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.
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.
It matters not which side you chose to drop the stylus on first. Both sides give up ravishing girly NS, as the 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 high regard. This is the 3rd. of her highly coveted Imperial releases; this time working under the 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, the city 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 alive.. and presently they are only recognised by a very appreciative British Northern Soul audience.
So now click the soundfile and prepare yourself for two slick full orchestra productions of note. The side we lead with lead with the captivating "Soft And Gentle Ways" a string filled production with full girl group choruses, creating an absorbing Soulful abyss elevated by a consummate male-group harmony choruses, you'll soon have it on repeat play. Then listen to the equally spellbinding flipside "He Always Comes Back To Me" again encapsulates everything we seek in a Sister Northern Soul experience.
Clydie King a Soul princess with an exceptional vocal, if not recording 45s, she fully employed as backing up singer for major acts across the USA.
Flip it over and the "He Always Comes Back To Me " the more "Motown" uninfluenced side of the two was surprisingly relegated to the flip.. two superior girl dancers, like all Clydie's 45 releases, that refreshingly, have never been reissued, bootlegged or counterfeited
Here is a top value 45, offering not one but two NS treasures, from a lady with the voice of an Angel. Presented on the savagely hunted BLACK stock copy
Condition Report
two clean STOCK copy labels, small unobtrusive bb drill. Strong gloss on vinyl, giving up some light surface hairlines, none of which affect play. (listen) Still housed in birth sleeve.
Chiffons
One Fine Day / Why Am I So Shy
Stateside : SS 202 DJ (45s)
Perfect timing released this "hit" for May 1963 in the USA and July in the UK. The ideal "summer-sound" propelled by Carol King's unforgettable sledgehammer piano riffs the ideal motivational 1963 mood-changer "hit" for the prolific writing partnership of Carol King & Gerry Goffin, produced by hitmakers "The Tokens" "Bright Sounds" .
Inspired by Puccini opera Madama Butterfly and at first intended for "Loco-Motion" princess Little Eva. Although "One Fine Day" was cut on acetate with King herself delivering the vocal guidance and the Gatling-gun piano propulsion the pair failed to achieve the desired vision of the recording with an uplifting arrangement and eventually passing the song to The Tokens who had recently produced the #1 hit "He's So Fine" by girl foursome The Chiffons (Judy Craig, Barbara Lee, Patricia Bennett and Sylvia Peterson.
Retaining King's "piano" backing track The Chiffons recorded their vocals. However "Bright Tunes" completely re-worked the Goffin/King demo of "One Fine Day" for The Chiffons' version Gerry Goffin commented that the Tokens "really earned their production credit". The personnel on the original recording included Carl Lynch and Charles Marcy on guitar, Dick Romoff on bass, Artie Kaplan, Sid Jekowsky, and Joe Grimaldi on amazing explosive sax break, with Gary Chester and Buddy Saltzman on percussion.
A masterclass of the East Coast girl sound was born for a hit both sides of the Atlantic.
As a Red & White promo this is one helluva rare piece.
Condition Report
Two totally clean promo labels, full gloss vinyl, revealing only the merest soft hairlines when angled under light, plays crisp and clean (listen), still housed in birth sleeve - a beauty and so very rare as the the red & white.
Mark Loyd
When I'm Gonna Find Her / When Evening Falls
Parlophone : R 5423 (45s)
Mark Loyd's muscular vocal, was an ideal match for "Brian Alexander's" meaty arrangements on both sides.
The original a-side a stomping mover "When Evening Falls" is a magnificent MOD mover, that has long since been overshadowed by the moodier mid-tempo British crafted beat-ballad "When I'm Gonna Find Her". A highly coveted NS stroller decorated by a male group chorus provided by old "Monotones" pals. All riding the relentless bass-guitar pulses that propel those addictive Northern Soul dance rhythms. Both sides showcase a truly special lead voice, in Mark Loyd. A kind of hybrid of Long John Baldry and Chris Farlowe offering the curled up lip determination, speckled with a few soulful squeals for extra effect. Proper MOD attitude, seams out on ever note.
Today this is a 1966 British Holy Grail with few equals - crafted by two integral members of the British "Monotones" Brian Alexander & Mark Loyd, collaborate to craft one of the UK's most celebrated mid-60s Northern Soul 45s.
UK only of course...as rare as they come, giving two sides saturated in Northern Soul/MOD integrity.
We love it !!!
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, full gloss on vinyl reveals some insignificant surface hairlines, as you will hear, both sides play loud clean and true. Neatly housed in a "Fran Fan" company cover.
Kenny Carter
I've Got To Get Myself Together / Showdown
RCA 47-8841 (45s)
59 years old, looking like new, is this glorious mid-tempo from the golden year of 1966. A record offering up the very most powerful the New York City sound could offer.
Kenny Carter himself composing the a-side side, then enlisting the highly skilled Paul Robinson to produce it, with the prolific Garry Sherman (a man with so many Northern Soul greats to his name) the 3 fire up the senses with the goose-pimpling Big City Sound not once but twice you will find yourself in a state of awe, as Kenny spills his heart onto the floor.
This is what is possible when you're so well connect in both New York & Detroit, the Soul hybrid of influences works so well.
"I've Got To Get Myself Together" a killer mid-tempo, sparkling in the light of Kenny Detroit influences as he rubbed shoulders with Willie Kendrick, Freddie Butler, Herman Kelly etc and the beef is added by the seasoned Paul Robinson with those shrill girls guided by the craft of Garry Sherman.. what a tune!
