Record #0452: Smoke on the Water (Edited Version) / Smoke on the Water (Edited Version) – DEEP PURPLE

Warner Bros 7710 (original) USA, May 1973
Words & Music by:  Side A – Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Ian Paice; Side B – Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord, Paice
Musicians: Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitars), Roger Glover (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums and percussion)
Recording sessions: Produced by Deep Purple, Side A - The Grand Hotel, Montreux, Switzerland, Dec. 1971; Side B - Osaka, Japan, Aug. 15, 1972
Highest chart positions:  US #4, Canada #2, UK #21 (in 1977), Netherlands #11

Any guitar players out there, who've never tried to play this riff?? :)

The A-side was recorded using The Rolling Stones' mobile recording studio.

The flip-side is recorded live.

List price:  Very Good+ is $2.50, Near Mint is $5

Record #0451: D. W. Washburn / It's Nice To Be With You – THE MONKEES

Colgems 66-1023 (original) USA, Jun. 4, 1968
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller; Side B – Jerry Goldstein
Musicians: I couldn't find the session details for the songs. The drums were most likely played by Hal Blaine or Eddie Hoh. Micky Dolenz does the lead vocals on side A.
Recording sessions: Produced by The Monkees at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, CA, Side A - Feb. 17 & Mar. 1, 1968; Side B - Mar. 14, 1968
Highest chart positions:  US #19, UK #17

This was the first single The Monkees released after their TV series had ended. It was also the first one that failed to enter US Top 10.

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10. Picture sleeve (I think I have one) is $30 for a NM.

Record #0450: I Shot the Sheriff / Give Me Strength – ERIC CLAPTON

RSO 409 (original) USA, Jun. 1974
Words & Music by:  Side A – Bob Marley; Side B – Eric Clapton
Musicians: Eric Clapton (lead guitar, lead vocals, resonator guitar on side B), George Terry (guitar and vocals), Carl Radle (bass), Yvonne Elliman (vocals), Jamie Oldaker (drums and percussion on side A), Dick Simms (keyboards), Al Jackson, Jr. (drums on side B), may include additional musicians
Recording sessions: Produced by Tom Dowd at Criteria Recording Studios, Miami, FL, Apr.-May 1974
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US R&B #33, Canada #1, UK #9, Norway #3

"I Shot the Sheriff" was originally recorded by Bob Marley & The Wailers in 1973. Marley was fairly unknown at the time and his single didn't hit the charts. He had had one piece of success as a songwriter in 1972 when Johnny Nash recorded his "Stir It Up" (US #12, UK #13).

Clapton's cover gave Marley his first #1 hit as a songwriter and surely gave some boost to his career.
Both tracks appear on Clapton's 1974 album "461 Ocean Boulevard" (US Album #1, UK Album #3).

List price:  Very Good+ is $2.50, Near Mint is $5

Record #0449: Call Me Lightning / Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – THE WHO

Decca 32288 (original) USA, Mar. 1968
Words & Music by:  Side A – Peter Townshend; Side B – John Entwhistle
Musicians: Roger Daltrey (lead and backing vocals), Pete Townshend (guitars and backing vocals), John Entwistle (bass, backing vocals), Keith Moon (drums and backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Kit Lambert at IBC Studios (?), London, UK, Side A - 1968?; Side B - Jan. 5, 1968
Highest chart positions:  US #40

In the UK "Call Me Lightning" was released as the flip of "Dogs" (Track 604023, Jun. 14, 1968) and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" was the B-side of "Magic Bus" (Track 604024, Oct. 11, 1968).

The flip-side lyrics are about Keith Moon's drinking problems.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0448: In the Mood / By the Light of the Silvery Moon – JOHNNY MADDOX AND THE RHYTHMASTERS

Dot 15045 (original) USA, Jan. 1953
Music by:  Side A – Joe Garland; Side B – Edward Madden, Gus Edwards
Musicians: Johnny Maddox (piano), others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Randy Wood in Gallatin (?), TN, 1952
Highest chart positions:  US #16

Here's a lesser-known cover of the Glen Miller original.

Maddox was the first "star" of the Dot Records, which was founded by his friend, Randy Wood.
The flip is an old song from 1909. In addition to Maddox, it has been covered by other artists such as Little Richard, Gene Vincent and Doris Day.

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15

Record #0447: Rock the Joint / How Many – BILL HALEY AND HIS COMETS

Decca 30461 (original) USA, Oct. 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Harry Crafton, Wendell Keene, Doc Bagby; Side B – Hal Blair, Howard Barnes
Musicians: Bill Haley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Franny Beecher (lead guitar), Al Rex (upright bass), Billy Williamson (steel guitar), Rudy Pompilli (tenor sax), Johnny Grande (piano), Ralph Jones (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Milt Gabler at Decca Studios, Pythian Temple, New York, NY, Jul. 15, 1957
Highest chart positions:  UK #20

This version of "Rock the Joint" is a re-recording of what the group issued as "Bill Haley and the Saddlemen" in 1952 (Essex 303). That release was a local hit in the Chicago area and enabled the band to take steps forward, leading to international stardom.

