My impression from this exercise is that the songs are missing from iTunes because iTunes is essentially a collection of albums, not singles — despite the fact that basically every song is a "single" in the post-Napster online music world. Many of these are "lost" because they were B sides of singles that were never included on a compilation album, or they represent singles by artists so obscure they have no presence on iTunes at all, or if they do, the artists are represented by "A" sides. Outside of those sorts of songs, there are anomalies galore, such as a tune by Barbra Streisand: Wouldn't you think iTunes would have the entire Streisand recorded catalog available? Yet here is this one "lost" song from a single that may not have been included on any of her albums. Yes, online music libraries from iTunes and other sources are pretty comprehensive nowadays, but by focusing on the much smaller universe of albums rather than much larger universe of 45 records, music consumers who rely on these services are not getting the complete picture. Although a lot of these "lost" songs are quite obscure, don't assume they can be ignored: I only do mp3 "snippets" of songs I deem particularly noteworthy and which stand up well to repeated listening. Have a listen and see if you don't agree: This "lost" music can indeed be found, but you will likely have to purchase some 45 records (if you can find them!) to get at it.
Note: This is a partial list. Keep in mind that these are only songs for which I have prepared an mp3 "snippet" for Classic 45s. Many more are "lost" in this way, but here I'm just focusing on ones you can listen to. The records are presented in rough chronological order. Last Updated 04/25/18, this page shows about 470 45s.
1956
Boyd Bennett and His Rockets
King 4853
This track, like his big hits "Seventeen" and "My Boy Flat-Top" features lead vocals by Big Moe.
1957
The Chesters
Apollo 521
The flip side of this single is available ("The Fires Burn No More"), but not this track, which I believe was the originally intended A side. However, "The Fires" apparently received more airplay at the time.
1957
Ollie Shepard
Gee 1044
This 2-star recommendation (our highest), it's worth noting, falls in the category of "very short" tunes, clocking in at only 1:46!
1957
The Chancellors
XYZ 104
A great side by this white doo-wop group, an early production by Slay-Crewe on the tiny XYZ label.
1958
Johnny Reed
Major Label 100
I guarantee you won't recognize this iconic tune as Reed shifts to an uptempo dance mode from the Heartbeat's 1956 original, a gorgeous ballad. By the way, Reed was formerly a member of the Orioles.
1958
Ronnie Baxter
Gone 5036
Here's a fabulous single by an early singer in the budding style called "Soul" (though they were still calling iot RnB in 1958!). Like Clyde McPhatter, Jackie Wilson, Lloyd Price, Roy Hamilton, and others, he was giving his voice free reign to the gospel style of singing, but he wasn't singing about the almighty.
1958
Roy Hamilton
Epic 9268
Hamilton's excellent followup to his classic "Don't Let Go" went nowhere with radio programmers. It's always mystified me how little respect Hamilton seems to have gotten over the years... this guy had a Jackie Wilson great voice and even some great material and arrangements. Just like Wilson, he was also saddled with some sappy material and arrangements. But the rich rock'n'soul he recorded, like this one, is on few want lists today. A shame... take a listen and see if you don't agree.
1958
Diamonds
Mercury 71291
This group's followup to "The Stroll" features this excellent vocal group rocker on the B side.
1958
The Schooners
Ember 1041
This wonderful tune is a bit hard to classify... part vocal group - part rockabilly. But boy, is it fun to listen to!
1959
Jimmy Norman
Mun Rab 102
This rare Norman single is remarkable not only for its energetic, rockin' RnB-with-a-bit-of-Deep-Soul-thrown-in cover of a Hank Williams nugget, but also because the whole darn thing clocks in at only 1:39!
1959
Charlie Daniels
Hanover 4541
Very early Rock'n'Roll outing by Charlie Daniels.
1960
Ruby Johnson
V-Tone 222
Both sides of this Rockin' RnB monster are worth seeking out, but I liked the single so much I had to choose one for an mp3 "snippet" for our online jukebox. Have a listen! (Purists note: I edited out the brief a capella intro to start right at the danceable moment. :-) Sorry about that!)
1960
Scott Bros.
Ribbon 6911
This is a wonderful find... terrific post doo-wop, pre-soul — in other words, the sound that some groups found in the years between 1960 and 1963, before such acts morphed into full-fledged soul groups. Among the more famous groups that made the transition are the Drifters, Platters, Temptations and Miracles.
1960
Nick Marco & the Venetians
Dwain 813
1960
Jimmy Bell
Hickory 1136
This guy was a belter and crooner like Roy Hamilton and Jackie Wilson. The A side is a sweet ballad number, while this flip is an out-and-out, first-class rocker.
1960
Louise Lewis, Miss L.L.
Skyway 144
This record's sound is pure mid-1960's Motown, with the bassline right out of the Four Tops' 'I Can't Help Myself.' No wonder it became a big Northern Soul hit, ranking at #288 on Kev Roberts' Top 500 singles list.
1960
Johnny (Guitar) Watson
Goth 101
Don't miss this amazing Deep Soul recording!
1960
The Revels
Impact 1
Time was, Instrumental Rock was a real thing, and there were many bands that really didn't do vocals, but rather relied on slick and creative instrumental hooks to build a song. This rarity is one such example... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear the great groove these guys deploy.
1961
The Marksmen
Blue Horizon 6052
A fabulous surf instrumental.
1961
Lou Jordan
Josie 888
This delightful and rare Doo Wop single offers its best action on the B side ("Paradise For Two"). Incidentally, I did find a copy of this tune in iTunes, but it's a horrible Stereo rendition, not this Mono original.
1961
Tommy Williams
Sue 747
This single's A side is a dynamite RnB rocker you won't want to miss! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear for yourself.
1961
The Latons
Port 70030
This single's A side is only 1:40 long, but it packs a lot of Doo Wop bass vocal goodness in that span... Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!
1961
The Barons
Spartan 400
1961
The Starfires
Atomic 1912
This terrific 45 features a dynamite — and very short at 1:38! — Northern Soul-style dancer on the A side.
1962
Joey Lee Thomas
Upset 0001/0002
No one seems to know when this rare 45 was released, but I'm guessing early 1960s. This track is a raucous Soul shouter with a great group sound. As far as I can determine, this was the only vinyl output by Joey Lee Thomas. Upset was a small New York City label.
1962
Lady Frances
Spotlight 2001
I couldn't find out the exact year this baby was released (I'm guessing 1962), and as far as I can determine "Lady Frances" released no other 45s, but that doesn't mean this isn't one exciting bundle of early 1960s Girl Group rock!
1962
Marlowe Morris Quintet
Columbia 42218
Morris was a Black jazz organist, and this is the only single that registered on a U.S. National chart. When I first heard the track, I didn't think I could call it Jazz, but wasn't sure what genre to put it in. I noticed that Northern Soul fans see this as a "Latin" dance track, but I don't want to call it "Latin" either. So, I just ended up putting it in as a Soul Instrumental.
1962
Oscar Boyd
Hermes 107
This rare soul record has two great sides... both are uptempo early-Motown-style dancers from 1962... complete with female backup singers! I made a snippet of the A side.
1962
The Suburbans
Gee 1076
Classic early 1960's uptempo doo-wop... lots of stuttering and great Mr. Bass Man antics.
1962
Tico And The Triumphs
Amy 876
This terrific single has fine sides of classic early 1960s Doo Wop. Credited just to "Tico," this group features Paul Simon as backup singer, producer and writer (under his then-stage name, Jerry Landis). I wanted to put one of these sides in our online "jukebox," but it was hard to decide which to offer. I finally went with "Cards of Love," which tells a tale of love based on the King, Queen, and Jack of playing cards — a snippet-worthy metaphor, don't you think?
1962
The Five Satins
Chancellor 1110
The B side of this mostly Doo-Wop single offers a top-notch, uptempo Northern Soul track.
1962
Larry Paul
Mala 450
The A side of this rare 1962 release is a definite Northern Soul winner!
1962
Trade Martin
Coed 570
1962
The Millionaires
Cadillac 162
This group put out just a couple of singles on this small Detroit label. The A side is a terrific Bo-Diddley-beat rocker.
1962
Connee Boswell
Charles 1
Quite an amazing record from the former jazz singer, who started her career in the 1930's. This uptempo rocker could just as easily be classified as rockabilly... terrific!
1962
Dr. Feelgood and the Interns
Okeh 7144
It's practically a crime against rock'n'roll for this classic to be out of print on 45 rpm vinyl. I'm sure most of you who've been collecting awhile know the tune, but in case there are some that don't, I'm socking a snippet of it in the jukebox. It just won't do for this one to be forgotten. :-)
1962
Pearl Woods
Crackerjack 4004
This single's A side is a terrific number in the "Popcorn" style, while this flip is an equally strong Northern Soul dancer.
1962
Frank Gari
Crusade 1024
Sounding a lot like Dion and Ernie Maresca, this rollicking number will really get you up and dancin'... At the hop!
1962
Little Sonny Warner
Bee Bee 130
This rare 1962 single has two great sides... I was so taken with the A side I had to make an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear (and me to enjoy in my iTunes library!). Credits on the label include "With Chuck Booker's Orchestra."
1962
The Shar-Mels
Palm 302
A terrific side by an unknown Girl Group on a tiny label... What more could you ask for?
1962
Larry Frazier
Impulse 205
The jazzy "After Six" may have been the intended A side, but collectors — specifically, Northern Soul collectors — are drawn to the subtle yet irresistible groove that builds up on this B side. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to check it out.
1963
Pancho Villa and The Bandits
Pee Vee 100
This is a terrific uptempo, guitar-led groove with an almost-rap vocal going on. Not lyrics, though, so much as meaningful syllables. This is the rare first pressing on the small Philadelphia label Pee Vee; the tunes are more commonly seen on the subsequent (1964) release on Symbol Records (Symbol 202).
1963
Claude Gordon
WB 5388
This is a new artist to me, but on the evidence I'd say it would be worth seeking out more of his 45s. This particular single has two sides that could have been work for Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass. I love what Billboard magazine wrote about the single on reviewing it in 1963, praising the "fine trumpet blowing" and the great "beat out of the 4 Seasons groove." Liked it so much I'm putting a snippet of "Sometimes on Friday" in the jukebox... so have a listen!
1963
The Flamingos
End 1124
This is a popular, hard-to-find Northern Soul dancer that sports a sort-of bad-boy Drifters sound. The music made by former Doo-Wop groups transitioning to Soul is one of my favorites, and this is a great example.
1963
The Crescents
Arlen 743
Here's a beautiful copy of this rare 1963 doo-wop 45, a surprising and delightfully rocking cover of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", made famous in the Rock'n'Roll era by the Platters' 1958 version. Liked it so much I'm sticking a snippet in the Classic 45s jukebox. Have a listen!
1963
Linda and the Pretenders
Assault 1880
Here's an extremely rare Northern Soul single that can command eye-popping values when it's offered.
1963
The Sensations
Junior 1006
Here's another "wow" moment for me... I just love the A side of this rare 1963 single — a terrific Northern Soul-style dancer!
1963
Joye E. Dunn
J&S 1425
Here's another case where in the passage of time and according to taste, I think the real gem on this 45 is the B side — have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to see if you like it as much as I do. It has some particularly nasty (in a good way) electric guitar picking aside Ms. Dunn's powerful vocals, and it swings something fierce!
1963
Bo Diddley
Checker 1045
This is an obscure, but wonderful, Bo Diddley track that's missing from iTunes.
1963
The Essex
Roulette 4494
The B side of the group's big hit "Easier Said Than Done" is just another great, uptempo girl group rocker, but a little less quirky than the A side.
1963
Jimmy Gordon
Challenge 59194
This rare single is one of the earliest 45s to feature use of a "fuzzbox", used to distort the sound of an electric guitar.