Flip it over and Kenny is guided by two of the greatest Big City Beat Ballad creators ever, Milton Bennett & Larry Banks yet again knock you stone dead with Beat Ballad Heaven on another level..
"Showdown" is a a Beat-Ballad-BEAST! Listen and prepare to be moved...
or just look at that "Black" with dog, eye-candy and try and think.. when was the last time you encountered the mesmeric vision of a flawless BLACK STOCK copy?
Condition Report
Utterly flawless throughout, vinyl, full gloss rich deep black labels & of curse its birth-sleeve all are utterly unblemished. As good as it gets, so nearly previously unplayed perfection it hurts.
Johnny Ross and the Soul Explosions
I Can't Help Myself / Sore Loser
Chirrup: 1523 (45s)
Yes it is that RARE!
This thumping raw-to-the-bone Chicago interpretation of the Motown Four Tops anthem, would to lift the roof off the Pier back in the day. Uncompromising Northern Soul that was the perfect fit to play after Maurice Williams - Being Without You -
Johnny Ross after earning a reputation of being an integral part of Baby Huey's "Babysitters". Johnny branched out with a few of his own 45's. Notably, one on the iconic "La Cindy" label and this blatantly brutal version of the Four Tops classic "I Can't Help Myself".
I remember vividly my initial shock at Cleethorpes Pier, when I first heard Johnny Ross (in a typically inventive "Poke" set, he stunned everyone with a deconstruction of a familiar Motown classic. Dulled the ferocious impact of the crashing winter North Sea waves against the cast-iron skeleton-belly of the Pier. It's savage horn-driven power thumped away driving, an already primed audience into gymnastic show-off NS floor moves. .
Not a hint of any Motown niceties here, just a bludgeoning attack from the streets of Chicago, that immediately caught the crowd's attention, it was the most-talked about tune of the night. Now ready for a Northern Soul renaissance to break the now tediousness of the same old, same old...
WHAT A STOMPER!!!
Relentless, intrusive and for many a nostalgic segment of their Northern Soul journey, as today this floor-destroyer is rarely heard even when a creative oldies DJ is at the helm. In truth very few NS DJ's own an authentic original press, the pressures O.V.O. have kept it off the turntables.
Dropped at the right time, sandwiched between a Maurice Williams and Frankie Loveman Crocker "Ton Of Dynamite", no one is ever gonna leave the floor...and many will applaud a refreshing oldie they may have not danced to for decades...what shame Poke didn't have a copy with him last weekend, the old faithful "Pierittes" would have loved to relive a "let it all out! moment.
From a collectors standpoint... this disc seldom surfaces for sale, the format with the "bird on the perch" design is particularly appealing. Pure D.I.Y. neighborhood Chicago creation, so potent, so attractive you just have to take notice.
Do check out, the flipside, an archetypical explosive brass driven Chicago stomper, a tune that also needs to be heard, "Sore Loser" is another insane Northern Soul journey into off-the-scale raucous Chicago Soul.
Condition Report
A smidgen of faded vintage writing on the bird's breast, and a bracketed no. 7 on the a-side label does not detract from the captivating label design. Strong gloss on the vinyl gives up only soft fine hairlines under light, plays with a potency very few records could ever match!
Adam's Apples
Don't Take It Out On This World / Don't You Want Me Home
Brunswick : 55330 Canada (45s)
an untouchable Cleethorpes Pier anthem, as proven on Saturday's 8th February 2025 - 50th anniversary - as once again a heaving crowd of enthused dancers shook the crustacean crammed supports of this fabled venue over the North Sea, one more time.
Before you today is the highly coveted, seldom seen Northern Soul anthem in it's rarest clothes, the June 1967 CANADIAN press, beyond RARE! Beyond precious.
A simultaneous dancefloor monster at Wigan Casino / Cleethorpes Pier circa 1974/75, nothing destroyed the floor quite like these guys from New Brunswick, New Jersey. A mysterious black vocal group, with only two 45s to their credit, both discs rip-roaring stomping foot-to-the-floor juggernaut Northern Soul.
A rumbling percussion rammed, stomping dancer riding a wave of Hammond rhythms, enriched by male-group choruses in the background of a the despairing lead vocal desperately trying to console his disenchanted girl.
This is dancefloor fuel at its most driving...
Vocally this NS classic is immense, thought to be a blue-eyed band in those not so knowledgeable dark ages of NS. but listen to the flipside harmony ballad to validate their often questioned ethnicity, so little documented history on them, many rightly believe they are a black band.
This CANADIAN press is by far and away this Pier anthem's rarest clothes, a fitting tribute to Mary Chapman and her groundbreaking achievements made during her tireless advancement of Northern Soul to the furthest outposts across the British Isles...
Condition Report
Two rich burgundy labels adorn with sharp silver text, bright full gloss vinyl reveals only the lightest hairline blemish under light, plays beautifully clean, housed in a vintage Brunswick jacket.
The Spinners
I'll Always Love You / Tomorrow May Never Come
Tamla Motown : TMG 523 DJ "30th. July 1965" (45s)
This is the insanely RARE and legendary red & white TMG 523 DJ crediting "The Spinners".
EMI had earlier in the TMG 500 series at number TMG514, they say, inadvertently 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 already a well known folk group and the 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 EMI some other name for the Motown group to avoid confusion.
