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.
Al Scott
What Happened To Yesterday / You're Too Good
Genuine : 150 (45s)
for those of you who would rather walk naked through Tesco on a Saturday lunchtime, than be seen to lose all your hard earned NS kudos by putting a recent reissue on the turntable..
Here's a "Holy Grail" original 1966 New York press, a lifetime want for most, made a countrywide monster NS anthem within Richard Searling's iconic Wigan Casino twilight years. Covered up as "Maurice McAlister" an artist identity most likely inspired by the publisher's name on the label of "Mac-Avery Music".
Both sides written by the mysterious Al Scott, with the masterpiece side "What Happened To Yesterday" unbelievably relegated to the flip. Mostly discovered by John Anderson on one of his countless forays into the USA relentlessly digging for more Northern Soul gems to supply the now "feeding frenzy" newly discovered Northern Soul music. Supplying most-all of the "later" Wigan Casino masterclasses that created the "halcyon" Casino years so fondly still remembered today, as the best of times the Northern Soul scene ever served up.
Al Scott - What Happened To Yesterday - just the pinnacle of our music - a true "GRAIL" from the very best of times.
Condition Report
A battle weary copy, visually vg at best, proudly giving up multiple surface marks, audible click but not disturbing or pleasure diminishing the intense pleasure this 45 brings. Still sends shivers down my spine. Listen intently to the double soundfile supplied directly off this disc. Label carries an unobtrusive ballpoint signature, some soft age staining (see images).
Bobby Hebb
You Want To Change Me / Dreamy
Philips : BF 1702 (45s)
It is so very frustrating, as the August 1968 styrene USA press offers notoriously flawed fidelity. Unless you are lucky enough to find a very early copy in the run the USA copies are invariably distorted, hissy, harsh playback to varying degrees.
On the other hand the September 1968 British press gives up total clarity on the incomparable Philip VINYL. Now listen to this classic, crystal clear, rich and beautiful as the lucidity of Bobby's voice in front of a full Richie Rome conducted orchestra floods your space.
What a stunner...Bobby Hebb in Philadelphia, under the eyes of a blossoming partnership just before they set up the “Gamble” label. 3 years later bursting onto the international scene with CBS distributing the Philadelphia International Records. In1968 Gamble & Huff came under the umbrella of John Madara and David White’s publishing arm “Double Diamond” the guys responsible for all those addictive Len Barry recordings. This recording also carries so much of that late 60’s Philly personality; ultimately becoming a stepping stone for Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff to branch out on their own.
A perennial Northern Soul favourite, that we’ve never tired of hearing. Presented here today, as the UK perfect sound on clean Mint minus VINYL press!
Condition Report
Two totally clean labels, 3 prong centre intact, full gloss clean vinyl., reveals only the merest signs of ever leaving its birth sleeve. <br />
Alexander Patton
A Lil Lovin' Sometimes / No More Dreams
Capitol : CL 15461 (45s)
Undisputedly one the greatest Northern Soul 45's ever committed to vinyl! and one that always triggers memories of my fledgling baptism to the British Soul Club Scene.
Who could ever forget the first time they heard Alexander's the spine-tingling throaty roar " True Love...!! ".
I remember like it was yesterday, even though it was over half a century ago. When my naïve college-boy ears, were offered this leviathan of Northern Soul in 1969 at the counter of a record shop in Leicester; with the £10 sales pitch "This 45 has been to the Twisted Wheel and back". I had only asked if they have any Soul 45's. Then they played me this growling bombardment of dance-soul. It was so far outside my comprehension of Soul music, I turned it down, and purchased some things I was familiar with.
What a mistake, my musical taste had yet to mature, not understanding the real-deal Northern Soul Sound at all. Some weeks later I heard "Alexander" at Nottingham's "Brit Club". Wow what a difference the insider experience was, when you witness a dancing frenzy take place in front of my naïve eyes. It was all blokes though, it was not a recording that enticed the girls onto the floor... this a mountainous machismo-mover!
