vocal group soul.
"Shattered Dreams" is sleek Sweet Soul at it's most cultured. Tight harmonies, hover and fall, then trying to rise on the back of a failed love affair, then all hope is lost. A heartbreak song, suitably cradled by an understated backing track, a simplistic piano, caressed drumming, paints a vivid picture of a broken heart and shattered dreams.
Prepare to affected by aching Soul at it's most poignant, chilling served up by a group at the top of their game..
Flip it over, again the guys flex their precise teamwork, this time on a meaty Funk filled explosion of dance. Crash, bang, wallop a "Cloud Nine" styled dancer springs from the speakers. Taking no prisoners as it fill the room with it's power, presence and pace. Full on horns, startling drums, blaring trumpets as a "Sly and The Family Stone" meets "The Temptations" holds your attention..
Two utterly contrasting examples of vocal-group Soul at it's most imposing!
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, vinyl is as good as it get. Clean unblemished Mint minus throughout.
Fascinations
Lucky (instrumental) / Say It Isn't So
Mayfield : 7711 DJ (45s)
This is the Rarest Northern Soul instrumental 45 of them all!
For many years this 45 was almost a figment of the Northern Soul scene imagination, it had been seen apparently, even a few said they'd heard it at a club. But it was not until "Butch" played this magnificent PROMO ONLY miss-press INSTRUMENTAL version of the Curtis Mayfield's "I'm So Lucky (She Loves Me)" that collectors & DJ's started to truly believe it really did exist.
A stunning Curtis Mayfield production just playing the backing track! and what a backing track it is too. Spilling over with Northern Soul excellence, as a barrage of horns, is skillfully soothed by the genius of Mayfield, as vibes, strings and drums weld together in a flood of distilled Northern Soul.
This pressing "mistake", when spotted as immediately replaced by the correct promo with the sweet vocals of the Fascinations on both sides. This DJ copy has only The Fascinations singing on the other side.
In my experience this is the rarest Northern Soul instrumental 45 possible to play. In my life I've only ever had this 45 twice, and that is the exact same copy recently returned home in a hard fought trade deal.
Personally I love the mystique of a master tape error, their has been a few examples of that in the Northern Soul collecting scene. Some of the best, never really existed. In some collectors minds this is a fabled 45, so elusive that back in the day it was talked about in record bars but nobody seemed to own a copy. Occasionally mentioned in the same breath as "My Room Is 6 by 6" the vocal version on Musicor Or Bob Relf's "Reachin' For The Best"
Sasquatch-rare and just bloody fantastic; all we need now is an instrumental of "You've Been Cheatin'" or "Girls Are Out To Get You" ..
If your wondering why this 45 escaped the chop and sneaked out it was sent out to a British DJ Roger St. Pierre presumably before the pressing error was spotted..
Condition Report
Vinyl has a few surface hairlines a strong clean Excellent and plays flawless, the label has had the Roger St. Pierre treatmebt of "label scoring" which was suppoosed to stop records slipping if you piled them up on top of each other, the days of the "Dansette" and little respect for label-art. All text is clear as you can see.
Pic & Bill
AlI I Want Is You / It's Not You
Page One : POF 024 DJ (45s)
Red & white addicts will find it hard to resist as we are presuming very few of you actually own a copy.
Pic & Bill (Billy Mills & Charlie Pickens) were Texas's answer to Sam & Dave who's out put for Fort Worth's Charay label was quite considerable. Many of which are very elusive and command healthy prices on the open market. Charay was a very disorganized label, with label numbers constantly duplicated or omitted completely. With Pic and Bill's complete discography often at odds with each other.
Their British releases there is no confusion, the pairing had 3 Page One 45's all of which are not very common, this # 024 in our experience being the rarest and the DEMO copy seemingly extremely rare!
We adorn the Red & White vision, but we love the two oh-so Soulful sides better, as Pic & Bill roll out an abyss of silky Deep Soul on the A-side. Then get into dance-mode on the flipside, as growling brass is matched by the synchronized snarks of of a perfect partnership. One thumping dancer and a sultry ballad awaits..
