We are all feeling a little lonely and isolated during these strange times as a result of COVID19. What better way to fill our time in solitude than with some new music themed around loneliness. This month we bring you 45s from Larry J. Greene, Herman Griffin, and Betty Green.

Larry J. Greene: The Girl I Love / Another Lonely Night

Label: Tammy 1036. Released in 1970 (Blue-Eyed Soul)

Label Address: 334 Elm St. Struthers, Ohio. Corn Market at Woodland, Youngstown, Ohio, 7 East Woodland, Youngstown , Ohio. 545 Market St., Youngstown, Ohio.

A Side: The Girl I Love

B Side: Another Lonely Night

Greene’s “The Girl I Love” uses hints of surfer-rock twang and rhythms mixed with doo-wop to create its feel. We’ve all been there at one point or another, wishing we could have someone that is unavailable. Wondering what in the world we could do to make them ours. Sometimes, you just have to put on some Larry Greene, accept reality,  and sing your pain away. You may be feeling more lonely now, than ever before, and Larry J. Greene might be exactly what you need. 

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Herman Griffin: True Love / It’s You

Label: Columbia 41951. Released in 1961

A Side: True Love

B Side: It’s You

Griffin wasn’t just known for his voice, he was quite the entertainer, too. If you found yourself listening to Herman at a club during the 50s and 60s, you would be pleasantly surprised to see him backflipping and doing the splits on stage. According to a number of resources, “True Love/ It’s You” didn’t do much for Griffin’s career, but that didn’t stop us from sharing this 45 and shouldn’t stop you from giving it a listen. 

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Betty Green: Lonely Girl / He’s Down On Me

Label: Crackerjack 4018. Released in 1964

Label Owner: Henry (Juggy Murray) Jones. 271 West 125^th ST., New York, N.Y. Riverside Dr., New York, N.Y. 1659 Broadway, New York, N.Y. (1961-1964)

A Side: Lonely Girl

B Side: He’s Down On Me

You might not have known this, but Betty Green was quite the bass player on top of being a fantastic singer. This could explain why the intro to “Lonely Girl” uses such a powerful drum fill that leads right into a classic jazz swing drum beat using the toms on the backbeats. Every drummer and bass player can appreciate this drum groove - it never gets old. “He’s Down on Me” lead to great success for Betty and her career. Check out the link below to give this 45 a listen.

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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 our secure form.

We’ve got an awesome selection of 45s for you this March. Whether you are dealing with relationship issues, battling the Coronavirus or simply looking for new soul music, Parkers Records and Comics has you covered. With the world beginning to shut down, music might be the only source of entertainment available to us, so why not treat yourself to a fresh 45?

Big Dee Irwin: And Heaven Was Here/ Everybody’s Got a Dance But Me

Label: Dimension 1001. Released in 1962.

Label Owner: Nevins-Kirshener Assoc. Inc., Screen Gems, Inc. New York, N.Y.  (1962-1965)

A Side: And Heaven Was Here

B Side: Everybody’s Got a Dance But Me

Big Dee Irwin was born in Harlem, NY and actually started his music career during his time serving in the United States Air Force. Along his journey, Big Dee performed with many artists including Little Eva, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and many others. The 45 being presented to you today will give you a nice taste of what Big Dee Irwin is all about. “And Heaven Was Here” showcases Irwin’s big and soulful voice that so many were inspired by.

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Invincibles: How Many Times / I Couldn't Stand It

Label: Loma 2057. Released in 1966.

Label Owner: Mike Maitland, Bob Krasner. 4000 Warner Blvd. Burbank, Ca. (1964-1968)

A Side: How Many Times

B Side: I Couldn’t Stand It

The Invincibles are one of my personal favorite artists available in the Parkers inventory. If you aren’t familiar, this month’s 45 will give you a good look at what they are all about. Pure, soulful, and catchy are three adjectives that immediately come to my mind. This group just writes flat out good tunes. Although these two tracks deal with the hardships of relationships, the instrumentals alone are worth listening to if you can’t find yourself relating to the lyrics.

