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.
Epitome Of Sound
You Don't Love Me / Where Were You
Sandbag : S 101 (45s)
Total respect and love to Robert Paladino and Tony Camillo for crafting an unparalleled NS masterpiece, and to Eugene Thomas, Joe DeJohn, Bob Ligatino, Mike Paladino, Eddie Dill, and those heavenly girls, who's constant shrill support glues the whole experience together.
A record above all others that triggers euphoric recall, every time! A guaranteed trip back into our Northern Soul wonder-years.
Thank you for the magic guys, that even nearly 50 years after its first Northern Soul play - it still ignites that goose-pimple rush and the need to dance.
Before you today is the 1968 original press that no Northern Soul collection is complete without being near at hand, when the need arises to be elevated your day, you can be catapulted back to the best times of your life.
Condition Report
A cherished copy, two clean labels, strong gloss vinyl, revealing just some soft sleeve hairlines
Sweet Things
I'm In A World Of Trouble / Baby's Blue
Date : 2-1522 DJ (45s)
A weekly adventure into new music you'd never heard before, set up the tantalizing anticipation of planning your weekend with like-minded friends. Were you going to spend the weekend at The Catacombs in Wolverampton, Va Va's in Bolton, The Highland Room at the Blackpool Mecca, Leeds Central, The Torch in Stoke On Trent or maybe more local, The Brit in Nottingham. All these places were in fierce competition with each other to play the best discoveries. If a DJ at a certain club had just discovered an "exclusive" the word quickly spread and that club became the destination. To travel 200 / 300 miles to hear an "exclusive" new tune, was never considered too far, we'd scan the club adverts in Blues & Soul for anything we had not heard of, those names Richard Temple, Butch Baker, Sweet Things, Dynamics would appear in the adverts and off you went on a journey of discovery, full of expectations of hearing records that sent shivers through you.
In California there was Leeds exile by the name of Simon Soussan. Vinyl digging every day, unearthing mind-blowing previously unknown 60's Soul dance 45's. In Canada Martin Koppell's legendary trips over the border to Detroit, John Anderson's forays into most every USA major city, Ian Levine's family holidays to Florida. All contributed to triggering an avalanche of spectacular Northern Soul discoveries, on the home front there was Bostock's of Bradford and their unbelievable haul of over a 1,000,000 USA 45's to trawl through in Yorkshire. Alice Clark, Salvadors, Tymes, Superiors, Triumphs, Charades and 100's more were all found in Bradford to enrich the Northern Soul scene every week. It was all happening in the first few years of that fruitful 70's decade.
After being force-fed of a diet of Rod Stewart, Mud, T. Rex, Sweet, Mungo Jerry with little teasers by The Tams - Hey Girl Don't Bother Me and Supremes - Stoned Love reminding us where our true musical passions lie.
It is records like this, emitting the genius of Van McCoy as he guides Francine "Peaches" Barker and her two friends Dyanne Stewart, Nancy Johnson replicating the "Motown Sound". That just transported us away from the radio bombardment of British pop tedium into a nirvana of escapism we embraced as USA Soul.
For me and many others "The Sweet Things" epitomises that unrepeatable pre-Wigan experience, that hit you right between the eyes on the very first hearing, so very Motown-esque instant girl group Northern Soul that just kept you dancing. Check out that Van McCoy intro of ringing vibes, crashing drums and explosive horns.. then Francine's searing lead vocal just pulls you right in.. followed by a saxophone interlude
to-die-for.. Northern Soul music became the greatest thing in your life at the weekends.
It was of course one of those titles that came over from Mr. Simon Soussan in L.A. who saw the opportunity to bootleg the Date 45 on the "Soultown" label, bootlegs that fill met the demand of the British market these 45s too, would later also become so very collectable..
Here's an anthem dripping in euphoric-recall, presented in impossibly fine condition - still housed in its birth sleeve.
MINT minus over 50 years after its birth is a thing to treasure.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, full gloss mint minus VINYL still housed in birth-sleeve. This is not a record that has ran the gauntlet of Northern Soul turntable for half a century. Impossible flawless condition! act accordingly
Johnny Maestro & The Crests
I'm Stepping Out Of The Picture / Afraid Of Love
Scepter : SRM 122112 DJ (45s)
The 100 Club ANTHEM!
A 100 Club signature tune with few, if any comparables!
There is always a slot in any NS DJ set, to drop this colossal production in to, changing the mood, upscaling the moment, as Johnny's anguished but resolved voice soars on a wave of full orchestral triumph! As he decides it's time to "Step Out The Picture" although she had him "Fooled For Such A Long, Long Time" he's made up his mind, he's now leaving a selfish love affair. (proud of himself as he reflects upon her undeserved indifference)
We are so used to the Soul Man in denial as he apologetically begs for his girl's return, how uplifting it is to hear a triumphant “enough is enough” decision being made by one of New York's greatest ever vocalists. Not for the first time the brilliant lyrics from Mark Barkan and Ben Raleigh are set to a Northern Soul Brill Building production, but for me and most everyone else this is the greatest of them all.
The combination of Johnny's muscular key-changing vocal, The Crests lush harmony support, the intricate orchestral arrangement carrying those brilliant lyrics, heralds this NS beater head & shoulders above all-challengers for No. 1 Northern Soul big-production of them all.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, good gloss on vinyl with some soft surface marks none of which react with te sylus.
Yvonne Baker
You Didn't Say a Word / To Prove My Love To You
Parkway : P-140 DJ (45s)
Premiership Northern Soul anthems in mint minus unblemished condition - in 2021 are the stuff NS collectors dreams are made of. No forgetting, no serious Northern Soul collector who is lucky enough to already be the proud custodian of this timeless Philadelphia dancefloor motivator, would ever consider relinquishing ownership, especially a copy in this highly cherished mint minus condition. Here is a glorious March 1967 East Coast White Promo is just spectacular condition.
Ever dreamed of owning this timeless anthem as a copy that has never been enslaved on the Northern Soul DJ carousel... most known copies certainly have; no signs here of hissy, squeaky, incoherent grooves, as they tire from the rigors and fatigue of the circuit; as the few copies known have spent decades circumnavigating the NS scene.
This copy is AS GOOD AS IT GETS.. We have no need to review its charms, as we all know every word off my heart...we all treasure memories of our first hearing; the Billy Jackson orchestrated "James Bond" riffs ringing in our ears.. sending tingles down our spine.. hairs bristle of the back of your neck.. the buzz is too much, make way, you've just gotta get on that dancefloor..
As THIS IS NORTHERN SOUL at it's most inspiring, so memorable, it brings out every feelgood emotion you've ever had, right up to the surface..
Just as inspiring, is that feeling of holding a near perfect condition rare record...that feeling is now reserved exclusively for the prospective new owner.
Shockingly this NS masterclass started life as a b-side... rescued from eternal obscurity by Northern Soul pioneers leaving no stone unturned in their quest for Soul dancefloor perfection... wow just imagine a life without ever hearing and dancing to Yvonne’s soaring moment of majesty...
Condition Report
Two flawless promo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, housed in birth sleeve. this really is a stunning example of top-end Northern Soul classics
Soul City
Everybody Dance Now / Who Knows
Cameo-Parkway : C 103 DJ (45s)
When they signed the talented "Royal Robins" to their new Good Time project in 1966 Lewis & Weiner produced a wrecking-ball Soul dancer, that instantly became a thundering British club-classic. A Twisted Wheel staple, exuding distilled power upon the dancers. They threw the kitchen-sink into this wild session, repeating the feat again with the group's 2nd release "Cold Hearted Blues / Who Do You Think You Are" another couple of runaway-truck Northern Soul stompers. Finally Soul City's relationship with Mike Lewis and Stuart Weiner faded away with their last but wonderful release on Mercury in September 1967 - I Shot For The Moon - that displays the most exquisite harmonizing Soul vocals imaginable.
Which seamlessly brings me onto one of the Northern Soul scene best kept "masterpiece" secrets; the flipside another version of Gladys Knight's Maxx single "Who Knows" will shock you to the core. With premiership harmony soul, flowing right through you. Mike Lewis's arrangement of the horns gently peppering those silky vocals producing the most-glorious slab of Beat-Ballad-Heaven you could ever wish to hear. including 3 Paytons, George Payton's rasping lead voice, Halsey Payton - rich baritone, Ellery Payton beseeching lead, George Britt - 2nd tenor/lead, the booming bass from John "Buster Pete" Wiggins. What a truly remarkable vocal-group team these friends from Tidewater, Virginia were.