Pic & Bill were a coupling drenched in Soul but sadly never receiving a jot of recognition in the UK until it was all too late..
Listen and wonder why?
Condition Report
Small bb drill in label see scan (just noticeable by the "G" in the logo), vinyl is beautifully clean. All housed in Page One company sleeve.
Jesse Thomas
Bases Are Loaded / Should I Pay Dues
Tail-Gate: 1002 (45s)
Shimmering with all those atmospheric New Orleans characteristics Wardell Quezergue builds into every one of his arrangements. Nothing is spared in this wall of sound NS dancer. Sweet shrill girl choruses pepper the blaring horns, as rattlinng drum rhythms drive the pace. With Jesse Thomas's typically curled-top-lip vocal punches out the lyrics, comparing his new love-affair to a baseball play.
Blaring horns, rasping lead vocal, razor sharp girl-group back-up, blues guitar and a brass storm of biblical proportions..
PROPER NORTHERN SOUL..!
For real-deal Deep Soul, just flip it over. The horns change their mood as a despondent Jesse Thomas serves up a philosophical performance, being used and abused he's now thinking what the hell, what has he got to lose..?
A despairing stroller so perfect for his life-torn vocal cradled by a perfectly pitched brass and blues guitar..
Convincing Northern Soul backed up with mood-changing Deep Soul all made possible, by this seriously rare 45 turning up on my desk for only the second time this century.
Condition Report
biro intials on labels. Vinyl has some hairline surface marks, but as you can hear both sides play clean & true
Ansell Collins c/w Ethiopians
Bigger Boss / My Girl
Duke: DU-35 (45s)
This 1969 debut UK 45 for keyboard player featuring his flowing organ style, peppered with chants of "Bigger Boss" session. An uplifting "instrumental" showcasing the gifted Ansell changing key at will, then unexpectedly veering off into impressive finger-twisting rhythms as the relentless "chats" and percussion rhythms keep in all on line.
flip it over for the Ethiopians "Soul" session with an harmony ballad, that surely British Soul 45 collectors will be interested in.
Two strong sides, in just impeccable condition.
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, 4 prong die-cut center. The vinyul is impossibly clean
Rudies
Train To Vietnam / Skaville To Rainbow City
Nu Beat : NB 001 (45s)
Hard to acquire in nice clean condition, as most copies of this elusive 45 have been "party'd" with, and often had the labels defaced in the quest of "DJ secrecy"
It doesn't matter which side you drop the needle on the reaction is the same, top-drawer Skinhead skank.
Do not pass by, this record rarely surfaces in playable/collectable condition!
Remind yourself much this 45 gives up, click the twin soundfile.
Condition Report
Vinyl reveals some surface hairlines, as you can hear it plays loud, clean and clear on both sides. Labels are clean other than a light X on label. 4 prong die-cut center is intact. Nice copy..
Lonnie Lester
You Can't Go / You Choose
Nu-Tone : 210 (45s)
A droning whistle hum intro, hanging in the background but can't over-ride the snarling, spitting verbal attack 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 attitude saturated style.
It's pure Chicago meat & potatoes R&B aided by Lonnie's Gary, Indiana formative years, neighborhood edge hangs on his every phrase..
Northern Soul with balls, a dancefloor detonator... every time!
The Deep soul flip drips in emotion also - do not overlook
Condition Report
Near clean labels, flawless unblemished vinyl at a strong Mint minus
Continentals
Going Crazy / Give Me All Your Love
Island : WI-010 (45s)
Check out this double-helping of Jamaican vocal-group SKA at it's most uplifting. Check out the youthful enthusiasm emitted on both sides of these charming upbeat dance-tunes from the roots of SKA.
Records like this laid the foundations for a musical movement that would capture the imagination of the British youth almost a decade after they were recorded.
Classic vocal-group SKA in uncommon condition.