1963
Susan King
Toy 106
This single had several pressings, and according to one reference source, this 2:12 release is the "long" version! Whatever version it may be, it's dynamite Northern Soul.
1963
Bobby Comstock and The Counts
Lawn 217
1963
Paul Steffen
Cite 5007
Great almost-rockabilly, almost-doowop track... credited as Paul Steffen and The Apollos.
1963
The Pyramids
Best 13001
This single had been released earlier in the year on Best 1 as the group's first 45. Both sides are terrific, and "Paul" is sure to whet your appetite for Surf Instrumentals!
1963
The Videls
Musicnote 117
Here's an awesome, uptempo Doo-Wop remake of the Robert & Johnny classic ballad. I liked it so much right off the bat that I quickly made an mp3 "snippet" for our online "jukebox"... have a listen!
1963
Paul Steffen
Cite 5007
This single's B side is a great almost-rockabilly, almost-doo-wop track... credited as Paul Steffen and The Apollos. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!
1964
Carole Forrest
Atco 6295
The A side ("He's Awful Nice To Me") is a decent enough recording, but I think Carole would have had a better shot if radio programmers had focused on the B side instead, which I liked enough to make this one a Recommended single (one star). Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of "My Girlfriend"... Hope you like it as much as I do!
1964
Majestic
Equator 1401
This is a beautiful, midtempo number by an obscure, early soul vocal group that sounds a great deal like the Ohio Untouchables or the Falcons. In other words, a vocal group in transition from doo-wop to soul, which is one of my personal favorite sounds!
1964
Dickey Lee
Hall 1924
This amazing single is a Beatlesque foray into the style that would become known as Power Pop. What distinguishes it in particular from the Buddy Holly-influenced vocals it shares with "Sheila" by Tommy Roe is that spectacular electric guitar bridge — one of the hallmarks of great Power Pop. This song is just so great I had to quickly make an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear.
1964
The Buddies
Swing 102
This group is actually a reconfiguration of the Tokens, so if you love the Tokens sound, you'll love this too! Both sides are great, but "On The Go" is a 2-star recommendation (our highest). Have a listen!
1964
James Crawford
Mercury 72282 dj
Produced by James Brown, this terrific 1964 rarity features a wonderful Northern Soul number on the A side. Have a listen!
1964
Jimmy Elledge
RCA 8355
The Joe South-penned A side is a dynamite neo-Rockabilly rocker you won't want to miss! And don't go looking for it online — you won't find it in iTunes or Spotify!
1964
Z.Z. Hill
Kent 404
This great single has the original versions of two self-penned tunes that Hill later re-recorded for Kent in the early 1970's. Both versions of each song are superb, and I couldn't possibly pick a favorite.
1964
The Five Finks
Bertram Int'l 228
Terrific surf instrumental.
1964
Anna King
Smash 1904
Under the watchful eye of James Brown, Anna King released two terrific Deep Soul-style numbers on this little 45. The uptempo flip (check out our mp3 "snippet") verges on Funky Soul.
1964
Sugar Boy Williams
Raines 2906
Williams recorded "Little Girl" several times over the course of his career. This is a to-die-for uptempo RnB version... perhaps the best version, and one that doesn't appear to be in iTunes or other online music services.
1964
Tams
General American 714
This record is a perfect example of your talented doo-wop group figuring out how to sing soul group harmony. That special blend of styles is unique to the early 1960's and, to my ear at least, is one of the most satisfying sounds. The A side is much closer to the classic Tams soul sound we all know and love, yet with clear overtones of the group's doo-wop legacy.
1964
The Rivals
Lu Pine 118
These amazing recordings are from an obscure Detroit band in the transition from RnB vocal group to soul vocal group. Both sides will blow you away, especially you soul doo-wop fans. Credited to The Rivals with T.J. Fowler's Band.
1964
Sylvia Robbins
Sue 106
What a joyous, soulful musical offering, penned by Rudy Clark and arranged by Horace Ott, is this single's A side! I was so impressed I had to rush-make an mp3 "snippet" so you can hear this amazing performance. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Incidentally, some sources indicate that this singer is the same Sylvia Robinson of "Pillow Talk" and 1970s dance music production fame, but I haven't been able to confirm that with other sources.
1964
Shirley Matthews
Amy 910
I found the A side of this one so appealing I had to get an mp3 "snippet" up for you to hear... Hope you like it, too!
1964
Alder Ray
Liberty 55715
Here are two dynamite Girl Group numbers, produced very heavily with Phil Spector's style in mind. The A side is particularly sweet.
1964
Tommy Roe
ABC-Pmt. 10555
One of the rarest Tommy Roe singles (it doesn't even show up in iTunes!), this one tries on the Surf Rock sound and even gets in a revving motor sound as he moves water play to a lake from the ocean. :-)
1964
The Adorables
Golden World 10
This single features two great, rarely heard girl group sides. "Be" is the B side track.
1964
Chartbusters
Mutual 502
High-powered early garage group from Washington, DC... one of the many American garage acts inspired by the Beatles and other foursomes from the 1964 British wave. This is the B side of their biggest hit, "She's The One."
1964
Betty Lavette
Lu Pine 123
Terrific Detroit soul rarity, a very early single by this artist. Lavette's name is spelled 'Lavett' on this release.
1964
Timmy Shaw
Wand 151
A great uptempo side from this Detroit soul singer.
1964
Nancy Adams
RCA 8354
Someone has called this tune's vibe "Soul-Jazz", and that's not far off. Whatever you call it, this is an attention-getting number you won't want to miss!
1965
Ernestine Eady
Junior 1007
Both sides of this rare single deserve serious listening, but it's the A side — "The Change" — that really grabs your attention. No wonder it's highly sought after... Have listen, and you'll hear why! The tracks also appear on a more widely released 1965 pressing on Scepter Records.
1965
Donnie Elbert
Gateway 757
"Leather" is one of those tunes that some Northern Soul dee-jays like to mix in with their sets — it's a dynamite dancer featuring Elbert's trademark falsetto.
1965
Jimmy Holland
Blue Rock 4036
The A side struck me like a lightning bolt — starting out with that snaky bass line, continuing with the stomping beat and female backup singers, by the time Holland begins I was so hooked I had to sock a snippet of the song in our "jukebox"... have a listen!
1965
Little Bob
La Louisianne 8067
On turning this 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
Carole Quinn
MGM 13326
This is one of those many dynamite mid-1960s soul singles by artists who've now faded into obscurity. Carole and her backup singers sound very much like a Supremes knock-off, down to the patented Motown beat. Undoubtedly this would be great at a dance club!
1965
Minzi Berry
Score 1004/1005
One listen to this rare single will explain why Northern Soul fans seek it out... By the way, you won't find either of these tracks in the album-oriented iTunes library, because they were never included on an LP.
1965
Clark Sullivan
Romac 101
This is a very special, very wonderful Northern Soul rarity... As far as I can determine, this is the singer's only release, the exact year of which is unknown — but clearly mid-1960s.
1965
Oliver Sain
Checker 1097
On the B side of "Don't Mess Up A Good Thing" by Fontella Bass and Bobby McClure is a terrific groove taking place courtesy of sax player Oliver Sain and his band (who also play on the A side). Sain, who died in 2003, wrote and arranged both sides of this great single. Try slipping "Jerk Loose" into a Northern Soul set some night and see if the crowd doesn't go wild!
1965
Sonny Stiles And His Kings Men
Joy 299
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 the B side? Because "Here She Comes" is a stomping dancer you won't want to miss! By the way, I believe this may be the only recordings this particular outfit made, as I haven't found evidence of any other 45s (and certainly no LPs).
1965
The Exchequers
Boom! 115
This rare U.S. garage/harmony record was pressed in 1965 on clear green vinyl, by the small Wisconsin label Boom!
1965
Pearl Woods
Mala 496
This single's "Plug Side" is a dynamite Southern Soul (Funky Soul) dancer with a terrific rhythm section and superb sound.
1965
O'Jays
Imperial 66121
Amazing two-sided uptempo soul single... The A side is particularly worth seeking out.
1965
The Francettes
Valiant 718
What a great find! The A side could well be The Marvelettes, in a fine uptempo Northern Soul dancer, Motown-style.
1965
Keith and the Admirations
Columbia 43268
This is the same Keith who, a couple of years later, hit the top 40 with a couple of singles on Mercury. Too bad this earlier song didn't register... it's just as good, if not better!
1965
The New Breed
Diplomacy 22
The New Breed was a Bay area group active from 1965-67, originally from Sacramento. This great single was their first of four 45s, which were culled into a compilation LP in the 1980s.
1965
Ritchie Adams
Congress 256
How this terrific dance number escaped notice by radio programmers is a total mystery... it's got everything: Great tune, great vocal, great arrangement (Jerry Ragavoy), great band, great backing vocals! Oh well... even though it's not in Kev Roberts' list of the 500 best Northern Soul singles, you can bet it should be. :-)
1965
The Citations
Roulette 4623
This is one seriously great dance record, with a top-notch rhythm section going on. Philly or not, it'll get your toes tapping!
1965
The Boys
Kama Sutra 203
The singers in this band are far from boys... and they're serving up a gorgeous rendition of a great Jackie DeShannon tune.
1965
Margie Hendrix
Mercury 72420
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 an amazing 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! Oh, and did I mention that Margie can really Sing!
1965
Bobby Sheen
Dimension 1043
This single has two great sides, but I find "Sweetheart" the more immediately satisfying. But I couldn't find it in iTunes. :-)
1965
Cecil Garrett & the Fascinations
Calla 107
This rare, powerful soul record is the only one the Garrett & his group made as far as I'm aware.
1965
Carl Hall
Mercury 72396
This guy didn't get any chart love for his many singles, but Northern Soul fans ignore them at their own peril: This is another dynamite dancer!
1965
The Ikettes
Modern 1011
One of the Ikettes' very best singles... If you're a fan of the girl-group Motown sound a la the Supremes, you'll have a new favorite to spin!
1965
Elmore James
Sphere Sound 708
James re-recorded a number of his best-known tunes when signed to Bell on the Sphere Sound label. To my ears, this 1965 recording beats the 1962 original on Fire 504. Have a listen! As far as I can determine, the only version that's available on iTunes is the Fire version.
1965
Paul Kelly
Lloyd 007
Paul Kelly's biggest Northern Soul classic weighs in at #347 in Kev Roberts' list of the 500 greatest.
1965
Little Gigi
Decca 31760
Here's a nice promo copy of this very rare 1965 Northern Soul single, with a sound that'll fill dance floors without question!
1965
Galaxies
Etiquette 20
The Galaxies were an early garage band from Tacoma, WA.
1965
The Trade Winds
Red Bird 10020
If you haven't heard the flip of "New York's A Lonely Town," you not understand why the Trade Winds singles are so collectable. A seldom-heard surf classic!
1965
Jerry Berryhill
Liberty 55825
Jerry Berryhill is really Jerry Capehart, the guy who co-wrote and co-produced most of Eddie Cochran's rockabilly smashes, including 'Summertime Blues.' This is a very rare release, one of two he issued in the mid-1960's as Jerry Berryhill.
1965
Nathaniel Kelly and The Trevinos
Jubilee 5501
Talk about love at first sound... I don't normally fall for simple "Do This Dance"-style numbers, though there are many exceptions (including, e.g., "Tighten Up"), but this one has such a powerful rhythm section, and that emotive guitar break, I just had to get a copy in the queue of the Classic 45s "Jukebox," so check out the mp3 "snippet" of the track. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
1965
Goodnight Kisses
Atco 6335
Talk about a missed boat! By January 1965 when this single was released, the "Girl Group" rock sound had faded with the arrival of the British Invasion and other trends in Pop music. Still, this one needs some recognition: It not only captures the glory of hits like "Then He Kissed Me" but adds an insistent rhythm section that could be the work of a Garage Rock band. The combo is terrific: Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" I've added to our "jukebox".
