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.
Little Joe Romans
When You're Lonesome (Come On Home) / You've Got A Love
Tuff : 419 DJ (45s)
Boy oh boy, does Northern Soul Anthem White DEMO collecting get any more exciting than this?
No it certainly doesn't!
Condition Report
Spectacular condition! Two immaculate white promo labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, revealing on a few soft sleeve storage blemishes when amgled in the light.
Mark Valentino
Penny For Your Thoughts / Push And Kick + Fabulous Night + Walking Alone - French EP
Columbia : ESDJ 1456 (EP)
Pow Wow Club
A1. Walking Alone
A2. Penny For Your Thoughts *
B1. The Push and Kick,
B2. Fabulous Night
Condition Report
Two clean labels, flawless previously unplayed mint vinyl, unblemished laminated picture cover retaining the coveted re-order tag.
Chuck Jackson
Chains Of Love / I Keep Forgettin'
Pye International : 7N 25384 (45s)
An iconic Twisted Wheel anthem, presented here in the most beautiful mint minus condition
Chuck's gravelly vocal is perfectly suited to reworking the B. J. Thomas Nashville recording, from a Tennessee blue-eyed stomper, transformed into a towering piece of definitive Northern Soul out of New York. A record that has long been been imbedded into the beating heart of the Northern Soul faithful for near on 56 years. Mark Charron's "Chains Of Love" is a great song recorded by Ronnie Dove, B. J. Thomas, Jimmy James but none of those get anywhere close the the vocal powers, that tumble from Chuck's throat with such rugged ease...
The greatest version by a long, long way presented as an immaculate September 1966 British press still snuggly housed in its birth-sleeve.
Not "forgettin'" Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller's fabulous flipside, pumping out a monumental full orchestral production showcasing Chuck's expressive soulful snarls, in their best possible light.
Two of Chuck's finest, back to back on one disc, encapsulates why this artist is considered one of the King contributors to the Northern Soul scene, his legacy will never be surpassed.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss vinyl revealing only the merest soft sleeve storage hairline under light, looks near perfect, plays perfect. still housed in birth sleeve.
Ambassadors
I Dig You Baby / Storm Warning
Arctic : 153 (45s)
Lorraine Ellison & husband Sam Bell lead singer of the Enchanters composed some delightful Crossover tunes, classy lilting dancers..
"I Dig You Baby" the glorious Philadelphia born mid-tempo floater, has been recorded by several artists after Lorraine Ellison's impeccable original interpretation, a big crossover dance tune who ever sings it. Jerry Butler, Alton Ellis, Kiki Dee etc. With, by far the rarest version by these Philly based boys, who released 7 sought-after singles 4 for Arctic and 3 for Atlantic. Not forgetting their much-prized album "Soul Summit" which these to recordings featured on.
"I Dig You Baby" is a harmony NS Crossover gem, with the bonus of being backed up by their remake of Carl Fisher's "Storm Warning" one of Arctic's most successful singles 4 years earlier for "The Volacanos" Two truly fabulous examples of this highly collectable labels consistency.
Check out the impressive double soundfile, we adore both sides.
So hard to acquire in acceptable condition.
Condition Report
two totally unblemished sky blue labels, vinyl reveals some soft surface blemishes, none affecting play, listen both sides glide along sweet and clean
Nicky Shane
Crackin’ Stone / Caro Mio Ben
XXXX Fourex : 1650 DJ (45s)
Nicky DeMatteo takes a pause from being a Philly teen-idol, adjusts his name to Nicky Shane and rolls out a "16 Tons" inspired Popcorn juggernaut.
Another "Pow Wow Club" spin, a brilliant big vocal "Chain Gang" breaking rocks type retribution song; Nicky ensures you are soon feeling his pain; whilst breaking rocks he compares it to the hard-hearted girl he left behind a 1000 miles away. As his bawling gets louder, he starts to console himself, that there are a whole lot harder things to do, than trying to crack his girl's heart of stone. The haunting kettle drum introduction lays down the mood for Nicky Shane to desperately wail out his wretched situation, he's toiling for change. Anthony & John Luis paint a picture of a so nearly broken man, who we hope wins through, but we never find out. .
a
A hurting, beating Popcorn stroller, unrelenting in its hopelessness. Just perfect to dance to, as Nicky makes your own troubles seem minuscule by comparison.
Popcorn? Currently I'm loving all of it! Especially "The Man Can't Take Much More" storylines...
Condition Report
X X on a-side label, light creasing (see images) Vinyl reveals some light surface marks, none of which affect play, listen, this baby plays crisp and clean and utterly powerful!
Edward Hamilton and The Fifes
I'm Gonna Love You / Call Me
Carrie : C-6502 orange (45s)
By far the rarest incarnation of this double-helping Detroit delight. Try finding this so seldon-seen 1966 ORANGE first press, with the original superior SK4M-1078-1 mix..
Just like the Clifford Binns Carrie press, the dark green label Nashville press being at least two years later, and the light green Nashville press fully 10 years or more later.
The highly elusive ORANGE 1966 first press is the one to own, if you are ever lucky enough to ever see one.
