Mike Lofthouse

I don't think he is singing accapella - it is just the isolated vocal track - I think he is lip syncing to the original track - then the isolated vocal is overdubbed. Originally he would of been singing to a musical backing.

Not sure this is a problem with Cd's/MP3's , rather it is a problem with your friend

Always looked forward to his Soul column in New Musical Express (NME). Always struck me as an intelligent writer on the subject. He sold a lot of 45s a year or two back on ebay and I managed to get demos of Johnny Daye on UK Stax and the Originals on UK TM. He did write his name on all of them covers as well, just adds a bit of provenance for me

Think he means that the issue with 'Never Let You Get Away From Me' is rare - unsually for a 45 it is longer than the LP take. If you just want 'Never Repay My Love' it is available cheaply as a Mono/stereo demo.

Of course it was around as a new release. I guess all records were - I got 'Good and Plenty' on issue then but I only picked up a demo of JGTBMC at the time - would like an issue but I'm not interested in any rarity status so would only pay a modest amount. But if you look at ebay now all are mono/stereo demos as are the copies of Good & Plenty I got my Bobby Bennett issue off Ian Clark at Soul Essence for £15 - he had multiple copies for a few years.

All of the Caroline Crawford 45's are pretty tough on issue - never had my favourite 'Just got to Be More Careful' on anything but a demo - have the the other two.

I appreciate that but what I am highlighting is a snapshot at any time does not throw up a lot of cheap mint sealed copies - condition guaranteed. Yes, the finishing price is a little high but if you collect albums and condition is important and indeed it is the most important thing for me, I can see people being happy to pay it. Just think you could get over 120 £100 LPs for the current price of a single he is currently auctioning - its only relative. Somone sold a battered 45 of Dena Barnes on here yesterday for £200!

Looking at the David Ruffin LPs there are none that come anywhere near a mint - still sealed - original issue - it is a right rag bag list of VG, re-issues, covers missing, warped etc Basically you pays your money you take your choice. If I collected Motown LPs or David Ruffin or wanted a copy to play at home on a good stereo system I would be happy to pay a premium.

He always got a bit irritated about his 'cover' of Shipbuilding being that he wrote it! - a bit like Womack and 'Its All Over Now' !

It's a real dilemma this one - OK buy it, rip it then break it up into really small pieces an bury it in the garden.

Why not buy the CD, rip it then throw it away or give to someone?

And you are more likely to get a sealed copy from the US - guarantees condition for me - LP's must be in first class condition for listening at home, none of that 'OK for Djing' nonsense you get for knackered 45's. Mike

Jerry Butler has made a career out of singing flat......what the f**k have I been listening to for 40 years????

I follow all kinds of music live Chalky but I have to travel for everything and everyone - Newcastle is the nearest and in fairness put on some great shows - but it is always a trip and and overnight stay - get a bit pissed of when people come on here criticizing about poorly attended gigs (like the last Lee Fields tour) when I support more than my fair share

Taj Mahal two nights later too - you lot are spoilt down there Wayne

Nearly suggested that one myself Kev - truly wonderful Soul side but I must be pedantic it is actually - James Dee & A Piece Of The Action & The Primettes !

I posted this previously when the 45 on Stone was discussed...... It is featured in Nick Hornby's book 'Hi Fidelity' - the gist of which is a woman tries to sell her 'cheating' husbands valuable collection for coppers - but the lead character declines, however, he takes a copy this. It is also listed in Dave Marsh's great book of 1001 Rock and Soul singles 'The Heart Of Rock & Soul' - it comes in at 950. He was the person who innocently got the the record withdrawn when working as 'Rolling Stones' record reviews editor when he mentioned it to his lawyer who also acted for Atlantic and the Redding Estate. Zelma (Otis' widow) had not given permission to release it. He claims to have bought the remaining stock which he gave away so I'm not sure where this dealer got his but I'm glad to have one (and a remaining 'spare!)

Wanted - Gil Scott-Heron - Pieces Of A Man on UK Philips - 6369415. Must be MINT or Mint- at worse - cover and vinyl. If anyone is interested in a trade for the 45 - I have a a nice white promo on US Flying Dutchman of 'Lady Day & John Coltrane. Would consider a genuine first issue US release of the album - if condition allows i.e. shrink wrap etc or better still sealed. Please PM with details Thanks and regards Mike

Thanks Sebastian - any idea when and why?

I have seen it listed as 2nd issue on one or two lists.

Can anyone tell me how to identify a 2nd issue of this track - and when and why it was re-pressed? Thanks in anticipation Mike

Oh I absolutely agree Pete - just thought I would confirm what John had said about the session and musicians. Mike

from Andy Rix's article previously published on here..... The session musicians for the day were pulled from the studio regulars that included Billy Strange, Glen Campbell, Hal Blaine, Al De Lory, Carol Kaye and Tommy Tedesco. Frank seems to think that he played keyboard but clearly recalls that he sang backing vocals with the help of Brenda and Patrice Holloway. Both tracks were produced by Hal Davis and Marc Gordon.

Fantastic record - first heard a snippet on the DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist's 'Brainfreeze'!!!

The exact same thing happened to me today - 6 45's no stiffeners from the US with Swedish postage. I was happy with the postage $7 plus $1 per additional 45 - I often buy off the fellow - if he has one I want I will often buy additional cheapos off him because of the cost of postage. Mike