This issue failed to enter the national US charts just like the first run, but at this time Haley and the Comets were still very popular in the UK and the single did pretty well there.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0446: Daydream Believer / Goin' Down – THE MONKEES

Colgems 66-1012 (original) USA, Nov. 7, 1967
Words & Music by:  Side A – John Stewart; Side B – Diane Hilderbrand, Peter Tork, Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones
Musicians: Side A - Davy Jones (lead and backing vocals), Micky Dolenz (harmony vocals), Mike Nesmith (guitar), Peter Tork (piano), Chip Douglas (bass, keyboards and percussion), "Fast" Eddie Hoh (drums), Bill Martin (percussion), Nathan Kaproff, Alex Murray, George Kast and Erno Neufeld (violins), Pete Candoli, Al Porcino and Manuel Stevens (trumpets), Richard Noel (trombone), Richard Leith and Philip Teele (bass trombones); Side B - Micky Dolenz (lead vocals), Mike Nesmith (guitar), Peter Tork (guitar and bass), "Fast" Eddie Hoh (drums), Bud Brisbois, Virgil Evans, Uan Rasey and Thomas Scott (trumpets), Louis Blackburn, Richard Leith, Richard Nash and Philip Teele (trombones), William Collette, William Hood, Plas Johnson and John Lowe (saxophones)
Recording sessions: Side A - Produced by Chip Douglas and The Monkees at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, CA, Jun. 14 and Aug. 9, 1967; Side B - Produced by Chip Douglas at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, CA, 1967
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #1, UK #5; Side B - US #104

The title song is a very catchy pop tune and it has all four members of The Monkees in it. The song became the group's second biggest hit.

Davy Jones is not playing nor singing on the flip.

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15

Record #0445: It's My Life / I'm Going To Change the World – THE ANIMALS

MGM 13414 (original) USA, Nov. 1965
Words & Music by:  Side A – Roger Atkins, Carl D'Errico; Side B – Eric Burdon
Musicians: Eric Burdon (lead vocals), Dave Rowberry (keyboards and backing vocals), Chas Chandler (bass and backing vocals), Hilton Valentine (12-string electric guitar), John Steel (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Mickie Most in the USA, 1965
Highest chart positions:  US #23, Canada #2, UK #7, Norway #5

Alan Price had just left The Animals when this was being recorded.
I found a piece of info claiming that the recording took place when the group was on one of their tours in the USA.

This is one of my favorites of the group and a fine piece of British R&B.

Chandler left the band in late 1966. On their final tour in the States, he found a very talented American guitarist in a nightclub in New York City. Later that year he got him to travel to the UK, recruited a bassist and a drummer to play with him and suggested naming the new band as "The Jimi Hendrix Experience". Chandler also became the manager and producer of the sensational new band.

List price:  Very Good+ is $6, Near Mint is $12

Record #0444: I Got To Love Somebody's Baby / Just the One I've Been Looking For – JOHNNIE TAYLOR

Stax 193 (original) USA, Jun. 1966
Words & Music by:  Side A – Isaac Hayes, David Porter; Side B – Eddie Floyd, Steve Cropper, Alvertis Isbell
Musicians: Johnnie Taylor (lead vocals), Steve Cropper (guitar), Booker T. Jones or Isaac Hayes (piano), Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass), Alan Jackson, Jr. (drums), possibly Floyd Newman, Andrew Love and Wayne Jackson (horn section) and an unknown chorus
Recording sessions: Possibly produced by Hayes and/or Porter at Stax Studios, Memphis, TN, 1966
Highest chart positions:  US R&B #15

Taylor signed with the legendary Stax label in 1966 and this was his second single release with them. He was backed by Booker T. & The M.G.'s and some members of The Memphis Horns.

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

Record #0443: Keep a Knockin' / Can't Believe You Wanna Leave – LITTLE RICHARD

Specialty 611 (original) USA, Sep. 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Richard Penniman; Side B – Penniman, Leo Price
Musicians: Little Richard (vocals and piano), Side A - Charles Connor (drums), Nathaniel Douglas (guitar), Olsie Robinson (bass), Wilbert Smith, Clifford Burks and Grady Gaines (tenor saxes), Samuel Parker (baritone sax); Side B - Earl Palmer (drums), Roy Montrell (guitar), Frank Fields (bass), Lee Allen (tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone sax)
Recording sessions: Side A - at a radio station in Washington, D.C., Jan. 16, 1957; Side B - Produced by Bumps Blackwell at Cosimo Studio, New Orleans, LA, Aug. 1, 1956
Highest chart positions:  US #8, US R&B #2, UK #21

Though "Keep a Knockin'" was credited to Little Richard, it was largely based on a song of the late 20's.

In my opinion it's the drums that really make the title song rocking (no intention to depreciate Little Richard here). Charles Connor did something that became a classic and was later copied by Earl Palmer here (as requested by Eddie Cochran) and by Jon Bonham here ... and by many others as well.

