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.
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 a killer NS dance arrangement. Typically assembled by those talented guys at Trans World Sound under the guidance of Claude Johnson. A team who provided so many enviable Northern Soul tracks for The Mandells under the gifted guidance of Claude Johnson. Syvester Richardson, Wilbur Johnson all pulled together on this one-off "June Bug" tribute to the tragic death of Claude "June Bug" Johnson. No other 45 was released on this imprint to my knowledge, presumable out of great respect for Claude.
"You Don't Know Boy" takes to the air on a whirlwind of strings, punchy drumming, smooth but potent brass. Invites a begging sister vocal to explain why her constantly AWOL boyfriend had to be let him go. Her beseeching vocal 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 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.
TOP-DRAWER... which ever side you choose to spin...
The flipside "Think Back" a glorious Sister harmony stepper was written by Wilbur's brother Claude, you can imagine that devastating blow 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.
Condition Report
Just stunning, perfect condition. As good as it gets.
Intruders
You're My One And Only Baby / I've Got love For You
Audiodisc : acetate (45s)
This Philadelphia creation intended for Musicor release, most likely from the same 1964 session as their "You Belong To Me" but neither "You're My One And Only Baby" or "I've Got love For You" ever made it to vinyl.
unable to get a deal, it was shelved by the production office of Leroy Lovett and Frank Bendinellil. Two guys who provided the Northern Soul scene with so many Philly delights... progressing through the 60's recording sounds like Patti & The Emblems "I'm Gonna Love You A Long, Long Time" J.T. Parker etc. along with also two other unissued monsters to their credit "Inspirations - Gotta Find A New Love", "Cindy Scott - What Are You doing To Me" and I'm sure there is more from this productive duo.
Here's a third to add to that impressive list of unissued material above; two back to back real deal Northern Soul vocal group winners, that it matters not which side you drop the needle on; the result is the same.. glorious male harmony Northern Soul.
"You're My One And Only Baby" ticks all the boxes, with a fabulous lead voice, cradled by his teammates delivering a classic call and response choruses through enthusiastic hand-claps and driving brass. This is instantaneous Northern Soul, the 60's sound of Philadelphia comes roaring through, so very clear, you cannot help but think you've heard it before. It is rare in the year 2020 for so perfectly made, classic style Northern Soul to come to market.
Flip it over and the quality is repeated as this talented group rebound of each other in perfect unison and seamless harmony, a strong horn partition and rattling percussion bring it all together...
Not one but two killer tunes, unissued and here waiting for the right DJ to cause heads to turn.
Condition Report
Light surface marks, but the direct cut quality wins through, as you can hear both side plays loud and clear. handwritten notes on the a-side label giving it's true identity away. we think the promotor of the acetate belives=d heavily in the a-side and tore b-side label off . see images.
Dramatics
Inkie Dinkie - take 1 / Baby I Love You - take 1
Golden World: Golden World acetate (10")
This 10" Golden World artifact captures the original five in full flight, delivering their vocal gifts as one for the last time, as a traumatized Larry Reed and Rod Davis left the group, for anonymity away from the police and public eye.
This 10" Golden World acetate is the FIRST ORIGINAL take very different from Wingate 022. Its uniqueness will be of huge importance to Northern Soul collectors & DJs and Detroit Soul scholars. This is exclusive Northern Soul in it's embryonic form, the very first take of a Golden Torch anthem bristling with full vocal power featuring mighty Rod Davis bass vocal taking lead. That was significantly toned down on the Wingate released 45 along with unedited high-octane backing. The same can be said for the magnificent mid-tempo flipside, which takes on a softer approach on the vinyl relrease.
so listen this is the first mix, from which Andre Williams & Dave Hamilton decided to softened its bludgeoning vocal blows and pounding backing track. It is the unique first take, with is etched details in the run-off.
Listen to the original five young men, The Dramatics working through highly challenging lyrics at frantic pace, word perfect driven by unfettered enthusiasm and the urge to succeed. Until that tragic setback in July at 8301 Woodward Avenue insidet the Algiers Hotel, when Fred Temple, then 18 years of age the valet to The Dramatics, was killed by policeman Robert Paille (later acquitted of murder) Larry Reed so traumatized by the incident left the group to sing for his church. Rod Davis disappeared along with that mighty deep vocal presencet he delivers on "Inky Dinky Wang Dang Doo", a timeless Northern Soul anthem.