On the Monday I was back to Belvoir Street, Leicester with what was then my life-savings... you guessed it.. it was sold weeks ago. My first traumatic experience of Record-regret haunted me, because it took me years to eventually get a USA press of it, only to find out later it was a counterfeit. It was a tough learning curve for this record collecting "pup" in the early 70's.
Today, I still relive that "Brit" experience every time I hear this timeless classic dropped... drums, bass guitar then that triumphant bellowing "True Love" takes to the air like a wild-beast calling for help. Insistent girls, brazen brass and a rumbling vocal that sweeps you onto your feet...you're powerless to resist its persuasive ways.
An all time GREAT!! that stands alone with it's stream-rollering muscle that sweeps everything out the way in its 2:22 minutes of dancefloor destruction.
In the presence of "A Lil Lovin' Sometimes" it would be easy to overlook, the almost, as imposing flipside "No More Dreams " another snarling slab of Northern Soul ... two killer tunes presented here as very neat clean 12th. of August 1966 "DISCOTHEQUE '66 SERIES" EMI knew they had a potential "Club Anthem" their hands when they released this.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, 4 prong centre intact, full gloss near mint minus vinyl, still housed in birth-sleeve. A BEAUTY! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />
James Bounty
Prove Yourself as Lady / Life Will Begin Again
Compass : CO-7005 (45s)
Discovered by Bobby Eli whilst James was singing to himself on a used car sales lot in Philly. Taking him into the studios for his debut single. The team of Bobby Eli, Erwin Gripman., Ross Matico & Jeff Prusen injected every possible dance element in the recording, making for a classic style Northern Soul monster.
Snarling lead vocal, searing girl chorus, male vocal group chants, burping horns, rattling piano prods. Make up those insistent rhythms, demanding the Northern Soul club-crowd take to the floor
THIS IS NORTHERN SOUL !!
A Philadelphia NS Titan that has never diminished, not a jot over its reign of anthem status through the decades.
PS beware of the counterfeits... this copy is of course the "R" stamped deadwax authentic original!
Condition Report
A beauty! Two perfectly clean labels, equally clean mint minus vinyl - a stunning copy!
Eddie Foster
I Never Knew / I Will Wait
In: 6311 authentic original title etched deadwax (45s)
I'm 72 today, I was hoping it would be safe for me to retire, perhaps go fishing.
But I can't really, not when the Bob Cattaneo / Henry Mariano (like master- forgers of rare art, they took great pride in the work being as accurate as possible replicas) mid 70's replica copy Eddie Foster is still being sold or auctioned as an ORIGINAL.
Before you today is an authentic 1967 original Oakland press, another 45 that Soul Sam first introduced to a stunned Welsh borders audience on his Thursday night Northern Soul shindigs for the locals. Martin Barnfather notches up another birth of a Northern Soul monster.
Now of course heralded as a Northern Soul timeless anthem, with its simplistic framework of piano pulses, bass guitar rhythms and soaring strings that became embedded into the very fabric of the British Northern Soul way of life.
The combined effect of Eddie’s reaching vocal, punctuated by child-like piano notes, lifted by towering strings beckoning you to dance deep into a real-soul experience. A recording that gives you the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in soulful expressive and truly meaningful Northern Soul dance. A record that has positioned itself as one of the most-memorable best-loved Northern Soul classic of them all.
It is genius from producer jazzman Ricardo Lewis and pure distilled despair from the very heart of Eddie Foster.
The streets Oakland, California bares its Soul to a small Welsh border town...and the affect was contagious!
Be sure that you know the differences between the original IN 6311 and the counterfeit. To confuse things, the original was actually issued TWICE - one with the titles in the deadwax, one without, but BOTH shimmer with the full depth rich blue labels (see images), as opposed to the speckly, all over thin poor quality print blue (by comparison) of the counterfeit. Also beware there are some who over the years have DIY etched the title themselves in the deadwax of the counterfeit, but it is laughably unconvincing.
