1949
Hank Williams
MGM 10560
Not charted
Believe it or not, this classic was not played on the radio when first released. The #1 A side was "My Bucket's Got A Hole In It". The song was finally resurrected in 1966 after B.J. Thomas had his hit with it, but even then it didn't crack the country top 40.
1953
Darrell Glenn
Valley 105
Not charted
Yes, the A side ("Crying In The Chapel") started out as a Country hit in this version, sung by the author's son. The Orioles picked it up shortly thereafter and of course recorded the version that most folks know about today. This terrific, uptempo B side is credited to 'Darrell Glenn and The Rhythm Riders.'
1954
Elvis Presley
Sun 209
Not charted
This great Rockabilly number was the B side of Elvis' first Sun single, "That's All Right."
1955
Bo Diddley
Checker 814
Charted with A side
This two-sided smash features "Bo Diddley" on the A side. The single topped the RnB/Black Singles chart, with both sides getting airplay.
1956
Screamin Jay Hawkins
Okeh 7072
Not charted
Besides the iconic A side ("I Put A Spell On You"), covered by many rock artists over the years, this flip is a real treat, too!
1956
Johnny Burnette and the Rock 'N Roll Trio
Coral 61651
Not charted
You just won't find any rockabilly singles that are more admired than this one ("Tear It Up"). This was the group's first and best single... both sides are enduring keepers.
1956
Tennessee Ernie Ford
Capitol 3262
#78p in Jan.
This B side of "Sixteen Tons" is another terrific performance and great song.
1956
Elvis Presley
RCA 6604
#1p in August
Both sides of this great single topped the charts, with "Don't Be Cruel" on the A side.
1956
Chuck Berry
Chess 1635
#4r in October
"Brown Eyed Handsome Man" is one of Chuck Berry's very best — and hardest to find — singles. Both sides are classics!
1956
Johnny Cash
Sun 241
Charted with A side
This terrific rockabilly B side of "I Walk The Line" was re-released and became a minor hit in 1969 with some "live" background effects thrown in.
1956
Fats Domino
Imperial 5386
#5r, #19p in April
"I'm In Love Again" (the A side) was the first of numerous double-sided hits Fats Domino would have in the coming years. "My Blue Heaven" had been a #1 hit back in 1927.
1956
Little Richard
Specialty 572
#1r, #33p in March
Besides an A side ("Long Tall Sally") that rates highly on both the Dave Marsh and Rolling Stone lists, the B side of this masterpiece is rated at #473 in Dave Marsh's list of the 1001 greatest singles ever made, so both sides are musts for any collection of rock'n'roll!
1956
Carl Perkins
Sun 234
Not charted
Not only does the A side ("Blue Suede Shoes") rank on both the Rolling Stone and Dave Marsh lists, Dave Marsh also includes this B side at #687 on his list. A must-have Carl Perkins 45!
1957
Bill Justis
Phillips Int'l 3519
Not charted
Be sure to take note of this terrific B side, an uptempo vocal number verging on rockabilly... could have been a hit in its own right! The A side was the big instrumental hit "Raunchy."
1957
The Silva-Tones
Argo 5281
Not charted
These tracks are among my personal favorites from 1957 — they're mid-tempo rockabilly in an Everly Brothers mold, but with an RnB vocal group feel as well... great stuff on both sides! Definite 2-star material, so don't miss out! The A side is "That's All I Want From You."
1957
Jerry Lee Lewis
Sun 267
Not charted
This is the terrific B side of "Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On". The version of "It'll Be Me" on this original Sun 45 is quite different from the one that appears on many Sun reissues... for example, those issued by SSS Int'l in the 1970s and Charly in the 1980s. It's much faster and features the slapping acoustic bass that so defines Sun-style rockabilly.
1957
Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Brunswick 55009
Not charted
In addition to its A side ("That'll Be The Day"), which ranks in the 30s on both the Dave Marsh and Rolling Stones lists, the B side also sits at #465 in Dave Marsh's list of the 1001 singles ever made, so this single makes that list TWICE!
1957
Johnny Mathis
Columbia 40993
#9p in Oct.
The A side ("Chances Are") may very well be Johnny Mathis' greatest hit ever, but I give this single 2 stars because the B side is such a special, perfect expression of love in a suitably soft-shoe arrangement courtesy of Ray Conniff and His Orchestra. There are many versions of "Twelfth" out there, but on this one Mathis sounds like he's singing for the gods... No other version touches this one.
1957
Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Brunswick 55035
Not charted
This B side of "Oh, Boy!" was covered by the Rolling Stones and became their first U.S. chart single.
1957
Little Richard
Specialty 598
Not charted
Besides ranking the A side, "Lucille," at #670, Dave Marsh ranks the flip, "Send Me Some Lovin'," at #831 in his list of the 1001 greatest singles. So this record alone takes up two places in that list!
1957
Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Coral 61885
Not charted
This classic Buddy Holly number was on the B side of "Peggy Sue."
1957
The Coasters
Atco 6087
#1r, #8p in May
Both sides of this classic single hit #1 on the black chart, and both hit the top 10 on the pop chart. "Searchin'" is the A side, with "Young Blood" on the flip.
1957
Little Richard
Specialty 606
#6r, #56p in June
This great number was the B side of "Jenny, Jenny." Both sides hit the Billboard singles chart.
1958
Ricky Nelson
Imperial 5565
#9p in March
The very short (1:55!) B side to "Never Be Anyone Else But You" ranks among his very best Rockabilly rockers, blessed as he was with an excellent backing band. It got enough airplay to place in the Billboard Top 10.
1958
Bobby Day
Class 229
#41p in Sept.
Sure, the A side ("Rock-in Robin") is a classic, but so is this flip! Written by Bobby Day (R. Byrd), it was covered often in the 1960s, most notably by the Dave Clark 5, which had a big hit with their (IMHO inferior) version.
1958
Johnny Cash
Sun 283
#4c, #90p in March
"Big River" was the B side of his hit "Ballad of a Teenage Queen," and is one of Cash's very best songs.
1958
Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Brunswick 55053
Not charted
This terrific rocker is the B side of "Maybe Baby."
1958
Chuck Berry
Chess 1683
Not charted
This classic Chuck Berry tune was the B side of "Sweet Little Sixteen."
1958
Don Gibson
RCA 7133
#7c, #81p in March
This two-sided classic features not only the biggest hit of Gibson's career ("Oh Lonesome Me"), but also his most famous song ("I Can't Stop Loving You"), brought to a wider audience by Ray Charles in his classic 1962 version, which, by the way, was the biggest hit of Ray Charles' career, in both the RnB and Pop markets!
1958
Chuck Berry
Chess 1691
Not charted
This B side of "Johnny B. Goode" is no wallflower itself, being one of the Chuck Berry numbers that the Rolling Stones recorded on their second U.K. album, "Around And Around."
1958
Everly Brothers
Cadence 1348
#30p, #15c in May
This uptempo number is the B side of "All I Have To Do Is Dream."
1958
Chuck Willis
Atlantic 1179
#3r, #24p in April
This great single was released shortly after Willis' untimely death in April 1958, both presenting an eerie premonition of his demise. Both sides are great enough to make Dave Marsh's list of the 1,001 greatest singles ever made, with this flip side at #409 and the A side ("What Am I Living For") at #384!
1958
Everly Brothers
Cadence 1350
#3r, #10p, #7c in Aug.
The A side, "Bird Dog," was originally intended to be the B side of this single, but it became a much bigger hit than "Devoted."
1958
Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Coral 62051
Not charted
This great single, with "Heartbeat" on the A side, was the last one Buddy & the Crickets released before that fateful airplane trip to Fargo, ND, in January 1959. This terrific B side is included in Dave Marsh's list of the 1,001 greatest singles.
1958
Jack Scott
Carlton 493
Not charted
Jack Scott has a very uneven catalog, divided roughly into slow (some would say dragging) numbers and uptempo rockabilly numbers. Typically his singles have one of each, but on this one, you get two of his rockabilly-style tracks. Besides the well known A side ("Goodbye Baby"), this flip is a marvel of rockabilly with one of its roots — gospel/RnB — prominently on display.
1958
The Students
Checker 902
Not charted
This is the original Checker release from 1958, when unaccountably the single failed to make the charts. When re-released on Argo in 1961, the A side ("I'm So Young") managed to hit the R&B top 40. But the enduring mystery is how this incredibly catchy B side failed to catch on. But wait! Someone was listening, for only 5 months later, the Dovells had a smash with a song called "Bristol Stomp" that is basically just a re-write of "Everyday of the Week".
1958
Ricky Nelson
Imperial 5483
Not charted
This great single ("Stood Up") features a terrific Rockabilly number on the flip.
1959
Ritchie Valens
Del-Fi 4110
#22p in Feb.
This iconic B side to the chart-topping "Donna" appears on both the Dave Marsh and Rolling Stone magazine's respective "best of" lists.
1959
Cookie & His Cupcakes
Judd 1002
Not charted
Accompanied by some sizzling guitar work, the B side of "Matilda" is an irresistible call to arms (well, mens' arms) against marriage. :-)
1959
The Mystics
Laurie 3038
Not charted
This is one of the Mystics' very best singles, with two equally strong sides. "Don't Take The Stars" was the A side, but have a listen to "So Tenderly" and see if you don't think it deserves to be in this list. :-)
1959
Buddy Holly
Coral 62074
#88p in March
Both sides of Holly's last single before his untimely death got airplay and charted. The A side here is "It Doesn't Matter Anymore."
1959
Ray Charles
Atlantic 2043
Not charted
Note that Dave Marsh includes this B side of "I'm Movin' On" at #295 in his list of the 1,001 greatest singles ever made.
1959
Frankie Ford
Ace 554
Not charted
This single is cherished by collectors not only for the classic A side ("Sea Cruise"), but also for this terrific flip... another uptempo New Orleans rock'n'roll romp! Of course, it helps that the backing band on these tracks is Huey 'Piano' Smith and the Clowns. :-)
1959
Chuck Berry
Chess 1729
Not charted
Two classic Chuck Berry tunes on one little 45, with "Back in the U.S.A." on the A side. Good deal indeed! Listening to "Memphis" again just now, I'm struck again by what a great lyricist Berry was. Lines like "With hurry-home drops on her cheeks" is amazingly evocative of what the singer experienced.
1959
Fats Domino
Imperial 5606
#22r, #17p in Sept.
This great number was the B side of "I Want To Walk You Home."
1959
Isley Brothers
RCA 7588
#47p in Nov.
It was this essential B side (Part 2) that became a hit, though of course both sides got played over the years.
1959
Hank Ballard and the Midnighters
King 5171
#16r in April
This single's B side is the original version of the song that became the biggest dance craze of the early 1960's. The Chubby Checker version is almost a note-for-note copy. (The A side is "Tearsdrops On Your Letter.")
1959
The Coasters
Atco 6141
Not charted
It's the B side of this Coasters classic ("Along Came Jones") that ranks at #204 in Dave Marsh's list of the 1001 greatest singles ever made.
1959
Bill Black's Combo
Hi 2018
#1r, #17p in Nov.
Of course, it was Part 2 (the B side) that became a huge hit for Bill Black and his Combo in late 1959. If you own only one Bill Black single, this is the one.
1960
Jack Scott
Top Rank 2028
Not charted
The flip of "What In The World's Come Over You" is one of my personal favorite Jack Scott Rockabilly tracks... It's performances like this that more than redeem his penchant for less exciting stuff (like the A side).
1960
Bob Luman
WB 5172
Not charted
The top 10 hit on the A side ("Let's Think About Living") is a swipe at all the "death" songs then in vogue on pop radio. But for me, the real fun begins on the B side... sounding a little like Elvis (who didn't in 1960?), Luman and crew manage to deliver a fine rockabilly track, propelled by the great Boudleaux and Felice Bryant song.
1960
Jimmy Bell
Hickory 1136
Not charted
This guy was a belter and crooner like Roy Hamilton and Jackie Wilson. The A side ("She Wears My Ring") is a sweet ballad number, while the flip is an out-and-out, first-class rocker.
1960
Shirelles
Scepter 1211
Not charted
Besides the essential A side ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"), this flip is the terrific original version of a song later covered by the Beatles. Personally, I think it's one of the best Shirelles sides ever, so I've made an mp3 "snippet" so I can hear it as often as I like! It's a perfect encapsulation of that pubescent anticipation of what being intimate with the opposite sex will be like... in this case, imagining sensual thrills previously unimaginable.
1960
Jackie Wilson
Brunswick 55166
#1r, #15p in April
This was the essential B side of Wilson's single "Night," both sides of which were hits.
1960
Jessie Hill
Minit 607
#3r, #28p in May
Part II, of course, is the side that became the big hit! Terrific New Orleans-style RnB.
1960
Little Willie John
King 5394
Not charted
This great B side is the flip of John's big hit "Sleep."
1960
Jack Scott
Top Rank 2041
#34p in May
This classic ("Burning Bridges") has a nice, mid-tempo B side with some fine guitar work that was a modest hit in its own right.
1961
Ben E. King
Atco 6185
Not charted
I'm assuming that everyone out there knows the classic "Spanish Harlem," either in its first version by Ben E. King or by the amazing version Aretha Franklin recorded a decade later. But I suspect that not many have had the pleasure of this single's B side, so I'm sticking a snippet of it in the "jukebox." "First Taste of Love" is more uptempo than "Spanish Harlem," features surprising, doo-wop-style backup vocals, and was cowritten by none other than Phil Spector.
1961
Ernie K-Doe
Minit 623
Not charted
Yes, "Mother-in-Law" (the A side) deserves to be on Dave Marsh's list of the 1,001 greatest singles, and it's one of the late, great New Orleans musical genius Allen Toussaint's biggest hits as a songwriter. But have a listen to the B side... over time, I gave it 5 stars in my iTunes library, where "Mother-in-Law", I see, has only 4 stars. It's a catchy song that swings more than "Mother" and veers toward the sort of proto-Soul Lloyd Price was doing at the time.
1961
Ricky Nelson
Imperial 5741
#9p in May
Though "Travelin' Man" is a fine classic, it's this great Gene Pitney song on the B side that gets my adrenaline going: The mix is perfect, and the sound huge, and it's great to stand between two speakers with "Mary Lou" playing and marvel at how great vinyl records still sound!
1961
Everly Brothers
WB 5199
#7p in Feb.
What a great single! Both sides hit the Billboard Top 10, and this B side (which was the slightly bigger hit than "Ebony Eyes", the A side) is an enduring classic written by Sonny Curtis, lead guitarist and vocalist for the post-Buddy Holly Crickets, who also penned the epic "I Fought The Law."
1961
Roy Orbison
Monument 438
Not charted
This great B side of "Running Scared" became a big hit for Nazareth in the 1970s.
1961
Elvis Presley
RCA 7908
#4p in June
"Little Sister" is one of Presley's best ventures into pure rockabilly since his Sun sessions. I'm sure John Fogerty learned a lot from the guitar playing here! This flip is just pure rock'n'roll fun. All in all, one of Elvis' greatest 1960s singles.
1961
Roy Orbison
Monument 447
#25p in Nov.
This is the B side of the great Roy Orbison single "Crying." Both sides charted.
1961
The Marcels
Colpix 606
Not charted
This is a terrific obscurity... While the A side is a nice — and predictable — doo-wop version of "You Are My Sunshine," the real action is on this B side, which finds the group making a convincing transition to soul a la the Drifters or Contours. Sweet!
1962
Arthur Alexander
Dot 16309
Not charted
Classic double-sided wonder from the only artist whose songs were recorded by the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, AND Bob Dylan. "You Better Move On" was Arthur Alexander's first and—on the pop charts—biggest hit. This flip didn't chart, but it's a must-have classic!
1962
Arthur Alexander
Dot 16357
Not charted
I had never heard 'Soldier of Love' until Marshall Crenshaw's cover in the early 1980's. When I realized it was another Arthur Alexander nugget, I finally found a pristine original... man, was this worth the search! And this was the B side of another great Alexander recording that actually did hit the pop chart ("Where Have You Been").
1962
Bobby Vee
Liberty 55451
Not charted
Wonderful two-sider, both sides featuring terrific, seldom heard tunes by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Classic arrangements. The A side ("Sharing You") is a Gene-Pitneyesque ballad, while this flip is an uptempo rocker similar to his classic "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes."
1962
The Jarmels
Laurie 3124
Not charted
Here's another example of a group that's trying to morph from doo-wop to gospel soul, and doing a magnificent job of straddling both genres... I'm talking about the B side, of course. The A side ("Red Sails in the Sunset") is a pretty straight doo-wop ballad.
1962
Beach Boys
Capitol 4777
#76p in Oct.
"Surfin' Safari" was the group's second chart single, and the first to crack the top 40. It's this much-loved B side, "409", that earns this one 2 stars from Classic 45s, as it's one of the earliest and best "Car Rock" songs of the 1960s.
1962
The Cordells
Bargain 5004
Not charted
This obscure doo-wop single ("Laid Off") has two high-energy numbers. I was immediately taken with the flip, which is almost a catalog of "Mr. Bass Man" antics alongside the excellent tenor and falsetto vocals (have a listen to the mp3 snippet to see what I mean).
1962
Four Seasons
Vee Jay 465
Not charted
Don't forget this B side of "Big Girls Don't Cry" — another early Four Seasons beaut that wasn't available on any of their albums.
1962
Sam Cooke
RCA 8036
#2r, #13p in August
One of the very best Sam Cooke singles of all... note that both sides of this one rank in Dave Marsh's list of the 1,001 greatest singles ever made. They're both that good! (The A side is "Having A Party".)
1963
Jan & Dean
Liberty 55641
Not charted
It's this strange and wonderful B side of "Drag City" that's #952 on the Marsh 1001 list.
1963
Jan Bradley
Chess 1845
Not charted
If you've never heard this B side of "Mama Didn't Lie," be sure to check it out ... wonderful!
1963
The Tams
Arlen 717
Not charted
Both sides of this single are must-have tracks from the early 1960's soul era. Definitely in the ranks of great unsung classics! The A side is "Deep Inside Me."
1963
The Chantay's
Dot 16440
Not charted
This great 45 contains not only one of the best Surf instrumentals ("Pipeline," which ranks at #81 on Dave Marsh's list of the 1,001 greatest singles), but also a hidden Garage-Rock gem on the flip side. Not to be missed!
1963
The Cascades
Valiant 6028
#60p in May
This single rates two stars from us because of its sublime B side. The A side is the less interesting "Shy Girl."
1963
Lesley Gore
Mercury 72180
Not charted
Seminal Girl Group 45... after enjoying the A side ("She's A Fool"), be sure to flip this one over and delight in this wonderful, rare Goffin-King number on the B side.