Condition Report
Rare clean condition, flawless labels, 4 prong center intact
Jackson Sisters
I Believe In Miracles / same: 2.57 mono version
Prophesy : ZS7 3005 DJ (45s)
A pre-disco era dancefloor detonator that has stood the test of time and longer.
The much-loved Bobby Taylor collaborates with Mark Capanni writing this stamina-sapping incendiary bomb, along with arranger extraordinaire Gene Page between them they craft one of the greatest dance experiences of the 70's.
Presented here are a unmissable promo in tip top condition.
Click the soundfile and keep still, if you can
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels fine unblemished vinyl all housed in birth-sleeve
Beverley Ann
You've Got Your Mind On Other Things / Until You
RCA: 47-9468 DJ (45s)
Timeless Northern Soul that inspired 1000's of teenage Northern Soul pioneers throughout the mid-70's
A record that ensured they would be making the same journey next week.
THIS IS NORTHERN SOUL!
Condition Report
Flawless vinyl, mint minus throughout. Spotless a-side label. Flip side label some faded writing on it (see scan)
Prince Buster
Dance Cleopatra / All In My Mind
Blue Beat : BB 388 (45s)
Iconic "Buster".. the skill in taking any theme, painting picture of a far of distant land on a wave of horns and chants was an unparalleled gift Cecil Campbell. Whether it be Chicago gangland, to China to meet a Blackheaded Man... Buster and this team had the power to transport to any time, any place to meet who ever is chosen subject was... the "lost art" of SKA one of the greatest music styles of all time; presented by one of it's enormous talents.
Irresistible listen with care, as it's charms will surely drag you in.
The flipside a a "lost" Deep Soul gem..
Two top sides, one very tricky disc to acquire.
Condition Report
A-side has good gloss, some fine hairlines revealed under direct light, occasional mild tick. Ex cond.. Flipside has more hairlines, background ticks but not overwhelming, vg+. The 4 prong die-cut center fully intact. Two flawless labels
Fascinations
Girls Are Out To Get You / You'll Be Sorry
Stateside : SS 594 (45s)
This Twisted Wheel anthem from the desk of Curtis Mayfield was quickly deleted, as were so many EMI 45's when it became blatantly apparent it was not destined for the charts. A bit premature by EMI as it this disc became as popular as "Open The Door To Your Heart" which EMI kept on their catalog selling 1000's over it almost 6 years of availability. It of course because a 60's club favourite. Triggering a 1968 UK SUE reissue, just before the infamous "Soul Sounds" were able to get in there first.
This record has lived in the hearts of Northern Soul fans for over 50 years, and today still ignites the same response it did back in 1966. A Twisted Wheel, Mojo, Dungeon, Nite Owl, monster that became the staple for all Soul clubs in the UK when Island's SUE records made it available, for a few months in 1968
This is Mayfield out Motowning, Motown as he did so many times before with The Impressions "Can't Satisfy" "You've Been Cheatin'" ..
A record from the Golden Age of Northern Soul, a record that helped lay the cornerstones for The Torch, The Catacombs, Wigan Casino to build upon.
An auction record today, because the timeless classic rarely surfaces in such fine, hardly played condition.
Condition Report
Two very clean labels, four prong die-cut center fully intact. Just very few fine sleeve contact blemishes revealed under direct light. OPlays perfectly with a play grade of Mint - / visually sits between Ex + / Mint - . A fine clean copy in rare condition for a must play 60's club anthem. Al housed in an original correct era lighter blue Stateside sleeve. Top copy!
Fugitive's IV
You are The One I Love / Blue Fugitive
Amber : AR 8615 (45s)
Why C&W warbler Bill Whittley would veered completely left field and produce this disillusioned Youth lament, perhaps only he knows. Totally against the run of his usual style, maybe a local 4 man gathering's singular attempt at a breakthrough. After this song they all seem to have disappeared expect Bill who continued to record and produce.
What it made for was, a seriously rare Garage 45, dazzling in their primitiveness and captivating in their delivery.
