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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.

Betty Lloyd - I'm Catching On / You Say Things You Don't Mean - BSC 401

Betty Lloyd

I'm Catching On / You Say Things You Don't Mean

BSC : 401 (45s)

Always uplifting experience to hear and dance to this surefire Detroit creation, a surefire floor-packer.

A long-validated Motor City evergreen, presented here in the level of condition that suggests it has never met a Northern Soul DJ before. We know it has but this 45 has been, but stunning disc was treasured by it's previous owner. No signs of hasty throwing on the turntable, with one hand and a pint of beer in the other. It's not been laid on top of the DJ box without a sleeve, whilst you choose you next 45, which needs hardly any thought of choice, as your dancefloor is already shoulder to shoulder rammed as they soak up, Betty's sultry soulful vocal.

A guaranteed, set-solidifying choice, a platform for the rest your DJ set to leap from; a record that instantly wins you the love of the crowd, applause guaranteed..

From the first blast of horns, this beseeching Sister's vocal portrays an intense recovery from deep hurt. But the girl is getting stronger and you're completely falling for her charms. The strength in her voice beams through, contradicting her hidden pain, transforming the listener / dancer's mood for the better. But it's not only her vocal, the instrumental guitar break is in a class of it own, as it bridges the song so seamlessly as the second part of her despair is about to be poured upon you.

Dancing to Soul is a personal inner expression, that this 45 triggers so easily, you feel her torture, you sense her recovery and you feel elated. This is 60's girl Northern Soul at it's most galvanizing..

For all the brilliance of "I'm Catching On " the flipside is so nearly as captivating.. another two for the price of one, winner that nobody will ever tire of hearing "I'm Catching On"... if they ever do .. just flip it over, you will have a few running to the turntables asking "What's this ?"

Condition Report

Two perfect labels, immaculate vinyl that only reveals the merest hairline when angled in the light. a beautifully coveted copy.

Two perfect labels, immaculate vinyl that only reveals the merest hairline when angled in the light. a beautifully coveted copy.

Velvelettes - Lonely Lonely Girl Am I / I'm The Exception To The Rule - Tamla Motown TMG 521

Velvelettes

Lonely Lonely Girl Am I / I'm The Exception To The Rule

Tamla Motown : TMG 521 (45s)

British Tamla Motown Northern Soul at its most-brilliant, most enticing and certainly most-wanted, a NS/Motown anthem in totally
standout condition.

One for the British collector who cannot resist the lure of near perfection. Especially if it is one of the finest Motown creations adopted by the Northern Soul scene; a classic for decades, right from its debut at The Twisted Wheel through to last weekend, when we are pretty certain, this anthem rang out through the various NS gatherings across the land.

Some classics never fade away, this one truly endures. Mainly because the creator Norman Whitfield conjures up a Whitfield signature, full orchestra production of massive presence. A crowded string tsunami, pummeling-percussion, peppered with hard-blown horns. Not to mention those oh-so-sweet Velvelettes vocals. A group that went seemingly under-appreciated by the Motown executives who astonishingly deprived the girls of their much deserved album. That would have undoubtedly have dulled some of The Supremes prestige as many Motown scholars feel The Velvelettes were vocally superior and infinitely more fluid in the harmonies.

This recording goes some way in strengthening that argument, as Norman Whitfield shepherds the trio through intricate, pacey but crystal clear phases, whilst riding the most powerful of productions...Originally issued as a flipside, is a studio session that certainly underscores their vocal prowess. The wonderful ballad flipside "I'm The Exception To The Rule" also magnificently recorded by The Temptations, again showcases their impeccable close harmony expertise.

Only the powers at Motown knows why these ladies were limited to only 5 singles and denied an album release... but before you today is their rarest 45 best-loved 45 in immaculate clean condition.

