Classic 45's Jukebox

Cottage Cheese by Crow

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:53:46 -0700

Label: Amaret 119
Year: 1970
Condition: M-
Price: $10.00

This classic single was released with two different B sides. I'm not sure which came first, this or 'Busy Day,' but this one is more collectable since its B-side, an old Beatles tune (written by Larry Williams), actually skimmed the bottom of the charts.

Gates of The West by Clash

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:50:49 -0700

Label: Epic 1178 dj
Year: 1979
Condition: M-
Price: $14.00

This terrific promo was a gift to those lucky enough to buy the original U.S. release of the Clash's greatest album--the 2-LP set London Calling.

Boogie Shoes by KC & The Sunshine Band

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:18:24 -0700

Label: T.K. 1025
Year: 1978
Condition: M
Price: $7.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. Originally released on the B side of 'Shake Your Booty,' this catchy number was rereleased after it was included in the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. The B side was earlier recorded on a T.K. single by George McCrae.

Won't Get Fooled Again by Who

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:39:11 -0700

Label: Decca 32846
Year: 1971
Condition: M-
Price: $12.00

Featuring one of the all-time greatest screams in rock 'n' roll. This is a major, terrific edit (3:37) from the 8-plus minutes on the Who's Next album. There are times when you want to hear the whole thing, but the single really does capture the song's essence in a much more compact form!

Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:46:12 -0700

Label: Atco 7079 dj
Year: 1977
Condition: M-
Price: $15.00

Stereo/Mono promo copy. Dave Marsh was right-on when pinning this rock classic at #159 in his list of the 1,001 greatest singles of Rock'n'Soul. As he says in explaining his choice,

["Solsbury Hill" is] Rock's greatest resignation speech... one of the most nakedly emotional records anyone's created in the past [forty] years.

What's perhaps just as extraordinary is that... "Solsbury Hill" encapsulates the next decade or so of Peter Gabriel's career. This is a record that makes bold promises and if its power has grown over the years (and it started out powerful enough), it's not only because it offers such strong inspiration whenever you need to summon the courage to make a tough move yourself. It's because Gabriel has lent it further resonance with every move he's made.

Couldn't have said it better myself! ;-)

Part Time Love by Ann Peebles

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:40:50 -0700

Label: Hi 2178
Year: 1970
Condition: M-
Price: $9.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy with a drillhole.

Good Rockin' Tonight by Elvis Presley

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:47:09 -0700

Label: Sun 210
Year: 1954
Condition: M
Price: $16.00

This is a gorgeous reissue of Elvis' second Sun single, which is the second-highest ranking Presley single in Dave Marsh's top 1001 list. Besides a reproduction of the original Sun label on high-quality, translucent red vinyl that sounds flawless, you get a newly designed picture sleeve that's a real collector's item! This single is also available in the limited edition box set 'Elvis' #1 Hit Singles,' which has all of the original Sun singles in shiny new picture sleeves.

All Shook Up by Elvis Presley

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:40:49 -0700

Label: RCA 6870
Year: 1957
Condition: M
Price: $10.00

This is a gorgeous reissue of RCA 6870, including a flawless reproduction picture sleeve. The music is pressed on high-quality, translucent red vinyl with the original label. This single is also available in the limited edition box set 'Elvis' #1 Hit Singles.'

When I had my deejay stint on Jitterbug night, this was one of the dancers' very favorite tracks. Not too fast (like many rock'n'roll hits), not too slow: Just right for all the smoothest moves! Also remains one of my favorite of Presley's early hits. Listening again to the flip side is a stunning reminder of just how much raw, effortless-sounding vocal talent this young man brought to pop music.

Down At The Twist And Shout by Mary-Chapin Carpenter

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:14:31 -0700

Label: Columbia 73838
Year: 1991
Condition: M
Price: $6.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. This great Cajun-style single was Carpenter's first Top 10 hit.