1963
Beach Boys
Capitol 4932
#23p in June
"Surfin U.S.A. was the Beach Boys' first top 10 hit, which has this Top 40 B side — one of their greatest "Car" songs.
1963
The Surfaris
Dot 16479
#62p in Aug.
"Wipe Out" is an essential classic of Surf Rock. This B side vocal number also charted.
1963
Beach Boys
Capitol 5009
#28r, #15p in Sept.
"Surfer Girl" was the A side, though this B side is at least as popular in the long run and was also a modest hit in 1963.
1963
Roy Orbison
Monument 824
#29p in Oct.
It's this B side of "Mean Woman Blues" that's listed at #403 on Dave Marsh's list of the 1001 greatest singles.
1963
Jan & Dean
Liberty 55580
Not charted
This is the terrific B side of "Surf City."
1963
Beach Boys
Capitol 5069
#23p in Nov.
This iconic tune was the B side of "Be True To Your School."
1963
The Pixies Three
Mercury 72208
#79p in Dec.
This great Girl Group single first got airplay for this B side in December 1963. But in a few weeks, radio programmers began spinning the "A" side ("442 Glenwood Avenue"), and that tune ultimately did better on the Billboard Hot 100... though neither side got the airplay they deserved.
1963
Stevie Wonder
Tamla 54080
#1r, #1p in June
Credited to Little Stevie Wonder, who, by the way, was only 13 years old at the time. Motown signed him when he was just 10! As a reminder, it was this B side — Part 2 — that topped both the Pop and RnB charts here in the U.S.
1963
The Essex
Roulette 4494
Not charted
I'm willing to bet a lot of folks who bought this single ("Easier Said Than Done") never bothered to listen to this flip side... I was one of them for a long time, so I suspect there are others. :-) And what did I miss? Take a listen to the jukebox "snippet" to find out! Just another great, uptempo girl group rocker.
1963
Bobby Bland
Duke 360
#6r, #22p in March
This was Bland's only single that was a top 10 hits on both sides... and they both deserved to be hits, too! I'm particularly fond of this B side... check out the mp3 "snippet" to hear why. (The A side is "That's The Way Love Is.")
1963
Paul Steffen
Cite 5007
Not charted
This single's B side is a great almost-rockabilly, almost-doo-wop track. (The A side is "Hey Lonely One.")
1964
The Beatles
Capitol 5112
#14p in Jan.
This B side of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" is just as famous but wasn't nearly as a big a hit in 1964. Still, clearly a must-have B side!
1964
The Ska Kings
Atlantic 2232
Not charted
"Jamaica Ska", the A side, did hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1964. But be sure to turn this one over and listen to the B side... this is true, tuneful Reggae bliss!
1964
Jan & Dean
Liberty 55672
#37p in March
Though far outshone by its A side brother ("Dead Man's Curve"), this single's rarely heard flip actually charted... definitely one of Jan & Dean's greatest hits!
1964
The Beatles
Vee Jay 581
#41p in March
"Please Please Me" was the group's first Top 10 single in the U.K. (Their first single, "Love Me Do," peaked at #17.) Interestingly, this B side of the U.S. release, "From Me To You," was the group's followup to "Please Please Me" in the U.K. and became the Beatles' first #1 hit there in April 1963.
1964
The Beatles
Tollie 9008
#10p in May
This was the B side of the U.S. release of "Love Me Do."
1964
The Trashmen
Garrett 4003
Not charted
The A side ("Bird Dance Beat") is a retread of their classic "Surfin' Bird," but this B side is something else again... A terrific surf/racing number with a crazy laugh bit that's a cross between the Surfin' Bird vocalizing and the intro to "Wipe-Out."
1964
The Four Seasons
Phillips 40211
Not charted
The Dave Marsh 1001 song at #166 is the flip of "Rag Doll"... It's the wonderful original version of "Silence Is Golden", which became a hit in 1967 for The Tremeloes.
1964
The Searchers
Kapp 593
Not charted
If you wanna hear some truly great power pop, flip this one over and check out the B side (click on the "play" button to hear the audio from our mp3 "jukebox"). A definite A+ in my book! This was the B side of "Don't Throw Your Love Away."
1964
The Hondells
Mercury 72366
Not charted
This single ("My Buddy Seat") has another fine Surf/Cars rocker on the flip... Check it out!
1964
Valentinos
Sar 152
Not charted
This is a truly great record... not to be missed! Not only do you get the fantastic original version of the "It's All Over Now," which the Stones were quick to cover and hit with just a month later, but on the Sam Cooke-penned flip is an absolute gem—a shining example of the blending of doo-wop and soul, which just happens to be one of my very favorite (though still unnamed) genres.
1964
Debonaires
Golden World 17
Not charted
This is the group's first single, with not only a killer A side ("Please Don't Say We're Through") that's verging on soul, but also this straight, classic girl group rocker on the flip.
1964
Shirley Ellis
Congress 230
Not charted
Besides the classic A side hit ("The Name Game"), don't miss this terrific Northern Soul-style B side!
1964
The Kinks
Reprise 0334
Not charted
Be sure to cherish this grungy B side rocker to their big hit "All Day And All Of The Night."
1964
Rolling Stones
London 9682
Not charted
This B side of "Tell Me (You're Coming Back)" is an iconic cover of the Muddy Waters classic, a perfect example of the peculiar mix of British pop sensibilities and American Rhythm & Blues that fueled the British Invasion, launching scores of new bands on both sides of the Atlantic.
1964
The Numbers
Forest Green 329
Not charted
This early 1960s group-vocal soul single doesn't appear in any of the reference books I use! Not only is it unusual to find a 45 record that nobody else seems to know about, but it's doubly strange when that 45 is really great. The A side ("The Same Old Song") is an OK ballad, but this flip is the real keeper.
1964
Strangeloves
Swan 4192
Not charted
"Love, Love" is the side that charted, but this B side — a neo-rockabilly rave-up — is the real story here, IMHO, and it's the reason this single has two stars, our top recommendation.
1964
Marvin Gaye
Tamla 54107
Not charted
On the B side of "How Sweet It Is", Gaye covers another beautiful Holland-Dozier-Holland love song... one The Marvelettes had also recorded earlier. That song deserves two stars all by itself!
1964
Anna King
Smash 1904
Not charted
Under the watchful eye of James Brown, Anna King released two terrific Deep Soul-style numbers on this little 45. The A side ("Make Up Your Mind") is a Deep Soul ballad, while this uptempo flip (check out our mp3 "snippet") verges on Funky Soul.
1964
Patti Jerome
American Arts 10
Not charted
Two great Northern Soul dancers, with a particular nod to this B sidee: "No More Tears" has a terrific rhythm section that made want to put an mp3 "snippet" in our "jukebox" so you could hear it, too! (The A side is "Baby Let Me Be Your Baby.")
1964
The Dynamics
Big Top 516
Not charted
This group mines the musical ground where Doo Wop meets Northern Soul, with a solid Northern Soul dancer on this B side and a more Doo-Wop-style dancer on the A ("And That's A Natural Fact").
1964
The Beatles
Capitol 5327
#4p in Dec.
Another double-sided smash single, with "I Feel Fine" on the A side. This B side has an unusual rhythm section that sounds just like something Sir Douglas Quintet might concoct.
1964
The Beach Boys
Capitol 5174
#24p in May
An absolute must for any collector of 1960s Rock, this single gives you a lot of bang for your buck! Its A side, "I Get Around" is parked at #250 on the Marsh 1001 list, while this flip is at #75! Curiously, "Don't Worry Baby" didn't appear on any of the band's contemporary LPs, only on later compilation albums.
1964
Jackie DeShannon
Liberty 55645
Not charted
If you've always thought this DeShannon classic ("When You Walk In The Room") was one of the definitions of Girl Group bliss, be sure to flip the record over and enjoy more of the same from this B side!
1964
Sam Cooke
RCA 8426
#8r, #93p in Sept.
This was the great B side of "Cousin of Mine," both sides of which hit the Billboard chart.
1964
Sam Fletcher
Tollie 9012
Not charted
This rare but popular single sits at #215 in Kev Roberts' Top 500 Northern Soul 45s list on the strength of its B side! The A side ("Friday Night") is an early songwriting credit for Randy Newman.
1964
Del Shannon
Amy 915
Not charted
Don't neglect this B side, a lovely ballad with Shannon really stretching his vocal chops to achieve Roy Orbison-style majesty. (The A side is "Keep Searchin'".)
1964
Gladys Knight and the Pips
Maxx 329
Not charted
After listening to the early Van McCoy composition on the A side ("Lovers Always Forgive"), don't miss this terrific uptempo B side.
1964
Bernadette Carroll
Laurie 3238
Not charted
This B side of "Party Girl" is something special, well worth seeking out on its own.
1965
Buck Owens
Capitol 5336
Not charted
One of the greatest Buck Owens singles of all... Besides the raucous A side ("I've Got A Tiger By The Tail"), the flip is the original version of the song Ray Charles hit with in 1966.
1965
Sam The Sham and the Pharaohs
MGM 13322
Not charted
Besides the well-known and -loved A side ("Wooly Bully"), which Dave Marsh pegs at #78 in his Top 1,001 singles list, be sure to check out this totally cool blues-rock performance on the flip. This is precisely the kind of sound that British groups like the Animals and Stones were striving for at the time and is one of the foundations of what became known as "Garage Rock."
1965
The McCoys
Bang 511
Not charted
Besides the hit cover of one of Little Willie John's many classics ("Fever"), this single features the original version of "Sorrow" on the B side — a must-have Garage Rock nugget to which David Bowie paid homage in an early-1970s cover version.
1965
The Zombies
Parrot 9769
Not charted
This B side of "I Want You Back Again," one of the group's lesser known singles, is a 2-star Garage/Psych recommendation you won't want to miss!
1965
Four Tops
Motown 1081
Not charted
Here's one of the many great, two-sided Holland-Dozier-Holland singles the Four Tops recorded. Even though this B side to "It's The Same Old Song" didn't chart, it's well worth "taking for a spin."
1965
J.J. Barnes
Ric-Tic 106
Not charted
It's this B side of "I Think I Found A Love" that Kev Roberts includes at #172 in his list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul singles.
1965
Charlie Rich
Smash 2012
Not charted
The flip of "I Can't Go On" is a made-for-dancing, no-holds-barred Northern Soul number that'll partly explain why the album title from which these tracks were taken is "The Many New Sides of Charlie Rich."
1965
Bobby Fuller Four
Liberty 55812
Not charted
The A side, "Let Her Dance," is on the Marsh 1,001 list. But be sure to flip this great record over and listen to the B side... another terrific Fuller original! By the way, this Liberty release actually came out before the Mustang release of this record.
1965
The Mindbenders
Fontana 1503
Not charted
Credited to Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders. Note that this is the first issue of the single with its original B side, a terrific uptempo number that could have been a hit in its own right. And guess what? This B side is a non-album cut!
1965
The Ivy League
Cameo 377
Not charted
I have yet to hear an Ivy League track that I didn't love. Their B sides are invariably as good as the A sides... In this case, the A side, 'Tossing & Turning,' was the only Ivy League single that cracked the U.S. Hot 100, yet I would be hard-pressed to pick which side I like best! Indispensable!
1965
The Beach Boys
Capitol 5395
Not charted
"Help Me Rhonda" isn't great just because of the famous A side... This B side is a real sleeper, and its charms led Dave Marsh to include it at #289 in his 1001 list, right after the A side at #288!
1965
Sam Cooke
RCA 8486
#9r, #31p in Jan.
This classic single shows both sides of Sam Cooke's genius: A joyous party dancer on the A side ("Shake"), and this soaring, gospel-inspired soul number on the flip. It's this B side that rates at #32 in Dave Marsh's list of the 1001 greatest singles ever made. Not that the A side is a loser... it shows up at #355. A doubly great single!
1965
Bob Dylan
Columbia 43242
Not charted
Bob Dylan's first chart single contains an amazing joyride rocker on the A side ("Subterranean Homesick Blues"), and one of his best acoustic love songs on the flip.
1965
Beau Brummels
Autumn 8
Not charted
This B side of the group's big hit "Laugh Laugh" is incredibly strong... hard to say which side I like better.
1965
The Barbarians
Laurie 3308
Not charted
This Boston garage group's biggest hit, "Are You A Boy Or Are You A Girl," comes with a killer B side as well.
1965
The Three Degrees
Swan 4224
Not charted
The A side is a beautiful version of the Chuck Willis tune "Close Your Eyes," but the real find here is the Northern Soul-style track on the B side.
1965
The Yardbirds
Epic 9857
Not charted
This B side of the group's hit "I'm A Man" is a proto-Psychedelic-rock classic.
1965
Barbara Mason
Arctic 108
Not charted
Be sure to check out the dynamite Northern Soul dance number on the flip of "Sad, Sad Girl"... a terrific self-penned tune that deserves to be out in the spotlight! Apparently, someone at the record company thought so too, since it was also on Mason's very first Arctic single (#102).
1965
Carla Thomas
Stax 172
Not charted
This was a very auspicious beginning for Thomas' career at Stax... both tracks show the Stax writers/producers/musicians at the peak of their powers. This midtempo B side of "Stop! Look What You're Doing" is a real sleeper... it may not get in your craw on the first spin, but just wait til the third or fourth one!
1965
The Byrds
Columbia 43424
Not charted
This Folk Rock classic has "Turn! Turn! Turn!" on the A side and another shimmering Byrds nugget on this flip. As it turns out, "She Don't Care.." did not appear on the "Turn!" album or any other contemporary Byrds album; it only appears on later compilations of the group's work.
1965
Lee Dorsey
Amy 939
Not charted
Great A side ("Work, Work, Work"), but this B side should'a been a major hit in its own right... it's a typically fabulous slice of New Orleans soul courtesy of producer/writer Allen Toussaint, with Dorsey's distinctive vocals the icing on the cake.
1965
Willie Tee
Atlantic 2273
Not charted
Willie Tee's greatest hit, "Teasin' You," has a terrific B side as well... it's the side that earns the high Kev Roberts listing.
1965
Marvelows
ABC-Pmt. 10629
Not charted
This B side of the iconic "I Do" is a 2-star recommendation in its own right.
1965
Margie Hendrix
Mercury 72420
Not charted
Hendrix was one of Ray Charles' Raelettes... in fact, I believe it's Hendrix who does vocal counterpoint with Charles in the classic "Night Time (Is The Right Time)". This single's got it all... An emotional soul ballad on the A side ("Baby"), backed by this terrific uptempo track on the flip. Just when you think it can't get any better, the drummer goes to town with Margie wailing away, and then the guitarist gets in some solo licks that'll knock your socks off!
1965
Rolling Stones
London 9792
Not charted
This great number was the B side of "Get Off Of My Cloud." The Soup Dragons had a hit with the song in 1990.
1965
The Platters
Entree 107
Not charted
The Platters reemerged in the mid-1960s with a string of top-notch soul records, including this one, credited to the "Platters '65." Still produced by Buck Ram, the group sounds a bit wimpy on the A side ("Won't You Be My Friend"), but they deliver choice Northern Soul goods on this flip.
1965
The Beatles
Capitol 5498
#47p in Sept.
Curiously, this single's physical characteristics make one think that "Yesterday" was the B side, but of course it was the A side. This Beatles' cover of Buck Owens' "Act Naturally" is the B side.
1965
Them
Parrot 9727
#102p in March
Overshadowed (in the U.S.) by its more famous A side ("Gloria") is this essential rocker that's one of the best versions of the traditional blues classic, "Baby, Please Don't Go." In the U.K., "Baby" was the hit, with "Gloria" clearly the B side. In the States, "Baby" started out as the A side, and as early as January 1965 it was being mentioned as a "regional breakout" in Billboard magazine.
1965
The Orlons
Cameo 384
Not charted
This dynamite single was the group's last for Cameo, and it got no airplay at all, sad to say. This B side of "No Love But Your Love" is a to-die-for Motown-style dancer... It's a perennial club favorite in the U.K., and one listen to the mp3 "snippet" in our jukebox will explain why.
1965
The Beatles
Capitol 5476
#101p in August
Besides the A side of this classic single — "Help!", which occupies spot #259 in Dave Marsh's list of the 1,001 greatest singles of all time — this B side is listed at No. 598 in Marsh's book! By the way, "I'm Down" was a non-album cut that didn't appear on the "Help!" album.
1965
The Malibus
Sure-Shot 5008
Not charted
Both of these delightful dance tracks are well worth seeking out, but I'm among those who find "Strong Love" on the B side the better find (have a listen to the mp3 snippet!). (The A side is "A Chance For You And Me".)
1965
Little Bob
La Louisianne 8067
Not charted
This single's A side, a Dee Clark cover ("Nobody But You"), really impressed me with its crisp instrumentation, but on turning the platter over I found a truly powerful drinking song with the same awesome production as the A side. I'm so impressed I've rush-released an mp3 "snippet" so you can share my excitement: "I Got Loaded" is pure dynamite!
1965
Jackie DeShannon
Imperial 66132
Not charted
Don't miss the terrific self-penned number on the flip of "A Lifetime of Loneliness", which according to sources features Roger McGuinn of the Byrds on lead guitar. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!
1965
The Kinks
Reprise 0366
Not charted
It's interesting to note that in the U.K., the hit side of this single was this B side of the U.S. hit. (The A side is "Who'll Be The Next In Line".) They're both great Kinks rarities (this B side rocks with their garage-rock best), but why didn't programmers play both sides in each country?
1965
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich
Fontana 1537
Not charted
This was the group's first U.S. single... two great British power pop sides, with "You Make It Move" on the A side.
1965
The Zombies
Parrot 9786
Not charted
This obscure Zombies single, whose A side ("Whenever You're Ready") "bubbled under" the Billboard Hot 100 chart, features this original version of the great "I Love You," written by bassist Chris White, on the B side. The song was later picked up and became a hit for the group People in 1968.
1965
The Beatles
Capitol 5555
#5p in Dec.
With both sides of this single ranking in the Dave Marsh Top 1,001 — "Day Tripper" at #382 and "We Can Work It Out" at #699 — this is one of the very best Beatles singles you can own. By the way, neither of these tracks appeared on any contemporary Beatles album (they should have been on "Rubber Soul").
1965
Reparata and The Delrons
World Artists 1057
Not charted
This terrific number was the B side of "He's The Greatest."
1965
Rolling Stones
London 9741
Not charted
This was the B side of "The Last Time."
1965
Chubby Checker
Parkway 949
Not charted
This number, one of Kev Roberts' Top 500 Northern Soul singles, is the B side of "Let's Do The Freddie."