Bill did have one trait in his record releasing guidelines. He always named writer, arrangers and group members by their full names. A nice touch when these one-off 45 leave the plant.
The Fugitive IV are Cary Caywood (writer & Lead Guitar), Leigh Hurley (writer & Rhythm Guitar, Paul Hagle - Bass Guitar, Randy Phillips on Drums. So who delivered the whining self-pity lead vocal is a mystery. But it all works so well, insistent percussion, interactive guitar build up the rhythm as the lead vocal becomes more and more griping.
Flip it over and a quickly forgettable poorly executed ballad, which leaves you thinking the 4 are so much better with attitude, rebellion ..
The a-side is drenched in everything the collector seeks in local, small run 45's. A one single group, beating out the day frustrations, teenage life tribulations. This disc on the a-side caputures this, and without the kindly C&W producer a single fir the Fugitive IV would most probably never have happened..
If you like RARE! if you warm to primitive vinyl workouts.. this listing shimmers with both!
Condition Report
Two clean "gold" labels, little or no fade. Nice gloss on the vinyl, a few muniuscule hairlines revealed under direct light. As you can hear, both side play clean.
Alexander Jackson & The turnkeys
The Whip / Tell It Like It Is
Sue : WI 386 (45s)
Let me explain, there is no group called Alexander Jackson & The Turnkeys, now whether Guy Stevens "Scene Club" R&B DJ and Sue Records employee had this LaLa Wilson - Fleapot - on USA Aura 4509 "covered-up" as the imaginary Alexander Jackson? Sue even credited both titles to "Jackson" as the writer? Or they acquired tapes and artist info was lost, all is a mystery. Guy's influence of Sue releases was huge, his passion for obscure USA R&B knew no boundaries and many if not all te really obscure SUE picks were directly down to him.
But we do know this is a monster Bo-Ga-Loo instrumental, a frantic hip & Tittyshaker! Original released as LaLa Wilson - The Fleapot - Aura 4509 is no easy find either. Disguised as this fictitious ALEXANDER JACKSON & the TURNKEYS is a Sue & MOD collectors trophypiece.
Acquiring it in fine clean condition is very challenging..but here is a copy - do don't pause - it may be some time before you see another... at the condition level.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prog die-cut center fully intact, vinyl has strong gloss and hardly a hairline to discover. Plays beautifully
Tommy & The Derby's
Don't Play The Role / Handy Andy
Swing: 1001 (45s)
The result is a very special NS dance tune indeed. An atmospheric, seamless song that tells a story (all the truly great records do)
Just a low run local press from Jackson, Mississippi that lay hidden away from Northern Soul glory years of the 70's, to emerge like a breath of fresh air in the DJ sets of perhaps the most influential NS DJ of all time.
Today this is a top drawer collectors-piece, that the ND DJ can also have an ego-massaging drop to an always appreciative audience. After all just how many jocks can boast this masterpiece in their DJ box...
Outstanding Northern Soul, drenched in huge street-cred, collectors kudos and rarity assurance.
Condition Report
Two spotless labels, play perfect vinyl that reveals some light surface marks and a single turntable retrieve mark, a fingernail slip. None of which affect play.
Cleveland Robinson
Love Is a Trap / A Loaf Of Bread
Nosnibor : 1002 (45s)
Here is his his most wanted and finest offering to Northern Soul on his Nosnibor label.
A cocktail of booming of Soul, Latin & Jazz served up by a velvety bellowing voice of Mr. Robinson, awaits you. A vocal presence with the power to send shivers down your back, whilst warming your insides; as Cleveland portrays the pitfalls of love. woven into a fabulous arrangement. Started with a fanfare of Latin trumpets taking to the air, the starting pistol for a magical carpet of sound, for his muscular voice to cozy upon. Ear-piercing girl group choruses, an inventive arrangement with a "rattlesnake" rattle sound-effect punctuating the blaring the brass; Cleveland's consummate vocal meandering through Beast-Ballad-Heaven, a Northern Soul stroller with few equals.