Undun by Guess Who

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:24:04 -0700

Label: RCA 0195
Year: 1969
Condition: M-
Price: $12.00

Another great two-sided classic from this underrated group, showing what a truly serendipitous partnership Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman had formed. When he avoided going over the top on vocals (as he occasionally did), Cummings was a classic Rock vocalist with a gift for melodic pop hooks behind most of their big hits. Somewhat in the background, guitarist Randy Bachman could also write lyrics and tunes with the best of them, and he understood the importance of rhythm, rock's rougher edges, and how to seamlessly meld them with Cumming's pop instincts. Of course, he later proved he could form a different kind of rock band—one with that harder edge but with the catchy, Top-40 side of great Power Pop—when he teamed up with vocalist Fred Turner in Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Here, the A side was the Top 10 hit, and the B side nearly as famous. "Undun" features both lyrics and music by Bachman, and shows him waxing philosophic in his tale of a "fallen" woman. The arrangement is reminiscent of what Todd Argent had been doing with the Zombies, and in particular echoes their Spring 1969 hit, "Time of the Season."

I Like Your World by Painted Garden

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:57:27 -0700

Label: Steady 123
Year: 1969
Condition: M
Price: $15.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Now here's a real rarity... an early reggae version of the Neil Diamond classic. I wonder if this is where UB40 got the idea...? Great flip, too! In fact, the flip is such a rare thing... a female reggae vocalist! ... that I've socked in the jukebox. Not just because of the female thing, you understand... I really find the tune and arrangement irresistable, too!

Valley Girl by Frank Zappa

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:05:51 -0700

Label: Barking Pumpkin 02972
Year: 1982
Condition: M
Last Price: $10.00. Not currently available for sale.

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Frank's daughter Moon does the incredibly funny Valley Girl thing. Not to be missed!

Packin' Up by Margie Hendrix

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:47:34 -0700

Label: Mercury 72420
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $35.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. Hendrix was one of Ray Charles' Raelettes... in fact, I believe it's Hendrix who does vocal counterpoint with Charles in the classic "Night Time (Is The Right Time)". This single's got it all... An amazing emotional soul ballad on the A side, backed up an even more amazing uptempo track on the flip. Just when you think it can't get any better, the drummer goes to town with Margie wailing away, and then the guitarist gets in some solo licks that'll knock your socks off! Oh, and did I mention that Margie can really Sing! Not a bad songwriter, either.

At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be) by Fun.

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:58:58 -0700

Label: Nettwerk 33335
Year: 2010
Condition: M
Price: $10.00

This is the best-packaged single I've seen in ages? ever? It's a gorgeously decorated gatefold sleeve, with the 45 rpm single on side. Inside are the full lyrics to each song, and on the left side of the sleeve, tucked on the inside, is a small CD containing the audio for both tunes. It wouldn't be so worth writing home about, except that the A side also happens to be one of the best pop songs I've heard in the last year or so. Catchy as all get-out! Note: The vinyl copy has a small spindle-hole.

Big Ten Inch Record by Bull Moose Jackson

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:07:29 -0700

Label: Collectables 3626
Year: 1952
Condition: M
Price: $4.50

Originally released on King 4580. This is such an amazing single... And we think songs are raunchy today! *Whew* The flip is another terrific early Rock'n'Roll track. I don't normally put reissues in the Classic 45s jukebox, but I love this one, and despair of finding an original copy to post.... so enjoy!

Love Really Hurts Without You by Billy Ocean

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:09:49 -0700

Label: Ariola 7621
Year: 1976
Condition: M
Last Price: $15.00. Not currently available for sale.

Did it ever occur to you that Billy Ocean sounds like General Johnson (Showmen, Chairmen of the Board)? Me either. But wait till you take a listen to this one! You might think otherwise.

Vacation by Go-Go's

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:21:54 -0700

Label: I.R.S. 9907
Year: 1982
Condition: M-
Last Price: $12.00. Not currently available for sale.

This is simply one of the very best girl group songs of all time. Unlike their Sixties counterparts, though, these girls write their own songs, play their own electric guitars and drums, and sing about the lovelife of working girls who are way past sweet sixteen!

In My Baby's Eyes by Bobby Vee

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:01:37 -0700

Label: Liberty 55451
Year: 1962
Condition: M
Last Price: $18.00. Not currently available for sale.

Wonderful two-sider, both sides featuring terrific, seldom heard tunes by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Classic arrangements. The A side is a Gene-Pitneyesque ballad, while the flip is an uptempo rocker similar to his classic "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes."

I Fell Flat On My Face by Jefferson

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:17:34 -0700

Label: Janus 106
Year: 1969
Condition: M-
Last Price: $11.00. Not currently available for sale.

Two irresistable British sunshine pop classics... Take a listen to the B side if you haven't heard it before. Yumm!

