Soul Auction
Check out the Rare Soulman soul auction for all the best bargains available online. Be sure to check the closing date and time for each record to ensure to don’t miss out on the best bids. Our auction stock dramatically varies in price, with records ranging from £12-£700. Find the perfect soulful additions for your own collection.
The condition and authenticity of all the records in our soul auction section are always carefully and closely scrutinised. If you enjoyed our auction, then you may also enjoy checking out our latest soul additions.
Barbara & Brenda
Never Love A Robin / Sally's Party
Direction : 58-3799 DJ (45s)
Before you today is this classic's rarest form by a very long away a November 1st. 1968 British DEMO! in perfect perhaps previously unplayed condition. Spectacular like-new throughout.
Relatives Barbara (aunt) & Brenda Gaskin (niece) under the guidance of Charlie Foxx another star from a Dynamo Records duo with Inez. Knew exactly how to get the best out of Tommy Hunts original version, with two songbirds thriving on Luther Dixon, Thom Bell and Charlie Foxx's advisory lyrics. Using all his experience as a seasoned duet recording artist.
Huge dancefloor anticipation brewing from the drumroll, sister spoken intro; then detonation from a pulsating bass guitar, a thumping piano jumps into the mix, joined by the stabbing horns and a jangling rhythmic guitar, propelled by relentless percussion. Charlie & team forge a flawless Northern Soul duet.
Full marks to Mr. Searling and our further "up north" friends for reigniting this 45's dormant history.A song that has been a favourite of mine since my embryonic Northern Soul years, but I certainly never owned a Mint unplayed DEMO back in my teenage days..
Condition Report
Two clean PROMO labels, 4 prong centre intact, flawless Mint vinyl still housed in birth sleeve. As good as it gets!
Willie Kendrick
Change Your Ways / What's That On Your Finger
RCA : 47-9212 DJ (45s)
This record is a testament not only to the man, but also to Pied Piper and the Northern Soul scene, that has made the world aware of Detroit's "Pied Piper" production team and the undisputedly greatest 60's Soul music ever committed to vinyl that they consistently produced.
Thank you Willie, thank you Pied Piper for enriching my life so very many times.
Listen to hear why "Pied Piper's" enviable reputation is growing day by day.
PS
"Change Your Ways" still dives the need in me to dance, whilst "What's That On Your Finger" still sends shivers down my spine...
Condition Report
Two flawless promo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, still housed in birth-sleeve
Otto & The Sensations
Girl We Can Make It / Keep Only Lovin' You
C T I : 2000 (45s)
Listen to this beauty from Milwaukee, then try and tell me this session doesn't have everything it takes to go huge!
A beseeching Otto vocal slips seamlessly into an attention seeking cocktail of swirling Hammond, pounding bass guitar... preparing fertile ground for a team of shrill girls cradle his pleading voice with rich harmony. The relentless marriage of guitar and keyboard drives the convincing dance rhythm, the girls demand “Come On Baby - I Love You” Otto’s reaching voice underlines his need, the background vocals hammering home his determination to make it with his girl...
Perhaps the flipside is a even superior tune, a heavenly Lowrider experience; also yet to emerge from under its obscurity. Every note finely delivered as any big-ticket San Antonio rarity you care to mention. The quality is right up there, along side the harmony Soul grails; ready and waiting to cause a sensation to those who have not encountered its premier qualities before.
Both sides are spectacular examples of their genres, seriously rare... just begging for a visionary DJ to whack it out of the park...
Condition Report
Two beautifully clean labels, full gloss vinyl, revealing only minuscule sleeve storage hairline or two under light. Both sides play flawless.
Dick Jordon
I Want Her Back / Some Of These Days
Piccadilly : 7N 35035 (45s)
If down n’dirty R&B Popcorn dance is your bag, this 45 has everything it takes to fill up your senses. If Popcorn is not quite your “thing” this record has the power to covert you.
Hypnotic percolating saxophone bubbles away, inviting shoo-doo-woppin sirens to deliciously fill the air. Decorating the landscape, making ready to take Dick Jordan’s curled-up lip vocal full in the face. Dick strides through the unusual, but addictive arrangement with total arrogance you can’t help but warm to; then a banging piano punches out the dance rhythms. Ignore it’s charms? ... you just can’t...
