George G

Thanks for the 'voices of reason'. I was rather surprised at the YouTube posting. This is a well known and sought after record to fans of US 60s garage, and I think it's excellent - but certainly never thought to play it as a soul record. Doesn't sound like a 'Mod' spin to me either - I associate 'Mod' records with a more pounding danceable beat. Again, the song is "My Backdoor" by the Mixed Emotions from Findlay, OH, on JWJ records. First of two 45s they made.

I don't remember when the 7 digit telephone system came into the US, must have been around or shortly after WWII, this info should be easily findable. The reason exchanges were used was that many people still needed an in person operator to get beyond the local range of numbers. So, names were a lot easier to remember than numbers. Once direct dialing and touch pad phones became popular, numbers were easier to see than the letters. This crossover began happening in the early-mid 60s, or prime time for many of the records we're interested in. The exchange name was pretty much gone from 'business' use by 1970, so any record or business correspondence that has the letters is probably before that time. As far as area codes go, the original codes had the three digits - 'xyz'. 'x' and 'z' were always 2-9 and 'y' was always 0,1. Not sure why. The codes were assigned in general order of the population area size, and here's the fun part - the 'x' and 'z' were assigned by how far you would have to spin a phone's rotary dial! (the numbering was 1-9 then 0) So, New York City (Manhattan) being the largest city got '212' which would have required the least dial movement to call. Chicago - 312....Los Angeles - 213, etc. The 'worst' one would be 909, which was probably the last of the old area codes to be assigned. Sometime in the 1980s the 'y' digit was changed to allow it to be any number. And that's where we are. - George (formerly TRinity 1-5859)

Is this really a record that's played out? Or that would be played out? Or are the comments just some inside joke? In case you're wondering, the band is the Mixed Emotions from Ohio. I have a lot more info if anyone cares. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvvaNuNHsZc...feature=related

Interesting, thanks. The Jesse Fisher record was reported in a Cleveland paper as getting play on three local radio stations, this was November or December of 1971. Assume then the record was released around October/November of 1971. I actually have a vague memory of hearing it, but I could be fooling myself. As noted, the two pressing have different EQ/masterings. The red/white one is inferior to the red/yellow one, IMO and I think most everyone would agree. One reason is pretty obvious - the width of the track on the red/white one is smaller, meaning less groove 'space' and usually that means less fidelity. The acetates for both were probably cut at Boddie, as Tom Boddie's mark is in the dead wax. They were wise not to press them there! I think both were ARP pressings, like most of the post MGM Way Outs. I really don't think the record was repressed a couple years later....things moved too fast back then. I'm going to ASSUME that the red/white was first and the inferior fidelity was noted and the record remastered. Also since the record was a local 'hit' there would have been a possible need to repress in 'real time'. There's a couple other clues I need to look at. The perspective of availability is very interesting, I suspect one reason being that the red/white ones were mainly distributed in the Cleveland area and the red/yellow ones had more stock available, so when the record was discoverd by the UK scene and copies exported they took the available back stock, which was red/yellow. Again, I'm just speculating here. Regarding the date for the Sensations 'Demanding Man', late 1969 or early 1970 is correct. The previous Way Out 45, by the Harmonics (label number 2003/4, Sensations is 2005) is from late 1969, I am working to confirm a more exact date. How many of you know that one member of the Sensations later played in the rock band Rainbow Canyon who had a LP (in the US)? I think he was out of the group by the time Demanding Man was recorded. I'm trying to get an interview with him. - George

The group that recorded on Grog IS the same group that recorded on Ace, although I don't recall if they are 100% same personnel. They were a vocal group from Columbus. The Grog record was recorded and released about 1977. Here's a Supremes story, although this was done BEFORE the 45, as you see from the addition at the bottom. I presume John Clifton was the same guy that did other doowop 'projects' in the 1970s. Bob Hughes is a Columbus musician and historian/collector that played in several different bands and recordings in the 1960s and 70s. The record was recorded and pressed at Musicol in Columbus. https://www.columbusmusichistory.com/html/supremes-1.html - George

This record is from my current home area, the Pacific NW, specifically the Portland, OR area. It turns up occasionally, but still rather rare. I've seen/heard of 10-12 copies changing hands in the past half dozen years. Be warned it's a styrene and almost every copy plays with at least a hint of noise, some worse. The other side "Soul Desire" is funkier and collected by that scene. Vanco released a lot of records, 75% are bad country (and a few are good country). I think it sells in the $300-$400 area, a clean looking and playing copy could go $500+. I just played it again and it sounds better than I remembered, I'll have to stick in my play box.....