OooLa La by Betty Wright

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:26:33 -0700

Label: Alston 3715
Year: 1975
Condition: M-
Price: $10.00

It's truly amazing that this one missed out on the radio airplay that other, less tuneful Northern Soul/Disco-style hits enjoyed this year. Perhaps it was because the song is melodically similar to Gwen McCrae's huge hit from a few months earlier, "Rockin' Chair." But asked to choose between the two as the better dance number, I'd definitely pick "Ooola La!" Note: This copy has the labels reversed.

Oye Como Va by Santana

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:10:14 -0700

Label: Columbia 45330
Year: 1971
Condition: M-
Last Price: $12.00. Not currently available for sale.

Attack by Toys

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:35:53 -0700

Label: Dynovoice 214
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $18.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. Great Motown-style girl group number, with a fine uptemo B side as well.

Owee Baby by Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:09:55 -0700

Label: Enjoy 2024
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $24.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. The A side is a raucous soul-party instrumental, while the flip is a great vocal track... both are simply terrific uptempo dance numbers.

A Little Too Long by Debonaires

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:45:28 -0700

Label: Golden World 17
Year: 1964
Condition: M
Price: $30.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy... pristine mint! This is the group's first single, with not only a killer A side that's verging on soul, but also a straight, classic girl group rocker on the flip.

First Taste of Love by Ben E. King

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:10:57 -0700

Label: Atco 6185
Year: 1961
Condition: EX
Last Price: $16.00. Not currently available for sale.

I'm assuming that everyone out there knows the unbelievably classic "Spanish Harlem," either in its first version by Ben E. King or by the amazing version Aretha Franklin recorded a decade later. But I suspect that not many have had the pleasure of this single's B side, so I'm sticking a snippet of it in the jukebox for you. "First Taste of Love" is more uptempo than "Spanish Harlem," features surprising, doo-wop-style backup vocals, and was cowritten by none other than Phil Spector. Note: This single is from a large collection we've purchased whose records typically have mint or near-mint audio and near-mint vinyl. The labels are near mint as well, but the owner had a habit of writing a date in small print on the B side label. In this case, that side is "First Taste of Love," and the A side has a slash marked on it as well.

Wear It On Our Face by Dells

Mon, 31 May 2010 14:17:15 -0700

Label: Cadet 5599
Year: 1968
Condition: M-
Price: $15.00

The Dells' followup to the great 'There Is' is one of my very favorite Northern Soul singles. Both sides are terrific and feature some amazing production experiments by Bobby Miller.

Can I Change My Mind by Tyrone Davis

Mon, 31 May 2010 13:39:56 -0700

Label: Dakar 602
Year: 1968
Condition: M-
Last Price: $15.00. Not currently available for sale.

Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) by Van Morrison

Fri, 28 May 2010 14:35:36 -0700

Label: WB 7148
Year: 1972
Condition: M
Price: $10.00

Originally released on WB 7616. This is a new copy of this very early Van Morrison reissue, on the green WB label and in its original WB sleeve. The reissue presents two of the best recordings Morrison made in 1971-72, one from each of his two very best albums. "Wild Night" was a hit from 1971's Tupelo Honey, and "Jackie Wilson Said" was, sadly, a non-hit (but not forgotten!) from his 1972 Saint Dominic's Preview album. An absolutely perfect pairing! I'm sticking a snippet of "Jackie Wilson Said" in the Classic 45s jukebox, because those of you who know and love Morrison's better-known tunes ("Domino," "Wild Night," "Brown-Eyed Girl," and "Moondance," for example) will be seriously enriched by getting to know this one as well.

Patch It Up by Elvis Presley

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:43:38 -0700

Label: RCA 9916
Year: 1970
Condition: M
Price: $8.00

This is a gorgeous reissue of RCA 9916, including a flawless reproduction picture sleeve. The music is pressed on high-quality, clear red vinyl with the original orange RCA label. This single is also available in the limited edition box set 'Elvis' Hit Singles, Volume 2.' It features a terrific soul-style rocker on the B side, which turns out to have been written by Eddie Rabbitt, who also wrote Presley's hit "Kentucky Rain."

Never Tell An Angel (When Your Heart's On Fire) by Stompers

Tue, 25 May 2010 14:55:43 -0700

Label: Boardwalk 177
Year: 1983
Condition: M
Last Price: $8.00. Not currently available for sale.

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. Seems strange that in the midst of the rockabilly revival of the early 1980's this terrific number didn't do better than it did. It's a classic... irresistable!

