Peter Richer

... actually, less than seven years. It didn't make a whole lot of difference (or even any) to the point which was being made, but when discussing an issue involving accuracy it doesn't help with credibility to get other facts wrong. Also, I was left wondering whether there was a second Rouser pressing, which was made eight years ago, from the master plates. A little pedantic, I know. But I'm sure everybody in the world has been told a million and a half times not to exaggerate.

"Fully eight years ago" ... err, am I missing something here?!?

Brilliant information again Cynthia, and thanks once again for the time and effort in digging this stuff out. We are very lucky you kept these records, and more so that you still take such an interest. It is appreciated! Peter

Hello Cynthia, and thanks for coming on here (a few times now) and giving us some first hand information. It is always great when an artist provides us with more background to their recordings, and also to find out a little bit about what was going on in their lives at the time, as well as what they decided to to afterwards. The previous comments on this thread are eight years old now, but I missed it before, so I've just listened to your 'Heaven Must Have Sent You' track for the first time. Really classy 'feelgood' 70's number, and, of course, wonderful vocals! Shame it was your only cut, although I assume there's something on the b-side too. Perhaps you could let us know what it was like in the studio at the time, and doing gigs around New Orleans with your bands? You must have a few interesting stories! Once again, thank you. Oh, and don't stop singing ... Peter

Yep, sort of. So if the Popsike numbers are representative, that means that roughly one in six (17%, from 7/41) of the Despenzas are of the '470' type. And, roughly one in nine (11%, from 5/46) of all original copies of 'Please Stay' are on Wand. Five Ivories on the Wand label is the same number as the Gentlemen Four.

Nope, you've got it the wrong way round. The one that went for $2,000 was in just about the same condition as the Despenza on yesterday's auction.

See posts 6 and 8. Sold for $2,000; i.e. not far off £1,164. ... I'd be happy to pay the relatively small difference.

Yes, good spot Ted. I just had a look on Popsike and there are quite a few. For that money - in VG+ condition - I might even be able to pick up a Wand copy.

You are quite right Carl. Just gone back and listened to the soundfile of the Flirtations and it hisses like buggery all the way through - personally I could never bear to listen to it (in that state) at home, or play such a poor sounding record to paying punters. Clearly a horrible and prolonged case of cue-burn, as, by contrast, the wonderful flip 'Settle Down' sounds crystal clear.

I actually love Winter Wonderland (done by lots of other artists, I know) by Linda Lewis. Quite the little festive gem. In terms of northern, Artie Fulliloves's 'Santa Clause Please Listen To Me' is one of the best for me - but it's a slightly odd one to my taste because the verses (such as they are) are sort of OK, but the choruses (which take up half the song) are absolutely brilliant.

If I thought you were capable of understanding (the very simple concept), I would explain it to you. Clearly, on the evidence of your post, you're not.

Who knows? Darrell Banks London issue wasn't believed to exist until this year. I suspect we can never categorically say they don't, unless there are pressing plant or label owner documents that can prove it. Conversely, if one turns up, we can prove that they do.

No. Because it was released as a result of northern soul demand/popularity (from plays of an actual original recorded disc). Exactly the same as, say, Larry Clinton or Al Williams on Grapevine.

Uh oh! ... Here we go. Brace yourselves everyone. Part 97 of the debate is about to continue ...

... he said, in 'bold' writing! Ha ha Sorry, couldn't resist pointing that out But you're right, it's actually not too bad at all is it?

Actually, it is really no different to the black ABC Yum Yums turning up, after it was thought to be demo only for 30 years. Meanwhile, while you've all been 'looking the other way', JM has put another mint Eddie Parker up and it is already over £2k.

Yes, very nice result. But, of course, he will never know whether he might have made a couple of grand or so more ...

You may be right John. But we don't know, and we will never know unless somebody who was intending to make a further bid actually tells us. However, my connection to the auction failed with 2.52 (minutes) to go. Others say theirs failed at different times. I wasn't going to bid on this record, but on nearly all of the (many) records I have bought on JM's auction I have waited until the last few seconds to come in. Also, I can't think of another record of, say, £5k or more where the time hasn't been extended past the nominal 6.00 pm deadline with continued bidding. Plus, the Japanese collector who bought the biggest items in the last three years (such as the Mello Souls, Prophets, and Eddie Parker) NEVER used to place his first bid until 30 seconds to go. Based on this history, I would have been astounded if the Darrell Banks price hadn't risen further. It is a shame for all concerned (including us onlookers), apart from the 'lucky' winner.

This incident might not look too pretty if radio 5-live do a follow up to the Adrian Chiles show feature of last week.

I doubt it Martyn. The site has occasionally crashed before at the business end of auctions. It happened in my favour once, when I was in the lead on a record, and I still received the 'winning' e-mail as confirmation. I suspect that will have happened again, and will constitute a contract. Although, having said that, internet sales confirmations are not always taken as 'contracts'. There have been several incidents - one in the last few days at Amazon - where incorrectly priced goods have not been enforceable. I guess we'll have to watch this space.

Yes indeed! That is the real tragedy here ... we'll never know what that T-shirt is really worth?!?

Yes, but we still don't know what it would have gone for. May well have been other potential buyers who couldn't place their bids. If so, I bet they (and perhaps the seller), are not too happy at the moment.

Good luck with the venture mate. I assume you know how rare this is. If you get no response here, it might be an idea to try to find out who it is who currently have the few known copies. One sold on here a few years back from a guy who had several of the Shrines for sale. There was a cracked one which sold on e-bay before that (for around £3,500), which I think is in the UK. The last one I know of was on JM's auction in 2012 - it sold for £8,600 and went to Japan. Peter

I agree with you there. But for me, that was one of the things which was so interesting about it. I think it was quite revealing (and surprising), perhaps for a lot of us here, just what motivations, relationships, and emotions are in play - 'back of house' so to speak. It is said that in relationships (typically marital) it is through the arguments and fights along the way that the most is learned about each other. It may also facilitate growth, if considered with the right mindset. Of course, that may be scant consolation for those poor buggers whose wives (or husbands?!) have scarpered in an angry mist of bitterness, betrayal and bile and taken a good 50% or more of the precious vinyl collection with them! The bastards, eh ... !!

Not really getting involved in the issues, nor condoning (or condemning) anything said, but am definitely not in favour of 'closing' active (or even any?!) threads. If people still have something to say, let them say it. It is interesting to many people (as thousands of views will testify), and new contributors enter the discussion even after five pages sometimes. Let the vested parties air their views, whilst the rest of us are keen observers. That's what we are members here for, and makes the site interesting for us. These types of threads will die down of their own volition anyway, in a short while. Please, let them 'burn out' naturally, at the end of their lives - don't kill them off. Cheers.