Classic 45's Jukebox

I'm In Love With My Car by Queen

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:36:29 -0800

Label: Elektra 45297
Year: 1976
Condition: M-
Last Price: $12.00. Not currently available for sale.

This was the group's first big hit in the U.S. An oddly compelling song, I shudder at the thought that I might actually like it... and then realize that teenagers are rediscovering Queen, and this song is a cult hit all over again. Still, there's no argument that the flip side is a must-have glam-era rocker. Even if you can't stand "Mama Mia!" and so on, you gotta love "The machine of a dream?"! Note: The A side label has a name written on it (see scan). Note: This copy is from a large purchase we've made from a defunct record store, which had a practice of putting labels on the factory sleeves that identify the title, artist, and year of release.

Baby, You Got It by Clarence Murray

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:36:14 -0800

Label: SSS Int'l 730
Year: 1968
Condition: M
Price: $24.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Here's another amazing soul dance number that didn't even make a dent on the charts. Presumably, Clarence Murray is related to Mickey Murray, who did have a couple of hit singles and was recorded on the same label.

Gotta Draw The Line by Three Degrees

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:25:32 -0800

Label: Swan 4224
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $30.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Beautiful version of the Chuck Willis tune... frankly, much better than Peaches & Herb's later cover. But the real find here is the Northern Soul-style track on the flip side.

The Belle Of St. Mark by Sheila E.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:08:41 -0800

Label: WB 29180
Year: 1984
Condition: M
Price: $12.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original picture sleeve. One listen to the rhythm track for this irresistable pop/funk nugget, and you'll know that it's Prince driving those producer wheels. Given his equal genius with a catchy melody, what's surprising is that he didn't also write the song. According to the label, that terrific pop melody you hear is credited to Sheila E. alone, who also takes sole credit as producer on the B side track.

I'm Not Too Young To Fall In Love by Lewis Lymon and the Teenchords

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:31:40 -0800

Label: Collectables 1720
Year: 1957
Condition: M
Price: $6.00

These are previously unreleased takes on two of this group's greatest songs from 1957. This issue is on gorgeous red vinyl.

There It Goes Again by Barbara and the Uniques

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:52:03 -0800

Label: Arden 3001
Year: 1970
Condition: M
Price: $30.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. This was the group's only chart single, and what a great single it is! You get not one, but TWO, terrific uptempo northern soul rarities.

I'm Gonna Cry by Wilson Pickett

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:15:37 -0800

Label: Atlantic 2233
Year: 1964
Condition: M-
Price: $25.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve, of Pickett's first single for Atlantic. Virtually ignored at the time, it's surprising that today there's not more interest in this recording. The tune was co-written with Don Covay, and the arrangement swings like a cross between Chicago soul and Motown. The backup female singers actually take the lead vocal part in one verse, leaving Pickett to testify in return. Truly great single, and a guaranteed dancer.

Is There Some Girl by Exchequers

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:06:27 -0800

Label: Boom! 115
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $80.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. This rare U.S. garage/harmony record was pressed in 1965 on clear green vinyl, by the small Wisconsin label Boom! The flip is a cool, upbeat instrumental version of the classic Christmas tune, filled with ringing 12-string guitars.

Fat Cakes by Jimmy McGriff

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:27:37 -0800

Label: Capitol 2875
Year: 1970
Condition: M
Price: $40.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. Here you get two absolutely stunning soul instrumentals... Hard to pick between them. One side is an amazing cover of the Archies smash... listening to this, you simply must get up and dance! And the other side is just as incredible, with funky time changes and stops that'll capture you instantly.

When I Grow Too Old To Dream by Ed Townsend

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:26:09 -0800

Label: Capitol 4048
Year: 1958
Condition: M
Price: $18.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve.

Singles, 1966-69 by Velvet Underground

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:58:01 -0800

Label: Sundazed 201
Year: 2009
Condition: M
Price: $60.00

Here's a beautiful, limited-edition box set honoring New York's legendary Velvet Underground. The set includes all of the group's very rare 7" vinyl output in their original mono versions, featuring exact reproductions of the labels and, in two cases, with their original picture sleeves. The box set includes rare vintage photos and new liner notes by Rolling Stone's David Fricke.