But not as you've heard it before..
Condition Report
the iconic Golden World labels are clean, with just title credited in fine red pen. Acetate surface is free of any lift, cracking or chips oer any other flaws common to poor stored actetes. THis copy is firmly 100% secure reveals just some mild storage hairlines and few mild marks none of which affect play. listen and prepare to be blown sideways.
R. Dean Taylor
There's A Ghost In My House / Let's Go Somewhere
Rare Earth : RES 10512 DJ Australia (45s)
Starting life on the British Northern Soul circuit in the very early 70's from the elusive V.I.P. 45s both "Ghost" & "Let's Go Somewhere" were starting to get plays at the big allnighters across the country. But quickly turning into a monster Northern Soul hit in 1973 when "There's A Ghost In My House" was still being played from an V.I.P. 45, whilst being readily made available on R. Dean's 1971 "Indian Wants Me " LP was reissued on the EMI budget series Sounds Superb.
Allowing every Soul DJ from the best of rare vinyl clubs to the local youth club designated "Dansett" loader, to be able to air this now extremely popular tune. "There's A Ghost In My House " became a countrywide top play.. Triggering fully 7 releases worldwide in 1973, with Australia being the rarest of all those demand chasing releases. Australia public had never heard of and certainly didn't ask for "Ghost In My House" and it sunk without trace, even though this was one of Holland-Dozier-Holland's most unusual creations. It was of course a huge seller, reaching the heady height of no. 3 in the UK charts.
So if you delight in collecting, displaying or turntable posing with NS classics in their most obscure forms this colourful rarity will fit the bill, for the oldies DJ who pushes the envelope of originality.
Not many will have witnessed this one spinning on any club turntables or turning above their heads of weekender web-cams ever before.
Condition Report
Two flawless labels, a-side displaying the EMI "SAMPLE RECORD NOT FOR SALE" round sticker. vinyl is also clean, with just the merest of surface blemishes on a strong gloss surface. Excellent plus visually playinng loud clear and true on that high quality Australia vinyl.
Ray Myers and the Shades
That's Boss / Got My Mojo Working
Gold Standard : 141 (45s)
From 1966 thru 1969 Zeke Clement's Nashville Gold Standard label, released a plethora of 45's for hopeful artists from all over the USA with all different styles and genres catered for. Leaving his discography littered with rare, interesting and sometimes impossible 45's to hunt. Zeke even released Edward Hamilton and the Arabians - Let Me Try - on the flipside of a Billy Joe Burnette 45. This is one very puzzling label, irresistible for the digger not to delve into.
Arguably the Gold Standard discography presents more "unknown" hopeful artists than any other 60's independent label, Zeke invited every genre and style onto his "vanity" label, with minimal pressing runs.
We are presenting today a recent "find" that instantly caught my eye with the tile "That's Boss" with "Got My Mojo Working" sitting on the flip I was hoping for an obscure R&B session. Rarity was assured this is one of the missing numbers from Zeke's label run. Number 141 seems to have no google history whatsoever.
Whether saxophone wielding Ray Myers is the same guy who ended up in Halifax, Nova Scotia as part of a 7 piece heavy funk band "The Sidewinders" is unclear. What we do know is his bad in 1966 "The Shades" were rich in horns abd guitar talents. as on this "impossible" they give up two thumping example of 60's R&B Boo-Ga-Loo, deliciously crude, naive and potent.
Here's a real obscurity for those collectors and DJs seeking street level Funky/Tittyshakers with as little history as possible.
One of the very rarest 45's on a very mysterious label of over 100 different 45 releases.
Condition Report
two clean labels revealing light storage wear but all text and gold landscape clear and unfaded no ring wear. Vinyl has some multiple light hairlines, one discernible scratch that does interfere with play, occasional soft crackle, listen to the soundfile. the flipside has light hairlines but not scratches.
Sam Moore
Give You Plenty Lovin' / Tennessee Waltz
Atlantic : 45-2762 (45s)
The very rarest Atlantic Soul 45 by quite some distance and it is utterly BRILLIANT!
Way beyond rare! Initially thought to be unreleased, with promo only "Tennessee Waltz" mono / stereo both sides being pressed. Recorded at Muscle Shoals 1970 by three of the studios stalwarts Dave Crawford, Brad Shapiro and Wade Marcus. As Muscle Shoals Alabama leaves the 60's decade with Sam Moore at the mike and these three virtuoso's constructing the most perfect Northern Soul dancer featuring the hints of the 70's Soul this legendary studio were about to create.