1966
The Boogie Kings
Pic 1 129
This fantastic funky soul dancer definitely deserved an mp3 snippet of its own... check it out!
1966
Jessica James and The Outlaws
Dynovoice 220
Talk about dynamic! Listen to the mp3 snippet of the A side here and tell me you don't want to just get up and Dance!
1966
Eddie Curtis
Josie 957
This great dance track is called different genres across the web — because nobody knows quite what to call it, in my opinion! It borders RnB and Northern Soul, for sure, but I've also seen it referred to as "Popcorn", "Mod" RnB, and "Boogaloo." Whatever you call it, have a listen to the snippet and you'll see why this track's in demand among Soul dance club fans!
1966
Dean Parrish
Boom 60016
Talk about great dance music! I particularly liked the B side, so check out the mp3 "snippet" I just added to our online "jukebox." By the way, I checked, and this original 45 version of "Determination" is not available on iTunes. I'm not sure where the Stereo-mix, 48-second-longer version of the tune comes from that's on iTunes; perhaps it's a re-recording for an album made for a later company... There was no Boom LP for Dean Parrish, just 45s.
1966
Jeanette Harper
20th Century 6683
This wonderful single, with its signature Northern Soul A side, sits at #253 in Kev Roberts' list of the Top 500 Northern Soul 45s.
1966
Jimmy & Vella Cameron
Reprise 0483
What a great surprise this obscure Soul single turns out to be! It's a dynamite Northern Soul dancer featuring a muscular bass line that just won't quit!
1966
The Mindbenders
Fontana 1541
This particular single, their second Top 10 U.S. hit, 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 jukebox snippet to see if you don't agree. :-)
1966
Tommy Turner
Elbam 70
This rare Northern Soul single is sure to be a hit on the dance floor!
1966
Lowell Fulsom
Kent 448
Wow! Another irresistible B side that will change the dance floor mood a bit but still keep 'em dancing... One of Fulsom's finest, singing about his bad, frisky ol' self.
1966
The Only Ones
Panik 5112
This was the only single released by this Detroit band. Both sides are terrific examples of classic 1960s Garage Rock.
1966
Willie & The Handjives
Veep 1227
Here's another single with simply dynamite sound, featuring two Northern Soul-style dancers you won't want to miss! I liked the A side so much I quickly put together an mp3 "snippet" ... so have a listen!
1966
Marsha Brody
Hot Shot 1000
This is a terrific Northern Soul dancer.
1966
Eddie Wood
Perico 1258
Here again is a fantastic Northern Soul stomper with a clear Motown feel to it, but in my researching I can't find any source to tell me the year of release. I'm guessing 1966.
1966
Bob London and the Bobbies
Gee-Bee 6011
Well, try as I might, I could find no information about this group in any of my sources. If anyone has knowledge of this record or group, please share it and I'll add it to the site. In the meantime, what I do know is that this is a terrific folk-garage-rock number in a sort of Beau Brummels-meets-Sonny Bono mode. The guy's got a really great voice, and obviously both songs are self-penned. Fine band. Really, both sides are keepers, if you ask me, but I have a slight preference for this B side.
1966
Herb Fame
Date 1507
Two great, rare Van McCoy productions featuring the Herb half of Peaches & Herb. The A side is a rip-roaring Northern Soul dance number.
1966
Mickey Lanay
Vulcan 100
This terrific, quite rare Northern Soul single has a guitar intro that'll grab you from the get-go, and a fantastic drummer who'll keep you up the rest of the way.
1966
Lorraine (Iris) Washington
J-V 1032
This obscure, rarely seen single has two terrific Northern Soul numbers definitely worth seeking out. Not sure which I like best, but I'm putting "Sweetie Pie" in our mp3 "jukebox"... so have a listen!
1966
The Young Generation
Red Bird 10065
Terrific late Girl Group rarity.
1966
The Magnificent Men
Capitol 5608
Very excellent early effort by this white soul group. How the heck did pop radio fail to pick up on this sure thing?
1966
The Springers
Wales 428
This super-rare Northern Soul hit sits at #63 in Kev Roberts' list of 100 top Northern Soul singles.
1966
The Shaggy Boys
Red Bird 10074
Tuneful mid-1960's pop, this one's a bit of a stomper.
1966
Bobby Moore And His Rhythm Aces
Checker 1156
Credited to "Bobby Moore's Rhythm Aces featuring Chico," this is a must-have soul single with not only a classic A side but a real stomper treat on the B side!
1966
The Stagemasters
Slide 2101
Here's a fabulous Soul rarity you won't want to miss! The A side is so delightful I had to get an mp3 "snippet" up for you to hear.
1966
Gino Parks
Golden World 32
This single's A side is a gorgeous mid-tempo soul number... How did this miss at radio?
1966
Mary Wells
Atco 6436
This is one of the rarest Mary Wells singles on Atco... Both sides are terrific mid-tempo soul, continuing in the Motown style. How radio managed to pass on the A side in particular is a mystery.
1966
Art Freeman
Fame 1008
Here it is, folks... one of the most sought-after Northern Soul classics. And mind you, you don't get just one classic... you get TWO. Mighty fine indeed. Kev Roberts ranks this single at #184 in his Top 500 Northern Soul list.
1966
Baby Ray
Imperial 66216
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!
1966
Tokens
B.T. Puppy 519
Typically fabulous Tokens outing... half surf/beach sound, half doo-wop. That's one of the combinations that defines Sunshine Pop, in fact.
1966
Evelyn Legrand
S.P.Q.R. 1000
A dynamite Northern Soul dancer in a Motown style.
1966
Robert Dobyne
Kama Sutra 207
I was so taken with this single's A side that I had to rush-release an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear... Enjoy!
1966
The Leaves
Mira 222
An essential classic of mid-1960s garage rock.
1966
The Shirelles
Scepter 12150
A terrific uptempo Girl Group tune that failed to chart, but not for lack of great music!
1966
Vontastics
St. Lawrence 1014
Fantastic soul rendition of one of the Beatles' best guitar riffs.
1966
Bobby McClure
Checker 1130
Amazingly, this record was NOT a smash hit in 1966, nor did it even scrape the bottom of the chart. Terrific northern soul number.
1966
Monk Higgins
St. Lawrence 1013
With a bass line that just won't quit, this single has a dynamite A side, one of only a handful that hit the Billboard charts. Liked it so much I rush-released an mp3 "snippet" so you can hear what got me so excited! :-)
1966
The In Crowd
Viva 604
Here's a beautiful copy of this rare 1966 single, whose A side 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
Cornelius Dwyer
20th Century Fox 635
Here's a real rarity... so rare it's not listed in any of my normal reference books! And yet, what a great sound! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear why Northern Soul fans in the know go nuts over it.
1967
Charles Drain
Checker 1175
Especially when listening to the popular B side, "Here I Am," it's easy to hear why some Northern Soul fans claim this one as their own, while fans of Deep Soul make equally valid claims. Whatever you call it, "Here I Am" chugs along with a crisp, tight rhythm section that will definitely set toes tapping. :-) In fact, I liked "Here I Am" so much I made a brief mp3 snippet of it — have a listen!
1967
Don Hollinger
Atco 6492
Fans of Deep Soul won't go wrong with either track on this 45, but personally I find "Cruel World" the more remarkable outing — it's more uptempo with an almost-Northern Soul-style beat, a dance groove you will definitely want to check out!
1967
The Inexpensive Handmade Look
Brunswick 55334
Looking for some Garage/Psych Rock you haven't heard before? How about this one... it was sure a surprise to me! Have a listen to the mp3 snippet and you'll see why I rush-released it into our online "jukebox!"
1967
The Masterkeys
Sport 109
This rare single has two great Northern Soul-style sides: The A side sounds like a leftover from the Motown assembly line! :-)
1967
Sterling Magee
Tangerine 975
This tune 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" I just added to our online "jukebox"! You won't find it in iTunes, by the way.
1967
The Cruisers
Gamble 207
I love the early Philly-style Soul dancer on the B side ("Take A Chance") so much 've added an mp3 snippet so you can share my enthusiasm (or not)!
1967
Chip Taylor
Rainy Day 8002
Taylor is best known as a songwriter with partner Al Gorgoni ('Angel of the Morning,' 'Wild Thing,' and others), but here's one of the times he ventured performing his own tunes.
1967
Bessie Banks
Verve 10519
This single has a dynamite A-side dancer ("I Can't Make It") you won't want to miss... check out the mp3 "snippet" we've added to our online "jukebox!"
1967
Brenda Duff
Casino 500
Duff had only a handful of single releases and only one on this small New Orleans label. The B side really cranks up the dance groove... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" we just added to our online "jukebox!"
1967
Chuck Cornish
White Cliffs 258
I liked this one so much on first listen I simply had to break down and make a fourth mp3 "snippet" in one day — must be a new record for me! Hope you like the song... it's just the kind of primitive yet irresistible Northern Soul dancer I love.
1967
Little Frankie
Smash 2067
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 the snippet B side, you'll love the A side as well.
1967
Telma Laverne
Northern Del-La 502
Now, here's a rare Detroit Soul 45 you just don't see very often, with two dynamite sides that definitely grow on you with repeated listening. I decided to make mp3 "snippets" of each side since the record is so rare and I couldn't decide which side I prefer. Enjoy!
1967
Clay Hammond
Kent 468
Two fine Deep Soul numbers... The flip was a surprise, so much so I had to get an mp3 "snippet" in the jukebox right away! Enjoy.
1967
Dee Dee Sharp
Atco 6502
This single is sought after mainly for the amazing B side dancer, which I liked so much right away I had to put a snippet of it in the "jukebox!" Both of these are early writing credits for Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, who went on to craft a sound that became one of the foundations of Philly Soul.
1967
Eddie Purrell
Volt 145
This single's A side sounds like it could have been recorded in Detroit rather than at Stax studios, but then everyone was trying to emulate the Motown sound by 1967. :-) I liked it so much right away that I recorded an mp3 snippet for our "jukebox," so have a listen!
1967
J.J. Jackson
Loma 2082
How this catchy Soul dancer managed to elude Top 40 fame is a mystery to me... Have a listen and see why we give it 2 stars, our highest recommendation.
1967
Patti Austin
Coral 62536
Yes, the A side of this 45 is a nice Soul ballad, but the reason Northern Soul fans seek out this rarely seen Austin single is the tremendous dance number on the flip (have a listen to the mp3 snippet)!
1967
The Four Puzzles
Fat Back 215
This rare single is a must-own for fans of raw-edged Soul, either Northern or Southern. In this case, it's the rhythm section that pulls you in and won't let go!
1967
The Candymen
ABC 10995
This group was Roy Orbison's backup band on tracks like "Oh Pretty Woman." Subsequently, a couple members went on to make a splash as the Classics IV with Dennis Yost, and later as founding members of Atlanta Rhythm Section in the 1970's. Both sides of this 45 are great tuneful pop, and the B side is actually the stronger of the two.
1967
Red Prysock
Junior 1015
Terrific, rare pair of Soul instrumentals, courtesy of veteran tenor saxophonist Red Prysock, the brother of singer Arthur Prysock. Both of these are major keepers, but on first listening I prefer the funkier flip... have a listen to the mp3 snippet I've added to our "jukebox."
1967
The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band
Keymen 108
The A side of this single 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". Well, you gotta admit it's close! FYI, in 1969 Charles Wright took over as group leader, and the band added his name to the group's.
1967
The Yellow Balloon
Canterbury 516
In an oddity that I have yet to explain, the B side of this wonderful Sunshine Pop single 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
Dramatics
Sport 101
This early Dramatics single is wildly popular, especially for its mid-tempo A side, though I tend to agree with radio programmers from the day, who chose instead to plug the 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 see what I mean!