Bob told me on my first meeting in 1976 Bob and Henry were very unhappy with their Eddie Foster replica press label quality, so almost immediately pressed a WHITE PROMO copies in various coloured vinyls. I've had over the years a red vinyl, green, white vinyl and blue vinyl copies and of course the off-the-scale rare now legendary multi-coloured vinyl, but I've not seen it for decades.
Before you today is the authentic first press - see images - note the rich deep blue labels (matrix images below)
Two clean labels, strong gloss vinyl revealing a few soft surface hairlines, plays. See deadwax images for the CORRECT AUTHENTIC etched in matrix.
Condition Report
Two clean labels, strong gloss vinyl revealing a few soft surface hairlines, plays. See deadwax images for the CORRECT etched in matrix.
Tyrone Davis
What If A Man / Bet You Win
Stateside: SS 2092 DJ (45s)
Tyrone Davis is about to take you on a hair-raising ride of total R&B Northern Soul destruction, destruction of the dancefloor that is. As Mr. Davis delivers his most-potent of all his fine Chicago recordings..
It does amaze me that this unrelenting tune has not been a popular choice for the NS turntable before these recent times. Seeing as it briefly appeared in 1967 on this overlooked British Stateside SS 2092, but sunk into instant obscurity and is now no-easy-find not even on its ABC USA imprint.
So this 45 certainly took it’s time to become a recognized stomper, vibrating with real-deal stomping vibe, full-on horns, rattling drums, a thumpin’ slab of Northern Soul it most-savage.
Reading those familiar Chicago studio regulars Bary Daspenza, Carl Wolfork and Wally Roker in the credits, all taking part in what must have been an attempt to emulate Johnny Sayles, Willie Parker or any other notable Chicagoan with a penchant for the starving-beast-like styled vocal.
Tyrone Davis goes further than ever he did before with guttural growls, snarls reminiscent of a man on a revenge-mission.. Well if you think “Bet You Win” is convincing, flip it over and Tyrone just raises the anger level up another notch…
Who upset Tyrone that week, we’ll never know - but he did in one session create two of the most-explosive Chicago R&B dancers ever committed to vinyl.. so why did it take so long to become a wise turntable choice for DJ's looking past the tried and tested Northern Soul dancefloor shakers?
This is a "Monster-Runaway-Truck-NS -Mover - no matter which side the needle is dropped on, utterly uncompromising Northern Soul bursting with outrageous explosive potential !!
Condition Report
Two glorious green & white promo labels, 4 prong centre intact. Vinyl reveals multiple light surface scuffing NOT affecting play (listen) Housed in birth sleeve.
Gene Toones
What More Can I Want / How It Feels
Simco : 30,000 DJ (45s)
Spine shivering Northern Soul - utterly awesome mood changing dancer every serious collector should strive to own at some point in their live's.
But as you know the chances are so few and far between.
Surprise yourself abd click the soundfile that plays so much clean than you'd
Condition Report
two age-worn promo labels, see both images, vinyl carries multiple superficial surface hairlines - but plays GREAT! Listen - a bargain awaits the not so fastidious NS DJ / Collector.
Chapter Five
You Can't Mean It / One In A Million
GTA : PO 40037 Promo Italy (45s)
Ridiculously rare promo that wasn't accompanied with a picture cover, as far as we know.
In Italy, GTA Records of Milan the two Chapter Five CBS 45s were coupled back to back but transversely credited writers to the wrong titles.
Of course David McGerty was the composer "You Can't Mean It " and the great Rudy Clark the creator of Maxine Brown anthem.
Two fabulous Northern Soul tunes is absolutely aimed at collectors and DJ who strive to flaunt Northern Soul anthems in their rarest possible format.
A definite turntable "cam" head-turner for the big events...