Subtle bongo intro, squealing Soul Sisters choruses, a full string section, horns, relentless guitar pulses, screaming saxophone intrusions; all woven together to accommodate that rasping seasoned know-how from Sam Moore. Be prepared to be carried away on wave of joyous Soul of the like you may not have encountered before, as Sam rises to the occasion becoming more and more persuasive as the session unfolds. Building up momentum that leaves the dancer or the listener in a state of Northern Soul bliss, by the finale of this astonishing recording.
WHAT A TUNE!! an off-the-scale rarity and insanely good and this is one of only a handful known. IT ticks all the boxes.
.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss vinyl, to locate the few blemishes you will need to angle in the light.
New Holidays
Maybe So Maybe No / If Only I Knew
Soulhawk : 1008 (45s)
in 1969 they came under the guide of one of the greatest writing and producing Detroit duo's "Wylie and Hester" on their sadly short-lived Soulhawk label. There is no doubt that Richard Popcorn Wylie was a musical genius, co-contributing so many unforgettable Northern Soul classics along with the fabled Tony Hester, a Soul poet who was about to lift The Dramatics into countrywide fame with his writings and guidance. But still that big hit eluded them, even though thisll infectiously snappy mid-tempo was picked up Westbound record for wider distribution. Fate again dealt The Holidays a cruel hand with low sales. Even though the seamless vocal turn in a killer performance.
Before you today is the first label press before Westbound gave it a lift in 1970 but Westbound used a different b-side. "If Only I Knew " by The Holidays only received Soulhawk relese, the revamping and vastly improving on Jimmy Soul Clark's 1968 original, makes the 445 a great Detroit double-hitter. That showcases the fine line between success and failure, the anticipation The Holidays will have suffered upon each release must have been unbearable.
Today, "Maybe So Maybe No" is receiving very strong Northern Soul turntable action, and deservedly so. a superior example of vocal group Northern Soul.
Condition Report
two clean labels, mild storage wear, see images. vinyl reveals surface marks but plays clean, listen
New World
We're Gonna Make It / Help The Man
Polydor: PD 14154 (45s)
A typically brilliant Curtis Mayfield composition, given the extra "Curtom" lift by the brilliance of in-house arranger, producer Richard Tufo; who so often worked side by side with Curtis. "We're Gonna Make It" took a back seat with the much Funkier social comment "Help The Man". A meaty Richard Tufo creation featuring a mix of insistent Bongo pulses, wha-wah guitar riffs, muscular brass and an intrusive saxophone made this promo a major want for the Funk fraternity. Good tune and archetypal Curtom.
But step forward the very elusive stock copy, brandishing rhythmic vocal group rare-groove dance shimmering with everything "Curtis" . Urgent vocals blend like The Impressions have done so many times before them. Swirling strings, fabulous bass-line guitar pointing the way to a fabulous rare soul dance experience. Relentless percussion, pattering Bongos emphasize the need to dance, this is seasoned "Curtom" honed on the back of decades of experience at the cutting edsge of Chicago Soul.
Elusive vocal-group Soul dance dripping in level of class, we've come to expect from the workplace of Curtis Mayfield and Richard Tufo.
Surprisingly the team opted for the funkier social comment
Condition Report
Two clean stock copy labels, vinyl shows off full gloss with a few sparse blemishes none of which reveal themselves to the stylus. Looks beautiful plats crisp clean ad true, listen.
Jeanette White
Music / No Sunshine
A&M : AMS 761 DJ (45s)
Pulling inspiration from King of West Coast Soul Dance, Sly Stone, this Los Angeles creation also infuses pounding guitars with a barrage of brutal brass, jackhammer drumming, dentist drill girl chorus. the whole session manifesting itself into one of the most explosive Northern Soul sister recordings ever played... but through it all, the star of the show is the sizzling voice of Ms. Jeanette White, that is right up there competing with some of the most potent Sister voices of all time. . This is just about as powerful as Northern Soul gets...
"Music" is the Northern Soul side, but in more recent times it is the heavy-duty Funk side "No Sunshine" that has lifted the interest in this bombastic bombardment... yet another notch.
