Classic 45's Jukebox

Let Yourself Go by T-Connection

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:08:55 -0800

Label: Dash 5044
Year: 1979
Condition: M
Price: $8.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy with a drillhole, in its original factory sleeve. This is a very exciting entry in the 'How could they have missed this one!?' contest from the late 1970's. Didn't chart at all, yet is a blast! Great disco-funk soul thing.

Big Legged Woman by Willie Hobbs

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:16:10 -0800

Label: Seventy-Seven 119
Year: 1972
Condition: M
Price: $20.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Here's one of those rare singles with two starkly different, but equally wonderful sides. A gorgeous soul ballad on the A side backed by a funky, sexy uptempo track. What more could you want from a soul record?

Take A Chance by Cruisers

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:30:12 -0800

Label: Gamble 207
Year: 1967
Condition: M-
Last Price: $24.00. Not currently available for sale.

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

Still In Love With You Baby by Beau Brummels

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:38:53 -0800

Label: Autumn 8
Year: 1965
Condition: M-
Price: $15.00

This is a beautiful copy of the group's first hit single. By the way, the flipside is incredibly strong... hard to say which side I like better! I'm putting the B side in the jukebox, since it's likely that fewer of you have heard it. Enjoy! Note: The A side label has a small sticker on it.

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

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:16:34 -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.

What A Drag/ Can't Stick 'Em by Bear Hands

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:44:58 -0800

Label: Cantora LP20
Year: 2010
Condition: M
Price: $9.00

Two terrific tracks from another terrific new band, both worthy of the Classic 45s jukebox! It's clear that these guys know a little bit of something about rhythm? The first few bars of the A side, and I could swear it was Bo Diddley about to launch into one of his classics! The songs are packaged in a sleeve with gorgeous, but quirky artwork and pressed on white vinyl (with a small spindle hole).

Bless You (My Love) by Flaming Embers

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:13:34 -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.

Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:14:55 -0800

Label: Chess/Coll. 3412
Year: 1951
Condition: M
Price: $4.50

Originally released on Chess 1458. This recording was actually made by Sam Phillips at the fledgling Sun studios and leased to Chess. It is considered by many rock'n'roll fans to be one of the very first true rock'n'roll records, partly because of the distorted guitar that makes its appearance toward the end of the record. Absolutely essential! Incidentally, the band is Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm, with Ike Turner himself on that historic lead guitar.

Does Your Mother Know by Abba

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:45:54 -0800

Label: Atlantic 3574
Year: 1979
Condition: M
Price: $7.50

In case you have somehow avoided being infected by this acutely catchy tune, here's your opportunity! You can find an mp3 snippet of this in the Classic 45's jukebox!

This Abba tune differs from most of their catalog in a couple respects: It's one of their rare A side tracks that features a male lead vocal (in this case, Bjorn Ulvaeus). It's also one of their few hard rockers, opening with that instantly memorable rhythm and punchy lead guitar.

Maryanne by Bay City Rollers

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:30:15 -0800

Label: Arista 0170
Year: 1976
Condition: M
Price: $12.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy, in its original picture sleeve. By the way, "Maryanne" is a really wonderful Sunshine Pop rocker... it could have easily been the A side of this single.

Frankenstein by The Edgar Winter Group

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:06:28 -0800

Label: Epic 10967
Year: 1973
Condition: M
Last Price: $11.00. Not currently available for sale.

It's just not possible to put together a playlist of classic hard rock from the early 1970s without including this amazing track. So many surprises lurking around each corner... just like its namesake!

The Lessons: NY Cut & Paste by Various

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:42:49 -0800

Label: MSG 77017
Year: 2008
Condition: M
Price: $50.00

This is the most amazing collection of seminal hip-hop DJ mixes from the early 1980's. In 1983 a remix contest was held to promote G.L.O.B.E. & Whiz Kid's "Play That Beat (Mr. DJ)," an astonishing, diverse collection mix ranging from Mae West and Humphrey Bogart to Ed McMahon and Herbie Hancock. It became an urban radio hit within days, but was never commercially released. This box of 7 45s gathers, for the first time ever, the three original Lessons mixes, along with other four early 80s cut and paste classics. Note: The jukebox snippet here on Classic 45s is from Part 2 of "Play That Beat, Mr. DJ"... one of the very best singles in the bunch.

Feelings by Barry Mann

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:17:59 -0800

Label: Scepter 12281
Year: 1970
Condition: M-
Price: $13.50

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. The song was featured in the movie "Getting Straight" starring Elliott Gould and Candice Bergen. It's a beautiful folk-rock track that sounds for the world like something Paul Simon might have written to sing with his buddy Art Garfunkel. Not the kind of tune Barry Mann and his longtime songwriting "buddy" Cynthia Weil are known for, but definitely proving their mastery of the songwriting craft.

Festivo by Checker Board Squares

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:14:52 -0800

Label: S.I.M. 24868
Year: 1969
Condition: M
Price: $45.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy... pristine mint! Killer early funk/soul instrumental. The year of issue is an estimate.

Every Ounce Of Strength by Carla Thomas

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:11:17 -0800

Label: Stax 172
Year: 1965
Condition: M
Price: $24.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy of Carla's first release on Stax, in its original factory sleeve. This was a very auspicious beginning... both tracks show the Stax writers/producers/musicians at the peak of their powers. The midtempo B side is a real sleeper... it may not get in your craw on the first spin, but just wait til the third or fourth one!

Sunday Morning 6 O'Clock by Camel Drivers

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:05:15 -0800

Label: Top Dog 103
Year: 1968
Condition: M-
Price: $25.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. This is the original issue of this terrific Sunshine Pop track on Detroit's small Top Dog label.