EMI withdrew TMG 523 as "The Spinners" 30th. July 1965 and hastily re-credited it, launched its new face 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 "THE 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 impossibly rare "30th. July 1965" TMG 523 DJ. Act accordingly if you ever hope of completing the TMG completeness challenge.
Condition Report
Two clean red & white promo labels, no writing, stickers or stains just light signs of careful storage. Strong gloss on the vinyl that reveals multiple ultra-fine surface hairlines,
Sam Cooke and Sound Dimension
Love Me / Lost And Looking
Studio ? : STU 002 PS (45s)
Listen and prepare to be mesmerised, no matter which side you drop the arm on, like so many have before you, utterly enslaved by Coxsone Dodd's makeover bring in his studio band "Sound Dimension" to captivate you with their irresistible rhythms from Studio ? and Don Lorenzo's secretive production.
Dodd takes Sam's gorgeous 1960 ballad on RCA adding Caribbean flavours into the mix, a recipe for an enthralling mid-tempo cocktail of soulfulness crocheted into a Jamaican backdrop provided by one of the most accomplished producers and studio bands available at the time.
Two awesome sides that nearly 20 years later, this limited disc, that seldom comes to market.
Condition Report
Ltd. edition # 700 of 1111 a fine clean picture cover, revealing only the merest signs of handing (see images) mint labels, mint minus vinyl. a beauty!
Prince Buster All Stars - Land Of Imagination / The Barrister (The Appeal) -
Blue Beat: 45/BB 391 (45s)
Another humorous, uplifting Rock Steady groove from "Buster"
Another tale of mischief and misfortune, set to an uplifting, sympathetic horns roll out a the dance pulses, partitioned by a killer trumpet break. You can't help but fall in love with the "message" you feel must have originated from a true event.
The ballad lead side, has its charms as we experience "Prince Buster All Stars" in a different light.
Importantly this is a fine clean copy, 4 prong centre intact, elusive in this condition. Strong gloss on vinyl reveals only mild, soft forgivable hairlines.
Condition Report
two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, strong gloss on vinyl, reveals multiple but fine mild surface hairlines, both sides play clean
Jimmy Ruffin
Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got / World So Wide, Nowhere To Hide (From Your Heart)
Tamla Motown : TMG 603 DJ (45s)
James Jameson’s booming bass guitar, lifts the curtain to Motown storytelling at its most poignant. Jimmy’s convincing tones of hope, take the listener with him on a journey filled with desire, love and relief … he’s a free man again, he cannot wait to board the train that’s gonna take him all the way back to his girl. A riveting narrative many a Hollywood movie has been based on… but this is better than a movie, because you’re travelling right there beside him all the way to Detroit.
Motown’s greatest gift to the dancer or the listener was its ability to encapsulate a film, a book or a play into less than three minutes. A chance for your mind and body to drift away into Jimmy’s world. Vividly envisaging all of Jimmy’s emotions, as the lyrics paint the picture in your head of struggle, strife and despair. Whilst Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield paint the landscape with tinkling vibes, swirling strings, rattling percussion carrying you to the the climax of his intentions. A patient girl-choir bursts forth, a tsunami of strings descend onto this tale of impending elation, with the genius crowning moment of thundering kettle-drums driving the story home.
One of my all-time favourite Motown productions..it has everything a blockbuster movie should have, including flashbacks of you wondering what that final moment was like when Jimmy was in her arms again…
In all the joy this record delivers, please do not pass by the wonderful Northern Soul experience waiting on the flipside “World So Wide, Nowhere To Hide (From Your Heart)” a yet to be exposed dancer of the highest calibre, delivering a most-awesome saxophone interlude. ... that Simon Soussan used to rave about on his early 70's mailshots from Los Angeles.
Two great sides...
Condition Report
Discreet writing on a-side 4 prong centre, blink and you'll miss it. Strong gloss on Ex+ vinyl, reveals some soft signs of careful turntable action, playback is crisp n' clean (listen) still housed in birth-sleeve
Sandra Wright
Midnight Affair / Wounded Woman
Truth : TRA 3201 (45s)
This is the lady who cut arguably the greatest Soul Sister album ever made! And just the saddest tale of a gifted diva whose career never took off because her album tragically coincided with the demise of Stax Records in Memphis.
And to the huge disappointment for all involved at Broadway Studios, Sheffield, Alabama, failed to achieve a USA release in 1975. As they all considered it as masterpiece. It included these two killer tracks from this gifted Soul Sister.
Sandra was discovered by Freddie North singing in a small club in Nashville. He tipped off David Johnson, who, upon hearing this amazing songbird, signed her on the spot. “The Best Female R&B Singer I Heard In A Long Time” was his assessment. He then spent several months sourcing the right songs for her to sing.
Her sessions were crafted by Alabama’s finest musicians, technicians and vocalists. A combination of Memphis & Muscle Shoals horns, Ben Carley on trumpet, Harvey Thompson on tenor sax, Ronnie Eades on Bari Sax, Charles Rose on Trombone, Clayton Ivey on keyboards, Randy McCormick on Electric Piano, Pete Carr on guitars, Lenny LeBlanc on Bass Guitar, Roger Clarke on Drums. Background vocals provided byTerry Woodford, Barbara Wyrick and Mary Ann Gresham. Precision engineering by the precision of Bill Fair who said she was the greatest female voice he had ever worked with. ...