Oh such perfect Popcorn, the type that pulls you in, as you find resistance is useless...whether Popcorn was a priority in you life before you met Dick, it will have you searching for similarly narcotic early 60’s ... as you become a disciple of Popcorn...
Perhaps against your will..
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, still in birth sleeve.
Barbara Lewis
The Many Grooves Of / The Stars, Baby That's A No No, You Made Me A Woman
Stax : SXATS 1035 UK (LP)
So when you put this Soul Goddess in the recording studio as Ollie McLauglin and arranger Sax-God Mike Terry great things were always going to be crafted. This 1970 British album is the crystallization of distilled Motor City sister-soul on a 12 track session that gives up, some absolute masterpieces.
The obvious ones are 1. The Stars 2. Baby That's A No No 3. You Made Me A Woman 4. How Can I Tell You 5. Just The Way You Are Today 6. Do I Deserve It Baby plus 6 more worthy tunes from Barbara.
I have over the years seen some of the greatest living Soul artists, only The Dells, live at Trentham Gardens pulled as much emotion out of me than this great lady did.
This album encapsulates everything this legendary Sister is...a gifted writer, captivating singer in the studio and truly mesmerizing live on stage.
This elusive 1970 British release is immaculate,
Condition Report
an immaculate 1970 UK press. Fine clean laminated cover, revealing only the merest soft corner-tip storage rub (its only flaw) a 90p purchase tag top left back, we can expertly cleanly remove or we can leave on for extra provenance. (we rather like it) two flawless yellow Stax labels. full gloss unblemished mint minus vinyl, all housed in original inner sleeve.
Cliff Nobles
My Love Is Getting Stronger / Too Fond Of You
Atlantic : 45-2352 (45s)
Condition Report
note there are 2 x bb drills in the label instead of the usual 1. A-side vinyl is clean and strong, just a few soft hairlines, flipside vinyl has a few more light marks at vg+. A-side vinyl is excellent flipside vinyl is vg+
Jimmy Robins
I Just Can't Please You / I Made It over
Impression : 108 DJ (45s)
A totally different recording to the one that Robert Lee ramped up on his Chicago label Jerhart, a release that found its way to England for release on Edward Kassner eclectic President label, only to get lost in the Christmas release-rush of 1966. Passing by almost unnoticed, extreme rarity was to follow and today considered a British Soul grail.
Robert Lee's Chicago production certainly complimented Jimmy Robins's gravel-coated growl completely, whilst on the other hand this, the original recording is far more subtle but just as "Northern" and easily a 1000 times rarer that the ubiquitous Jerhart 45.
Listen now how Jimmy takes a country and western song written by Hank Williams's wife and later Johnny Cash's girlfriend Billie Jean Horton and transforms it into an R&B / Northern Soul masterpiece.
The backing up JImmy of this fabulous transforming of Country & Western attitude in Soul, were an equally angry "Impression" in-house Garage band The Mark Five, featuring Jimmy & Danny Faragher, Dave Kelliher, Steve Hauser notice the fabulous peppering guitar partitions in applause of Jimmy's rasping vocal attack.
If your the kind of collect / DJ who seeks the first incarnations of great records, and delight in surprise your audience with a head-turning different slant of a well known classic.. this decidedly elusive disc ticks all those boxes and more.
Flipside, by the way is the deepest of deep soul statements as Jimmy drags you into his personal abyss...
Condition Report
Soft X in red biro on the a-side, fine clean full gloss vinyl reveals some soft hairline when angtled in the light.
Young Divines
What Is The True Price Of Love / The More You Give, The More You Get
Adventure One : AD-7901 (45s)
Donald Render's searing lead voice, bolstered by the three other silky vocals building a warming wave of soulful harmony. Written, like many of the group's rarer independent recording by Charles White and friends, this beseeching creation asking the question "What Price Does He Have To Pay For Love". The message being money can buy all material things, but not "True Love".
A stunningly executed of this age-old observation, as desire mixes with frustration when "true Love" becomes painfully elusive.
What a standout group The Young Devines are their rare 45s seldom available, this is one of those hard-t0-find discs, shimmering with street-level vocal-group class.
The flipside will please fans of rare Funky Boogie dancers, as the group once again display slick unison, this time at a hard driven at pace through a wah-wah / horn laden dance mix.