Who's Gonna Love Me by Imperials

Sun, 23 May 2010 15:52:36 -0700

Label: Omni 5501
Year: 1978
Condition: M
Price: $12.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Thoroughly delightful Philly-style disco track, the only chart single for this obscure soul group.

When You Look At Me by Barbara Mason

Sun, 23 May 2010 15:33:40 -0700

Label: National General 017
Year: 1970
Condition: M-
Price: $15.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy.

Humpback by Eldridge Holmes

Sun, 23 May 2010 14:04:20 -0700

Label: Jet Set 1006
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $40.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. This is a rare early funk 45 on the small Washington, DC, label, which released a couple of early Jimmy Castor records the same year. Notice the funk edge coming straight from New Orleans, courtesy of Allen Toussaint.

Hold Back The Rain by Duran Duran

Thu, 20 May 2010 18:20:03 -0700

Label: Capitol 5215
Year: 1982
Condition: M
Price: $8.00

This single is an interesting case? as well as great music! These tunes were first released on Harvest 5175 in late 1982, and then re-released in 1983 on Capitol, when "Rio" hit #14p in April. What's particularly interesting is that the two singles had two different mixes/edits of each song! The Harvest single had "Hold Back The Rain" on the A side in a shorter edit than the one on Capitol, and the case for "Rio" was the reverse! No matter? both songs represent the best of this U.K. group's early material. IMHO, "Hold Back The Rain" is superior to "Rio," hence the mp3 nugget in the Classic 45's jukebox.

I've Got To Use My Imagination by Gladys Knight and the Pips

Wed, 19 May 2010 14:47:29 -0700

Label: Buddah 393
Year: 1973
Condition: M
Last Price: $10.00. Not currently available for sale.

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. In case you've forgotten, this is one of the very best tracks from this group's Philly soul period... excellent proto-disco.

Armed and Extremely Dangerous by First Choice

Wed, 19 May 2010 14:38:13 -0700

Label: Philly Groove 175
Year: 1973
Condition: M
Price: $12.00

I Get Wild-Wild Gravity by Talking Heads

Sun, 16 May 2010 14:02:02 -0700

Label: Sire 29565
Year: 1983
Condition: M
Price: $14.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original picture sleeve. Absolutely essential early 1980's modern dance rock... both sides are dance classics from 1983.

Two Princes by Spin Doctors

Sun, 16 May 2010 13:24:11 -0700

Label: Epic Assoc. 74473
Year: 1993
Condition: M
Price: $8.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original picture sleeve. These guys weren't from the South, but on their first single they played and sang like they were. After blowing minds with the fresh sound of "Little Miss", the band scored their biggest hit with "Two Princes", which was even catchier. "Two Princes" is also simply solid Modern Rock, with no real hint of Southern-ness about it. In fact, this track sounds a good deal like the kind of hits the Barenaked Ladies came out with a few years later. Note: This white-label 45 was released in the waning years of the format, when labels sometimes put two recent hits on one piece of vinyl, intended for the jukebox market. For some reason, this copy has a small blue dot on the A side label.

In The Mood by Bette Midler

Sun, 16 May 2010 13:03:28 -0700

Label: Atlantic 3004
Year: 1974
Condition: M
Price: $8.00

When You Walk In The Room by Jackie DeShannon

Sat, 15 May 2010 18:50:51 -0700

Label: Silver Spotlight 34
Year: 1964
Condition: M
Last Price: $8.00. Not currently available for sale.

Originally released on Liberty 55645. This is a new, unplayed copy of the Capitol Silver Spotlight reissue, in its factory sleeve. Besides being one of the iconic singles of the girl group era (even though it flopped here in the U.S.), this amazing recording is important because it's one of the earliest overt expressions of female sexuality on vinyl. When Jackie sings,

I can feel a new expression on my face
I can feel a loin sensation taking place

she isn't suggesting that she has to hit the bathroom. It's really quite remarkable, and may explain why U.S. radio declined to play it. British radio also stayed away, though they were thrilled when the Searchers covered it later in 1964, taking it to #3. The U.S. release made the top 40 at #35. Two other notable features of this recording are the Beatlesque guitar lead (who is that, anyway?), and the Phil Spector Wall-of-Sound production. This is truly one of those gems that were overlooked in their day but whose genius was acknowledged for posterity to enjoy.