I remember that when I was about six I recorded "Keep a Knockin'" from a Finnish radio broadcast onto a C-cassette. It was one of my early rock favorites together with CCR and T.Rex. I still have that tape somewhere. :)

List price:  Very Good+ is $15, Near Mint is $30

Record #0442: The Crusher / Take 7 – THE NOVAS

Parrott 45005 (original) USA, Nov. 1964
Words & Music by:  Side A – Bob Nolan; Side B – Ronald
Musicians: Bob Nolan (lead vocals), others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Jeff Raymond in Minneapolis (?), MN, 1964
Highest chart positions:  US #88 (#6 in the local charts in Chicago)

Just like The Trashmen before them, The Novas was a surf / garage band from Minneapolis, MN.
The title song is a garage rock classic and dedicated to Reginald "The Crusher" Lisowski, who was an American professional wrestler.

It was great finding this piece in a small antiques shop in Snohomish, WA few years back. Though the label is in a pretty bad shape, this is a rare gem in the collection.

List price:  Very Good+ is $40, Near Mint is $80

Record #0441: So Many Tears / Hung Down Head – LOWELL FULSON

Checker 992 (original) USA, 1961
Words & Music by:  Side A – Lowell Fulson; Side B – B. Rogers, Jimmy Wilson
Musicians: Lowell Fulson (vocals and guitar), others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Leonard Chess & Phil Chess at Chess Studios, Chicago, IL, 1961
Highest chart positions:  Didn't hit Top 100

At the time Fulson had been without a charting single for six years, the previous hit being "Loving You", which went US R&B #14 in 1955. He kept on recording quality blues, but the genre just wasn't that popular at the time. The blues revival of the mid-60's put Fulson back on the map and into the charts in late 1965 with "Black Night" (US #91, US R&B #11).

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15

Record #0440: Wipe Out / Surfer Joe – THE SURFARIS

Dot 16479 (original, kind of) USA, Apr. 1963
Words & Music by:  Side A – The Surfaris; Side B – Ron Wilson
Musicians: Ron Wilson (drums, vocals on side B), Jim Fuller (lead guitar), Bob Berryhill (rhythm guitar), Pat Connolly (bass)
Recording sessions: Pal Recording Studio, Cucamonga, CA, late 1962
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #2, US R&B #10, Canada #5, UK #5, Germany #46; Side B - US #62

This was originally released on DFS, a small local label. Apparently they needed more distribution capacity when they started to get more demand for the record, and Dot offered to help.

The Surfaris got "Wipe Out" to the charts again in 1966 (US #16) and yet again in 1970 (US #110).

Frank Zappa worked at Pal Recording Studio at the time this record was made. In 1964 he bought the studio and renamed it "Studio Z".

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15. If you own a copy of the original DFS release, lucky you. That's $3000 for a NM.

Record #0439: Wonderful Land / Stars Fell on Stockton – THE SHADOWS

Atlantic 2146 (original) USA, Apr. 1962
Music by:  Side A – Jerry Lordan; Side B – Bruce Welch, Jet Harris, Hank Marvin, Brian Bennett
Musicians: Hank Marvin (lead guitar), Bruce Welch (rhythm guitar), Jet Harris (bass), Tony Meehan (drums on side A), Brian Bennett (drums on side B) with Norrie Paramor's orchestra on side A
Recording sessions: EMI Studios, London, UK, Side A - May 1961; Side B - late 1961
Highest chart positions:  UK #1

The Shadows never really got a foothold in the States, though they did try it.

This US release didn't reach US Top 100, but the single was a huge hit in the UK (Columbia DB 4790 released in Feb. 1962). It spent 8 weeks on the top of the UK charts. That's longer than any other single spent at UK #1 in the 1960's - including the Beatles' number ones.

When this single was being recorded and at the time it was released the group went through two line-up changes. Tony Meehan left the group after side A was recorded and Jet Harris left soon after the single was released. The two joined their forces and started recording and performing as "Jet Harris and Tony Meehan". Their debut single "Diamonds" (Decca F11563, Jan. 1963, UK #1) featured young Jimmy Page on rhythm guitar.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0438: Looking Back / Do I Like It – NAT "KING" COLE

Capitol F3939 (original) USA, Mar. 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Clyde Otis, Brook Benton, Belford Hendricks; Side B – Jack Hammer (Earl Burroughs), James DeLeston
Musicians: Nat Cole (lead vocals), Dave Cavanaugh Orchestra possibly including John Collins (guitar), Charles Harris (bass), Lee Young (drums), Freddy Cole (piano) and an unknown chorus
Recording sessions: Capitol Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA, Feb. 4, 1958
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #5, US R&B #2; Side B - US #67

This was Cole's last session to be recorded only in mono. As of April 15, 1958 Capitol started recording all sessions in both mono and stereo. Cole's next session took place on May 2, 1958.

Cole has a dash of rock in this, especially on the flip-side.