The Velvet Underground whose membership included Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, Maureen Tucker, Doug Yule and Nico introduced numerous sonic and thematic innovations that laid much of the groundwork for punk and alternative rock. Although they're now acknowledged as one of the most influential bands in rock history, during their existence the Velvets barely registered on mainstream radar, and were often reviled by mainstream observers as well as hippie-era arbiters of cool. But, as Fricke writes in the new set's liner notes, "Somewhere, in another rock & roll universe, the Velvet Underground are more than a legendary band. They are stars, with hit singles, the original seven-inch masterpieces inside this box."

Although they never came close to scoring a hit, the Velvet Underground was ideally suited to the 7" single format. "The Velvet Underground were a great singles band," David Fricke notes, adding that the Velvets "invented modern rock with searing guitar distortion, throbbing improvisation and brutally realistic tales of life on the wild side. But they did it all in these classic pop songs—compact miracles of raw drive, intimate beauty and Top 40 ecstasy, heard again in the original, thrilling mono single mixes."

The seven singles included in The Velvet Underground Singles 1966–69 comprise the four Velvets singles originally released in the U.S. on the Verve and MGM labels, plus an additional pair of singles that were prepared for release but never made it to the marketplace and a special radio-only promotional single. The singles feature alternate mono versions that differ in significant ways from the songs' better-known stereo album versions. For instance, the band's 1966 debut single "All Tomorrow's Parties" appears here in a special mono edit that amplifies the song's melodic beauty and sonic tension, and a mono mix of their sophomore single "Sunday Morning" emphasizes the song's haunting quality. Meanwhile, the mono single version of "White Light/White Heat" exemplifies the vintage Velvets' stark, distortion-laden fury, while a mono edit of "What Goes On" accentuates that song's inherent pop jangle.

Here is a listing of the included singles:

All Tomorrow's Parties / I'll Be Your Mirror—Verve VK-10427
Sunday Morning / Femme Fatale—Verve VK-10466
White Light/White Heat / Here She Comes Now—Verve VK-10560
White Light/White Heat / I Heard Her Call My Name—Cancelled single
Temptation Inside Your Heart / Stephanie Says—Cancelled single
What Goes On / Jesus—MGM K-14057
VU Radio Spot / VU Radio Spot—MGM VU-1

Bless You (My Love) by Flaming Embers

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:49:43 -0800

Label: Ric-Tic 140
Year: 1968
Condition: M
Price: $12.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. The flip is an instrumental version of the song credited to Al Kent.

Quick, Fast, In A Hurry by New York City

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:25 -0800

Label: Chelsea 0150
Year: 1973
Condition: M
Price: $7.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy in its original factory sleeve. Sure, they were actually from New York, but the sound is pure Philly, thanks to the magic touch of Thom Bell's writing/producing/arranging.

High Time Baby by The Spencer Davis Group

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:48:31 -0800

Label: Atco 6400
Year: 1966
Condition: M
Price: $18.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. This was the group's debut single and first U.S. chart record. Both sides are well worth seeking out, especially the hard-charging, fuzz-guitar-led B side.

Can You Hear Me by Lee Dorsey

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:42:32 -0800

Label: Amy 939
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $14.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. Great A side, but the B side should'a been a major hit in its own right... it's a typically fabulous slice of New Orleans soul courtesy of producer/writer Allen Toussaint, with Dorsey's distinctive vocals the icing on the cake.

Peace Lovin Man by Candace Love

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:27:49 -0800

Label: Aquarius 4050
Year: 1969
Condition: M
Price: $45.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Here's a terrific soul rarity that just gets better from start to finish! After getting hooked on the great A side, I flipped it over to discover a secret that a lot of Northern Soul fans already know: "Peace Lovin Man" is pure dynamite! I'll bet it's great on the dance floor... sure got my energy level up just listening to it here with my computer and turntable. :-) Of course, it's too bad Candace didn't sign up with a label that could actually proofread their label info... Her name is the teeny tiny type normally reserved for songwriter credits, making it look like this one is by D. Quick Silver! The A side is the same, only you'd swear the artist is Eaton Williams.