1965
Buck Owens
Capitol 5410
Not charted
Amazing that in an era when B sides of Buck Owens singles got lots of airplay, the winner on the B side of this one didn't! Frankly, it wears the test of time better than the #1 A side ("Before You Go") — to these ears, at least. An essential Owens nugget.
1965
Temptations
Gordy 7047
#15r, #83p in Dec.
Now why the heck don't they play either of these on the radio now and then? This B side in particular, which is the side that Dave Marsh includes at #172 in his list of the 1001 greatest singles of Rock'n'Soul, is an amazing tour-de-force for everyone involved. The A side is "My Baby," and both sides charted.
1965
Sonny Stiles And His Kings Men
Joy 299
Not charted
Most Northern Soul fans think the A side of this single ("Give A Little Bit") is what makes it special (and it is a good one!), but perhaps they never listened to this B side? Because "Here She Comes" is a stomping dancer you won't want to miss! Check out the mp3 "snippet" I just added to our online "jukebox!"
1965
Oliver Sain
Checker 1097
Not charted
Besides the classic soul duo dance number on the A side ("Don't Mess Up A Good Thing"), have you paid any attention to the terrific groove taking place on this flip? And no, it's not Fontella Bass & Bobby McClure on the B side... it's sax player Oliver Sain and his band (who also play on the A side). Try slipping "Jerk Loose" into a Northern Soul set some night and see if the crowd doesn't go wild!
1965
Trade Winds
Red Bird 10020
Not charted
If you've heard this B side of "New York's A Lonely Town," you know why the Trade Winds singles are so collectable. A seldom-heard surf classic!
1965
Sir Douglas Quintet
Tribe 8308
Not charted
Don't neglect This terrific B side of "She's About A Mover"... also essential Sir Douglas Quintet!
1966
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich
Fontana 1559
Not charted
This single ("Bend It") earns two stars from us based on this top-notch B side.
1966
Bob Dylan
Columbia 43683
Not charted
In some ways, this is my favorite Bob Dylan single. The A side ("I Want You") is so relentlessly upbeat it always makes me smile, and the flip is a non-album cut that Dave Marsh includes at #243 in his Top 1,001 list ... and that's after pegging "I Want You" at #94! The flip is a rare glimpse of Dylan on stage, performing with what would become The Band, well before bootleg vinyl of Dylan concerts was even a thing.
1966
The Shangri-Las
Red Bird 068
Not charted
This single's real value is the B side—an early Harry Nilsson song later covered in the 1970's by Bette Midler. It's pure wall-of-sound, girl group perfection. The A side is "Past, Present and Future."
1966
Hedgehoppers Anonymous
Parrot 9817
Not charted
"Don't Push Me" is one of the early Jonathan King singles that is definitely worth owning! Both sides are great British power pop, 1960's style, but frankly this tuneful flip takes the cake for me.
1966
Bob Lind
World Pacific 77808
Not charted
Be sure to check out the B side of this great single ("Elusive Butterfly"... one of my personal favorite sunshine pop tracks, with a hook that just won't quit!
1966
Count Five
Double Shot 104
Not charted
"Psychotic Reaction" is one of the essential singles in the history of psychedelic rock. This flip is terrific too... I wonder how they got so paranoid?
1966
Syndicate of Sound
Bell 640
Not charted
"Little Girl" is a garage-rock masterpiece, and this B side is also top-notch, earning our top recommendation — 2 stars.
1966
The Shadows of Knight
Dunwich 122
Not charted
This B side of "Oh Yeah" is even better than the A side... great, dirty garage rock (it's the B side that earns two stars from us). Take a listen!
1966
Four Tops
Motown 1096
Not charted
Be sure to check out the terrific Holland-Dozier-Holland song/production on the B side of "Loving You Is Sweeter"! Have a listen to our mp3 "snippet".
1966
Jimmy Ruffin
Soul 35022
Not charted
This B side of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" is truly an unforgettable, though forgotten, Motown nugget.
1966
Percy Sledge
Atlantic 2358
Not charted
This single has a typical Percy Sledge deep soul ballad on the A side ("It Tears Me Up"), which is quite wonderful and deserved to be a top 10 hit back in 1966. But hidden on the B side is a track that surely turns the Northern Soul dance clubs on fire when it's played. Just a wonderful beat, gorgeous melody, and great singing! What more could you want?
1966
Bobby Fuller Four
Mustang 3016
Not charted
What a terrific single... not only do you get an amazing cover of a great Buddy Holly classic ("Love's Made A Fool Of You") on the A side, but the self-penned flip is what power pop dreams are made of!
1966
The Beatles
Capitol 5715
#11p in Aug.
This B side of "Yellow Submarine" well deserves its place high up Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest songs.
1966
The Beatles
Capitol 5651
#23p in June
In addition to its classic hit side ("Paperback Writer"), the flip side, "Rain," is more enduring in some ways... it's one of the touchstones where a lot of modern power pop gets its inspiration.
1966
The Mindbenders
Fontana 1541
Not charted
This single, their second Top 10 U.S. hit ("A Groovy Kind of Love"), bundled a terrific rocker on the flip that is among their best (IMHO). Its raw sound and brash lead guitar put it firmly in the school of Garage Rock, and showed how even their B sides were worthy of the label "classic," though they failed to make an impression on the airwaves. Take a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to see if you agree. :-)
1966
Monkees
Colgems 1001
Not charted
"Last Train To Clarksville" was the group's first chart single, and what a great debut it was! No, they weren't a new Beatles, but this was first-rate pop for sure. Be sure to check out this wonderful Goffin-King tune on the B side, with its delightful little psychedelic interludes.
1966
The Byrds
Columbia 43501
#79p in Feb.
Two more essential sides by this amazing group, one of the very best U.S. rock bands of the 1960s. This one's A side is "It Won't Be Wrong."
1966
Z.Z. Hill
Kent 453
Not charted
Be sure to check out this seriously funky soul number on the B side of "You Can't Hide A Heartache."
1966
Blues Magoos
Mercury 72622
Not charted
This B side of "(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet" is well worth checking out... more Garage/Psych goodness!
1966
Spencer Davis Group
Atco 6400
Not charted
"Keep On Running" was the group's debut single and first U.S. chart record. Both sides are well worth seeking out, especially this hard-charging, fuzz-guitar-led B side.
1966
Troggs
Fontana 1557
Not charted
Their second smash single after "Wild Thing," this one rocks hard on both sides. Great slashing guitars and, on this B side, a quirky Bo Diddley beat as well. The A side is "I Can't Control Myself."
1966
Shades of Blue
Impact 1014
Not charted
Here for your listening pleasure are two blissfully joyous, uptempo soul tracks. The A side is "Lonely Summer," but I'm slightly partial to this B side... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!
1966
Supremes
Motown 1094
Not charted
While the classic A side ("Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart") ranks in Dave Marsh's list of the 1001 greatest singles ever made, it should be noted that this obscure B side makes it onto Kev Roberts' list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul singles, ranking at #425. So with this great single, you get a lot of bang for the buck!
1966
The Prophets
Stephanye 335
Not charted
Yet another rare jewel of Philly-style soul, with a ballad ("I Can't Make It") on the A side and this terrific dance number on the flip.
1966
Dee Dee Sharp
Cameo 382
Not charted
After the decent but unremarkable midtempo number on the A side ("It's A Funny Situation"), be prepared to be thoroughly delighted by this swinging uptempo soul number on the flip. Whew! This is the kind of nugget we record collectors live to uncover. By the way, Cameo had tried to hit with this recording a year or so earlier, when it came out on Cameo 347, but apparently radio would have nothing to do with it.
1966
Hollies
Imperial 66214
Not charted
Don't miss this more-than-terrific B side of the Hollies smash "Stop Stop Stop".
1966
The Cyrkle
Columbia 43871
Not charted
Two excellent sides from this neglected group... The A side ("Please Don't Ever Leave Me") is top-notch Sunshine Pop, while this B side is great uptempo Power Pop.
1966
Hondells
Mercury 72563
Not charted
Great cover of the Lovin' Spoonful song ("Younger Girl") on the A side, but an even better uptempo surf/sunshine nugget on the flip.
1966
Buffalo Springfield
Atco 6428
Not charted
"Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing" was this group's first single. Its B side is simply astonishing... not just for its raw energy and masterful execution, but also because it wasn't the A side. :-) This early Stephen Stills tune is a delightfully melodic country-rock number that ranks with the group's best recordings.
1966
Baby Ray
Imperial 66216
Not charted
To understand why this terrific single is so sought-after (and hard to find!), check out the mp3 "snippet" for the B side (which by the way isn't available through iTunes or other online services for some reason): "House on Soul Hill" is one for the ages! (The A side is "There's Something On Your Mind.")
1966
Bobby Hebb
Philips 40365
Not charted
Don't look now, soul fans, but you may have missed out on a hidden treasure... Yes, "Sunny" is a fine pop-soul hit. But Bobby Hebb slipped a fast one on you by way of a little track called "Bread" on the B side. Absolutely incredible. Turns out he isn't a light-soul singer at all... the man's a funky mutha!
1966
Neil Diamond
Bang 536
Not charted
As a followup to his smash "Cherry Cherry" (his first top ten 10), the slower pace of the A side ("I Got The Feelin'") failed to catch fire. If only they had plugged this B side instead! "The Boat I Row" is a terrific, tuneful uptempo number that would have been a hit for sure.
1966
The Association
Valiant 741
Not charted
This 45 is collected not only for the mysterious Mary on the A side ("Along Comes Mary"), but also for this rocking, Beatlesque B side, which is one of the best recordings the group made.
1966
Lowell Fulsom
Kent 448
Not charted
Wow! You wanna change the mood a bit but still keep 'em dancing next time around, stick the B side of this little fellow ("Change Your Ways") on the turntable. One of Fulsom's finest, singing about his bad, frisky ol' self.
1966
The Lettermen
Capitol 5583
Not charted
I'm not actually a huge Lettermen fan, but I was curious about this one ("You'll Be Needin' Me") since it's an early songwriting credit for Bread-Man David Gates. Turns out this is a really great single! Besides the A side, this flip is quite good as well. Oddly, neither side of this single hit the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.
1966
The Monkees
Colgems 1002
#20p in Sept.
In addition to this Tommy Boyce-Bobby Hart song on the B side, the Monkees for the first time tap Neil Diamond for the chart-topping A side ("I'm A Believer"), which became the biggest hit of the group's career, hogging the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart for seven weeks!
1966
Bob Dylan
Columbia 44069
Not charted
Here's a beautiful copy of an obscure Dylan single ("Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat") featuring two tracks from his album masterpiece "Blonde on Blonde." These tracks feature backing by members of the group that would eventually call themselves The Band.
1966
The Byrds
Columbia 43332
Not charted
It's this B side of "All I Really Want To Do" that ranks in Dave Marsh's top 1001 45's list.
1966
Joe Tex
Dial 4026
Not charted
I first heard the excellent B side as done by Rockpile (Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe), but there's nothing to beat the original. How does stuff like this get buried on the B side of 45's? Who knows, but that's one reason why 45 collecting is so rewarding! Of course, the A side ("The Love You Save") is wonderful too.
1966
Beach Boys
Capitol 5706
#39p in Aug.
"Wouldn't It Be Nice" is one of my personal favorite Beach Boys singles. The A side so perfectly captures the angst of advanced teenage romance, it's amazing. Not to mention the beautiful music and vocal harmonies, of course. And then there's this B side.... Man, what a great two-fer! By the way, it's this B side that sits at #25 on Rolling Stone's list of the Top 500 Songs.
1966
Bobby Harris
Shout 203
Not charted
The A side ("Sticky Sticky") is a fine, uptempo Funky Soul number, while this B side is a classic Deep Soul record that is truly sublime! Both sides rate 2 stars, our highest recommendation, so this is one little single you won't want to miss out on.
1966
Darrell Banks
Revilot 201
Not charted
Be sure to check out this terrific uptempo B side of "Open The Door To Your Heart"... and note the authors: This is an early George Clinton tune.
1966
Dean Parrish
Boom 60016
Not charted
Talk about great dance music! With this little 45, you get two dynamite dancers. Both are well worth seeking out, but I particularly liked this B side, so check out the mp3 "snippet" I just added to our online "jukebox." (The A side is "Turn On Your Love Light".)
1966
International G.T.O.'s
Rojac 1007
Not charted
This rare 45 features two sought-after, and quite different, Soul recordings: "It's Been Raining" is a lovely, Philly-Soul-style ballad, while this B side is seriously meant to be danced to! FYI, Kev Roberts includes it in his "extended" list of the 500 greatest.
1966
The Artistics
Brunswick 55301
Not charted
A lot of fans prefer this more uptempo B side of the Northern Soul classic "I'm Gonna Miss You"... which definitely doubles the fun of this "single"! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean.
1966
The Rascals
Atlantic 2321
Not charted
The Rascals' cover of "Mustang Sally" is on the B side of their classic hit "Good Lovin'".
1966
The Steinways
Oliver 2002
Not charted
Two very rare and highly collectable sides... both top-notch Northern Soul dancers. On the strength of this B side, Kev Roberts includes this single at #493 in his list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul 45s. (The A side is "My Heart's Not In It Anymore".)
1966
Lorraine (Iris) Washington
J-V 1032
Not charted
This obscure, rarely seen single ("Crazy") has two terrific Northern Soul numbers definitely worth seeking out. Not sure which I like best, but I'm putting the B side, "Sweetie Pie," in our mp3 "jukebox"... so have a listen!
1966
Wilson Pickett
Verve 10378
Not charted
These tracks were first released on small labels in 1962, and apparently Verve bought the rights and released them again at the height of Pickett's Atlantic career. No matter that they didn't chart, they're both well worth seeking out — especially this B side... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" in our online "jukebox!" (The A side is "My Heart Belongs To You.")
1966
The In Crowd
Viva 604
Not charted
Here's a beautiful copy of this rare 1966 single, whose A side ("Questions and Answers") is clearly Sunshine Pop but whose B side crosses genres with a stompin' Northern Soul beat with Sunshine Pop harmonies. I was so taken by it I quickly made an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear. Enjoy!
1966
Simon & Garfunkel
Columbia 44046
Not charted
This very short B side of "A Hazy Shade of Winter" is one of Simon & Garfunkel fans' favorite tracks.
1966
Paul Revere & the Raiders
Columbia 43678
Not charted
This is one of this group's finest singles. It's not only got the familiar Garage-style hit on the A side ("Hungry"), but you'll find this neat, catchy, Beatlesque rocker on the flip. Great package! I hope you enjoy the mp3 "snippet" as much as I do. And fans of short songs take note: "There She Goes" has a clock time of only 1:45!
1966
The Critters
Kapp 769
Not charted
This terrific single has the haunting, tuneful ballad hit on one side ("Mr. Dieingly Sad") and this snarly, garage-rock track on the flip.
1966
The Rascals
Atlantic 2338
Not charted
Somehow, I can never get it through my head that "Love Is A Beautiful Thing" was not plugged as the A side of this great single. Not to knock "You Better Run," but "Beautiful Thing" is just that... a masterpiece of late 1960's blue-eyed soul infused with flower-power, beautiful-day, got-to-be-free spirit. Credited to the Young Rascals.
1966
Edwin Starr
Ric-Tic 109
Not charted
Simply one of the greatest, most danceable Soul records ever made. This B side of "Stop Her On Sight" is included in Kev Roberts' list of the 500 Top Northern Soul singles.
1966
James Carr
Goldwax 302
Not charted
This was Carr's first chart single ("You've Got My Mind Messed Up"). It's this B side that became a monster hit in the U.K. Northern Soul scene, prompting Kev Roberts to list it at #267 in his list of the 500 biggest Northern Soul singles.
1966
Len Barry
Decca 31889
Not charted
The A side ("Like A Baby") is a "1-2-3" sound-alike that's well worth owning... and this flip is another one of those little B-side nuggets that's truly something special! Between those Latin congas, the great horn bits, and Barry's over-the-top singing, you can't help but smile and tap your feet.
1966
Trade Winds
Kama Sutra 212
Not charted
Here's a record ("Mind Excursion") where you might miss out on the best bit if you don't turn it over... This flip is a Sunshine Pop gem!
1967
American Breed
Acta 804
Not charted
This single has a great A side ("Step Out Of Your Mind"), but an even better flip: Check out the mp3 "snippet" to see why it earns a 2-star rating from us (our highest recommendation). Yeah, you gotta like Bubblegum rock to truly appreciate it. :-)
1967
The Sandpebbles
Calla 134
Not charted
I am a big fan of Teddy Vann and artists he produced like the Sandpebbles. Both sides of this 45 are keepers, but "Psychedelic..." is a work of art! I guarantee it'll grow on you. :-) FYI, the A side is "Forget It," which did hit the Billboard charts.
1967
Spanky and Our Gang
Mercury 72714
Not charted
More tuneful offerings from this Mamas & Papas wanna-be group. The flip of "Making Every Minute Count" is actually one of the best Mamas & Papas songs that they never recorded, and better than many that they did!
1967
The Buffalo Springfield
Atco 6519
Not charted
Besides the classic A side ("Rock 'N' Roll Woman"), which deserved better airplay than it got, this flip is an essential early touchstone in the history of Country Rock.
1967
Blues Magoos
Mercury 72660
Not charted
This essential psych/rock single has two great rockers, hard to say which I like best! The A side is "Pipe Dream."
1967
Electric Prunes
Reprise 0564
Not charted
The B side of this monster psych-rocker ("Get Me To The World On Time") may not have charted, but I actually think it tops the Top 40 A side. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!
1967
Fifth Order
Laurie 3404
Not charted
A great two-sider, both on the bright, tuneful side of Garage Rock... and both earning 2-star recommendations from us (our highest!) The A side is "Today (I Got A Letter)".
1967
Jefferson Airplane
RCA 9389
Not charted
This B side of the minor hit "Watch Her Ride" is one of Jefferson Airplane's greatest tracks.
1967
Marmalade
Epic 10236
Not charted
Great pair of tunes... this B side is the better song by far, though.... a great rare garage nugget. The A side of this obscure release is "Otherwise It's Been A Perfect Day."
1967
Soul Survivors
Crimson 1010
Not charted
To hear what the group sounded like before Gamble & Huff got hold of them, take a listen to the B side of this classic early Philly Soul single ("Expressway To Your Heart")... it's a pure slice of U.S. garage rock, a hard-rocking cover of an obscure Donovan tune, which, by the way, we assign 2 stars, our highest recommendation.
1967
Lulu
Epic 10187
Not charted
This Neil Diamond song was never an A side, but it's such a great tune it shows up on this list twice as a B side. In this case, it's the B side of "To Sir With Love."
