If you’ve ever fallen under the spell of a spinning 45, you know there’s magic in the grooves—especially when it comes to soul, funk, and sweet harmonies. This week, we’ve pulled three killer 45s from the crate that showcase everything we love about vintage soul: passion, grit, and hooks that linger long after the needle lifts.
Bobby Patterson: Busy, Busy Bee / Sweet Taste of Love
Label: Jetstar 113 (Clear Gold Vinyl) (Promo copy) Released 1968.
Label Owner: John Howard Abdnor
Label Address: 825 Olive, Dallas, TX (1964-1970)
A Side: Busy, Busy Bee
B Side: Sweet Taste of Love
Dallas legend Bobby Patterson never misses. On "Busy, Busy Bee," he channels raw urgency into a funky, mid-tempo groove, buzzing with energy and a sly vocal delivery that makes the metaphor stick. Flip it over for "Sweet Taste of Love," a smooth, slow-burning soul ballad full of Southern charm and subtle heartbreak. Patterson’s range as a writer and producer shines here—both sides feel like separate moods from the same deeply felt life.
Sound Clips and Order Information
Phenomenons: Without Your Love / You Gave Me Happiness
Label: AVI 191 (Promo) Released 1978.
Label Address: 9220 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90069.
A Side: Without Your Love
B Side: You Gave Me Happiness
This one’s a lesser-known gem, but it hits like a lost classic. "Without Your Love" is a tender group harmony track—aching falsettos and tight doo-wop-style arrangements wrapped in that unmistakable lo-fi warmth. The B-side, "You Gave Me Happiness," leans brighter but keeps the sincerity, with sweet harmonies and a melody that feels like a slow dance at the end of a school gym prom. It's rare, it's real, and it deserves more love.
Sound Clips and Order Information
Philly Devotions: Yeah, Yeah, Girl / I'll Never Color You A Rainbow
Label: Bry-Wek 1038. Released 1973.
Label Owner: Berry Gordy Jr.
Label Address: 4822 Woodland Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19143. Only 3 records released on this label.
A Side: Yeah, Yeah Girl
B Side: I’ll Never Color You A Rainbow
True to their name, Philly Devotions deliver East Coast sweet soul with polish and punch. "Yeah, Yeah, Girl" is a feel-good stepper, dripping with '70s Philly production—lush strings, tight rhythm, and infectious hooks. On the flip, "I'll Never Color You a Rainbow" slows things down with poetic heartbreak and gorgeous harmonies. It’s a smooth soul sermon, rich with emotion and that unmistakable Philly sophistication.
Sound Clips and Order Information
If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using oursecure form.