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What Are The Top 10 Most Expensive Uk Releases From T' 70's-80's?

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After a loose conversation with a mate recently about this subject my mind started involuntary list making again - what are the top ten most expensive UK releases from the 1970's & '80's?

Excluding Frank Wilson, the 100 Club Anniversary singles and stuff on Grapevine....

Before I go to bed and without giving it alot of thought here's what immediately came to my mind:

Jones Brothers (UK Pye)

Basic Black & Pearl

Jimmy James (UK Pye) "Hey Girl"

Otis Clay (UK Red Atlantic)

Willie Fisher (UK Jama)

Gladys Knight (UK TMG)

I know there's tons I can't think of at the moment - go on help a tired mind out.

derek x

Edited by Derek Pearson

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  • Cunnie
    Cunnie

    Would have thought that as it is a thread in ALL ABOUT THE SOUL on a site called Soul Source might have explained that

  • Chalky
    Chalky

    There is a major clue in the name of the site and the forum this topic is in.

  • Ian Dewhirst
    Ian Dewhirst

    Roburt. I was THERE mate. I'd got into Wand/Sceptre because Mel Cheren fancied me and thus allowed me to go through the Wand/Sceptre promo cupboard in the mail-out room. There was an air

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Indeed you'll never get me to find a version of it I actually like :lol:

Incidentally she told me that in 78, not now.....we were part of the Kent northern gang at the time :lol:

I can't see it though, can you, like let's make 100 or 200 demos of all our singles - oh except that one, let's just do 25 of those LOL

Was Kim one of your gang?

I don't know Pete, specialist markets / releases and all that.

Yes Kim was a couple of years older than me and one of the guys that got me into it all in the first place....:thumbsup:

  • 2 weeks later...

Re First Choice.

Mick says it's a Pye acetate but with a release number inked on....Steve

But of course that could have been added at any time...

I knew you were going to say that Pete, I thought of adding it to head you off at the pass, cos of course it's right....we don't know.

I knew you were going to say that Pete, I thought of adding it to head you off at the pass, cos of course it's right....we don't know.

I think I'll always remain sceptical about this one Steve.

I think I'll always remain sceptical about this one Steve.

You mean Scepterical surely? :lol:

So the likely scenarios are either:

- Pye were going to put it out in response to the hit with "Armed & Extremely dangerous", but by the time they woke up, the follow up "Smarty pants" was all set to go, and used the Scepter B side "One step away" as it's flip, so they had no B side.

- It was prepped up as a potential Pye Disco demand release c.1975.

Edited by Steve G

You mean Scepterical surely? :lol:

VERY FUNNY. As a matter of interest, in Stockport we had a guy called Tim O Keefe. He had a fantastic UK collection including all the TMG catalogue, including old fontana,stateside etc releases. Sadly he died about 1981. However more than one of our gang swear he had the First Choice record on UK Pye. Last night I was talking to another mate, Ged, and he raised the subject ( again). I mentioned this thread and he had no idea of the thread. Basically yet another lad here, Russ Wood, has stated that Tim had First Choice on Pye. FYI.

I know where his collection ended up so I am gonna try and ask his sister IF I can look through it. Sadly SOME people tried claiming that some of the collection was not all Tim,s and tried conning her. BUT as I said I will go and ask and try to put a bit of evidence forward.Sadly cant promise.

VERY FUNNY. As a matter of interest, in Stockport we had a guy called Tim O Keefe. He had a fantastic UK collection including all the TMG catalogue, including old fontana,stateside etc releases. Sadly he died about 1981. However more than one of our gang swear he had the First Choice record on UK Pye. Last night I was talking to another mate, Ged, and he raised the subject ( again). I mentioned this thread and he had no idea of the thread. Basically yet another lad here, Russ Wood, has stated that Tim had First Choice on Pye. FYI.

I know where his collection ended up so I am gonna try and ask his sister IF I can look through it. Sadly SOME people tried claiming that some of the collection was not all Tim,s and tried conning her. BUT as I said I will go and ask and try to put a bit of evidence forward.Sadly cant promise.

Legendary name amongst UK collectors Steve.

(Thanks for package by the way :thumbsup: )

VERY FUNNY. As a matter of interest, in Stockport we had a guy called Tim O Keefe. He had a fantastic UK collection including all the TMG catalogue, including old fontana,stateside etc releases. Sadly he died about 1981. However more than one of our gang swear he had the First Choice record on UK Pye. Last night I was talking to another mate, Ged, and he raised the subject ( again). I mentioned this thread and he had no idea of the thread. Basically yet another lad here, Russ Wood, has stated that Tim had First Choice on Pye. FYI.