Condition Report
Two totally clean PROMO labels, vinyl reveals multiple soft hairline surface scuffing visually vg+ but plays perfectly clean (listen) the rich Italian fidelity comes through loud and clear!
Paris
Sleepless Nights / Wishing Well
Doc: 102 (45s)
Especially this Grail's sale, as it is going some way to cover the cost of Mr. Nice guy and superior DJ Phil Shield's funeral costs. An iconic 45 that rarely come to market.
Richard Searling's almighty Gene McDaniels cover-up in the twilight years of Wigan Casino, what a tune to wake up a just-beginning-to-snooze club, as Searling left the world's most famous Northern Soul venue with a "BANG!!!", the last years of the "Casino" rated by many as the most productive for real-deal Northern Soul dance rarities to be unleashed.
The label credits Rydal, Pennsylvania but this is of course a 100% Los Angeles, California session, pressed in January 1965.
A prestigious collaboration involving the prodigious creatives from Motown's Los Angeles office, hence the "Jobette" Music credit on both sides. It was a good day at the office as Chester & Gary Pipkin along with Frank Wilson's right hand man Marc Gordon, and distinguished arranger Jerry Long built up the brass-based powerhouse. With its Motown and Northern Soul pedigree enhanced with the gift array of backing vocals supplied by Brenda and Patrice Holloway along with V.I.P. contracted group “The Vows” Helen Simpson, James Moore, Morris Chestnut, Ralph Chestnut a wealth of notable voices decorating Ekundayo Paris’ aka Mr. Tears rich earth-shaking vocal.
More recently this tune's longevity has continued to thrill the Northern Soul landscape, to equally monumental proportions, as the baton was successfully picked up by Phil Shields, who has been synonymous for the last two decades with the perpetual success of The Benn Hall, NS Allniters at Rugby. The much-loved convivial Irishman Phil Shields would bring the house down with its power, booming across that cavernous space, enabling that renowned audience to unleash themselves.
Like all truly spectacular Northern Soul anthems discovered decades ago, it only needs renewed passion by a DJ like Phil Shields for all the unbridled euphoria to come flooding back. Like the "good old days" - had never gone...
Condition Report
Two clean labels, some soft storage wear, check out the clean images, robust vinyl, with some light surface hairlines marks, none of which affect play.(listen)
Una Valli
Why Don't I Run Away From You / Try To Understand
Philips : SSP 940 Rhodesia (45s)
A killer Rhodesia only version of Tami Lynn's timeless Northern Soul classic from Rhodesia. With an equally enthralling rendition of Little Hank's "Try To Understand" on the flipside. Two clean labels, tri-centre intact, strong gloss on vinyl revealing a few fine sleeve contact hairlines under light, still housed in its birth sleeve, a heart-stopping thing of beauty, a vista those of you entangled in the search for "foreign" Northern Soul "impossibles".
But this 45 is so much more than just a pretty face, I'm of the mind this reworking of Bert Berns's "I'm Gonna Run Away From You" brilliantly subtle, as multi-talented South African Grahame Beggs constructs a production to compliment this timeless song. With it's softened undertones woven into a really captivating change of pace, with a more rounded silkier vocal. Relentless bopping girl-group support, with the horn propelled brass instrumental breaks allowing Una Valli to express herself.
Listen this is seriously good, seriously rare and stunningly attractive. I envisage NS DJ's like Ginger Taylor, Sean Chapman or Nige Brown wallowing in the satisfaction of dropping this onto an unsuspecting weekender crowd; it would certainly cause a buzz in the bar afterwards.
But now, let's move onto the flipside another standout Pamela Sawyer & Lori Burton composition, recorded by Cindy Malone, Little Hank & Lulu. Una Valli's version is every note as impressive, with Grahame Beggs again upping the game with a fabulous piano interlude 1/2 way through.
A super-rare double helping of two reworked Northern Soul beauties, deconstructed, rebuilt and not diminished in a jot from being recorded in the middle of Africa in January 1967.