1967
Four Tops
Motown 1104
Not charted
Besides the classic A side ("Bernadette"), which as you'll notice makes #37 on Dave Marsh's list of the top 1001 singles ever made, be sure to listen to the flip, which a collector/dealer I respect greatly once opined was the greatest Four Tops side ever released! You may not agree with that assessment, but I think you'll have to admit it's a must-have Tops track!
1967
The Parliaments
Revilot 211
Not charted
Good as the A side ("All Your Goodies Are Gone") is, it's the B side that Kev Roberts singles out at #269 on his top 500 northern soul singles list.
1967
Clifford Curry
Elf 90002
Not charted
Both sides of this terrific single are must-have northern soul classics! The A side is "She Shot A Hole In My Soul."
1967
The Chambers Bros.
Columbia 44296
Not charted
This wonderful B side is an almost folk-like love song, a stark contrast to the seriously great funk on the A side ("Uptown"). These guys really had range!
1967
The Soul Brothers Six
Atlantic 2406
Not charted
The B side of this classic, and very hard-to-find, soul single ("Some Kind of Wonderful") has become a huge hit in the northern soul scene... It's this side that Kev Roberts pegs at #238 in his list of the top 500.
1967
Fireballs
Atco 6491
Not charted
The B side of this single (a non-album cut) is well worth the price of admission all by itself... but of course, who could live without hearing the goofy A side ("Bottle Of Wine") once in awhile?
1967
Tommy James and the Shondells
Roulette 4720
Not charted
I believe that if you gave a man from Mars this record and said, which is the A side? After listening to both, he might very well pick "Gone, Gone, Gone"... it's that good, too! He would have no cultural reference to suggest that "I Think We're Alone Now" was the hit.
1967
The Turtles
White Whale 244
Not charted
Besides having one of this group's best-loved hits on the A side ("Happy Together"), I also treasure this single for the lovely, tender, and unexpected folk number on the flip, which by the way is an early songwriting credit for a young Warren Zevon.
1967
Jefferson Airplane
RCA 9248
Not charted
Both sides of this classic single are absolutely essential Psychedelic Rock tracks from the band's ground-breaking album "Surrealistic Pillow." (The A side is "White Rabbit.")
1967
The Beatles
Capitol 2056
#56p in Dec.
This classic single features a bright and tuneful McCartney song on the A side ("Hello Goodbye") and one of John Lennon's immortal psychedelic rock concoctions on this B side.
1967
The Doors
Elektra 45615
Not charted
This B side of the group's first big hit ("Light My Fire") is an essential Doors tune.
1967
The Left Banke
Smash 2074
Not charted
Think the Left Banke can't rock out? Take a listen to this B side of "Pretty Ballerina", and you'll see why they're considered a Garage/Psych band.
1967
The Fantastic Four
Ric-Tic 122
Not charted
"The Whole World Is A Stage" was the Fantastic Four's first big hit, and one of their very best. This B side is also a winner: Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of it!
1967
Brenton Wood
Double Shot 121
Not charted
Don't miss the superb mid-tempo Northern Soul number on the flip of "Baby You Got It"... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!
1967
Bunny Sigler
Parkway 6000
Not charted
If Sigler's turbocharged medleys from 1967 aren't to your taste, you may have missed out on the terrific flip side to this single ("Lovey Dovey - You're So Fine"). If so, be sure to check it out!
1967
Derek Martin
Volt 160
Not charted
Rare northern soul classic... terrific two-sider. This B side of "Soul Power" has a particularly sweet beat.
1967
The Manhattans
Carnival 526
Not charted
Here's another case of the great lost soul record... Most radio programmers probably listened to what was supposed to be the A side of this 45 ("All I Need Is Our Love") and never bothered to turn it over. My, what a loss. This B side is a truly great soul record that deserves to be played over and over again. Ecstasy is finding music like this!
1967
Music Explosion
Laurie 3380
Not charted
Besides the famous A side ("A Little Bit O'Soul"), don't miss the great B side on this one, which shows the group's garage-rock roots very clearly. Check out the mp3 "snippet" in our online "jukebox!"
1967
Ronnie Dove
Diamond 233
Not charted
Forget about the sappy A side ("Dancin' Out Of My Heart"), and flip this baby over to hear the terrific, uptempo, and very characteristic Neil Diamond tune. Diamond also produced and sang backup vocals on the track.
1967
New Colony Six
Mercury 72817
Not charted
This wasn't one of the group's bigger hits, but man is it packed with a punch! Both of these tracks are so good I've given them a 2-star recommendation on Classic 45s, our highest. The A side is "Can't You See Me Cry."
1967
Ronnie Dove
Diamond 221
Not charted
Both sides of this single were written by Neil Diamond, who also produced the A side ("My Babe"). Great stuff! This B side is also sought-after by Northern Soul fans.
1967
Sunshine Company
Imperial 66247
Not charted
These are two absolutely irresistable nuggets of sunshine pop... if you're a fan of this style and you haven't heard them, you'll be delighted for sure! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of the B side. (The A side is "Happy".)
1967
The Yellow Balloon
Canterbury 516
Not charted
In an oddity that I have yet to explain, the B side of this wonderful Sunshine Pop single ("Can't Get Enough Of Your Love") is the same song that was recorded by The Visions as 'Threshhold of Love.' Go figure. I believe the Yellow Balloon version is the original. Have a listen to the mp3 snippet... If you're a fan of Sunshine Pop, you gotta get a copy of this one!
1967
Clifford Curry
Elf 90033
Not charted
Two more great northern soul tracks... one fast, one slow. The A side ("Break My Mind") is prized by collectors of Northern Soul, while this B side will enthrall fans of Deep Soul.
1967
Etta James
Cadet 5578
Not charted
As wonderful as the A side ("Tell Mama") of this single is, it's this B side that Dave Marsh honors by including it in his list of the 1,001 greatest 45s.
1967
The Rose Garden
Atco 6510
Not charted
For fans of "Summer Of Love" music, the B side of this 45 ("Next Plane To London") is a must-have collectable. Its music and lyrics express the simultaneous optimism and disillusionment folks felt in those days, and the overwhelming belief that a "return to nature" would solve all problems. Musically, the tune is a variation on the Mamas and Papas sound.
1967
Linda Jones
Loma 2077
Not charted
After listening to the soul ballad on the A side that was one of Jones' biggest hits ("What've I Done"), be sure to check out this funky soul shouter on the flip!
1967
Little Eva
Verve 10529
Not charted
Here's Little Eva all grown up and singing absolutely killer uptempo soul... both sides are examples of the Northern Soul sound at its very best. The A side is "Take A Step In My Direction."
1967
Little Frankie
Smash 2067
Not charted
Little Frankie is actually Roy C on one of his rare early solo recordings, coming a couple of years after his classic "Shotgun Wedding" on Black Hawk. I love both of these sides, and if you like this snippet B side, you'll love the A side ("I Want To Marry You") as well.
1967
Monkees
Colgems 1004
#39p in March
The group's terrific 3rd single ("A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You") features this early Michael Nesmith gem on the B side.
1967
Harpers Bizarre
WB 5890
Not charted
If the A side ("The 59th Street Bridge Song") is a little too wimpy for your taste, be sure to check out this really-quite-muscular power pop on the flip! Great stuff... totally unexpected.
1967
Buffalo Springfield
Atco 6499
Not charted
In the pantheon of great Psychedelic Rock and Folk Rock, this has got to be one of the best two-fers around! Stephen Stills' "Bluebird" was the chart side of this 45, but Neil Young's "Mr. Soul" is just as — if not more — essential. The single is also a study in how compact rock songs still were in 1967: "Mr. Soul" clocks in at only 2 minutes, 35 seconds. Even more surprising, "Bluebird" is actually just under 2 minutes, at 1:59 (edited from a longer album track)!
1967
The Dells
Cadet 5574
Not charted
This was the first release of the classic "There Is", which just happened to be hidden on the B side of the beautiful ballad "O-O, I Love You". It wasn't long before Chess figured out that the B side deserved its own place in the sun, and so it provided one on the next Dells single, Cadet 5590.
1967
The Lovin' Spoonful
Kama Sutra 239
Not charted
This rarely heard Spoonful single ("She Is Still A Mystery") has two terrific sides... this flip is a full-fledged romper harking back to "Do You Believe in Magic" but without John Sebastian singing lead. It sounds more like a British power pop number than anything a U.S. band would make, actually.
1967
Tremeloes
Epic 10184
Not charted
Everybody knows the delightful A side ("Silence Is Golden"), but be sure to turn the record over to listen to this surprisingly punchy, catchy B side!
1967
Merry-Go-Round
A&M 834
Not charted
Besides the wonderful garage-rock nugget on the A side ("Live"), this single features another excellent rocker on the flip! A great two-fer.
1967
Ellie Greenwich
U.A. 50151
Not charted
"I Want You To Be My Baby" was this great songwriter's only chart record under her own name (she and husband Jeff Barry were the Raindrops). The only trouble was that the record company chose the wrong song to plug... this B side, "Goodnight, Goodnight," is a masterpiece of 1960s Girl Group Rock so catchy you'll never want to let it go!
1967
The Who
Decca 32206
Not charted
One of the Who's very best singles, "I Can See For Miles" was the biggest hit of the group's long career and, strange as it may seem, their only one to reach the U.S. Top 10! This B side is also well worth adding to your collection. Both tracks are on the great Who LP, "The Who Sell Out."
1967
C.L. Blast
Stax 229
Not charted
If you're a Deep Soul fan, you'll definitely want to have a listen to the worthy A side ("I'm Glad To Do It"). However, it's this B side that gets Northern Soul fans' juices going — have a listen to the mp3 snippet in our "jukebox!"
1967
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap
Columbia 44297
Not charted
"Woman, Woman" was the group's first hit, and as impressive as the A side is, a lot of collector interest is directed to this equally impressive, but rarely heard, B side. "Don't Make Promises" was written by Tim Hardin, who released his own, folky version on the B side of a 1968 single. This recording is the first version released on 45 rpm, and somehow the producers transform Hardin's simple folk number into a catchy, crescendoing Northern Soul toe-tapper with a hypnotic bass line.
1967
Len Jewell
Fontana 1599
Not charted
Jewell was a legendary soul producer and artist in the 1960s. He produced this single on his own Teri De label in 1967. Despite being picked up by Fontana for National distribution, the single went nowhere except on the radar screens of Northern Soul fans. In his list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul singles, Kev Roberts puts the B side, "Bettin' On Love," at #427. "Paint Me," the originally intended A side, is another terrific gem.
1967
Herman's Hermits
MGM 13681
#35p in Feb.
Both sides of this great single are keepers, among the most enduring songs in the group's catalog. The A side is "There's A Kind Of Hush."
1967
Sterling Magee
Tangerine 975
Not charted
This rare single offers two terrific slices of Southern Soul. The A side ("Tigthen Up") has no relation to the Archie Bell single of the same name, but it's a terrific dance number too. This B side starts off with an unstoppable groove that I guarantee will make you want to shake your feet! If you don't believe me, have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" in our online "jukebox"!
1967
Rolling Stones
London 904
#55p in Jan.
Although "Let's Spend The Night..." was the originally intended A side, it was quickly eclipsed by "Ruby Tuesday," which went on to top the U.S. singles chart, whereas the original A side stalled at #55.
1967
The Cruisers
Gamble 207
Not charted
This great number is the B side of "I Need You So."
1967
Brenda Duff
Casino 500
Not charted
Duff had only a handful of single releases and only one on this small New Orleans label. The A side ("My Sweet One") is a very nice Northern Soul ballad, while this flip cranks up the dance groove... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" in our online "jukebox!"
1967
Dee Dee Sharp
Atco 6502
Not charted
This single is sought after mainly for this amazing B side dancer, which I liked so much right away I put a snippet of it in the "jukebox!" Although the A side ("What Am I Gonna Do", marked as "Plug" on this promo) is quite good, the B side is so obviously wonderful I'm surprised no one thought to "Plug" it instead. Both of these are early writing credits for Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff.
1967
Joe Simon
Sound Stage 7 2589
Not charted
I'm a huge Joe Simon fan, but somehow I've had a hard time finding "Nine Pound Steel," so I had never heard the amazing flip, on which Simon sloughs off his Deep Soul persona and heads up an unstoppable Northern Soul dynamo. Yes, "The Girl's Alright..." will definitely win you fans if you spin it for a Northern Soul crowd!
1967
Linda Jones
Loma 2070
Not charted
Although the A side ("Hypnotized") was Jones' biggest hit, it's this B side that Northern Soul fans are looking for: This is a dynamite, uptempo dancer you won't want to miss!
1967
Seven Souls
Okeh 7289
Not charted
You really can't go wrong with either side of this rare single ("I'm No Stranger"), which, on the strength of "I Still Love You" (the intended B side) is listed at #60 in Kev Roberts' list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul 45s!
1967
The Artistics
Brunswick 55326
Not charted
You can't do wrong with either side of this terrific single ("I'll Always Love You"), which somehow escaped notice at Pop and Black/RnB radio when released in 1967, but I took a quick fondness to this B side ("Love Song")... have a listen!
1967
The Maze
Calla 135
Not charted
This single's A side ("Chained To Your Heart") is a terrific Northern Soul dancer cranked to the nines! This flip is perhaps not so great a dancer, but it's a terrific recording... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" in our online "jukebox!"
1967
The Triumphs
Okeh 7291
Not charted
This rare single is sought after for this B side, which Kev Roberts includes at #361 in his list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul 45s. (The A side is "The World Owes Me A Livin'".)
1967
The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band
Keymen 108
Not charted
The A side ("Spreadin' Honey") is worth seeking out, but the real treasure IMHO is "Charley," which had earlier been an A side for the Soul Runners. Check out the mp3 snippet, and I think you'll hear what I hear: The same bass riff that David Essex & company put down for 1973's techno/pop smash "Rock On".
1967
Ben E. King
Atco 6493
Not charted
One of King's last singles for Atco Records, this one might have had more success if the company had plugged this terrific uptempo B side, a marvelous slice of Northern Soul well worth seeking out, rather than the designated A side, "Katherine," which simply doesn't impress on first listen and can't match the distinctive number on the flip.
1967
Bobby Kline
MB 1001
Not charted
Here's an extremely rare Northern Soul single ("Say Something Nice To Me") that can command eye-popping values when it's offered. Both sides are dynamite dancers, but frankly I put my money on this B side with its powerful rhythm section.
1967
Jackie Wilson
Brunswick 55354
Not charted
This single has two terrific uptempo sides, but it's this B side that really grabbed my attention on first listening. Have a listen to the mp3 snippet to hear why! (The A side is "Since You Showed Me...")
1967
The Casinos
Fraternity 977
Not charted
"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" is a classic love song in a late-doo-wop vocal style. Many don't know it's backed with an honest-to-goodness, I wanna-hear-it-again Northern Soul dance number! Nice find.
1967
The Beatles
Capitol 5810
#8p in Feb.
This essential Beatles tune was on the B side of "Penny Lane."
1967
Aretha Franklin
Atlantic 2386
Not charted
These two recordings were among those made originally at the Fame studios in Muscle Shoals under Rick Hall's direction. One of the greatest singles ever made! In addition to the A side ("I Never Loved A Man") ranking on both the Dave Marsh and Rolling Stone "best of" lists, this B side also shows up at #508 on the Marsh list and #473 on Rolling Stone's.
1967
The Byrds
Columbia 44362
Not charted
This great number was the B side of the group's classic single "Goin' Back."
1967
Jimi Hendrix
Reprise 0597
Not charted
This classic B side of "Purple Haze" is included on Rolling Stone magazine's Top 500 Songs list.
1967
The Hombres
Verve 5058
Not charted
This great Huey Meaux-produced single (he also produced Sir Douglas Quintet, among other Southwest bands) has a not-to-be missed rocker on the flip. (The A side is "Let It Out.")
1967
The Who
Decca 32114
Not charted
An amazing rock'n'roll tour-de-force, in which drummer Keith Moon shows the group who's in charge! Don't miss this terrific Entwistle rocker on the flip, which verges toward Psychedelic Rock. In fact, I give both sides 2 stars, our highest recommendation. (The A side is "Happy Jack.")
1967
Jr. Walker & The All Stars
Soul 35036
Not charted
It's this B side of "Shoot Your Shot" that Northern Soul fans crave, with Kev Roberts pegging it at #67 on his Top Northern Soul 45s list.
1967
O'Jays
Bell 691
Not charted
It's the B side of the group's hit "I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow" that's included in Kev Roberts' list of the 500 greatest northern soul singles.
1967
The Intruders
Gamble 209
#35r, #82p in Dec.
Both sides of this terrific early Intruders single charted, but it's this B side of "Baby I'm Lonely" that's made the biggest lasting impression, especially for fans of uptempo Northern Soul.
1967
Jackie Wilson
Brunswick 55309
Not charted
It's this B side of "Just Be Sincere" that Kev Roberts includes in his Top Northern Soul singles list.
1967
The Baltimore and Ohio Marching Band
Jubilee 5592
Not charted
As it turns out, the B side of this modest Pop instrumental hit ("Lapland") has that Northern Soul beat that makes it a great dance track. Well worth checking out! It's also the side included on Kev Roberts' list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul singles.
1967
Jefferson Airplane
RCA 9140
Not charted
Everybody knows and loves the A side of this great single ("Somebody To Love"), but this B side is, sadly, less well known. It's an amazing amalgam of Bo Diddley, Beatles, and psychedelia all stirred up into an exciting thrill ride that's uniquely Jefferson Airplane. Now, exactly what her funny cars are and what's so funny about them is a secret the band keeps to themselves. But hey, the words sound great anyway!
1967
The Invincibles
WB 7061
Not charted
Wow! Talk about great Northern Soul dance music! You can't go wrong with either side of this rare single ("Git It"), though the excellent Motown-style arrangement on the B side gets the nod from most Northern Soul enthusiasts, myself included. (Have a listen to the mp3 snippet I just added to our "jukebox"!)
1967
Dramatics
Sport 101
#43r in June
This early Dramatics single is wildly popular, especially for its mid-tempo A side ("If You Haven't Got Love"), though I tend to agree with radio programmers from the day, who chose instead to plug this terrific uptempo dancer on the B side, which is the side that became their first chart tune. Have a listen to our jukebox mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean!
1967
Freddie Scott
Shout 216
Not charted
The A side is a decent cover of the Curtis Mayfield-penned classic ("He Will Break Your Heart"), but again it's the B side that draws collector interest today: "I'll Be Gone" is a too-short but dynamite Northern Soul dancer with a propulsive beat you won't want to miss!