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

Record #0437: Stuck With You / Don't Ever Tell Me That You Love Me – HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS

Chrysalis 43019 (original) USA, Jul. 1986
Words & Music by:  Side A – Chris Hayes, Huey Lewis; Side B – Mario Cipollina, Johnny Colla, Bill Gibson, Sean Hopper, Hayes, Lewis,
Musicians: Huey Lewis (lead vocals), Chris Hayes (lead guitar and backing vocals), Mario Cipollina (bass), Johnny Colla (guitar and backing vocals), Bill Gibson (drums, percussion and backing vocals), Sean Hopper (keyboards and backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Side A - Produced by Huey Lewis and The News at Studio D Recording, Sausalito, CA, 1986; Side B - Produced by Bill Schnee at American Recording, Los Angeles, CA, Dec. 1979
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US AC #1, Canada #1, UK #12, Australia #2, Sweden #14

The title song was taken from the group's 1986 album "Fore!" and the flip from their first album "Huey Lewis and the News", which was released in 1980.

List price:  Not listed in Goldmine's catalog. These go for a couple of bucks in eBay.

Record #0436: Don't / I Beg of You – ELVIS PRESLEY

RCA Victor 447-0621 (re-issue) USA, 1977
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller; Side B – Rosemarie McCoy, Kelly Owens
Musicians: Elvis Presley (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Scotty Moore (lead guitar), Bill Black (upright bass), D.J. Fontana (drums), Dudley Brooks (piano), The Jordanaires (backing voocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Steve Sholes at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, CA, Side A - Sep. 6, 1957; Side B - Feb. 23, 1957
Highest chart positions:  (the original issue) Side A - US #1, US R&B #4, US Country #2, UK #2; Side B - US #8, US R&B #5, US Country #4. This re-issue didn't hit the Top 100.

This is another one of those re-issues that came out after Elvis passed away.

List price:  Very Good+ is $2, Near Mint is $4

Record #0435: Put Your Head on My Shoulder / Don't Ever Leave Me – PAUL ANKA

ABC Paramount 10040 (original) USA, Aug. 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Paul Anka; Side B – Anka
Musicians: Paul Anka (lead vocals) with an orchestra and chorus conducted by Don Costa
Recording sessions: New York (?), NY, 1959
Highest chart positions:  US #2, US R&B #12, UK #7

Anka was on a roll at the time. This single was preceded by "Lonely Boy" (US #1) and followed by "It's Time To Cry" (US #4) and "Puppy Love" (US #2).

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15. Stereo version is $50 for NM.

Record #0434: Come Softly To Me / I Care So Much – THE FLEETWOODS

Dolphin 1 (original) USA, Feb. 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Gary Troxler, Gretchen Christopher, Barbara Ellis; Side B – Troxler, Christopher, Ellis
Musicians: Gary Troxler (lead vocals), Gretchen Christopher (vocals), Barbara Ellis (vocals), possibly Bonnie Guitar (guitar), others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Bob Reisdorf and Bonnie Guitar in Seattle, WA in Jun.-Nov. 1958 and in Los Angeles, CA in late 1958
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US R&B #5, UK #6

Here are some sounds from around Puget Sounds. A vocal group from Olympia, WA recording in Seattle, WA.

Not a bad start for the group and for the record label with the first release hitting the top of the Billboard chart. Soon after the release of this record Reisdorf and Guitar (owners of the label) heard that there already was a label called "Dolphin", thus they changed the name of their label to "Dolton".

The Fleetwoods had another US #1 with "Mr. Blue" in 1959. Later on they had a US #10 with "Tragedy" in 1961 and a US #32 with "Goodnight My Love" in 1963, which was their last Top 40 entry.

The Ventures (from Tacoma, WA) signed with Dolton in 1960 and became their biggest stars.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0433: Calypso (EP) – HARRY BELAFONTE

A1 “Jamaica Farewell”,  A2 “Will His Love Be Like His Rum”, B1 “Star-O”, B2 “Hosanna”

RCA Victor EPB-1248, record 547-0900 (original) USA, 1956
Words & Music by:  A1 – Lord Burgess; A2 – Bill Attaway, Harry Belafonte; B1 – Belafonte, Burgess, Attaway; B2 – Burgess, Attaway
Musicians:  Harry Belafonte (lead vocals), Millard J. Thomas (guitar on A2 and B1), Frantz Casseus (guitar) with Tony Scott and His Orchestra (A1 and B2), others unknown
Recording sessions: Webster Hall, New York, NY, 1955
Highest chart positions:  Unknown

This is the record 2 of a 2-EP set. I thought I had the record 1 (post # 0379), but that one was an individual EP. Apparently they released two versions of "Calypso" EP, one with one disc and the other with two.

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

Record #0432: With the Wind and the Rain In Your Hair / Good Rockin' Tonight – PAT BOONE

Dot 15888 (original) USA, Dec. 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jack Lawrence, Clara Edwards; Side B – Roy Brown
Musicians: Pat Boone (lead vocals) with an orchestra & chorus conducted by Billy Vaughn
Recording sessions: USA, 1958
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #21, UK #21; Side B - US #49

Was Pat Boone one of the most successful recording artists in 1955-62? Yes, absolutely.
Was Pat Boone rock'n'roll? Absolutely not. Just listen to the watered down cover of Roy Brown's 1947 R&B hit. You may also want to compare Boone's version to Elvis' 1954 cover.