A 100% Melvin Davis creation, like all Melvin's Motor City work, this is also instantly captivating Northern Soul incorporating the tight harmonies of The Fifes in the background. Racing through a horn driven cascade of Soul, rattling percussion, with Edward Hamilton's panting proclamation of love lifted by The Fifes concentrated tight choruses.
Totally exhilarating Detroit Northern Soul, that is replicated on the flipside with another breathtaking Northern Soul vocal-group winner "Call Me"
Take a listen to two top-drawer examples of Detroit Northern Soul sung by a supple-team of accomplished Soul men..
Condition Report
two clean orange labels, stunning clean near mint minus vinyl, revealing just a few soft hairlines under light, easily the finest copy we have encountered in decades.
Lou Etta Terry Singers Of Buffalo New York feat: George Calvin Austin
Who Do You Turn To / Prayer Is The Answer
Designer: PAG 7240 (45s)
A muscular 1975 Memphis Gospel influenced dance session, led by the mighty vocal of George Calvin Austin, underpinned by a sea of Sister vocals hitting glorious heights of choir soulfulness. Propelled by a funky Hammond keyboard, layered with beautifully raw and authentic voices reaching out with glass-shattering peaks or seamlessly falling back with booming note-holding valleys. So damn impressive!
I could easily imagine, back in the hot-summer of '76, this stunning 45 in the maverick hands of Colin Curtis; The Highland Room, Blackpool Mecca magician who pushed the envelope of Northern Soul with every set he did. Today this style maybe not as "maverick" as it would have been back then, but utterly saturated in all those punchy ingredients that makes a tune standout above the rest.
or indeed make a DJ standout above the rest...
Condition Report
Full gloss flawless mint vinyl, bright clean labels, flipside label has a crease, see images.
Bobby Bennett
You Did It Again / EVOL (Love Spelled Backwards)
Junior : 1009 (45s)
Don't we just adore these deceptive intros, that keeps the dancefloor in gentle sway, all in accord, awaiting blast-off!
Bobby "Guitar" does not disappoint as he attacks the lyrics, with gravel-coated exasperation as his girl once again takes him for a fool, but he can't break away, his addiction for her allows her to "wrap him round her finger". You can feel his frustration filling the room, as Bobby Martin backs him up with blasting brass and driving guitar rhythms.
Truly fabulous Northern Soul that would have easily become just as prominent Northern Soul classic as "Get Out" if only there'd ever been enough copies to go round... This 45 has always been difficult to find.. another top tune suffering a lack of exposure, due it's own rarity - just poised for the right DJ to give it the turntable time it so deserves.
Noting this tune is only available as the STOCK copy with the promo being same EVOL on both sides, adding to it’s frustrating rarity…but don't forget that EVOL (Love Spelled Backwards) flipside as its a killer R&B dancer in it's own right
Surely it's time to hold a prolonged Northern Soul renaissance for this former Harold Melvin - I Did It Again - cover-up..
Condition Report
An Archive Copy! Two flawless labels, NO bb drill. Both sides of the vinyl are pristine!
Wilson Pickett
Let Me Be Your Boy / My Heart Belongs To You
MGM : 1286 DJ (45s)
When this 45 was promoted by MGM in October 1965 UK MGM still left its original recording date of 1962 on the label. In 1962 Wilson Pickett would have been an unknown artist to the British record buying public, consequently was never issued that year. But in 1965 he was currently enjoying a smash hit with "In The Midnight Hour". MGM were never a record company to pass over an opportunity to cash-in. .
Which is a shame as this debut single for Wilson Pickett showcases the very essence of a burgeoning early 60's Detroit music scene, as every fledgling independent record company hustled to emulate Berry Gordy's success. Correc-Tone was one of those enterprises. In fact this recording launched William Golden's new label, as he lured Wilson Pickett away from Robert West's Lu Pine and their most successful group The Falcons.
It was only 3 years later when Wilson Pickett become the idol of the MODS and a household name with his smash hit "In The Midnight Hour", considered at the time as a Soul club anthem. The lyrics resonating so well with the "All-night" lifestyle. But leaving "Let Me Be Your Boy" well hidden, away on the flipside.
More recent times Verve's 1965 attempt to also piggyback on "Midnight Hour's" success allowed the Northern Soul DJ access to a great Northern Soul tune (The 1962 original Correc-tone 45 remaining too rare for a concerted mass turntable assault to ever happened.) But the Verve release was ubiquitous enough to fill demand, today "Let Me Be Your Boy" is now a NS classic and filling the dancefloor every time...
But what about owning a UK DEMO copy in spectacular archive condition. This is not a disc you are ever encounter in virtually unblemished condition...
and doesn't it catch the eye and fire up that "red n' white" lust that rushes through veins of time-served Northern Soul "old-schoolers"
This is a proper British Northern Soul trophypiece.