But the real value in this listing, beside the stunning music, is the alluring 1967 Cameo Parkway DEMO label and the near unblemished vinyl.
A TOP UK GRAIL.
Condition Report
A partial release date stamp on a-side label, only 10 shows the rest is "lost" into the black "A" otherwise two perfect unblemished promo labels. Full gloss vinyl, has two very soft surface grazes, not affecting play. otherwise the rest of the vinyl is MINT. All housed in a replica Cameo Parkway company sleeve. Strong Mint minus 45 throughout.
Tavasco
Love Is Trying To Get A Hold On Me / Stay With Me
Rampart : VRRNP-695 (45s)
I hadn't heard or see an original this modern-killer for many, many years... once the needle dropped .. I was again wafted off my feet, to paradise on the vibes of Joe Modeliste and that rich hanging but earthy-lead vocal and the triumphant Crescent City horns, celebrating the singers new found freedom as "Love Is Trying To Get A Hold On Me" you feel the solace in his voice. His optimism is infectious, woven into an inspiring dance backing. He is bursting with joy, that transmits straight to your feet via your heart.
Utterly glorious tune, so seldom seen on the open market.
Do not even ponder for a second.. vinyl regret can be harder to overcome... than love.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, an eye-popping full gloss mint minus vinyl
Lee Moses
Never In My Life / If Loving You Is A Crime ( I'll Always Be Guilty)
Dynamo : D-115 (45s)
A gifted guitarist, session player from Atlanta moved to New York to joined fellow Georgia writer/ producer Johnny Brantley a man who guided some of Northern Soul's true greats, Herman Hitson, Ohio Players, Towanda Barnes, Sam Williams etc. Not to mention his huge volume of work with Jimi Hendrix. Johnny Brantley was certainly a big mover and shaker within New York's black artist scene in the 2nd. half of the 60's.
Lee Moses was also a standout guitarist who had "Hendrix" style, a "Moses" contemporary during those formative years.
Today, Lee Moses enjoys a huge underground appreciation, compared to his comparatively small volume of work, only 8 singles and a solitary album crammed into just 6 years of recording activity. Every one of those releases are highly sought after, prized examples in rare-soul collecting scene.
This 45 was Lee's first release, showcasing not only his wicked guitar skills, but also a snarling vocal surrounded by vicious Vidalia horns. Killer Funk in the signature style of Brantley, who really appreciated a rasping voice driven by angst and passion.
The flipside, written by the wife of Jerry Williams, Yvonne. Is a Deep Soul masterpiece, saturated in need, despair and desperation, the voice for this pleading song could not have been better chosen..
Two great sides, showcasing two careers of real Soul-pedigree that unfortunately the general public never got acquainted with, but stand today, as rare-soul greats...
What a voice..! what a production ! which ever side you drop the needle on!
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, full gloss vinyl revealing only the merest light sleeve contact blemish when angled in the light. strong clean Mint minus throughout
Minits
Still A Part Of Me / Lover Boy
MGM Sounds Of Memphis : SM706 + promo memo (45s)
Silky Northern Soul Crossover dancer that has graced the turntables of all those discerning soul events, "Soul Essence Weekender" "The Orwell" as well as being a favourite with the dance crowd across the rare-soul scene of Europe. One of the ultimate girl-sounds of the 70's, the very classy production benefitting from James "Buddy" Skipper's orchestral expertise as this multi-instrumentalist fuses lilting guitar riffs, tinkling piano into a blasting Memphis horn backdrop. Sweet, sweet sister vocals rise and fall as the story of recovering from a broken-love-affair unfolds.
Vocally a masterpiece of the 70's girl-group sound, as the trio change places, entwining themselves into Dan Greer poignant lyrics of emptiness. Just beauitful!
A Northern Soul Crossover perennial that is just becoming harder and harder to acquire as the roll by.
Do not overlook the flipside " Lover Boy " almost but not quite as an enthralling dancer as the "A"
Condition Report
Two clean labels, a-side has a "star" stamping on it, to go with the promo memo from Sol Handwerger MGM's promotions executive. Strong clean mint minus vinyl revealing just a few soft blemishes. Very net copy!
Charles Spurling
She Cried Just a Minute / Don 't Let Him Hurt You Baby
King : 6115 DJ (45s)
Before you today is Charles Spurlings most sought after 45 for more reasons than just being it being a rare clean PROMO copy.
Both sides underline Spurling's writing and arranging, guitar playing capabilities with a killer piece of Northern Soul that will be carrying a much heavier price tag as it starts featuring more often in Top DJ sets, consequently more and more Soul fans begin to hear this fantastic dancer's qualities. Flowing lyrics supported on a bed of guitar rhythms and honkin' horns.. brilliant key changes keep up the driving pace, as the strident tune works it's magic on you. Insistent girls squeal out the choruses accentuating that increasingly combative vocal. This really is top-drawer Northern Soul ticking all the boxes to become huge when plays really take off...
As if to emphasize what a loss to Soul music Charles was when he gave up the microphone for the pen. The flipside is considered by soul-scholars a Deep Soul ballad of immeasurable proportions! Listen to Charles again writing advisory lyrics on lost-love, interlocked with hope, as he dreams of her coming back to him. A song utilizing dreamy girls in the backing, his own emotional vocal riveting your attention to one of the greatest Deep Soul performances ever captured on vinyl!
Two stunning Soul sides, both of which have the qualities that can only push it upwards in the valuation stakes... as appearing on the record market becomes more and more infrequent.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, full gloss vinyl revealing just a few soft surface hairlines.
Gay Poppers
I Want To Know / I've Got It
Fire : 1026 (45s)
Seismic Northern Soul R&B shaker from the prolific New Yorker Bobby Robinson who's production seldom fell below formidable as he guided the likes of Wilbert Harrison, Gladys Knight, Tarheel Slim, Bobby Marchan, Elmore James, Don Gardner & Dee Dee Ford to name but a few that are grateful for Bobby reliable uncompromising approach to writing and producing.
This 5 man vocal group from Charlotte North Carolina are one of his least know among his stable of artists spread across his Fire, Fury, Everlast and Enjoy labels. To say Bobby Robinson was industrious is an massive understatement. His labels are littered with marvelous R&B shakers, this one being one of the obscurer ones in his vast array of productions.
Local NC lyricist Nathaniel Black prepared both sides for this quintets much anticipated summer of 1960 debut for Bobby's label. Unfortunately sales suffered slightly from Fire 1026 being a duplicated release number for some of the labels of Elmore James And His Broomdusters - Rollin' And Tumblin' - Fire 1026 it should have read Fire 1024. How much that hindered distribution is debatable, but it certainly didn't help.
So here is one of this great label's obscurities, a relentless vocal-group stomping R&B shaker with huge dancefloor appeal, a floorpacker for several years, bootlegged, reissued to meet demand, but nothing beat the rich sound of the elusive original. Five guys benefitting from rattling percussion, rasping saxophone, blues guitar decoration welding a cocktail of infectious R&B dance.
I also really like the shouty "Isley Brothers" inspired flipside making, a foot-stomping journey into 1960 party-starting handclapping screamer, that was original chosen as the aside. But it is "I Want To Know" that ticks all the boxes and more for today's vibrant R&B Club scene.
Condition Report
Small signature on label (see images), vinyl reveal multiple soft surface hairlines that don't affect play. AS you will hear both sides play, loud clean and true,
Clydie King
Soft And Gentle Ways / He Always Comes Back To Me
Imperial : 66172 (45s)
The Page Boys, Billy & Gene once again deliver spectacular girl vocal Northern Soul from California. So good it matters not which side you chose to drop the stylus on first. Both sides give up ravishing girly NS, as this L.A. songbird and former "Raelette" flexes her mesmeric voice. Clydie is today recognized as one of the most talented girl backing singers in the business. But the Rare Soul collectors are enamored with all her work she did as a solo artist, with every 45 she released being held in very high regard. This is the 3rd. of her highly coveted Imperial releases; this time working under the part-guidance of Gene & Billy Page with Marshall Leib at the helm.
Both sides are potent big production Northern Soul beauties, as "Motown" influenced Los Angeles wanted a piece of the "Girl Sound" phenomena of Detroit. Sadly for her, all 3 of Clydie's superior 45's on Imperial failed to score in the USA and again it was left to the Northern Soul scene to bring them to life, presenting them to a very appreciative British audience.