Guiding "No Sunshine" Jack Askew drops the pace a little, allowing Ms. White's wailing vocal to really express itself, whilst still sailing close to that feel of "Daly City" Funk; with intrusive horns blasting away, baritone sax burps away persistently punctuating the flow, keyboard magic from the Hammond bridges the song, but again the main feature is Jeanette's exceptional pipes vibrating with unadulterated attitude..
Big Sister Soul all the way, no matter which side you drop the arm on. Presented here in by far its rarest format, an irresistible British Promo copy.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, vinyl has scattered light surface marks, but none that react with the stylus.
Sly & The Family Stone
Dance To The Music / Let Me Hear It From You
Columbia : DB 8369 (45s)
1968 UK release press that was withdrawn by EMI within a few days. CBS took over the "disputed" rights to be moved onto the burgeoning "Soul" market with their R&B dedicated label "Direction" on which "Dance To The Music" became a monster Soul Club hit, Youth Club favourite and mobile-Disco smash!! But using a revamped version, NOT this original take.
Anybody over the age of 50 will be rocketed back to euphoric recall of their formative years the moment those explosive horns unleash the intro, for insane guitars and exuberant chants and screams as "The Family Stone" inflame a barrage of Californian Bay Area Funk/Soul the like of which had never been heard before!!
But wait ..!! This British EMI withdrawn "Dance To the Music" is a completely different mix to the Direction "hit" that CBS put out.
Not only the British first press, not only withdrawn after just a few days BUT A TOTALLY different mix to the one we all know and grew up with.
Little wonder this 45 is considered a top-collectors-piece by dedicated British Soul scholars.
Click the soundfile and taste the difference!!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong die-cut centre intact. vInyl reveals multiple light surface marks, but as you can hear the music powers through loud and clear. visually vg+ plays much, much better.
T. Dyson and Company
It's All Over / First Time
New Outlook : NOLR 1002 (45s)
For a modern Soul recording this session gives up, off-the-scale individuality; A deliciously haunting keyboard dominated jazz/soul chiller is about to unfold. Soaring strong keyboard prompts open proceedings, string-like synthesizer glides into place, filling a landscape propelled by potent bassline guitar pulses. The captivating intro at last allows the long participated vocals, hauntingly declare "It's All Over" through a fusion of Soul, Jazz and electro. Moody lead vocal hits all the right notes aas his backing boys reiterate its "It's All Over".
The combination of the keyboard flurries and the imploring vocals is nothing short of compelling...3 plays later and I couldn't help himself from spinning a 4th and 5th.
Warning this rare modern, causes addiction..
Condition Report
two clean labels, fine clean vinyl, full gloss giving up just the occasional soft hairline.
Googie Rene
Firebird / Keep The Soul Baby
New Bag : N-102 DJ (45s)
Rafael Leon Rene better known as Googie, was a talent indeed underlined by this double serving of Latin/Boogaloo/Funk/Northern dance 45; Googie knew exactly how to incorporate as many dance genres as possible into a potent cocktail of dance, he's done it before.
In 1966 shortly after the releases of his two MOD/Northern classics "Smokey Joe's La La" and "Chica-Boo". Googie sought to launch a new venture and his "New Bag" records was born. A most colourful label compared to the plainly potrated Class imprint. New Bag was to release some real Soul, Funk, Jazz winners all carrying the Rene's stamp of inventiveness.
This eye catcher only released a handful of 45s, notably Kell Osbourne's "Small Things" and this spectacular double-display of what Rene was capable of. He leads the release with "Keep The Soul Baby" pulling from "Chica-Boo" with a brazen brass blowing, peppered by Jazz piano riffs and squealing girt responses of chanting "Keep The Soul Baby". This is every note as good as anything Ramsey Lewis ever pleasured the Northern Soul with, this session ticks all the boxes demanded for turntable action.
But for me and most other devotees of the genre "Firebird" is not only the side that demands "club" play, it is also so very "out there" outrageously inventive, it harks back to none of Googie previous classics. Giving you a refreshing this 1966 Soul /Jazz dancer so way ahead of it's time. Foot-To-The-Floor percussion, bongos, keyboard pulse fly through the air, joined by insistent vibes. Before a magical "Herbie Mann-esque" flute glides into the mix then brilliance unfolds..
A fabulous double-serving of Googie Rene a most talented writer, producer, record label owner with his most-wanted least seen 45...and I LOVE IT!
Condition Report
Two perfect labels, vinyl carries full gloss with just the odd storage blemish, plays flawless.