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15

Record #0431: For Your Eyes Only / For Your Eyes Only (Instrumental) – SHEENA EASTON / BILL CONTI

Liberty A1418 (original) USA, Jul. 1981
Words & Music by:  Side A – Bill Conti, Mick Leeson; Side B – Conti, Leeson
Musicians: Sheena Easton (lead vocals on side A), Martin Kershaw (guitar), Mike Moran (keyboards and synthesizer), Mo Foster (bass), Harold Fisher (drums), Derek Watkins (flugelhorn solo on side B) and others in an orchestra conducted by Bill Conti
Recording sessions: Produced by Christopher Neil at The Music Centre, Wembley, UK, 1981
Highest chart positions:  US #6, Canada #5, UK #8, Norway #1, Switzerland #1

Easton made Bond movie history by performing the theme song on-screen during the opening title sequence. It hadn't been done before and it hasn't been done since.

For some reason Leeson is also credited on the flip-side instrumental version, though he wrote the lyrics of the song.

List price:  Not listed in Goldmine catalog. These go for a couple of bucks in eBay.

Record #0430: Born To Be With You / Love Never Changes – THE CHORDETTES

Cadence 1292 (original) USA, 1956
Words & Music by:  Side A – Don Robertson; Side B – Mary Jo Rush
Musicians: Janet Ertel, Carol Buschmann, Lynn Evans & Margie Needham (vocals) and an orchestra conducted by Archie Bleyer
Recording sessions: New York (?), NY, 1956 (?)
Highest chart positions:  US #5, UK #8

This was the group's 3rd biggest hit, right behind "Mr. Sandman" and "Lollipop" in the chart success.

Elvis recorded more than a dozen of Robertson's songs, including "I'm Counting on You", which was included in Elvis' first RCA album in 1956. Robertson also played the keyboards on the soundtrack of Elvis' 1963 film "It Happened at the World's Fair".

List price:  Very Good+ is $6, Near Mint is $12

Record #0429: Teasable, Pleasable You / That's Why I Cry – BUDDY KNOX

Apex 76397 (original) Canada, 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jack Dixon; Side B – Dixon
Musicians: Buddy Knox (lead vocals), Don Lanier (lead guitar), Bobby Darin (piano on side B), and an orchestra & chorus conducted by Hugo Perretti.
Recording sessions: Produced by Hugo Perretti at Bell Sound Studio, New York, NY, Aug. 12, 1958
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #85; Side B - US #88

Both of these tracks were also on album "Buddy Knox & Jimmy Bowen" (Roulette LP 25048). Bowen recorded four songs in this session.

List price:  Canadian releases are not included in Goldmine's catalog. These go for 5-10 bucks in eBay.

Record #0428: Walking To New Orleans / Don't Come Knocking – FATS DOMINO

Imperial X5675 (original) USA, Jun. 1960
Words & Music by:  Side A – Antoine Domino, Dave Bartholomew, Robert Guidry; Side B – Domino
Musicians: Fats Domino (vocals and piano), strings by members of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra, others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Dave Bartholomew at Cosimo Recording Studio, New Orleans, LA, Apr. 30, 1960
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #6, US R&B #2, UK #19; Side B - US #21, US R&B #28

This is one of the 39 hits that Domino has had in US R&B Top 10.

Here's more about the title song.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0427: Last Date / Sweetie Baby – FLOYD CRAMER

RCA Victor 47-7775 (original) USA, Aug. 1960
Music by:  Side A – Floyd Cramer; Side B – Roye Lee, Chet Rose
Musicians: Floyd Cramer (piano), Grady Martin (vibes), Bob Moore (bass), Buddy Harman (drums), The Anita Kerr Singers (chorus), others and a string section unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Chet Atkins at RCA Victor Studio, Nashville, TN, Jul. 12, 1960
Highest chart positions:  US #2, US R&B #3, US Country #11

Cramer was best known for his career as a session pianist and in that role he played with many stars and hit records. He was also Elvis' most usual pianist and in fact it was Elvis' song "Are You Lonesome Tonight" that kept "Last Date" from hitting the #1 spot in US Pop charts. And Cramer played the piano in that one, too. :)

Cramer, Martin and Moore also played in a session for Marty Robbins the same day, recording "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" and "A Time and Place For Everything". Cramer's session was in the morning and Robbins' in the afternoon.

