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.
Clydie King
Soft And Gentle Ways / He Always Comes Back To Me
Imperial: 66172 MANSHIP MINT (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 enamoured 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 Gebne & Billy Page with Marshall Leib at the helm.
Both sides are potent big production Northern Soul beauties, as "Motown" influenced Los Angeles wanted a piece of the "Girl Sound" phenomena of Detroit. Sadly for her, all 3 of Clydie's superior 45's on Imperial failed to score in the USA and again it was left to the Northern Soul scene to bring them alive.. and present them to a very appreciative British 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 you'll have 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 the voice of an Angel.
Flip it over and the "My Love Grows Deeper" the more "Motown" uninfluenced side of the two was surprisingly relegated to the flip.. as the finished product of "Missing My Baby" impressed so much.. as so often happened in the 60's what we now consider "perfect" Northern Soul languishes on the flipside.
Here is a top value 45, offering not one but two treasures of our scene, from a lady with the voice of an Angel.
Condition Report
MANSHIP MINT, two clean labels, small bb drill in label.
Linda Jones
I Just Can't Live My Life ( Without You Babe ) / My Heart ( Will Understand )
Warner Bros : 7278 (45s)
Pure genius from George Kerr to open with the harp, as an intro for Linda's spine-tinging vocal to awaken your senses. Standing on the carpet next to the dancefloor I was instantly stunned, when Ian Levine dropped it on the "Mecca" turntables circa 1973. Ironically, when weeks later as this record rose to the "No. 1 NS tune" in the country, a close friend in our travelling gang of Melton Mowbray & Stamford, was killed in a car accident travelling home from an allnighter. It was her favourite record, a heart-breaking tribute of flowers spelled out " I Just Can't Live My Life, Without You Babe " from all her NS friends.
This is an iconic recording that means so many different things to so many people, not least of all a testament to the irreplaceable voice of Linda Jones, surely the greatest Soul Sister vocal that the world of Northern Soul adored, but the rest of the world never got to know.
An incomparable Northern Soul anthem, that still today makes the hairs on my arms bristle, my pulse quicken, my eyes moisten... whilst an inner warmth, glows inside of me.. as I feel so blessed to have been part of a musical movement that was forever discovering afro-american genius, that altered the course of our lives.
This posting is in the memory of Stamford soul girl Pauline Jarvis who tragically had her life cut short in 1973...still fondly remembered by all who knew her, especially for being the young girl with outstanding taste and dedication to Soul music..
You've not got a Northern Soul collection of completeness, unless this masterpiece is nestled on your shelves, at hand, ready to change your mood upon request.
Condition Report
Two clean green stock copy labels, soft storage rub on flipside label. Strong gloss on vinyl reveals multiple fine sleeve storage hairlines, when angled under direct light. NOTE this is, the first trip over the pond for this disc, it has never seen England before, consequently a NS virgin, that has not suffered the demanding rigors, multiple stylus fatigue, that many copies of this NS anthem have endured over the near five decades this timeless classic has pleasured the NS faithful.
Unity
Too Young / We Can Make It
Apex : AP 483 (45s)
We lead with the soaring harmony Soulful dancer "Too Young", an impressively tight knit, from this under-the-street lamp gathering, brilliant guided by composer Fred White.
It feels like the group and Fred grew up, listening to Manhattans on the streets of Newark, their seamless vocal-volleyball so reminiscent of the areas premier Soul boys. Falsetto lead rises to bank of zipping strong, soon to switch lead, then the teen falsetto bounces back into the flow. Swirling strings fill the air, but still the major force are those unified vocals... that suddenly fade away to leave you thinking "Oh No" they've gone.. but then they reignite themselves for a much appreciate encore! Wow what a tune.. and a very rare tune that seldom surfaces for sale. After 3 listen I'm in love with it's youthful optimism, glorious production and searing vocals.. A WINNER!!
Flip it over, the group drill down into a glorious Sweet Soul ballad that's surely going to alert all vocal group ballad fans. As again, these Brick City Soul-boys blend themselves into a string and considerate brass landscape. Premium grade Sweet Soul fills your space. Two great sides...
One of the seriously rare vocal-group double-helpings of harmony Soul, that has eluded most collectors, coupled with a killer rare-soul-dance that has given the slip to many dedicated European Soul DJ's, also.