I know where his collection ended up so I am gonna try and ask his sister IF I can look through it. Sadly SOME people tried claiming that some of the collection was not all Tim,s and tried conning her. BUT as I said I will go and ask and try to put a bit of evidence forward.Sadly cant promise.

Thanks Steve, WOuld be great if we could put this mystery to bed. :thumbsup:

Dont know if its been mentioned but Charlie Thomas -Run Run Roadrunner- UK EMI must be quite an obscure UK release especially a DJ. Only had it once and traded it for a Bobby Reed on Bell. It was highly prized among the NY island collectors and the guy I traded with was delighted with the trade (as was I as it only cost me £6!). Never seen it since and it never shows up in my alerts.

BH

Dont know if its been mentioned but Charlie Thomas -Run Run Roadrunner- UK EMI must be quite an obscure UK release especially a DJ. Only had it once and traded it for a Bobby Reed on Bell. It was highly prized among the NY island collectors and the guy I traded with was delighted with the trade (as was I as it only cost me £6!). Never seen it since and it never shows up in my alerts.

BH

It is rare Blake. I've only ever had 2 copies. Though hardly any interest when I sold them surprisingly. Gene Pitney's version on Pye International is also rare (same backing track)

I would have thought both issues of Del Davis 'Baby don't wake me' - on Bread and Trojan - should qualify, easily £150, a lot more on a good day with favourable wind...

After a loose conversation with a mate recently about this subject my mind started involuntary list making again - what are the top ten most expensive UK releases from the 1970's & '80's?

Excluding Frank Wilson, the 100 Club Anniversary singles and stuff on Grapevine....

Before I go to bed and without giving it alot of thought here's what immediately came to my mind:

Jones Brothers (UK Pye)

Basic Black & Pearl

Jimmy James (UK Pye) "Hey Girl"

Otis Clay (UK Red Atlantic)

Willie Fisher (UK Jama)

Gladys Knight (UK TMG)

I know there's tons I can't think of at the moment - go on help a tired mind out.

derek x

Derek according to your great website Otis Clay is 1969 :)

The group is called Fork In The Road and the song is "Can't Turn Around Now". Came out on GM in the U.S.......

Ian D :D

Also came out on Vogue in Europe with pic sleeve

A few 'cheap as chips' items that shouldn't be overlooked .......

Carl Douglas -- Changing Times (Pye)

Al Matthews -- Run To You (Electric + his "People Are People" ... not so cheap)

Al Matthews -- Its Only Love (Mercury)

Alma Faye -- I Believed (Flamingo)

Delegation -- Baby You're My Mystery (State)

... 70's / 80's ???? .......

Paul Jackson -- You Made Me A Winner (Orbitone)

Craig Pruess (Ariola)

.... 80's .......

Roy Young -- You Never Had It So Good (on EMI's TSOGB inking)

Roy Young -- Love Sweeter Than Fruit (on EMI's TSOGB inking)

Oliver Cheatham -- Be Thankful For What You've Got (Champion)

Delegation -- Its Your Turn (CBS)

Delegation -- One More Step To Take (UK recording but Europe only on single)

People are people is no more than a fiver- I saw Him live singing this at Walkdens Pembroke halls in the 70s

Don't think it's worth anything but they appeared to have reactivated the label just for him.

Noel McCalla Sang with Morrisey Mullen for a few years - Im after a copy of the single- Be with you- if anyone has it - Its on the UK Coda label

I would have thought both issues of Del Davis 'Baby don't wake me' - on Bread and Trojan - should qualify, easily £150, a lot more on a good day with favourable wind...

Reggae records don't count!

VERY FUNNY. As a matter of interest, in Stockport we had a guy called Tim O Keefe. He had a fantastic UK collection including all the TMG catalogue, including old fontana,stateside etc releases. Sadly he died about 1981. However more than one of our gang swear he had the First Choice record on UK Pye. Last night I was talking to another mate, Ged, and he raised the subject ( again). I mentioned this thread and he had no idea of the thread. Basically yet another lad here, Russ Wood, has stated that Tim had First Choice on Pye. FYI.

I know where his collection ended up so I am gonna try and ask his sister IF I can look through it. Sadly SOME people tried claiming that some of the collection was not all Tim,s and tried conning her. BUT as I said I will go and ask and try to put a bit of evidence forward.Sadly cant promise.

Wasnt Tim one of the earlry ones ito the BBC vaults in Manchester?

I know this is 60s but to me its rare and I rue the day I didnt buy it off Pete S for 30 quid

California Inn Crowd - Hapiness in my heart on Fontana

Reggae records don't count!

It's a soul record!

It's a soul record!

