John Benson

Which would make the Edwin Starr a first issue but the Contours a re-issue as both sides of that 45 were separate releases in their own right previously.

I can't say as I recall hearing it played out, but it's the sort of thing that could well have had spins around the early Wigan period. I have seen it on sales lists over the years, but I'm not aware of it being particularly well known.

There are other records that came out the same, Lo Lo and Calla. Bobby Hill was one that comes to mind, Lo Lo was distributed by Calla, so I guess they put them out on the main label if they showed signs of being a hit. I think they shared the Lo Lo release number when put out on Calla. The Top Shelf release and Bobby Hill do. Sorry I can't help on prices, but should imagine the Lo lo release to be more expensive - although it's not always the case.

I'm all ears Derek!

You did a great set Andy, sat just around the corner taking it all in - Thanks!

Here it is:

That was bad luck eh - a pity you didn't have a crystal ball at the time.

You best get a move on then! Meanwhile, here's the playlist:

Well, here it is at last, the second in a series of only three 'cassettes' we gave away at Pitches, way back in December 1995. Memory jerkers for some folk and perhaps something new for others, I hope you'll enjoy listening: Featuring tracks chosen by Kev Briscoe Sean Hampsey Andy Tats Taylor and myself. https://www.mixcloud.com/JohnBenson/soul-solution-pitches-tape-2/

I was hanging over the balcony with a microphone in my hand - not far from where you were!

Mention of playing records getting repeated plays, I only ever taped there once and it was a couple of months after this, some time in May 1974. "Panic" and "Too darn soulful" must have been the current flavours as they both got played an hour apart. I'm fairly sure it was the first time that night for the Carstairs "It really hurts me girl" Also... who remembers that 'vote' to continue the all nighters and have them end later in the day? That's on the same tape! Of course it never happened, but Mike Walker went on stage and asked the question and got a show of hands in favour of it, but you can't 'hear' that on the recording, only his promise to look into it!

That delta number does give the impression of a December 1969 release, the LP was around early 1970. But doesn't the 45 state that it's from the LP? Making it appear that the LP was released first? Does it have the MR stamp near the delta number? I only have the LP, but do recall the boots looking very dark, with the silver not being very clear either. I can't say either way if there were styrene copies of this or not, but the West Coast was where many were done and Canyon was from LA after all...

I guess it's the same acetate that RNS had up for sale recently, described as '2 Previously Unknown & Undiscovered Motown Recordings - Original 60s Metal Acetate Both Tracks Stunning Tempatations/Jimmy Ruffin Sounds' 'Very Very Funny / How Deep Does Your Love Go' The second song does have a sound of Jimmy Ruffin's voice, but I wouldn't say it's him...

That song was also done by Doris Allen on Soulscape,

There's also at least two 45s on ABet by her and husband Chuck, under the names of Chuck and Marianne. One song being a version of "Let's walk the streets together" which is on the CD.

Nothing mentioned about them in the CD notes either....

I've got those two Philly Groove Story CDs that came out on Soul Discretion in around 2002, they have a few tracks on them by the group. I'll have a look and see if there's any mention in the notes about them - you never know do you? https://www.discogs.com/artist/1813529-Coupe-De-Villes-The-2 There was a Kent Philly CD also 'Deep in the Philly groove' - maybe there's some info on there? I assume there's nothing in the 'Sound of Philadelphia' book that Tony Cummings wrote or the more recent 'House on fire' book?

St Tropez

Page Three - Hold on to love:

Can't say as the ladies do it for me either, but the tune is nice and also familiar to me for the 'version' by Cee Lo Green from around 4 years back which sort of samples the riff. I prefer the Jack Splash mix, but can't seem to find a clip of that one.

Check your PMs

Is this any good for you? Not really 'outlandish' though is it?

JJ Barnes Sister Ortheia had this released on Coral in Canada - is that the sort of thing you mean?

When I referred to the 'hit' I was referring to it in the sense of radio or club plays in America. It's a well known fact it wasn't released as an official 45. My copy, which I got in the late 70's also has the printed on 'sticker' - I never once thought, or heard of anyone else thinking it was repressed due to any demand in the UK, of which there was no real demand for "I'm your pimp" by then. It wasn't even getting played all that much on the Soul scene at that time, which kind of makes no reason for anyone to think of going to the trouble of doing it. LPs certainly were not big sellers then either - certainly not for that track. I was more wondering if anyone had any knowledge of it ever being popular in the States, maybe just on a regional level. Although it's not unheard of for record companies to use that type of thing to aid sales. The Frankie Crocker theory certainly fits with my way of thinking...

I'm not too convinced that "I'm your pimp" was ever a hit in the States.... Can anyone confirm this, or otherwise?