So now click the soundfile and prepare yourself for two slick full orchestra productions of immense presence. The side we lead with is the captivating "Soft And Gentle Ways" a string filled production with full girl group choruses, creating an absorbing Soulful abyss you just fall into, there's no way once you resurface from its charms, you won't to play it again.Before the inevitable "flip" over to hear the equally spellbinding flipside "He Always Comes Back To Me", which again encapsulates everything we seek in a Sister Northern Soul experience.
Clydie King a Soul princess with the voice of an Angel.
Here is a top value 45, offering not one but two treasures of our scene, from a lady with the voice with a voice that descended straight from Heaven.
Condition Report
two flawless promo labels, full gloss vinyl revealing only the merest sleeve contact hairline or two.
Gentleman June Gardner
It's Gonna Rain / Last Night
Emarcy : E-4050 (45s)
This New Orleans Jazz troop, along with band leader Gentleman June Gardner, features some very familiar names to the Northern Soul scene. George Davis on guitar, Walter Booker on bass, Gentleman June Gardner on drums, with the great NS contributor Wardell Quezergue guiding proceedings. The gang intelligently rework Sonny & Cher's all but forgotten flipside to "I Got You Babe" transforming "It's Gonna Rain" into a momentous bombardment of horns, cascading over pulsating percussion provided by Gentleman June himself; whilst a scything saxophone pumps out shrill aerial notes, then brilliantly trading them for rich low-blow burping sax prompts.
The whole thing welds together seamlessly, into a killer jazzy Northern Soul delight that has been packing the floors the UK, its throbbing presence impossible to ignore. A current floor-filler of immense popularity..
Records like this are one of reasons the Northern Soul sound is impossible to define, whilst simultaneously making NS unpredictability, one of the strengths that keep this scene so vibrant...
Really so very cool, so very addictive, everybody loves this New Orleans march to the Northern Soul drum..
On the flipside the gathering, rework the Memphis instrumental anthem "Last Night" in Crescent City big band style, that doesn't work so well, but the addictively brilliant "It's Gonna Rain" more than makes up for it a 100 times over..
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl
Perfections / Durettes
I Love You, My Love / Sweet, Sweet Love
S.V.R. : P1006 (45s)
Arranged by Motown session trumpeter, an associate with Pied Piper's Herbie Williams captures completely the essence of the city's character, just like he did when backing up Earl Van Dyke and his boys. Donald Towns studio experience paid dividends on this
A gloriously rich disc to acquire
In 2021 all those wild copies found in a previous age, have long been tucked up into the world's greatest Northern Soul collections, with today's unavailability pushing values up, up and away. If I had to make a tip of a record likely to rise again to its former glory in the 80's. The presence of that haunting saxophone alone would get my "NS comeback" vote, not to mention the meandering rich calculated vocals fusing the lyrics into a rippling flow of Soul.
This is total CLASS! just drenched in that earthy genuine atmosphere of neighborhood... brilliantly under-glossed.
And the flipside is killer also, session girls The Durettes who performed backing vocals on many of Robert Szilagy Detroit projects get their chance after always being 10 foot from fame on so many sessions, these sweet ladies roll out another authentic street level Northern Soul dancer full of signature Detroit moments in the arrangement.
Back to back authentic Detroit Soul in part influenced by Motown/The Funk Brothers but retaining floods of priceless individuality, that makes small label rare soul productions, so crucial to the serious collector or DJ...
Decidedly different, consequently so superior to the "Hitmakers" working the same territory - this 45 brings it all home - no once but twice.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss vinyl reveals just a few soft sleeve storage hairlines. Both sides play mint minus
Lewis Clark
I Need You, Baby Brent / Dog ( Ain't A Man's Best Friend )
Brent: 7071 (45s)
Here's a listing for those of you always asking to recommend an under-valued Northern Soul sleeper, this one is sat on my desk begging to be heard by a wider audience. There are a few copies on the net at the moment but not in the level of condition our members have grown to expect.
So here is a thumping slab of elusive Northern Soul that has yet to have it's day. When it does receive the plays it deserves, hopefully soon - what price them - as it's haunting arrangement of brutal horns and cooing girls becomes irresistible? We suggest if condition is not you're priority, the few sulking copies on the internet at the moment need snapping up. You'll hear why when you click the soundfile attached.
Two classic style Northern Soul dancers with the superior side "I Need You, Baby" only available as the infinitely rarer red STOCK copy. A sleeper that has been starting to make a few scare inclusions in the more imaginative set from a few illustrious NS DJs. Stand by as this potent Northern Soul dancer, ticks all the boxes to rise in value as awareness blossoms. And of course when the very few vg copies are swallowed up, and collectors start to realize just how difficult the much scarcer stock copy is to acquire. The hunt will be on..
At the moment it is an affordable rarity, but we think it has the quality and the glaring potential to fly much higher, listen and prepare to impressed by our tip of the week.
Designed for the thinking collector with not so deep pockets..
THIS COPY IS FLAWLESS by the way.
Condition Report
two clean labels, full gloss minty minus vinyl with hardly a blemish.
Ted Taylor
Somebody's Always Trying / Top Of The World
Okeh : 4-7198 (45s)
Seems strange this potent screamer was written by a man who went on to lift Bob Dylan to stardom.. but Columbia's in-house writer/producer Bob Johnston (aka Joey Byers) who from 1965 was a driving force behind Dylan's success.
"Somebody's Always Trying" underlines Bob Johnston' versatility, his creativity providing a string of "frustration" phrases for that sizzling Ted Taylor vocal, to shred up with blistering intensity.
Wow! this is Northern Soul R&B at it most inspiring - no wonder the dancefloor becomes overload the moment Ted's intimidating vocal starts...
TOUGH-GUY NS R&B at it's most scintillating...
Irresistible invitation to dance..
Condition Report
Two ultra clean labels, absolutely no storage wear, crisp full shine gold text. Full gloss vinyl revealing only the finest, softest storage hairlines. Plays perfectly
Buster & Eddie
I Can't Be Still / There I Was
Class : C-1518 (45s)
What a great line to start a song, in the Spring of 1966..
This is proper real-deal Northern Soul that set the dancefloors of Wigan Casino & Cleethorpes Pier alight with NS gymnastics; Ignited by that irresistible Googie Rene beat, driving the growling double-lined vocals, burping saxophone, squealing girls and the relentless male-group choruses.. then that anticipated LIFT comes crashing in! Twice the pair request "Do You Wanna Dance" reaches a crescendo with an almighty "Whoop" that not only the backing singers hit with gusto.. but the dancers of those clubs also joined in with a shrill arm raising "WHOOP!"
Just like The Vel-Vets "I'm Gonna Find Me Somebody" this was not only a floorpacker, it was also an interactive 3 minute event with the crowd...an high accolade indeed.. A Northern Soul Anthem that is ridiculously hard to acquire as a PROMO but come to think of it, nobody is offering the Pink stock copy either, as it value rises year on year...
In the beginning, circa 1974/75 it was thought that this Northern Soul classic had never been issued at all. With just 3 copies of the DJ copy known; during those halcyon days of Wigan Casino & Cleethorpes Pier. Although it was and still is incredibly rare as a promo, the dearth of copies never prevented it becoming a Nationwide dancefloor monster.
Long before that 4 decades ago, the only 100 count box known was thrown in the Dore Records warehouse after a release number duplication with Googie Rene's "Chica Boo" there never got released!
Until two British vinyl archeologists Dave Raistrick & Arthur Fenn unearthed the original unopened 100 count box and these sexy pink stock copies stared back at them.. (nobody had evert seen a stock copy before that discovery).
Buster & Eddie's - Can't Be Still - promo was a beyond-rare original to acquire, far rarer than most any other 45 back in those heady days of 1974/5. Today it is unclear how many exist, as the original promo copies have changed hands more than a few times over the decades, but hardly any have ever been found in the wild. Likewise with this "pinky" stock copy, other than the original box, we don't know of any other "finds" of this earth-shattering tune in the wild.
But what we do know is that the original 100 stock copies found at Dore's Los Angeles warehouse 40 years ago; have long since been swallowed up by the Northern Soul collectors. Now almost as hard to acquire as the coveted 30 times rarer PROMO. It is after all, another timeless NS classic, that nobody wants to part with...
here is a thumpin' Northern Soul trophy-piece in jus immaculate condition.
Condition Report
Very close to Manship Mint - Two perfect labels and vinyl to match. Completely mint minus throughout.