This gathering crafted the greatest female Soul album of all time. It was fully 12 years after the demise of Stax that Sandra Wright’s masterpiece album finally got issued on vinyl. Ironically by Demon Records of Brentford, England. This 1974 45 sneaked out after the singled sided promo of "Wounded Woman" failed to get a response, the release copy with "Midnight Affair" on the flipside failed to receive any back up promotion whatsoever and disappeared into the ether of Soul music releases.
Seldom surfacing for sale... but when it does, expect competition for ownership, both sides are killers, Sandra's vocal and emotion is mesmerizing - the hard to capture "Midnight Affair" is a MUST-OWN! The other side "Wounded Woman " is Southern Soul dance at its most impressive.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss on mint minus vinyl revealing only a few ultra fine soft sleeve storage hairlines under light, both sides plays crisp, clean and clear. now listen to a lady, but for a sad twist of fate, would have become one of the all-time Soul-Sister greats.
Jerry Cook
I Hurt On The Other Side / Take What I've Got
Capitol : P 5981 DJ (45s)
An utterly iconic slab of Northern Soul in it's least seen most wanted format...with no confusion over authenticity that the counterfeited STOCK copy engages you in.
A legendary 45 that inspired gymnastic overload on the dancefloors of The Catacombs, The Torch, The Mecca and every other pre-Wigan Casino Club with a DJ lucky enough to own a copy. It was at one stage the best loved stomper on the scene. Not only to dance to, but also on those lengthy forays north in our white transit, it triggered the Pork Pieville choir to bust into caterwauling choruses accompanied with synchronised arm waving in the cram-packed, mattress lined acoustic space called the back of our van.
Not exactly Carnegie Hall but we considered our singing along to" Simon Soussan's sales tape to be pure Northern Soul opera!
No other song at the time triggered this affect of near Welsh Male Voice Choir comradeship, it was not only an unforgettable Northern Soul moment, it actually became a Saturday excursion ritual. Nobody ever grew tired of hearing Jerry Cook's blistering voice, defiantly resounding Sidney Barnes & J. J. Jackson's grown-man-in-denial lyrics.
" I Hurt On The Other Side, But I Cry In Solitude"
" I Hurt On The Other Side, But I Keep My Tears From View"
Northern Soul poetry riding a fanfare of brass and Arthur Wright's insistent guitar pulses..
This is why 1000's and 1000's of teenagers travelled 100's of miles every weekend to hear this spine-tingling Soul music.. and have now spent the rest of their lives dedicated to it..
THIS IS PROPER NORTHERN SOUL!
Condition Report
Soft storage aging on bright lime green labels, see images. The top fidelity Capitol vinyl carries multiple mild surface marks, but you'd never know, listen to the disc, giving up loud clean playback . Housed in birth-sleeve.
Prince Buster and His All Stars / The Blues Busters
Carolina / Can't Believe You're Gone
Prince Buster: PB 30 (45s)
two classic tunes, presented in their raw form.
Condition Report
titles neatly written on respective label in fine ballpoint see images. Strong gloss on vinyl shows only a few light surface hairlines. Both side play clean <br /> (listen)
(listen)
Fabulous Apollos
The One Alone / Determination
Valtone : 101 (7")
The result will be the same, a frantic scramble for a little space to perform.
Motor City Northern Soul from Val and Frank Brown's soul vehicle for local artists, this is 1966 indie Detroit at its most convincing.
But has surprisingly been hitting the Northern Soul turntables since as early as1972 when long-serving NS Jock Glen Bellamy debuted this Detroit-double-delight at the now legendary Northern Soul “speakeasy” Bletsoe All Nighters in the tiny hamlet that is still talked about today. Since those embryonic nights, this double-helping of the good-stuff has graced most every club in the land, for now over 5 decades.
And still hasn’t come under the spotlight of the bootleggers, giving you ownership confidence knowing, you will only ever hear this disc played in a club by a DJ with an authentic original in his record case.
This copy as you can see and hear is in truly beautiful condition.
Condition Report
Absolutely no label fade, a problem that so often ruins the appearance of this rare disc. Full gloss, hardly played mint minus vinyl.
Reggie Alexander
It's Better / My Confession (To You)
Boss Records: 102 (45s)
It is no secret of my steadfast adulation of Detroit's most accomplished independent production team of them all. their contribution to the pure Northern Soul sound is unsurpassed, never to be equaled; never a even an hint of commercial soul within any of their creations. Their signature-style guaranteed to send shivers down the spine, with its distilled presentation of real-soul from the heart.
Reggie Alexander showcases effortless crooning swathed in majestic strings and haunting horns as Herbie Williams & Joe Hunter weave their magic. The style unmistakably "Pied Piper" but softer and even classier than anything that went before it. The effect is totally indelible, a song that enters your psyche - never to leave, cementing your intimacy with this standout production team, into a lifetime thing.
If you want to fill your life with superior Detroit Soul, a crucial purchase would be ACE KENT's CD series of the "Pied Piper" catalogue absolutely essential to really absorb what these guys and gals from the Motor City achieved, but wasn't appreciated at the time, living in the shadow of the Motown Machine.
Reggie Alexander frames the diversity of Pied Piper as they deliver a jazzy, crooning Soul floater, that will once again floor you with its excellence.
Awesome, RARE and on its way BACK!
Condition Report
Two clean label, a feeble fade at 2 o'clock a-sided is this disc's only mild flaw. Full gloss on the near flawless vinyl, strong ex+ mint minus throughout.