1967
Oscar Toney, Jr.
Bell 672
Not charted
Wow! The A side is a decent cover of the Jerry Butler & Impressions classic "For Your Precious Love", but wait'll you get a load of the powerhouse on this B side! Talk about a dance master... you'll have 'em up on the floor in no time flat.
1967
Booker T and the MG's
Stax 224
Not charted
The A side is definitely a groovy cover of the Rascals hit "Groovin'", but the real meat of this single is hidden on the back side. In the form of an extended jam session, these guys show just how great their rhythm talents really were. I mean, you just can't listen to this without shaking a leg!
1967
Beach Boys
Capitol 2068
Not charted
This great Beach Boys single ("Darlin'") features a B side that could have been an A side on its own, taken from the "Pet Sounds" LP. It's chock full of Brian Wilson production surprises, like his best work.
1967
The Doors
Elektra 45624
Not charted
Besides the unforgettable A side hit ("Love Me Two Times"), this great Doors single boasts a highly worthy B side as well!
1968
Wayne Carson
Monument 1192
Not charted
This is the guy who wrote "The Letter", among other 1960s hits. This is one of his rare solo singles, and the B side of "No Love At All" is a dynamite Country Rock number you won't want to miss!
1968
Laura Lee
Chess 2041
Not charted
All of the Chess Laura Lee singles, recorded at Rick Hall's Fame Studios, are Southern Soul dreams come true. This Deep Soul B side of "As Long As I Got You" is just as compelling as the A side.
1968
Cream
Atco 6544
Not charted
Don't neglect the B side of the iconic "Sunshine Of Your Love": It's a Psych Rock classic in its own right.
1968
Fuzzy Bunnies
Decca 32364
Not charted
The A side ("The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine...") was this NY group's only chart appearance, a fuzz-guitar-infused cover of The Walker Bros.' big hit from 1965. Even more interesting, however, is this tuneful psych-rock-bubblegum B side.
1968
The Troggs
Fontana 1607
Not charted
The A side may be the group's sensitive face, but the B side is another terrific garage/psych rocker. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" and see why I'd give this 45 2 stars even if "Love Is All Around" weren't on the A side. :-) Talk about growly Garage Rock at its best!
1968
Deep Purple
Tetragrammaton 1503
Not charted
On Deep Purple's first U.S. chart single, an epic cover of Joe South's "Hush" (originally recorded by Billy Joe Royal) is backed with a brooding, tuneful power pop track that will quickly become a favorite! Have a listen to the mp3 snippet to hear what we mean.
1968
Steppenwolf
Dunhill/ABC 4138
Not charted
Besides the classic A side ("Born To Be Wild"), this single is doubly wonderful because of the great garage-rock nugget hiding on the B side. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of it!
1968
Al Kent
Ric-Tic 133
Not charted
This 1968 single (the A side is "Finders Keepers") features two great Soul instrumentals. I liked the B side so much I've added an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear... Enjoy!
1968
Paul Peterson
Motown 1129
Not charted
This rare Motown release features a dynamite Sunshine Pop number on the A side ("A Little Bit For Sandy") and this rollickin' Motown-style dancer on the flip... both well worth seeking out!
1968
Jay and the Techniques
Smash 2142
Not charted
I know 'Strawberry Shortcake' (an 'Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" soundalike) was the hit, but frankly the B side is much better! Have a listen to the mp3 snippet to see if you don't agree, and also to hear why we rate this single 2 stars — our highest recommendation.
1968
The Masqueraders
Bell 733
Not charted
Sure, I like the A side of this single ("I Ain't Got To Love Nobody Else"), but I wouldn't rate it 2 stars. However, as the B side snippet in our "jukebox" demonstrates, this single just keeps on going when you flip it over... in fact, this is where the group decides they've "gotta find the groove"... and proceed to do just that! That's where our 2-star recommendation comes from.
1968
Jackie Moore
Shout 232
Not charted
This early Moore single features two super-fine slices of funky Northern Soul, earning 2 stars from us on the strength of the amazing B side, "Here I Am." (The A side is "Dear John".)
1968
Manfred Mann
Mercury 72675
Not charted
If you've never investigated Manfred Mann's deep back catalog, by all means do so. This is a good place to start... both sides are terrific, uptempo, tuneful 1960's power pop, British style. The A side ("Ha! Ha! Said The Clown") is a cover of Yardbirds tune from the year before... a better version, in my opinion. And what a B side!
1968
The New Colony Six
Mercury 72775
Not charted
Although the A side ("I Will Always Think About You") was the hit, the song to remember is the delightfully tuneful, uptempo B side... a real treat!
1968
Jon & Robin and The In Crowd
Abnak 133
Not charted
The B side of "Save Me, Save Me" is what earns the single 2 stars from us: It's a beautiful blend of styles from Garage Rock, Sunshine Pop, and Power Pop. Take a listen to the snippet and see if it doesn't grab you the way it does me.
1968
The Fun and Games
Uni 55086
Not charted
This single presents two sides of pure Bubblegum bliss! As good as the A side ("Elephant Candy") is, I'm giving the single a 2-star rating (our highest) based on the strength of this terrific flip!
1968
Sam & Dave
Stax 242
Not charted
The B side of this "I Thank You" is at #622 in Dave Marsh's list of the 1001 greatest singles ever made... so this single holds BOTH positions 621 and 622. 'Wrap It Up' somehow failed to chart.
1968
The Equals
RCA 9583
Not charted
This great single has two dynamite sides. This B side of "Baby, Come Back" is equally deserving but didn't get airplay at the time.
1968
The Pushcart
Top Dog 109
Not charted
The B side of "I've Got A Ticket" is a fantastic hard-rock-funk fusion instrumental that sounds a lot like the Edgar Winter Group, a few years earlier.
1968
Barbara Greene
Renee 5001
Not charted
Terrific, sexy A side ("Young Boy") a la Mary Wells, and a scorching uptempo B side a la Martha & the Vandellas. Not to be missed!
1968
Robert Knight
Rising Sons 707
Not charted
Both sides are excellent songs, but this B side, at only 1:42, unfortunately ends much sooner than one would hope. :-) FYI, the A side is "Blessed Are The Lonely."
1968
Barbara Mason
Arctic 137
Not charted
As with many Barbara Mason singles, the really good stuff is on the flip. The A side ("Oh, How It Hurts") was one of Mason's biggest Arctic hits, but the single is most beloved for this uptempo B side.
1968
Joe Towns
Top Dog 108
Not charted
Two very rare sides of last 1960's Detroit soul—one fast, one mellow, both yumm. (The A side is "Look Around...")
1968
Gloria Taylor
King Soul 865
Not charted
Soul records just don't get much better than this! On one of her very first singles, Taylor records a glorious cover of the Sandy Posey classic on the A side ("Born A Woman"), and an early version of "Do Your Duty", later covered by Betty Lavette, on the flip. Both terrific, toe-tappin' standouts.
1968
Florence Ballard
ABC 11144
Not charted
Two stunning, uptempo Motown-style tracks courtesy of "Flo", who was one of the original Supremes. The A side is Van McCoy's "Love Ain't Love."
1968
The Linneas
Diamond 241
Not charted
From the A side ballad ("Forever Baby"), this group turns in this magical northern soul dance number on the flip.
1968
James Carr
Goldwax 332
Not charted
This single features classic James Carr: A gorgeous southern-style soul ballad on the A side ("A Man Needs A Woman"), and this absolute knockout dance number on the flip. One of his very best.
1968
Amboy Dukes
Mainstream 693
Not charted
These are both amazing psych-rock nuggets from Ted Nugent's early career. The B side is one of my personal favorites from the period... an extended guitar solo that's as beautiful and tough as it is surprising. (The A side is "You Talk Sunshine, I Breathe Fire.")
1968
Madeline Bell
Philips 40517
Not charted
This is the first chart appearance of the song ("I'm Gonna Make You Love Me") that Motown took to the top with the Supremes/Temptations pair-up at the end of the year. It was also Madeline Bell's only chart single. On the flip is a top-notch Northern Soul dancer, featuring a song that was recorded a year before by U.K. rocker Dave Berry.
1968
The Doors
Elektra 45635
Not charted
This great tune is the B side of "Hello, I Love You."
1968
The Harvey Averne Dozen
Atlantic 2505
Not charted
Terrific Latin-tinged Northern Soul, with a ballad ("My Dream") on the A side and this irresistible dancer on the flip.
1968
The Doors
Elektra 45628
Not charted
This rare Doors single ("The Unknown Soldier") features two fine, rarely heard tracks tracks that will delight the group's fans, as well as fans of Psychedelic Rock in general.
1968
Dion
Laurie 3464
Not charted
It's the B side of this Folk classic ("Abraham, Martin and John") that got Dave Marsh's attention at #452 on his list of the 1,001 greatest singles ever made. Just a warning if you're not familiar with it: "Daddy Rollin'" ain't your Mother's Dion! (We use this side to assign the 45 to a genre, although clearly "Abraham" isn't "Hard Rock/Metal" :-)
1968
The Beatles
Apple 2276
#12p in Sept.
It's this non-album version of "Revolution" that gets Dave Marsh's top respect at #656 on his list of the 1001 greatest singles ever made. Of course, you also get "Hey Jude" on the A side... quite a bargain!
1968
Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers
Gordy 7069
Not charted
This B side of "Does Your Mama Know About Me" is even better than the A side and is closer to the Motown sound (have a listen to the mp3 snippet in our "jukebox"). "Fading Away" was first recorded in 1966 by The Temptations and was pressed as the B side of their classic hit "Get Ready."
1968
The Feathers
Team 518
Not charted
On this great Bubblegum 45, the A side ("Tryin' To Get to You") mines psych-rock for the fuzz guitar and Northern Soul for the frantic pace, while this flip sounds very much like something Tommy James & the Shondells would have recorded. Some Northern Soul collectors claim the A side as one of their own based on the beat alone, but the whole endeavor is bought to you by Kasenetz-Katz Assoc., so the Bubblegum lineage is clear.
1968
The Wildweeds
Cadet 5572
Not charted
This Connecticut rock band had a handful of singles on Cadet in the late 1960s, some with a distinctly Northern Soul feel to them. This one has two dynamite uptempo numbers, with perhaps a nod to this notable B side. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"! (The A side is "Someday Morning.")
1968
Aretha Franklin
Atlantic 2486
Not charted
Dave Marsh honors this single twice in his list of the 1,001 greatest 45s: The A side ("(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone") is at #359 on the list, while this B side is all the way up to #127!
1968
Carla Thomas
Stax 251
Not charted
These are two terrific, rare sides from Carla Thomas. Personally, I like this B side enough to rate the single 2 stars (our highest recommendation). (The A side is "A Dime A Dozen.")
1968
Arthur Conley
Atco 6588
Not charted
Both sides of this single are terrific, rare slices of late 1960's Soul. I particularly like this Deep Soul B side. (The A side is "People Sure Act Funny.")
1968
Aretha Franklin
Atlantic 2546
#3r, #10p in August
As a double thrill, with "The House That Jack Built" you also get Aretha's dynamite cover of the Dionne Warwick hit from the year before on this B side. Aretha's version actually was a bigger hit on the Black chart (#3) than Dionne's was (#6).
1968
Sly & The Family Stone
Epic 10407
Not charted
Besides Dave Marsh's top-20 ranking of the classic A side ("Everyday People"), this B side ranks at #872 in Marsh's list of the 1001 greatest singles ever made.
1968
Rolling Stones
London 909
Not charted
This great number was the B side of "Street Fighting Man."
1968
Nancy Wilson
Capitol 2136
Not charted
Be sure to check out the dynamite Northern Soul number on the flip of "Face It Girl, It's Over". Kev Roberts includes this B side on his list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul singles.
1968
The Who
Decca 32362
Not charted
Besides the classic A side ("Magic Bus") that everyone knows and loves, with this single you get a superfine, quite catchy Entwistle rocker that hardly anyone knows on the B side. Check it out!
1968
American Breed
Acta 824
Not charted
This is the great B side of "Ready, Willing And Able."
1968
Luther Ingram
Ko Ko 103
Not charted
Here's a rare early Ko Ko single, with a really fine A side ("Missing You") and a super-fine B one. This B side is so fine you'll wonder why you never heard it before, and why the heck it wasn't chosen as the A side when originally released. The rhythm section and overall arrangement are to die for!
1968
Atlantic Sounds
Atlantic 2468
Not charted
Two terrific instrumentals, featuring a Latin-tinged cover of the Miriam Makeba tune "Pata Pata" on the "Plug Side," and this even more impressive Northern Soul-style dance number on the flip. Apparently, "Blast Off" features King Curtis and may also include rhythm guitar by Jimi Hendrix, who was known to play with the Kingpins at this time.
1969
Ruby Winters
Diamond 269
Not charted
Here's an especially nice copy of this late Ruby Winters single ("Guess Who"). It's treasured today by collectors mainly for the uptempo B side, which swings with a sweet Motown groove.
1969
The Clique
White Whale 323
Not charted
The A side ("Sugar On Sunday") was the Sunshine Pop hit, but it was the muscular, Power Pop B site that made the lasting impression, particularly after R.E.M. did an honorary cover in the mid-1980's.
1969
Dale Hawkins
Bell 827
Not charted
This flip of Hawkins' obscure 1969 single "Joe" has some amazing guitar picking... definitely an underrated rockabilly rarity.
1969
Jefferson
Janus 106
Not charted
Two irresistable British sunshine pop classics... Take a listen to the B side if you haven't heard it before. The A side is "Baby Take Me In Your Arms."
1969
The Flying Machine
Congress 6000
Not charted
"Smile A Little Smile For Me" is a classic Sunshine pop hit from 1969. But for those who think the hit was too soft, take a listen to the lively early-Beatles-esque flip, "Maybe We've Been Loving Too Long." Very much worth the price of admission!
1969
The Band
Capitol 2635
Not charted
This classic, two-sided smash has two essential Band tracks. (The A side is "Up On Cripple Creek.") From 50 years later, this looks like a greatest hits 45, but of course this iconic B side didn't get much airplay at the time.
1969
The Bubble Puppy
Int'l Artists 128
Not charted
Besides the essential garage/psych A side ("Hot Smoke & Sasafrass"), this flip is another argument for always checking out B sides... an amazing value in one small package!
1969
Blind Faith
Atlantic promo
Not charted
This legendary band came together in 1969 and produced one studio album, then disbanded. Consisted of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Gretch. This B side of "Presence of the Lord" is a clear 2-star recommendation.
1969
Deep Purple
Tetragrammatron 1519
Not charted
One of the rarer Deep Purple singles, this one sports two band-penned tracks that clearly show the group's heavy metal future. Great stuff, with an especially fine B side. (The A side is "Emmaretta".)
1969
The Glass House
Invictus 9071
Not charted
This was one of Holland-Dozier-Holland's very first forays into Hitsville outside of Motown. Be sure to treasure both sides of this gem. (The A side is "Crumbs Off The Table.")
1969
Betty Everett
Uni 55100
Not charted
The flip of Everett's big hit "There'll Come A Time" is an extremely hot slice of female soul... great backing chorus too.
1969
Bee Gees
Atco 6657
Not charted
Love good melodies? You'll love this pair of tunes from the Bee Gees' "sensitive" period. I believe both tracks are from the trio's Odessa album. The A side is "First Of May."
1969
The Who
Decca 32519
Not charted
Two tracks from the rock opera "Tommy." This B side of "I'm Free" is presented here in all of its 7:02 glory!
1969
Jefferson Airplane
RCA 0245
Not charted
Two of the band's greatest hits (well, not chart hits...) on one amazing little 45. This was the B side of "Volunteers."
1969
The Bubble Puppy
Int'l Artists 136
Not charted
This is one amazing record... a gold mine of psychedelic rock riffs and attitudes, with some delightful melodic moments thrown in for good measure. This B side is particularly sharp. (The A side is "Days of Our Time".)
1969
Troy Shondell
TRX 5015
Not charted
After making his case and pleading politely on the A side ("Let's Go All The Way"), Shondell gets down to business with a more forceful argument on this uptempo, pounding B side that falls in the realm of Garage Rock.
1969
Jimmy Hughes
Volt 4008
Not charted
Anybody who thought Jimmy Hughes was washed up after leaving Fame Records just needs to take a listen to this little B-side number... Woah, what a funky good time! (The A side is "Let 'Em Down Baby".)
1969
Lulu
Atco 6722
Not charted
Here's another of Lulu's terrific Soul outings... the A side ("Oh Me Oh My") is a lovely ballad, and this flip is an irresistible southern-style funky soul track. Both sides were recorded at Muscle Shoals studios.
1969
Donovan
Epic 10510
Not charted
This late Donovan single is a sparkling gem, with two must-have tracks credited to Donovan with the Jeff Beck Group. (The A side is "Goo Goo Barabajagal (Love Is Hot)".)
1969
Candace Love
Aquarius 4050
Not charted
Here's a terrific soul rarity that just gets better from start to finish! After getting hooked on the great A side ("Something Gonna Happen"), I flipped it over to discover a secret that a lot of Northern Soul fans already know: "Peace Lovin Man" is pure dynamite! I'll bet it's great on the dance floor... sure got my energy level up just listening to it here with my computer and turntable. :-)
1969
The Guess Who
RCA 0195
#22p in Oct.
Another great two-sided classic from this underrated group. Here, the A side ("Laughing") was the Top 10 hit, but this B side is nearly as famous. "Undun" features both lyrics and music by Randy Bachman, and shows him waxing philosophic in his tale of a "fallen" woman. The arrangement is reminiscent of what Todd Argent had been doing with the Zombies, and in particular echoes their Spring 1969 hit, "Time of the Season."
1969
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fantasy 622
#52p in May
Besides appearing in Dave Marsh's Top 1001 list at #198 for the A side ("Bad Moon Rising"), this B side is also listed, at #828!
1969
Vigrass
RCA 9702
Not charted
This is a top-notch early single from Paul Vigrass, who later teamed up with producer Gary Osborne for some folk-pop records as Vigrass & Osborne. On this rare RCA single, Vigrass treats you to two irresistable sunshine-pop style tunes... gorgeous melodies & harmonies, and delightful arrangements. This promo copy makes clear that the "plug side" is "A New Man," but I think you'll find that "Curly" is just as good.
1969
Joe Cocker
A&M 1147
Not charted
The A side ("... Bathroom Window") features some classic psych-rock guitar playing over a terrific cover of a Paul McCartney contribution from "Abbey Road." This self-penned flip is even better than the hit side: This absolutely essential Joe Cocker tune earns our highest recommendation of 2 stars!
1969
Led Zeppelin
Atlantic 2690
#65p in March
This is the dynamite B side of the band's first hit single, "Whole Lotta Love."