I have some info on this group in my files...seem to recall they were from Toledo or had connection to Toledo's early rock scene (90% of Glass City action was recorded or released in Detroit). No way this record is rare, unless you're looking for a mint copy. I've seen numerous used copies, and for less than $50. A mint copy might get good $ from a Motown collector.

Here's a pretty complete discography. I haven't had time to add all the dates and matrix numbers yet. There's also a couple label variations (like a couple of the Edsels 45 have local and national pressings). I think the names and song titles are pretty accurate but I don't have 4-5 of the records so there might be a mistake or two. https://www.buckeyebeat.com/tammy.html

Here's the truth regarding the Originals record under discussion here. The Originals were a group from the Cleveland suburbs. They probably formed in 1965 and had no idea, or interest, that there was a group on Motown using the same name. They were a 'greaser' band, which in Cleveland means white guys playing soul, or more accurately - NOT British Invasion or 'Mod' style. These bands usually tell me they played 'Motown' instead of 'soul'! They released only the one 45 on Suspension. The first pressings were the gold/copper label, which was pressed at Pama in Cleveland. To people in the know, Pama produced a legendary run of very limited pressing 45s and LPs, many of 100 or less. The Originals is one of three (that I can think of) soul-oriented records (the others are rock, garage, psych) done there. The black label copies were pressed (in Chicago) after the record became a hit, and are much more common in the Cleveland area. I'm not going to dump on the seller and call out value, though. Pretty sure the record came out in 1967 (no later that early '68). The most 'famous' member of the Originals was Tom Baker. He's the same guy that's credited on some of the Way Out and other Cleveland area records. He moved to Michigan (still lives there) and is a Christian. Very talented multi-instrumentalist and arranger. Other members of the band played in popular Cleveland rock bands of the early 1970s. - George

bump....Please? I know this is more of a funk-rock sound but I saw one posted for sale here 3 years ago. I'll pay hundreds. I'll even post a pic of the band if I get one...

For us living in the US, the deck will be stacked way in our favor here. I don't know if it would be 'sporting' to post all the stuff I've found. Just 4 days ago, Charades "Key To My Happiness" promo/demo for $3, Seattle record show In the past couple years: Eddie Foster - I never knew - 50 cents (Eugene, OR) Monique - If You Love Me / Never Let Me Go (gold) for 25 cents, and there were other Maurcis and odd Chicago stuff in the same lot for the same price (Oregon again) Sandi Sheldon - You're Gonna...(Okeh demo) 25 cents, Seattle record show Jimmey Soul Clark - I'll Be Your Champion, $3, same show as Sandi It does take hard diggin' to get these.... -George

Wanted on Soul Kitchen label, any decent playable condition. Prefer email mookie300 (at) verizon (dot) net PM will do also TIA George

You're welcome, I have both Pee Wee 45s and like 'em too. You should check out the other 45s on Centennial by the Magnums and New Mason Dixons. Not really dancers - hard to describe but have a somewhat similar mix of garage, soul, and early R&B. - George

WEST Virginia, actually. I can't remember where Pee Wee and band were from but I seem to recall somewhere along the I77 corridor. You're right about the blue label, Centennial is the name. I think there are something like 5-6 records on the Raven label and 3 on Centennial. This is NOT connected to the Virginia HOS/Raven label. None of them are rare, compared to other small label non-distributed records from that area. Maybe it's just that a lot of people from this area moved to Ohio and brought their records with them.... BTW, the G&C is a reference to the Pittsburgh pressing plant. Same plant pressed other 45s (Larry Allen I think). - George