Condition Report

two clean labels, other than a minuscule soft graze just left o the a-side logo, this my not show on the file images, but we can see it when angled in the light, otherwise perfect. 4 prong centre intact. (see images) This offering is near flawless. Full gloss, mint minus vinyl, still housed in original birth-sleeve. Looks stunning, sounds immaculate, plays perfect.

two clean labels, other than a minuscule soft graze just left o the a-side logo, this my not show on the file images, but we can see it when angled in the light, otherwise perfect. 4 prong centre intact. (see images) This offering is near flawless. Full gloss, mint minus vinyl, still housed in original birth-sleeve. Looks stunning, sounds immaculate, plays perfect.

Quotations - I Don't Have To worry / It Can Happen To You - DiVenus DV 107

Quotations

I Don't Have To Worry / It Can Happen To You

DiVenus : DV 107 (7")

This falsetto led vocal-group stormer is right back in vogue!

A homogenized Northern Soul winner is once again on the lips of collectors and dancers alike.

The prosperous partnership of David Blake & Phil Medley again ticks all the same boxes that guided The Appreciations through their magnificent vocal-group Northern Soul dancer "It's Better The Cry". The pair transfer that same talent to this gifted vocal-group from Massachusetts. as lead vocalist Carl Williams sits with David Blake to compose two fabulous group-harmony winners.

We lead with the upbeat Northern Soul with a searing lead vocal, supported by high pitch choruses of "I Got You" subtle horns and drumming embroider the background leading up to forceful brass break peppered with crashing cymbals. Truly beautiful Northern Soul from New England with added guidance from a couple of talented New Yorkers. .

The flipside is an utterly stunning floater showcasing this Springfield's group's delicious application of tight harmonies. Fred Guess, Jimmie Wilson, Carl Williams send out a silky message in a style soon to be adopted by The Chi-Lites, Dramatics etc. This is super-classy top-of-the-class serving of Sweet Soul, is a few years before its time.
Two perfect archive condition labels, full gloss vinyl revealing only a few soft birth-sleeve blemishes when angled in the light.

NO wonder there's been an enthusiastic buzz building up around the world about this great harmony two-sider.

This offering is a fabulous play perfect condition hitting a bulleyes with not one but two highly sought-after rare soul styles.

Condition Report

Stunning mint minus archive condition, perfect labels, in "as good as it gets" state of perfectness.

Stunning mint minus archive condition, perfect labels, in "as good as it gets" state of perfectness.

Casualeers - Dance, Dance, Dance / There's Something About This Girl - Roulette R-4722 DJ

Casualeers

Dance, Dance, Dance / There's Something About This Girl

Roulette : R-4722 DJ (45s)

The famous unroadworthy white Ford transit van is leaving for WIGAN CASINO !! ... get on board!

After 4 hours navigating northwards through wet country roads, the then slow as hell A50 morphed into M6 congestion, we eventually pull into the sunken car park opposite the imposing sight of Wigan Casino. Full of equally dilapidated 850cc Minis, Hillman Imps, Morris Minors and the occasional Ford Cortina for the well-heeled soulboy, that had travelled fully loaded with young buzzing Northern Soul disciples from all corners of the British Isles.

On arrival though we always let out a sigh of frustration, on a filthy cold wet winter's evening; a predictable 4 person wide queue trails to the right of the door, strung out all the way along the side of the dancehall.

It's gonna take some time to get in, but the impatient line is babbling with a chattering chorus of dialects from right across the country. Manc, Geordie, Brummy, Welsh, Scotch, Norfolk, Cockney, Gloucestershire even excited vocal tones from Cornwall and more make up a cocktail of jabbering amphetamine-fuelled nonsense. As the music seeped through those thick walls, the chilly Lancashire wind and drizzle blew through your hair..