SO RARE like we suggested earlier, I'd love to see this dropped upon a full weekender dancefloor and witness the reaction... Dana Valery's new discovery?
Condition Report
Two clean labels, tri-centre intact, strong gloss on vinyl revealing a few fine sleeve contact hairlines under light, still housed in its off the incredibly birth sleeve.<br />
Edwin Starr
Scotts On Swingers / same: 2:08 mono version
Ric-Tic : RT-109-X DJ (7")
The story of its being: Whilst since 1959 "Payola" rewarding radio DJ's with money or favours received an high profile investigation, and ended in the preventative measures of stripping the DJ's of the rights to choose their own plays.
But the savvy team at Wingate thought of another way to curry favour with radio stations and their DJ's. Ric-Tic gave Edwin Starr carte-blanche for rewriting "S.O.S." Stop Her On Sight with lyrics that paid homage to Detroit's most influential DJ Scott Regen "He Plays The Best Music In Town" just one of the lines of adulation heaped upon this famed DJ.
What a great idea reinforcing the bond between Scott Regan, The DJ and Ed Wingate's Ric-Tic label. Nothing illegal about massaging a DJ's shoulders and telling him how great he is.. It will have strengthened Ric-Tic's position in Detroit also, a very savvy move indeed. With the conclusion in the end, was Motown deciding to buy out this burgeoning independent, and enlisting Edwin Starr's services into the bargain.
Today this 45 is considered THE really cool way to play "S.O.S." Stop Her On Sight" for the UK DJ. It's not only a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it is also a turntable head-twister for those dancers who haven't heard it before.. an explosive reaction assured at those oldies reunion nights.
This copy has two pristine white promo labels, vinyl reveals hardly a blemish, as you can hear it plays perfectly. Absolutely clear of any DJ fatigue whatsoever, as this beauty came directly from a old-school collection complete with it's lovingly designed and titled vintage white card cover.
Now click the sound file for a different, but blistering adjustment of a timeless classic that has crammed the dancefloors of the United Kingdom since 1966, reverberating one of Detroit finest vocals and also arguably the most inspiring sax-break of them all...
Condition Report
Two brilliantly clean labels, full gloss vinyl with hardly a blemish, as good as you could ever hope for in 2021, strong mint minus a beauty!
Youngblood Smith
You Can Split / Mr. Bright Times
Verve : VK 10416 DJ (45s)
Killer Philly Northern Soul that was so perfect for the time, the first copies to come to the UK were actually represses, via the incredibly inventive brain, of the legend that was Simon Soussan.
Having discovered this instant NS Monster. Simon reinvented the 45 as "Walk On Baby" by Youngblood Smith on the "Soul World" label. One of the first instances of the "bootleg" coming to England before the original, this practice was repeated several times with other Simon Soussan finds like Edie Walker - Good Guys, Charmaines - Eternally. Which first entered the country as Patience Valentine & The Sweet Things respectively...
To be fair, Simon had a great "ear" for Northern Soul and recognized an instant "NS Hit" the moment he heard it. He also recognized that finding more copies of standout records was hard work and time consuming. So he reinvented the surefire dancefloor destroyers, pressed up a few hundred with pseudonyms, all the DJ's got supplied first and he had the demand ready and waiting to sell the others.
Soul World 45 was the blueprint he later used with the more famous Wigan Casino launch Frank Wilson (Eddie Foster) - Do I Love You - . It was a formula that worked every time... but he only did it with the "fail-safe" outstanding tunes.
That is exactly what "You Can Split" is "a surefire standout tune"; and Simon was so right with his other calculation, it would be real hard work to find another copy..
PS the flipside is now starting to rise up as a contender, quite right too, it's another Allniter dancefloor slayer, patiently waiting to break loose.
Condition Report
two flawless promo labels, with fine clean full gloss vinyl, reveals only merest soft surface hairlines under light.