1967
Laura Lee
Chess 2030
That Muscle Shoals studio could sure churn out some terrific soul in the late 1960's. This one is absolutely essential to a good soul collection.
1967
Charles Spurling
King 6115
The A side is a dynamite Northern Soul dancer you won't want to miss... check out the mp3 "snippet" I've posted for the song.
1967
Derek Martin
Volt 160
Rare northern soul classic... terrific two-sider. The flip ("Sly Girl") has a particularly sweet beat. These tracks were first released on Tuba 2010.
1967
The Artistics
Brunswick 55326
You can't do wrong with either side of this terrific single, which somehow escaped notice at Pop and Black/RnB radio when released in 1967, but I took a quick fondness to the B side ("Love Song"), which as I suspected is not available from the iTunes store or other online services. Have a listen to the mp3 snippet, and I hope it grabs you like it did me!
1967
The Insiders
RCA 9225
This single's "Plug Side" is a fine Philly-Soul style ballad, but the real action is on the flip (how often do I say this in a day, I wonder?): "I'm Just A Man" is a terrific dancer well worth seeking out.
1967
The Maze
Calla 135
This single's A side is a terrific Northern Soul dancer cranked to the nines! The flip ("I Got Love") is perhaps not so great a dancer, but it's a terrific recording... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" I've added to our online "jukebox!"
1967
Colt Brothers
Bullet 4511
Here's a fabulous soul rarity, featuring a swinging original with an unbeatable rhythm section on the A side.
1967
Don Covay & the Goodtimers
Atlantic 2407
This single's A side has a rhythm section that deserves its own spot in the Soul Hall of Fame — truly awesome! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean.
1967
Clifford Curry
Elf 90033
This terrific single's B side will enthrall fans of Deep Soul.
1967
Teddy and the Pandas
Timbri 101
Teddy and the Pandas weren't known as a soul group, but on this amazing number they managed to groove like one. "The Lovelight" also comes across as a slice of really groovy garage rock.
1967
The Soul Set
BB 4012
These guys put down a seriously mean beat in this cover of the Miracles hit, and then show how truly funky that beat is in the organ-led instrumental flip. Smokin'!
1967
The Rationals
Cameo 455
This rarest of Rationals singles features two upbeat, soul-driven garage rock. The powerful A side, a cover of an earlier version by Sam Hawkins on the Blue Cat label, builds an almost indecent amount of sexual energy as the singer moves from merely thinking about "his baby" to starting out across town and then finally reaching her house. Whew!
1967
Felice Taylor
Mustang 3024
This is a fabulous early Barry White production and song... Did someone say this sounded like the Supremes?
1967
The Forum
Mira 232
This is the wonderful original version of this soulful sunshine pop tune, which the Grass Roots took to the top 40 in 1969.
1967
The Shirelles
Scepter 12192
Now, why the heck didn't Scepter release this one with "Too Much of a Good Thing" as the A side? Yes, "Bright Shiny Colors" is a nice girl group tune, but rock'n'roll had moved on from the girl group sound, and I'm sure the Shirelles were tired of being seen as "girls," anyway. "Too Much" is just the right amount of a good thing, which today we call "Northern Soul." It deserved to be a hit back in 1967, and it still does today!
1967
The Visions
Uni 55031
This great sunshine pop classic was first recorded earlier in 1967 by the Yellow Balloon, but it appeared on the B side of one of their singles and was called, unaccountably, "Stained Glass Window". Both versions are wonderful.
1967
Tony Orlando
Cameo 471
I guess Tony wasn't considered hip enough to put on the airwaves in 1967... but boy did we miss out on a great one!
1967
The Keymen
Goldust 5019
This New Mexico band was quite successful regionally in the 1960's, and this 1967 single showcases their light garage-rock style. The B side of this great, rare single is particularly worth hearing, so check out the mp3 "snippet" by clicking the blue "play button."
1967
The Underdogs
V.I.P. 25040
This is a very interesting record... both sides are terrific uptempo, guitar-led garage rock, with a hint of Motown thrown in. Check out the mp3 "snippet" for the excellent B side, "Mo Jo Hanna."
1967
The Soul Runners
MoSoul 5103
OK... listen to the mp3 snippet of the A side and tell me that this isn't the same bass riff that David Essex & company put down for 1973's pop smash "Rock On". Well, it's close anyway. This great soul band put out a couple of smashing soul instrumental singles in the mid-1960's before morphing into Charles Wright's Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band.
1967
Chuck Jackson
Wand 1142
This tune is an uptempo, dance-floor filler. Especially amazing is how this track has managed to escape detection all these years... Ignored originally, it's apparently never popped onto the radar screen of northern soul DJ's and collectors. And yet... What a stomper!
1967
Four Tracks
Mandingo 489
This great soul dance number has just gotten more popular (and valuable!) in the U.K. Northern Soul scene as the years go by and was recently listed at #57 in Kev Roberts' new list of 100 great Northern Soul singles.
1967
Jorge
Aurora 166
Once you hear this obscure track, you'll wonder how your sunshine pop collection ever got along without it! What a joy to discover another great gem!
1967
Lada Edmund, Jr.
Coral 62534
Hard to describe this one... because of the fuzz guitar and heavy bass, I'm sticking it in Garage/Psych Rock, but it's got a great dance beat as well. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear for yourself. FYI, Edmund had no albums, so you gotta collect the singles to get this great music!
1967
Shirley Wahls
Calla 140
The A side is a dynamite Northern Soul dancer you won't want to miss. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to see if you're as taken with it as I am. Incidentally, you won't find this tune in iTunes... Wahls didn't release an album for Calla.
1967
The Music Explosion
Laurie 3380
Besides the famous A side ("Little Bit O'Soul"), don't miss the great B side on this one, which shows the group's garage-rock roots very clearly.
1967
The Four Hi's
Verve 10549
Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of the A side here and see if you don't get a thrill and a need to get dancing! :-) As far as I can determine, this group had just a couple of singles on Verve; no albums.
1967
Sam And Bill
Decca 32143
The real action in this rare 45 (as in so many cases) is on the flip: "I'll Try" is a dynamite Northern Soul dancer you won't want to miss!
1967
Johnny Jay and The Gangbusters
Josie 980
With that prominent bass line (so familiar!) and a kick-ass rhythm section, this great single really gets your feet moving!
1967
Bobby Kline
MB 1001
Here's an extremely rare Northern Soul single that can command eye-popping values when it's offered. Both sides are dynamite dancers, but frankly I put my money on the B side with its powerful rhythm section... which by the way is the side that's missing from iTunes.
1967
The U.S. Male
Special Delivery 1004
Delightful Beach-Boys-esque late 1960's pop — a side of pure joy!
1967
Little Milton
Checker 1162
This fine RnB number definitely deserves to be more widely known, yet it's one Little Milton single missing from iTunes.
1967
Music Explosion
Laurie 3400
1967
The Todds
Toddlin' Town 102
A great slices of rare 1960's garage.
1967
Gia Mateo
RCA 9138
This hard-to-find 1967 Northern Soul dancer is well worth seeking out if you can find it: Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet", which I hope you enjoy as much as I do!
1967
Percy Mayfield
Tangerine 977
Don't miss this terrific RnB dancer with to-do-for horn and rhythm arrangements.
1967
The Sunshine Company
Imperial 66247
This single has 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 ("Blue May").
1967
Miller Sisters
GMC 10006
This single's A side is a dynamite Northern Soul dancer well worth seeking out... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear that pounding bass and rhythm section — Awesome!
1967
The Traditions
Bar Clay 19678
Here's a beautiful copy of this rare 1967 single, featuring a terrific Northern Soul dancer with a killer rhythm section. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean.
1967
Kim Tolliver
Sure-Shot 5035
The A side is a powerful Deep Soul ballad, but the real action is this super-hot B side dancer. Check out the mp3 "snippet" to hear it.
1967
The Masonic Wonders
Checker 5037
Here's a beautiful copy of this rarely seen 1967 45, which is clearly Gospel in lyrics and melody but which has an awesome rhythm section that happens to hit the sweet spot for Northern Soul collectors. So it's sort of a Gospel 45 in Northern Soul clothing. :-) Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean!
1967
Ralphie D.
20th Century 6681
Wanna hear how a Beach Boys song sounds like when performed by a Soul singer? I couldn't imagine it, and you might not either... so have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"! "You're So Good..." was the excellent B side of the Beach Boys single "Sloop John B."
1968
Bazooka
Bang 559
Terrific bubblegum at its goofy best!
1968
The American Breed
Acta 824
This 1968 single has an even better song on the flip than on the "plug" side. Check out our mp3 snippet!
1968
The Feathers
Team 518
On this great Bubblegum record, the A side mines psych-rock for the fuzz guitar and frantic pace, while the flip sounds very much like something Tommy James & the Shondells would have recorded. Check out the mp3 snippet!
1968
Donnie Elbert
Atco 6550
Between his first chart record in 1957 until he finally had a hit in 1971 with a cover of The Supremes "Where Did Our Love Go" on All Platinum, Elbert released many singles on many different labels. This is a particularly good single from his years in the "wilderness," with two great horn-filled tracks recorded under the guidance of famed Atlantic producer Arif Mardin. I liked the lovely, mid-tempo "Plug Side" so much I quickly added an mp3 snippet to our "jukebox", so have a listen!
1968
Bobby Blue
Imperial 66364
The songwriter here, Mars Bonfire, was a Canadian guitarist who wrote songs—including "Born To Be Wild"—for Steppenwolf. Both sides of this single are terrific, especially the growling, thunderous A side. Steppenwolf later recorded the song as well, but IMHO, Blue's version is far superior.
1968
The American Breed
Acta 830
The A side of this single is in a hard-edged Bubblegum mold, but the B side — check this out! Terrific psychedelic fuzz guitar, jerky garage rock... these guys had another side to them entirely on this track. Think I'll sock a snippet in the jukebox... it's that good!
1968
Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers
Gordy 7069
The flip of this group's biggest hit 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 Masqueraders
Bell 733
Sure, I like the A side of this single (the group's biggest hit), 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
Barbra Streisand
Columbia 44474
This Northern Soul number is truly a remarkable outing for Streisand... Not the sound she's best known for, but certainly pleasing!
1968
Joe Drake
Shamley 44004
This unusual and wonderful number grabbed me right away, so I've put a snippet of it into the Classic 45s jukebox... have a listen! Having listened to the snippet a number of times now, I'm raising our rating to 2 stars, our highest recommendation.
1968
The Blues Busters
Shout 235
The "Plug Side" ("Inspired") finds the crack Fame Studios band under Rick Hall hammering out an honest-to-god Northern Soul beat. The giveaway is the horn charts, which are more Southern Soul fare. :-) I was so taken with the A side that I went ahead and made an mp3 snippet for the Classic 45s "jukebox"... so have a listen!
1968
The Commotions
Blue Rock 4056
Both of these tracks are top-notch Northern Soul dancers, and they practically sound like different groups: The A side has a male lead, while the Motown-style "Handy Man" (no relation to the Jimmy Jones classic) has a female lead. Check out the mp3 snippet of "Handy Man" we just added to our online "jukebox!" Don't they sound like Honey Cone? Either way, as a dance fan, you come out a winner!
1968
The Harvey Averne Dozen
Atlantic 2505
Terrific Latin-tinged Northern Soul, with an irresistible dancer on the flip... check it out!
1968
The Atlantic Sounds
Atlantic 2468
Two terrific instrumentals, featuring an 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.
1968
The Camel Drivers
Top Dog 103
This is the original issue of this terrific Sunshine Pop track on Detroit's small Top Dog label. It was later picked up by Buddah and was a modest Top 40 hit.
1968
Aaron Collins
Crazy Horse 1302
This single impressed me so much I had to rush-release a snippet for the Classic 45s jukebox! Both sides are to-die-for Southern-style soul.