I Found Me A Lover by Lovelites

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:23:42 -0800

Label: Bandera 2515
Year: 1967
Condition: M
Price: $50.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. This was the group's first single on the small Chicago-based Bandera label. I loved this one so much on the first listen that I had to wonder why Kev Roberts didn't include it in his book of the 500 greatest Northern Soul singles. It's really way up there. The uptempo flip is fine, too.

There's A Better Day A Comin' (Na, Na, Na, Na) by Crazy Elephant

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:19:34 -0800

Label: Bell 846 dj
Year: 1970
Condition: M
Price: $12.50

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed promo copy, in its original factory sleeve.

Bearcat (Part I) by Cecil Garrett & the Fascinations

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:56:48 -0800

Label: Calla 107
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $80.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy... A gorgeous copy of this rare, powerful soul record, the only one the group made as far as I'm aware.

You're Messin' Up My Mind by Herb Fame

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:22:19 -0800

Label: Date 1507
Year: 1966
Condition: M
Price: $42.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. Two great, rare Van McCoy productions featuring the Herb half of Peaches & Herb. The A side is a rip-roaring Northern Soul dance number.

If I'm Hurt You'll Feel The Pain by Barbara and Brenda

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:12:09 -0800

Label: Dynamo 103
Year: 1967
Condition: M
Price: $40.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Fantastic uptempo soul from this talented duo.

Peach by Prince

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:15:30 -0800

Label: Paisley Park 18372
Year: 1993
Condition: M
Price: $8.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. The B side is a live version of the Prince tune that Sinead O'Connor hit with in 1990, featuring vocals by Rosie Gaines. The A side is an irresistable hard-rock-funk track that would've been a big hit during Prince's peak years a decade earlier.

Since You Don't Want Me by Luther Ingram

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:56:56 -0800

Label: Ko Ko 103
Year: 1968
Condition: M
Price: $40.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Here's a rare early Ko Ko single, with a really fine A side and a super-fine B one. I mean, the B side is so fine you'll wonder why you never heard it before, and why the heck it wasn't chosen as the A side when originally released. The rhythm section and overall arrangement are to die for!

I'm So Thankful by Ikettes

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:45:23 -0800

Label: Modern 1011
Year: 1965
Condition: M-
Price: $30.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy of one of the Ikettes' very best singles. If you're a fan of the girl-group Motown sound a la the Supremes, you'll have a new favorite to spin! The uptempo flip is a winner too.

Love Trap by Bobby McClure

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:17:21 -0800

Label: Hi 2307 dj
Year: 1976
Condition: M
Price: $15.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed promo copy, in its original factory sleeve. The A side of this terrific single is definitely worth the seeking out... it builds in a few bars to a totally irresistable groove. Hmmm! Yes the real surprise for me was the flip side. It's simply awesome to discover two great Northern Soul tracks like this on one little 45!

Pump Up The Volume by MARRS

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:30:11 -0800

Label: 4th & Bway 7452
Year: 1987
Condition: M
Price: $12.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original picture sleeve. This is a 'radio edit' from the album cut, as is the B side track. Note: The band's name is spelled 'M/A/R/R/S' on the label.

Teenager's Prayer by Joe Simon

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:55:38 -0800

Label: Sound Stage 7 2564
Year: 1966
Condition: M-
Price: $15.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Wonderful deep soul classic, combined with a great uptempo dancer on the flip.

He Made A Woman Out of Me by Betty Lavette

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:42:57 -0800

Label: Silver Fox 17
Year: 1969
Condition: M
Price: $12.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. So sexy it hurts... it sure made a Betty Lavette fan out of me the first time I heard this! Bobbie Gentry also put out a great recording of this.

Can You Sing Me A Love Song by Steve Wright

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:32:33 -0800

Label: Epic 10706 dj
Year: 1971
Condition: M-
Last Price: $18.00. Not currently available for sale.