Condition Report
Two totally clean red and white promo labels, see spectacular images. Vinyl is previously unplayed mint minus condition, full gloss, only revealing the merest sleeve storage hairline under direct light. Still housed in titled library MGM birth sleeve. You will never find a finer example.,
Betty Johnson / Baby Doll
Can't Help Myself (The Way I Feel) / Opportunity Knocks
Midway: 1050 (45s)
Written and produced by label owners Bobby D. Husband & Clarence Underwood, arranged by the same guy who constructed Bob and Fred "I'll Find A Way" on Big Mac but this time Miller Brisker leaves all those gliding Detroit subtleties at home. Instead, he constructs a from the streets, hard-hitting-horn landscape behind these two sassy neighborhood Divas.
The label leads with Betty Johnson but we are just as convinced by the flipside from the obscure "Baby Doll" spouting another muscular slab Sister funk from just as raucous "Betty Johnson" again supported by male vocal group choruses...
Betty Johnson steps forward after a drum-rolling intro, inspired by Denise LaSalle, Betty Wright, Jean Knight the greats of this style; Betty belts out her reasoning that she "Can't Help The Way She I Feels" taking all those syncopative guitar riffs and blasting brass in her stride, screaming out the lyrics through loud and clear. The adhesive male vocal choruses welding the whole session together supplied by Bobby Husband & Clarence Underwood, killer Michigan Funk.
and it's repeat on the flipside by another "Midway" prodigy "Baby Doll" not as jerky the a-side but delivering the same level of persuasiveness as "Baby Doll" begs for one more chance at love.
Two funky dancefloor-destroyers from the two gals 90 milers west of Detroit...
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss giving up just the merest soft storage hairlines under light, both sides play clean
Irma Thomas
Take a Look / 1968 UK album
Minit : MLL 40004 (LP)
Irma, the undisputed Soul Queen of New Orleans with her deliciously rare 1968 British album, released to enhance UK Liberty's position in the British Soul movement. The nearly launched UK Minit label, with their 4th 100% soul LP in the series. As Liberty upped their game, trying to take a larger slice of British Soul movement sweeping the market.
UK Minit may not have lasted very long but their short-lived time on the market, left a real legacy. With all their 7" 45's highly sought-after as collectors try and complete the series. Every album an absolute winner. All rare and all outstanding. No. 4 in the album series captures one of the 60's most-notable Soul Diva's at her most impressive.
12 blinding tracks from 1966 we have picked a sample * of her vocal powers for your enjoyment; a blend stunning big production beat-ballads + her finest Northern Soul offering "What Are You Trying To Do*"
A1 Take A Look*
A2 Teasing, But You're Pleasing
A3 I Haven't Got Time To Cry
A4 You Don't Miss A Good Thing (Until It's Gone)
A5 Some Things You Never Get Used To
A6 Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)*
B1 It's Starting To Get To Me Now*
B2 Times Have Changed*
B3 He's My Guy*
B4 Baby, Don't Look Down*
B5 What Are You Trying To Do*
B6 Wait, Wait, Wait
You will not encounter a finer copy, archive level vinyl, fine clean laminated cover, two perfect label, housed in original inner sleeve.
UNMISSABLE!
Condition Report
two perfectly clean labels, full gloss play perfect mint vinyl. unblemished laminated cover. listen and view images. it's a beauty!
Mamselles
Open Up Your Hear (Let Love In) / It Won't Take Much To Bring Me Back
ABC : 11040 DJ (45s)
47 years ago I wouldn't have paused for a second about which side to lead this review with, as "Open Up Your Hear (Let Love In)" was a personal spin I really believed in; hammering it at Cleethorpes Pier / Winter Gardens but it never took a hold, as I seemed to be the lone owner of a copy at the time. It was the all too familiar story of not enough copies to really lift it off the ground. The Mamselles today still suffers from its own elusivity, hardly ever enjoying the turntable exposure, it is so thoroughly deserves.
Another superior full-bodied George Kerr production, arranged by the talented Richard Tee, written by the prolific Poindexter Twins. A "lost" but muscular flipside; showered with pinging vibes peppering this forceful mid-tempo; benefitting from hanging-horns and a low-blown trombone, completely contrasting with the sharp-edged girl choruses, as hovering "woos-woos" fill the air. While the lead vocalists advise rings out crisp and true. Surprisingly this was to be this obscure trio's only 45, even though they are obviously a highly skilled harmony threesome.
Mid-tempo it may be, but it commands the feet into action - PROPER NORTHERN SOUL - that will have its day - just too good not to.
But today it is also the stunning subtleties within the harmonies of the chosen a-side " It Won't Take Much To Bring Me Back"; that puts this 45 instantly into Lowrider / Sunday Chill / discerning soul ballads DJ sets territory. It has everything and more to seduce a listening soul fan. So typically "George Kerr"... harp, trombone, crashing cymbals, soaring harmonies as the three girls rebound of each other's portrayal of rejection; paced to inflict maximum injury of the heart. Also recorded by Linda Jones on Loma the same year, dare I write, I love this group version more than Linda's.
There can be no bigger compliment...than being compared to Linda Jones.. but to say it's preferential is utterly unheard of.
Two killer sides, ridiculously scarce - but you all knew that already.
Condition Report
Radio Station I.D. stamp on both side, otherwise two clean promo labels, full gloss vinyl, revealing some soft surface blemishes, none affecting play in any way. Housed in birth-sleeve.