It's not a soul record in the slightest, it's a reggae record, with a reggae rhythm, what makes it a soul record?

It's not a soul record in the slightest, it's a reggae record, with a reggae rhythm, what makes it a soul record?

https://www.popsike.c...nr=260958615886

The copy I had in the shop went to a 'modern' DJ, and the price has shot up because of demand from the soul scene, I believe...

SWONS?

:g:

Edited by john s

Wasnt Tim one of the earlry ones ito the BBC vaults in Manchester?

I know this is 60s but to me its rare and I rue the day I didnt buy it off Pete S for 30 quid

California Inn Crowd - Hapiness in my heart on Fontana

Hi Ernie, I think you are referring to the Indigo Studios find. That was, to my knowledge, Dave McCadden,Dave Withers and Rod Shard. Richard Searling was VERY close behind them. I think Chapter 5 first came from there. It is VERY likely that Tim would be near by, but not certain. I got there about a week late. I used to travel up from Bedford then. Got to Manchester HMV, got told by Dave Mc and went round, but it was empty of the stuff we knew at the time. That was around 76/77. Still not made contact with Tims sister yet. Sorry folks! Will do!

Hi Ernie, I think you are referring to the Indigo Studios find. That was, to my knowledge, Dave McCadden,Dave Withers and Rod Shard. Richard Searling was VERY close behind them. I think Chapter 5 first came from there. It is VERY likely that Tim would be near by, but not certain. I got there about a week late. I used to travel up from Bedford then. Got to Manchester HMV, got told by Dave Mc and went round, but it was empty of the stuff we knew at the time. That was around 76/77. Still not made contact with Tims sister yet. Sorry folks! Will

Hi Steve - I was late into that- Bugger! but did get lots of Pop demos The Move /Byrds/Love sculpture/Pink Floyd/ etc

Ernie, after some good releases on Beggars Banquet from the early thu to mid 80's; Morrissey Mullen had at least 2 LP's + 2 singles out on Coda (the uda single being "One Step").

..........

https://www.popsike.c...nr=260958615886

The copy I had in the shop went to a 'modern' DJ, and the price has shot up because of demand from the soul scene, I believe...

SWONS?

:g:

I'm not disputing that the soul people want it John - I'm disputing the fact that it's a soul record, because it isn't, it's a reggae record, with a reggae rhythm, which is why I can't understand why anyone wants it, because as a reggae record it's rubbish.

I'm not disputing that the soul people want it John - I'm disputing the fact that it's a soul record, because it isn't, it's a reggae record, with a reggae rhythm, which is why I can't understand why anyone wants it, because as a reggae record it's rubbish.

I think we're in agreement there then! :yes:

Has anyone mentioned the Ray Munnings 45s, by the way?

RE: Has anyone mentioned the Ray Munnings 45s, by the way?

Well I made mention of his 1st Tammi one back in post 3 of this thread.

.... Ray talking bout his uda Tammi track (which I have the original version of).

......

Edited by Roburt

RE: Has anyone mentioned the Ray Munnings 45s, by the way?

Well I made mention of his 1st Tammi one back in post 3 of this thread.

Oops!

  • 4 weeks later...

Sorry Ian this is not correct.

The group (First Choice) came in via Georgie Woods. "This is the house" was their first record, and Norman Harris and Stan Watson worked on it. It was a Norman and Stan production and they would have leased it to Scepter as a one record deal. Stan then "weedled" the group away to his Philly Groove label and then they had their hits.

Wand / Scepter stuff was licensed through Pye at the time (1972) not Bell.

More on this shortly, but seems that Scepter had the rights to "Armed and extremely dangerous" after all, but turned it down.....because they thought it sounded like "An old Supremes record". :g:

More on this shortly, but seems that Scepter had the rights to "Armed and extremely dangerous" after all, but turned it down.....because they thought it sounded like "An old Supremes record". :g:

Mmmm. Interesting. I can probably check that out for sure 'cos I have semi-access to Stan Watson and Rochelle Fleming as well if necessary.

But that strikes me as being EXACTLY what happened because it makes total sense. When "This Is The House (Where Love Died)" first appeared on import in the UK it was immediately tagged as 'Northern Soul' on Record Corner's lists (along with N.F. Porter's "Keep On Keeping On", the Fuller Brother's "Time's A Wasting" and Limme & The Family Cooking's "You Can Do Magic").

So, in a Sceptre Records A&R meeting, when First Choice came up, this would have been the conversation:-

Boss: "So what's the deal with the First Choice record....."?

Minion: "Jack Shit. A few sales in Philly but that's it. Oh....I forgot....we shipped 2K to England. For some reason they seem to like it over there...."