Two strong strong, one tricky disc to capture
Condition Report
two clean labels, vinyl has light surface marks, soft non-distracting ticks on the intro and the quieter moments. Overall the beauty of the singing shines through. the quite
Don & Ron
I'm So So Sorry / Girl I Hope To Find
White Cliff : 214 (45s)
A monster tune for Carl & Maria Willingham on their much anticipated travels up and down the United Kingdom, in fact one of the records why this couple's DJ sets were so in-demand countrywide...
When it comes you male vocal Northern Soul duets, few recordings give up the impressive they are a "group" with a this double triple, quadruple vocal-volleys as this mysterious pair ricochet of each others vocal charms; as writer Emile Guess seems influenced by the Chicago sound, with hints "Monkey Time" in the filtering through on the horns. A rhythm that this exceptional duo harnesses and ride home with great urgency. Giving up compelling Northern Soul that I've witnessed congesting the dancefloor at Benn Hall, Rugby all nighter, quickly followed by prolonged applause.
THIS IS A TUNE!
But do not overlook the flip, a dreamy mid-tempo grooves that creeps under your skin, with Don & Ron again showing off their skill of double voiced harmony.
This is NOLA Northern Soul, a fleeting ghost that just never comes to market.
Do not pass by, I can't even remember the last time we had a copy for sale... certainly NOT this century.
Condition Report
Two clean label, a tiny label graze on flipside middle near the centre hole. Fine clean vinyl hardly a mark, there is however a pressing pimple on the run-in, hear sound file both sides give up a mometary dull click at the intro.
Attractions
You Don't Know Boy? / Think Back
June Bug : YB 697 (45s)
The top-side belts out fearsome girl-group harmony Northern Soul woven into an inviting NS dance arrangement. Typically assembled by those talented guys at Trans World Sound, this time not under the guidance of Claude Johnson. Who directed his team providing so many enviable Northern Soul tracks for The Mandells under the gifted guidance of of Sylvester Richardson, Wilbur Johnson. This time all pulling together on this one-off "June Bug" tribute to the tragic premature death of their main man Claude "June Bug" Johnson. No other 45 was released on this imprint to my knowledge, presumable out of the great respect for Claude.
"You Don't Know Boy" takes to the air on a whirlwind of strings, persuasive percussion, laced with smooth but potent brass. Opening up a pathway for a despairing sister vocal explaining why her constantly absent boyfriend had to be discharged from her heart.. Her beseeching explanation rides a pacey dance production enriched by the rest of The Attractions team cooing in agreement, rested by a killer honking-horn break bridging this top-flight dancer together.
The flipside "Think Back" is a harmony group delicacy saturated in sultry girl vocals who's presence demands your full attention. Cutting strings again stir up an atmosphere of young girl's despair, so distressed at her impending break-up, her voice quavering as she pleads for a reconsideration. After all the trust she put in him. One of the most convincing mood changing girl-group steppers of them all. NO wonder this disc is so very sought-after, a double helping of girl group Chicago, with few comparisons.
The flipside "Think Back", a glorious Sister harmony stepper was written by Wilbur's brother Claude in mourning, you can imagine that devastating blow of losing Claude to the very existence of The Mandells and indeed the Trans World Sound label, after 1974 the Trans World Sound set-up went dormant forever.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss vinyl revealing only a few soft hairlines. Mint minus throughout
Veda
What's It's All About / Ain't Nothing But Party
West Sounds : 40 (45s)
Condition Report
Small silver dot on the a-side label, presumably denoting the "play", otherwise two clean labels, full gloss vinyl reveals just a couple of soft hairline none affecting play.
Day-Tons
I've Got To Tell You About It / I've Got To Tell You About It part 2
Day-Tons: Day-Tons DM 8417 (45s)
Condition Report
X X X X on a-side, flipside is clean,
Sweet Things
I'm In A World Of Trouble / Baby's Blue
Date : 2-1522 (45s)
A weekly adventure into new music you'd never heard before, set up a 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 clkub had just discovered an "exclusive" the word was out, and 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. Richard Temple, Butch Baker, Sweet Things, Dynamics would appear in the adverts and off you wet on a journey of discovery. .
In California there was Simon Soussan 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 the 70's decade.
Being 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 the genius of Van McCoy guiding Francine "Peaches" Barker and her two friends Dyanne Stewart, Nancy Johnson replicating the "Motown Sound" just transported us away from the radio bombardment of British pop tedium into a nirvana of escapism into 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 lead vocal just pulls you right in.. then a saxophone interlude to die for.. it was just too much to cope with... Northern soul was the greatest thing in your life at the weekend.