Jackey Robinson / Bob Taylor
Heart Made Of Stone / I May Never See My Baby Anymore
Punch: PH 50 (45s)
Catchy, whirling keyboard pulses provide the dance element, Jackey giving up the vocal class required to lift the session to another level.
The effortless and highly regarded young vocal of Bob Taylor immediately captures your attention with his first release, serves up a simplistic but highly effective plea of impending loneliness. A voice that only made 45 release on just 3 occasions, before fading into obscurity in 1975.
Seldom seen for sale, two great sides.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, strong on vinyl, some soft ticks from short scratch, along the long at the beginning, but soon clears for excellent playback. The flipside plays a strong vg+ listen both sides lifted directly of this elusive disc. Both sides carry multiple surface hairlines.
Junior Delahaye
Showcase / 1982 album in glorious condition
Wackie's : W-1382 (LP)
Dub, Lovers5 Rock
A1 Love *
Written-By – Junior Delahaye
A2 I Love You - For All Season *
Superb deconstruction of the "Fuzz" classic girl group harmony ballad.
Written-By – The Fuzz
A3 All I Need Is Jah *
original composition by Junior Delahaye
B1 Travelling Man
B2 Sitting In The Park
Killer take on the Billy Stewart anthem
B3 Your All I Need
original composition - written by Junior Delahaye
includes tthe following artists
Backing Vocals – Cassandra, Junior, Love Joy's.
Bass – H. Sylvester, Jah T, Delahaye, Phillip, Myrie, Roy
Percussion – Scotty, Luddy, Oral
Engineered by Levy, Barnes, Junior Delahaye
Guitar – Fox, Jerry Harris
Keyboards – Barry V., Allah, Fox
Percussion – Ras Menelik
Producer – Bullwackie
Saxophone – Rolando Alphonso
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss on vinyl, reveals only the merest soft surface blemishes under light, plays sweet, and clean (listen) a fine clean unblemished cover (see images)
Johnny Burnette And The Rock 'N Roll Trio
Johnny Burnette And The Rock 'N Roll Trio / 1956 UK original press
Vogue Coral : LVC 10041 (10")
Here is, for the first time ever on our auction the "impossible" December 1956 British 10" album.
The track listing speaks for itself every one a red-hot Rocker.
A1 Honey Hush - written Lou Willie Turner
A2 Lonesome Train (On A Lonesome Track) - written-by – Glen Moore, Milton Subotsky
A3 Sweet Love On My Mind - Dorsey Burnette written-by – W. P. Walke*
A4 Rock Billy Boogie - written-by A. Mortimer, Dorsey Burnette, G. Hawkins, Johnny Burnette
A5 Lonesome Tears In My Eyes - written-by A. Mortimer, Dorsey Burnette, J. Burnette, P. Burlison
A6 All By Myself - A. Domino, David Bartholomew
B1 The Train Kept A-Rollin' - written-by H. Kay, L. Mann, T. Bradshaw
B2 I Just Found Out - written-by A. Mortimer, Dorsey Burnette, Johnny. Burnette, P. Burlison
B3 Your Baby Blue Eyes - written-by A. Mortimer, Dorsey Burnette, Johnny Burnette*, P. Burlison
B4 Chains Of Love - written-by Harry Vann Walls, A. Nugetre
B5 I Love You So - written-by - Henry Jerome
B6 Drinking Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee, Drinking Wine - written-by J. Mayo Williams, "Stick" McGhee
Condition Report
Two clean labels, no writing, stickers or stains, soft age fade, silver text has soft age fade (see images), strong gloss on vinyl revealing only some ultra mild surface hairlines when angled under, plays amazingly well, listen. We've soundfiled EVERY TRACK for the importance of accuracy. The whole album is just killer! Listen the clean cut clarity of this most vibrant of albums. Retains original crescent poly-inner, white crescent sleeve, maybe a clean replacement.
Butch Baker
Batman At The Go Go / Robin At The Go Go
St. Lawrence : 1010 DJ (45s)
Which we are sure 12 year old Butch Baker would have reveled in singing his cartoon heroes names, which were quickly changed to "Working At The Go Go" with the flipside renamed as "The Fat Man" to enable Higgins & Gardener to bring this thumping slab of Chicago dance-soul to the market. Although I have witnessed a stock copy with the title as "Batman At The Go Go" but that is off-the-scale rare, as they were all sentenced to be destroyed, leaving any promo copies to be discarded.
With only a few promos already out in circulation to local radio stations, which alerted copyright owner Warner Bros, to the name infringement, they quickly acted to have the song withdrawn. There were a few that eventually ended up in the hands of those serious about collecting the rarest variations of the true Northern Soul classics,.
An anthem in 1972 one of the most sought-after floor-packer, proudly noted in Blues & Soul club adverts as "Working At The Go Go". An instant dancefloor hit, typically potent Monk Higgins production that blew everybody away with its relentless stomping beat and blitzing brass.
Proper, Northern Soul presented in the rarest variation that was almost instantly withdrawn from circulation and airplay.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, one tiny round white tag, full gloss totally clean vinyl, revealing just a few soft hairlines when angled in the light, strong fidelity plays a perfect Mint minus. (listen)
Doug Banks
I Just Kept On Dancing / Baby Since You Went Away
Argo : 5483 (45s)
The lead side " I Just Kept On Dancing " bristles with Latin neighborhood rhythms the gifted "Victor Millrose, Lenore Rosenblatt" partnership had already pleasure the soul fan with Doris Troy's or Gene Stridel's New York beater "Tomorrow Is Another Day" wear both heavily invested into the "Big City Sound" and all comes pouring out in a cocktail of Latino big production dance.