1968
The Innovation
Amy 11032
This single is a rare Ellie Greenwich production, featuring a self-penned tune on the A side. Of course, Greenwich, together with Jeff Barry, was one of the preeminent songwriters of the 1960's, with a list of credits way too long to show here. Suffice it to say that it's hard to imagine 1960's music—particularly early 1960's—without her contributions. These tracks are definitely not girl group pop! Greenwich also helped out some garage bands in the late 1960's, and this obscure group was one of them.
1968
Thumper
A&M 982
Definitely a psych rock nugget worth seeking out! Check out the mp3 snippet if you're a fan of the genre.
1968
King Bees
RCA 8787
Now here's one I'll bet you haven't heard... It's a terrific garage rock number performed by some guys who clearly get the Northern Soul dance beat. As far as I know, this is their only 45, and I note that the group's songwriter is Danny Kortchmar. Guitarist Kortchmar had several almost-successful bands in the late 1960s, including Flying Machine, which also included James Taylor. When Taylor went solo, it was Kortchmar who added a second acoustic guitar to most of the tracks on Sweet Baby James.
1968
Jackie Lee
Keymen 114
This B side of "African Boo-Ga-Loo" also appeared on the flip of an earlier release. Why Keymen didn't just release it as an A side is a mystery, since it's probably Lee's best recording for the label.
1968
The Elastic Band
Kapp 965
This obscure garage band put out only two or three singles in 1967-68, and none of them got much attention. Fortunately for us, some people never throw anything away, and so I managed to pick up this terrific 45 recently. Take a listen to the mp3 snippet and see if you aren't as smitten as I was!
1968
Bo Diddley
Checker 1200
Talk about HOT! It must have been frustrating to Bo Diddley to be making such great music in 1968, yet everyone who knew his music recalled only the seminal tracks he recorded in the mid-1950's. From the evidence here, he just kept getting better through the 1960's. What great guitar work, and that drummer playing on the B side is dynamite! Such a great beat I couldn't stand still listening to it.
1968
The Bay Ridge
Atlantic 2520
This group put out only two singles on Atlantic, and this is one of them. Both sides are snarly psychedelic.
1968
Herman Griffin & The Boys in the Band
Magic Touch 007
This great single has a fine rockin' northern-soul number on the A side.
1968
Joe Towns
Top Dog 108
A very rare, mellow side of late 1960s Detroit Soul.
1968
The Zebra
Philips 40535
Rare Bubblegum Rock not to be missed!
1968
Gloria Taylor
King Soul 865
On one of her very first singles, Taylor records an early version of "Do Your Duty", later covered by Betty Lavette, on the flip. Both sides are terrific, toe-tappin' standouts.
1968
Kris Peterson
Pelikin 101
Here's an extremely rare slice of stupendous late 1960s female soul on a small Detroit label. Note that the song was written by Dennis Coffey, and he is also credited for "Orchestration".
1968
Free & Easy
Carol 103
Well, I couldn't find any info about this group or single, which aren't listed in the reference books. Yet how such a dynamite slice of funk could have escaped notice is beyond me. Besides the great instrumental arrangement and funky beat, the group's vocals are top notch.
1968
J.J. Barnes
Revilot 216
This single features two fine Motown-style soul tracks, a slower one on the A side and this great dancer on the flip.
1968
The Magic Tones
Mah's 1037
Terrific, rare slice of Northern Soul on this small Detroit label.
1968
Florence Ballard
ABC 11144
Two stunning, uptempo Motown-style tracks courtesy of "Flo", who was one of the original Supremes. Note that the A side is one of Van McCoy's outstanding contributions to Northern Soul in the 1960s.
1968
The Linneas
Diamond 241
On the B side, this obscure female group turns in a magical northern soul dance number. Another song about the joy of hurting. Hmmm!
1968
The Wildweeds
Cadet 5572
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 the distinctive B side. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!
1968
Little Junior Parker
Blue Rock 4064
This terrific single has two keeper sides: The A side is a dynamite RnB number, while the flip gets on a Northern Soul-style groove. Have a listen to the B side snippet... you won't want to miss this one!
1968
Laura Lee
Chess 2041
All of the Chess Laura Lee singles are southern soul dreams come true. Take a listen to this one's A side and see if you don't agree!
1968
The Bay Ridge
Atlantic 2431
This is the first of two singles released by this Brooklyn rock group. According to the publicity literature Atlantic released with the single, the group got their audition in the New York studios where the Rascals had just been recording, and both the engineer and Anita Wexler (Jerry's daughter) "flipped" over the group's soul-rock sound. Now, if only more station programmers had "flipped", "Backtrack" might well have become the top 10 hit Atlantic thought it could be.
1968
Magic Tones
Mah's 1038
Pure Detroit Soul heaven... Yum!
1968
Olympics
Parkway 6003
A party-hearty cover of the Valentinos classic.
1968
Jay Dee Bryant
Josie 998
Produced by Bobby Robinson, this single's A side is a Funky Soul dancer well worth seeking out.
1968
Fun and Games
Uni 55086
A little slice of pure bubblegum bliss! Incidentally, writer/producer Gary Zekley was partly responsible for other frothy 1960's pop, including "Yellow Balloon" by Jan & Dean and "Superman" by the Clique.
1968
Kenny Hamber
Arctic 139
Until I heard this track, I couldn't imagine anyone really topping Bobby Womack doing 'Looking for a Love.' But this version is totally awesome!
1968
Flaming Embers
Ric-Tic 140
Terrific slice of Motown-style Soul.
1968
Calvin Arnold
Venture 605
Boy, are these sides hot or what!? Smokin!
1968
The Artistics
Brunswick 55370
You really can't go wrong with the amazing Artistics singles on Brunswick, produced by Carl Davis and Arranged by Sonny Sanders: They're simply made for Northern Soul dance clubs! Seriously... this is one winning tune!
1968
Woody Guenther & Cheaters
Shout 299
Fantastic funk/soul workout on the A side, backed by a soulful ballad on the flip. Check out the terrific A side: Play our mp3 "snippet" to hear how awesome it is!
1968
Clea Bradford
Cadet 5602
This obscure single has two dynamite sides... hard to choose which I like best! Have a listen to the "Plug Side" mp3 "snippet"... Enjoy!
1969
Terry Reid
Epic 10498
The bio of this talented singer is a story of various missed and wasted opportunities, the highlight being his rejection of an opportunity to sing lead for a new band Jimmy Page was putting together, to be called Led Zeppelin. *groan* This single is a great demonstration of his vocal range and why Page was interested... It was not released in the U.K. for some strange reason and was ignored in the U.S.
1969
Silent Majority
Hot Wax 7008
The B side of this 45 is another great forgotten Motown-style dance number... You'll fall in love instantly! It was later released as an A side on Hot Wax 7112.
1969
Betty Everett
Uni 55100
The flip of this Betty Everett hit ("There'll Come A Time") is an extremely hot slice of female soul... great backing chorus too.
1969
The Spaniels
Buddah 153
At first glance, this single 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'll 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
Thee Prophets
Kapp 962
This recording sits right at the cusp where Sunshine Pop starts swinging more like Northern Soul. Whatever its genre, it's a great dance number that earns a 2-star recommendation from Classic 45s (our highest).
1969
Dizzy Gillespie
Perception 1
I simply had to make an mp3 "snippet" of this amazing track, since it's not available in iTunes and you simply won't believe it was made by a jazz trumpeter. I almost put in the Funk genre, cause it's so freakin'... Fonky! The reason it may be missing from the various online services is that it was a non-album single; at least, there are no Perception albums listed for Gillespie.
1969
The Robbs
Dunhill/ABC 4208
A curious factoid about the Robbs is that they registered 6 chart singles during 1967-71, but none of them cracked the Billboard Hot 100. All six merely "bubbled under", with the biggest hit reaching only #103.
1969
Howard Johnson
Shout 237
This is a terrific dance number from a production studio that specialized in Bubblegum music. As I've argued numerous times, there's a thin line between some Bubblegum and some dance soul music, and in this case it's the other way around. Whatever you call it, it's great stuff!
1969
Joe Dossett and the Chattanooga Coachmen
Mercury 72941
This dynamite Funky Soul track will really get the party going!
1969
The Chambers Bros.
Columbia 44986
This propulsive dance number is sure to get you on your feet. Great stuff!
1969
Barbara Acklin
Brunswick 55412
For some reason, this rare Barbara Acklin tune doesn't show up in iTunes.
1969
Donald Height
Jubilee 5648
This terrific Northern Soul outing was the B side of the singer's cover of "Games People Play" by Joe South.
1969
Jimmy Clark
Moira 104
1969
The Short Kuts
Pepper 444
Two great dance numbers from this Memphis band. The A side is particularly exciting — a sped-up, re-energized cover of the Marvin Gaye classic from 1962.
1969
Andy Kim
Steed 720
The A side of this single is pure bubblegum bliss!
1969
Up 'N Adam
Earth 100
More obscure Bubblegum you won't find in iTunes... check it out!
1969
The Flirtations
Deram 85038
How could the B side of the iconic Northern Soul number "Nothing But A Heartache" not be found in the iTunes store? It's at least as tasty, if not more so, than the main course.
1969
The Cheques
Hip 8019
The A side is a terrific example of soul-bubblegum.
1969
Van McCoy Strings
Share 102
Fabulous Northern Soul-style instrumental credited to the Van McCoy Strings. One of this great composer/arranger's rare solo outings from the 1960s.
1969
The Checker Board Squares
S.I.M. 24868
Killer early funk/soul instrumental. The year of issue is an estimate.
1969
Broadway Maintenance Tickle Co.
Harbour 305
You just know these guys had a great time making these two catchy tracks. :-)
1969
Tommy Roe
ABC 11164
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
Wilson Pickett
Atlantic 2682
It's surprising that this B side of Pickett's cover of "You Keep Me Hanging On" failed to make the iTunes grade, but then... it's a B side, not necessarily included on the artist's albums.
1969
Candace Love
Aquarius 4050
Here's a terrific soul rarity that just gets better from start to finish! After getting hooked on the great A side, 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
Joe Matthews
Kool Kat 1001
This rare single is blessed with two great, stompin' dance numbers. The A side gets all the glory—Kev Roberts lists it at #417 in his Top 500 Northern Soul list—but I swear the B side ("Check Yourself") is just as good!
1969
The Glass House
Invictus 9071
The A side — "Crumbs Off The Table" was one of Holland-Dozier-Holland's very first forays into Hitsville outside of Motown. Be sure to treasure this terrific B side as well!
1969
Contributors Of Soul
Venture 628
Rare and wonderful Philly-style soul dancer from this obscure group.
1969
Dee Dee Warwick
Mercury 72966
This single's A side ("I Who Have Nothing") is a splendid cover of this Soul classic, but it's the 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
The Steelers
Date 1642
Here's a dynamite Northern Soul dancer you won't want to miss... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"!
1969
The Painted Garden
Steady 123
Now here's a real rarity... an early reggae version of the Neil Diamond classic. I wonder if this is where UB40 got the idea...? Great flip, too! In fact, the flip is such a rare thing... a female reggae vocalist! ... that I've socked in the jukebox. Not just because of the female thing, you understand... I really find the tune and arrangement irresistable, too!
1969
Gloria Walker
Flaming Arrow 36
Credited to Gloria Walker and the Chevelles. Extremely powerful, very moving A side.
1969
Freda Payne
Invictus 9073
This was the B side of Payne's very first release on Invictus. Why was it never released as an A side?
1969
The Wildflower
U.A. 50504
A great side from this obscure group, working in the British power pop vein along the lines of The Move.
1969
Dynamite Singletary
Dynamite 6807
Here's a beautiful copy of this fabulous 1969 Northern Soul dancer.
1969
Vivian Reed
Epic 10453
This single has two great sides, with a particularly strong A side (have a listen to the mp3 "snippet").