"No Pushing At The Back" was now the all too familiar doorman mantra, no bugger ever took any notice, the queue swayed backward and forward, side to side. At last! You were through the door, the music now louder, the crush was still happening at the counter, you throw the entrance fee down, and you scurry through the last obstacle and you're IN!! You know you're inside because the heat and steam hits you simultaneously; as The Casualeers - Dance, Dance, Dance - assaults your senses and lifts you higher than high.

THE NORTHERN SOUL EXPERIENCE you had planned with your mates all week, a ritual that began at 12 o'clock in The White Lion Pub, Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray was now live!

The buzz is immense, the atmosphere is goosebump-inducing, the music is loud and frantic and the charge of human energy takes your breath away. It was the nationwide camaraderie, the single common cause that herded all these young-guns together in one place. Truly inspiring music that only 6 years earlier the whole world had overlooked, these discarded 45's had been resuscitated, bringing a new life, a fresh sense of being to British kids who had been force-fed a diet of shit British pop from the BBC. From Showaddywaddy, Mud, The Sweet, Paper Lace, David Essex, The Rubettes etc .

This 45 and hundreds more like it, treated the Wigan congregation to indelible wonder-years we shall never forget.

Click the soundfile to be catapulted back half a century to the best of times and the best of friends.

FOOTNOTE. Talking of discarded records, the flipside "There's Something About This Girl" is one of the finest "overlooked" Big City Beaters you could possibly want to hear...

Condition Report

Small red marker signature on the a-side label, light age browning on flipside promo label (see images) Both sides of the vinyl reveals scattered light surface marks NOT affecting play crisp and clean. both sides play clean (listen)

Small red marker signature on the a-side label, light age browning on flipside promo label (see images) Both sides of the vinyl reveals scattered light surface marks NOT affecting play crisp and clean. both sides play clean (listen)

Dusty Wilson - Can't Do Without You / Life Not Worth Living - Soundcraft 7" acetate

Dusty Wilson

Can't Do Without You / Life Not Worth Living

Soundcraft : 7" acetate (45s)

Unique 1961 7" acetate - of this much-sought after rasping Detroit stomper!

It's embyonic form - so collectable.

Do not overlook the fabulously slick, pleading vocal-group ballad on the flipside

Condition Report

Two clean labels, credits neatly written in pencil, very clean unblemished direct cut lacquer, plays fabulous. NO hairlines, chips, lift, or cracks in the surface. Very clean copy indeed.

Two clean labels, credits neatly written in pencil, very clean unblemished direct cut lacquer, plays fabulous. NO hairlines, chips, lift, or cracks in the surface. Very clean copy indeed.

Artistics - Girl I Need You / I'm Glad I Met You - Coral Q.72492 DJ

Artistics

Girl I Need You / I'm Glad I Met You

Coral : Q.72492 DJ (45s)

You could argue all day which was The Artistics best double-sider.. "I'm Gonna Miss You c/w Hope We Have" or maybe its this "Girl I Need You c/w Glad I Met You", after all these guys just like their hometown buddies The Impressions can do no wrong...what you can't debate is the undeniable eye-widening gorgeousness beauty of this spring of 1967 UK Coral DEMO!

They easily rank in the Top 10 most productive male Soul vocal-groups of all time! Their output of essential Northern Soul is quite staggering.. but what would you expect, when this accomplish gathering were mentored by the likes of Carl Davis, Gerald Sims, Sonny Sanders & Barrett Strong, everything was gonna be assured stand-out vocal-group soul.

This 1967 recording, was undeniably way-ahead of it's time, both sides giving up seamless Northern Soul vocal-group dancers of the very highest calibre. It was of course a minor R&B hit for them, sitting just outside the top 20 for several weeks, not a super rare 45 od USA Brunswick maybe, but as a blue & silver UK promo it the treasure of a life-time.

But what is certainly very scarce, is to find this disc in impeccable condition. Serious UK label collectors will be nodding when we say they invariably reject any disc with label flaws, 4 prong centre removed, writing on the label, and most will not buy anything below EX + But to acquire two clean promo labels, strong gloss mint minus vinyl, still housed in the seldom seen birth sleeve (robust brown grainy finished sleeve) is a completeness that is incredibly problematic to acquire.