It was of course one of those titles that came over from L.A. on the "Soultown", bootlegs that would later also become so very collectable..
Here's an anthem dripping in euphoric recall, presented in fine clean condition - still housed in its birth sleeve.
Condition Report
Biro XX on flipside label, otherwise two clean labels, full gloss vinyl, revealing just a few soft surface hairlines. Very nice copy no signs of Northern circuit action, no fatigue.
Peppermint Harris
Wait Until It Happens To You / Anytime Is The Right Time
Jewel : 772 DJ (45s)
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, full gloss play perfect vinyl.
Laura Lee
To Win Your Heart / So Will I
Tamla Motown : TMG 831 DJ + promo sheet (45s)
This September 1972 EMI promotion, again underlines the company's awareness, the promo release sheet attached to the reverse of the company sleeve, acknowledges the Northern Soul scene's part they played in bringing this Tamla Motown release to happen. Even though in truth Laura Lee never released a single record for the Motown corporation.
The promo sheet reads: " Laura Lee is now with Hot Wax. In 1966 she was with Golden World, a small Detroit record company whose artists also included Edwin Starr, The San Remo Strings and J.J.Barnes. The company was bought up by Motown in 1967 which meant that Motown acquired the rights to the Golden World catalogue. This is one of the most in-demand items on the cataloque. It was the only thing Miss Lee recorded for the company's Ric-Tic label and has become something of a collectors item." Referring to those Soul Allnighter pioneering DJ's who had made the Ric-Tic masterpiece oner ofd the most-wanted 45's in the country from late 1969 to 1972.
Before you today the highly desirable 1972 green & white promo copy of this much-loved Northern Soul anthem complete with the promo sheet referring to its collectability. Built up by the Twisted Wheel and other British DJ's of the time.
Towards the end of 1971 EMI were becoming fully aware of the now emerging, now above ground Northern Soul scene and the passion for back-catalog and rare USA 45's that they had under their control. EMI had already release the instrumental after-thought "Festival Time" which Ric-Tic released straight after Laura Lee's magnificent vocal version of Joanne Bratton and Linda Bunten's portrayal of a girl's desperation to win her chosen man. An unusual thing for a record company to do, release a vocal take, then the very next moment release the instrumental backing track. But it happen to be a stroke of genius as both 45;'s were very well received. Both 45 enjoying raptuous response in the English all-nighters of the time.
The instrumental is today considered a Northern Soul theme tune of huge repute. With Laura Lee's original vocal version a guaranteed floorpacker for over five decades. Such was the magic the sound of Ric-Tic was delivering. Little wondr Bery Gordy decided to buy them out, not only because they were racking up,strong sales. But also some of their artists were becoming big stars of the soul sound.
Before you today is a classic in gorgeous green & white clothes, that triggers the very finest Northern Soul euphoria every time.
Condition Report
Two clean green and white promo label, a faint smug on the white A just underneath the TA on the Tamla logo. Hardly noticable, other wise flawless
Four Perfections
I'm Not Strong Enough / I'll Hold On
Party Time : PT 1001 (45s)
No passionate words from me could ever elevate this vocal-group Northern Soul anthem any higher than it's already lofty position.
View the label image, click the soundfile, feel the tingling run down your spine and once again immerse yourself into this most wonderful sound of Northern Soul ...
A NS Grail of a huge repute..
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss vinyl.
Marvin Gaye
This Love Starved Heart Of My (It's Killing Me) / It's A Desperate Situation
Tamla: Tamla 42286-0288 PS (45s)
Just click the sound-file and Marvin's voice will convey more in one line, than I ever could with my ready to leap superlatives, triggered by Marvin's electrifying delivery of distilled Northern Soul. ..
All be it very late coming out on vinyl, it is still undisputedly one of the greatest Motown Northern Soul offerings ever to Northern Soul.
A 1995 project by Dana Smart to aid the promotion of Marvin's new 4xCD compilation which included a CD dedicated to 16 tracks of Marvin's rare and unreleased. This 45 was never intended for commercial sale and was seen as a promotional tool only, consequently the value and demand of this limited promo has grown year on year for over 26 years...now
Hardly surprising as it has been an explosive dancefloor detonator for more than two decades with no sign of it ever losing it's magical inspirational dancefloor powers.