Eddie Boyd and his Chess Men
Hush Baby, Don't You Cry / Came Home This Morning
Chess: 1573 (45s)
Both sides written by the talented pianist Eddie Boyd, who opens this session with a deceptively lazy tickling of the keys, but soon piano that picks up the pace, with His Chess Men injecting a swinging Saxophone, double-bass pulses force their way through, Eddie ratchets up the piano rhythms, the sax goes starts to take centre-stage and it all starts to Rock. Unstoppable, joyous upbeat R&B dancer just built to bring the house down.
The flipside also showcase Eddie's driving piano skills, the same intrusive saxophone, with Eddie this time becoming much more expressive with his voice, deliberately snarling and intrusive. A killer break involving the happy marriage of the piano and the saxophone is torn apart by a virtuoso display of Blues guitar.
Two cool sides on one disc.
Finding these early 50's Chicago 45s is clean condition, is not only extremely challenging, but also pleasing to acquire vintage Chess, clean and free of background hiss. This disc was a great warehouse find.
We doubt you'll locate as finer copy, anytime soon.. do not pass by if you fully appreciate early 50s R&B dance.
Condition Report
Strong clean labels, no storage fade to the silver-top, no ring wear that can plague these early 50's Chess 45s. Astonishing vinyl, still carries full gloss revealing only feeble fine sleeve storage hairlines. As you can hear it plays beautifully clean. A standout copy, still housed in it's original birth-sleeve.
Jack Montgomery
Don't Turn Your Back On Me / Never In a Million Years
Barracuda : WO 2-8030 (45s)
Having said that Don Mancha's prodigy released far too few 45's considering his undeniable vocal-prowess. Only 3 three times in the 60's his first in 1966 through 1969 he was captured on 45. Frustration against this bewildering isolation, triggered him to finance, produce, arrange, write and sing his own D.I.Y. disc on Auston's in the early 70's, the poignant "Beauty Isn't Born" was to be his final of his meager 45 releases.
4 45's and this man is heralded as a Northern Soul icon, every 45's a treasure and a benchmark for other Soul vocalists to be measured by, very few come even close to comparing to his ability to convey beseeching despair in such a rich flow of need. Listen and weep as "Don't Turn Your Back On Me" paints a picture of a man in urgent need of reconciliation.
Witness this rich, now matured 25 year old vocal, conjuring up vision of a broken man on his knees, imploring forgiveness. Who could not forgive that voice? Pouring out the most beseeching message imaginable, when the brief male vocal group response, comes in right at the end, we hear a stroke of studio genius from Don Mancha, Mike Theodore & Dennis Coffey .
This is the very pinnacle of Detroit Northern Soul but not as we usually know it... not overlooking the slick archetypal Motor City instrumental underlining Dennis Coffey's talent sitting on the flipside
Condition Report
two clean bright yellow labels, the strong gloss vinyl has only very fine soft multiple hairlines revealed when angled under direct light. S you can hear both sides play crisp and clean.
Patty Stokes
Is It True / Good Girl (Can You Be)
Mir-A-Don : M-D 1005 (45s)
The reason I say this, here's a double-delight of Northern Soul I first heard in circa 1977 when I found a handful of Mir-A-Don 45s about 7 different 45's a few copies of each. But this one stood out as being a different label colour and by a girl at the time I'd never heard of.. Just imagine my delight when it turned out to be classic style Northern Soul.. "Good Girl (Can You Be)" was an unknown and a killer. I considered dead-right for Wigan Casino was my first thought, so I rang Richard Searling and played him it down the phone. Sounded absolutely brilliant, whether he bought a copy, I can't remember; but Soul Sam certainly did. Closely watching his reactions as he played it, the barometer for the asking price went full circle. His hands started twitch and twiddle the controls of the record player (good sign), then his shoulders started to move (very good sign), then I got the ultimate vote of YES!
When Soul Sam's hips started wriggle ever so slightly...(the best sign) i knew he loved it.
After that Soul Sam wiggle-dance, his poker face was an utterly useless bargaining tool, when he lifted the record off the decks and pronounced "Not Bad" and casually threw the record of a pile of "Maybe's". He of cause went home with a copy, at a "Not Bad" price..
But through this journey not once, did I or anyone else playing the disc notice the utterly breathtaking excursion into Northern Soul Crossover that "Is It True" s[pills from the speakers.. not until after the millennium did those "shifting sands" start to move towards superior mid-paced Soulful dancers like "Is It True", today it's the stomping "Good Girl" that nobody seems to mention or play..