A proper dancer, that been a dancefloor igniter for several decades now. The combination of explosive trumpets, scything strings and "The Dreamlovers" vocal harmony choruses is a tune to take home in your head...every time!
The flipside is just as imposing but an entirely different style, as the Walsh - Wecht combination delivers full-blown "Beat Ballad Heaven" a moody muscular hanging horns the ideal platform for Douglas' rich emotional pleas driven by loneliness and seclusion since his girl went away. His pain is palpable...
If I had to choose a side, I think the despair of lost love, wins over, the rejected denial of his need to keep on dancing. But I know I'll change my mind by tomorrow...
Two awesome tunes on one disc, both proper mood-changers in their own way..
Condition Report
two clean labels, tiny bb drill, full gloss mint minus vinyl reveals only a few minuscule blemishes
Precisions
If This Is Love (I'd Rather Be Lonely) / You'll Soon Be Gone
Drew : D-1003 DJ (45s)
A fabulous copy, for the Northern Soul collector seeking those Northern Soul classics that have escaped the turmoil and fatigue of the Northern Soul circuit over the last 4 decades.
An absolute guaranteed floor-packer every time! As a collector or DJ you will seldom encounter such a clean copy.
So much going for it, this inventive, powerful Motor City dancer, that saw a very brief release in the UK on Track Records as a 45. Becoming a weekday bedroom dance favourite when played off the ubiquitous Backtrack 6 album.
A DJ box banker, for those who care about the most desirable formats and play-perfect clean conditions.
Condition Report
Two beautifully clean white promo labels - see images. Bright clean vinyl, absolutely NO Northern Soul circuit exposure both sides play perfect (listen)
Duke Browner
Crying Over You / same: instrumental version
Impact : 1008 DJ (45s)
A beyond-loved NS anthem, that has, over the decades, deeply affected the life's of every young Northern Soul recruit, by enslaving them to a life of Northern Soul, chasing that euphoric lift-off we all experienced when we first heard it - for me it was "The Cats" many others it will have been "The Torch" or "The Blackpool Mecca". No matter how many times you hear it, Duke Browner still sends shivers of delight down my spine, Harry Balk's swirling "Kaddo Strings" uplift your senses, then, even further elevated, as the whooping dancefloor sychronise their thundering wide-armed handclaps, to those unforgettable bassline-piano breaks.
Undoubtedly "Crying Over You" is one of the most motivational Northern Soul anthems of all time...
That is why it very rarely comes to market, for the serious Northern Soul collector it could be the very last record you'd ever part with - indelible memories from the best-of-times are so hard to let go.
Two clean promo labels, no writing, stickers or tears. Vinyl carries good gloss, visually revealing many light soft surface hairlines, but plays totally clean (listen) plays excellent +. But MOST IMPORTANT this is not a copy that suffered the rigors of the Northern Soul circuit, no sub-standard weighted cartridges or worn out styli, this baby plays crisp and clean, not a hint of any former haphazardness from NS DJ ownership on the playback.
LOVE IT!
View the clean promo labels, listen to both sides - you will be catapulted back to those impressionable years, when this Detroit masterpiece entered your heart ... never, ever to leave.
Condition Report
As described above.
Frankie (Love Man) Crocker
Ton Of Dynamite / Confession Of Love
Turbo: 0001 (45s)
Ton Of Dynamite was a ground-breaking "hunk of funk" that took no prisoners on the Northern Soul dancefloor. As Blackpool Mecca started winning the street kudos. As time has proved beyond debate as "Footsee" will never grace a Northern Soul turntable again and Frankie Crocker still triggers allniter pandemonium when dropped.
What a record to launch your label with ... influential radio DJ Frankie “Love Man” Crocker aided by Willie Feaster, Benny Johnson and Sylvia Robinson certainly chose the right style and title for "Turbo’s" blast off.
Even though the early years of Turbo were quite unproductive. With all five of their 1969 45’s falling on hard ground with only meagre sales, this would later change when “Dynamite” sparked interest across Europe for everything “All Platinum & Turbo”
Whilst us mere mortals were listening to Mike Raven’s BBC radio one Soul show for our Soul educational fix. Ian Levine and Colin Curtis were listening Frankie Love Man Crocker on WBLS radio on cassette tapes Ian had brought back from his USA holidays. The turbulent sound “Ton Of Dynamite” stuck in their minds, then a few original 45s were located. The Blackpool Mecca’s boundaries were already widening; Levine and Curtis decided this frenetic edgy cocktail of Funk & Northern Soul was ready for a Highland Room airing. It was of course an instant success with the "Highlanders" receptive tastes. A record that has been ingrained into the Northern Soul psyche ever since. Even near 5 decades after those two audacious Blackpool Mecca DJ’s discharged it’s power onto a now expectant Highland room throng.
It is records of this ilk, and DJs who think outside the box that has kept the rich tapestry of Northern Soul music fresh, open-minded and addictive for all this time. Thank you Ian and Colin for pushing the boundaries.
Before you today, encapsulated in near 3 minutes of “dynamite” is a seldom-seen top drawer NS classic that pushed the envelope.
