Anoraks Corner

The importance of this series to collectors worldwide and the Northern Soul scene en masse, should never be underestimated. This groundbreaking series were being released during the time when the Northern scene was starting to get back on it's feet again, and as previous posts testify they sparked the interest of dare I say the second generation of the scene...and first generation of non-UK based soon to be Soulies? They spread the word and were well written (!), always well presented with original artwork and usually packed with factual gems for the vinyl hounds...I know I would re-read the sleeve notes again and again, using them a reference points as I started to collect the labels they spot lighted – Scepter, Wand, Musicor, Kapp, Decca, ABC and Revue etc. Funny, I had previously dismissed Revue 45's, as they looked 'too modern' with their loud orange and yellow label design! I was lucky enough to be working in the record trade during their release period and used to look forward to seeing the Pinnacle rep (Ace/Kent's distributor) on his monthly visit, in order to see what was coming out. New titles would more often than not come out one per month, but sometimes we were treated to two! Naturally, I would always ask for the release sheets and white label test pressings, as and when the rep had finished his monthly cycle of shops. The first two volumes appeared on red and yellow vinyl and the 50th release was on purple vinyl and came with a poster, though in-store promotional material was never forth coming for any release. There are so many classic tracks that should be mentioned (Ritchie Adams, Earl Jackson, Little Charles etc), and I for one was delighted to finally get to hear some tracks direct from the stylus, having put up with cassette tapes of live recordings for so long - don't forget that Northern Soul LP compilations were very thin on the ground with only the long deleted Grapevine, President, Inferno and Jay Boy titles being found in second hand shops, if you were lucky. It should also be noted that around the same time as Kent, Charly and Soul Supply were also releasing some good stuff too. Let us also recall that CD's were in their infancy and there was little chance of any label investing in a Northern Soul release on that format at that time! The internet also didn't exist! I also found myself moving on my few 7" 45's as I now had the tracks on Kent LPs…something I would never have dreamt of doing in previous years, and I imagine I wasn't the only one doing that, so they also changed the approach to my collecting habits! Then there are the unissued Scepter/Wand/Musicor titles, raided from their vaults by 'Harboro' Horace', and I salute him (and others) for doing that...though I suspect it was a pleasure and hardly 'work'!? Maxine Brown's, 'It's Torture', Melba Moore's, 'Magic Touch', Tommy Hunt's, 'The Pretty Part Of You' and Judy Clay's, 'Upset My Heart' instantly spring to mind! Personally, the series really turned me on to the big NYC Soul productions leading to Chuck Jackson material being played in my house every Sunday morning! The Girl Groups were also well presented – the Shirelles', 'Putty In Your Hands' and the Chiffons' 'Keep The Boy Happy', have just crossed my mind. Shame they ran out of steam…was it a lack of available recordings to use…a dip in sales…or the possible loss of identity as certain titles may have been more suited to a new logo other than Kent…only Ady can answer this. So, in answer to the thread's question – sorry too many to list, but defo the previously unissued tracks I listed!

According to the Verve files, he recorded this at the same session as 'Look at Granny run run'...though it first appeared on Jerry Ragavoy's Utopia label backed by the superb, 'She's Looking Good'. However, the takes sound the same...hmmm odd.

Scorching Soul...recommended!

Hang on, you told me they were only worth £50 a piece when you bought them from me!

Please note: most demo copies of this number are double-sided and don't feature this track.

Yes, it finaly made it onto CD in 2007...I know as I co-wrote the sleeve notes! (POKER Label - DECKCD100) Here is my WD (mono) of the LP...and the CD....and a red label stock copy (stereo).

Agree with that one plus add their version of 'I Keep Forgettin' ', which has the typical full Spector production behind it. Here they are in all their Japanese glory!

This picture is the lower right hand side portion of the Sing label LP front cover. Sing was a label concentrating on King (geddit!?) family label product. There were about x100 titles released in all (distributed via Charly Records), often with duplicate original sleeves...though there wasn't one available for the Tiny Topsy album compilation.

Superb. Well written. Now, do the instrumental takes still exist?!

Carla, then Karen...then Bettye Lavette.

Don't think I've ever seen a proper blue labelled demo of any M-S number...apart from one's with a promo sticker.

The flip to the Karen 45 isn't too shabby either, 'Don't sign the paper'. Here's the WD currently within my sales pages.

Title: little frankie lee - don't make me cry - the great scott Artist: little frankie lee Track: don't make me cry Label: the great scott Info: this is the rarer local label before it was re-recorded for peacock. this also happens to be a far superior version...much smoother...well worth checking out.

'Awesome' is an understatement! Every home shoud have one and every Soul night should feature it.

Nowp, that's a Phillie label.

Here is a fine pair of Chicago Soul movers, both from the J.V. label (were there any other releases on this label?) The Magnetics is a super-Soulful dancer highlighting Johnny McKinney's sweet vocal, whilst the Frank Butler is an R'n'B style mover with groovy organ-work (also issued on the more common Ra-Bra label). Magnetics = £75 Frank Butler = £30 Both are in near mint condition...labels/vinyl. (Courier postage = £5 per parcel; UK cheque or bank transfer only...no Paypal)

Adding one more scan...another classy, sophisticated and super-clean production...dare I say cross-over heaven?! I have a strong vg+ copy (pictured) that plays with no problems both sides and deserves a home where it is appreciated...for a mere £25 on my site.

'David & Giants' plus the 'Oracles' have me stumped at present.

Mmmm...I have the Freddy Butler version down as 'Ed Wingate'.

Fabulous track...one of my early purchases and loved it ever since. I would scan the Japanese pic cover, but it sports a blonde female model rather than Marvin!

I'm rather partial to this Gene Chandler release: 'Baby That's Love'/'Fool For You'. Here are the stock and WD copies...mmmmmm WDs!

Aaaaaaaaaarigato gozaimasu! Debbie Taylor Hesitations Persians

Note I: there are two label designs for this one...both plain red with black text, but one has a logo on as well. Note II: their other track on the green Rapda label is pants (from a Northern point of view).

Spotted one on the shelf already over here...had to pick it up to see which label it was on and was surprised/pleased to see it was Ace!