This copy is the finest example we have seen in decades.. of loving both sides of this classic Northern Soul creation from Chicago's foremost music-makers.

Two classic sides in their most wanted least seen rich-blue Demo clothes.

Condition Report

Two clean blue promo labels with the full length "A" beckoning your attention, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss mint minus vinyl revealing only the merest soft sleeve contact blemishes when angled in the light. both sides play flawless - listen.

Two clean blue promo labels with the full length "A" beckoning your attention, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss mint minus vinyl revealing only the merest soft sleeve contact blemishes when angled in the light. both sides play flawless - listen.

Case Of Tyme - Manifesto / Some Call It Love - Legend L-1001 first press

Case Of Tyme

Manifesto / Some Call It Love

Legend : L-1001 styrene first press (45s)

A bright fresh mint minus copy, that has side-stepped the rigors of the Northern Soul circuit.
This is of course the authentic FIRST press and by far it's rarest most desirable incarnation, and the least confusing to authenticate. Styrene, press green label, is the FIRST press original - simples really..

A disc that offers up the most motivating display of saxophone insanity ever heard on the Northern Soul dancefloor triggering a flood of vivid wonder-year flashbacks as you somewhat embarrassingly remember the all-niter's of the day highlights, you and your mates doing the jubilant, two arm "black power" salute as the chorus "MANIFESTO" was replaced by a bellowing chorus of "SHOP AT TESCO'S!" completely in time with that psychotic saxophonist.

What fun that was.. for the usually very serious Northern Soul dancefloor... always so respectful of their music...
Today I'm singing along with the nearly as motivating "Some Called It Love" unable to find a supermarket slogan replacement..

When it comes to acquiring the real-deal Northern Soul originals wearing their rarest original clothes, this very first press of a timeless Wigan Casino anthem that seldom surfaces for air.

This attitude filled Chicago born, gives up just the greatest display of saxophone insanity ever committed to vinyl, inspiring Northern Soul, with vivid wonder-years flashbacks fully guaranteed.

But a true collectors-piece surrounded by much confusion fo the GREEN label, having been reissued, bootlegged, counterfeited in so many forms. So here an opportunity to clear the fog surround this rarity's authenticity, a brief table below may help.

first press - is the styrene green label Legend L-1001 - here before you here today.
counterfeit is the vinyl green label Legend L-1001 black vinyl - Bay Area, California born
counterfeit is the vinyl green label Legend L-1001 blue vinyl - Bay Area, California born
counterfeit is the vinyl green label Legend L-1001 - red vinyl Bay Area, California born
counterfeit is the vinyl green label Legend L-1001 multi-coloured vinyl - Bay Area, California born
The joint impeccable work of Bod Catteneo & aided by the master-craftsmen of record replicas Henry Mariano

We'll document the other yellow label James Lewis credit "Manifesto" original, counterfeits and reissues another day..

When I said authentication confusing, that was an understatement...Today in the sweltering climate of OVO only events, this first press listing is the ONLY TRUE original. It turns up for sale so very rarely, especially in this exceptional Mint minus condition..

So if you agree with and adhere to OVO guidelines and want to own the finest Northern Soul classics in the best possible condition .. do not pass this NS tsunami by..
Two flawless labels, mint minus playing surfaces are unblemished. a fabulous example of one of Northern Soul's most elusive FIRST PRESS originals.

PS it is now time to take notice of the almost as brilliant flipside "Some Call It Love"

Condition Report

Two near perfect labels, no fade or blemishes. Styrene is beautifully near mint. As good as it gets!

Two near perfect labels, no fade or blemishes. Styrene is beautifully near mint. As good as it gets!

