As I add 45s to our inventory, I pick select 45s to highlight with mp3 "snippets" so you can hear the music yourself. I only record "snippets" of tunes I particularly like, ones I think have been under-played and under-appreciated, or ones that are so rare and wonderful I'll never hear them otherwise. For myself, I keep an iTunes playlist of these "snippets," and that playlist is one I listen to most often. These pages chronicle the mp3 "snippets" I've added to our online "jukebox" in reverse chronological order. You can browse the pages to see what was added and when. Click on the blue "Play" button to play the snippet, or click on a song's title to load the page. Many of these 45 records are still for sale, though just as many have been sold. I hope you enjoy perusing these pages as much as I have enjoyed putting them together!
05/17/15
Marvin Gaye
1965, Tamla 54122
Genre: Northern Soul, Motown Style
Here's a beautiful copy of the first pressing, with the Tamla "globes" logo. This label variant has large and bold fonts for the title and artist, attractively arranged with the other text.
05/15/15
Rare Earth
1976, Rare Earth 5060
Genre: Other Northern Soul
What a surprise this single is! The A side is so unusual in so many ways — and its mix of soul styles just Works! Of course, given the writing and production by Norman Whitfield, I shouldn't be too surprised that it's so good. He is, after all, one of the Gods of Motown Soul! I liked it so much right away that I'm putting a snippet in the Classic 45s "jukebox" — have a listen!
05/09/15
Herman's Hermits
1965, MGM 13310
Genre: Power Pop
This is a beautiful copy of the group's first Top 10 U.S. hit, following their first chart single, "I'm Into Something Good." This terrific rocker floats to near the top of Hermits fans' lists of their favorite hits. Obviously, we like it, too — making a jukebox snippet of it, and giving it our (highest) 2-star recommendation.
05/07/15
George McCrae
1974, Soul City 456
Genre: Northern Soul, Philly Style
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."
05/06/15
Betty Everett
1964, Vee-Jay 628
Genre: Northern Soul, Motown Style
I first heard this great Van McCoy tune in a cover version by Elvis Costello, who had released it in 1980 on an obscure single and then on the "Taking Liberties" LP collection. What a treat to hear the glorious Mint audio on this original 1964 version by Betty Everett! I just had to make a snippet for the "jukebox", so have a listen.
Rummage through hundreds of original-issue 45's for $6.00 or less!
Now playing:
Hungry Eyes by Merle Haggard
Morning Glow by Michael Jackson
These virtual "boxes" are for you folks who only like new, unplayed or pristine Mint 45s.