For me personally, "Is It True" today is a huge part of my DJ set, it is without question one of the ultimate Sister mid-tempo grooves of this time.. and seems to be getting bigger and bigger by the day.. Without exception when I drop it, somebody will come to the stage and ask "what is this...? I have recently been asked by several by DJs seeking ownership of this crucial Crossover spin.
Click the soundfile and take a breath, Patty Stokes is about to hit you with impeccable Northern Soul Crossover, followed by a top-drawer, classic style Northern Soul girl dancer, backed beautifully by "The Ascots" vocal group harmonies.. this too is a fantastic tune that may yet have it's day again.. when the sands shift back the quality Northern Soul 45s that haven't been played to death.
Two great sides, one very elusivve disc.
Condition Report
Good gloss, just a few fine soft hairlines revealed when angled in the light. As you will hear none affecting play on either side. Both labels are clean, with full depth blue, no fade or rub, totally clean; no X's, writing, stickers, tears or stains. A very fine copy indeed
June Yamagishi featuring Bobby Womack
My Pleasure / Original 1988 Japanese press
Meldac: MEL 41 (LP)
Recorded in Hollywood, California but never issued in the USA, by invitation Bobby Womack fits neatly into mix of Blues/Jazz/Funk/Soul.
First serving up a fabulous version of his close friend Sam Cooke's 1957 composition "I'll Come Running Back To You" updating, enhancing the Cook-classic to tghe lrevel only Womack could achieve, to roll out a stunning ballad with imploring conviction. his voice as always sending shivers through your being.
The flipside holds a real Womack treasure "Give This Love A Try" is Bobby at his best, with June Yamagishi considerate plectrum picks complimenting this sumptuous cruiser's atmospheric outpourings. A crucially classy groove just perfect for those laid back superior lockdown Soul sessions, so popular, as they make life bearable through the worldwide web.
The penultimate track on this laid back slab of Soul/Blues "Best Thing That Ever Happened To You" is laid down in true Womack style, although it doesn't feature his purring growl but it's a must listen statememt about June Yamagishi's massive outrageous manipulation of the guitar, beautifully constructed, dreamy girl group choruses ring out from the background. Jazz./Blue/Soul listening at it's finest.
June Yamagishi brings about the finale "Please Send Me Some To Love" which again June Yamagishi floats though on a wave of intricate guitar work.
Condition Report
Complete with insert. Two clean labels, vinyl reveals only the merest soft hairlines under light, plays superbly clean, cover show only mild signs of careful storage with the so often missing lyric and photo insert intact.
Paul Anka
When We Get There / Can't Get You Out Of My Mind
RCA : 47-9457 (45s)
That's why over the years he was hand-picked to sing records produced by the likes of Artie Schroeck, Garry Sherman, Charlie Calello with his most significant "Soul" validation coming from "Florence Alabama Music Enterprises" when he was employment to sing for Rick Hall and team; later to be paired up with the beautiful Odia Coates, receiving worldwide appreciation of two soulful voices brought together by one of the world's most talented production teams.
Yes, Paul was a 50’s Teen idol and he made some sugary pop records. "When We Get There" being one of them, being too far away from "Soul" for the comfort of the self-appointed taste-police but do not just use Paul Anka as a scapegoat to elevate your own "taste" barometer among friends or customers.
Paul Anka and Big Al Pavlow of Rhode Island were responsible for delivering one of THE all time great Northern Soul recordings to Great Britain and a very appreciative Northern Soul congregation. "I Can't Help Loving You" will always stand as a symbol of how acceptable an artist is, if the music fits the scene, Dolly Parton being another prime example. I love the “no boundaries” aspect of Northern Soul.
"When We Get There" is not nearly in the same calibre as "I Can't Help Loving You" but it is a fun tune and nobody can deny the huge Don Costa full orchestra back-up driving the song; more importantly it is an absolute crowd-pleaser, a dancefloor igniter and an essential DJ tool to save the nigh, if it starts to falter. From the doldrums into an hustling, bustling dancefloor moment., and then the hour is yours. It's a DJ banker, always ignites life into the evening, if an oldies crowd is your audience.