Condition Report
Two clean but lightly age-browned labels, vinyl on the a-side has light surface marks but plays crisp and clean, only an occasional low tick or two. The quieter ballad flipside#, has a few clicks on the intro that get overwhelmed once the singing starts. <br /> Grading EX for the A-side vg+ for the flip
Grading EX for the A-side vg+ for the flip
Blinky and Edwin Starr
Oh How Happy / Ooo Baby Baby
Tamla Motown : TMG 720 DJ (45s)
One unconfirmed theory was EMI "shelved" TMG 720 January 1970 promotion due to the serious illness of Tammi Terrell; Motown were reputedly mulling over the possibility of filling the impending Motown duet void with Blinky and Edwin Starr. But the timing had to be right, and not conflicting in any way with Motown's most successful girl/boy partnership. Especially if they could hit with their re-promoted "Oh How Happy" some 28 Tamla Motown releases later on 21st. August 1970 TMG 748. It has never been confirmed exactly why EMI took this action but that "theory" could well hold more than some truth in it. But was is absolutely the truth, the withdrawal of TMG 720 certainly created an annoyingly elusive number in the series, that is now considered a TMG Grail, utterly crucial to own, before you can complete the TMG challenge..
Frank Wilson & Barbara J. Borde affectionately known as B.J. pull from Edwin's pre-Motown past for a song that he wrote, that became a hit for Detroit blue-eyed boys "The Shades Of Blue", also covered by Percy Sledge when Marlin Greene, Quin Ivy down Muscle Shoals way, thought it a song deserving of a Southern Soul vocal.
On this version Edwin teams up with Sondra Williams (Blinky), producer Frank Wilson enlists from the Los Angeles office, friend and long time associate Jerry Long to create an uplifting full orchestra production blessed with a bank of strings and two magnificently matched voices. You could easily imagine this singing marriage filling the vacuous gap left by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell's finale. That gap was of course later filled by Diana Ross with Marvin taking second billing in the credits..
An interesting back story, but the most important aspect of this listing - is the fabled TMG 720 - is here and ready in stunning condition, for the best Christmas present any British Tamla Motown dedicate could ever wish to take ownership of.
Condition Report
Two flawless promo labels, fine clean vinyl revealing only the merest soft hairline or two when angled in the light, still housed in birth-sleeve.
Metros
Since I Found My Baby / No Baby
RCA : 47-9159 MANSHIP MINT (45s)
We can't ever begin to tell you, how challenging it is to find a MINT UNPLAYED copy of this Detroit Northern Soul anthem..
If your OCD about your Northern Soul collecting, this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, to secure Pied Piper perfection.
Condition Report
MINT unplayed, still housed in its birth-sleeve - truly spectacular
Maxine Brown
Let Me Give You My Lovin' / We Can Work It Out
Wand : WND 1128 MANSHIP MINT (45s)
Here's Maxine's most-wanted, in miraculous previously unplayed condition. A stylus virgin with just stunning fidelity.
It's a floor packer with no previous history of meeting the stress of the Northern Soul DJ circuit.
You couldn't wish to own a finer copy, of this exquisite slab of Sister Northern Soul.
No need to review the qualities of standout recording - just click the soundfile - resist if you can
Condition Report
Two clean labels, tiny bb drill (see image), unblemished vinyl, still housed in birth-sleeve
Jerry Williams
If You Ask Me (Because I Love You) / Yvonne
Calla : 116 DJ (45s)
But still 40 years have passed and nothing has changed, the euphoria this song sparks has never diminished an iota.
"If You Ask Me for a Pebble - I Would Give You a Mountain Top"
"If You Wanted To Hear Love Music - I Would Get All The Angels Pluck Their Harps"
"If You Asked For A Glass Of Water - I Would Run All The Rivers Dry"
"If You Wanted Someone Else - I Would Gracefully Step Aside"
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled teleportation back to the most exciting days of your life! When we all sang the above lines at the very top of our voices, a few words wrong, but I didn't care and neither did the person dancing next to me, equally engrossed, belting out his or her version of the often misquoted lyrics.
Prepare yourself once again, Jerry Williams is all set to deliver the finest example of the BIG Soul production, ever committed to vinyl. No one could ever forget the galvanizing effect of dancing (and singing along to) this NS anthem. Surrounded by others in the same hypnotic trance of elatedness. That moment you knew, you belonged to an exclusive club of like-minded youngsters with "Soul" running through their veins, togetherness.
Jerry's passion for his partner seeps from every word, with Richie Rome encapsulating that burning love with a celestial girl-choir emitting soaring "Doo Da Do, Da Dooo I Love You". The combination of distant horns and in those zipping strings culminating into a monumental break, just long enough for Jerry to catch his breath, returning at full-throttle bringing the song to its climax.
