Frankie Crocker

A great tune. Hardly any copies in existence. Hundreds of collectors would be delighted to own it. No chance of old store stock turning up in New Orleans. This is the sort of record auctions were devised for. Might go as high as 4K depending on which two DJ’s have the cash.

That was what I suspected. The description was very detailed and presented in a way to authenticate the record. The key word ‘bootleg’ was omitted. The wrong side of the record was featured in the scan for some reason. The record was put up for auction rather than a buy it now offer. Some were drawn in to bid and then disappointed. Bootlegs are a plague on the collecting scene and sellers should be very careful about how their wares are marketed unless they are prepared to lose credibility.

I’ve never heard Russ interviewed at length until now. Sure, he’s made very brief contributions to various programmes, but not lengthy enough to match the current batch of mis-fits in government. Yes, I agree, it’s time to hear these sounds. Russ, if you’re reading this, please post some scans and a few soundbites if you can.

The seller in question based in London currently has an Yvonne Baker ‘unofficial’ release and a Denise La Salle ‘carver’ for sale plus an assortment of other proper looking records. This should give cause for concern to bidders thinking of splashing out hundreds or thousands.

Apologies for the lack of link but I’m useless at this stuff. I noticed the item late in the day. Did a bit of research and found the lookalikes on Popsike. Great record and one that I’d be delighted to own. The UK seller described the record in detail giving run-out info but I could not tell if it was a genuine first issue. In fact, the sales blurb was so convincing, I thought it must be the real thing. However, it looked like the bootlegs on Popsike so I thought I better get some expert insight. As the auction was terminated prematurely, maybe someone has avoided paying a record price for an Ivory’s bootleg...I hope so! Thanks for all the comments anyway and watch out for confusion regarding this record in future.

Auction due to close within 24 hours. Bids at £235 at present. Is this a bootleg dressed up to fool bidders or an original issue at a bargain price?

A questionable act. Most records have no resale value. Huge collections take up valuable space and are time consuming to manage. Better to collect selectively and enjoy the music. Nothing wrong in bulk buying if there’s a chance of finding something special. To buy up all the records in the world is mission impossible and ultimately a colossal waste of time and money.

Part 3 now added to YouTube for our perusal. Russ talks about the links between Motown and the Casino mentioning the thousands of tracks never released. He also mentions the hundreds of records he hasn’t yet played - I would happily watch a video of him flicking through a box of these sounds. Having been to the Arcade several times and the Casino Cafe twice, I would say it’s worth going out of your way to visit. Anyway, compulsive viewing for the nostalgic Wigan goer and an honest overview that answers a few questions.

Well spotted. A valid observation and criticism. Perhaps Russ was pushing for a more organised distribution system with Soussan at the source? Alternatively, the scourge of emidiscs was problematical enough to warrant criticism as DJ exclusives were being exposed. At the time though, most of us collectors didn’t mind as it was fine to have the best sounds in any format ie UK issue, US import, Soussan latest release etc. Maybe Russ was concerned that DJ’s were being deceived by some bootlegs and spinning them instead of originals? I was more concerned that King Richard described the Casino as a Disco Venue...

Most certainly. Richard gets all the plaudits whilst Russ has waited in the wings. About time Russ spoke out in public. He speaks modestly and truthfully, clarifying some of the twaddle you read on here. Sure, he didn’t follow the career path of Richard or Kev, but giving credit when it’s due, Russ put Wigan Casino on the map and helped many of us get to where we are today. Thanks for posting.

Just a bit Mike. Just got off a plane. Only one of two legs working... Had to skip the surf in Hawaii but made up for this shopping in Detroit. You know me, I can’t post clips so I leave it to the experts.

A few disappoinments here methinks. Sheppards usually goes for more. Bobby Treetop price about fair given it is a scarcity rather than a rarity.

Two interviews now up on YouTube. Russ being interviewed by Ralph. Really interesting, factual and well worth listening to. Russ comes across really well and finally informs the doubters of what really happened at the start and finish of the Casino years.

Hi Gilly. Put me down for a signed hardback copy.

Look at Popsike or Collectors Frenzy databases - see what recent sales fetched. Put the best records on Soul Source for the connoisseurs at set sale prices. Monitor the lists of main dealers and try to undercut them for a quick sale. Please don’t put the highest price on them as collectors get fed up of being ripped off. Hope this helps.

I think his name is Geoff. He has/had good Pittsburgh connections over the decades. He doesn’t do many auctions. Has a stock of decent records plus the occasional rarity. Records are overpriced so they do not sell. Some US dealers are petrified of selling at lesser prices so they stick a maximum tag on and hope for the best. That said, put up an overpriced collectable and browsers will check out the hundreds of others in the listing.

£400 tops. Still in demand and value can only increase in future, but prospective buyers will hold out for less. This is one of the very best records and a keeper in my books. Sold my spare copy to Ady Croasdell for £30 back in the 90’s after finding a minter at Beverlys, Chicago for $3.

Ah, but it could be a ‘one-off’. Expect this to be sold on and mis-described taking in some unwary collector. eBay should not be selling genuine-fakes like this.

Seller missed the chance to change the title to Me Had You Fooled.

I was at the Ritz for the Tavares show. Was a great performance. They were huge on the radio that hot summer. All the Ritz Sunday Alldayers in the 70’s were rammed and you had the best of ‘Newies’ spun alongside the latest 60’s discoveries. Dancefloor like a trampoline, well and truly sprung, you just stood on it and it moved you.

Tricky decision. Big call. Generally a move that sellers regret making. How badly do you need the money? How often do you play the records and how much pleasure do you gain from this? Probably best to let the big ticket items go one-by-one, ideally on here at set-sale prices or on consignment with any of the main dealers. That way, you could realise several K and still retain the bulk of the collection. Would be good to see a list of higher end records to drool over. PS. Always regretted selling my pop collection in 1974. Always regretted selling the bulk of my Northern collection in 1978.

Top outfit. Loadsa great records. Rick who mans the phones is really helpful so give him a call. I think the opening comment could be applied to so many computer situations where the software is nigh on impossible to navigate. I’ve reached the point where I’d rather avoid learning a new log-in scenario than apply fora credit card, get on a plane, look at my pay slip online (the latest tomfoolery) etc I suspect Tim is letting go of his in-demand sounds and treasured obscurities as the market conditions are peaking for both sellers and buyers.

Not sure why people feel the need to scratch their names in the run-outs of records. Smacks of paranoia and stupidity. Merely lowers the value of a record, and in this case, may have detracted from end of the track.

Found it in the 70’s time capsule...

A nice little jaunt down memory lane. Only a few US originals worth having today, but that’s how it was back then. The sound was always more important than the record, and providing the format was small, black and round, nobody cared. Now what I’d really like to see would be a Wigan Casino time capsule...