This copy is exquisite example, complete with the original picture cover.
Do not pass by, this 45 in 2021 is rarely surfacing for sale. Click the soundfile and prepare for Motown-Magic to fill your space...
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, unblemished picture cover, minuscule fray top opening, full gloss mint minus vinyl, with a solitary soft visual "turntable retrieve" hairline not affecting play in any way. Ex+ Mint minus, Mint minus
Del Victors
Oh Lover / Baby Sitter I Love You
Hi-Q : 5082 (45s)
This weeks R&B exotica experience comes from the Motor City , released by that highly respected purveyor of Michigan music, Fortune Records of Detroit 6.
Hear now a magnificently unusual cocktail of R&B male vocal group harmony, clambering across a rope-bridge in deepest darkest African to "Tarzan" rhythms, driven by heavy Jungle drum pulses and wailing saxophone speared into the mix. Once heard this beyond exotic "Tittyshaker", will not leave your head. Decidedly narcotic R&B rippling with individualist charms of the fantasy primeval forest. Deliciously primitive blend of Linwood street-corner male vocals, transporting you to another place, another time, another country.
Complete with rattling bongos summoning up tight soaring vocals, animal howls; crafting fabulous R&B witchcraft that will begin to possess you as it creeps under your skin and into your heart.
The flipside is SO-VERY-DETROIT, shimmering with all the rhythms of the early 60's that served the beginnings of Motown so well. The questionable but fun lyrics of "Baby Sitter I Love You " makes for a potent vocal-group R&B jump dance session, featuring an insane saxophone solo and enthusiastic young man vocals.
Two great sides from the streets, on one very elusive disc that seldom comes to market. If you like you 45s to be different, rare and addictive - Hi-Q 5082 this ticks all the boxes.
Condition Report
two clean labels, strong gloss on vinyl revealing only soft surface hairlines, plays loud and clean, as you can hear.
Big Dee Irwin
You Satisfy My Needs / I Wanna Stay Right Here With You
Stateside : SS 450 DJ (45s)
From the hearts and minds of that genius writing team of Pam Sawyer & Lori Burton; again these two lady maestros collaborate to craft my all-time favourite slab of the "Big City Sound". To see it in front of me today as this "impossible" August 1965 Demo is pure joy! I couldn't wait to slip it out of its sleeve and onto the turntable.
Boy, these two ladies really knew how to nail your heart to the wall. Such eloquent lyrics, delivered by a rich-blue-chip vocal. Taking you by the hand, as you stroll together through a breeze of zipping strings, with only a girl-choir and Leroy Glover's orchestra for company. Big Dee adds layer after layer of tumultuous crescendos, the warm breezes, steadily ratcheting up into gale-force storm of cyclonic Soul. Kettle drums, the girls choruses rise up is appreciation of truly heart-warming lyrics. Big Dee purrs away, his outpourings of love now supported now haunting brass. The girls support surges through, Big Dee intensifies his adoration for his love... as respect and love shower down in equal amounts. Leaving you in awe of what I believe is the greatest contribution to the sound of Beat Ballad Heaven.
"You Satisfy My Needs" could hardly be more moving. As it ends into a Tsunami of acknowledgement of his girl's devotion. String-rich mid-tempo, brilliantly endowed by a vocal so seamlessly powerful, it sends shivers throughout my body. Roy Glover's magnificent New York production is overflowing with inspiring instruments mingling into the perfect storm to carry this grandiose voice to the end...
Before you today is the insanely rare 27th. August 1965 Red & White Demo! So rare I can actually remember the last copy I had for sale, nearly 40 years ago; and who I sold it to. That proud owner Mr, Steve Guarnori, will I'm sure agree with me when I proclaim this disc is the greatest Beat Ballad ever released on our shores...
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss vinyl reveals onlyu very soft hairlines when angled n the light. Just a few soft pops along the way, all lost and forgotten in the power of this mountainous song.
Albert Washington and the Kings
I'm The Man / These Arms Of Mine
President: PT 182 (45s)
Albert is a DJ life-saver, if things should ever start to flat line during your set... just drop Albert on... to get those pulses racing again.
Insanely potent Northern Soul R&B you just can't help but want to dance to..
At this level of condition, you just can't help but want to own.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss vinyl with hardly a blemish.. a beauty!