I couldn't find out anything about this guy, but boy are these tracks terrific! The A side is more squarely in the country-rock camp, but the B side wanders off into soul, funk, blues... really wonderful uptempo number with a top-notch backing band. Sort of like what Roy Head was doing about 6 years earlier... except funkier. The record is mint except for a small stain on the B side label where a sticker was removed.

Women's Love Rights by Laura Lee

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:21:42 -0800

Label: Hot Wax 7105 dj
Year: 1971
Condition: M
Price: $10.00

All of Laura Lee's singles are worth owning, but this--her first big hit for Hot Wax following her earlier Chess career--is one of her greatest! Note: This promo copy has the same Mono version on both sides.

Somebody's Watching You by Little Sister

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:08:19 -0800

Label: Stone Flower 9001
Year: 1970
Condition: M
Price: $11.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy with a drillhole. Some of Sly Stone's best work outside of the Family Stone recordings... both sides!

Ride A Wild Horse by Dee Clark

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:57:47 -0800

Label: Chelsea 3025 dj
Year: 1975
Condition: M
Price: $10.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed Stereo/Mono promo copy, in its original factory sleeve. Extremely excellent soul rarity... in this case, the title is a perfect description of the music. If not for Clark's sweet singing, this could sound incredibly raunchy, what with the hot female backup singer cheering him on. :-)

Dig The Gold by Joyce Cobb

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:53:06 -0800

Label: Cream 7939
Year: 1979
Condition: M
Price: $8.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. This is a terrific disco-reggae fusion, years ahead of the sound's newfound popularity in the 1990's. The flip is a bit funkier but also a terrific dancer. This was Cobb's only Hot 100 single, though her followup also placed on the Black/RnB chart.

Heart Be Still by Lorraine Ellison

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:02:52 -0800

Label: Loma 2074
Year: 1967
Condition: M
Price: $15.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Simply one of the best deep soul voices of the 1960's... or any period. Great Ragavoy productions.

Do Your Duty by Gloria Taylor

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:55:10 -0800

Label: King Soul 865
Year: 1968
Condition: M
Price: $45.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Soul records just don't get much better than this! On one of her very first singles, Taylor records a glorious cover of the Sandy Posey classic on the A side, and an early version of "Do Your Duty", later covered by Betty Lavette, on the flip. Both terrific, toe-tappin' standouts.

Gimme Gimme by Z.Z. Hill

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:17:04 -0800

Label: Kent 453
Year: 1966
Condition: M
Price: $24.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Be sure to check out the seriously funky soul number on the flip.

Mama Wailer (Part 1) by Lonnie Smith

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:55:27 -0800

Label: Kudu 901
Year: 1971
Condition: M-
Price: $18.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original factory sleeve. Picking up on the chord progression that defines War's fine collaboration with Eric Burden, "Spill the Wine," this terrific track takes the listener into other satisfying directions. Note: This copy has the A side label on both sides, but one side does have the Part 2 track... this is why the label is rated EX rather than M.

I Got The Message by Men Without Hats

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:48:04 -0800

Label: MCA 52332 dj
Year: 1984
Condition: M
Price: $6.50

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed promo copy, in its original factory sleeve. This promo copy has the Stereo version on both sides.

(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance by Gene Pitney

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:37:54 -0800

Label: Musicor 1020
Year: 1962
Condition: M-
Price: $20.00

OK... this one goes in the jukebox tonight because, heaven help me, I really love it. :-) Dave Marsh apparently has the same weakness, which is why he put this one in his rare list of the 1,001 greatest singles ever made. Note: This is a first-pressing copy on the tan Musicor label.

Someone To Love Me by Ronnie Baxter

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:07:17 -0800

Label: Gone 5036
Year: 1958
Condition: M-
Price: $40.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Here's a fabulous single by an early singer in the budding style called "Soul" (though they were still calling iot RnB in 1958!). Like Clyde McPhatter, Jackie Wilson, Lloyd Price, Roy Hamilton, and others, he was giving his voice free reign to the gospel style of singing, but he wasn't singing about the almighty. The A side is a great uptempo number, with a slow one on the flip.