From a collectors standpoint, here is a neat clean BLACK STOCK copy looking enticing in its contrasting company cover
A perfect example of one of the perennial British Northern Soul classics, that has triggered dancefloor congestion the length and width of the UK for many decades ... with no sign of people-power requests ever diminishing.
BLACK RCA release Northern Soul is as strong as ever, in fact get it's becoming more alluring every year..
Condition Report
Two clean black stock copy labels, good gloss vinyl reveals only soft hairlines when angled in the light.
Jimmy McFarland
Lonely Lover / Let Me Be Your Man
R P R : R-108 (45s)
Previously recorded for Motown by Marvin Gaye in 1966, it was one of his many standout sessions that never reached vinyl. But caught the ear of artists recognising the potential by doing their own version.
Apparently this L.A. version of "Lonely Lover" was also a previously unused 1966 session, scheduled for Los Angeles based Venus records who released Karen Small etc. it too got left on the shelf, for 3 years until R P R Records came along. A wise choice from producers Steve Benson and Wayne Martin to head up their reissue of his 1966 single " Let Me Be Your Man " with the previously unheard "Lonely Lover" even though is sold virtually nothing for R P R. It became a Northern Soul dancefllor favourite throughout the late 70's and beyond.
The R P R label were constantly seeking other independent releases to promote, but their venture also failed by 1970 they had ceased business. Leaving this 45 as Jimmy McFarland's last contribution to the L.A. public.
A stunning piece of elusive Northern Soul that Jack Eskew ensure stayed true to it's Motown roots.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, good gloss vinyl tat only reveals soft surface hairlines none of which affect play, occasional dull pop lost in the music. A strong Excellent plus.
Jay Jay Johnson
Fannie Mae / Please Forgive Me
Frolic : 45-507 (45s)
Out of Beaumont, Texas, comes this 1964 version of the Buster Brown's original. Produced by Country & Western and film star's nephew Ken Ritter. The driving force behind the "Frolic" label success mainly based on its most recorded artist a Young Johnny Winter who started his career here on"Frolic Records, with 4 45 releases.
Jay Jay Johnson only had this one disc released by his local label Frolic.
Primitive R&B served up by a snarling voice riding wave after wave of rolling horns, enhanced by an equally snarling saxophone bridge. Ken Ritter did a great job emulating Bobby Robinson's original guidance for Buster Brown. But lifting the pace and replacing the pedestrian harmonic with blazing brass and an insane saxophone partition. Much to Ken's credit, his pupil Jay Jay delivers a much more impressive dance session, and breakneck pace.
Flipside a mournful Southern Deep Soul R&B hybrid, a moving ballad from the top-drawer. Two fine example of street level R&B Soul from the streets of Beaumont.
A significantly rarer Texas R&B shaker in fabulous condition.
Condition Report
two clean, rich red labels, no colour fade, no writing, stickers or stains. Vinyl shows off full gloss and just a few minute wispy hairlines, plays flawless. A mighty fine example!
Billy Wells & The Invaders
This Heart These Hands / Ten To One
Sweet Soul : 004 (45s)
Buckle up, strap yourself in Billy Wells is about to steer you through one perilous foot-to-the floor high-octane Northern Soul journey. A record that has had a strong cult status for many decades now, without ever being one of those readily available 45s at anytime during it's Northern Soul life. Somewhat hindering it's progress to Northern Soul stardom. This has always been an extremely elusive disc to acquire especially at this tip-top pinnacle condition level.
This 45 sits comfortably in that highly collectible category "Too Rare" for it's own good, for those who dig deeper for their real-deal take-no-prisoners Northern Soul, this record has sidestepped to general NS public. The sheer elusiveness has kept it away from everyone except the most complete of DJ boxes..
So listen and be prepared to be left breathless as Billy Wells takes you for a spin, a backdrop, super intricate foot combination that these uncompromising stompers demand of the accomplished dancer..
In contrast do not overlook the superior harmony Soul ballad hidden away on the flipside, featuring some heart-stopping falsetto moments cradled by celestial girl group support, a truly sublime recording . Today's burgeoning demand for truly rare Sweet-Soul / LOwrider candidates, this side alone, demands ownership.
Condition Report
Two rich deep blue Miami pressed labels, both of which are flawless. Vinyl is a smidgen away from mint, only determined angling under strong light reveals a sleeve brush or two. As good as it can possible be Condition, Condition, Condition!
Tony and the Graduates
Statue / See The Girl Dance
Hit: 13 (45s)
Condition Report
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