List price:  Very Good+ is $6, Near Mint is $12

Record #0426: Melting Pot / Kinda Easy Like – BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'S

Stax 0082 (original) USA, Feb. 1971
Music by:  Side A – Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Donald Dunn, Al Jackson, Jr.; Side B – Jones, Cropper, Jackson, Lewie Steinberg
Musicians: Booker T. Jones (keyboards), Steve Cropper (guitar), Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass), Al Jackson, Jr. (drums), The Pepper Singers (background vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Booker T. & the M.G.'s in New York, NY, 1970
Highest chart positions:  US #45, US R&B #21

Both tracks are from the group's last Stax album "Melting Pot" (Album Charts, US # 43, US R&B #2, US Jazz #5).

They didn't record this at the Stax studios in Memphis, TN as Jones didn't get along with the new leadership of the label.

The single versions of these tracks are under four minutes as the album versions are over 8 minutes long. I could only find the latter in YouTube.

List price:  Very Good+ is $3, Near Mint is $6

Record #0425: Two Lovers / Operator – MARY WELLS

Motown 1035 (original) USA, Oct. 29, 1962
Words & Music by:  Side A – William "Smokey" Robinson; Side B – Robinson
Musicians: Mary Wells (lead and backing vocals), The Love Tones: Joe Miles, Stan Bracely & Eddie Kendricks (backing vocals), The Funk Brothers (all instruments)
Recording sessions: Produced by Smokey Robinson at Hitsville U.S.A., Detroit, MI, 1962
Highest chart positions:  US #7, US R&B #1

This single made Wells the first female solo artist to have three consecutive singles in US Top 10.
Both tracks were included in her 1963 album "Two Lovers and Other Great Hits" (US Album #49).

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0424: Diana / Don't Gamble With Love – PAUL ANKA

ABC-Paramount 9831 (original) USA, Jul. 2, 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Paul Anka; Side B – Anka
Musicians: Paul Anka (lead vocals) with an orchestra and chorus conducted by Sid Feller or Don Costa
Recording sessions: Produced by Don Costa in New York, NY, May 20, 1957
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US R&B #1, UK#1, Germany #2

This was recorded in Anka's first recording session with ABC-Paramount. He had released one single ("I Confess" / "Blau-Wile Deveest Fontaine") before this one in September 1956, but that didn't have much success. That's a collector's item, though; listed at $80 for a NM.

It's been estimated that over 9 million copies of this hit single have been sold.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0423: When / Three O'Clock Thrill – KALIN TWINS

Decca 30642 (original) USA, May 12, 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jack Reardon, Paul Evans; Side B – Jack Keller, Noel Sherman
Musicians: Herbie Kalin (vocals), Hal Kalin (vocals) with an orchestra & chorus conducted by Jack Pleis
Recording sessions: Produced by Jack Pleis at Decca Studio A, Pythian Temple, New York, NY, Mar. 26, 1958
Highest chart positions:  US #5, US R&B #1, US Country #13, UK #1

The Wikipedia article labels these twins as a one-hit-wonder, but I wouldn't agree. Their follow-up single "Forget Me Not" went  to US #12 and I think it qualifies as a hit, too. One-international-hit-wonder or one-crossover-hit-wonder label would fit here, if a label is needed. :)

Jack Pleis conducted music for artists such as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Harry Belafonte and later on also for TV series "The Wild Wild West" and "Gunsmoke".

The flip-side is pretty close to having a ska beat. :)

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0422: I Adore Him / Thank You and Goodnight – THE ANGELS

Smash 1854 (original) USA, Oct. 1963
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jan Berry, Artie Kornfeld; Side B – Bob Feldman, Richard Gottehrer, Jerry Goldstein, Peggy Farina (Santiglia)
Musicians: Peggy Santiglia (lead vocals), Phyllis Allbut (vocals), Barbara Allbut (vocals) and an orchestra conducted by Alan Lorber
Recording sessions: Produced by Feldman, Gottehrer & Goldstein in New York, NY, 1963
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #25, US R&B #13; Side B - US #84

The Angels are probably best known for their 1963 hit "My Boyfriend's Back" (US #1, US R&B #2). This was their next single on Smash label and did pretty well, too.
They had one more hit with "Wow Wow Wee" (US #41) in 1964.

In 1964-68 Feldman, Gottehrer & Goldstein were also known as "The Strangeloves" and the had a US #11 hit with "I Want Candy" in 1965.

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15

Record #0421: Mashed Potato Time / Set My Heart At Ease – DEE DEE SHARP

Cameo C-212 (original) USA, Feb. 1962
Words & Music by:  Side A – Kal Mann, Bernie Lowe; Side B – Mann, Dave Appell
Musicians: Dee Dee Sharp (lead vocals), The Orlons (backing vocals), probably Dave Appell on guitar, others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Dave Appell and Kal Mann at Reco-Art Sound Recording Studio (?), Philadelphia, PA, early 1962
Highest chart positions:  US #2, US R&B #1

The lyrics are a bit silly, but still this is a fine piece of early 60's R&B. Though only 16 at the time of the recording, Dee Dee Sharp delivers great vocals here.

