Ending this Wednesday
For the very rarest, most sought after 45s and lp’s all the best soul vinyl deals, browse our ‘Ending This Wednesday’ Auction section, for the fully automated LIVE auction. for at least 20 rare and collectible discs. All available online at Rare Soulman. This section is always stocked with the coolest and rarest finds so be sure to keep coming back to check out our selection of stock. Add something different to your collection today.
The condition and authenticity of our ‘Ending This Wednesday’ records are always carefully and closely scrutinised. If you enjoyed our Motown Worldwide records, then you may also enjoy checking out our soul auctions ending next Wednesday.
Johnny Maestro & The Crests
I'm Stepping Out Of The Picture / Afraid Of Love
Scepter: SRM 12112 (45s)
A 100 Club signature tune with few, if any comparable challengers!
There is always a slot in any NS DJ set, to drop this colossal production in to, changing the mood, upscaling the moment, as Johnny's anguished but resolved voice soars on a wave of full orchestral triumph! As he decides it's time to "Step Out The Picture" although she has had him "Fooled For Such A Long, Long Time" he's made up his mind, he's now leaving a selfish love affair. (proud of himself as he reflects upon her unnecessary indifference)
We are so used to the Soul Man in denial, as he apologetically begs for his girl's return, how uplifting it is to hear a jubilant “enough is enough” decision being made by one of New York's greatest ever vocalists. Not for the first time the brilliantly storytelling lyrics from Mark Barkan and Ben Raleigh, are set to a Northern Soul Brill Building production, but for me and most everyone else this is the greatest of them all.
The combination of Johnny's muscular key-changing vocal, The Crests lush harmony support, the intricate orchestral arrangement carrying those picture-painting lyrics, heralds this NS beater head & shoulders above all-challengers for No. 1 Northern Soul big-production of them all.
LOVE IT!
Condition Report
Two clean stock copy labels, tiny bb drill, vinyl reveals multiple soft surface hairlines, other than a couple of faint ticks on the intro both sides play beautifully clean. (listen)
Stoppers
Come Back Baby / The La La Song
Jubilee : 45-5528 Manship mint (45s)
Here is one of the greatest vocal-group Northern Soul strollers ever made, absolutely knockout tune!
previously unplayed perfection, still in birth sleeve
Condition Report
previously unplayed perfection, still in birth sleeve
Reggie Soul & The Soul Swingers
My World Of Ecstasy / Mighty Good Loving
Capri : 11712 (45s)
A much loved drop at all those discerning Soul events across the country. Soul Essence, Tuff Love, Diggin' Deeper, The Orwell etc have all been elevated by tunes of this superior quality as the "Crossover" sound enriches those evenings with a touch of class.
Check out those urgent girls serve up the intro, then setting down to cradle Reggie Soul's beseeching voice through his pleading offering of "Ecstasy" as if there was not enough embellishments already been woven into arrangement, a cool flute solo joins the session...
An utterly fantastic tune, my kind of turntable fuel, perfect Northern Soul Crossover drenched in seriously Soulful qualities, that would upgrade any DJ set.
Hidden on the back, is a slab of intense back-drop inducing Northern Soul, a careering 100 mph, out of control truck of Northern Soul that if you pitch down transforms into a real-deal Northern Soul dancer you have a chance to keep up with.. Listen and make your own judgement on that.. meanwhile I'm still swooning over the A-side that is the ideal missionary to convert the uninitiated to premium Crossover!
Condition Report
Two bright clean full colour labels, full gloss vinyl reveals just a few fine surface hairlines when angled in the light
Charles Sheffield
It's Your Voodoo Working / Rock N Roll Train
Excello : 2200 (45s)
One of the greatest R&B offering ever to the Popcorn & Northern Soul scenes... an instantly mesmerizing dancefloor experience no matter which scene your attending..
From the very first note this recording imprisons you into it's narcotic rhythms. Slow pulsating bass-line lays down the path for Charles's snarling attitude to deliver it's charm into. An intrusive Baritone saxophone peppers the arrangement with its irresistible prodding burps. A magical fusion that has everyone up and on their feet, nobody can resist it hypnotic powers.
