Frankie Crocker

One sold on eBay a couple of hours ago for over £200. Surprised me, but it was mint unplayed.

You are looking at an outlay of well over £1,000. A nice NM copy would fetch £1,500 at auction whilst an EX copy might cost £1,250 in a cash deal. A great record, hugely in demand and very difficult to get hold of. Was pressed up with labels reversed so some copies are OK whilst others are flawed, the latter may be discounted by £100-200 depending on the seller.

Not sure this is the case. Old age changed the Northern Soul scene. As folk grew up, married, committed to family life, dropped out the scene etc, major Allnighter venues withered. The internet has allowed the Northern scene to flourish but in a different guise, with record collectors able to access vinyl without flying to the States. This has enabled younger record collectors, potential DJ's, venue attenders and dancers to join the old timers at a multitude of small venues. To be part of a scene where there is no age prejudice is a marvellous thing. The Northern scene is as progressive as ever catering to a wide range of music tastes and without any one 'figurehead' determining what is played/booted/compiled/marketed - now every individual can be part of the scene and in a way that suits them. Go where you want, wear what you want, listen to what you want - not a bad lifestyle and a scene that still remains more underground than mainstream.

Looks like a slip of the finger... Even with today's prices, £7,555.00 looks a bit steep... Tim will realise there's an error sooner or later.

Tell that to Kenny Burrell and Frank Wilson...

Adopted by the scene so therefore had some merit at the time. Had the requisite elements back in the day so qualified for a spin. Not too bad for a UK label and would have been a nice find 40 years ago. Might not please everyone today but remember, there's no such thing as a bad soul record, some are just better than others.

Is a dab a dollar or a pound? Not that there's much difference these days...

Serve 'em right. If you can't read a map, that's what happens. I blame the chauffers who can't programme SatNavs but why take it out on a ballroom. I thought Apple was a record label - did something happen to change this?

Shame on the London Ritz. They deserve to lose any legal case as the word is in common usage and has been for decades. That said, the justice system in Britain is corrupt and biased in favour of the greedy rich who can afford it and the even greedier judges, barristers and solicitors who make sure they get stinking-rich on the proceeds. A simple solution would be to rename the ballroom the Triz, generate some anti-hotel publicity and see whether the legal clowns can handle a piss-take response.

Don't think mine skips but will play it next time I stumble across it. Never knew there was a problem with this release so thanks for the heads up. Couple of other of good tracks on the Knight label well worth looking out for.

Big bucks. £500 at least. Copies in the last year or so were hotly competed for.

An interesting take on the subject. However, there is the USA original and then again, the British release. The latter seems to be going through something of a revival. Given the quality and collectability of the Grapevine releases of the 70's, it is not surprising that some are fetching sums not to be sneezed at. Even these, as well as more recent issues of unreleased tracks will command higher values in future.

No. A definite no. A challenge, yes but not a 'confidence trick' which is what a con is. We know what we are doing and have been aware for decades. Once upon a time, we got the goods cheaply. Now the well's gone dry, time's have changed. Dealers have moved with the market, so prices at the high-end have jumped in response to demand. eBay has unearthed attic diggers that flog their treasures for unbelievable sums, but that's business for you. Record collecting is a bi-product of what we like doing which is listening to really good music. Fortunately, the prized records are an asset that may be of some value. Collecting for it's own sake like stamps, di-cast toys, Pokemon cards etc does not enter the equation. Good suggestion for a topic Malc, as we all need a reality check from time to time such is this crazy world we have helped to create.

Such a fantastic read. I too remember the list arriving, dashing to the pay-phone, reserving the latest big tunes at Wigan such as Lou Johnson- Unsatisfied, Detroit Executives- Cool Off and others. Wish I could turn the hands back now and buy a few more obscurities off the lists.

Overpriced and will never sell at that price. Label looks worn and with the stamp, price should be reduced accordingly. Label wear suggests vinyl unlikely to be Mint minus so caution advised. Great record and one that I do not own (yet). Have been watching prices closely and seen this one escalate but there are enough copies of this coming up at auction to bide one's time.

Frank Foster - Harlem Rumble on Triode.

Another Martyn Ellis cock-up...

'Compared To What' is such a cracking tune. Also a great reply to someone who remarks such and such a song is rubbish, just say 'compared to what' and that usually shuts them up.

And on a tape also... Last weekend, I visited the Museum of Wigan Life taking in the small Casino exhibit but really enjoyed the live recording of Richard Searling DJing. As I see it, the more Casino recodings there are to listen to, the better.

The first two paragraphs could refer to the music business today and the current resurgence of Northern Oldies. Seems odd coming across the word 'disco' in this day and age. Dave Godin certsinky knew what he was talking about back then.

Two good tracks on this disc. I was looking to upgrade my copy but now dropped that idea.

Hidden away in storage at present but recall it being rather plain, with Lou Neita in red on it. The plan is to put the company sleeves in plastic sleeves and eventually marry them up with the original records currently filed in white cardboard sleeves. Next time I come across it, I'll photograph it.

Hi there. No info of great importance but I have the Thelma Wilson record which came in a company sleeve - good sound and pretty rare. Also have the Gina Hill which may have been released on another label. Not familiar with The Bishop but gather it is rare.

Doesn't ring a bell. I have most Northern LP compilations but nothing on Hawaii or surfing. As a surfer, no recollection on LP art featuring surfers. I have the Kent Northern albums and again no help. You need to contact Jonny Tomlin to confirm the existence of this LP. On another theme, the music industry in Hawaii is alive and flourishing - a brand of reggae/rocksteady plus the usual rap-stuff exists, the former being particularly tuneful and even soullful at times. Hang loose...

Me too. Won a couple of records in the early hours this morning. Will not be paying the $66 postage quoted and certainly not taking up the offer to pay via Paypal. Have messaged the seller for a postage quote to a USA address so awaiting further details. Thanks for posting this - I will be voiding the order if the postage is not lowered by $50-60.