The flipside should not be overlooked either, another great Northern Soul outing? A Popcorn hybrid.
One of the true towering crooners to ever cut a Soul 45's, a name to mention in the same breath as Ray Pollard, Lou Rawls, Jimmy Ricks... a purring delight that always grabs your attention.
His most wanted disc by a long, long way. Seldom surfacing for sale in this fine excellent condition.
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, vinyl revealing only the finest occasional hairline, none of which affect play.
Bobby Black
Right-On / Preacher's Daughter
Axis Enterprise : AX 117 (45s)
With a deceiving intro that may remind you of Barry Norman's TV Film Night (Billy Taylor's - I Wish I Knew How It would Feel) that Jazzy piano suddenly erupts into molten Northern Soul.
Artus Satterfield's remarkable New Jersey Enterprise that produced and released small runs of 20 or more D.I.Y Soul 45's on his Axis Enterprises Record Co.. This is one of his very best, written and produced for the locally prolific Bobby Black. Who just by himself has near 15 45's to his credit, underlining the long-haul-journey Artus & Bobby went on in search of a hit (that never came)
Artus did however leave a legacy of Northern Soul dancer behind, notably Charles Holiday - Don't Lie - Playboy. This Bobby Black 45 (his last for the label), is every note as impressive as the Charles Holiday NS Trophy and just as damn rare!
Check out the Jazz piano start, then prepare for the explosive launch of fabulous Northern Soul, littered with chirping girl-group choruses, swirling strings, an insistent piano promoting the dance rhythm, enriched by a barrage of brass..
This 45 has all the credentials a top Northern Soul tune should present, whilst under scrutiny for a dancefloor serving. Very little analysis require on this rarity as it is decidedly persuasive, uplifting & instant Northern Soul. With and an intro for pause, which always works so well with the Northern Soul scene.
Whilst there are still quality of this calibre, still to be played by Northern Soul DJ's, who needs to hear another yawn inducing oldie..
Keep it fresh guys, there are still rare underplayed records that have yet to have their day in the sun.. is this is certainly one of them
Condition Report
Totally, flawless. As good as it gets condition throughout. This record has sat in the wilderness of obscurity for far too long.<br /> <br />
Johnny Moore
Walk Like a Man / It's Just My Way Of Loving You
Date: 2-1562 DJ (45s)
The Sweets _ Satisfy Me Baby - on Soultown jumps to mind, with that amazing flipside "Something About My Baby" hidden on the flipside that lay dormant for decades. Likewise this Golden Torch classic, by Johnny Moore; a record that triggered gymnastic excellence from the dancers of that Tunstall sanctuary of Northern Soul. A more perfect example of real-deal NS would be hard to make a comparison. As that trusty partnership of Jack Daniels & Johnny Moore once again craft pumping 60's dance Soul that takes you to the very edge of the NS precipice.
Rolling drums, twangy guitar, barking horns, and a note-holding Johnny Moore at the top of his game; as he jerks and weaves his way through the lyrics with convincing enthusiasm.
This is Northern Soul at it's most "classic"
but lets return to our first observation, which highlights some killer tunes hidden away on NSC flipsides..
"It's Just My Way Of Loving You" is premier Northern Soul mid-tempo dripping with all the goodness that has nourished Sunday Afternoon chill-outs, and gets my vote for a drop at "Feed Your Soul" Newark next time..
Gorgeous floater hidden away on the backside of a superior NS staple.
Condition Report
Two super clean promo labels (never to cause an authenticity issue with the STOCK copy counterfeit) fine clean vinyl, a solitary ultra-fine light turntable retrieve slip fingernail mark NAP it is only pimple on a beautiful face. Very mild unavoidable "styrene" ping, that all copies are mildly inflicted with. This is super light, and does not in any way spoil Johnny double performance of brilliant Northern Soul! A cleaner copy I've not seen in recent times
Whispers
We're Getting Married / Are You Sorry
Gotham: G-7-312 (45s)
Billy Thompson's upbeat finger-clicking R&B composition is a top-drawer mover, emitting a torrent of silky vocals, as rattling piano rhythms force the pace; the five man group bounce off each with the lead switching back and forth. It;';s breathtakingly swift, upbeat and utterly joyous.