M.V.P.s - Turnin' My Heartbeat Up / same: 2:16 mono version - Buddah BDA 262 DJ

M.V.P.s

Turnin' My Heartbeat Up / same: 2:16 mono version

Buddah : BDA 262 DJ (45s)

Most likely sitting in the Top 10 of most regular attendees of Wigan Casino or Cleethorpes Pier as this was and still is a Northern Soul anthem with few comparisions.

So very little we can say that will elevate this timeless classic any higher..

So let's talk about the most important aspect of this listing is: It is NOT a record that has wandered through the traumatic Northern Soul DJ circuit since the mid-70's. As you can hear from the sound file provided this copy play beautifully clean No turntable or stylus fatigue that unfortunately plagues the veteran copies that have resided in the United Kingdom for decades.

Fresh, clean and ready for ownership to those of you dedicated to owning the Top NS anthems in the finest possible condition.

Mono side is Mint minus, stereo side is Ex +. Both promo labels are completely flawless.

Condition Report

Please note: All copies of this 45 reveal a masterplate pressing hairline weld from tyhe stamper, this is NOT a hairline crack, it is on every copy that left the pressing plant. This disc is visually and audibly mint minus still housed in birth-sleeve - a beautiful copy.

Please note: All copies of this 45 reveal a masterplate pressing hairline weld from tyhe stamper, this is NOT a hairline crack, it is on every copy that left the pressing plant. This disc is visually and audibly mint minus still housed in birth-sleeve - a beautiful copy.

Jimmy Church - Thinking About The Good Times/ Shadow Of Another Man's Love - Peachtree 101

Jimmy Church

Thinking About The Good Times / Shadow Of Another Man's Love

Peachtree: 101 (45s)

One of the very rarest 45's on this iconic 20 only releases on William Bell's 1967 diversion from his currently successful career at his hometown major label Stax. He travels 450 miles east, allegedly seeking an acting opportunity, but whilst there in "The Big Peach" he embarked on starting up his own label, approved moonlighting; that further developed his writing and producing skills. Taking with him, the importance of a muscular horn section to elevate the most soulful of voices with incendiary horns. Signing up some of the greatest unattached soul artists that came his way, they included Mitty Collier, Johnny Jones and his King Casuals, James Fountain, Emory & The Dynamics, Eddie Billups, Gorgeous George (previously with him at Stax) and of course to kick off his new venture the standout voice of "Jimmy Church" with his authentic rasping vocal making a statement of intent from the off.

This the first record for the label, a driving this Northern Soul Juggernaut, written by Jimmy himself. With William Bell injecting the level of muscular brass that had surrounded him every day he visited 926 E. McLemore Ave Memphis, Tennessee 38106. Even compared to the roster that Stax Records boasted few male vocals as soulful as Jimmy delivered.

This is proper full throttle, foot-to-floor, fearsome Northern Soul... stand back, buckle up, and unleash Jimmy Church and the torrential tsunami of horns William Bell summons up, the combination is frightening.

With the fabulous bonus of a Robert S. Riley Deep Soul pleader sitting on the flipside, especially written for "Jimmy Church's" standout beseeching style of heart-wrenching "Deep" that stays with you, long after the 2:30 mins draws to an end.

Two exceptional street-level recordings of proper rare soul, offering the best thumping Northern Soul with

Condition Report

Two clean labels have some soft storage wear but free of stickers, writing or any other discernable flaws. Vinyl reveals surface marks, visually vg but those blaring horns and Jimmy's rasping vocal mask any background tocks.

Two clean labels have some soft storage wear but free of stickers, writing or any other discernable flaws. Vinyl reveals surface marks, visually vg but those blaring horns and Jimmy's rasping vocal mask any background tocks.