Cashmeres
Don't Let The Door Hit Your Back / Show Stopper
Hem : 1000 (45s)
Two explosive vocal group dancers to die for!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss vinyl, revealing some soft surface hairlines. as you will hear it plays clean
Kim Weston
You're Just The Kind Of Guy / Nobody
MGM : 1382 DJ (45s)
For the Northern Soul fan it will be hard to understand why MGM or Mickey Stevenson would choose "Nobody" as the a-side for this Kim's 3rd MGM 45 in 1967. The moody full-throated "Nobody" is certainly a strong example of Kim's singing prowess produced by Stevenson, written by his soon to be teammates at Venture Records a soul-dedicated MGM offshoot that Stevenson would manage for the conglomerate.
It is, as if Stevenson wanted to distance himself and Kim away from the "Motown" sound that had served the partnership so well for the previous 4 years, “Nobody" is a very strong soul tune...offering Kim in a different style.
But the flipside is an utterly awesome dance session that outstrips many of her Motown greats, it is for me astonishing "You're Just The Kind Of Guy" was not the lead side and indeed a huge hit for Kim, Mickey and the collaborator on the production, the writer being the exceedingly gifted Willie Hutch!
So now listen to Kim out-Motown, Motown itself, with sing-a-long lyrics just as memorable as anything the lady had ever emitted earlier in her career. The genius poetry of Willie Hutch, magnificent building production so reminiscent of Mickey's assembled "Funk Brothers" and Kim's soulful bellowing demanding you take to the dancefloor.
To underline how the "Motown-sound" for Mickey, record critics and the record label executives were becoming a little samey, a tad tired. "Nobody" delivered a new powerful dimension to 1967 Soul music.
In February 1968 two music Brit music magazines, Record Retailer & Record Mirror scored "Nobody" an 8 whilst giving "You're Just The Kind Of Guy" a 2 out of 10. None of the reviewers had obviously ever been to a Soul Club in their lives and had no understanding whatsoever of those electrifying dance rhythms, powerhouse Soul voices or intricate driving dance productions.
To me, "You're Just The Kind Of Guy" is an easy 9/10 and on some days when I've not heard it for a while, like today.. it’s a 10/10 !
The perfect Northern Soul Sister dancer that nobody at the time, (except maybe Willie Hutchinson) appreciated its huge significance to a packed Northern Soul dancefloor.
I could have actually condensed the review of this 1968 British Demo into two words "Brilliant & Gorgeous"
Condition Report
A soft sticker removal blemish on the "Nobody" side, see images, otherwise two glorious PINK promo labels.
Moses Dillard and The Dynamic Showmen
Pretty As A Picture / Go 'Way Baby
Mark V : MV-40-26 (45s)
Condition Report
Two clean label, fresh clean strong gloss vinyl, revealing only the merest sleeve storage hairines when angled in the light. very clean example indeed
Valery Clarke / Astronauts
Come Down Mr. / Dig It
Halagan : HG 36 (7")
It's a strong Rock Steady tune, that ticks all the boxes for this steppingstone to Reggae.
The flipside is a simplistic instrumental, as the other Astronauts releases where Barry Biggs, Donald Wright, Zac Henry seem to be on a never ending course of emulating Joe Meek's success with repetitive guitar non-vocals. The flipside is very forgettable...Unlike the a-side where a sultry "unknown" sister vocal commands your attention with an beckoning "Come Down" riding an inventive punchy backing track with extra special saxophone participation.
Great tune and very tough to find in this exceptionally clean condition
Condition Report
Two totally clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss unblemished mint minus vinyl
Sorry, this auction has ended.
Prowler
Forgotten Angel / Don't Let Go
Pirate Records : S226S8 PS (45s)
Seismic NWOBHM - from an highly regarded small town local bad consisting of Chris Vye, Ian Morrison (6), Robb Philpotts, Steve Philpotts all talented Melton Mowbray boys. This is their legendary "Fallen Angel" debut 45, follow by "Alcatraz" 18 months later; then changing their name to "Passion" before retiring from the NWOBHM scene with those talented guitarists, hands feeling the strain of overworked tendons.
Made 1983 in my home town of Melton Mowbray where Ian Morrison, Rob Philpotts, Chris Vye & Steve Philpotts were considered the totem of East Midlands Heavy Rock. This self funded private press, their first 45 release, is an highly accomplished indie "Forgotten Angel" the group privately funded limited press was sold at their live gigs around the East Midlands.
In my lifetime I have only ever seen two copies of this NWOBHM grail. Frustratingly hard to find, but I still to this day, every time I go into town, and live in hope of a stray copy popping up in a charity shop or car boot. But a chance meeting in the local pub last week turned up another copy from "Stan" the group's former roadie form the 80's... t
I feel very fortunate indeed to be able to encounter this disc for only the 3rd time in nearly 40 years of searching and to again be able hear those legendary guitar combinations from Chris Vye & Rob Philpotts that have thrilled heavy rock collectors worldwide. The rasping, combative vocal Rob Philpotts always rips through the senses, complimented by his brothers equally aggressive drumming.
One extremely elusive 45, recorded, written and performed in the East Midlands. On my doorstep maybe, but incredibly rare; My first copy was swiftly sold to Japan in the 90's, my 2nd copy we sold for a group member earlier this century, this copy courtesy of "Stan" after a chance conversational over a beer..
A Heavy Rock trophy of huge repute.
Condition Report
Full gloss mint minus vinyl, revealing just a few soft blemishes, likewise the white labels show only miniscule signs of handling. all housed inside the original inner sleeve. Picture cover and labels reveal from 40 years of storage, some very soft foxing to the white background - otherwise this Heavy Rock trophy is in spectacular condition.
Clive Williams & The Heat Wave
Take Good Care Of My Baby / In Loving Memory
Revolution Rocksteady : REVR 006 (45s)
Top side is a superb deconstruction of the Carole King & Jerry Goffin classic "Take Good Care Of My Baby". Whilst keeping the upbeat mood of the original and it's refreshing easy going feel, Mansano adds strong Reggae rhythms, Hammond organ pulses with the occasional steel drum whack for added effect.. and it works so very well.
The flipside is beautiful in its primitiveness, a wonderfully crude instrumental pelted with shouts and raps while a silky smooth trombonist winds his way through on a wave of Reggae background dance-rhythms. It's a trombone-triumph from start to finish, totally captivating, whilst painting a picture of an illegal London-Blues-Parties crowded smoke filled houses of joy.
Two strong sides, one very elusive 45, especially in this flawless condition, beautifully housed in birth-sleeve!
Condition Report
Clive Williams & The Heat Wave - Take Good Care Of My Baby / In Loving Memory - Revolutioon Rocksteady REVR 006
Hitchikers featuring The Mighty Pope
Mr. Fortune / I May Have Been A Fool
Heart : H62442 (45s)
Extremely, hard to acquire, totally killer modern soul dancer, from The Mighty Pope, few DJs/collectors can boast of ownership.
Forget all the inferior versions, reissues, remixes this "Mr. Fortune" on the Canadian Heart label is the real-deal, original take and far superior to anything that followed it..
The attempted reissue by "Sureshot Symphony Solution Featuring The Mighty Pope" remix was totally ruined by the unnecessary electric guitar antics. The reissues and kudos-less represses of this funky-edge Northern Soul do not sit well on the DJ's turntable. This is Northern Soul modern-dance in it's purist form, is the only way for any self respecting DJ or collector to try and acquire it in. So very in-demand, so rarely seen for sale! with the bonus of being CANADIAN ONLY!
That in-your-face growling vocal of Mighty Pope ideally heads up this percussion pelted dancer, "Pope's" vocal soars overhead, as chanting teammates bang out the mantra. Riding a barrage of accomplished trumpet playing, elevating the recording to yet another level. This is the pinnacle of Funk-infused Northern Soul at its most-elusive; Instantly, powerfully motivating, a muscular dancer impressing with it's most imposing nature from the very first note. An instant dancefloor detonator with a difference.
An invitation to own it in its ultimate original form, a copy unblemished in every way.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full glossmint minus vinyl rvealing a few soft hairlines, none of which affect play. Top copy!
Huriah Boynton
You Went Back On What You Said / You're No Longer Mine
Lanor : 547 LH 6162 (45s)
A listing for those Northern Soul DJs and collectors who care what is in their collection, easily suffering from a severe nervous-twitch if a second press of anything contaminates their treasured vinyl's authenticity.
Such a beautiful Northern Soul tune, and so seldom encountered as the authentic FIRST press. Before Lanor themselves reissued this disc in the early 80s, this 1969 original was a very seldom seen highly sought-after Northern Soul jewel, radiating every characteristic the NS dancefloor feeds upon.