Condition Report
X on flipside label, otherwise two bright glossy clean labels. Exceptional vinyl, strong gloss on vinyl, reveals only a few minuscule soft fine hairlines when angled in the light. Plays beautifully clean, listen to the potent soundfile lifted directly off this Mint minus disc.
Leonard Adair
That Smile Upon Your Face / I'd Like To Thank You
Stage Production : SPR 101 (45s)
One famed Spanish soul DJ described it as "The Epitome of Crossover Soul" and many, including me, totally agree with him.
As do quite a few of my favourite rare-soul DJ's as it often features Steve Clancy's and Pat Bleasdale's selective DJ sets and of course Soul Sam's and Matt Fox's carefully compiled play lists of superior Crossover Northern Soul. This always lifts the crowd with its classy approach, and soothing vocals.
A James Peoples and Leonard Adair D.I.Y. Chicago creation, a floating harmonic masterpiece that instantly captures your heart with its soaring optimism; as seamlessly woven double-take vocals bounce off each others adoration, riding a simplistic jazzy dance arrangement. A brilliant example of the quality that can be achieved when real-talent is in an independent neighborhood studio.
Yes this is Rare-Soul Crossover at its very finest...
So elusive it has not been seen for sale on Discogs for over 6 years ... act accordingly
Condition Report
Two bight flawless yellow labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, reveals only the merest soft blemish when angled in the light.
Ronnie Mitchell
How Many Times / The Only One
London: 45-HLU 9220 (45s)
Ronnie Mitchell a Johnny Nash, Lenny Welch, Gene McDaniels' styled "black" balladeer, a crooner with a beautifully rich, smooth as velvet delivery. A New Yorker who worked with some great producers, notably Teacho Wiltshire, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Doug Morris to name but a few. Releasing 45s on Blue Cat, Brunswick, Hour Glass, Spectrum, Laurie etc. But somehow never catching the attention of the British Soul collector.
This listing is for London collectors, because it is so hard-to-find especially as the two sided "stock" copy. Before you today.
A soul crooner that somehow flew under the radar.
Take a listen... to two seamless floaters.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact. vinyl reveals some soft hairlines, housed in clean birth-sleeve.
Medation
No Peace / Peace Version
Upsetters : no # (45s)
A Lee Perry creation, showcasing a classy gentle n' jazzy mid-tempo class decorated by shrill girl group chorus, ducking under crashing cymbals, and a steady strollin' pulses carry the seesion forward. A jazzy tenor saxophone elevates the session even further. Truly cool tune, with a stripped down "version" where it unveils all the intricacies of the arrangement...
We love it!
Condition Report
neat rubber stamping i.d. the collection on Tony Corsin on the mostly clean a-side label (see images). Strong gloss on vinyl reveals on fine soft storage hairlines under light. both sides plays very clean, even on the quiet intro listen to the soundfiles lifted directly from this elusive disc.
Wailers
Simmer Down / Sunday Morning
I Don't Need Your Love: JB 186 (45s)
"Simmer Down" is an iconic/classic club anthem. Two definitive Coxsone Dodd Rock Steady compositions.
An inspiring trumpet saturated Rock Steady dance groove, endowed with a wave after wave of enthusiastic high-pitched mixed group vocalization, partitioned with a soothing sax break before in jumps back into SKA dance mode.
We just adore it!
Flipside is a fabulous saxophone dominated Ska mover, inspired Soul vocal-harmony dancer with a rasping lead vocal, contrasted by shrill girl-group choruses. Classic 1965 of the highest calibre.
Condition Report
£ prong intact, light label storage wear but clean. with an historic 1/2p stamp on the flipside label, a quite common and cheap way to i.d. your discs in the mid-sixties. Vinyl reveals multiple light surface marks, but plays loud and clear (listen) only very mild and acceptable background, nothing overpowering the music. Flipside vinyl is in the sdame grasding, WHAT A TUNE a double delight encapsulating the mid-sixties mood in Kingston.
Blues 5
When You're In Love / Hey Baby
Studio 36: no number (45s)
How pleased are we?... to get this "impossible" British "MOD beat" record back in stock, in a trade deal for some Northern Soul, as it is an insanely RARE 1964 British private press release, manufactured in Northampton by an undocumented band (any information would be gratefully received)
STUDIO 36 was the same company that pressed "The Quakers - It's Alright" - the British Beat Holy Grail that had a documented press of only FIFTY copies, We suspect this 45 by BLUES 5 received perhaps even less, STUDIO 36 did do runs of a meagre TEN. The Blues 5 is significantly rarer than that impossible 45 from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Our local group The Quakers did have another 45 released on Oriole.
But for "The Blues 5" "When You're In Love" their self composed thumper, this was their one and only release.
A stronger rhythmic Brit beater, driven by skilled and relentless strumming guitar, a racing vocal backed up with a well timed male group chorus. Some great guitar solo pauses, showcase a deliciously primitive performance decorated with strong lead voice with group vocal choruses, and tight harmonisation .
Totally beyond RARE, on a label that helped just 7 bands achieve a vanity release for friends, neighbors of give-away promo in the hope a record company may pick up on their unknown talent. .
Of the 7 bands they pressed 45's for "The Quakers" were the only group to release more than one solitary single, The Quakers had two.
Rumored as a "50" only press is a ridiculous low number - this 45 is as rare as it gets, if you collect UK singles, but maybe as little as 10 pressed as samples for the band.