1969
Dale Hawkins
Bell 827
This single's B side ("Heavy...") has some amazing guitar picking... definitely an underrated rockabilly rarity.
1969
Hannibal
Venture 636
This one's "Plug Side" 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
Andre Williams
Checker 1214
Both sides of this obscure single are dynamite examples of Funky Soul, but it's the B side that grabbed me: Check out the rhythm section in the mp3 "snippet" of the track. This was an early full Stereo 45.
1970
Crazy Elephant
Bell 846
Here's a bubblegum track that failed to chart, but is certain to please fans of the genre.
1970
Happy Feeling
Avco Embassy 4529
This catchy rocker in the tradition of groups like Crazy Elephant definitely deserves a spin... Have a listen!
1970
Joe South
Capitol 2704
Credited to "Joe South and The Believers." Most people know what a great song the A side ("Walk A Mile In My Shoes") is, but be sure to also check out the B side of this one. It's a terrific white soul number, a song South had written for the Tams a few years earlier.
1970
Realistics
De-Lite 528
This remarkable soul single is blessed with two very strong entries: A top-notch Philly style vocal group ballad on the A side (check out the mp3 snippet) and a mid tempo Impressions-style number on the flip.
1970
The New Hope
Jamie 1381
The New Hope were previously known as the Kit Kats, who released a different version of the sublime "Won't Find Better" in 1967. This obscure, but essential, number is so tuneful and yearning, it pulls you in immediately for total Sunshine Pop immersion. Always makes me smile and want to sing along, unable to imagine how any woman listening to this guy's performance could pass him up!
1970
Marsh
Decca 32759
I assume Marsh was a studio concoction, and I don't think there are any other Marsh singles. If you like Bubblegum pop, you've got a great one to chew on here! The single's B side is also terrific.
1970
The Illusion
Steed 726
This New York rock group gets down with some serious hard rock, bordering on psych. Given its length and complexity, it's surprising that this tune managed to reach the Billboard Hot 100, in spite of its many catchy moments.
1970
Barbara Mason
National General 017
This terrific Barbara Mason rarity is simply not to be missed!
1970
David and the Giants
Fame 1467
This release of one of Carter-Lewis' catchiest tunes is well worth seeking out, especially if you're a fan of Bubblegum and/or Sunshine Pop.
1970
The Original Cadillacs
Polydor 14031
Part II was actually the plug side... It's a fantastic Motown-style dancer similar to the funky sound of late-1960s Temptations.
1970
Heart & Soul
Right-On 101
A thoroughly delightful midtempo soul vocal group rarity from 1970.
1970
Brooklyn Bridge
Buddah 179
Fascinating cover of the dark Neil Young classic... it retains a lot of the menace of the original, but emphasizes the tuneful aspects and adds a fuller arrangement. All in all, quite satisfying.
1970
Barbara and the Uniques
Arden 3001
This was the group's only chart single, and what a great single it is!
1970
Major Lance
Curtom 1953
This is one of the most exciting soul records I've heard in a long time! I'm sure I'd have heard it before if I lived near a Northern Soul club, but what can I say... I'm just deprived. :-)
1970
Steam
Mercury 73117
This fabulous pop number was this Connecticut group's last single, and despite its obvious "catchy single" virtues, it was apparently tossed into the waste bin of radio station programmers back in 1970... probably without a listen. Steam was doomed to go down as a one-hit wonder, known pretty much only for "Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)."
1970
Ebony Web
Hi 2183
This is one of a handful of excellent early singles that this Tennessee funk group recorded for Hi Records. This is brainy, complex funk that's far from run-of-the-mill — two top-notch sides well worth adding to your collection of early Funk. "Games" was the single's B side.
1970
The Reivers
White Whale 360
Terrific, soulful country-rocker from this Texas band.
1970
Hank Sample
Jay-Walking 006
As far as I've been able to determine, this was Hank's only single, and it's a real keeper!
1970
Little Milton
Checker 1231
I think I'm in love with this single... it's that good!
1970
Peaches & Herb
Date 1676
Just as the duo gets a really terrific song to record, radio loses interest in them. Ain't it always the way... But seriously, this is one of the best recordings I've heard from them on Date (it was their last Date 45).... a terrific uptempo dance number with the Van McCoy flare.
1970
Ray Charles
ABC/TRC 11271
One of Charles' lesser known gems, which somehow missed the folks at iTunes.
1970
Pat Peterman
1-2-3 1727
Here's a beautiful promo copy of this rare 1970 single, which features a dynamite Funky Soul outing on the A side... check out the mp3 "snippet".
1971
Grover Mitchell
Vanguard 35113
This one really grows on you... I'm listening for the second time, and I'm definitely making an mp3 snippet in our online "jukebox!" One reason I want an mp3 is so you can hear for yourself what a unique sound is going on here, and how hard it is to pigeonhole in one category. I'm picking "Funky Soul" because that's the closest in my opinion, but it certainly swings with a Northern Soul vibe as well.
1971
Elephant's Memory
Metromedia 210
This group released a number of interesting singles, including this one which didn't chart. Dynamite hard rock track!
1971
John Entwistle
Decca 32896
If you haven't heard this amazing hard-rocker by The Who's bassist John Entwistle, you're definitely missing out on one of the best rarities in classic rock! I can't believe it's not available on iTunes. Have a listen to the mp3 snippet in our jukebox to hear what I'm talking about.
1971
The Continental 4
Jay Walking 011
This is a great example of classic Philly-style, sweet soul.
1971
Baby Washington
Master Five 9107
Subtle, powerful, and wonderful soul... Baby Washington had some great 1970's tracks to add to her glorious career, and this is definitely one of them!
1971
Sugarloaf
Liberty 56218
This snarling followup to 'Green-Eyed Lady' deserved better airplay... even the Who-like flip is a joy to rediscover. Have a listen to the snippet to hear why we give this one 2 stars — our highest recommendation. The only thing you'll find in iTunes for this single is the 7-minutes-plus album version; this 3:27 edit captures the essence of the song in half the time.
1971
Albert Washington
DeLuxe 135
What a powerful recording! I don't know about you, but this track's haunting, full-throttle wall-of-sound production really focuses the singer's pain. I had to have a snippet for the jukebox, so... enjoy!
1971
The Willard Posey Reunion
Rick Hall 1005
This rare and wonderful Soul instrumental was recorded at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals.
1971
Hot Sauce
Volt 4067
A terrific rarity from this female soul group... This B side is particularly fine, where she really makes you feel her pain.
1971
Julia
Palladium 1078
Julia was a Michigan band that was one of the early projects of talented guitarist/songwriter Bill Mueller, better known as Blue Miller. On the Julia 45s, his lead guitar sounds very much like the stuff Joe Walsh was doing on his own and, earlier, as leader of the James Gang. Never a household name, Miller has nevertheless had an influential career in the music business, and this early single is testimony to the fact that he should be much better known than he is!
1971
Jethro Tull
Reprise 1054
I note that this 3:05 edited version doesn't appear in online services like iTunes or Spotify, where you'll only find the LP version, with its over-long and somewhat underwhelming piano-based intro. The 45 version starts you off with a big "bang!" and proceeds to knock you off your feet as it barrels through.
1971
Steve Wright
Epic 10706
I couldn't find out anything about this guy, but boy are these tracks terrific! The A side is more squarely in the country-rock camp, but the B side ("Can You Sing...") 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
Betty Wright
Alston 4594
The B side of this single is a terrific preview of Betty's next, biggest hit—"Clean Up Woman."
1971
Current X-Change
Bell 952
An absolutely super 45, with a "Candy Man" that's so sticky it hurts my teeth!
1971
Roy C
Alaga 1006
Another great, neglected Roy "C" single, and one of the few that actually charted!
1971
100 Proof Aged in Soul
Hot Wax 7206
Another great neo-Motown obscurity.
1971
Blue Jays
Map City 307
This is one of a handful of singles by a mid-Atlantic soul group produced by Vince Poncia on the obscure Map City label he founded in 1969 with songwriting partner Pete Anders. "Freedom" has a wonderful, complex arrangement with a great beat and superb lead vocal. The horn parts sound just like vintage Chicago, and then they throw in an electric guitar to the mix!
1971
Joe Williams, Jr.
Triode 119
Now, here's a real soul record! I'm guessing this was made after Johnnie Taylor made Jody a household name in 1971, but it sounds absolutely timeless.
1971
Bobby Bloom
MGM 14212
This is the kind of single that's hard to classify into a neat and tidy category. Bobby Bloom wasn't really a soul singer, but there's actually a very fine line between bubblegum and soul. Both sides are simply terrific... great beat, catchy arrangements, soulful singing... what more can you want? "Happy" was the A side.
1971
Ray Charles
Tangerine 1015
Credited to the Ray Charles Orchestra, this funky thang is really something to hear, especially the much-sought-after B side. Have a listen!
1971
The Chambers Bros.
Columbia 45488
Obscure but classic single... The A side is a powerful funky Philly-style track that just makes you want to get up and MOVE.
1971
Five Stairsteps
Buddah 213
Two more great sides from this remarkable group... a slow, atmospheric track on the A side and a very muscular, uptempo number on the B side, which is so impressive I've made an mp3 "snippet" of it... Have a listen!
1971
Paul Humphrey & His Cool Aid Chemists
Lizard 1009
1971
Bethlehem Asylum
Ampex 11041
This group originated in the Tampa Bay area.
1971
Andwella
Dunhill/ABC 4291
Psych band from Northern Ireland originally known as Andwella's Dream and consisting of Gordon Barton (drums), Dave Lewis (guitar, piano, organ, vocals), Nigel Smith (bass, vocals), Dave McDougall (keyboards), and Jack McCulloch (drums), and Dave Struthers (bass, vocals). Here, they're clearly influenced by the sound of the Band.
1971
Ike and Tina Turner
Tangerine 1019
What a great single! The A side is a cover of the Elmore James' Blues classic, remade in a Northern Soul style so different you won't recognize the song if you're familiar with it. The couple had no Tangerine albums, so this was a non-album single. As a non-album single it's perhaps not surprising that you won't find this recording on iTunes or other digital music sources, only a completely different (and not nearly as good) version they recorded on Blue Thumb Records.
1972
Eddie Banks
TMI 0111
I'm not sure what else Eddie Banks did, but on the evidence here, he should have left more recordings for us to marvel over. Honestly, this whole production — from Banks' terrific vocals to the iconic guitar riff to the propulsive rhythm section to the song itself — is so impressive I had to give this one 2 stars, our highest recommendation. Have a listen to the mp3 snippet I've added to our "jukebox" to see what you think.
1972
Rena Scott
Epic 10864
The overwhelming feeling of joy in this performance is truly infectious... And notice that what's been found is not just "love" or "a love," but "The love"! How radio failed to notice it is beyond me, but don't you miss out! I'm adding a snippet to the Classic 45s jukebox so I can keep the sound handy. :-)
1972
Steely Dan
ABC 11338
This essential single has a delightful 3:57 edited version of the much longer LP cut. Only the LP version is available in iTunes.
1972
Van Morrison
WB 7616
This recording — the B side of "Jackie Wilson Said" — is from the sessions for Morrison's album Saint Dominic's Preview. Surprisingly, "You've Got The Power" has never been released on any Van Morrison anthology, so it's only available on this 45 rpm record! The song is not only rare but great as well: As Morrison biographer Peter Mills writes, it's "one of the best examples we have of Morrison's voice working in a fully integrated way with the superb band that blasted on to the concert stages in the 70s."
1972
Willie Hobbs
Seventy-Seven 119
Here's one of those rare singles with two starkly different, but equally wonderful sides. A gorgeous soul ballad on the A side backed by a funky, sexy uptempo track. What more could you want from a soul record?