Finger-clicking rhythms ridden by an uplifting vocal supported by the shrill girl-group affirmative choruses and cooing background support hovering above mingle with haunting horns. Twice partitioned by pumping brass breaks, stabbing trumpets followed by squealing girls, a subtle saxophone solo. This tune has the lot! proper Northern Soul.
The original a-side is a top-drawer example of gut-wrenching Southern Soul...Deep Soul that plumbs the depths of personal despair, with a familiar story of "lost love" Huriah's vocal really comes into top form as you feel this expressive performance is something he, himself has recently experienced. With all the ingredients of the dance side, pulled in, slow down...and hurting.
From Church Point, Louisiana sitting almost midway between New Orleans & Houston, Texas the Lanor label pulled inspiration from both of these Soul-blessed cities. This 45 giving up not one but two standout real-deal Soul sessions.
Love it!
Condition Report
Two rich red labels, heavy deep black lettering. The solid heavy duty vinyl carries full gloss vinyl, with just a few soft hairlines. Strong mint minus, both sides play clean.
Margaret Lewis .
Somethin's Wrong Baby / John DeLee
Royal Audio Music Inc.: 2451 (45s)
Such an imposing, thumping slab of 1961 Sister R&B from Shreveport, Louisiana. Which recently triggered a sensation when it was discovered to have been released on British Starlite label in 1962 . Now a 45 held up has a British Holy Grail 7" theusual internet searches on Discogs will confirm having never listed a copy of this 1962 "vinyl-ghost"; with cat. St.45 081 a former missing number in their discography. Ironically this "missing" number is a giant Sister hunk of R&B dance you could ever wish collide with, thus it's appearance on the next Kent CD.
Before you today is the attractive original gold label USA press on Myra Smith's Royal Audio Music that has been receiving strong R&B DJ attention for several years, Margaret's well honed "Rockabilly" hardened sister attitude transfers seamlessly over into a rasping R&B dance production. Pumping horns and a Blues flavoured piano pulses, assist Margaret as she warns her man she's becoming highly suspicious; Her angst accentuated by a rasping Boots Randolph saxophone break, cutting out an impressive pause for Margaret's dentist-drill vocal.
This is a proper attitude drenched hard-strutting Sister R&B dancer, quaking with attitude, style and guts.
No wonder it got chosen by Kent to head-up their R&B CD.
.
Condition Report
Two brilliantly shiny gold labels, full gloss vinyl revealing just a a solitary that gives up a some low-fi ticks in the earl intro. the rest of the disc is a brilliant full gloss mint minus.
James Weeks and the Fabulous Inspirations
Maybe Tomorrow / Shotgun
Goodtime : 286 (45s)
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss vinyl revealing only soft surface hairlines
Jules Farmer
Love Me Now / Part Of Me ( Is Still With You)
London : 45-HLP 8967 (45s)
He is one of the very rare numbers in this highly collectable, but seriously challenging series; this copy is in spectacular mint minus condition.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact. Full gloss mint minus vinyl, only revealing a few soft sleeve storage blemishes. Housed in mint replica vintage sleeve
Earl Grant
House Of Bamboo (record 1) / Two Loves Have I (record 2)
Brunswick : 11431 DJ x 2 45s (45s)
Extremely RARE April 1960 British Decca manufactured two record PROMO set, here is the complete 2 x 45 pairing of two solid centre pink promo 45's of the MOD anthem "House Of Bamboo"
2 x gorgeous promo singles as the extremely rare and eye-catching pink promo labels, running times neatly written right hand side middle, rubberstamped release number 05824 left hand side. master plate numbers printed left hand side L 11431 & 108067 respectively
Written by two Brits Bill Compton & Bill Murrells, capturing the essence of The Soho Coffee Bar scene of the late 50's depicting the place to hang out, is the place with the bamboo door. Completely aimed at the vibrant English Jazz scene but to my knowledge no British artist ever recorded it. Before Andy Williams picked it up to fill a b-side on a 1958 Cadence 45.
Earl's jazz prowess beefs up the original arrangement, giving up hard infectious cha-cha rhythms with rattling bongos pulses driving home the "china-town" vision . This tune has of course been a Belgium Popcorn anthem forever. Andy Williams's B-side from 1958 also receiving DJ turntable attention. But it is Earl Grant's revamps, injecting strong black-jazz elements that elevate the song to yet another level.
Painting a vivid picture of an out-of-the-way 50's coffee bar in London's most notorious playground.
Utterly brilliant Popcorn, a real classic in by far its rarest most attractive form, two single-sided pink labelled disc in jus fabulous condition. British 45 collecting at its most challenging, the two disc format that I personally have never encountered before..
I just adore everything about this listing, the killer song, brilliantly improved by master of black jazz, beautifully presented by Decca as 2 separate promo discs...
Condition Report
Two clean pink promo labels, running times neatly written right hand side middle, rubberstamped release number 05824 left hand side. master plate numbers set left hand side L 11431 & 108067 respectively. Stunning full gloss mint minus archiver level vinyl
Bessie Banks
Go Now / It Sounds Like My Baby
Red Bird : BC 106 (45s)
Only to witness all their skills and genius evaporate as parasitical "cuckoo-esque" version overtook the momentum of Bessie Banks "Go Now" that was almost instantly adopted by the MODS as the nationwide Soul Club "last record".
In 1964 when Moody Blues band member Denny Laine heard this powerful statement of Bessie's, he allegedly told the rest of the Moody Blues "We Need To Record That Song"
Soul fans of course would have preferred him to say "We need to record records of this calibre" we need to be inspired by the likes of "Brill Building" students like Milton Bennett, Larry Banks, Garry Sherman, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller... Let's write our own songs to rival this absolute masterpiece..of course the later wasn't said...and they they just sang a copy-cat..
That scenario would have been in an ideal world. But in the real word they decided on a note for note, bar for bar, word for word replica. Wisely deciding, it was a song, that could not be improved upon. The Moody Blues even chose to copy Lulu Reed's "It's Easy Child" for the flipside..
When the powerful machine of Decca records released and film promoted the record, one of the saddest events in Soul music history took place. The sales of Bessie's original collapsed, both sides of the Atlantic and Bessie a blossoming standout Diva became disillusioned. Quite rightly so, you gather up an talented team, you demo your work, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller with Garry Sherman rerecord it utilizing the extreme talents of Dee Dee Warwick and Cissy Houston as the girl-choruses, it turns out to be an absolute masterpiece ......
then a bunch of "Brummies" plagiarize your work and change their whole career into a huge success on the back of it.. whilst unfortunately "Stateside" Leiber & Stoller abandoned the intended label upgrade to Blue Cat and a more nationwide promotion as The Moody Blues stole a march on Bessie's superior original.. by early 1965 "The Moody Blues" version simultaneously rocketed up the Pop Charts both sides of the Atlantic..
For Soul music these were sad, sad events of 1964, written with as much bias as I can muster, as corporate plagiarism and marketing wins, against sheer genius and immense talent..
We were, after all robbed of the expected raw material, that surely would have flooded from successful Bessie & her family.. surely she would have rivaled Linda Jones in our never ending adulation..
There are other versions, by Wings with Denny Laine, Paul & Linda McCartney on vocals, Ozzy Osbourne, Simply Red and David Cassidy. I'm in no rush to hear anybody else try and emulate the brilliance or the muscular prowess the original is saturated in.a Jones as one of the greatest Divas of all time!
The moody, girl group enriched flipside "It Sounds Like My Baby" is also well worth listening to.
Condition Report
Two clean labels.. full gloss vinyl revealing hardly a blemish, strong Ex + clean .. Dave off course being a champion of Soul music not a copyist, chose to release Bessie Banks "Go Now" very early in Soul City series at # 105 1968. When more people began to release the massive hit for the Moody Blues was only mimicking the original, and happily for Dave was one of his best selling discs.
Chants
Baby I Don't Need Your Love / A Man Without A Face
RCA Victor : 1754 (45s)
An uplifting joyous journey into Liverpool inspired Soul, from the guys who would later contribute to the part-foundation of Britain's most successful Soul group "The Real Thing" .