Sequins - He's A Flirt / That Boy -  Renfro 113

Sequins

He's A Flirt / That Boy

Renfro : 113 (45s)

RAREST OF THE RARE! The Original April ‘66 press…

The L. A. girl group soul dance sound of the spring 1966 an inspired collaboration between three Californian Soul music alchemists; Anthony Renfro, Arthur Wright and Ronald Saunders conjure up two proper real-deal girl group Northern Soul movers, on their quest to replicate the Motown sound on the West Coast.

No matter which side you drop the arm on, explosive girl group exuberance delivers the power to sideswipe your senses.

Surprisingly all the effort from a trio of highly accomplished studio magicians, sales were beyond disappointing, making this notoriously rare 45 always been near impossible to acquire. Even though both sides encapsulate the very essence of the 1966 California upbeat girl group style, a genre totally dominated by the East Coast girls for almost a decade. This example of distilled Northern Soul sold absolutely nothing, even though it had been made more visible by The Blossoms, The Mirettes, The Belles, Ikettes etc.

We repeat before you today is proper real-deal girl group Northern Soul - twice over! Listen now to elevate your day…with two rarest of the rare girl-gathering soul dance sessions of immense importance.

Condition Report

Strong full gloss vinyl, reveals some fine soft sleeve storage blemishes under light, as you can hear it plays loud , clean and true.

Strong full gloss vinyl, reveals some fine soft sleeve storage blemishes under light, as you can hear it plays loud , clean and true.

Cody Marshall - The Thought Of Loving You / Harmony - Sound Judgement CM 1975

Cody Marshall

The Thought Of Loving You / Harmony

Sound Judgement: CM 1975 (45s)

Very rare New York Modern Soul dancer that just ripples with Northern Soul history. Having been played in the twilight years of the Wigan Casino by Richard Searling, covered up as Pierre Hunt "The Thought Of Loving You"
Actually featuring in his very last DJ set at the very last Wigan Casino night in September 1981.

This seriously rare disc underlines just how forward thinking Richard Searling turntable choices were, in comparison to his Wigan Casino teammates. This string driven Joe Renzetti "Lou Rawls" inspired creation, written by the fabled John Madara right hand man David White. This joyous mover was the perfect partner for Ben E. Troy - I Wanna Give Y9ou Tomorrow" at the time but a 1000's of times rarer, of course.

Check out it's uplifting qualities and be wafted back to that famous night the "Casino" closed; this was perhaps the rarest record played on that fabled evening. Certainly hardly a copy has surfaced over the last 40 years. Vocally rich and dead right for the mood of 1981 as Northern Soul embrace modern rare soul.

Rarest Of The Rare NS and saturated in everything the "Casino Cult" had grown to love from Richard's divisively imaginative sets. Peppered with rarities hardly anyone else knew the true identity of.

Condition Report

Two bright clean labels, full gloss mint minus labels. Top copy<br />

Two bright clean labels, full gloss mint minus labels. Top copy

Bobby Paris - I Walked Away / Kansas City - Capitol P 5929 Canada

Bobby Paris

I Walked Away / Kansas City

Capitol : P 5929 Canada (45s)

For those of you who seek the most elusive format of the Northern Soul anthems, how about this sasquatch-rare 1967 Canadian press of a timeless NS theme tune!

For the Northern Soul Class of '76... here is a truly indelible mid-summer experience, with the power to reunite you with those Saturday evenings that swiftly turned into Sunday mornings; with your clothes sodden with perspiration, as the dawn-chill penetrated through to your skin.. as your inadequate attire was laid bare to the British weather...and the only thought you had on your mind was

"Wow what a night!" "Cannot wait until next weekend" it was so worth it to have to brave that walk to the car in totally inadequate soaking wet clothing.

It is powerful statements like “ I Walked Away” that made these times, life affirming experiences. Even after 45 years down the line, "I Walked Away" catapults you back to just the best of times. Made indelible by a pulsating driving production, harnessed by passionate snarling vocal delivered by one of Northern Soul’s true demigods.

THIS IS UNFORGETTABLE NORTHERN SOUL! as a Canadian press I've forgotten the last time I encountered a copy...