Both sides give up spine-tingling saxophone manipulation mirroring the same irrepressible attitude Mr. Sheffield projects with his intimidating gnarled vocal.
Seldom seen in such clean condition, rarely surfaces for sale.. little wonder really it is a NS DJ banker, a surefire audience-detonator, saturated in truly wicked qualities... guaranteed to haunt you, long after the night is all over..
records of this deep seated addictiveness I can never grown weary of...
Condition Report
Quality control marker stroke on each label, not affecting any text (see images), fine clean full gloss vinyl reveals on soft sleeve storage blemishes, plays completely crisp and clean. (listen)
A. C. Reed
I Stay Mad / Lotta Loving
Age: 29123 (45s)
Both sides written by A. C. himself under his own name of Aaron Corthens for his last of 4 releases for Mel London's vehicle for Chicago R&B hopefuls. He had to wait another 7 years to have just three more 45's come to market. You would have thought A. C. was so much more than a "hopeful" but seemed to have a spasmodic release schedule after this 45 sneaked out and sold miserably poor.
We are surprised this grinding slab of R&B hasn't broke through as a big play on the European R&B dance scene, it is drenched in all the right ingredients. Pumping, pounding swirling keyboard peppered with bass and blues picking pulses. They marry perfectly into A. C.'s angry snarling reaction to his wife's standoffishness. He suffers inquisitions every time he comes home, can't do anything right, her oppression is both, real and inescapable. A. C. neatly drops in one of his fine sdaxophone breaks..
Flipside is raw wailing Chicago blues.
The top side carries genuine rarity and so much potential to stir the dancefloor.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss vinyl reveals only soft signs of being housed in its birth-sleeve for 61 years, plays flawless.
Almeta Lattimore
These Memories / Oh My Love
Mainstream: MRL 5575 (45s)
When you're a DJ of the Richard Searling, calibre it only takes a mere weekend to lift a record from an unknown into a Northern Soul most-wanted.
Right up until the 90’s this 45 was unknown to British rare-soul dance community. The first copy discovered in the basement of an “Island Carib Soul” DJ’s cast-offs in Brooklyn, New York. Brought back over to the UK just in time to taken the legendary Southport weekender. Where the seasoned ear of Richard Searling instantly recognised its potential to introduce possibly the weekend’s most discussed play.
On the Friday evening the much anticipated “Searling Set” received the usual crammed-tight dancefloor reception, I couldn’t wait to witness the crowd’s reaction to this new discovery of decidedly superior Sister-Soul.
Richard using all his experience from years at the helm of Wigan Casino, put his exquisite timing of presenting a new tune at just the right juncture. He was after-all the leading light for the “Crossover sound” after changing the face of the Northern Soul Sound with turntable choices at Parkers Club, Manchester; where only seriously soulful recordings passed the scrutiny of a DJ ingrained in highly selective taste. Parker’s of course became a “destination” Saturday night pulling in soul-fans from all over country.
After 20 minutes or so the now percolating crowd were introduced to the spectacular voice of Michigan songbird Almeta Lattimore…without pause or thought the bustling dancefloor exploded to the sound of soaring strings cradling Almeta’s beseeching memory flashbacks to a lost-love she just can’t erase.
The next day, at the compulsory lunchtime “pub across the road” meeting. “These Memories” was the hot-topic of enthusiastic chatter from both collectors and dancers alike, as I eavesdropped on the soul scholar’s analysis of the Friday night before. I was quizzed about where it was discovered, how much was it ? How rare is it? And most importantly did I have another copy, as a dancefloor monster had just been christened “The Pope of rare-soul”
The Saturday night Richard dropped Almeta very early in his DJ set, to a rapturous response. Richard then pulled the master stroke of spinning it again as his last record before exiting the stage. Leaving the crowd going home on the Sunday in no doubt whatsoever who the most memorable DJ and records of the weekend were.