1969
Silent Majority
Hot Wax 7008
Not charted
The B side of this single ("Frightened Girl") is another great forgotten Motown-style dance number... You'll fall in love instantly! It was later released as an A side.
1969
The Flirtations
Deram 85038
Not charted
In case you've never heard this B side of the northern soul classic "Nothing But A Heartache", you're missing out...! It's at least as tasty, if not more so, than the main course. That's why we keep a snippet of the song in the Classic 45s "jukebox."
1969
The Hollies
Epic 10532
Not charted
Be sure to turn this one over and enjoy the terrific, uptempo B side of "He Ain't Heavy..."
1969
Moody Blues
Deram 85044
Not charted
This rarely seen single ("Never Comes The Day") has two great tracks from the band's "On The Threshold Of A Dream" album. This B side is well worth seeking out.
1969
Nazz
SGC 001
#112p in Sept.
Though the A side ("Hello It's Me") is the band's most famous song and was a hit again for Nazz's guitarist and songwriter, Todd Rundgren, in 1973, my personal fave is this terrific, snarly B side. Rundgren had clearly been listening to the Who, but that's OK: It's a great song and a great sound! That Nazz and SGC thought so, too, is evidenced by the fact that "Open My Eyes" was the original A side of the single when it was first released in 1968.
1969
The Spaniels
Buddah 153
Not charted
At first glance, this single ("Goodnight Sweetheart") is a comeback effort by the group whose big claim to fame was "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight" back in 1954, rethinking their big hit as a Philly "sweet soul" number. However, flip the record over and you will hear why this rare 45 commands such high prices among Northern Soul collectors... I liked it so much on first hearing that I've added an mp3 snippet to the "jukebox." Have a listen!
1969
The Winstons
Metromedia 117
Not charted
A different as night and day, this single's A side ("Color Him Father") is a moving, danceable tribute to Dad, while this flip is a dynamite Funky Soul workout.
1969
Dee Dee Warwick
Mercury 72966
Not charted
This single's A side ("I Who Have Nothing") is a splendid cover of the Soul classic, but it's this B side that gets collectors' juices flowing: It's a dyamite Northern Soul-style dancer so good I had to make an mp3 "snippet" of it so you can hear for yourself how great it is! FYI, Warwick is Dionne's younger sister, and Whitney Houston's cousin.
1969
Hannibal
Venture 636
Not charted
This one's "Plug Side" ("I'm Getting Ready") didn't grab me, but turn the 45 over and wham! Another great find in a swinging Northern Soul dancer called "I'm Your Man"... check out the mp3 "snippet" I've just added to our online "jukebox."
1969
The Beatles
Apple 2654
#1p in Oct.
This was the first Beatles 45 on which a George Harrison song ("Something") took the A-side honors, though ultimately "Come Together" scored higher on the charts (#1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Something" reached #3).
1969
Brothers of Soul
Boo 1006
Not charted
Here's a copy of a very rare Northern Soul single, whose B side is in great demand and fetches very high prices. (The A side is "Wait For Me.") This is the variant that mis-spells the B side as "greatful"
1969
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fantasy 634
Charted with A side
One of CCR's great two-sided classics, with "Down on the Corner" on the A side. This iconic B side is included on both the Marsh 1001 list and Rolling Stone magazine's list.
1969
Clarence Carter
Atlantic 2605
Not charted
It's the Deep Soul B side of this 45 that makes Dave Marsh's list all the way up at #61... not that the Funky uptempo A side ("Snatching It Back") is unworthy of your affection!
1969
Sly & The Family Stone
Epic 10450
#24r, #60p in May
This B side of "Stand!" entered the Billboard Hot 100 again in May 1970 after the group's appearance at Woodstock and got as high as #38.
1969
The Beatles
Apple 2490
Not charted
This B side of "Get Back" didn't appear on any contemporary Beatles album.
1969
Elvis Presley
RCA 9768
Charted with A side
This B side of "Don't Cry Daddy" is a marvel. You may wonder how Elvis Presley got categorized as Northern Soul, as on this terrific track. But take a listen to the female backing vocals, that awesome bass line, those horns and hand-claps, plus the wild drumming, and you'll hear what I mean!
1969
The Exciters
RCA 9723
Not charted
This single's terrific A side ("You Don't Know What You're Missing") actually charted briefly in 1969, but it's this even better B side that keeps fans adding the single to their Northern Soul bucket lists: The exclamation point at the end of the title is there for a reason!
1969
Tommy Roe
ABC 11164
Not charted
This B side of "Dizzy" is further proof that Tommy Roe was so prolific and tuneful that he was able to throw away little gems like this on his singles' B sides! Really quite yummy.
1969
Bill Deal and the Rhondels
Heritage 812
Not charted
The A side of this great single is my favorite Bill Deal hit ("I've Been Hurt"), but this B side is also a real gem. With a terrific, complex bass line, catchy vocal arrangement, and shades of "Expressway To Your Heart" it's definitely worth bringing out of the shadow of its more celebrated flip side.
1969
The Dells
Cadet 5641
Not charted
This is the great B side of "I Can Sing A Rainbow-Love Is Blue", both sides 2-star recommendations.
1969
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fantasy 625
#30p in August
This is the B side of "Green River."
1970
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Atlantic 2735
Not charted
This single is one of my greatest personal favorite 45s ... Both because of the timeless A side ("Teach Your Children"), and this iconic folk-rock tune on the flip. Both tracks are from the quartet's album "Deja Vu."
1970
Joe South
Capitol 2704
Not charted
Credited to 'Joe South and The Believers'. Most people know what a great song the A side is ("Walk A Mile In My Shoes"), but be sure to also check out this 2-star B side. "Shelter" is a terrific white soul number, a song South had written for the Tams a few years earlier.
1970
Candi Staton
Fame 1460
Not charted
Both of these tracks are to-die-for Soul courtesy of Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Our top recommendation, this is one of Staton's very best singles, with "I'm Just A Prisoner" on the A side. This terrific B side is a non-album cut.
1970
Freda Payne
Invictus 9075
Not charted
Be sure not to miss the B side of this classic 1970 hit ("Band Of Gold")... it's sure to delight if you're a fan of 1960s Motown, Supremes-style!
1970
The Intruders
Gamble 4007
Not charted
I love the B side of this one so much I've gotta put it into the Classic 45's "jukebox"... I just don't hear it often enough! Probably others of you don't, either. And yeah, the A side ("This Is My Love Song") is pretty good, too.
1970
The Presidents
Sussex 207
Not charted
As if the A side ("5-10-15-20") of this classic Van-McCoy-produced Philly Soul single weren't great enough... I don't think a lot of Soul fans are aware of how delicious the uptempo B side is! So... because it's also one of my personal 5-star records, into the Classic 45s "jukebox" it goes!
1970
Ruby Andrews
Zodiac 1017
Not charted
What can I say? How does a record get released bearing two such amazing performances? And then, to be ignominiously left on the shelf? Andrews had many other fine records, but this one is still one of the best! The A side is "Everybody Saw You."
1970
The Band
Capitol 2870
#77p in Oct.
Another great two-sider from this classic group. This single's a bit less well known than some of their others, but just as potent. They're both 2-star recommendations, and both sides charted. The A side is "Time To Kill."
1970
The Shocking Blue
Colossus 116
Not charted
Two terrific sides, including a very psychedelic, sitar-led instrumental on this flip. We give this single our highest rating — 2 stars — and that applies to both sides! (The A side is "Long and Lonesome Road.")
1970
Led Zeppelin
Atlantic 2777
Not charted
Very cool psychedelic-rock artifact. "Immigrant Song" was the group's second Top 40 hit, one of only six spanning their 10-year career. And with this single you get a dynamite B side that's got to be part of any decent collection of the band's best work. By the way, this B side was not on the Led Zeppelin III album: It's a wonderful, non-album track!
1970
The Guess Who
RCA 0325
Charted with A side
These guys didn't get the respect they deserved, especially during the Bachman-Cummings collaboration days. This is a truly great single, with two classic sides. This B side of "American Woman" also got significant airplay but didn't chart separately.
1970
Elton John
Uni 55246
Not charted
This was John's first U.S. chart single ("Border Song"), though it barely scraped the bottom of Billboard's Hot 100. This very powerful rocker on the B side has great orchestration by Paul Buckmaster; it's a non-LP cut... the first of many to be featured on Elton John 45s.
1970
Elton John
Uni 55265
Not charted
Curiously, some sources claim that "Take Me To The Pilot" was the intended A side of this single, but there is no evidence of this that I know of. From the first week of release, "Your Song" is the side that received airplay, both here and in the U.K, and I know of no data that show "Pilot" received any airplay from this single. Still, it's an awesome B side!
1970
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fantasy 641
Charted with A side
Both sides of this great single were tracked on the Billboard Hot 10, reaching #4. It's this B side that made Dave Marsh's list at #549.
1970
Joni Mitchell
Reprise 0906
Not charted
"Big Yellow Taxi" was Joni Mitchell's very first chart single, and this B side is another great track from her album "Ladies of the Canyon."
1970
Robert John
A&M 1210
Not charted
This highly sought-after single's A side ("When The Party Is Over") originally charted on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart, but it's this B side that gives the 45 its high value today: A dynamite Northern Soul number with John singing at the peak of his vocal power.
1970
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fantasy 637
Charted with A side
This must-have CCR single had two hit sides, with "Travelin' Band" on the A side. Dave Marsh places this B side highest among 7 Creedence singles that he includes in his list of the 1001 greatest 45s of Rock'n'Soul. It's also high on Rolling Stone's list.
1970
The Who
Decca 32729
Not charted
The A side of this Who classic ("See Me, Feel Me") shines with a rock'n'roll majesty that just isn't heard today. And as you can hear from our jukebox snippet from the Tommy Overture on the B side, Pete Townshend shows why he is ranked in the very top tier of rock guitarists.
1970
George Harrison
Apple 2995
Charted with A side
This was the B side of "My Sweet Lord," Harrison's first solo single.
1970
Simon & Garfunkel
Columbia 45133
Not charted
This great number from the "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album was the B side of "Cecilia."
1970
The Who
Decca 32708
Not charted
The obscure B side of the live "Summertime Blues" is a studio recording that's one of Entwistle best songs, and it doesn't appear on any Who LP from that time. I actually prefer it to the "hit" side.
1970
Archie Bell & the Drells
Atlantic 2693
#112p in Jan.
This rare Archie Bell single has a terrific A side ("A World Without Music"), but it's this B side that eventually became the group's biggest hit on the U.K.'s Northern Soul scene, coming in at #21 on Kev Roberts' list of the 500 greatest Northern Soul singles.
1970
Elvis Presley
RCA 9916
Not charted
This Presley single ("You Don't Have To Say You Love Me") features a terrific soul-style rocker on the B side, which turns out to have been written by Eddie Rabbitt, who also wrote Presley's hit "Kentucky Rain."
1970
The Pipkins
Capitol 2819
Not charted
This "group" is actually Roger Greenaway and Tony Burrows, who were also responsible for the bubblegum group White Plains. This B side of "Gimme Dat Ding" is a splendid, uptempo Sunshine Pop number, a non-album cut.
1970
Van Morrison
WB 7383
Not charted
"Come Running" was Van Morrison's first single for Warner Brothers featuring two classic tracks from his breakthrough "Moondance" LP — including, in "Crazy Love", the most transcendent beauty he ever coaxed from those incredible pipes of his. Nothing else in Morrison's catalog sounds quite like this. You Van fans already know this... but in case you're just checking the guy's catalog out, be sure to make time for this gem.
1970
Deep Purple
WB 7405
Not charted
Two essential sides from the early days of Heavy Metal... Both are firm evidence of how much Deep Purple contributed to the genre. "Black Night" is the A side of this one.
1970
George Tindley
Wand 11215
Not charted
Both sides of this obscure 1970 Soul single are top-notch keepers! The A side ("Wan-Tu-Wah-Zuree") features some surprising, catchy rhythms that'll definitely keep your feet moving, and this B side has become a favorite... quite special.
1970
Joe Simon
Sound Stage 7 2664
Not charted
Besides the great A side ("Yours Love"), take a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of this one's B side... virtually all of Joe Simon's 45's are as wonderful as this. Deep gospel soul (some may call the B side "Northern Soul") at its very best!
1970
Jackie Moore
Atlantic 2681
Not charted
"Precious, Precious" was Moore's first chart hit. You know the A side, but take a listen to that funky B side too! You tell 'em, Jackie! Soul music just doesn't get much better than this.
1970
Jethro Tull
Reprise 0899
Not charted
This great number was the B side of "The Witch's Promise," a non-album cut.
1971
Rod Stewart
Mercury 73244
Not charted
These are two of the best tracks from Stewart's best-ever album, "Every Picture Tells A Story." The A side ("I Know I'm Losing You") is my favorite Rod Stewart rocker, and this flip is my favorite of his tender, acoustic tunes.
1971
Bobby Byrd
King 6378
Not charted
Byrd was the founder and leader of James Brown's vocal group, The Famous Flames. The A side ("I Know You Got Soul") is a wonderful Funky Soul, pre-Funk number. This B side is a terrific Deep Soul number; on the strength of the B side alone, we give this single a 2-star recommendation — our highest!
1971
The Undisputed Truth
Gordy 7108
Not charted
Now, here's a case where the A side ("Smiling Faces Sometimes") is already so wonderful that your average fan may never bother to flip the record over to hear the B side. Besides, by the early 1970's, Motown records weren't exactly reliable for having worthy flip sides. So the years go by, and one day you decide to see what the B side holds in store... Lo and behold, it's an even better song than the A side! As amazing as it may seem, it's true in this case.
1971
Carole King
Ode 66015
Charted with A side
This terrific B side of "It's Too Late" got significant airplay but didn't chart separately.
1971
Paul Humphrey & His Cool Aid Chemists
Lizard 21006
Not charted
If you think the A side of this single ("Cool Aid") is great, just wait'll you take a listen to the flip! These guys are hot, and I think they know it, too. :-)
1971
Steve Wright
Epic 10706
Not charted
I couldn't find out anything about this guy, but boy are these tracks terrific! The A side ("Jackson, Mississippi Train") is more squarely in the country-rock camp, but this B side wanders off into soul, funk, blues... really wonderful uptempo number with a top-notch backing band. Sort of like what Roy Head was doing about 6 years earlier... except funkier.
1971
Clarence Carter
Atlantic 2801
Not charted
Another great two-sided wonder from Clarence Carter. This B side of "The Court Room" earns 2 stars (our highest recommendation).
1971
Dee Dee Warwick
Atco 6796
Not charted
Two excellent slices of uptempo, horn-led early 1970s Muscle Shoals soul. Not to be missed... especially this B side of "Cold Night In Georgia."
1971
Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones 19101
Not charted
Be sure to turn "Wild Horses" over to remember what a great rocker "Sway" is!
1971
The Mob
Colossus 130
Not charted
Here are two great Northern Soul-style tracks from this white Chicago soul group. The A side ("I Dig Everything About You") is a classic, but check out the irresistable rhythm going on over on the B side, and you'll understand why this single is so sought-after by Soul fans.
1971
Cat Stevens
A&M 1231
Not charted
This is the terrific B side of Cat Stevens' first big hit, "Wild World."
1971
Janis Joplin
Columbia 45433
Not charted
This essential Joplin track was on the B side of her single, "Get It While You Can."
1971
Betty Wright
Alston 4594
Not charted
This flip is a terrific preview of Betty's next, biggest hit: 'Clean Up Woman.' The A side ("I Love The Way You Love") is a worthy slower number.
1971
George Harrison
Apple 1828
Not charted
This was the B side of Harrison's second solo single, "What Is Life."
1971
Stampeders
Bell 45154
Not charted
This single did make the pop charts, but most people remember the Stampeders only for theit hit "Sweet City Woman," never knowing that the band was much more than a one-trick pony. Both sides of this little 45 have plenty of power-pop magic, but the two-star rating on this single reflects my affection for this B side. (The A side is "Devil You".)
1971
Ray Charles
Tangerine 1015
Not charted
Credited to the Ray Charles Orchestra, this funky thang ("Booty Butt") is really something to hear... as is this much-sought-after B side. Check out the mp3 "snippet"!
1971
Rod Stewart
Mercury 73224
#62p in July
For fans of "Maggie May," it's a bit shocking to realize that Mercury originally plugged "Reason To Believe" — as good as it is — as the A side of this 45. That was in keeping with the singer's earlier, folk-rock-oriented singles like "Handbags and Gladrags" and "Country Comforts."
1971
Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones 19100
Not charted
This is one of the greatest of the Stones two-sided monster hits, with "Brown Sugar" on the A side. Well, this B side didn't actually chart, but it's so great it really should have. Presumably, radio just wasn't ready to play a song called "Bitch" yet... though they were prepared by 1975 when Elton John hit the Top 10 with "The Bitch Is Back."
1971
Bobby Bloom
MGM 14212
Not charted
This is the kind of single that's impossible to classify into a neat and tidy category. Some of Bloom's recordings are clearly pop/bubblegum, but this one is so soulful that I'm putting it into that genre. Both sides are simply terrific... great beat, catchy arrangements, soulful singing... what more can you want? This B side of "Make Me Happy" is my wife's "All Time Favorite Song," and she never tires of hearing it.
1971
Freddie North
Mankind 12004
Not charted
Both sides of this single are absolutely killer slices of southern-U.S.-style, Funky Soul. The hit side ("She's All I Got") is a terrific remake of a country hit from the same year, and this flip is a fine bit of social commentary with a seriously funky arrangement.
1971
Chicago
Columbia 45467
#49p in Oct.
The A side, "Questions 67 & 68," was the group's first single, released in 1969 on Columbia 44909, and it had a much longer version of the song than on later releases. The song was re-released in an edited version (one verse missing) on this single, backed by the group's dynamite cover of "I'm A Man".
1971
Grateful Dead
WB 7464
Not charted
Don't underestimate the power of this B side of "Truckin'": Its beauty can really sneak up on you!
1971
Carole King
Ode 66019
Charted with A side
This single ("So Far Away") presents two great tracks from King's album "Tapestry." This darkly prescient B side also charted.
1971
Aretha Franklin
Atlantic 2796
Not charted
Besides the A side ("Bridge Over Troubled Water") taking up position #533 on Dave Marsh's Top 1,001 singles list, this B side is at #685 on the list... so this single is doubly Tops!
1971
Chicago
Columbia 45417
Charted with A side
This famous B side of "Beginnings" charted along with the A side, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
1971
Janis Joplin
Columbia 45379
Not charted
This iconic number was the B side of Joplin's single "Cry Baby."