Flip it over and the Whispers change gear, to a low, low masterful ballad that epitomizes the silky sound of R&B lament; as the contrast of the Tenor, Bass, Falsetto cradled by harmony oohs, all gel into an abyss of seamless sound.
Wonderful!
Point of interest that harmony ballad was written by Terry Johnson, who shortly after joined the Flamingos then later Motown as writer, producer and occasional singer.
Condition Report
A-side has mild surface marks, visually vg+. B-side has slightly more surface marks at vg, plays so much better (listen to both sides) at vg+. Two clean yellow labels, no writing, stains, tears or stickers.
Wrong Kind Of Stone Age
Flying Low To Batavia / 3 track EP with cover
Wrong Kind Of Stone Age: 001 EP PS (45s)
The 3 tracks are:
1. Shadow
2. Run Amok
3. Toil
One girl & 3 guy group, put the whole release together themselves, it don't get more "Indie" or rarer than this!
Don't sleep on this one, we don't ever expect to see another. Especially in this sublime condition.
Condition Report
Spectacular near mint vinyl, a couple of blemishes (mos likely from the bagging process at he pressing plant) than any play. It appeared to be unplayed before we lifted the soundfile. Two perfect label, small hole solid center, all house in the original inner sleeve. Wrap around cover by "Jenny" is flawless, no writing, stains, tears or stickers. Just very mild ageing to the white in places.
Eyes Of Blue
Heart Trouble / Up And Down
Deram : DM 106 DJ (45s)
We did talk about this blue-eyed group last month, if you remember "Supermarket Full Of Cans", as good as that was; for me, it beggars believe that a a bunch of Welsh guys, could be given a stunning 1966 Detroit creation by George Clinton & Sidney Barnes and craft such an utterly fantastic job of recreating Motor City Northern Soul.
It was again all down to a man called Noel Walker, a young gifted writer producer who had a penchant, like some many at the time, for the sound of USA Soul. How Noel got to hear, find or even know this 1966 Northern Soul classic and record it the same year as The Parliaments, is a mystery.
Like we reviewed last month Noel Walker had already honed his skills on British R&B artists like Bournemouth's, Zoot Money, Liverpool's, Big Three and Leicester's, Fearns Brass Foundry. So Noel's passion for Soul was already in place when he discovered a six man gathering from Wales, who fitted the bill with their slant towards black music. Giving them the opportunity of recording George Clinton's Parliaments Golden World masterpiece "Heart Trouble" and what a stunning job they did.
This 45 surely ranks as one of the greatest Northern Soul recording ever made in the British Isles.
Along with "Supermaket Full Of Cans" this unfortunately was to be the only two "NS" 45's this gifted harmony gathering were to record. Only 12 months later Noel Walker had a hit with a novelty record on Deram. The dreadful Whistling Bill Smith's " I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman" Noel seemed to turn his back on "Soul" and the Eyes Of Blue moved with the times, towards the R&B/Psychedelia having signed for Mercury and releasing two highly regarded albums.
Only Jimmy James's version of The Artistics "This Heart Of Mine" can claim being better than the USA Soul original..
Click the sound file and prepare to be amazed what an utterly spectacular version of Heart Trouble" this is .. then spy the label image, a glorious 1966 Demo..
A thing of beauty and a gorgeous take on a truly fabulous song.
Condition Report
find clean vinyl, hardly a blemish. Label is free of flaws, but has very light storage blemishes (see scan) the 230 Decca stamping tells you you have 2 and a 1/2 minute of this spine-tingling Brit-Soul production to enjoy.
