Frankie Crocker

Shame on the London Ritz. They deserve to lose any legal case as the word is in common usage and has been for decades. That said, the justice system in Britain is corrupt and biased in favour of the greedy rich who can afford it and the even greedier judges, barristers and solicitors who make sure they get stinking-rich on the proceeds. A simple solution would be to rename the ballroom the Triz, generate some anti-hotel publicity and see whether the legal clowns can handle a piss-take response.

Don't think mine skips but will play it next time I stumble across it. Never knew there was a problem with this release so thanks for the heads up. Couple of other of good tracks on the Knight label well worth looking out for.

Big bucks. £500 at least. Copies in the last year or so were hotly competed for.

An interesting take on the subject. However, there is the USA original and then again, the British release. The latter seems to be going through something of a revival. Given the quality and collectability of the Grapevine releases of the 70's, it is not surprising that some are fetching sums not to be sneezed at. Even these, as well as more recent issues of unreleased tracks will command higher values in future.

No. A definite no. A challenge, yes but not a 'confidence trick' which is what a con is. We know what we are doing and have been aware for decades. Once upon a time, we got the goods cheaply. Now the well's gone dry, time's have changed. Dealers have moved with the market, so prices at the high-end have jumped in response to demand. eBay has unearthed attic diggers that flog their treasures for unbelievable sums, but that's business for you. Record collecting is a bi-product of what we like doing which is listening to really good music. Fortunately, the prized records are an asset that may be of some value. Collecting for it's own sake like stamps, di-cast toys, Pokemon cards etc does not enter the equation. Good suggestion for a topic Malc, as we all need a reality check from time to time such is this crazy world we have helped to create.

Such a fantastic read. I too remember the list arriving, dashing to the pay-phone, reserving the latest big tunes at Wigan such as Lou Johnson- Unsatisfied, Detroit Executives- Cool Off and others. Wish I could turn the hands back now and buy a few more obscurities off the lists.

Overpriced and will never sell at that price. Label looks worn and with the stamp, price should be reduced accordingly. Label wear suggests vinyl unlikely to be Mint minus so caution advised. Great record and one that I do not own (yet). Have been watching prices closely and seen this one escalate but there are enough copies of this coming up at auction to bide one's time.

Frank Foster - Harlem Rumble on Triode.

Another Martyn Ellis cock-up...

'Compared To What' is such a cracking tune. Also a great reply to someone who remarks such and such a song is rubbish, just say 'compared to what' and that usually shuts them up.

And on a tape also... Last weekend, I visited the Museum of Wigan Life taking in the small Casino exhibit but really enjoyed the live recording of Richard Searling DJing. As I see it, the more Casino recodings there are to listen to, the better.

The first two paragraphs could refer to the music business today and the current resurgence of Northern Oldies. Seems odd coming across the word 'disco' in this day and age. Dave Godin certsinky knew what he was talking about back then.

Two good tracks on this disc. I was looking to upgrade my copy but now dropped that idea.

Hidden away in storage at present but recall it being rather plain, with Lou Neita in red on it. The plan is to put the company sleeves in plastic sleeves and eventually marry them up with the original records currently filed in white cardboard sleeves. Next time I come across it, I'll photograph it.

Hi there. No info of great importance but I have the Thelma Wilson record which came in a company sleeve - good sound and pretty rare. Also have the Gina Hill which may have been released on another label. Not familiar with The Bishop but gather it is rare.

Doesn't ring a bell. I have most Northern LP compilations but nothing on Hawaii or surfing. As a surfer, no recollection on LP art featuring surfers. I have the Kent Northern albums and again no help. You need to contact Jonny Tomlin to confirm the existence of this LP. On another theme, the music industry in Hawaii is alive and flourishing - a brand of reggae/rocksteady plus the usual rap-stuff exists, the former being particularly tuneful and even soullful at times. Hang loose...

Me too. Won a couple of records in the early hours this morning. Will not be paying the $66 postage quoted and certainly not taking up the offer to pay via Paypal. Have messaged the seller for a postage quote to a USA address so awaiting further details. Thanks for posting this - I will be voiding the order if the postage is not lowered by $50-60.

Not an expert on this, but observing Hip-Hop DJ's 'scratching', back and forth, faster and faster, never seemed to harm their vinyl 12 inch records. It is therefore not speed of back cueing but the styrene material of the record and/or stylus deficiencies that cause groove damage. Couple this with not dampening the stylus on contact with the run-in and you have hiss in the very place that is impacted upon repeatedly. The term 'OK for DJing' was coined so flawed records could be played out on a loud system - maybe we should recognise that some records are just 'too good to DJ with' and best left at home.

£1,500 give or take £100 depending on condition. A few have turned up but it's still a very rare record.

Don't worry Ivor, they were probably only '80's records anyway...

A nice twist to the tale. Here we see multicoloured promo and issue copies. Until now, it was thought the white label version was a promo, a typical WD without it specifying DJ copy. So, the white label now looks like a regular issue and the multicoloured promo is particularly rare. I have the white label Cover Girl and am waiting for a multicoloured release but now make that two.

An enjoyable read. Thanks for posting. I had to miss the Anniversary (and patch) so particularly worth pondering. Never knew people were climbing in through the roof. Was unaware that journalists were present. Author ovelooked the real third section of the Casino, the back bar record room. The article is as good a summary of how it actually was in the mid Seventies, very accurate and well expressed.

Not sure what you are comparing it to? Oddly, the white label release seems to be the issue as it does not specify promo - the multi-coloured label indicates promo copy. Great record and one that has become pretty sought after in recent years.

Back-cueing really shouldn't affect the record grooves if the tracking weight and cartridge alignment are spot on. The problem is styrene records. The moment a diamond stylus lands heavily on a styrene record, it can cause a hiss. Maybe DJ with vinyl only and abandon styrene? Unless you have total confidence in a DJ deck, why experiment with expensive rarities...

I liked Manship's seventh edition but had to buy a coffee table to put it on. Quite enjoyed Jethro's book and would recommend it. Mightily impressed by Dave Moore's Philadelphia volume, but so far, have just dipped into it. Got Stuart Cosgroves book for Christmas and am looking forward to reading it cover-to-cover. After listening to good soul records, the next best thing is reading about good soul records.