1971
Neil Diamond
Uni 55278
#65p in June
This terrific B side was from his previous album, but managed to get some airplay as well as the hit side ("I Am... I Said").
1971
The Gaslight
Grand Junction 1100
Not charted
This group had several singles in the early 1970s, all highly sought-after today by fans of Northern Soul. This one has a sweet Soul ballad on the A side ("I'm Gonna Get You") and this terrific Philly style dancer on the flip... not to be missed!
1971
Aretha Franklin
Atlantic 2838
Not charted
This terrific single ties up not only position #224 on Dave Marsh's list of the 1,001 greatest singles (for "Rock Steady"), but also #714 for this flip!
1971
John Denver
RCA 0445
Not charted
This was the fine B side of "Take Me Home, Country Roads," Denver's first chart hit.
1971
Stephen Stills
Atlantic 2820
Not charted
What a surprisingly great single! The A side ("Marianne") is Stills at his power-poppy best with an absolutely great top 40 hit (though it didn't actually make it there), and this B side is a funky-country-bluesy-Hendrixy workout that's irresistible! Shows how much great stuff you can fit on a little 45 when you really try. :-)
1971
John Lennon
Apple 1840
Not charted
"Imagine" is one of Lennon's few singles that actually has another Lennon track on the B side... in this case, a terrific rocker.
1971
Barbara Lynn
Atlantic 2812
Not charted
This modest hit ("I'll Suffer") was Lynn's last chart record, but it's mainly sought out today for this screaming great Motown-style Northern Soul dancer on the B side, which Kev Roberts includes in his top northern soul list. We thought so much of it right away that we had to have an mp3 "snippet" for our online "jukebox"... so have a listen!
1971
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Cotillion 44106
Not charted
This sharp B side of "Lucky Man" is a 2-star recommendation not to be missed!
1971
Alice Cooper
WB 7449
Not charted
"Eighteen" was Alice Cooper's first big hit... it comes with an awesome B side as well! "Body" (also known as "Is It My Body") is a great track from the same album.
1971
Five Stairsteps
Buddah 213
Not charted
Two more great sides from this remarkable group... a slow, atmospheric track on the A side ("Didn't It Look So Easy") and this very muscular, uptempo number on the B side.
1972
The Honey Cone
Hot Wax 7205
Not charted
The flip of "Sittin' On A Time Bomb" is the real winner here, although the A side has a very funky charm of its own. Still, "It's Better..." earns the 45 a 2-star rating from us, our highest recommendation. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of the tune to hear why I like it so much. This marvelous B side, by the way, was not on any of the group's albums... it's a 45-only, non-album cut!
1972
Gary Glitter
Bell 237
#7p in July
Both sides of this classic of British Glam Rock are terrific, but oddly it wasn't the vocal version on Part 1 that became a hit here in the States. Instead, it was the instrumental (which does include lots of vocalizing, shouting and grunting) B side that became a hit.
1972
The Move
U.A. 50876
Not charted
Two tuneful, quirky rockers from this British band. You can really hear future Electric Light Orchestra ideas in Jeff Lynne's terrific B side of this single, whose A side is "Chinatown."
1972
Procol Harum
A&M 1347
Not charted
While I love "Conquistador," what really keeps me returning again and again to this great single is the epic flip. This version even tops the original studio recording.
1972
Johnny Nash
Epic 10902
Not charted
Besides the essential, classic track on the A side ("I Can See Clearly Now"), be sure to check out the fine bit of reggae on the flip! Tasty!
1972
Allman Brothers Band
Capricorn 0007
Not charted
This terrific single pulls together two of the finest bits from the group's "Eat A Peach" album, even producing pleasing just-for-45 edited versions of these classics. Even though "Blue Sky" was marked on the promo as the 'plug' side, it was "Melissa" that got most of the airplay, becoming the de facto A side.
1972
Van Morrison
WB 7616
Not charted
One of Morrison's most beloved songs is also one of his hardest-to-find singles. Besides "Jackie Wilson Said", this single is highly prized because of this obscure B side. It turns out that this B side was a previously unreleased recording produced as part of the sessions for Morrison's album "Saint Dominic's Preview." The really surprising part is that "You've Got The Power" has never been released on any Van Morrizon anthology, so it's only available in on this 45 record!
1972
Barbara Lynn
Atlantic 2880
Not charted
Two terrific uptempo slices of funky female soul, with a particularly fine B side. (The A side is "Daddy Hot Stuff".)
1972
Oscar Weathers
Top and Bottom 412
Not charted
Looking for another great Northern Soul dance track? Look no further than the B side of this single ("Pledging My Love")... Whew! What a hot number indeed. How did jewels like this one get stuck on the flip side of 45 rpm singles, anyway? :-)
1972
Willie Hobbs
Seventy-Seven 119
Not charted
Here's one of those rare singles with two starkly different, but equally wonderful sides. A gorgeous soul ballad on the A side ("A Penny For Your Thoughts") backed by this funky, sexy uptempo track. What more could you want from a soul record?
1972
Elton John
Uni 55328
Not charted
This B side of "Rocket Man" is one of John's very best rockers... one that I personally never tire of! Both of these tracks are on John's fourth (U.S.) LP, "Honky Chateau."
1972
Van Morrison
WB 7638
Not charted
The A side of this rare Van Morrison single ("Redwood Tree") should have been a huge hit, but wasn't. And this B side, while absolutely gorgeous and tender musically, is also full of sharp-tongued put-downs of Warner Brothers and the whole star parade ritual. Well worth its entire 6 minutes and 30 seconds!
1972
Eddie Banks
TMI 0111
Not charted
Most collectors home in on this B side of "When You Steal It", which I agree is the better of the two. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear why we rate it so highly.
1972
Sammy Davis, Jr.
MGM 14320
Not charted
No, the catchy A side ("The Candy Man") isn't one of my favorites, but this single has a surprisingly soulful, muscular B side that's a 2-star keeper.
1972
Don McLean
U.A. 50887
Not charted
The Don McLean single "Vincent" features this great B side from his pre-"American Pie" LP, "Tapestry."
1972
Joni Mitchell
Asylum 11010
Not charted
This great B side of "You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio" was unavailable on LP when the single was released. This is still the only place the song is available on vinyl.
1972
Neil Young
Reprise 1065
Not charted
After all of his many records over the years, this #1 pop hit ("Heart Of Gold") turned out to be Neil Young's only top 10 single. This B side is a non-album track — a live version of a song that first appeared on the B side of "Cinnamon Girl."
1972
C And The Shells
Zanzee 101
Not charted
Excellent Funky Soul outing by the group that had previously called itself The Sandpebbles. This flip of "You Can't Do That To Me" is particularly sought after... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" in our "jukebox" to hear why.
1973
The Rolling Stones
London 910
#42p in April
The B side of this classic 1969 Stones single made a comeback in 1973, when it hit #42p in April. It's also the side that made #225 in the Marsh 1001 list. The A side ("Honky Tonk Women") sits at #488 on Marsh's list.
1973
David Bowie
RCA 0876
Not charted
Most people born after 1980 assume that Nirvana wrote the classic "Man Who Sold The World," and they certainly did record an impressive version of it. In fact, the song fit so well with the grunge sound and modern rock in general that the mistake of youth is understandable. However, you've got to hear the original version by the song's author to appreciate it fully. This was the B side of "Space Oddity," which became Bowie's first top 40 hit in the U.S.
1973
The Independents
Wand 11252
Not charted
What a great pair of early 1970s soul tracks! Different as night and day, and both bright as noon. The A side, "Leaving Me," was a big hit, but you ignore this terrific B side at your collection's peril. :-)
1973
Elton John
MCA 40046
Not charted
"Daniel" comes with a recording that is one of John's best non-LP B-sides ever. Originally recorded for the "Empty Sky" LP with harpsichord instead of piano, it was gorgeously reinvented with Paul Buckmaster once again doing honors on the arrangement for the B side of this single. A must-have John rarity.
1973
Ann Sexton
Seventy-Seven 133
Not charted
"You're Gonna Miss Me" was Sexton's biggest chart hit in the U.S.... must have been very disappointing to her fans, cause this lady's got gobs of talent that more people should have been exposed to. Two super Funky Soul rarities. I decided the groove on this B side, "You're Losing Me," was just too good to leave out of our mp3 "jukebox"... so have a listen!
1973
The Chubukos
Mainstream 5546
Not charted
This rare funk single has a neo-Chipmunks novelty number on the A side ("Witch Doctor Bump"), but it's sought after mainly for this monster guitar-funk track on the flip.
1973
Willie Nelson
Atlantic 2979
Not charted
Great early two-sider from the middle of Willie's career, before he'd become a star, even on the country music scene. (The A side is "Stay All Night".)
1973
Uriah Heep
Mercury 73349
#97p in Jan.
Having the distinction of being one of the very few (if not the only) singles in rock history to have both sides chart between 90 and 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 is not the reason this single is so collectable. :-) No, that would be the result of having two absolutely essential early metal tracks — or at least one... This B side, "Blind Eye," is simply not to be missed! (The A side is "Sweet Lorraine.")
1973
Lynn Vernado
Gator 1202
Not charted
Well, you can see why folks go crazy for this single! The A side ("Tell Me What's Wrong With The Men") is a scorching, darker take on "Mr. Big Stuff", and the flip is a delightful northern soul dance track, which Kev Roberts included in his list of 100 singles that "bubbled under" his top 500.
1973
Dorothy Moore
GSF 6908
Not charted
This is a seriously great soul single, folks. So great, in fact, that I was moved to put both sides in the jukebox... I just couldn't decide which I liked better. The A side ("Cry Like A Baby") is a terrific, rare Ashford-Simpson tune with a kind of funky side to it, and the flip is pure Northern Soul, Memphis style. A real treasure. This was Dorothy Moore's very first chart single as a solo artist.
1973
Classic Sullivans
Kwanza 7678
Not charted
The A side ("I Don't Want To Lose You") charted, but this B side is something special... take a listen to the snippet!
1973
Lloyd Price
GSF 6904
Not charted
Who would expect Philly Soul-style music like this from Lloyd Price, he of late 1950s-early 1960s standards like "Stagger Lee" and "Personality"? And yet here it is — two amazing uptempo dancers in the Philly Soul style that dominated the 1970s. I'm so impressed with this B side that I'm sticking a snippet in the jukebox... have a listen!
1973
The Sweet
Bell 45251
Not charted
Besides the hit side ("Little Willy"), be sure to also check out the catchy, harder-rocking B side, which is why I rate this single 2 stars! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" which I finally got around to posting.
1973
George Harrison
Apple 1862
Not charted
This excellent B side of "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)" is a previously unreleased, non-album cut.
1973
Jimmy Cliff
Mango 7500
Not charted
This was the iconic B side of "You Can Get It If You Really Want", both from the film "The Harder They Come."
1973
Soul Generation
Ebony Sounds 181
Not charted
This terrific 1973 rarity has a B side that's definitely worth celebrating with an mp3 "snippet" in our online "jukebox"... I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! (The A side is "I Wonder What She's Doin'".)
1973
Linda Perry & Soul Express
Mainstream 5550
Not charted
This great single is particularly notable for the B side, which is a funky, hard-charging instrumental also called "I Need Someone" and credited to Linda Perry & Soul Express Eddie Billups.
1974
Joni Mitchell
Asylum 11041
Not charted
The hit A side ("Free Man In Paris") is a delightful pop tune, but the real treasure here is the B side. (Yes, it's another one of those!) If you've ever felt a little awkward and out of place at a party, you'll know just what she's talking about! One of Mitchell's very best pieces of pure poetry... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean. It's also one of those very short songs I sing the praises of — under 2 1/2 minutes!
1974
Barbara Mason
Buddah 441
Not charted
This B side of Mason's hit "From His Woman To You" is a Funky Soul number well worth seeking out!
1974
Cozy Powell
Chrysalis 2029
Not charted
Absolutely incredible hard rock instrumentals led by drummer Powell. Powell did drumming duties for groups as varied as Jeff Beck, Rainbow, Whitesnake, Emerson Lake & Powell, and Black Sabbath. After listening to the snippet of this excellent B side, just imagine how great the A side ("Dance With The Devil") is!
1974
Neil Norman
GNP Crescendo 486
Not charted
This is a really wild and wonderful rarity from 1974. At that time, Neil Norman was heavy into metal rock, and this is evidence of that. The A side ("Wild Boys") is a heavy metal screamer with the best of the early 1970's bunch, while this B side lives up to its sensational title with an instrumental featuring a fight to the death between drums and guitars, both playing as if their lives depended on it.
1974
Mike Oldfield
Virgin 55100
Not charted
The A side hit is a 3:18 edit from Oldfield's classic "Tubular Bells" album. This edited version was used as the theme from the hit movie "The Exorcist." This B side is a 4:39 edit of the album's A-side conclusion, which culminates with the dramatic clanging of the musician's tubular bells.
1974
Abba
Atlantic 3209
Not charted
"Honey, Honey" was Abba's second single, and received far less attention than their bubblegummy debut, "Waterloo." Don't miss this great B side... you'll find another of those irresistible melodies the group is famous for.
1974
Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Mercury 73622
Not charted
This B side of "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" is an instrumental tour-de-force, with Randy Bachman really showing off on lead guitar.
1974
Bottom & Company
Motown 1291
Not charted
This impossible-to-find, yet simply gorgeous 45 has two outstanding sides. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of this B side, and you'll hear why it fetches such a high price.
1974
Gwen McCrae
Cat 1992
Not charted
This obscure Gwen McCrae Cat single is collected for its remarkable B side... well worth seeking out, for sure! (The A side is "It's Worth The Hurt.")
1974
Pink Floyd
Harvest 3832
Not charted
This second single from the group's monster LP, "Dark Side of the Moon," didn't do so well commercially as the first single ("Money"), but it has wonderful edited versions of two essential tracks from the album. The A side ("Us And Them") is edited from a 7:51 album track, while this B side is edited from a 6:53 track.
1974
ZZ Top
London 203
Not charted
Both sides of this single ("La Grange") rank 2 stars from Classic 45s — our highest recommendation.
1974
Paul McCartney
Apple 1875
#17p in Dec.
This B side of "Junior's Farm" was a modest hit on its own.
1975
Joyce Cobb
Truth 3224
Not charted
I'm puzzled why Stax Records would be promoting the unremarkable "Plug Side" of this single ("He Just Loved You..."), when this flip is the sure-fire winner. Oh well, take a listen to the B side snippet and see if you don't get hooked by its many virtues, including the fine guitar work. :-)
1975
Pink Floyd
Columbia 10248
Not charted
This was the band's only single from their "Wish You Were Here" album, the highly anticipated followup to their monster LP, "Dark Side of the Moon." The A side ("Have A Cigar") is an edited version of the 5:24 album track, while this flip is the full 7:25 album cut. Both are essential tracks from the album.
1975
Linda Ronstadt
Asylum 45282
#63p, #5c in Sept.
This Neil Young song had been released on an A side shortly before this single, but oddly it made no impression on the charts until this second issue as the B side to "Heat Wave," when it hit both the Pop and Country charts.
1975
Nazareth
A&M 1671
Not charted
This was the B side of the band's big hit "Love Hurts."
1976
KC & The Sunshine Band
T.K. 1019
Not charted
Yes, "Shake Your Booty" really is one of the greatest disco tracks of the mid-1970's. And the single is even better, since this B side was a hit later on its own, when it was re-released after being included in the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack!
1976
Queen
Elektra 45297
Not charted
"Bohemian Rhapsody" was the group's first big hit in the U.S. An oddly compelling song, I shudder at the thought that I might actually like it... and then realize that teenagers are rediscovering Queen, and this song is a cult hit all over again. Still, there's no argument that the flip side is a must-have glam-era rocker. Even if you can't stand "Mama Mia!" and so on, you gotta love "The machine of a dream?"!
1976
Bay City Rollers
Arista 0170
Not charted
"Maryanne" is a really wonderful Sunshine Pop rocker... it could have easily been the A side of this single ("Money Honey").
1976
Fatback Band
Event 229
Not charted
What a great single! Hard to decide which side is better... The A side ("Spanish Hustle") was the group's first top 20 RnB hit, and this B side is an amazing, funky disco loping thang.
1976
Bobby McClure
Hi 2307
Not charted
The A side of this terrific single ("Was It Something I Said") is definitely worth seeking out... it builds in a few bars to a totally irresistable groove. Hmmm! Yet the real surprise for me was This B side. It's simply awesome to discover two great Northern Soul tracks like this on one little 45!
1976
The Masqueraders
HBS/ABC 12157
Not charted
This is one of only 5 Masqueraders singles that registered on the U.S. Singles charts, yet it's not remembered today so much for the "hit" side (Call Me The Traveling Man). Rather, it's this super-strong B side — a swinging soul-style Disco number with some catchy instrumental hooks — that gets collectors' juices flowing.
1976
American Flyer
U.A. 874
Not charted
Now, here's an interesting single: The A side ("Let Ne Down Easy") is a pleasing, mid tempo Country/Folk rocker, the group's only chart tune; this flip is more adventurous, with an infectious rhythm that proves as catchy as the hit side.
1976
Fleetwood Mac
Reprise 1356
Not charted
Terrific two-sided smash! This B side of "Say You Love Me" was every bit as big a hit as the A side ultimately... just didn't get the airplay at the time.
1976
Kiss
Casablanca 863
Charted with A side
Both sides of this single received airplay, though it was the A-side ballad "Beth" that became the bigger hit.
1976
Mac Davis
Columbia 10418
Not charted
This single's A side ("Every Now And Then") is a nice number in Davis' usual Country vein, but it turns out that the album that contains these tunes was recorded at Fame studios under Rick Hall's direction. Even so, this B side is a totally unexpected revelation: A terrific Northern Soul-style dancer that you won't want to miss! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean.
1976
Eric Carmen
Arista 0200
Not charted
Don't neglect this B side of "Sunrise"... it's another melt-in-your-mouth rocker from Carmen's debut album you must make part of your Carmen/Raspberries collection.
1976
Abba
Atlantic 3310
Not charted
It's amazing to think that Abba was overflowing with so many hummable tuney-tune-tunes in the mid-1970's that they could afford to throw away catchy nuggets like this on their singles' B sides. If you're an Abba Resister, this won't matter a whit to you, but if you've already succumbed, you now have a reason to turn all your singles over and listen again to those B sides. :-) This was the B side of "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do."
1977
Queen
Elektra 45441
Charted with A side
Though it was not a hit at the time (it did receive airplay along with the A side, "We Are The Champions"), this B side has gone into the pop lexicon as one of Queen's most popular songs... especially at hockey games and such.