This 1966 testament of love from Jerry Williams to his wife Yvonne, has gone down in Northern Soul history as being one of the most influential NS classics of all time. Completely and unconditionally loved by every single Northern Soul pupil who has ever heard it inside any of the many Northern dance cathedrals that resounded to it...
In short it changed the destiny of countless teenagers, who are still today chasing that "high" of hearing Jerry Williams for the first time...
PS the flipside is damn good also..
A NORTHERN SOUL ANTHEM in the true sense of the phrase... Soul poetry is certainly is!
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, the red is rich and free of any fade, the white area free of any writing or stains. Strong gloss vinyl reveals a few soft hairlines when angled in the light. A very fine copy.
Darrow Fletcher
1966 promo artist photo attached to Groovy Records introduction letter / Gotta Draw The Line
Groovy: 3007 DJ + letter + photo (45s)
Most likely a world one-off, it is improbable that any other copies of this complete 1966 promo package still exist.
Detroiter Darrow born of Inkster, went on to become a Prince of Northern Soul crowned by his emotional live appearance at Cleethorpes Weekender in the summer of 2006. His natural on-stage persona and gift for portraying convincing despair, had the crowd in emotional rapture with grown men unashamedly shedding tears.
To the Northern Soul scene worldwide, Darrow Fletcher is an undisputed icon, a child prodigy with all the attributes to become a world Soul star. But sadly those required breaks went against him, even when he cut an album for Ray Charles's Crossover label in Los Angeles the release never came to fruition. Until the standard-bearers for "lost-Soul", Ace/Kent of London released his material on a CD in 2012.
Before you today is a fundamental part of Northern Soul history, the beginnings of a quintessential Soul Man depicted with a unique promo mailing from his record label in 1966.
Just begging to be in a classy frame, hanging in a man-cave or lady record room of exquisite taste..
You'll never see another - so bid like you long to live with it!
Condition Report
The Sam Goldner Groovy Records introduction letter, with attached artist promo photo are in the same condition they were mailed out in 1966. The promo 45 has two clean labels, vinyl reveals just a few light hairlines.
Inuz Moore
If It Ain't One Thing It's Another / Trouble
Gardin : 45X501 (45s)
"If It Ain't One Thing It's Another" is a jumping, brass peppered NS dancer (a classic Bill Kealy) spin. This is crunching mover of the most persuasive kind, with Inuz ratcheting up the session with a caged animal snarling delivery, you just can't evade, it's there right in your face, commanding you to get up and dance, incessantly prompted by stabbing horns, rattling percussion, enthusiastic piano rhythms push Inuz to another level of invasive Soul!
But it doesn't end there... ""Trouble" is just around the corner, as the same guys whip up another fearsome storm on the flipside; bulldozing their way through another "Inuz Moore" creation with a deceptive slow intro, that suddenly collides with hard-blown horns, the ideal vehicle for the seasoned Inuz's gnarled vocal to imbed itself into, then the battle begins for prominence. As bass guitar pulses pump away in the background, and "Spitfire" horns swoop in attacking from above.. .
Proper Street-level dance, not once but twice over...
You could spend a few lifetimes trying to find this seriously rare Los Angeles Stomper, in this flawless, near perfect condition. Another MANSHIP MINT most likely previously unplayed copy, revealing just a couple of minuscule sleeve storage blemishes.
AS good as it gets in more ways than one..
Condition Report
Two perfect labels, full gloss vinyl reveals nly the merest soft sleeve blemish upon forensic scrutiny
Thelma Houston
Baby Mine / The Woman Behind Her Man
Capitol : 5767 MANSHIP MINT (45s)
Mint Unplayed - Perfect Vinyl - Perfect Labels
Still housed in its birth-sleeve
Condition Report
Manship's Mints for Christmas - Mint Unplayed - Perfect Vinyl - Perfect Labels - stil housed in birth sleeve
Dean Parrish
I'm On My Way / Watch Out!
Laurie: LR 3418 DJ (45s)
Do Wigan Casino anthems get any more tempting than this?
Condition Report
Two flawless promo labels, full gloss vinyl hardly a blemish, still housed in birth-sleeve
Star-Treks
Gonna Need Magic / Dreamin'
Veep: V 1254 DJ (45s)
Bob Finiz, was such a gifted lyricist, is joined by former teen-idol Neil Brian. Between them they conjure up lyrics of girl rivalry, transmitting a smug girl confidence. Sending out the message "her boy is not gonna take a blind bit of notice of her opposition"; no matter how hard she tries to look gorgeous. The song is littered with cutting lines, girl-bitchiness and outrageous self-belief. Running at the same pace and rhythms as his "Girl Across The Street" Finiz lifts the production yet another notch with scything strings and battering percussion. Finiz adds again to his already huge contribution to Northern Soul, with another skilled building arrangement. His guided by "jingle king" Bob Lowden who peppers the flow with searing strings and 12 bore drumming. It slowly rises up, way beyond your first expectations.