I Like What You Give by Nolan Porter

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:56:45 -0800

Label: Lizard 1008 dj
Year: 1971
Condition: M
Price: $20.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. No, it's not in Kev Roberts' list of the top Northern Soul singles, and it doesn't fetch hundreds of dollars from desperate collectors... but man, this is a geat single! The A side is Porter's first hit, and the flip is another uptempo track. Both display the quirky creativity that characterize the singer's other prized singles. Note: Artist is listed on this 45 as simply 'Nolan.'

Wedding Bells by Heartbeats

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:01:38 -0800

Label: Rama 222
Year: 1957
Condition: M-
Price: $75.00

Both sides of this classic single are doo-wop treasures--one slow and one fast. Note: This single is from a large collection we've purchased whose records typically have mint audio and near-mint vinyl. The labels are near mint as well, but the owner had a habit of writing the record's release date in small print on the B side label.

You're The One by Buddy Holly

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:56:48 -0800

Label: Coral 62558
Year: 1969
Condition: M-
Price: $50.00

This is a beautiful near-mint copy of a single released in 1969 to commemorate Buddy Holly's untimely 1959 death. The audio is pristine mint. I had first heard this lovely version many years ago on a U.K.-released double album set Buddy Holly: Legend. The liner notes to that album describe the track as follows:

"Love Is Strange" was one of Buddy's favorite songs. The version he recorded was around a minute long and the track included here has been "stretched" by splicing and re-recording the original tape. Norman Petty's later treatment of the recording, adding organ sounds to create the impression of strings, probably comes fairly close to Buddy's own ideas for the song.

As for the B side, this rarity was cowritten with Waylon Jennings and not released until well after Holly's death. Among other places, it appeared on the B side of U.K. single in 1964. Upon hearing it, I knew I'd heard it before and after wracking my brain for awhile, I remembered that it was a version by the neo-Rockabilly singer/songwriter Billy Swan released in 1976 that was in my head. Other than that, I haven't heard any other versions, though it's indubitably hit material!

Note: This single is from a large collection we've purchased whose records typically have mint audio and near-mint vinyl. The labels are near mint as well, but the owner had a habit of writing the record's release date in small print on the label. The picture sleeve has the price stamp shown on the scan and some light age spots.

Rain by Beatles

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:05:59 -0800

Label: Capitol 18902
Year: 1966
Condition: M
Price: $30.00

In case you've forgotten, the B side of this single is more enduring in some ways than the A side... it's one of the touchstones where a lot of modern power pop (e.g., Beck) gets its inspiration. This is a 1996 reissue on red vinyl.

Sho Nuff (Got A Good Thing Going) by J.J. Jackson

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:44:12 -0800

Label: Loma 2082
Year: 1967
Condition: M
Price: $25.00

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

You Don't Love Me by Z.Z. Hill

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:29:48 -0800

Label: Kent 404
Year: 1964
Condition: M-
Price: $18.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. This great single has the original versions of two self-penned tunes that Hill later re-recorded for Kent in the early 1970's. Both versions of each song are superb, and I couldn't possibly pick a favorite.

I Can't Believe What You Say (For Seeing What You Do) by Ike and Tina Turner

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:27:49 -0800

Label: Kent 402
Year: 1964
Condition: M
Price: $36.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. One of their best--and toughest to find--Kent singles.

Shut Down by Beach Boys

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:15:34 -0800

Label: Capitol 4932
Year: 1963
Condition: M-
Last Price: $30.00. Not currently available for sale.

This is a beautiful copy of the Beach Boys' first top 10 hit, which also had a Top 40 B side? one of their greatest "Car" songs. Note: The A side label has a very small tear at one edge.

Laugh At The World by Tams

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:06:33 -0800

Label: ABC 11128
Year: 1968
Condition: M
Price: $20.00

This is a new, unplayed stock copy in its original ABC factory sleeve. Their followup to 'Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy' was more of the same great beach beat, especially the B side, which is thoroughly delightful. Note: This copy has a faint bit of gold paint, sometimes used for cutout stock, on the B side label. (see scan)

Perfidia by Ventures

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:02:19 -0800

Label: Dolton 28
Year: 1960
Condition: M-
Last Price: $25.00. Not currently available for sale.

Great single with two classic Surf instrumentals. This copy comes with a vintage Dolton sleeve. Note: The label is clean but has some ringwear.

So Much Love by Faith Hope & Charity

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:32:29 -0800

Label: Maxwell 805
Year: 1970
Condition: M
Price: $8.00

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

My Babe by Ronnie Dove

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:57:42 -0800

Label: Diamond 221
Year: 1967
Condition: M
Price: $25.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Note that both sides were written by Neil Diamond, who also produced the A side. Great stuff... both have hooks to spare that just won't get out of your head once they get in!

Too Late To Turn Back Now by Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:42:41 -0800

Label: Silver Spotlight 048
Year: 1972
Condition: M
Price: $6.50

Originally released on UA 50910. This is a new copy of the original United Artists Silver Spotlight reissue, in its factory sleeve. Note: The label has ringwear on the A side.

Hold Me, Hold Me by The Colt Brothers

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:46:48 -0800

Label: Bullet 4511 dj
Year: 1967
Condition: M
Price: $120.00

From a warehouse find, this is a new, unplayed stock copy. Here's a fabulous soul rarity, featuring a swinging original with an unbeatable rhythm section on the A side, and a tender, romantic rendition of the James & Bobby Purify classic on the flip. Note: These copies are stamped "D.J. Copy" on the A-side label, so presumably this was originally a promotional issue.

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.

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