Nickinstoke

Sorry to report that Chris Savory died on Tuesday 1st September, aged 62. Chris would have been well known to many members of this forum, as a collector, dealer, record fair organiser, broadcaster, writer, magazine publisher and occasional DJ, among many other activities. He was a major fan of soul music and turned me on to some great tunes. Nick

After listening to Bob's excellent interview with the Radiants, I dug out what I own by them. I found a copy of "I need a vacation", on ABC 12394 - am I right in thinking that this is a completely different and unrelated group? Cheers Nick

Check out Al Wilson's version - it's great! Nick

I think it's a more recent show than this - that's the playlist for Jan 2nd

I had an email asking me for the identity of a track I played on Mary Fox's show - I can't for the life of me think what it is, though I'll no doubt kick myself when I find out. Here's the clues I got sent: "earlier you played a track with the chorus "Coming back to my senses.." and a great driving horn section" Any ideas? Thanks Nick

Keith Minshull has asked me to post details of the following: Black Music Record Fair, Sunday 24th May, from 10.00 till 4.00 George Hotel, Swan Square, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2AE Free admission Bookings and enquiries, ring Keith on 01782 773563, or mobile 07901 915992

Check out the book "Labelography", by Jan Pettersson - it tells you all you need to know about different UK pressings in the 60s and early 70s. As for this record, it seems Oriole did both types of centre but the solid centres are rarer. CBS bought Oriole and used their pressing plant in the UK. Cheers Nick

The Record Collector price guide lists a 1969 reissue of "Rescue me", on the same number as the 1965 release. If it exists, this would probably have the silver writing. Cheers Nick

A question on the message board for Mary Fox's show asks what is the 2nd rarest northern 45, and also what's the 2nd rarest "popular" northern? I'm sure they have Frank Wilson as the number one, given all its recent high profile. Any thoughts as to what might be 2nd? Cheers Nick

The American MCA setup owned US Decca, Coral, Brunswick, UNI, Revue and Kapp, among other labels. It started the UK MCA label in the late 60s, and the UK licences for most of its US labels were transferred to UK MCA, mainly from UK Coral, Brunswick and London. UNI got its own identity in the UK a little later. So, definitely legal releases. Cheers Nick

Also done by William Bell (original version, I think) Nick

Betty Jean Plummer

I have this version on Gusto (GT4-2042), a Nashville label, from 1979. Never seen it on King before Nick

Wow, that's amazing. I've wondered how "Love reputation" and "Just like the weather" came to have the same backing track - there's no obvious connection on the record labels. Does anyone know? And how about the version of "Love reputation" on the 70s LP "Chess-Janus Mobile Discotheque", which has the backing vocals on the intro, like "Just like the weather" - anyone know anything about this? Last question (again) - is the Shereen Jackson version of "Love reputation" just Denise LaSalle speeded up? Nick

Great version of "Sweet thing", though I'd still plump for the Spinners. However, I much prefer Georgie's version of "Point of no return" to Gene McDaniels. Nick

Someone gave me a CD recently, with Shereen Jackson's versionof "Love reputation" on it. It sounds to me as though it's just Denise Lasalle with the deck speed turned up a bit - can anyone confirm? Nick

I read an interview with Elton John, back in the 70s, when he talked about his time backing visiting soul artists in the 60s. He was backing Billy Stewart one night and when he started "Sitting in the park" a young mod in the crowd started shouting out Georgie Fame's name, whereupon Billy jumped from the stage and chased the lad out of the club. I'd love to have seen that - Billy wasn't a small man! Nick

Picked up a Singing Principal recently (demo, same track both sides). Does anyone know anything about him? Who was he? I presume he was what we'd call a "headmaster" in the UK Nick

KP 6002 Simms Twims: Together/Baby it's real KP 6003 Olympics: Lookin' for a love/Good things Both have this label design Cheers Nick

Last one I saw for sale (a few years back) was £100. Is yours an issue or demo? I've only ever seen demos. Nick

Thanks for all your help folks - Eamesy has sorted me out. Nick

So does anyone know where I can get hold of a copy of 102 (and for future reference, a reliable supplier). It's not on JM's website (sold out maybe?). Please don't suggest a subscription - I don't have that much time or patience. Nick

Thanks Ian. So that's why it's not on JM's website yet.

Anyone know if Manifesto # 102 is available yet? Nick

I recently picked up a copy of Bob & Earl's "Harlem Shuffle" on the 1973 UK Contempo reissue (CR 4), which has the instrumental version on the flip. Does anyone know if the instrumental came out on anything else? Someone told me the instrumental is actually by the Mighty Ramblers - can anyone confirm this? Cheers Nick