This is absolutely brilliant Northern Soul that has snoozed for far too long; the occasional stirrings or lifting it's head off the pillow is not enough for this wonderful sleeper. It requires a DJ with influence and persistence and this tune will be a monster at the Weekenders and allniters across Europe.
Who actually The Star-treks were, is unclear, but they are, on this showing (their only 45 release) certainly every note as accomplished as the Sapphires, Three Degrees, Sherrys etc or any other girl-group from the city of Brotherly (not sisterly) Love.
PS the flipside is great also..
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, strong gloss vinyl, revealing only the merest soft hairline under light, both sides play crisp and clean, al housed in birth-sleeve
Jackie Wilson
It Only Happens When I Look At You / Just As Soon As The Feelings Over
Brunswick : BR 43 DJ MANSHIP MINT (45s)
15th. July 1977 British promo in previously unplayed condition.
What is it exactly about a Jackie Wilson recording that makes you never grow tired of hearing it? - no matter what he sings.
But when he's performing one of his greatest of offerings to the Northern Soul scene which amazingly was never issued in the USA you have just gotta sit up and take notice..
It's been a hugely popular tune for many, many years now and I still can't wait to strip off it's sleeve and drop it on the turntable. But not this copy though, as it is MINT unplayed archive copy. Carl Davis and Sonny Sanders elevate and already fabulous song; Crafted in Britain the gifted pairing of Ken Gold & Mickey Dene a prolific writing team with a penchant for the USA Soul sound.
If you've been living in Siberia the last 20 years take a listen and prepare to be warmed right through. Or if your every Saturday is spent at a Northern Soul event, take another listen to Jackie in full flow to remind yourself why you're addicted to the Northern Soul Sound..
A record you can never tire of hearing - in it's most desirable form - in the finest possible condition.
Condition Report
MINT previously unplayed
Generation
Hold On / The Lonely Sea
Mockingbird : MR 10108 MANSHIP MINT (45s)
Mint Unplayed - Perfect Vinyl
Perfect Labels
A timeless Richard Searling Northern Soul Wigan Casino anthem in unbeatable condition.
It's popularity triggering a UK Grapevine reissue in 1979
Condition Report
Manship's Mints for Christmas - Mint Unplayed - Perfect Vinyl - Perfect Labels
Joshie Jo Armstead
I Don't Need No Doctor / blank:
Flomar Music : 10" acetate (10")
A really smooth version of the Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson, Joshie Jo Armstead classic carrying a fresh female feel from one of the creators , relentless piano pulses pump out Northern Soul dance perfection. Decorated by an echo-chamber gathering of soulful girls; shrill but silky, the perfect condiment for what is a cutting edge vocal satuirated in emotion.
There is no artist credit on the label, but with a little economical research, this beyond good Sister demonstration points towards Joshie Jo. A soft snarl starts to develop within the delivery, as she gets immersed in the lyrics.. those affirming girls creep under your skin..,as top drawer Northern Soul unfolds...
For me , it is the best interpretation I've heard of this this timeless collaboration between Valerie Simpson, Josie Jo Armstead & Nick Ashford guided by the great Ed Silvers in New York. A version just begging for an "A" list DJ attention, to lift it up where the song belongs...wrongfully ignored NS dancer by the upper echelons of the scene, maybe the Nick Ashford (Verve) & Ray Charles (ABC) versions are perhaps a little too mainstream for the driven by rarity NS jock..
but this take, is EXCLUSIVE! IMHO the best and comes complete with the music-sheet...
do not pass by, this assured dancefloor pleaser ... and the vocal is a blinder!
Condition Report
Label is clean credit stamped as an Ed Silvers production, playing surface is flawless!
Jack Hammer
Brave New world / inc: Down In The Subway, Switch Blade Operator
Polydor : 582001 LP (LP)
This very rare Jack Hammer album gives up his most sought after recordings including "Down In the Subway" "Switch Blade Operator" "Love Ladder" hear an inventive compilation of this creative Soul Man with the growling vocal.
What a massive talent Jack Hammer was, his writing prowess jumping of the stylus on every track on this track album. Serving up an uncompromising diversity of 60's Soul, Big City Boom, R&B, Jazz, Popcorn and social comment. A mind-bending 1966 cocktail, spiked by his controlled, but snarling vocal delivery. An album littered with killer dance tunes, and confrontational jazz poetry; addressing the age-old resistance to racism, war and bigotry, screaming the mid-60's protest, right at you.