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Invitations: Girl I'm Leavin' You / The Skate

Label: MGM 13574. Released in 1966.

Founded by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film Studio

A Side: Girl Im Leavin’ You

B Side: The Skate

You might recognize the Invitations from one of our previous blog posts (because we like them that much). We are ending this month’s post on an upbeat note – instrumentally speaking. If you are going through a heartbreak, “Girl I’m Leavin’ You” might help you push through and for anyone feeling a little bitter about a past relationship, put this 45 on and skate your way to happiness. If you like what you’ve heard, be sure to check out the rest of our Invitations 45s available from our store.

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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 our secure form.

Parkers Records and Comics is back for another month, bringing you some of our favorite 45s available. February and Valentine’s Day always seems like a good time of the year for some new music. It is still the beginning of the new year, it’s cold outside, and you might be searching for the perfect track to set the mood right for you and your lover. Check out our suggestions for February 2020 below.

Varetta Dillard: You Better Come Home / I Don’t Know What It Is but I Like It

Label: Cub 9091. Released in 1961.

Label Owner: Arnold Maxin. Lowe’s, Inc., 1650 Broadway, Ney Work, N.Y. (1958-1968)

A Side: You Better Come Home

B Side: I Don’t Know What It Is but I Like It

You might be familiar with Varetta Dillard if you’ve heard her biggest hit, “Mercy, Mr. Percy”. Dillard has an interesting and impressive background considering she grew up in Harlem and was born with a bone condition requiring her to walk with crutches. Dillard’s fun and enthusiastic music exposes her strong will and determination to make it in the music industry despite her disabilities. “You Better Come Home” will keep you engaged with its playful rhythm and Dillard’s unique vocal sounds.

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Debs: Danger Ahead / Just Another Fool

Label: Double-L 727. Released in 1964.

Label Owner: Lloyd Price & Harold Logan. Ney York, N.Y. (1963-1966)

A Side: Danger Ahead

B Side: Just Another Fool

We’ve been on a kick with female vocalists and we wanted to keep that trend going with this 45 from Debs. During this Valentine’s season you might want to keep your head on a swivel and hold your ground! Debs sings about loyalty and the temptations present in our world, which is especially relevant during the month of love.

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Tyrone Davis: I Wanna Be Good Company / I’m Confessin

Label: Hit Sound 888. Released in 1969.

Label Owner: Jack Daniels & Johnny Moore. 3234 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, Il. (1968-1970)

A Side: I Wanna Be Good Company

B Side: I’m Confessin

Tyrone Davis had an impressive career as a singer, achieving a number of hit records over his 20-year career. “I Wanna Be Good Company” is the epitome of what great soul and funk music means to me. Powerful and soulful vocals, a solid rhythm section, and a stellar brass section. What more could you need?

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 our secure form.

Winter is upon us and there is a chill in the air, but that’s not stopping Parkers Records and Comics from providing you with our picks for November. Cozy up with one of these 45s this winter and let us know what you think! This month we bring you a 45 from Barbara and the Delights, Timmy Willis, and Billy Sha-Rae.

Barbara and the Delights: She’s a Smooth One / Shirley Got There Early

Label: U.A. 675. Released in 1963.

Label Owner: Max Youngstein. 729 Seventh Ave., New York, NY. (1957-1973)

A Side: She’s a Smooth One

B Side: Shirley Got There Early

This 45 from Barbara and the Delights has a classic sound to it. There is a common theme on this 45. Both tracks discuss playfulness, jealousy, and self-control – or a lack there of. The A-side, “She’s a Smooth One”, discusses a man being hypnotized by a woman who will likely send him down the wrong path, while the b-side “Shirley Got There Early” talks about a woman going after another woman’s man and the jealousy involved with a situation like that. A theme we can all probably relate to, whether we like to admit it or not. Another take on this 45 is that the A and B side are talking about the same situation but from two different perspectives. Check it out using the link below and decide for yourself!