The combination of masterclass DJing and the never heard before, blistering pain Almeta transmitted, igniting a packed Southport dancehall of motivated Soulies is a “memory” flashback I can’t erase. I’m of course in no doubt, Richard, yet again stole the show!
Condition Report
Two clean stock copy labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl plays perfect (listen)
International G.T.O.'s
I Love My Baby / It's Been Raining In My Heart
Rojac : 1007 DJ Manship mint (45s)
Flawless unplayed Promo of this Northern Soul classic, with a fabulous flipside tat is now getting strong DJ turntable attention.
Two killer tunes in unbeatable condition
Condition Report
MINT!
Jackie Shane
New Way Of Lovin' / Cruel Cruel World
Paragon : PA 1028 (45s)
100 mph proper Northern Soul dancer, that can be pitched down -2rpm to sound even more persuasive (if that's possible).
As a black transgender soul artist Jackie Shane spent her life fighting prejudice, but throughout standing proud and resolute, taboo-smashing her way to regional stardom. Culminating in a Canadian "Live" album release in 1967. Not forgetting her standout recordings with Juggy Murray in New York.
You can hear the "struggle" "determination" and "What the Fuckery" in her vocal, with the uncompromising "New Way Of Lovin'" squealing out in a James Brown-esque vocal attack, whilst riding a barrage of blaring brass, Gatling gun percussion and the instrumental pause of horns, drums and bluesy plectrum manipulation, that crafts the most-impressive take-no-prisoners performances since Johnny Sayles knocked the whole of the Catacombs crowd sideways with "I Can't Get Enough".
This 45 needs to mercilessly roar its way through the British Northern Soul scene, pulverising unacquainted dancers in its wake!
Numero Group's 21 track 2017 album opened up worldwide awareness of this unique soul man/girl. All can now enjoy her groundbreaking work checking out Numero Group 067
PS Deep Soul scholars will die-for the beseeching flipside.
What an ARTIST!! What a magnificently rare 45!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss on clean near mint minus vinyl, revealing just a few soft surface blemishes under light. Both sides play clean, sharp and true, listen.
Lynne Randell
Stranger In My Arms - CBS Australia / Ciao Baby
CBS : BA 221387 Manship mint (45s)
A chance to put a Northern Soul Myths to bed…
this timeless New York recorded, whilst taking a day off from her 1967 tour of the US with The Monkees, and going under the wing of the great Herb Bernstien (a man guaranteed to give a production his full attention). This Northern Soul classic has more than it’s fair share of “Fake News” none more than being the misconception that this 1967 Australian is it’s rarest form, far from it once we consult our precise 25 year sales data on this timeless slab of Northern Soul that first came to the fore as it’s rare British press , so we thought we would lift the fog surrounding the with a JM table of it sales history
Australian 45 – 12 copies
USA 45 stock – 4 copies with picture cover (it's first release)
USA 45 Promo – 14 copies with or without Picture Cover
British 45 DEMO – 2 copies
British 45 release copy – ZERO
So far from being the rarest, it is close to being the commonest of its various formats.
But what is RARE is this 45’s unsurpassed Manship mint condition, flawless “like new” archive mint vinyl, utterly unblemished labels, still sleeping in the elusive Oz CBS birth-sleeve.
This is one for those of you seeking perfection whilst hunting down the timeless Northern Soul classics. Not forgetting the enviable durability of Australian vinyl as opposed to the frailties of the Columbia pressed styrene..
To think Lynne Randell is Australian, or her Australian 45 is it’s rarest form is to a tad off reality, but this is surely the greatest Northern Soul 45 ever recorded by a scouser.
To consider this killer tune an Australia recording and it's the rarest format and to christen Lynne is Australian by birth is to "myth" the point completely..
What is 100% true, is to encounter this 56 year old as a truly previously unplayed Manship mint in 2023 is off-the-scale unlikely.