Even an invitation to share the same stage as The Beatles and no less than 10 7” single releases, Eddie Amoo’s quest to become one of the few and the best British Soul bands was always frustratingly, just out of reach. As his group’s output sat in no-man’s between “Cavern-style” Merseybeat and Soul. No hits, no countrywide fame, but they enjoyed an hardcore Merseyside fan base for these five young hopefuls to keep going. With Eddie Amoo relentlessly writing his own material in search of a real breakthrough, which really should have happened with “Baby I Don’t Need Your Love”
After recording another single in 1967, a cover version of a Howard Tate song, Eddie Amoo picked up his pen yet again, to craft an inspiring piece of aerial dance-soul conducted by Tony Hiller’s assisted by Cyril Payne. The gathering created a magnificent moment in British Soul history, that sadly the Radio Stations at the time, completely passed over.
Listen now to The Chants finest recording, it is about to,lift your day; with an optimistic brass saturated triumphant Northern Soul dance experience, adorned with rich creamy harmonized male-voices harnessing a torrent of orchestral enthusiasm.
This is killer Northern Soul that has yet to reach the pinnacle of its powers, at the moment too few NS DJs own a copy, but in the right hands (say the support of Ginger Taylor, Sean Chapman, Nige Brown etc. ) this record has the real-quality to become a monster!
Forever one of my all-time British Northern Soul creations....
The hard working Eddie Amoo did in the end find fame with “The Real Thing’’ and of course by winning Crufts with his Afghan Hound “Viscount Grant”
Eddie Amoo you were a very gifted man indeed...
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, revealing on;y the merest soft sleeve storage hairlines under light.
Detroit Spinners
I'll Always Love You / Tomorrow May Never Come
Tamla Motown : TMG 523 DJ (45s)
EMI had earlier in the TMG series at number 514, said they say they blindly credited the 45 The Spinners on Tamla Motown ignoring the fact, that there was already a group called "The Spinners" doing rather well in the British Isles releasing 45s & Albums on the Fontana label. A popular and well know folk group who were regularly on the TV with their records often placed high in the charts. Many feel the release and sales of TMG 514 suffered from the fact "The Spinners" were a folk group and Friday release sheet scanners will have passed over the release, first time round, by vinyl scholars looking for "soul" music.
But the very same EMI "oversight" happened again 9 releases later on TMG 523 with "I'll Always Love You"; now whether EMI decided a belated name change would benefit sales, or whether it was, as the preferred story suggests, that Philips Phonograph objected to the name clash of another "Spinners" perhaps hitting the charts, and asked for some other name for the Motown group to avoid confusion.
EMI withdrew TMG 523 as "The Spinners" 30th. July 1965 and hastily relaunched it 27th. August 1965 as "The Detroit Spinners". Did they receive a polite reminder from Philips Phonograph? That is unclear but the name "The Detroit Spinners" was born, they never appeared on a British release again as just "SPINNERS". The new christening was carried over when they signed for Atlantic Records, all subsequent UK presses were credit to the Detroit Spinners.
Before you today is the very rare 27th. August 1965 TMG 523 DJ.
If your priority whilst collecting the rare TMG's as near mint condition as possible, look no further, as this disc is vg+/ swl, but if you feel the need to own a killer Motown Northern Soul classic in its Red & White attire here a chance to own one of the best at an affordable price. Maybe its the stepping stone to the slippery slope of Red & White addiction without to much expense.
Listen to be transported to Motown Heaven..
Condition Report
A-side demo label has some storage wear and small patches of faded writing (see detailed image) flipside label is clean but suffers light storage wear. Vinyl has multiple light surface hairlines but as you will hear both sides play remarkably clean.
Dobie Gray
Out On The Floor / My Baby
Thunderbird : TH 549 (45s)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gxmkx8OplI
Arguably Northern Soul’s most-important of all its dancefloor anthems; presented here in its rarest possible form. Before you today is the crazy-rare, decidedly attractive 1974 New Jersey STOCK copy of a recording that converted more young people to a lifetime of Northern Soul than another other.
Growing up, some events I vividly remember like it was yesterday.
As a 13 year old, arriving home from the Youth Club Friday to a darkened sitting room, the only light was the TV illuminating my mother and father sitting huddle on the settee, holding hands. transfixed on the screen, as the Aberfan disaster unfolded before their eyes.
Only a few months earlier I had sat round my friends house watching England win the World Cup.
A couple of years later I felt like Geoff Hurst, when scored a spectacular volley on a Saturday morning school game, with my Dad looking on. I’d never seen him so proud witnessing his wayward son grabbing a late winning goal for King Edward VII upper school 1st 11. He wasn’t so proud when I was expelled a few weeks later. These events stay in my mind to this day.
My other most memorable experience was one Thursday early evening 1970 when I blew my complete wage packet with "Jim" if I recall his name correctly. A weather-worn guy, the owner of the Leicester Market record stall.
When my apprentice Gas Board brown envelope of £8 7 shillings and 6 d was transformed into a paper bag full of Soul 45s, that Jim had save me from my weekly lunch time visit. Hanging around proudly showing off my Earl Van Dyke “ 6 by 6 “ some light blue Stax’s, a couple of Red Atlantic’s mixed in with various Tamla Motown TMG’s. I was now a penniless vinyl-junkie but pumped full of adrenaline, by my Thursday vinyl rush I was now completely addicted to.
Then one of my soul-competitors turned up, I was smirking inside, as I’d already had first-dibs. He asked Jim “have you got it?” Jim “Yes, it’s here” as he reached into small handled 45 carry case, a box he never allowed me near. Jim pulled out a red label 45 and dropped it on the portable record player ...
HEY, HEY, HEY! - HEY, HEY, HEY! YEAH YEAH YEAH! - BABE IT’S OUT OF SIGHT!
followed by those spine-tingling piano partitions that completely there and then ...nailed me...as they rang out into the now darkening winter’s evening.
Then that booming hook line...
I GET MY KICKS OUT ON THE FLOOR!!! ...I felt sick.
What the fu@k! In that moment instantaneous total deflation drained me, by a record I’d never heard before and it was the greatest sound ever! My rival went into spontaneous triumphant NS footwork, smashing his hands together in thunderous dance-moves played on the 100’s of years old Leicester market cobblestones.
Sapped of adrenaline, my heart was slowly seeping out of my now tightly clenched butt. Reality had struck home, I was stone-broke, tightly scrunching up the corners of my insignificant a paper bag, crammed full of inferior records...I'd just been Northern Soul baptized by Dobie Gray and the greatest record I’d ever heard.
Trudging off up Charles street to the train station I can remember seething with envy and my growing dislike for the handclappin’, shiny brogue wearing dancing dude in the full length leather coat and who crossed Jim’s palm with £3 for that red-disc.
I consoled myself with “what a twat, who, would pay a whole £3 for just one single... idiot!
So now you can gaze upon and hear a life-transforming disc for us Brits - the timeless Northern Soul anthem in its very rarest clothes... my first copy ever, of a record most-everyone thought this was promo only, this was actually the very first 45 released by Thunderbird Records after they moved base from Buffalo New York, to Fairlawn New Jersey.
To the old-school collector, with memories similar to my own - this is a thing of real beauty... so elusive and so very attractive, every time reigniting memories of my first encounter with Dobie.
Condition Report
Two clean multi-coloured labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl - top copy in stunninng condition.
Art
What's That Sound ( For What It's Worth) / Rome Take Away Three
Island : WIP 6019 (45s)
"Art" was the name-change chosen by Island's highly rated V.I.P.'s as Greg Ridley, Luther Grosvenor, Mike Harrison (2), Mike Kellie sought a new direction. Gary Wright joining them the same year, prompting yet another switch in identity to "Spooky Tooth" all three incarnations of the gathering produced decidedly collectable vinyl.
Condition Report
Two clean solid centre grained paper labels, unblemished, spindle hole looks virginal, with original punch chards still hanging in place inside. Vinyl shows off full gloss, perfect mint minus, still housed in tyhe original Island birth sleeve. A stunning copy, full
Click-Etts
Because Of My Friend / Be a Part Of You
Dice : D 92 / 93 - 45 (45s)
Here with their rarest 45 this young class-drenched New York girl-group again deliver silky femme Doo-wop, the group was the 1958 launching-pad for such talents as Barbara Jean English, later morphing into “The Fashions” with Barbara Jean English going solo in1964.
Take a listen to these young girls, and the 13 year old Barbara and friends seamlessly knit their young shrill voices together, for one of the finest girl harmony 45’s of that period, which ever side you drop the arm on. the result is the same, shrill mingling vocals entwine on both sides. Two compositions about young-girl problems, written by Johnnie Louise Richardson the label owner Zelma Sanders daughter.
Although highly regarded on the East Coast as the hopefully rivaling The Chantels vocally these young ladies failed to make it big. But their “Dice” legacy today lives on, as some of the purist of the East Coast Girl Groups of that era.