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Timmy Willis:  Mr. Soul Satisfaction / I’m Wondering

Label: Sidra 9013. Released in 1967.

A Side: Mr. Soul Satisfaction

B Side: I’m Wondering

To me, Mr. Soul Satisfaction is the epitome of a groovy soul track. The track has an intriguing intro, groovy drum and bass, repetitive vocal melody, vocal harmonies, slapping guitar rhythm, and a brass section to top it all off. Take a listen to this feel good track by using the link below and purchase it for yourself! You’ll have to buy the 45 to preview side b – “I’m Wondering”.

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Billy Sha-Rae: Do It / I Found the One

Label: Hour Glass 007. Released in 1969.

Label Owner: 1700 Broadway, New York, NY. (1969-1970)

A Side: Do It

B Side: I Found the One

Billy Sha-Rae was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and eventually moved to Detroit, Michigan – the city of Motown. Billy was involved with a group called Soul Congress while in Detroit and even received a minor hit with “Do It.” After listening to “Do It” you might be surprised it qualified for a hit considering its unique sound and structure. It almost feels like a jam session between Billy and his band. The tune has a driving feel to it and there is a guitar pattern that sounds very similar to Led Zeppelins “Immigrant Song”. Check it out by using the link below!

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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 our secure form.

We’ve got a little bit of everything for you this month. Leading off is a 45 from Jan Bradley. Released during the 60s, I can imagine this 45 was a bit controversial. Continuing down the line is a group of songs from James Becton. This track will make you reflect about your loved ones and might not be for the faint of heart. Finally, we will end with some groovy and uplifting tunes from the amazing Barbara and Joe.

Jan Bradley: We Girls / Curfew Blues

Label: Formal 1014. Released in 1962.

Label Owner: Angelo Giandini (A.K.A. Anthony Garden). 8501 South Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL. (1956-1963).

A Side: We Girls

B Side: Curfew Blues

There are some things in life we can’t always explain but we have to accept. One of these unexplainable phenomenon’s is the power sexuality plays in the way we make decisions.  Jan Bradley goes into detail about the control women have over men when it comes to sexual tension. Her opening line begins, “Girls, we can’t help it, we were born to hypnotize.” The instrumentals of this track fit the theme of the song with its playful and innocent melody. It’s like Bradley is teasing us herself.    

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James Becton: Where has Love Gone Pt. 1 / Pt. 2

Label: C-Bird. Released in 1978.

A Side: Where has Love Gone Pt. 1

B Side: Pt. 2

At one point or another, we will all go through the sadness of losing a loved one. When this time comes, perhaps you’ll consider listening to James Becton’s “Where has Love Gone”. It’s a slow, ballad-like tune that you might find some comfort in. Becton’s unique and raspy voice is one-of-a-kind and worth checking out!

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Barbara and Joe: You’re Astounding / Don’t You Know that It’s All Right

Label: Respect 2507. Released in 1975.

Label Owner: Al Bell, Jim Stewart, and Gulf & Western. 2681 Union Extended, Memphis, TN.

A Side: You’re Astounding

B Side: Don’t You Know that It’s All Right

We aren’t going to leave you this month without lifting your spirits. The third 45 of October comes from the lovely Barbara and Joe. “You’re Astounding” is not only a feel-good tune but it also encompasses a full range of instruments including brass, strings, and your typical Rhythm and Blues instruments. Enjoy the playful call and response between Barbara and Joe while listening to this 45. Flip it over and you’ll find “Don’t You Know That It’s All Right”, another feel good, foot stomper.

Sound Clips and Order Information

If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the record number while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

We have a good mix of tunes for you this month. Fast tempos, slow tempos, instrumental breaks, lots of vocal harmonies, driving drums, brass sections and more. Take a look at our list for September and we think you’ll find something worth holding onto.