Condition Report

two flawless Canadian labels, fine clean unblemished orange, yellow and black perfectness. The vinyl visually reveals only the lightest of wispy hairlines when carefully angled in the light, pressed on that high fidelity top quality Capitol vinyl, do not even whisper. Plays strong clean Mint - throughout a fabulous example of a top drawer classic in its rarest outfit.

two flawless Canadian labels, fine clean unblemished orange, yellow and black perfectness. The vinyl visually reveals only the lightest of wispy hairlines when carefully angled in the light, pressed on that high fidelity top quality Capitol vinyl, do not even whisper. Plays strong clean Mint - throughout a fabulous example of a top drawer classic in its rarest outfit.

Barbara McNair - You're Gonna Love My Baby / The Touch Of Time - Motown 1087 west coast

Barbara McNair

You're Gonna Love My Baby / The Touch Of Time

Motown : 1087 west coast (45s)

One of the most-desirable ways to take ownership of the iconic Motown Northern Soul anthem is the stunningly attractive "West Coast" map design styrene press.

Absolutely no introduction required for this Motown classic, but seldom seen in this beguiling format.

Condition is impeccable - you know what to do.

Condition Report

Two flawless labels, see images, full gloss mint minus vinyl, set in that tantalizing Motown birth sleeve.

Two flawless labels, see images, full gloss mint minus vinyl, set in that tantalizing Motown birth sleeve.

Stylus - We All Need One Another / So Much Love - Crystal Clear CC 2778

Stylus

We All Need One Another / So Much Love

Crystal Clear : CC 2778 (45s)

A 1976 Australia only, b-side that has been gathering in selective underground demand for quite a few years now, but this is the first time we have had a copy available . A stunningly slick Jazz/Soul dancer hidden away on a flip has been picking up privileged plays in a few European DJ sets .

As early as 1975 this five man team underlined their leanings towards Soul/Jazz by signing for Atlantic records, and having the distinction of supporting George Benson, Average White Band, Ike & Tina Turner etc. on tour. Two years later rewarded with the distinction of being the first Australian act to be released by Motown Records in the USA when they were privileged with a 45 release on the Prodigal label.

The label's choice of a-side "So Much Love " certainly didn't help the meagre sales, that condemned it to instant obscurity. Like all deserving soul/dance productions it eventually bubbled through to the surface of Euro DJ circuit, I remember Soul Sam airing it, which sparked instant demand. I was instantly captivated by the tight background harmonies, cradling an impressive lead vocal and the occasional Vernon Burch vocal impersonation cuts through in the background. But when that long keyboard break kicks in, decorated with tricky plectrum a cocktail of Jazz/Funk instrumentation and floating vocals work so brilliantly.

A TUNE!! ...saturated in glaring potential to go so much higher, when turntable awareness is unleashed.

Condition Report

Soft sticker removal graze on the flipside label, not affecting any text, is its only flaw, a-side label is clean, full gloss vinyl reveals only the merest surface blemish when angled in the light. Plays beautifully...

Soft sticker removal graze on the flipside label, not affecting any text, is its only flaw, a-side label is clean, full gloss vinyl reveals only the merest surface blemish when angled in the light. Plays beautifully...

Ballads - This Is Magic / We Know - Tina T-102

Ballads

This Is Magic / We Know

Tina : T-102 (45s)

It would be a mistake to talk about "The Ballads", as if they were one of the most accomplished soul groups ever to emerge from The Bay Area. Because these "Ballads" I don't feel are the same guys. These boys were more aligned to connections in Philly & Chicago, rather than Oakland, California.