1972
Fatback
Jamie 1409
This is one the group's very first singles, before they started hitting the charts. And frankly, it's also one of their best, as well as being one of the best songs of 1972 that no one ever heard. Take a listen to the mp3 snippet to see what you think.
1972
Johnny Northern
Brown Sugar 2001
This rare Philly-Soul-style dancer was first released on the small Brown Sugar label; it was later picked up and released by Buddah.
1972
Z.Z. Hill
Audrey 223
Like most Z.Z. Hill singles, this one blasts you with top-notch soul. In this case, it's the uptempo flip that instantly grabbed me... a smooth, sexy groove that you just gotta dance to.
1972
C And The Shells
Zanzee 101
Excellent Funky Soul outing by the group that had previously called itself The Sandpebbles. This was the single's B side.
1972
High Voltage
Columbia 45701
Both sides of this rare soul single are seriously terrific soul dancers... oh, and in case you were wondering, the A side is definitely not your James Taylor "Country Road"!
1972
Anacostia
Columbia 45685
This group was previously known as the Presidents... this is another rare Van McCoy writing/producing credit.
1972
Jesse Davis
Atco 6889
Jesse Davis made a name for himself in the 1960s and early 1970s as a session guitarist, playing for a vast array of big and rising stars, including Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, John Lennon, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal, and The Band. As you can hear from the mp3 snippet, his sound is hard to categorize, but most nearly falls in the range of The Band's southern rock/country-rock orbit.
1972
Brotherly Love
Music Merchant 1004
Terrific number by Jackson 5 wannabes.
1972
Oscar Weathers
Top and Bottom 412
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? What were they thinking!?
1972
Marie Adams and the Three Tons of Joy
Command Performance 121
This rare single offers two dynamite numbers, with a slight nod to the super-funky B side. By the way, don't bother trying to find it in iTunes... you gotta find the single if you want the goods!
1972
Giorgio
Dunhill/ABC 4304
This catchy number is an early single by Giorgio Moroder.
1972
The Gliders
Fantasy 681
Very hard sound to characterize.... I almost put the A side in rockabilly/retro. A truly wonderful rarity... don't know anything about the group, though.
1972
Rock Flowers
Wheel 293
I don't think a lot of Northern Soul collectors have added this to their playlists yet, cause it's still reasonably priced. And what a terrific nugget it is! Take a listen and see if you don't agree.
1972
Toby King
Sound Plus 2103
Here's a beautiful copy of this rare and wonderful Funky Soul single from the early 1970s, when the musical form was beginning to die out, sad to say. I started to make an mp3 "snippet" of the hard-charging A side, but ultimately decided the groove on the B side was too sweet to let go by. So have a listen to "I'm Ridin'"!
1972
The Honey Cone
Hot Wax 7205
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
Sweet Rock
Music Merchant 1006
The A side is so terrific I had to have an mp3 "snippet" of it in our online "jukebox"... so have a listen! Well worth adding to your collection! By the way, the group had no albums... just this and perhaps one other single.
1973
Lloyd Price
GSF 6904
This terrific single is more evidence for the belief that 1970s Soul is a vast reservoir of wonderful music that remains largely undiscovered. Who would expect 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 the B side that I've put a snippet in the jukebox... have a listen!
1973
The 21st Century
Gospel Truth 120
The A side sounds like a cross between the Staple Singers and the Honey Cone... a highly worthy side not available from online music services.
1973
The Classic Sullivans
Kwanza 7678
The B side of this rare single is something special... take a listen to the snippet!
1973
The Village Choir
SCM 1000
Amazing, creative arrangement putting down a great groove, with an over-the-top female vocal lead. Whew!
1973
Baby Washington
Master Five 9107
Subtle, powerful, and wonderful soul... Baby Washington had some great 1970's tracks to add to her glorious career, and this is definitely one of them!
1973
Phantom
Capitol 3857
This is a rare copy of the only single released by this highly regarded Michigan band, whose lead singer sounds so much like Jim Morrison of the Doors (who died in 1972) that apparently there was some talk of legal action by Elektra when Capitol intimated that it was, in fact, J.M. Hence the renaming of the group to "Phantom," I guess. In any case, once you listen to the snippet you might agree with me that this is a pretty good "lost" Doors single. :-)
1973
Johnny Thunder
Bell 45346
Credited to John Thunder. How could radio have missed out on this tuneful nugget? Or maybe the suggestive sexual content was a bit too much for programmers in 1973?
1973
Lynn Vernado
Gator 1202
Well, you can see why folks go crazy for this single! The A side ("Tell Me...") is a scorching, darker take on "Mr. Big Stuff", and the flip is a delightful northern soul dance track ("Wash and Wear Love"), which Kev Roberts included in his list of 100 singles that "bubbled under" his top 500.
1973
Ureaus
Mel-Mel 1001
This terrific Funky Soul number has a relatively short (and sweet!) Part 1, with a longer "Disco Version" on the flip.
1973
Edwin Starr
Motown 1276
This terrific single has two great sides, including a dynamite A side dancer ("Soul on Fire") and a completely different but equally enticing B side. Neither track appeared on any contemporary Starr album... this was a non-album single.
1974
Natural High
Invictus 1267
Here's a dynamite slice of early Funk equipped with all the right stuff, including a catchy riff and a powerful rhythm break. Check out the mp3 snippet!
1974
Cozy Powell
Chrysalis 2029
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 the excellent B side, just imagine how great the A side (available on iTunes) is!
1974
Garry Bonner
Atlantic 3208
Garry was half of the Bonner-Gordon songwriting team responsible for several of The Turtles big hits ("Happy Together," "She'd Rather Be With Me" for example) as well as other 1960s hits. He released a few solo singles, and this one is so good I give it a 2-star rating (our highest recommendation). If you like Northern Soul, particularly of the Philly variety, or if you're a fan of Bobby Bloom's soul singles, you'll be in heaven with this one!
1974
George McCrae
Soul City 456
These early tracks by George McCrae are pure dynamite! They were first released in 1971 on United Artists 50811 but were ignored. This 1974 Soul City release was designed to capitalize on the singer's newfound fame from his big Disco hit, "Rock Your Baby."
1974
The Prime Cut
Shady Brook 003
This is the kind of instantly likeable and imminently danceable Soul rarity I'm constantly on the prowl for. There's still such a vast universe of 1970s Soul that lies unexplored (by me), and so much of it is like this one: Catchy and fun, great arrangements and vocals, and irresistable rhythm tracks. Plus, it's a nice love song, too!
1974
Tomorrow's Promise
Mercury 73644
The A side is a terrific Northern Soul dancer... have a listen to the jukebox snippet!
1974
Ecstasy, Passion & Pain
Roulette 7151
This one has an irresistible rhythm track and stellar Bobby Martin production. It was the group's first of four chart singles in 1974-75.
1974
The New Censation
Pride 406
Here is another terrific, rarely heard Van McCoy song and production... the A side is a melodic dancer.
1974
Neil Norman
GNP Crescendo 486
This is a really wild and wonderful rarity from 1974. Neil Norman is the producer behind GNP Crescendo Records and has made Star Trek productions his specialty over the years... But in 1974, he was heavy into metal rock, and this is evidence of that. The A side is a heavy metal screamer, while the B side lives up to its sensational title with an instrumental featuring a fight to the death between drums and guitars. Not sure what Tits had to do with it, but maybe they were just watching. :-)
1974
Brenda & Albert
Clarama 1200
This is one of those records that make you glad you still collect old vinyl! What a great song, great production, great SOUL! Have a listen to the jukebox snippet and hear for yourself!
1974
Jim Gilstrap
Bell 45474
This track is a huge hit in the U.K.'s northern soul scene, where guru Kev Roberts pegged it at #94 in his latest top 100 list, and if you can find an original copy, you've also found over $1,000 (see keep it safe!).
1974
The Devastating Affair
Motown 1321
This amazing, compelling instrumental is simply too "different" to describe in words... so have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" and see if you don't come away wanting to hear more! As I say, really compelling!
1974
Bottom & Company
Motown 1291
This impossible-to-find, yet simply gorgeous 45 has two outstanding sides. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of the B side and you'll hear why it fetches such a high price.
1974
Fantastic Four
Eastbound 620
This terrific uptempo Northern Soul number is well worth seeking out... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean! By the way, this was a non-album single, and you won't find it on iTunes as a result.
1974
Bottom & Company
Motown 1309
This terrific Philly-style dancer clocks in at less than 2 1/2 minutes... It's one of those super-short songs I always rave about. :-) It's also a non-album single, since the track doesn't appear on the group's only LP. I liked it so much I made an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear... Enjoy!
1975
Kenny
Mercury 73721
Here's the very rare U.S. retail release of "Julie Anne," a catchy Bubblegum Rocker that was a Top 10 hit in the group's native U.K. In fact, the glam rock band Kenny had several Top 10 hits in 1973-75; "Julie Anne" was their last.
1975
Olympic Runners
London 217
This single's A side is a truly drool-worthy early Funk workout — so fine, we had to have a snippet of it in the Classic 45s "jukebox", so have a listen!
1975
Rhodes, Chalmers & Rhodes
WB 8085
Note that this terrific Motown Soul-style dancer (a Paul Anka song!) was produced by Rick Hall at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. So rare it doesn't even show up in some "exhaustive" price guides. Take a listen to the mp3 snippet, and you'll learn why it's best never to overlook a single by some obscure artist you never heard of before! Lesson learned? Turn over all rocks — you never know what'll be hiding down there. :-)
1975
Ebb Tide
Sound Gems 100
This was one of two singles released by this Philly Soul group — both excellent! This is the only one that hit the U.S. singles charts.
1975
Joyce Cobb
Truth 3224
I was puzzled why Stax Records would promote the unremarkable "Plug Side" of this single, when the 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
Betty Wright
Alston 3715
It's truly amazing that this one missed out on the radio airplay that other, less tuneful Northern Soul/Disco-style hits enjoyed in 1975. Perhaps it was because the song is melodically similar to Gwen McCrae's huge hit from a few months earlier, "Rockin' Chair." But asked to choose between the two as the better dance number, I'd definitely pick "Ooola La!"
1975
The Magic Band
GNP Crescendo 492
Well, these two tracks were new to me, but man am I glad they're now close friends! The A side is a particularly good disco-style instrumental.
1975
Crystal Grass
Polydor 15101
This was the biggest hit by this studio disco group.... a wonderfully funky, eclectic entry into the dance hall of fame.
1975
Sister Sledge
Atco 7035
This early Sister Sledge single is an absolutely perfect neo-Motown dance number, from the strings and sax to the great vocals.
1975
Jeree Palmer
Columbia 10123
This exciting Motown-style dancer is so good I had to get an mp3 "snippet" in our online "jukebox" right away!
1975
T.U.M.E.
MGM 14799
This rarely seen single has a dynamite Northern Soul-meets-Disco dancer. The group's name is an acronym for "The Ultimate Musical Experience."
1975
Master Plan
De-Lite 1571
Now here's something weird and wonderful... A terrific soul-group rendition of the Elton John classic, arranged by non other than Motown alumni David Van DePitte himself!
1975
Isis
Buddah 475
This is some terrific female funk, courtesy of New Orleans soul guru Allen Toussaint.
1975
Dee Clark
Chelsea 3025
Extremely excellent soul rarity... in this case, the title is a perfect description of the music. If not for Clark's sweet singing, this could sound incredibly raunchy, what with the hot female backup singer cheering him on. :-)
1975
Veda Brown
Raken 001
If you're looking for a truly exciting, quintessential northern soul experience, look no further. This one will get you moving even when you're dead on your feet! Brown had a couple of minor hits on Stax the previous year, but they can't touch her work on Raken.
1975
Barbara Hall
Innovation 9162
Here's a beautiful copy of this rare 1975 Northern Soul dancer ... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear why it's in such demand.