Victones: My Baby Changes / I Need You So

Label: Front Page 1001. Released in 1970.

Label Owner: Bobby Robinson. 271 W. 125^th St., New York, NY. (1970-1971)

A Side: My Baby Changes

B Side: I Need You So

The Victones use a rather simple metaphor in “My Baby Changes” to explain the problem at hand with their lyric stating “my baby changes like the weather.” Relationships can be tough and sometimes people change and realize they want something else out of life. For the victim of the story, these changes can be unexpected and hurtful. Much like the weather, people are unpredictable as well and I think that’s the theme of the A side of this 45. You’ll have to purchase the record to hear “I Need You So.”

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Utopians: Do You Feel It? / Holding On

Label: Sunny-Fla. 0791. Released in 1982.

A Side: Do You Feel It?

B Side: Holding On

Man, would I love to travel back in time and go to a Utopians concert. “Do You Feel It?” just sounds like a good time. If you love groove, soulful vocals, and brass this is the 45 for you. After you listen to the A side of the 45 a few times in a row (because it’s that good), flip the record over and get ready to slow things down. This 45 presents an interesting contrast between the A and B sides but it somehow works perfectly.

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Upfronts:  Baby, for Your Love / It Took Time (It Took you)

Label: Lummtone 108. Released in 1962

Label Owner: Lummie Fowler. P.O. Box 11121, Los Angeles, CA. (1959-1965)

A Side: Baby, for Your Love

B Side: It Took Time (It took You)

Although these tracks were released just after the 1950s, you can definitely hear some 50s influences. This 45 is a dancing and swinging compilation of music. The drums and vocal harmonies are the most significant elements to these two songs in my opinion. Their repetitiveness keeps the songs moving along.

Sound Clips and Order Information

If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the record number while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

August is a hot month for us here in the Midwest and we thought it would only be appropriate to write this month’s blog about some of the hottest tracks available at Parker’s Records. Leading off in August is George Tindley, followed by Robert Taylor, and finally we have a 45 from Talk of the Town. Be sure to leave your comments below the blog!

George Tindley: Pity the Poor Man / Wan-Tu-Wah-Zuree

Label: Wand 11215. Released in 1970.

Label Owner: Florence Greenburg. 1674 Broadway, New York, NY; 1850 Broadway New York, NY; 254 West 54^th St., New York, NY. (1959-1976)

A Side: Pity the Poor Man

B Side: Wan-Tu-Wah-Zuree

George Tindley sure knows how to treat his woman. “Pity the Poor Man” emphasizes the importance of sticking together in a relationship and making sacrifices for the one you love. In the words of my late grandfather, “A happy wife is a happy life.”  The B side of this 45 is only available for listening in our store, but you can find more details by clicking the link below.

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Robert Taylor: Packin’ Up Your Love / A Change is Gonna Come

Label: Sonic 8624. Released in 1968.

Label Address: 4736 Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL.

A Side: Packin’ Up Your Love

B Side: A Change is Gonna Come

A good shuffle is the key to my heart and the A side of this 45 grooves. “Packin’ Up Your Love” is the perfect mix of drums, bass, horns, and soulful vocals sung by Robert Taylor. Flip the 45 over and you’ll get Taylor’s rendition of the Sam Cooke classic, “A Change Gonna Come.” This track has been covered by so many renown artists over the years, but few have heard Robert Taylor’s version. Get it using the link below!

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Talk of the Town: Don’t Be So Mean / Accept Me for What I Am

Label: North Bay 305. Released in 1972.

Label Owner: Jimmy Bishop, Philadelphia, PA. (1971-9172)

A Side: Don’t Be So Mean

B Side: Accept Me for What I Am

If you love vocal harmonies – and who doesn’t – you are in for a treat. This Talk of the Town 45 featuring “Don’t Be So Mean” and “Accept Me for What I Am” might be the hottest vinyl available at Parker’s Records and it could be yours. Both tracks start off with unique beginnings incorporating bongos and what sounds like a timpani only to drop into soulful grooves guaranteed to make your hairs stick up.