Condition Report
Manship mint
Johnny Bartell and the Soul Masters
If This Isn't Love / I Waited Too Long
Solid State: SD 2514 Manship Mint (45s)
Talented keyboardist Bartell can be heard stabbing out the punchy dance pulses, and decorating the session with a lazy but highly effective Hammond instrumental pause. The 4 man team, employ a group shrill girls to elevate the background even higher with high-pitched choruses, supporting the rich soulful lead voice. Stunning Northern Soul tune that just stays with you long after its initial lift-off.
But this 45 gives you so much more than just a memorable driving a Northern Soul dancer; check out the dreamy flipside vocal-group masterpiece drenched in Lowrider qualities. Both sides receiving turntable attention from the DJs, some quite some time now; another Northern Soul great that been “flipped”
A record that over the decades has continually grown in popularity and reputation, whilst avoiding the bootleggers with its elusiveness, thankfully this dancefloor delight has never been reissued or overplayed. It’s magical drawing power today, as strong as ever. With the bonus of a sumptuous flipside for those lazy Sunday chill-outs.
Condition Report
Two clean, full colour labels. Bright crisp, hardly a blemish play perfect vinyl we believe previously unplayed, still alluringly housed in its birth-sleeve. A total beauty!
Marvin Gaye
You're A Wonderful One / When I'm Alone I Cry
Stateside: SS 284 DJ (45s)
A proper stunner, is this offering that frames a pivotal moment in the Motown sound, when the symbiosis of H.D.H. and Marvin hit perfection with this the very essence of joyous Motown went to press. Capturing The Supremes in full voice, backing favourite male vocalist on a racing dance production inspired by Holland - Dozier - Holland they took inspiration from the rhythms of Chuck Berry's "Memphis" to fire up The Funk Brothers to lay down their most motivational dance session to date, a warming session for a bitterly cold January at Hitsville.
The "Go Johnny Go" pulses were perfectly assembled and harnessed by a together team that would rack up a string of hits for Marvin in the next through year.
To this day "You're A Wonderful One" showcases Holland - Dozier - Holland, Marvin Gaye and their backing artists as The Motown sound at its most exciting!
Almost as exciting as the rare Red & White vinyl-vista you are gazing at right now.
Condition Report
Two clean Red & White labels, 4 pronmg centre intact, glorious full gloss mint minus vinyl, still housed in Stateside company bag. Absolutely stunning condition.
Joey Heatherton
When You Call Me Baby / Live & Learn
Decca : 31962 DJ Manship mint (45s)
The team members on this production of classic girl-vocal reads like an Who's Who of 60s Philadelphia Soul! Written by the "Double Diamond" boys David White, John Madara, Leon Huff & Len Barry under the direction of Jimmy The Wiz Wisner!
Produced by John Madara & David White.
The stunning beautiful, super talented, exquisite vocal of Joey Heatherton with her greatest Northern Soul offering!
This copy is an archive MINT previously unplayed promo still housed in birth sleeve
Condition Report
Two perfect "pink" promo label, full gloss mint vinyl housed in its birth-sleeve
Linda Lloyd
Breakaway / Little Things Like That
Columbia : 4-43486 DJ (7")
In January 1966 Gene Page was keeping himself warm in Los Angeles, California crafting another of off-the-scale production abetted by the experienced Larry Marks. Together they assemble an amazingly muscular girl sound, seriously well layered with no expense sparred, for what was to be surprisingly chosen as a flipside.
But nothing a stays obscured for long when those relentless Brits get diggin' for the sound they craved.
Great, always a pleasure to hear..
Condition Report
Clean lead label, the other side label carries encircled XXXX
Shep
Fool To Fool / I'm Sitting In
T N T : 282 Manship mint (45s)
Allegedly the vocal of Don Gardner but with a wealth of contradictions, 1. He never remembered recording it, with the main contention it doesn't quite sound like a convincing "Don" voice, although he was quoted as saying "sounds like me" many think it doesn't. But although the hints on the label credits and the long association Don had with Jessie Herring's work tips the balance in Don's favour. Another suggestion over the years has been James Sheppard of Shep and The Limelites, again the voice doesn't quite match this artist either.