The Quakers 45 on Studio 36 is a "confirmed by a band member" as a 50 only run.
Condition Report
Tiny faint name on the flipside label, see images. a-side label is totally clean. 3 prong centre intact, strong gloss on vinyl, revealing only a few soft surface hairlines when angled in the light. A strong EX+, as you can hear it plays crisp and clean, both sides.
The Imposters
Wipe In / Tulsa
The Frogdeath : FROTH 1 (45s)
From the desk of popular El Paso radio DJ and TV personality Steve Crosno. This popular, slightly quirky music enthusiast started "The Frogdeath" label designing of of the world's most memorable 60's record labels.
Imposters - Wipe In / Tulsa - The Frogdeath launch his label in 1963. Little Stevie Crosno carried on his enterprise with 8 more releases until 1967. These included some fine nasty Garage sessions, a couple of brass saturated Soul movers.
This "Imposters" give a fabulous account of themselves with "Wipe In" complete with wacky ghoulish vocal encouragement, but is a blatant planarization of "The Surfaris - Wipe Out" whilst the flipside "Tulsa" is much more ordinary plectrum workout.
Rare 45, on a collectable cult label, seldom encountered in such fine clean condition
Condition Report
Very hard to find in clean condition. Two clean label, sharp text with the intricacies of that iconic label logo, bright and clear. Full gloss vinyl, show only the merest fine hairlines under light. Plays clean ... listen
Mr. Lucky and The Gamblers
Take A Look At Me / I Told You Once Before
Dot : 45-16930 (45s)
Starting out in 1964 as "The Blazers" updating their name to "Mr. Lucky and The Gamblers" because "Mr. Lucky" was formerly a popular CBS TV program with John Vivyan playing the lead roll. It worked as they got booking all around Portland, Oregon. Expanding their band as they incorporated "The Rogues" into band giving it a harsher "punk" feel to their style.
In 1966 whilst supporting and impressing Don and The Goodtimes. Don Galluci and the lads were so impressed with Mr. Lucky and The Gamblers that they helped seal a record deal for them with Jerry Dennon's Panorama label. Resulting in two local hits "Take A Look At Me" tune, written and produced by Bob Holden and Don Galluci (of Don and The Goodtimes)), and Alice Designs (LSD Signs), which was produced by Bob Holden and produced by Don Galluc.
Flipside is a California sunshine pop harmony tune "I Told You Once" moody production sits into Northern Soul blue-eyed dance territory .
Two fine sides, in fabulous condition!
Condition Report
Two clean full gloss labels, NO ring wear. Full gloss and unblemished, vinyl, housed in birth sleeve.
Tim James
Strange Things / Motions
Delcro : 45-502 (45s)
Typically inventive Bay Area production on the same label that released that highly regarded Soul group harmony ballad by "Teardrop Tears" released shortly before to launch the label with Delcro 501, considered for decades as an Holy Grail of Californian sweet soul.
Both Delcro releases recorded at the famous Music City Studios 1815 Alcatraz, Berkeley, 3 Calif. but total opposites in design. The mysterious musician Tim James crafts two captivating and individualistic recordings. "Motions" being a jangling guitar dominated mid-tempo benefitting from heavy percussion and Tim's moody approach and sparing lyrics, crammed full of useable "breaks & beats" as its eerie qualities wash over you. A sleeper due to its extreme rarity but now emerging both sides of the Atlantic as a style rare-Soul DJ's are starting to air.
The other side "Strange Things" carries a weightier leaning towards Psyche/Jazz with more of an emphasis on his spooky singing style.
Both sides capture the Bay Area's psyche mood, still prevalent during mid-70s with notes paying homage to the Haight - Ashbury era, a throwback session of real quality. At the moment we cannot find out too much about this obvious local talent, that Ray Dobard released this lone single on.
All we do know, is both sides are great and interest is building worldwide in its obvious potential and this copy is in perfect condition.
Do not pass by, the 45 is on the move, on several different scenes across the world.
Condition Report
MINT previously unplayed archive copy, still housed in birth-sleeve - TOP condition
Soul Cats
Your Sweet Love / Keep It Moving
Camel: CA 23 (45s)
As the group name suggests, the SoulCats were heavily influence by the US Soul sounds. Camel 23 gives up two horn dominated feel-good dancers. Especially "Keep It Moving" which borders on Northern Soul, fabulous brass filled arrangement.
Listen two impressive "Soul" influenced recordings.
Condition Report
clean a-side label, 4 prong centre intact, flipside label has a soft sticker removal graze Camel head logo (see images) Top quality near mint minus vinyl, reveals on a few soft surface blemishes. Both sides play clean.
Wailers
Ska Jerk / I'm Still Waiting
Coxsone : FC 6909 (45s)
On the flipside The Wailers again pulled from their admiration for the Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions serving up a haunting vocal-group harmony stepper beautifully elevated by sympathetic horn prompts, another killer tune. Tight, emotional, example of top-drawer Jamaican soul.
Two superior tunes on one disc.
Condition Report
minuscule ballpoint initial on label, tiny "Made In Jamaica" rubberstamp on a-side label. Strong gloss on a-side vinyl reveals only soft fine plays clean. Flipside vinyl is also fine clean bright gloss, there is however a tiny dimple that triggers distance low-thud for a couple of seconds - listen to the crisp double soundfile.