Sound Clips and Order Information

If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the record number while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

Okay, so we’re sort of cheating with this title since two of the three 45s today are songs about doing a specific dance, but bear with us! We’ve put together a few songs that will be impossible—and we mean impossible—not to tap along to. Enjoy!

Breakdown/(I Never Know When To Leave) The Party by The Millionaires — Big Bunny 508 (Released 1966)

Label: Los Angeles, CA. 3 Rcords released on the label, 2 by the Millionaires & other by The Dealers (1966)

A Side: Breakdown

B Side: (I Never Know When to Leave) The Party

“The Millionaires” or just “Millionaires” (another name this band goes by) might just be the most common band name ever. Because of that, good luck ever finding out any information about them. We did manage to scrounge up a little, though—enough to know that The Millionaires is made up of Milton Grier, Floyd Gibson, James Sturkey (who had a few solo releases—the only member of the group that did), and James Warren. Besides Sturkey, none of the rest went on to do much with music, which is a shame.

“Breakdown” is a bit of a departure from the sorts of songs we usually write about. The lead singer has a higher, tamer voice than many of the other artists we cover. The whole tune has a sort of jazzy, big-band sound, which is only amplified by the brass solo in the middle of the song, as well as what sounds like a tuba in the background. We would still call it soul, but it definitely shows its jazz roots.

“(I Never Know When to Leave) The Party” picks up right where “Breakdown” leaves off, and it begins with some meltingly sweet saxophone notes. The sax and lead singer’s voice are about equal in volume, which gives the impression that they’re both equally important elements of the song. Another fun bit about this song is that, instead of ending where you’d expect, it rises a key and plays on just a little longer.

The Pearl/Baby Baby Baby by Gwindon Murphy — Crazy Horse 1306 (Released 1968)

Label: 1750 N. Vine, Los Angeles, Ca. (1968-1972)

A Side: The Pearl

B Side: Baby Baby Baby

At first glance, you might be inclined to think that Gwindon is a woman. He is not. In fact, he has an incredibly deep, funky voice that suits his name perfectly. But like so many other artists we feature, this was his only release. Still, better to enjoy what we have than wonder what could have been!

This is one of those songs that’s all about a dance. In this case, the title, “The Pearl,” refers to a dance of the same name. The whole song enthusiastically suggests that you should do the pearl, but it never actually tells you how to do it! It’s a shame, because the songs energy makes the pearl, whatever it is, sound like quite a bit of fun.

It would appear that the dance is lost to the world, because searching for “The Pearl Dance” only gives you videos about people dancing to the Pirates of the Carribean theme. Seriously.

“Baby Baby Baby,” on the other hand, isn’t available for listening anywhere. If you want to hear it, you’re just going to have to buy it!

Do the Philly/"same" (Instr.) by Music City All Stars — Music City 857 (Released 1965)

Label Owner: Ray Dobart. 1815 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley. (1954-1975)

A Side: Do the Philly

B Side: Do the Philly (Instrumental)

Nashville has always been “music city,” but it shares that name with Berkeley’s Music City, which is both a retail shop and music label. The shop was something of a local legend, and many of the tunes it put out are now sought after, particularly by northern soul aficionados.

What’s most interesting about this 45 is that there’s no information about the band themselves. The name would suggest that it’s a mishmash of other artists who have performed on the label before, but the identities of those people seem to be lost to history.

Despite being released in the ‘60s, “Do the Philly” has a very ‘90s R&B sound to it. Considering the roots that R&B had in jazz, funk, and soul, this isn’t altogether very surprising. Like “The Pearl,” “Do the Philly” is all about a song that nobody knows how to do anymore. Still, it’s fun to listen and imagine what that dance might be.