So let me pour a little more debate on this long running controversy and suggest another voice the investigative soul collectors seem to have passed by; Ray Pollard's long term partner with "The Wanderers" Sheppard Grant his voice is a "fit" especially on the flipside "I'm Sitting In" he's a New Yorker too.
So listen now to two fabulous sides of killer 60s Northern Soul wrote and produced by Jesse Herring a man responsible for so many wonderful N.Y. soul recordings. Which ever side you chose to drop the needle on, it's Northern Soul heaven! Which ever theory of the real identity artist you prefer, it matters not as both sides are AWESOME.
For me it's "Sheppard Grant" on the "I'm Sitting In" flipside and different lead voice on "Fool To Fool" .... so maybe "Shep" is a group?
Love a mystery, me...
Condition Report
Two perfect bright full colour labels, previously unplayed mint vinyl - as good as it gets
Papa Lightfoot
Wild Fire / Mean Old Train
Savoy Records : 1161 manship mint (45s)
1955 double helping of jump-blues from this obscurer but highly accomplished Mississippi harmonica players. Who sadly died at the tender age of 47 years.
But not before he left Blues scholars and DJs with some fine recording on Excello, Savoy, Imperial, Aladdin his earlier work for Peacock, sadly never got released, Still considered today as one of the lesser exposed rural Delta Blues. In 1969 Blues historian and record producer Steve LaVere went to Lightfoot's home town of Natchez, Mississippi and persuaded, George after a 14 year rest from recording to come into the studio again, resulting in the now highly regarded "Natchez Trace" album on Vault.
In 2009, Papa Lightfoot was posthumously honored with a marker on the fabled Mississippi Blues Trail in Natchez, his hometown
Today we are presenting two of his most powerful recordings on one very elusive 45 in perfect "museum" condition.
Listen and prepare to be moved by the raw authenticity of "Papa", his gravel coated vocal, and blistering harmonica manipulation, twice over.
Condition Report
Manship mint archive copy, perfection, still housed in scallop top, serrated seam thick brown paper birth sleeve.
Kenny Martin
My Love Is Coming Down / I'm The Jivin' Mr. Lee
Federal: 12310 (45s)
Once heard it will not vacate your head for the rest of the day, this is the style that fuels the DJ's who delight in stepping outside of the obvious, to captivate their audience.
Caution, listening to this style of music, will most likely pull you into perilous journey into "Popcorn" R&B that has long left the confines of the secretive Belgium music-scene, spreading its wings into clubs across the globe. Long may this expanding cocktail of R&B, Blues, Northern Soul and Popcorn convert dancers, collectors, DJs to investigate deeper into dance music from all decades, capable of changing moods, opening up minds with their seductive stealth.
Kenny Martin does all of the above...once heard, never forgotten...
This listing is of course the authentic 1957 original press, still housed in its birth-sleeve
Condition Report
two clean labels, full gloss near mint minus vinyl, revbeaks only the merest sleeve storage hairlines when angled under light, plays perfect, still housed in birth-sleeve
Glen Miller
Where Is The Love / Funky Broadway
Doctor Bird : DB 1089 (45s)
Right up there with the very greatest Northern Soul strollers of all time, Johnny Mae Matthews, Buddy Smith, Jimmie Bo Horne, James Lately, Chuck Holiday, George Lemons etc. high praise indeed but this sends record sends shivers right through me every time! In short one of my all time favourite 45's.. so staggeringly good - spectacularly rare!
A listing for those of you determined to own the top end Northern Soul 45s to DJ with. A record that never fails to draw applause, for the few DJs who are able to play it.
Click the soundfile and drool... this is just STUNNING NORTHERN SOUL!
that very seldom comes to market, only listed here today after last years non-paying winning bidder, with his endless promises of payment that never ever materialized...
Looking on the bright side, it allowed me to Wow! a few crowds with it, when I felt the my DJ set needed a lift.. boy and what a lift it gave it!