Sharp did her first recording, "Slow Twistin'" as a duet with Chubby Checker. That kind of set her on the same path with him; recording dance craze songs produced (and many times written) by Appell & Mann.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0420: I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) / Do Right Woman, Do Right Man – ARETHA FRANKLIN

Atlantic 2386 (original) USA, Feb. 1967
Words & Music by:  Side A – Ronnie Shannon; Side B – Dan Penn, Chips Moman
Musicians: Aretha Franklin (lead vocals, piano), Chips Moman (guitar), Jimmy Johnson (guitar), Tommy Cogbill (bass), Dewey Oldham (keyboards), King Curtis (tenor sax), Charles Chalmers (tenor sax), Willie Bridges (baritone sax), Melvin Lastie (cornet / trumpet), Gene Chrisman (drums), Carolyn Franklin (backing vocals), The Sweet Inspirations (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Jerry Wexler and engineered by Tom Dowd at FAME Recording Studios, Muscle Shoals, AL, Side A - Jan. 24, 1967; Side B - Feb. 1967
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #9, US R&B #1; Side B - US R&B #37

Though Franklin had had a fair degree of success in the charts since 1960, this is widely considered as her breakthrough single. It was also her first US Top 10 and US R&B #1. This was soon followed by classics such as "Respect" (US #1, US R&B #1, UK #10), "Baby I Love You" (US #4, US R&B #1, UK #39), "A Natural Woman" (US #8, US R&B #2)  and "Chain of Fools" (US #2, US R&B #1, UK #37) - all in 1967.

This was also the first single Franklin recorded for Atlantic Records. She didn't renew her expiring contract with Columbia in January 1967, signing with Atlantic instead. Looking at the list of hits that followed, it seems that Atlantic did something right.

The Sweet Inspirations included Emily "Cissy" Houston, mother of Whitney Houston.

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

Record #0419: The Hucklebuck / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On – CHUBBY CHECKER

Parkway 813 (original) USA, Oct. 1960
Words & Music by:  Side A – Roy Alfred, Andy Gibson; Side B – Dave Williams, Sunny David (Roy Hall)
Musicians: Chubby Checker (lead vocals) with the most likely line-up of: Dave Appell (guitar), Joe Macho (bass), Buddy Savitt (sax), Leroy Lovett (piano), Ellis Tollin (drums), The Dream Lovers (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Kal Mann at Reco-Art Sound Recording Studio, Philadelphia, PA, 1960
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #14, US R&B #15; Side B - US #42

This was released between two of Checker's US #1 hits, "The Twist" and "Pony Time".

"The Hucklebuck" was originally recorded by Paul Williams in 1949 and it started a dance craze back then. Checker had just launched the twist craze and apparently tried to start another one with this.

List price:  Very Good+ is $7.50, Near Mint is $15

Record #0418: The House of Blue Lights / Can't Help Wonderin' – CHUCK MILLER

Mercury 70627 (original) USA, May 1955
Words & Music by:  Side A – Don Raye, Freddie Slack; Side B – Chuck Miller
Musicians: Chuck Miller (vocals and piano), Robert Douglass (upright bass and backing vocals), others unknown
Recording sessions: New York, NY, Mar./Apr. 1955
Highest chart positions:  US #9

I posted another cover version of the title song here earlier. This is a bit different, but still a very cool boogie-woogie piano number.

This was Miller's first single with Mercury and he wanted to change his style from his Capitol years, when he typically recorded with a big band style.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0417: Carol / Hey Pedro – CHUCK BERRY

Chess 1700 (original) USA, Aug. 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Chuck Berry; Side B – Berry
Musicians: Chuck Berry (vocals and guitar), Johnnie Johnson (piano), G. Smith (bass), Ebby Hardy (drums)
Recording sessions: Chess Studio, Chicago, IL, May 2, 1958
Highest chart positions:  US #18, US R&B #9

This is one of my favorite Berries. :)

The Rolling Stones covered "Carol" on their first album in 1964.

List price:  Very Good+ is $15, Near Mint is $30

Record #0416: Maybe Baby / Tell Me How – THE CRICKETS

Brunswick 55053 (original) USA, Feb. 12, 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Norman Petty, Buddy Holly; Side B – Charles Hardin, Jerry Allison, Petty
Musicians: Buddy Holly (lead vocals and lead guitar), Nikki Sullivan (rhythm guitar), Joe Mauldin (upright bass), Jerry Allison (drums), The Picks (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Norman Petty, Side A - at The Officers Club Lounge, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, OK, Sep. 28/29, 1957; Side B - at Norman Petty Studio, Clovis, NM, May or Jul. 1957. On both sides the backing vocals were overdubbed at Norman Petty Studio on Oct. 12/14, 1957.
Highest chart positions:  US #17, US R&B #4, UK #4

"Maybe Baby" was recorded when The Crickets were on tour with Alan Freed's "Biggest Show of Stars For 1957" (the other stars included Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and many others). Norman Petty had brought his Ampex tape recorder with him. All they needed was a suitable space and they found it at an air force base. The other three songs recorded in that session were "You've Got Love", Rock Me My Baby" and "An Empty Cup".