Lyrics
Thoughts Of A Summer Day / What Do I See
J. W. J. Enterprises : 1010 (45s)
Stunningly offbeat male vocal harmonies wrap themselves around a sparing instrumental backing.
Fabulous, unfiltered from the street-corner of this tiny Michigan out-post, fabulous vocal-group Northern Soul occasionally borrowing from the previous decade, seamlessly blending Soul with Doo-wop offering up a richly vocalized mid-tempo stepper. A persistent guitar riff, bolstered by a sympathetic Hammond allowing those sublime vocals to deliver eloquently different Northern Soul.
Certainly perfect for those dedicated to under-played gems Sundays or the lockdown D.I.Y. sets that are so in vogue at the moment. The lead is voice serves up an abyss of real-Soul, the backing members shower the leading lyrics with skilled harmonies with their parting last shot, another sign of their neighborhood Doo-Wop influences.
Flip it over the distilled soulful quality again shines through, with the note perfect lead vocal cradled on a wave of Hammond, guitar pulses and warming harmonies.
Two great sides, showcasing consummate Michigan vocal-group Northern Soul of the slickest kind, which ever side you drop on..
Condition Report
two clean labels, full gloss vinyl reveals just a few soft hairlines, none of which affect play. listen to the rich clean soundfile
Mark Loyd
She Said No / Everybody Tries
Parlophone : R-5332 DJ (45s)
A flipside that shimmers with everything that's good about homemade British Soul
Condition Report
Two pristine Red & White demo labels
Anthony & The Imperials
It's Not The Same / Down On Love
Veep : V 1248 DJ (45s)
No "It's Not The Same" things have changed, today this 45 heads up Little Anthony's most-wanted. Here is the rarely encountered PROMO copy in completely stunning condition.
The pleasure Little Anthony's floor-filling classics have lavished upon the Northern Soul dancers through the decades is pretty much immeasurable. Little Anthony has enjoyed cult-status in the hearts of the Northern Soul scene, it seems forever. Before you is a current floor-packer, one in a long line of Northern Soul delights this man has given us...
A Northern Soul icon with the one that is most currently packing them into your solitary lockdown dance....
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, flawless full gloss vinyl, housed in a clean birth sleeve
Otis Rush
Three Times A Fool / She's A Good-Un
Cobra : 5023 (45s)
Most all documented listings start with the "She's A Good-Un" this was officially at first a flipside. But the dark and moody slow-burn Blues wailer seemed to capture the limelight through the years. Whilst the original a-side a wicked introduction to Otis's uncanny manipulation of the strings, the way he makes the guitar guitar talk with varying length of notes. From the very first note of "Three Times A Fool " you know you're about to hear Otis's wicked guitar plucked out magic. HIs distinctive long bent notes the perfect backdrop for his throaty-gargling snarls with more guitar playing than singing. Otis turns the mood to deep regret as he keeps being played for a fool. Strong Chicago Blues mover with an accent on remorse.
The other side Otis changes his tone, singing the qualities of his gal, "My Baby She's A Good-Un " whilst still keeping it low-down and dirty with that "talkin'" guitar proudly singing his baby "up"
Two contrasting sides, you'd be very fortunate to find in this near perfect condition.
A thing of beauty for more reasons than one.. strong NS R&B top side, moody slow-burn Blues wailer on the flip. Two cool tunes in rare, rare condition!
Condition Report
two clean labels, full crisp silver on deep rich blue landscape, unblemished full gloss mint minus vinyl. Rare condition indeed.
Rubaiyats
Omar Khayyam / Tomorrow
Sansu: 456 DJ (7")
Allen Toussaint's mysterious Bayou gathering "The Rubaiyats " gave birth in 1968, to this one-off recording, Sansu led with the b-side first "Tomorrow" a strong Southern Soul ballad, but hid on the flipside an inventive journey into the new Orleans world of Toussaint and his right-hand Marshall E. Seahorn. A pairing that created so many classic Soul recordings. Whilst retaining all the characteristics of 60's NOLA. Witness the bludgeoning brass, the signature Bayou beat, liberally coated with strong male vocals, even though the subject matter is unique though, Toussaint & Seahorn make it work so well...transforming the world's most famous poem "The Rubaiyat" a 1000 years old, so brilliantly highlighting its message of enjoy life to the full, the mantra is "Wine Women & Song".