Condition Report
two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact. Vinyl carries strong gloss, revealing some light surface hairlines visible when angled in the light, giving up only an occasional soft background tick |(listen)
O'Jays
I'll Never Forget You / Pretty Words
Imperial : 66162 Manship mint (45s)
Mint Unplayed - Perfect Vinyl - Perfect Labels - still housed in birth-sleeve
Timeless Northern Soul it the best possible condition - MINT!
Condition Report
MINT
Mark IV
Signs Of A Dying Love / Signs Of A Dying Love part 2
O T B Records : OTB 1007 Manship mint (45s)
Drummer Otis Brown's working on his own label, aided by Donald Shaw guide this accomplished male-vocal group on a seamless 3.30 minute journey of delicious rare soulful-dance. As that perpetual narrative of “fading love” unfolds.
A richly served rap intro bursts into a spectacularly full dance session, cradled by a harmonising celestial girl-group presence, riding on gliding strings and tricky guitar riffs, the persistent pattering percussion, rolls out an irresistible invitation to dance; so very classy, so mesmerising.
If ever a 70s record was under-valued this is it! It has everything! Including an impending status of real-rarity.
Two clean yellow labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl - a standout copy!
Don’t snooze the value of this beauty, it is well on its way on a skyward only trajectory..
Condition Report
Two clean label, full gloss mint vinyl
Quiet Fire
Lost (Without Your Love) / Your Kind Of Love
The Hit Machine Record Company : MK 3977 (45s)
Pure class from this 7 man San Diego gathering of David Buckhanon, Robert Turner, Willie Steele, Bill Cochran, Claude Bell, Ricky Laster, and Benny Patterson .
The impressive top side written and produced by Willie Steele is a soaring but delicate harmony stepper, drenched in soulful gorgeousness, sympathetic horns, sulking saxophone decorate the string drenched background, for their tightly woven harmonies to soak in to. Just beautiful...
Killer dancer that very few DJ / collectors can boast of owning, we adore it!
In fact we adore BOTH sides, the dreamy flipside is saturated in class also!
Condition Report
Two clean labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl,
Garnet Mimms
Looking For You / More Than A Miracle
United Artists : UA 951 DJ (45s)
A timeless Northern Soul anthems that you never grow weary of are the new "gold rush" of record collecting today.
Although marketed in the UK as a flip side. "Looking For You" in the USA was the a-side, but discouraging USA sales, persuaded EMI to relegate it to true B-side in the British marketplace.
From the very embryonic years of Northern Soul “Looking For You” has been a treasured dance floor classic, heavily feature in the repertoire of the Twisted Wheel, The Mojo, The Cats, The Dungeon, The Brit etc. etc. Making a seamless transistion to Wigan Casino's Mr. M's and to the main-room; that x-factor dancefloor ingredient, preventing it ever becoming played out, no matter how often you hear "Looking For You" it still has to power to tingle the spine.
Those desperate lyrics woven into Garry Sherman's mighty arrangement ; unwinding with a flurry of crashing piano notes, ringing vibes collide with an overhead bombardment of brass. Garry Sherman was a conductor who cut no corners, spared no expense to achieve his desired level of brutal-power... a true master of New York’s Big City sound.
As he did with Paul Anka's "I Can't Help Loving You" and 100's of other huge Brill Building sounds, he layers instrument upon instrument, in precise but persuasive order until a volcano of sound erupts, big enough to compliment the power of Garnet's voice.
This is what can happen, when accomplished studio members come together. Jerry Ragovoy, Garry Sherman and Garnet Mimms; a determined threesome pursuing perfection.
BIG, POWERFUL and IMPOSING! A top-drawer Northern Soul classic nobody has ever grown weary of hearing.
A deeply-rooted in our club-scene-history, deeply embedded in our psyche... proper Northern Soul...
A proper tune in fine clean condition.
Condition Report
Two clean promo labels, strong gloss on vinyl, reveals just a few soft surface hairlines when angled in the light, still snugly housed in its birth-sleeve.