A stunning album on so many levels, involving an huge team accomplished musicians inc: Acoustic Guitar – Brian Daley, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Ray Swinfield, Bass – Spike Heatley, Conductor – Johnny Hawkins., percussion – Kenny Clare
Lead Guitar – George Kish, Organ – Roger Coulam, Piano – Laurie Holloway, Tenor Saxophone – Art Ellefson, Trombone – Johnny Marshall (3), Trumpet – Kenny Wheeler, Vibraphone – Jim Lawless. All skillfully produced by Richard Hill.
A carefully constructed team effort, a12 track album that totally missed out of any promotion or sales when Polydor UK surprisingly sneaked it onto the market with no fanfare other than a a cursory 45 "Love Ladder" that met the same fate.
listen to "Down In The Subway" a MOD Monster. "Love Ladder" frantic Northern Soul "Switch Blade Operator" "Brave New World" 2. "J.C." an energetic Jazz jumper.."From The Womb To The Tomb" racing jazz poetry, are the stand out sixties dance tracks. Do not overlook another also top Jazz tracks are "Black Snow"
ONLY ISSUED in the UK seemingly abandoned by Pye in the "cutting room" as the very last track on their unique acetate inexplicably cuts off halfway through. To be re-cut by UK Polydor, remastered and half-hearted release by the company, leaving the Soul fan with one of the UK's most elusive LPs.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, fine clean Mint miinus vinyl revealing just a few wispy soft storage hairines when angled in the light; plays beautifully. Unblemished laminated cover, is clean, uncreased laminate and gleaming. A very solid Mint minus throughout.
Tymes
Here She Comes / Malibu
Cameo Parkway : P.924 (45s)
The Tymes take you on an unforgettable journey into Philadelphia vocal-group Soul, an addictive song that became a huge dancefloor favourite, when the creative powers of Billy Jackson & Jimmy Winer debuted themselves on the then fledgling Northern Soul scene.
Five Philly boys, who started to find considerable local and some national hits once they came under the guidance of Jackson & Wisner with Parkway keyboard session man, Roy Straigis assisting with the productions. But "Here She Comes" was not one of their biggest success, in the USA with it selling virtually nothing in Great Britain. It remains to one of British collecting's frustrating 45's to acquire.
I can't hide my bias, as this classic club-sound, still today remains one of my all-time most-esteemed dance tunes. Taking their success from "So Much In Love" and beefing up that recipe into a Northern Soul dancer. Enthusiastic perfectly-timed handclaps, sprinkled with ringing vibes, provide the perfect backdrop for the team of rich-vocals to glide through. Undoubtedly one of the great vocal-group harmony gatherings of the 60's..with their best-loved NS offering.
Presented here is the rare 1964 UK copy, in fine clean condition, a serious British collector's trophy.
NOTING. Pye sleeved some of their early British Cameo Parkway releases in the "slate blue" until late-1964. From my one and only time I found a copy in old backroom store stock, the slate grey Pye "Out Of This Word" sleeve is the correct birth sleeve for this 1964 release. Having experience of finding this era as old store stock, but different titles, run of them were housed inside this Pye design.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, fine clean vinyl reveals siom soft hairlines when anglesd in the light, as you can hear both sides play crisp and clean
Lil' Lennix and Soul Searchers
Women Of Today / Orphan Child (Vietnam Song)
Clique : CLA 1004 (45s)
Written and produced by Cholly, saturated in ghetto authenticity, no frills, no glossy attempt at commercialism, just pure hard driven horns and Hammond scaffolding the unpretentious vocal of the little known "Lil Lennix". With his naturally life torn sandpapered vocal, prompted by stabbing horns; "Lennix" rolls out a convincing Northern Soul dance session born of the "streets"... a lifestyle that is hammered home by the flipside a "cult" Deep Soul statement on the futileness of the Vietnam war.
Do not overlook this Deep Soul masterpiece hidden away on the flipside, considered by the Deep Soul scholars of the sound, as a most important and seriously elusive example of he genre.
A 45 that seldom comes to market, giving up brutally honest Northern Soul dancer on the a-side, heart-wrenching Soul on the flip, as Deep As You Like It!
Another proven rarity, that has sadly been shackled by its own long-standing unavailability.
Brilliant no matter which side you drop the needle on...
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, full gloss unblemished mint minus vinyl, as goos as it gets!