Add Some Dance to Your Collection

Pricing, details (grade, side A/B, quantity) and sound clips for each of the above records can be found via the following links:

Breakdown — The Millionaires

The Pearl — Gwindon Murphy

Do The Philly — Music City All Stars

We provide a simple online ordering form for all of our records. Enter your billing and shipping information, provide details about the record you’re requesting, hit submit, and sit back.

When we think of “essential” soul and R&B records, we tend to think of classic 60’s songs that every fan should have in their collection. But at Parker’s Records and Comics we know that essential means much more than just must have—we’re talking about records that are quintessentially soul and R&B. Once you listen to one of these records, you’ll understand. All it takes is a strong, rhythmic sound and smooth, harmonizing vocals and you’ll find yourself saying, “Now that’s soul music.”

I Paid For The Party by the Enchanters – Loma 2012 (Released 1965)

Label owner: Mike Maitland & Bob Krasner, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbaznk, CA (1964-1968)

Side A: I Paid For The Party

Side B: I Want To Be Loved

Originally led by influential soul and R&B singer Garnet Mimms, The Enchanters set out to make a name for themselves after Mimms left the group in 1964. Sam Bell led the group which also included Zola Pearnell, Charles Boyers, and William Gilmore.

“I Want To Be Loved”, a classic mid-60’s love song, was the first single that the group recorded with Loma, a California-based R&B label. Prior to Loma 2012, the group had recorded “I Wanna Thank You” with Loma’s parent label, Warner Bros. Records, in 1964 and eventually went on to record two more singles—“We Got Love” and “You Were Meant To Be My Baby”—for Loma 2054 and Loma 2035, respectively. Of the four singles that the Enchanters recorded, however, Loma 2012 stands apart as the group’s definitive example of northern soul.

I Need Your Love by the Egyptian Kings – Nanc 1120 (Released 1963)

Label owner: Howard Ransom & James L. Turner 124 East, 101^st St., Los Angeles, CA & 138 1/2 S. Florence, CA (1957-1963)

Side A: I Need Your Love

Side B: Give Me Your Love

The Egyptian Kings, along with the Egyptians & King Pharaoh, were a splintering of the Four Pharaohs, a top R&B vocal group in Columbus. While both incarnations of the group were led by Morris Wade, the Egyptian Kings featured Paul Moore, Pete Oden, and Leo Blakely.

While “I Need Your Love” is the song that lends its name to this 7” vinyl record, it’s “Give Me Your Love” that truly defines Nanc 1120. “Give Me Your Love” is a smooth, soulful love song that features tenor Morris Wade at his best. Nanc 1120 marks the third recording of the song. Previously, the group released versions of the song for both Ransom and Paradise in 1958. With Wade’s natural talent and a harmony that has been absolutely perfected, it’s difficult not to give Nanc 1120 your love.

Write Your Ticket by Element Experience – Green Eagle 314 (Released 1970)

Side A: Write Your Ticket

Side B: Make Yourself At Home Honey

“Write Your Ticket” would be both the only single released by Element Experience as well as the only single released by the Green Eagle label. But neither the artist nor the label needs a backstory—GE 314 can speak for itself! All it needs is your undivided attention.

“Write Your Ticket” features all of the elements you would expect from the turn of the 60’s funk and soul: the intense groove of strong guitar riffs and bass lines and a driving rhythmic feel. We’ll never know what could have been of Element Experience or the Green Eagle label, but we do know one thing—GE 314 is a truly elemental experience.

Add Essential Soul and R&B to Your Music Collection     

Pricing, details (grade, side A/B, quantity) and sound clips for each of the above records can be found via the following links:

I Paid For The Party– Enchanters

I Need Your Love – Egyptian Kings

Write Your Ticket – Element Experience

We provide a simple online ordering form for any of our records. Enter your billing and shipping information, provide details about the record you’re requesting, hit submit, and relax knowing that good times are on their way.