Listen and weep..
Condition Report
Two clean labels, spectacular full gloss vinyl revealing only a few soft surface hairlines, as you can hear both sides play
Charmers / Stranger Cole
Oh My Baby / When The Party Is Over
Blue Beat : 45/BB 345 (45s)
Giving up two uplifting horn saturated Rock Steady tinged with SKA productions
Condition Report
a discreet X on on flipside label, is this single's only flaw,
Alexander Patton
A Lil Lovin' Sometimes / No More Dreams
Capitol : CL 15461 (45s)
Undisputedly one the greatest Northern Soul 45's ever committed to vinyl! and one that alwayhs triggers memories of my fledgling baptism to the British Soul Club Scene.
Who could ever forget the first time they heard Alexander's the spine-tingling throaty roar " True Love...!! ".
I remember like it was yesterday, even though it was over half a cenury ago. When my naïve college-boy ears, were offered this leviathan of Northern Soul in 1969 at the counter of a record shop in Leicester; with the £10 sales pitch "This 45 has been to the Twisted Wheel and back". I had only asked if they have any Soul 45's. Then they played me this growling bombardment of dance-soul. It was so far outside my comprehension of Soul music, I turned it down, and purchased some things I was familiar with.
What a mistake, my musical taste had yet to mature, not understanding the real-deal Northern Soul Sound at all. Some weeks later I heard "Alexander" at Nottingham's "Brit Club". Wow what a difference the insider experience was, when you witness a dancing frenzy take place in front of my naïve eyes. It was all blokes though, it was not a recording that enticed the girls onto the floor... this a mountainous machismo-mover!
On the Monday I was back to Belvoir Street, Leicester with what was then my life-savings... you guessed it.. it was sold weeks ago. My first traumatic experience of Record-regret haunted me, because it took me years to eventually get a USA press of it, only to find out later it was a counterfeit. It was a tough learning curve for this record collecting "pup" in the early 70's.
Today, I still relive that "Brit" experience every time I hear this timeless classic dropped... drums, bass guitar then that triumphant bellowing "True Love" takes to the air like a wild-beast calling for help. Insistent girls, brazen brass and a rumbling vocal that sweeps you onto your feet...you're powerless to resist its persuasive ways.
An all time GREAT!! that stands alone with it's stream-rollering muscle that sweeps everything out the way in its 2:22 minutes of dancefloor destruction.
In the presence of "A Lil Lovin' Sometimes" it would be easy to overlook, the almost as imposing flipside "No More Dreams " another snarling slab of Northern Soul ... two killer tunes presented here as very neat clean 12th. of August 1966 "DISCOTHEQUE '66 SERIES" EMI knew they had a potential "Club Anthem" their hands when they released this.
Condition Report
Two clean label, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss mint minus vinyl - A BEAUTY!
Slim Harpo
Shake Your Hips / Midnight Blues
Stateside : SS 527 DJ (45s)
This one from 22 Jul 1966 was an instant head-turner for the MODS with Slim's signature searing harmonica, peppered with wicked drumming the perfect platform for Slim's rasping vocal to harness. Into as pumping full-on R&B floorshaker. 1966 the greatest year for British proper dance Soul/R&B to be released and this is a standout example of the period.
An utterly relentless, tour-de-force of R&B, an in-your-face battering-ram Nashville born R&B that's very hard to equal.
With the bonus of a real-deal b-side, not as wild but again underlining the very finest of the genre.
Not only extremely elusive as a red & white demo - this copy is FLAWLESS!
To relive 1966 all-night MOD gathering - click the soundfile and prepared to be moved.
Condition Report
A stunning archive copy, two clean red & white demo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, still housed in birth sleeve.
Shirley Ellis
Soul Time / Waitin'
CBS : 202606 DJ (45s)
New York dance soul that added yet another layer added to the mid-60s golden era of British Allnight Soul Clubs, where this 45 was considered the standard-barer of the scene.
"SOUL TIME"
A statement! From Shirley Elliston and Charlie Calello that would be cemented into the very hearts of Northern Soul dancers forever. A bombardment of brass pumps up those typically exuberant lyrics from Shirley Ellis already riding a crest of a wave, with earlier dance-graze hits like "Clapping Song" "Nitty Gritty" "The Name Game" etc. But on this occasion Charlie Calello once again crafts the very essence of Northern Soul.
Before you today is a NS Anthem, in it's rarest most desirable form, a British Demo.
Read condition report.
Condition Report
Two labels revealing some storage wear (see images) but free of writing, stickers or significant staining. Just decades of light storage browning on the exposed white area of the promo labels. Vinyl hasurface marks, giving up a few unobtrusive soft ticks, listen. housed in original vintage company cover.
Snaps
You Don't Want Me / You're All Mine
Cuppy : C-103 (45s)
Local 4 man band from Folcroft, PA. were made up of Charles Walsh on drums, Linc Davis keyboards and lead vocalist, Gary Young bass guitar and backing vocals, Robert Hummel lead guitar, vocals and the group's lyricist, writing both sides of this one-off 45 release for Casella's imprint, Casella was impressed by the band. Following it up with another wicked 45 "The Voice / Polka Dotted Eyes" on Sonny Casella's other label "East Coast" a year later. A label that coincidentally boasts another Northern Soul grail in the form of Court Davis.
This debut for the group who later became "Underground Balloon Corps". The a-side is a "wild" driving uptempo shaker, pelted with whiplash effects smacking into the R&B inspired dance pulses. Jerking relentless stomping rhythms reach fever-pitch as a full throttle head-banging explosion of teen-rejection takes to the air. Primitive it is, but the angry bludgeoning of Robert Hummel's lyrics really works.
Flip it over for a similar out come, not words of abandonment this time, but words of young-love and security with his girl. This side features a fabulous guitar solo, and the same teenage rasping voices..
Two strong sides from Cuppy...one of the world's most sought after 60's record labels. .
Condition Report
Two clean labels, vinyl shows off strong gloss, with some soft surface hairlines visible when angled in the light. As you can hear both sides play strong and clean.
Prince Buster
Dance Cleopatra / All In My Mind
Blue Beat : 45/BB 388 (45s)
An East Of Suez delight, a masterclass in 1967 Rock Steady.
A highly sought after Blue Beat from 1967 in and "impossible" mint minus condition.
This is iconic "Buster".. displaying consummate skill of 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 its giant talents.
An infectious recording, listen with care, as it's charms will surely drag you into its dark web of irresistibility.
The flipside is a "lost" Deep Soul gem...
Two top sides, one very challenging disc to acquire in this level of condition. .
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss, unblemished mint minus vinyl. As good as it gets.
Eddie King and The Three Queens
Love You Baby / Shakin' Inside
J.O.B. : 1122 (45s)
It matters not which side the DJ drops the arm on, you're treated to a brutal double-helping of driving girl-group decorated R&B. A much-sought after Chicago R&B shaker, currently a much prized lockdown play for Bill Kealy.
Two raucous Eddie King D.I.Y. projects, enhanced by label owner and producer Joe Brown, who adds the glorious and mysterious tones of a girl-group The 3 Queens into the mix. With "Love You Baby" they tweak a Juggernaut R&B season into transitional Soul with their persistent shrill choruses, smoothing over the rasping saxophone and the combative blues guitar picking. Eddie King's wailing vocal with it's gravelly edge beckons the girls into constant call and answer warbling, these Three Songbirds almost but not quite stealing the show.
The flipside is every note as good, "Shakin' Inside " is a shade edgier, harder driven guitar riffs, the saxophonist more belligerent with his delivery. With some R&B scholars preferring this more traditional stance, to R&B dance. But those girls again impress with their relentless support as saxophone, guitar and a snarling Eddie whip up a storm of Chicago dance-club hysteria. A killer solo guitar display, but those girl refuse to step aside to produce an exceptional "break" of potent guitar and scorching girl choruses.
Two sensational 1960 Chicago R&B dancers, sitting on the cusp of the very beginnings of Chicago Soul...
Condition Report
Superior condition - two clean labels - full gloss vinyl still housed in birth-sleeve revealing only a few soft sleeve storage hairlines - as you will hear it plays loud, crisp, clean and true.
Donald Lee Richardson
You Got Me In The Palm Of Your Hand / I've Learned My Lesson
Soulville: SV 1002 (45s)
Top side is proper foot-to-the-floor real-deal stomping Northern Soul. A classic from the golden days of The Catacombs, The Mecca, etc. A screaming classic affording the dancer no mercy, taking no prisoners with it's cocktail of urgent singing, driving guitar picks and a nuclear powered brass-bombardment; ingredients that shook all those life changing clubs of the early 70's. Who hasn't been driven to the limits of the dancing abilities by this tour-de-force-of-Northern Soul... fond memories of tangled feet for me.