1975
Mike & Bill
Arista 0139
This is one seriously great dance number, with a powerful sense of menace that you don't normally find in Disco music... Which is why I've decided to put it in the Philly Soul genre instead. No matter... it's a must-have 1975 rarity. Group is New York duo Mike Felder (guitar) and Bill Daniels (piano). They didn't make an album, just a couple of singles, which is why you won't find this tune in Apple Music, Spotify, or other primarily-album-based services.
1976
The Fatback Band
Event 229
What a great single! Hard to decide which side is better... The A side was the group's first top 20 RnB hit, and the B side is an amazing funky disco loping thang. Have a listen!
1976
Shelly Black
Vigor 1730
Talk about a sleeper! This under-appreciated 1976 gem was the only chart appearance (squeaking in at #95 on the Billboard Black/RnB Singles chart) for Ms. Black. I fell in love instantly and quickly put a snippet in the Classic 45s jukebox... Have a listen!
1976
Willie Harry Wilson
Haven 801
This dynamite Philly-style dancer starts with a bang and just keeps going — check it out!
1976
Pat Lundy
Pyramid 8005
This terrific Northern Soul track is so unusual I had to quickly put an mp3 "snippet" in our online jukebox... have a listen! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
1976
Impact
Atco/WMOT 7056
This single features two top-notch, uptempo Philly-style tracks from a Baltimore soul group. The A side is particularly sweet... have a listen!
1976
The Reflections
Capitol 4358
I'm not sure whether this is the same Reflections that brought us "Romeo & Juliet" in the 1960s, but whoever they are they sure did cook up an irresistible dancer on this obscure single. Enjoy!
1976
Willie Hutch
Motown 1411
Willie Hutch was incapable of making a bad record, it seems... here, he manages to make a fairly straightforward disco tune sound fresh and exciting. In fact, although the track pays clear tribute to Disco musical idioms, it's more of a Northern Soul sound.
1976
Shelly Black
Vigor 1736
Wow! Now here's a dance number I gotta hear over and over again... Find me a dance floor, somebody! Oh Shelly, where were you in 1976 when I needed you? "-)
1976
Mac Davis
Columbia 10418
From an album recorded at Fame studios under Rick Hall's direction, this single's 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
Betty Everett
Sound Stage 7 1520
Here's the best evidence I've heard yet that there was definitely life for Betty Everett after the 1960's. This has got to be one of the hottest soul tracks I've heard lately... Smokin'!
1976
Maxine Nightingale
U.A. 820
1976
Rufus R. Jones
Choice Cut 103
Here's a killer Funk number that no one knows about (yet)... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear it! Credited to "Rufus R. Jones and his Freight Train Funk Band."
1976
Lowell Fulsom
Granite 533
This was Fulsom's (here spelled "Fulson") last chart single, and a dynamite one it is, too, with two great sides of Funky Soul. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of the A side to hear it.
1976
Moonlion
P.I.P. 6513
This fabulous Disco-fied take on the Christmas classic will not only get your toes tapping, but it's guaranteed to make you smile as well. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" I couldn't resist making... Top notch Christmas fare!
1977
Waters
WB 8495
Here's an obscure Philly Style dancer you won't want to miss!
1977
Eleanor Grant
Columbia 10617
Terrific Northern Soul-style dancer... have a listen to the jukebox snippet! It'll make you wonder why this one didn't climb higher on the chart, though it did spend 9 weeks on the national Billboard RnB/Black chart, which indicates it was probably a hit in some markets.
1977
Dionne Warwick
WB 8419
How the heck did radio miss picking up on this great record? Didn't even graze the bottom of the charts, and yet it's a perfect piece of tuneful uptempo soul. For some reason, I couldn't find it in iTunes either... go figure!
1977
Vernon Garrett
ICA 003
This is one of Garrett's 1970's singles that you definitely want to get to know better... there's a great swinging soul groove goin' on! Check out the mp3 snippet in our "jukebox." This song is represented in iTunes by a live version, but I couldn't find this studio original.
1977
Eddie Holman
Salsoul 2026
Not noted on the label, this is a major edit of the LP version... an edit, by the way, which you won't find in iTunes. All you can find there is the LP version, which for some reason iTunes says clocks at 5:50 and another version that clocks at 3:59, both much longer than this 2:53 version.
1977
Brainstorm
Tabu 10961
Well, it didn't take more than a minute or two to convince me I had a hit on my hands with this terrific dance number! Smokin'!
1977
Lee Eldred
Mercury 73947
Though the A side 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 irresistable!
1977
Sophisticated Ladies
Mayhew 532
Now here's a great find that's worth celebrating a bit! Both sides are dynamite, uptempo northern soul, and it turns out that the ladies in question are none other than the Bobbettes... all grown up. "Good Man" was the single's B side.
1977
Luther Vandross
Cotillion 44216
This single's A side 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." By the way, don't be fooled when looking for this single in iTunes... the only thing you'll find is a longer, much less interesting, slow dance remake.
1978
Night Owl Band
Wave 366
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!"
1978
Chairmen of the Board
ICA 023
This rare Chairmen single, produced by Brian Holland, is a terrific dance party from start to finish! Truly delightful. So good, in fact, that I had to go ahead and get a snippet into the Classic 45s jukebox!
1978
The Imperials
Omni 5501
Thoroughly delightful Philly-style disco track, the only chart single for this obscure soul group.
1978
Sidney Barnes
Parachute 521
This is a fantastic re-reading of the classic Sam & Dave hit, so completely rethought that you'd never guess it was actually the same song! I don't know if it's Sidney playing the piano here, but whoever it is is setting those keys on fire!
1978
Art Wilson
Alexander Street 009
Here's a beautiful promo copy of this obscure 1978 single, which impressed me so much I had to make an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear. Enjoy!
1979
Ronald Louis Smith
Sunshine Sound 1011
With horn charts straight from an Earth, Wind & Fire session, this is a really impressive rarity from the Miami "Sound of Sunshine" studios that gave birth to T.K. Records.
1979
Bram Tchaikovsky
Polydor 14575
I can't fathom why this masterpiece of New Wave power pop, which was a Top 40 hit here in the States, got left out of iTunes. Fortunately, you can still find the tune on the original 45... have a listen!
1979
Joyce Cobb
Cream 7939
This is a terrific disco-reggae fusion, years ahead of the sound's newfound popularity in the 1990's. This was Cobb's only Hot 100 single, though her followup also placed on the Black/RnB chart.
1979
The Sports
Arista 0468
This terrific rocker deserved better airplay than it got (it peaked at #45 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart).
1979
Robert Richard Rose and Oak Street Beach
Peregrine 100
Here's an appealing "Beach Music" 45 that Soul fans will appreciate, on a tiny Southern label. The release year is an estimate.
1980
Spyder Turner
Whitfield 49190
What a terrific single! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" I just added to hear why I took to this one right away.
1980
Breakwater
Arista 0542
What a terrific single... It's got a rhythm section that just won't quit! Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean.
1980
Cannonball
Reflection 0101
This rare single, from a small Charlotte, NC, label, offers two dynamite Northern Soul-style dancers, with perhaps a nod to the A side in this case.
1980
Gene Chandler
Chi-Sound 2451
This modest hit single has two great sides... check out the B side snippet, which isn't available in iTunes!
1980
Side Effect
Elektra 47007
This great, rarely seen single has a fine A side, but the real thrill of discovery waits on the flip side: Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to hear what I mean!
1980
Dottie West
UA 1339
Dottie West had been fielding Country chart hits since the early 1960s, but this 1980 single was the first time she topped the Billboard Country Singles chart... And it was worth it! What a great song... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" to see if you don't agree.
1980
The Dells
20th Century 2475
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. By the way, as a B side it was somehow left out of the Dells catalog on iTunes, so you won't find it there!
1980
Sheila Andrews
Ovation 1138
This great tune is a phenomenal Country Soul tour-de-force that is a pleasure to capture as an mp3 "snippet" for you to enjoy. Have a listen! In some circles, this sound could be considered Deep Soul, but at its heart it's pure Country. :-)
1981
Freddy Henry
TK 1045
The A side of this obscure TK single is an irresistible — and very danceable — remake of Otis Clay's classic from 1972.
1981
Bad Girls
BC 4011
This studio group features Jocelyn Brown on lead vocals. They had no album, but the 12-inch single has a 7:30 version, and this 45 is labeled the "Short Version." I liked it so much I made an mp3 "snippet" for you to hear... check it out!
1981
Joe Simon
Posse 5010
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 was the last of those chart singles and is perhaps the most sought-after, especially for the 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!
1982
High Inergy
Gordy 7155
Don't miss the appealing Motown-style number, which of course you can't find in iTunes!
1982
Roy C
Three Gems 107
This beautiful recording gets on such a magnificent groove in a splendid, minimalist arrangement that I had to grab an mp3 "snippet" of it for our online "jukebox." So have a listen... Hope it grabs you the way it did me. :-)
1982
Sadane
WB 29985
This terrific Philly Soul/Funk dancer is in great demand today, though it wasn't a big hit at the time. It's specially edited from a 5:07 album track. Check out the mp3 "snippet"!
1983
J.W. Wade
Larc 81026
This terrific number grabbed me right away... have a listen to the mp3 "snippet"! I hope you like it, too. This was the Chicago singer's only chart hit, which deserved better than it got, IMHO. As far as I can determine, this was a non-album single (the singer had no albums that I could find).
1984
The Everly Brothers
Mercury 880213
The Everly's last hurrah, this unsung classic features the perfect pop sensibilities of Paul McCartney, who wrote the song, and the loving Rockabilly/Retro sensibilities of Dave Edmunds, who produced it. A perfect vehicle for the Everly Brothers, it's only fault is that it's just too short! How it failed to crack the top 40 in a year when retro rockabilly was still quite popular is an enduring mystery. It did just as poorly in the U.K.
1985
Sade
Portrait 04807
The terrific B side is a non-album track. The A side ("Smooth Operator") 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
Lenny Williams
Knobhill 970
The A side is a fabulous Northern Soul-style dancer — a real rarity in the Hip/Hop/Funk 1980s! Williams was formerly lead singer for Tower of Power.
1986
Doris Allen
Emerald Coast 16864
Delightfully retro Northern Soul production, updated with some 1980s ideas like using decent-sounding keyboard synths instead of real horns.
1988
Wagoneers
A&M 1215
This Austin, TX, band had modest success in the late 1980s with 2 albums and 4 singles... this being the first single. Judging from these terrific tracks, including the title song from their first LP, the band deserved better airplay than they got. Have a listen to the mp3 "snippet" of the A side.
1988
Vicki Bird
16th Avenue 70413
This catchy number was the singer's biggest hit, but that's not saying much as it only peaked at #61 on the Billboard Country chart. Should have done much better!
1989
Beastie Boys
Capitol 44472
The flip of "Shadrach" is an incredible extension of the A side, not available on the album. An absolutely brilliant sonic experiment, for some reason left out of iTunes.
This page displays about 400 songs that I was unable to find by searching the iTunes store recently. Since they aren't on iTunes, it's doubtful that they are available from any of the other online music services, such as Spotify, Amazon, Rhapsody, or Apple Music. The songs shown here are just a small sample of what is in effect a large library of "lost" music, compiled by looking at the mp3 "snippets" of 45s I've added to the Classic 45s online "jukebox" over the last 11 years. During that time, I made about 1,300 "snippets," and roughly a quarter of those tracks turned out to be "lost." (Emphasis: I only make mp3 "snippets" of a small sample (about 1 a day) of the records I add to Classic 45s inventory during the course of time. From what I understand about why iTunes is missing certain singles, I would estimate that an even larger percentage of what I add to inventory is "lost" than the "snippet" percentage suggests. This is particularly true if you factor in the many missing 45-only edits, remixes, and alternate takes I encounter that do not appear on any LP or compilation album I am aware of.)