Funk and soul are among the most distinct genres of music. But even among these already highly unique styles, there’s a broad range of variations and traditions that every kind of music listener can appreciate.

At Parker’s Records and Comics, we’ve had the pleasure to experience some of the most unique forms of funk and soul music that emerged during the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. From the cultural phenomenon of northern soul to the California-influenced style of Los Angeles R&B, we’ve experienced every variation that you can imagine. That’s why we’re delighted to share with you now our list of some of the most unique funk/soul records of the 60’s.

Let Me Be A Part Of You by Exotics – Excello 2292 (Released 1968)

Label owner: Ernest L. Young, Nashville, TN (1952-1970)

Side A: Let Me Be A Part Of You

Side B: Let’s Try To Build A Love Affair

The Exotics originated from Orangeburg, South Caroline, but like many great funk/soul groups of the time, they were destined to make their way to Music City. It was there in Nashville, Tennessee, that the group recorded two records with Excello, an independent blues record label that was building a music empire on hits such as “Got Love If You Want It” and “I’m A Lover Not A Fighter”. With their Excello 2284 (“Boogaloo Investigator”) recording in 1967 and their Excello 2292 (“Let Me Be A Part Of You”) recording in 1968, the Exotics joined an elite group of blues singers, songwriters, and musicians that included greats such as blues Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester.

From start to finish, “Let Me Be A Part of You” is everything you would expect from a popular 60’s funk/soul song. The song features an uptempo beat, high-energy vocals, and lyrics that you’ll find yourself singing along to. That’s why, when it comes time to listen to the other side of the 45, most listeners are pleasantly surprised by what they hear! “Let’s Try To Build A Love Affair”, the second song on Excello 2292, slows down the tempo and puts the astonishing vocals of lead singer John Riley at the forefront. Even after just a short listen, you’ll understand why “Let’s Try To Build A Love Affair” is a classic example of northern soul.

Huff And Puff by The Electras – Lola 001 (Released 1962)

Label owner: John Marascvalo, Los Angeles, CA (1962-1964) & New Orleans, LA (1966)

Side A: Huff and Puff

Side B: Mary Mary

By the time the Electras recorded Lola 001, the group already had several successful releases under their belt—albeit under a few different names. The group’s history begins in Los Angeles, California in 1959 when The Valiants, a 50’s rhythm and blues group, added several new members. In doing so, the group made the transition towards doo-wop and R&B and renamed themselves the Untouchables. They recorded “Poor Boy Needs a Preacher” and three other records for Madison Records, a New York-based label, in addition to two records for Liberty. Eventually, the group changed its name to the Electras in 1961. With such a rich history and a diversity of talents, it’s no surprise that Lola 001 features a unique blend of doo-wop, funk and soul that can only be called Los Angeles R&B.

S.O.S. by The Extremes – RCA 9009 Promotional Copy (Released 1966)

Side A: S.O.S.

Side B: Hide The Moon

By the 1960’s, Nashville was already a hive of activity for both up-and-coming and renowned blues and R&B artists. Needless to say, while countless hopefuls flocked to Music City in order to achieve their dream of music stardom, not every artist became the household name they would have liked. And while the Extremes may remain a band that is known to only the most diehard 60’s funk/soul enthusiasts, RCA 9009 itself is a piece of music history. “S.O.S.” is perhaps one of the earliest examples of blue-eyed soul, a genre that was being pioneered by groups like The Extremes. In fact, the term “blue-eyed soul” wasn’t coined until about the mid-1960s, around the time that RCA 9009 was released. Of course, aside from its historical value, the record itself is a rare and highly sought-after item among funk/soul record collectors and those who enjoy collecting promotional copies.

Expand Your Music Collection                          

Pricing, details (grade, side A/B, quantity) and sound clips for each of the above records can be found via the following links:

Let Me Be A Part of You– The Exotics

Huff and Puff– The Electras

S.O.S.– The Extremes

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