Ann Perry
That's The Way He Is / same: instrumental
Theoda : T 120 (45s)
The bulldozing intro fanfare of wake-up trumpets, without fails to generate the dancefloor dash. Very few, if any Northern Soul girl dancers offer such a potent backing track as "That's The Way He Is" which Ann addresses with an equally muscular
vocal performance aided by a room full of Detroit gals zinging out the choruses.
Matchless intensity, energy and vitality ride one of the greatest NS backing tracks of all time. It's a room filling volume of dancefloor goodness.. that just explodes with the feel-good factor..
THIS IS PROPER NORTHERN SOUL
a record to change the opinions of those who consider NS oldies are for the past.
I was one of those smug curmudgeons who have frowned upon the Northern Soul top 500 and it over exposure to this inventive scene.. but I must admit on playing it again for review. It just sent shivers down my back, the hairs on my arms bristled alerting me to reaffirming moment, as why Northern Soul was my chosen way of life ..
Ann Perry it don't get any more uplifting than this!!!
This copy has flawless vinyl, APR and Bell Sound stamps in the deadwax.
Condition Report
Near perfect vinyl, strong unblemished Mint minus on both sides, with two labels to match.
James Carr
A Man Needs A Woman / 1968 mono UK press album
BELL: MBLL 113 (LP)
Fully 16 tracks documenting this Soul Giant's work between 1966 / 1968. Prepare to be taken through the full gamut of emotions, as James Carr drags you into the depths of despair, then back up and into joyous triumph. James Carr aided by some of Soul's most talented wordsmiths, tell it like it is. With a beseeching voice that will stay with you for life!
James stamps his brokenhearted authority on tracks written and produced by Goldwax's most gifted contributors. Obie McClinton, Dan Greer, Quinton Claunch, George Jackson, Rudolph "Doc" Russell, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, Chips Moman, Johnny Mae Matthews, Jake Hammonds, Harlan Howard all the great lyricists couldn't wait to hear the incomparable James Carr interpret their words in his own formidably unique way.
The former "Soul Stirrer" took his formative Gospel years and delivered "heartbreak" like nobody else could then or since.
One of the most adored vocals of the last century, considered a Soul King in Europe - a Soul-God in Japan. James Carr's legacy to Real Soul will last for ever, as nobody did it like J.C. Click the sample soundfile, and prepare for an awakening, a realization that this man was the best at conveying emotion.
If you never buy another Soul album in you life, do not leave this mortal coil without saying you owned one of the greatest Soul archive ever compiled on vinyl.
Here is a silly rare 1968 UK press, in spectacular condition.
Condition Report
Cherished vinyl housed in an audiophile polythene inner-sleeve from purchase. Vinyl surface is utterly unblemished. Laminated flipback cover front has just a couple of fine laminated veins, otherwise flawless (see scan) The back cover however has age browning stain (top left corner) and minuscule foxing specks, inspect images provided.<br /> <br />
Ellusions
You Didn't Have To Leave / You Wouldn't Understand
Lamon : 2004 (45s)
THIS IS NORTHERN SOUL!!!
A top Northern Soul classic that seldom surfaces for sale - hardly surprising, as this calibre of Northern Soul, is not one a collector would ever consider parting company with.
Not just because of the memories this evokes when played (it just rocketed me back in time, to the an East Coast, All niter record basr and buying a copy from respected veteran record hound Steve Cooper from Bedford; who had been fortunate to find a few, circa 1977). That was 41 years ago and from that "find" the Ellusions went on to be one of the biggest NS spins for the next 18 months. Then the inevitable bootleg happened, pressed in horrid styrene; that put the brakes on it's turntable appearances.
Since those glory days when it was possible to unearth truly great records, there has been hardly a sighting in the wild of this standout vocal-group slab of Northern Soul. Not many relentless cratediggers can boast of turning a copy up in the last 40 years; that's why this 45 is now an investment level disc. Escalating in value year on year, as each decades passing, endorses it's extreme rarity.
Northern Soul, the truly great ones, is there a sounder asset?
I can't think of one..
and this is a "true great"
Condition Report
a few mid hairlines, plays clean. Two unblemished labels