Derek Pearson

It's 2am and you know you want it. Dx Ray Agee “I’m Losing Again” (Soul Town S-104)

It wouldn't surprise me if he has - I mean is there any UK soul 45's he hasn't got (laughs)... Bet his UK wants list is the size of a postage stamp... Dx

Have a look on Popsike that's a pretty good starting point for gauging current market values on most records. Derek

BOBBY WILBURN “I’m A Dreamer” 2:25 / “I’m A Lonely Man” 2:37 (Gamble G 4015) released in the summer of 1971. Run Out Grooves: ARP stamped Bell Sound stamped Label: clean black paper - Excellent Record: super shine and gloss; very light surface marks - “Dreamer” VG++, “Lonely” EX- On sale at £700 (or nearest offer). ON HOLD Payment via Bank Transfer (preferred), UK cash or Paypal. Price includes P&P anywhere in the world (via Royal Mail Special Delivery or International Tracked & Signed). PM to discuss, reserve etc. Ta, Derek

You know collecting obscure soul records is certainly weird and wonderful but I’m sure you know that already. Over the years I’ve spent countless hours wandering up and down the high roads and back roads of America hunting for all things vinyl. And I’ve absolutely no idea just how much money I’ve spent throughout all of these decades. The length and breadth of the UK has had the same treatment as well and if I was 10 years younger Europe would be the next stop on the map So to cut a long story short imagine my complete surprise the first time I played this 45 after buying it blind for 50p in a charity shop less than 15 miles from my house. I admit I was also guided by the comments very nice slow written in red on the label by a previous owner or radio programmer. I’d never heard of the group before and it turns out this was the only 45 they ever released. The official A side “Stony Island Band” appears to be quite a well rated Disco Funk item but the flip “Peace Of Mind” doesn’t seem to have got the same applause at all. As is the case with many seventies records the white demo’s are double sided and the killer ballad flip is only found on the far less common stock copy. Shipped out at the back end of 1978 sadly this iconic Florida label struggled to stay afloat for barely another year. Dx

For anybody that's interested in record company sleeves this website is invaluable - https://www.bigboppa.co.uk/45-sleeves/index.html Derek

Eldridge Gravy I’m Gone (Emerald City Soul Club) vocal & Instrumental Limited edition of 250 released 2011. Currently one copy for sale on Discogs from a UK seller @ £90. Dx

From 2008 to 2011 I religiously bought Record Collector magazine every month intending to read it from cover to cover. But I never did, the pile of mags next to the tele got bigger and bigger as I read less and less of it. In the end I stopped buying it every month as I simply couldn't keep up with it. Frustration started to creep in as I was only reading about half of the actual third I wanted to......oh well. So how great was it when last week on going to get my hair cut (religiously every month) I spotted an old copy of RC ** on the table. I was third in the queue to get a trim so had plenty of time to work my way through it page by page. I remember an old mate of mine Matthew Simpson once told me he used to devour every copy of RC he could get his hands on. Then lo and behold tucked away on the letters page I spots this from the legendary Ian Clark down there in deepest Norfolk. Looking for records at armed forces radio stations - wow you learn summat new every day eh!? Derek ** #401 May 2012

True. And considering that going out to a soul club should just be a simple enjoyable night out it probably always has been too serious for its own good. But it's that serious downright obsessive traits that has kept the soul scene going as long as it has whilst other scenes have been and gone. derek x

I often meet people whose favourite hobbies seem to revolve around opening beer cans and watching television preferably both at the same time. By reading your history it's clear to see how your hobby developed bit by bit into what's looking like is gonna be a life long obsession. Who couldn't be more impressed by your dedication and determination to interview scores of ageing Chicago singers from years gone by and documenting their story before time forgets. Nice one Bob. My respect is obvious and unashamed. Derek If I had a crystal ball I'd like to think it would predict you in the future as compiling albums of under valued Chicago music for an old College buddy of yours....

you could also have a Soul Source Best Post Of The Year Poll 2011 if you want? derek