(Love Is Twice As Good) When You Steal It/ Consider Me (Don't Step On Something Good)

I'm not sure what else Eddie Banks did, but on the evidence here, he should have left more recordings for us to marvel over. I don't usually make 2-star recommendations on 45s I've just held and listened to for the first time, because a song I thought I'd never tire of (one of my criteria for a 2-star) can surprise you and get old after half a dozen listens. So, I usually wait until I've heard a song/record a few times before considering a 2-star rating. But honestly, this whole production — from Banks' terrific vocals to the iconic guitar riff to the propulsive rhythm section to the song itself — is so impressive I had to give in to my first impressions. Most collectors home in on the B side ("Consider Me"), which I agree is the better of the two. But in a fair contest, the infectious, uptempo A side of this one would get lots of votes too! Have a listen to the mp3 snippet I've added to our "jukebox" (the "play" button) to see what you think. Am I crazy? Note: This copy comes in a vintage and rare TMI Records factory sleeve (sleeve has moisture damage on one edge). The labels grade a strong EX, reflecting very light ringwear (see scan) on the B side as well as a "25₵" stamped on the A side. The vinyl grades Near Mint visually, with only very light storage wear. Though the vinyl has faint native surface noise, the audio on both tracks is pristine Mint overall, as whatever faint surface noise you can hear near the beginning could easily be missed by the casual listener.