The band name was Blues Soul, the name was printed incorrectly as Blue Soul on the Westwood 45. The two 45s have different recordings of the Bobby Patterson song "Sock Some Lovin To Me". The Westwood one is a bit faster and more of a straight four groove. The bsides are completely different songs. "Rain In My Eyes" is a midtempo 'sunshine pop' (although sad lyrics) song. Their version of "Gettin the Corners" blows away the TSU Toranados original! Anyone interested in more details or history on the band, let me know. Sorry I can't help you with the Westwood 45 - take a number and get in line! I have a few of the Printz 45s. - George

Apollos - Soul Funk-tion (the other side vocal by Waymond Hall skips twice) Lawrence and Arabians - I'll Try Harder R Dean Taylor - There's A Ghost In My House Soulville All Stars - I'm Gonna Get To You Eric Lomax - Seven The Loser Charles and Walter - Kissin And Huggin Vashionettes - A Mighty Good Lover Linda Jones - You Hit Me Like TNT Skip Jackson and Shantons - I'm On To You Girl Jeanette Williams - I Can't Wait Jesse Fisher - You're Not Loving A Beginner (Red/yellow) Dean Francis and Soul Rockers - Tippin Darryl Stewart - Name It and Claim It Arabians - You Upset Me Baby Magnificent Men - You Changed My Life OVO of course.....Get the talcum and let's dance!

I've had this record, it's as a (US) west coast folk rock sound. The songs were written by Warren Zevon and Randy Newman. Those names should tell you if this record is for you. - George

Hello, Could someone more knowledgable than me (which is most of you) provide some details on Gene Allison who recorded "Why Did You have To Go"/"If I Ever Needed Your Love" on the S&H label from Cleveland? I'm assuming he is NOT the Gene Allison from Tennessee who recorded on Vee-Jay, Ref-O-Ree, etc, since the label specifies "Gene Allison of Cleveland Ohio". Also, are the songs on the Gene Allison Del Nita label 45 the same as the S&H? Exact same cuts, re-recordings? TIA much, George

Interesting... I got a mint copy of this some years ago here in Seattle. The dealer was a major scrounger in this area (he died about 4 years ago). I paid the price of a latte for it. FWIW, mine's a promo/demo, red label. Amazing how many rare out of town soul and funk records I find up in the PNW. Must be because people move here and take their records with them. I can't believe they would have been distributed this way, about the last place you'd want to try to break a soul record. Then again, I've seen a vintage local radio survey where Frankie Beverly "Because of My Heart" was a pick hit. No, I haven't found that one around. - George

I actually found the record correctly filed in my collection, which of itself is a 'major rarity' pretty nice Zombies-ish song. Not a high demand or value, sorry. I'd put $25 on it, but you never know how these records sell on eBay. - George

FYI, the group is the Praytells. The way the label reads, they are credited as writers, there is no artist credit. Sorry mine's NFS. - George

Craig, I'll email you evening US west coast time when I'm home. Might be able to help. - George

Is the flip of this a male version of "Whats the matter baby"? I have that one somewhere.

I know a lot about rock and there's nothing rare and 'in demand' by the Illusion AFAIK. I've never been asked for their records and I've been asked for some pretty awful crap by the 'mod' scenesters and whoever else has an interest in bad pop/rock music rebranded as 'danceable' (Fire and Ice on Capitol - yeah, you're what I'm talking about). They had a hit with a song called "Did You See Her Eyes". Not a big top 40 hit but a song that got a lot of play on FM radio and buzz in the 'underground' subculture. Most fans of rock and psych from that time don't give their catalog much props (although I like "DYSHE"). - George, 'rockist' and proud!

Combined Forces was on Ebay in the past week with a sound file. Not a rare record, but hard to find clean. Most people want the ballad flip, and I've always found it amusing that people don't know this is a Traffic/Dave Mason cover, those artists being anathema to the soul and hipster scenes, or almost anyone from Generation X and younger. Their other records are a lot tougher. You can probably find someone who has the Purple Image LP on Map City. The songs on the 45 are different versions. The LP is great. For more info and a pic of Soul Inc https://www.buckeyebeat.com/soulincd.html -George