Boss: "Yeah? How come"?

Minion: "....I dunno.....it's kinda weird......they like the Motown shit from 5 years ago".

Boss: "No shit. Seriously.....?"

Minion: "Yeah...I know....it's kinda weird.....Incidentaly, they just sent me their new recording, it's called "Armed & Extremely Dangerous....."

Boss: "That title is pure Motown shit. Do they sound like the Supremes"?

Minion: "Well.......yeah......I guess........."

Boss: "Is this another one of those 'big in England' things"?

Minion: "........I.....guess......"

Boss: "Release 'em. NOW!

Ian D :D

Can't agree with the above & think Ian is making it all up.

I e-mail Billy Boss & Mike Minion on a regular basis and they have NEVER mentioned such a conversation.

They did once tell me though that in Bill's basement there are 100's of copies of all the Wand 45's that soul collectors think were never pressed up. He's just waiting for the right time to put em all up on Evilbay.

Edited by Roburt

Can't agree with the above & think Ian is making it all up.

I e-mail Billy Boss & Mike Minion on a regular basis and they have NEVER mentioned such a conversation.

They did once tell me though that in Bill's basement there are 100's of copies of all the Wand 45's that soul collectors think were never pressed up. He's just waiting for the right time to put em all up on Evilbay.

I was being tongue in cheek after a few pints Roburt and responding to Steve's point about First Choice sounding like an old Supremes record..... :D

I'll try and be a bit more serious in future!

Ian D :D

I was being tongue in cheek after a few pints Roburt and responding to Steve's point about First Choice sounding like an old Supremes record..... :D

I'll try and be a bit more serious in future!

Ian D :D

Ian I have double checked this now, and if you dust off the 'Paradise Garage' book you'll find your late night attempt at an updated Shakespearian play set in a record executive's office in NYC blended with injections of your boundless humour is indeed very similar as to exactlty how Mel Cherren remembers this point in time relating to this particular record. :yes:

Edited by Steve G

Ian I have double checked this now, and if you dust off the 'Paradise Garage' book you'll find your late night attempt at an updated Shakespearian play set in a record executive's office in NYC blended with injections of your boundless humour is indeed very similar as to exactlty how Mel Cherren remembers this point in time relating to this particular record. :yes:

Bugger! No index in that book so I can't quickly check! :g:

However, that's sorted out a holiday re-read methinks. I really must invest in a kindle as lugging around all these books is a pain... :lol:

Ian D :D

No, can't agree with either of you.

Bill Boss (who used to be label supremo at Wand after he had run Okeh & Bell but before he started Philly International & Gemingo) says he never had any such discussion. :lol::g::thumbsup::ohmy::P

No need to check, I've done it for you Ian. Cherren says he was pretty mad that they turned it down and were somewhat embarrassed when "Armed & Extremely dangerous" broke into the charts. Interesting book I agree.

Edited by Steve G

No, can't agree with either of you.

Bill Boss (who used to be label supremo at Wand after he had run Okeh & Bell but before he started Philly International & Gemingo) says he never had any such discussion. :lol::g::thumbsup::ohmy::P

Florence was still incharge at Scepter in 72 though....these record exec types - honestly I sometimes wonder if they'd agree on what day of the week it was on Friday :lol:

No, can't agree with either of you.

Bill Boss (who used to be label supremo at Wand after he had run Okeh & Bell but before he started Philly International & Gemingo) says he never had any such discussion. :lol::g::thumbsup::ohmy::P

Roburt. I was THERE mate. I'd got into Wand/Sceptre because Mel Cheren fancied me and thus allowed me to go through the Wand/Sceptre promo cupboard in the mail-out room. There was an air vent system right next to the promo cupboard which fed into the meeting room next door so I heard the EXACT conversation OK? :lol::thumbup::P

Ian D :D

Florence was still incharge at Scepter in 72 though....these record exec types - honestly I sometimes wonder if they'd agree on what day of the week it was on Friday :lol:

There's a huge competition to locate the UK's most intelligent dog. Eventually it boils down to three dog owners and their dogs. The dog owners are an architect, a maths professor and a record company A&R man.

The dogs are each given a pile of dog biscuits and the winner will be decided by the amount of intelligence and creativity the dogs can display by each manipulating their respective piles of dog biscuits.

The architect's dog starts first and builds an exact scale model of the Taj Mahal with his biscuits.

The maths professor's dog goes next and manipulates his biscuits into the exact equation for the Pythagoras theorum.

The A&R man's dog goes last and grinds his biscuits into a powder, snorts it all, f*cks the other 2 dogs and leaves early.

Ian D :D

Edited by Ian Dewhirst

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