1977
David Ruffin
Motown 1420
Not charted
The A side ("Just Let Me Hold You...") was a mellow hit on the Black Billboard chart, but it's this B side that gets the feet movin' and excitement building today.
1977
Loleatta Holloway
Gold Mind 4000
#72p in Feb.
The A side ballad ("Worn Out Broken Heart") was an RnB hit, and this dancer on the flip charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
1977
Luther Vandross
Cotillion 44216
Not charted
This single's A side ("This Close To You") barely charted, but that doesn't keep a good 45 down! With a B side like this, who needs an A side anyway? Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet", and you'll understand why this single is so highly sought after. This early single is credited simply to "Luther."
1977
McKinley Mitchell
Chimneyville 10213
Not charted
Don't miss the terrific B side on this one... it's got a rhythm section that just won't quit! (The A side is "Trouble Blues.")
1977
Fleetwood Mac
WB 8304
Not charted
This B side of "Go Your Own Way" is a non-album cut.
1977
Philippe Wynne
Cotillion 44217
Not charted
If this guy's voice sounds familiar, that's because he was lead vocalist for the Spinners from 1971-77. This was his first solo single, which became his biggest chart hit. The A side ("Hats Off..") is a nice ballad, but I took a shining to this uptempo Philly-style dancer on the flip, so check out the mp3 "snippet" of it.
1977
Ann Sexton
Sound Stage 7 2504
Not charted
This hard-to-find 1977 single became the second of two chart 45s for Ann Sexton. But you can skip past the A side ("I'm His Wife.."), because this flip is pure Northern Soul dynamite: Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of it!
1977
Paul McCartney
Capitol 4504
Not charted
The single's "matrix numbers" indicate that "Mull of Kintyre" was the plug side, but in the U.S. it was the tasty rocker "Girls' School" that got all the airplay. Although the folky "Mull" failed to generate airplay here, it's worth remembering that the song spent 9 weeks at the top of the British chart! Not only that, it became the biggest U.K. seller of the 1970s!
1977
Fleetwood Mac
WB 8413
Not charted
Don't miss this wonderful Lindsay Buckingham track on the B side of "Don't Stop."
1977
Grace Jones
Beam Junction 102
Charted with A side
This was Grace Jones' very first chart single, and a double-hitter at that with "Sorry" on the A side. Both sides got about equal airplay, and for good reason... who could pick between them? They're both incredibly hot.
1977
Lee Eldred
Mercury 73947
Not charted
Though the A side ("Dancing Here") is a decent entry in the Disco sweepstakes, Eldred saved his true musical passion for the flip side. "Hope You're Feelin' Me" is a swingin', dancin' celebration of love that's irresistible!
1978
The Controllers
Juana 3426
Not charted
The A side ballad ("We Don't") is very nice, but what a treat to turn this one over and play the flip! What a great dance track 'Gunning For Love' is... be sure to check this one out.
1978
The Clash
Epic 50738
Not charted
This rare single ("I Fought The Law") was the Clash's first U.S. 45, featuring this iconic number on the B side. In the U.K., "White Man" was a Top 40 hit, and "I Fought The Law" wasn't released as a single until 10 years later.
1978
Margie Joseph
Atlantic 3445
Not charted
Wow! Two terrific Philly-style dancers, written and produced by Johnny Bristol, on this one little 45... no wonder it's in such high demand! I liked this B side so much I made an mp3 "snippet" of it... so have a listen! (The A side is "Come On Back To Me Lover".)
1978
The Delphonics (Delfonics)
Arista 0308
Not charted
From everything I can gather (including my ears), this group is the Delfonics spelled with a "ph" instead of an "f". Regardless of how you spell their name, they deliver two stunning swan songs of Philly-style soul on this obscure 45. The A side ("Don't Throw It All Away") is a group ballad, but it's this flip that lit my feet on fire: Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear it yourself.
1978
The Beatles
Capitol 4612
Not charted
This is the first release of these songs on 45 rpm, on the purple Capitol label with the "reeded" edging. "Sgt. Pepper/With A Little Help" was the A side.
1978
Night Owl Band
Wave 366
Not charted
This rare 1978 single features two dynamite Funky Soul-style dancers you won't want to miss. Check out the mp3 "snippet" of the B side I just put in our online "jukebox!" (The A side is "Lay That Rhythm Down".)
1979
Michael Jackson
Epic 50797
Not charted
In his heyday, Michael Jackson was the best... he really was the King of Pop. Tunes like this flip of "Rock With You" weren't even released as A sides, since he had so much great material. But "Working Day And Night" is as powerful and funky/danceable as anything Prince was to release for several years yet. Really classic!
1979
Dave Edmunds
Swan Song 71002
Not charted
Now, here's a terrific two-fer! The A side ("Crawling From the Wreckage") is an Edmunds classic, a rockabilly cover of a Graham Parker tune. On this B side, you get the original version of the catchy song Juice Newton took Top 10 in 1981. Edmunds was clearly prescient in picking up on its charms, and his is far and away the best version I've heard. In the U.K., Edmunds' "Queen of Hearts" was released on 45 rpm and reached #11.
1980
Warren Zevon
Asylum 46610
Not charted
The A side ("A Certain Girl") is a terrific cover of the old Ernie K-Doe number, but the star here is this gorgeous love ballad on the B side. A brilliant piece, it's a great example of why this guy is so admired by fellow songwriters and musicians, and why those who admire him puzzle over his relative lack of commercial success.
1980
The Clash
Epic 50851
Not charted
This great single's B side — the title song from the awesome double album of the same name — is a dark but eminently danceable punk/grunge tune, the polar opposite of the bright and catchy A side ("Train In Vain"), the group's first U.S. hit.
1980
Side Effect
Elektra 47007
Not charted
This great, rarely seen single has a fine A side ("Georgy Porgy"), but the real thrill of discovery waits on this flip side: Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean!
1980
The Dells
20th Century 2475
Not charted
This late single wan't a hit, since it plugged the decent but not particularly remarkable, mellow A side ("Passionate Breezes"). If DJs had turned the thing over, they would have discovered a Northern Soul dancer that simply can't be ignored — Arranged by Sonny Sanders, it will fill the dance floor if you give it a try. Awesome! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean.
1980
Wardell Piper
Midsong 72000
Not charted
This single is highly sought-after for this dynamite B side dancer — a cross between Northern Soul and Disco, and totally irresistible. (The A side is "Gimme Something Real.")
1980
Rush
Mercury 76044
Not charted
As usual from this group, this single ("The Spirit Of Radio") has a super-fine B side, in this case culled from an earlier album.
1980
Gene Chandler
Chi-Sound 2451
Not charted
This modest hit single has two great sides... check out the B side, which Kev Roberts includes in his addendum to the 500 Top Northern Soul singles! (The A side is "Does She Have A Friend?".)
1980
Revelation
Handshake 5305
#51r in March
This group managed to break out into swinging Soul on the B side of this single, which ended up being a bigger hit than the slow-dance A side ("When I Fall In Love"), some months later.
1980
Paul McCartney
Columbia 11263
#1p in April
The B side has a bonus track, 'Lunch Box-Odd Sox', as well as this live version of 'Coming Up.' The A side was the studio version, but the B side ended up becoming the hit.
1981
XTC
RSO 300
Not charted
This is the very rare U.S. release of these two antiwar songs from a period of high worldwide tension about the Cold War. This B side of "Generals and Majors" is an early modern-rock classic.
1981
Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band
Casablanca 2298
Not charted
The A side ("Eugene") is the group's only chart single. It's notable not only for its utter strangeness, but also for having been cowritten and produced by Ace Frehley, lead guitarist for the rock group Kiss. This B side, another track from the group's album, is so shockingly wonderful I couldn't resist socking a snippet into out "jukebox." Get up and dance! I wish I knew who was doing the great vocal parts for Madam Palm... man, is she great or what?
1981
Prince
WB 49808
Not charted
This excellent B side of "Controversy" was later covered on a single by Mitch Ryder.
1981
Rush
Mercury 76095
Not charted
Two terrific rockers, with "Limelight" on the A side and this amazing instrumental on the B side.
1981
Joe Simon
Posse 5010
Not charted
At the end of his chart career, Joe Simon released a few singles on the small Posse Records label, and they're all gems! This one ("Are We Breaking Up") was the last of those chart singles and is perhaps the most sought-after, especially for this terrific uptempo Philly-style track on the flip. I liked it so much right away that I made an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear... Enjoy
1981
The Blasters
Slash 110
Not charted
The A side, "I'm Shakin'", is a great Blasters tune on their first single, but that doesn't mean the B side isn't worth seeking out as well... Check out the mp3 "snippet" of it.
1982
The Pretenders
Sire 29840
Not charted
This terrific, almost-retro, power pop hit ("Back On The Chain Gang") is backed with the very dark but beautiful 'My City Was Gone,' which incidentally places at #949 in Marsh's top 1001. By the way, this B side is specially edited from a 5:14 album cut.
1982
Trio
Mercury 76181
Not charted
This B side of the German group's "Da Da Da" single is just as good or even better! A definite 2-star recommendation.
1982
Marshall Crenshaw
WB 29974
Not charted
The A side ("Someday, Someway") is one of the best hits of the neo-Rockabilly wave that swept the U.S. and England in the early 1980's. This non-LP B side, which Bette Midler later took up the charts, is credited to 'Marshall Crenshaw and the Handsome, Ruthless and Stupid Band.'
1982
Stevie Nicks
Modern 7401
Not charted
Dave Marsh particularly likes the previously unreleased B side (which ranks at #428 on his list), a live recording that clocks at 5:57, compared with 4:10 for the studio version on the A side.
1982
Ronnie Dyson
Cotillion 47005
#66r in March
Both sides of this appealing 1982 single, one of Dyson's last chart 45s, hit the Black/RnB Singles chart. This B side of "Heart To Heart" is particularly sweet (have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!) and is an edited version of the 4:10 album track.
1983
Duran Duran
Capitol 5215
Not charted
These tunes were first released on Harvest 5175 in late 1982, and then re-released in 1983 on Capitol, when the A side "Rio" hit #14p in April. Interestingly, the two singles had different mixes/edits of each song! The Harvest single had "Hold Back The Rain" on the A side in a shorter edit than the one here (and on the album), and the case for "Rio" was the reverse, with the single an edited version of the 5:33 album track. No matter... both songs represent the best of this U.K. group's early material.
1983
The Pretenders
Sire 29444
Not charted
It's interesting to note that both sides of this single show up in Dave Marsh's list of the 1,001 greatest 45s... The B side "2000 Miles" (the greatest new Christmas song of the 1980s, according to Marsh) is at #630, while the A side "Middle of the Road" weighs in at #805!
1983
Trio
Mercury 814501
Not charted
Besides the classic and unforgettable A side ("Boom Boom"), the B side of this great single is also well worth seeking out. :-)
1983
Elton John
Geffen 29460
Not charted
This single ("I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues") is one of many from Elton John that include a non-album cut on the flip. In this case, this isn't a throwaway song — it's a beautiful ballad in the best Elton John tradition. Back with his original partner, Bernie Taupin, John puts on an emotional performance that's reminiscent of his early albums... "The Retreat," like the snapshot of a war whose tale it tells, is well worth remembering, even though it only appeared on a B side.
1983
Prince
WB 29746
Not charted
As if the A side ("Little Red Corvette") weren't reason enough to own this classic single, this B side is one of those super-special, non-LP cut offerings Prince managed to throw around for free on his 1980's singles' B sides.
1983
Marvin Gaye
Columbia 03589
Not charted
It's puzzling why either Gaye or Columbia would have thought that "Til Tomorrow" should be the plug side of this 45. Its ultra-laid-back vibe only reached #31 on Billboard's Black Singles chart and didn't even register on the Pop chart... highly unusual for Marvin Gaye singles. But wait! On the flip is "Rockin' After Midnight", a must-have Gaye tune whose delightful dance-fest vibe surely would have been a hit had it been plugged instead.
1983
Talking Heads
Sire 29565
Not charted
Absolutely essential early 1980's modern dance rock... both sides are dance classics from the group's 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." This B side of "Burning Down The House" is no throwaway, either: Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear it.
1984
Tracey Ullman
MCA 52347
Not charted
Both of these tracks are essential, early 1980s girl-group tunes. The A side is "They Don't Know."
1984
Big Country
Mercury 811450
Not charted
An interesting factoid about this "Fields Of Fire" single is the magnificent B side, which was one of the two songs the group demoed originally for Virgin Records in 1981. It was never released on 45 rpm, except for this release, but it remains one of the the favorites of Big Country fans. And here's yet one more bit of trivia: In the beginning, the group actually called itself "Angle Park"!
1984
Bruce Springsteen
Columbia 04463
Not charted
Like most Springsteen singles starting in the 1980s, this B side was a non-album cut. Yet it's surely one of the Boss' signature tunes and was a hit later for Natalie Cole. It was the B side of "Dancing In The Dark," the first single from his classic "Born In The U.S.A." album.
1984
Prince
WB 29216
Not charted
This single "Let's Go Crazy") has a superb non-LP track on the B side — believe me, it's no throwaway, yet this prolific, brilliant artist treated it that way. "Erotic City" is a destination worth visiting on its own!
1985
John Fogerty
WB 29053
#44p in May
This much-beloved B side of "Rock And Roll Girls" also hit the Billboard Singles chart.
1985
Sade
Portrait 04807
Not charted
This terrific B side of "Smooth Operator" is a non-album track. The A side is perhaps my favorite Sade tune, but I had to make an mp3 "snippet" of the B side because it's so great and elsewhere unavailable: You gotta get this little 45 to enjoy the full track!
1986
Falco
A&M 2821
#1p in Feb.
The A side of this hit single is the "American Edit," but it was the B side "Canadian Edit" that got most of the airplay that I heard.
1987
Steve Earle
MCA 53103
Not charted
Both sides of this terrific 1987 single ("Nowhere Road") are 2-star keepers... our highest recommendation! Earle mines a musical territory rich in Country, Country Rock and Rockabilly, and if you don't know his stuff, check out the mp3 "snippet" of this single's terrific B side.
1988
Eazy-E
Ruthless 57108
#43r in Dec.
Both of these tracks got airplay and chart action. (The A side is "We Want Eazy".)
1988
Eric B. & Rakim
4th & B'way 7456
#65r in March
The A side ("Move The Crowd") is a brilliant rap, but it was the equally brilliant, Hip-Hop B side that got airplay. A must-have 45 in both categories!
1988
Depeche Mode
Sire 27991
#61p in May
This single has two versions of "Behind The Wheel"... a 45 radio remix/edit of a 5:17 album track on the A side, and this medley version on the flip, which is the side that got airplay at the time. The terrific medley with "Route 66" was a non-album track.
1989
Beastie Boys
Capitol 44472
Not charted
This B side is an incredible extension of the A side ("Shadrach"), not available on the album. An absolutely brilliant sonic experiment.
1989
The B-52's
Reprise 22817
#1m in July
This popular B side of "Love Shack" is another great tune from the same album.
1992
Dada
I.R.S. 19107
#5m, #102p in Nov.
This B side of "I Get High" was a big Modern Rock hit in Billboard.
1993
Spin Doctors
Epic Assoc. 74473
#7p in Jan.
After blowing minds with the fresh sound of "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong", the band scored their biggest hit with "Two Princes", which was even catchier. "Two Princes" is also simply solid Modern Rock, with no real hint of Southern-ness about it. In fact, this track sounds a good deal like the kind of hits the Barenaked Ladies came out with a few years later. It appeared on the B side of this 1993 single.
1993
The Cranberries
Island 858172
#42p, #15m in May
This rarely seen 1993 single features both of the Cranberries first two hits, a common characteristic of 45s beginning in the 1990s. "Dreams" was actually their first hit, though only in the "Modern Rock" market as measured by Billboard. After "Linger" was a hit in the Pop market, "Dreams" saw new life in a re-release.
1993
Proclaimers
EMI 17493
Not charted
This great number was the B side of the Scottish band's hit "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)."
1994
Bruce Springsteen
Columbia 77384
Not charted
I particularly like this anthemic B side of "Streets of Philadelphia," which is a non-album cut not available on any U.S. LP (it was released on vinyl in Europe).
1994
Weezer
DGC 19378
Not charted
This was the terrific B side of "Undone-The Sweater Song", Weezer's first hit single.
1994
Sheryl Crow
A&M 0836
#8m, #60p in Feb.
This great 45 rpm release features both of Crow's first two hits. The A side ("All I Wanna Do") is her first Top 10 hit (and her biggest hit to date), and this flip was her first release, which, though not as successful, paved the way for her success.
1995
Michael Jackson
Epic 78000
Not charted
This is another powerful pairing of tunes from Jackson's later career. On the A side ("Scream"), he and sister Janet pour forth a billion decibels of anger and frustration, distorted into a seething funk/dance track. By contrast, this B side is an extremely moving self-portrait of a man who feels judged by people who never had to grow up without a real childhood.
1995
Coolio
Tommy Boy 718
#2r, #1p in Aug.
In this case, it's the B side that garners Dave Marsh's honors by including it in his 1999 addendum to the list of 1,001 greatest 45s he had compiled a decade earlier. "Gangsta's Paradise" was also a much bigger hit than "Too Hot."
2004
Maroon 5
J 60635
#5p in Feb.
This great tune was the B side of the 45 release, which has "This Love" on the A side.
2010
Bear Hands
Cantora LP20
Not charted
Two terrific tracks from another terrific new band, both worthy of the Classic 45s jukebox! This B side is extra special... check it out!
2010
Hanni El Khatib
Innovative 1004
Not charted
Talk about anachronisms! This artist shows a love for roots rock, with a delightful rockabilly-esque A side ("Dead Wrong") and this knock-em-dead blues rock/garage number with a heavy metal lead guitar on the flip. El Khatib does all the instruments but drums.
This page displays about 600 songs that were on the B side of 45 RPM records. Often referred to as "singles", many casual observers assume that 45s have only one song. Except for some promo 45s, however, that is simply not the case, and the B side of these "singles" is almost always worth seeking out. B sides were used to store other great songs by the artist, other sides of the artist's musical personality, and songs not included on the artist's albums. This list is restricted to B side songs that are on one of the "best-of" lists we maintain (Kev Roberts, Dave Marsh, Rolling Stone) or that earn one or two stars from Classic 45s. We are including mp3 "snippets" of some of the tunes, which you can listen to by clicking on the blue "play" button. In some cases, the B side was actually the hit, as radio programmers ignored the originally intended A side, and in others the B side was a secondary hit that received significant airplay, enough to "chart" on Billboard magazine's singles charts. But many are simply overlooked gems that you may want to seek out.