The Tina label through its only other recorded artist Clarence Williams (Philly based) had a close association with Curtis Mayfield,

Predating The Ballads of Oakland by 12months or more, which ever "Ballads" these artist's were, this is their first and rarest 45 by a long, long way, dating from 1964. Phil Gaber collaborated with Curtis Mayfield as well as signing prodigious Philly talent Ronnie Walker / Agents fame. Phil had a penchant for the falsetto lead voice, has showcased here on the flirtatious "This Is Magic " a vocal group masterpiece incorporating, in part, past Doo-Wop influences with the icy-cool lead (Ronnie Walker) style falsetto voice the perfect contrast for this "Curtom" creation.

Totally killer Northern Soul that hasn't broken through as a monster tune, displaying that excruciating rarity always standing in its way of reaching the NS masses, otherwise a top tune for sure. Listen and prepare to be impressed, this is spectacular vocal-group Northern Soul;

Flip it over for a just as impressive "Lowrider" treat of the very highest calibre, so seamless, so smooth, so addictive... prepare to soak in glorious vocal-group harmony.

Two awesome sides, framing 60's vocal-group brilliance no matter which side you chose to play first.

Condition Report

Two beautifully clean pink labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, a top copy in impeccable condition, a few soft surface hairlines revealed under forensic inspection. Plays totally clean crisp and true. Listen...

Two beautifully clean pink labels, full gloss mint minus vinyl, a top copy in impeccable condition, a few soft surface hairlines revealed under forensic inspection. Plays totally clean crisp and true. Listen...

Al McCall - Hard Times / same 3:50 vocal version - West End WES DJ 1242

Al McCall

Hard Times / same 3:50 vocal version

West End : WES DJ 1242 (45s)

1982 Boogie promo we've not seen in an age - genuinely elusive New York dance groove, that seldom comes to market.

Not the accessible 5:07 long 12" version but the tight totally evasive tightened 3:50 edit 7"; With the only alternative is the even rarer, utterly impossible Mexico 7" release.

Even though Al and his backing team with lyricist and vocals of Arlene Hill McCall were closely associated with New York's finest, Jimmy Wisner, Warren Schatz, Irwin Levine; Al McCall's output was minuscule compared to these expectations of these Big Apple mingling he enjoyed.

Feel-good total dance New York Boogie - tough to acquire - dancefloor pleaser.

Condition Report

Two clean promo labels, strong gloss on vinyl, only reveals soft surface blemishes when angled under light. Listen, both sides play crisp and clean.

Two clean promo labels, strong gloss on vinyl, only reveals soft surface blemishes when angled under light. Listen, both sides play crisp and clean.

Detroit Junior – Too Poor / You Mean EverythingTo Me - Chess 1772 DJ

Detroit Junior

Too Poor / You Mean Everything To Me

Chess : 1772 DJ (45s)

June 1960 Chicago "Sheldon" stamped, Los Angeles, Monarch delta # 35931 pressed promo copy of this in-demand R&B screamer, kick-started and driven by a slow pulsating double bass, joined by relentless piano notes, heavy-duty percussion. Decorated by moody guitar picks, whilst Detroit Junior constant mantra bemoans, his girl by perpetually wants money... and more money...and still more money.

An R&B dancefloor staple, shimmering with attitude, frustration and angst! Utterly ideal to shake up the audience with its raw delivery.

Both sides written Emery Williams, Jr. (Detroit Junior) surprisingly his only 45 for Chess although "Emery" recorded some standout material for other neighborhood imprints; for example Carl Jones' C.J. labels, U.S.A. Records, Tip Top, Bea & Baby Records etc. Detroit Junior was prolific in a "local" sort of way.

The original a-side "You Mean Everything To Me" is also a tune to reckon with, but "Too Poor" has that certain "edginess" that keeps the stylus busy.

Two for the price of one, Chess 1772 delivering two memorable examples of 1960 raw, street R&B dance.



Condition Report

Two clean labels, some soft storage grime but clean (see images), strong gloss on vinyl, some light surface hairlines,

Two clean labels, some soft storage grime but clean (see images), strong gloss on vinyl, some light surface hairlines,

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