Before you today is not the cherished UK label, but according to our data the Sansu 45 is rarer than the UK Action prtess than 3 to 1. Recent Northern Soul airings have lifted awareness. It was Northerrn Soul legend John Vincent was particularly partial to its unique rhythms, always triggering a crushing dancefloor response. 100% New Orleans, featuring totally innovative lyrics lauding the virtues of “Wine, Women & Song”, who could argue with those sentiments, or the glowing rarity endorsements.
Unconventional in the extreme but saturated in all those infectious qualities that make it usually the most-memorable NS spin of any evening if you are lucky enough that your local DJ has a copy. The prolific Allen Toussaint & Marshal C. Seahorn again craft an unmissable tune…especially those collectors who have concentrated their interest on USA press Northern Soul.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, strong gloss vinyl revealing on a few soft hairlines under light.
Earl Van Dyke and the Soul Brothers
All For You / Too Many Fish In The Sea
Tamla Motown : TMG 506 (45s)
Recorded in January 1965 in preparation for the impending British tour. This promo 45 from EMI launched 18th. March 1965 as introductory release for the forthcoming spring of 1965 Motown tour of Britain covering 20 dates across the country. Motown was then still a growing musical phenomena that was yet to reach its peak, the tour was designed to give Tamla Motown a higher profile in Great Britain. But unfortunately only partly a success, the ahead of their time London shows were sell-outs, whilst other parts of the country were poorly attended and "All For You" sunk without trace. Today considered one of the rarest UK Tamla Motown 45's, on a red and white promo an extremely sought rarity.
The jazz theme tune to Motown shows written by Jo Hunter, Henry "Hank" Cosby & William "Mickey" Stevenson. Masterly performed by keyboard King and band leader of the Funk Brothers in 1965. On the revue adverts Earl Van Dyke was billed as the Earl Van Dyke Sextet, presumably to garner some British "jazz" interest. But correctly credited as Earl Van Dyke and The Soul Brothers on UK 45 the release.
The Soul Brothers being the "Funk Brothers" the very heartbeat of the Motown Sound. Included some Northern Soul icons performing on this session; the legendary bass guitarist James Jamerson. The dynamic drumming of Benny Benjamin; Mike Terry and his burping bari-sax; replacing Jack Ashford on tambourine was Paul Riser along with guitarists Robert White & Joe Messina; The soaring vocals provided by The Andantes.
Within all the accolades of the "Motown Sound", what has not been made completely clear is the fact, that without the skilled musicianship of Early Van Dyke & his team, the ingenuity of its members. The "Motown Sound" would not have existed as we known it today.
But briefly recognized in 1965 by Motown releasing, Earl Van Dyke's album entitled "That Motown Sound" but later pushed into the background as the Motown stars took all the limelight. This Ensemble were without question the very foundations of the Motown Sound, that's why "The Motown Revue" brought over these gifted studio musicians; as nobody in the UK could have replicated the sound and the intricacies and the synergy that created, what the BBC described at the time as "The Brand New Beat"
"All For You" was Earl's and Soul Brothers theme tune, the opening to this spectacular show. But its release in the UK failed to registered, lost in an avalanche of Tamla Motown UK vocal releases at the time, most of which became timeless classics. Back in the USA the tour was heralded as a resounding success, but "All For You" although given a release number Soul 35009 it was never pressed on vinyl and remains today Motown's rarest "lost" 45, as it is still unconfirmed to actually exist.
Before you today is this Tamla Motown slice of history presented in its rarest form. A gorgeous 18th. March 1965 Red & White Demo! a Motown artifact in remembrance of Dusty Springfield's historical Friday night hosting and singing of the April 25th Ready, Steady Go - Motown Revue show.
Ironically the flipside "Too Many Fish In The Sea" a fabulous Northern Soul dancer, involved the talents of future Northern Soul heroes from the Pied Piper production team Jack Ashford & Herbie Williams.
All this truly unparalleled music we worship today, was part spawned by collaboration of Earl Van Dyke and His Soul Brothers... "The Funk Brothers" who will hopefully one day, receive the worldwide recognition they are long overdue.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss Mint minus vinyl, revealin only thef merest soft sleeve storage hairline when angled under light
Tommy Rodgers
I'll Tell It To The Wind / Pass The Word
AJP : MS 1510 (45s)
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss Mint minus vinyl, a fabulous example.