Once again we have the genius of Wardell Quezergue to thank for yet another Northern Soul Anthem that invaded our shores to intensify our Saturday night Sunday Morning experience. Relentless, unforgiving, towering Northern Soul that is hard on the comeback trail as those oldies DJ's open windows into our past.. this is a cool example that has thankfully not suffered from decades of over familiarity; still sounding so refreshingly vibrant, today.
But we can already hear those of you "Crazy About Crossover" shouting "What About The B-side!!"
Absolutely, i was coming to that, the flipside is a real winner also. With the studio taking a breather, from the frenetic "Palm Of My Hand" crafting an enchanting Soulful mid-tempo, shedding the pressing insistence of the a-side, replacing it with a muscular mid-tempo serving up regret and reflection. With this expressive New Orleans singer pouring out an imploring anguish, convincing you with every word; without the aid of any other backing vocal, Donald turns in an on your knees "crossover" shuffler of exquisite purity. Consummately riding pulsating horns, lilting guitar work... a quality "Crossover" offering that has been featuring in the more discerning, selective DJ set of late. Some 45 this is, relentless Northern Soul with the other gorgeous New Orleans NS Crossover.
Condition Report
Two flawless labels tiny bb drill, full gloss vinyl revealing only the merest storage blemish.
Shirley Lawson
One More Chance / The Star
Back Beat : 567 DJ (45s)
Flip it over for the side that first made waves when Dave Godin briefly released it on his legendary Monmouth Street, London based Soul City label. "The Star" was the side that fitted into the Northern Soul landscape of the time. This one written by Deadric Malone himself is a ferocious sister stomper with all the ingredients for a favourable allnighter "drop", now that would be a refreshing to revival.
Johnny Griffith & Richard Green's relationship with Don Robey and his Houston, Texas set of labels continued into 1969 with they collaborated again on the Soul Twins - She's The One. Back Beat 599
Two great sides, in immaculate condition
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl - a glorious copy
Lee Harris
I'm Gonna Get Your Thing (Get You) / Don't Let Your Love Fade Away
Forte: 1110 (45s)
An Ellis Taylor / Leroy Harris collaboration conjuring up cocktail rattling percussion, guitar pulses, piercing horns, to carry Lee's commanding soft growl, embellished by chirping sister choruses. Driving forward with narcotic rhythms of dance. All components snugly dovetail themselves into a combined flow of truly superior Northern Soul Funk! A combative sax break, aggressive rim-shots adding layer after layer culminating is a solo guitar burst, confirming you're experiencing a more than special Soulful Funk Jam.
Flip it over for another standout song, this time fitting into the popular NS crossover style. This time changing the mood completely with haunting low-blown horns providing the landscape for a stunning mid-tempo t creep under your skin. Leroy affirms their perfect love affair needs nothing more than they already have. An exquisitely constructed mid-paced slice of Soul Crossover the constrained respectful instrumentation allows the full affect of Leroy's beseeching voice, to hit home. Crucial Crossover..
A disc that gives up two fabulous examples from the soulful enclave of Kanas City, Missouri
Condition Report
Two clean yellow labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl.
David Coleman
Drown My Heart / My Foolish Heart
Barry : BRY 1013 (45s)
What it does have though, is the presence of character to tick all the Northern Soul boxes.
A bristled snarling vocal, riding pulsating Latin rhythms of the bongo, whilst a bank of horns blast their way through to the front. Those compulsory shrill girl-group choruses are sharpened and honed ready to cut though anything that falls before them. All melded together by the immense power of the Hector Rivera and his Orchestra.
Dramatically different, compellingly potent. It is a song that has everything for the dancefloor to whoop up and wallow in. Memorable Northern Soul you will find yourself taking home in your head, constantly reliving it's uniqueness on YouTube, until you're able to dance to it again..
It is the only 45 this young raising star of Hector's orchestra ever released. His identity still shrouded in mystery, but serving up a performances that lingers in your head for days..
You can't help but love it!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss vinyl revealing jus a few soft blemishes under light, plays bright, crisp loud and true, a few soft low-fi background ticks along the way (listen)
Toni Basil
Breakaway / I'm 28
A&M : 791 (45s)
The same two guys who created the timeless Northern Soul anthem "Tainted Love" for Gloria Jones. Conduct the same styled muscular mix of piano, drums, double bass & guitars whipping up an avalanche of Northern Soul without a single blow of brass in earshot. Driving this full-throated debutant to recording a 45. Toni was already on the cusp of starlet-status; an actress, TV dancer on the U.S. ABC-TV network music show, "Shindig!" as well as appearing in the 1964 concert film, "T.A.M.I. Show" (Teenage Awards Music International).. but Toni 21 years of age in 1964, starting a career that would eventually she her heralded as one of the world's top choreographers.
This 45 was such a passing forgettable "One-Off" for Ed Cobb & Lincoln Mayorga; the extreme rarity suggesting no A&M promotion or radio airplay ever happened. Toni's next 45 release was an incredible 15 years later., when she shocked the world of music, dressed as a short-skirted, ankle socked and bomp-bomp shaking shoes, pigtail-swinging cheerleader was risqué enough, but when the reality leaked, that Toni was a very flexible 39 year old it was front page news.
But front-page-news today... is a STOCK copy of "Breakaway" has surfaced, certainly our first copy ever to appear on this auction.
A 45 for those who are deadly serious about owning the rarest forms of the real-deal Northern Soul classics - THIS IS IT!
Condition Report
x x on flipside label, minuscule storage blemishes on both labels, check out those eye-popping stock copy images, many of you will be witnessing for the very first time. January 1966 Monarch press reveals light hairlines but plays powerful clean and true, occasional background tick are the only flaws we can report on
Pic & Bill
Talk About Love / For The Good Times
Charay : 90 (45s)
The Charay release number anomalies, Major Bill's haphazard cataloging now long famous among Northern Soul collectors, with numerous duplicated numbers, and many "lost" 45 releases that for whatever reason never got adequately distributed. No. 99 is one of those 45s. Whilst France & Spain picked up on this thunderous Soul dancer, it seems the USA were starved of its powers, as this is Northern Soul tsunami was hidden away on the b-side of an insipid, yawn of a "pop" ballad, that passed by in 1970 completely unnoticed.
Charay 90 is elusive, seldom coming to market, especially in mint condition, this copy is flawless in every way.
So now listen to Charay's farewell to the sixties Soul sound with Major Bill & Dave Smith summoning up a studio crammed full of horns to transport Texas's answer to Sam & Dave, Charlie Pickens & Billy Mills to the pinnacle of their vocal powers, as they bellow in seamless unison a persuasive slab of proper Northern Soul. You will have noticed, underlining this 45s rarity there is only one, virtually unplayable listing on YouTube to listen to.
This copy is MINT!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, flawless vinyl - top copy
Crystals featuring La La Brooks
I Got A Man / Are You trying To Get Rid Of Me Baby
United Artists : UA 994 (45s)
Strong bassline pulses and bongos form a platform for soaring, forever building girl group harmony steadily erupting into several full-on crescendos, split by an inventive motivational break of guitar and horns with Paul Tannen's vast experience shines through, as he adds depth with echoing voices filtering through. Really excellent Northern Soul dancer in the best traditions of the term. But today the attention is focused to the previously snoozing flipside "I Got A Man"
That man Charlie Calello summons up "Hit The Road Jack" rhythms crafting a moody 'n dark girl-group boast... all about her man "There Ain't Enough Hours In A Day - For Me To Love Him In A Proper" Bluesy guitar riffs, piano notes that spell out total "girl-satisfaction" demanding recognition after sleeping on the flip of the much more obvious "play" side for 4 decades or more.
for today's scene, increasingly driven by sulking mid-tempo delights with bollocks, "I Got A Man" is turning heads, prompting hopeful "want list" requests before the value blossoms on the back of its growing popularity and more DJ exposure, here's a b-side that is now emerging as a murky, mysterious delicacy of that moody R&B/Popcorn style that is so very envogue.
Two great tunes which ever side you drop the arm on...
Condition Report
Note two perfectly clean promo labels, but REVERSED. Full gloss vinyl, a few soft sleeve contact blemishes from the perfectly surround of it's birth-sleeve