List price:  Very Good+ is $25, Near Mint is $50

Record #0415: Stupid Cupid / Carolina Moon – CONNIE FRANCIS

MGM K12683 (original) USA, Jun. 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield; Side B – Benny Davis, Joe Burke
Musicians: Connie Francis (lead vocals), Neil Sedaka (piano on side A), Seldon Powell (?) (sax on side A), LeRoy Holmes and his orchestra on side A, Joe Lipman and his orchestra on side B
Recording sessions: Produced by Morty Craft at Metropolitan Studio, New York, NY, Side A - Jun. 18; Side B - Jun. 9, 1958
Highest chart positions:  US #14, UK #1

This was already the second chart topper Francis had in the UK. She had to wait until 1960 before she got her first #1 hit in the US ("Everybody's Somebody' Fool").
"Stupid Cupid" is one of the rocking songs Francis recorded early in her career. The flip is originally a crooner song from 1928.

Morty Craft started Warwick Records in 1959 and he was the president of the label. He had artists such as Johnny and the Hurricanes, The Tokens and The Fireballs on the label. Warwick went belly-up in 1962.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0414: Paradise / I'd Be a Fool Again – SAMMY TURNER

Big Top 3032 (original) USA, Jan. 1960
Words & Music by:  Side A – Herb Nacio Brown, Gordon Clifford; Side B – Bennie Benjamin, Sol Marcus, Francis Lopez
Musicians: Sammy Turner (lead vocals), King Curtis (sax on side B), and an orchestra conducted by Stan Applebaum
Recording sessions: Produced by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller at A & R Studio (?), New York, NY, Side A - 1959; Side B - Sep. 1959
Highest chart positions:  US #46, US R&B #13

Turner had five Top 100 hits in the States and this was the last one. His biggest hit was "Lavender Blue" (US #3, US R&B #14) in 1959. As the R&B scene was moving into Soul era, Turner was unable to follow and the hits stopped coming.
He recorded at least one single for Motown Records; "Only You"/"Right Now" in 1964.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

Record #0413: Don't Take It So Hard / Observation From Flight 285 (In 3/4 Time) – PAUL REVERE AND THE RAIDERS FEATURING MARK LINDSAY

Columbia 44553 (original) USA, May 28, 1968
Words & Music by:  Side A – Mark Lindsay; Side B – Lindsay
Musicians: Mark Lindsay (lead vocals), Paul Revere (keyboards), Freddy Weller (guitars), Charlie Coe (bass), Joe Correro, Jr. (drums), others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Mark Lindsay at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA, 1968
Highest chart positions:  US #27

This is a rather typical pop/psychedelia recording for 1968.

The band had existed for 10 years at this time, but had gone through several line-up changes. A major change happened in 1967 and at around the same time the band also changed their style from garage rock to pop.

List price:  Very Good+ is $3, Near Mint is $6

Record #0412: The Boys Are Back in Town / Jailbreak – THIN LIZZY

Mercury 73786 (original) USA, May 1976
Words & Music by:  Side A – Phil Lynott; Side B – Lynott
Musicians: Phil Lynott (lead vocals, bass, acoustic guitar), Scott Gorham (lead and rhythm guitar), Brian Robertson (lead and rhythm guitar), Brian Downey (drums and percussion)
Recording sessions: Produced by John Alcock at Ramport Studios, London, UK, Dec. 1975 - Jan. 1976
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #12, UK #8; Side B - UK #31

The title song could be considered Thin Lizzy's biggest hit, though their 1972 release "Whisky in the Jar" went to #6 in the UK charts, making their highest chart position, but that single didn't really fly in the States.

The UK release of "The Boys Are Back in Town" (Vertigo 6059139) had "Emerald" on the flip-side. "Jailbreak" was the A-side for "Running Back" in the UK (Vertigo 6059150).

List price:  Very Good+ is $2.50, Near Mint is $5

Record #0411: Hotel California / Pretty Maids All In a Row – EAGLES

Asylum 45386 (original) USA, Feb. 22, 1977
Words & Music by:  Side A – Don Felder, Don Henley, Glenn Frey; Side B – Joe Walsh, Joe Vitale
Musicians: Don Henley (lead vocals, drums), Don Felder (lead guitar, 12-string electric guitar and backing vocals), Glenn Frey (12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar and backing vocals), Joe Walsh (lead guitar, backing vocals), Randy Meisner (bass, backing vocals); (assuming that the line-up is pretty much the same on the flip-side with Frey, Walsh and/or Henley on keyboards and Walsh on slide guitar)
Recording sessions: Produced by Bill Szymczyk at Criteria Studios, Miami, FL and Record Plant Studios, Los Angeles, CA between Mar.-Oct. 1976
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US AC #10, UK #8

If we don't count US AC charts, this was the 4th US #1 hit for Eagles.

"Hotel California" has been ranked at #49 in Rolling Stone magazine's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and it won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1978.

List price:  Very Good+ is $2, Near Mint is $4

Record #0410: No Matter What / Carry On Till Tomorrow – BADFINGER

Apple 1822 (original) USA, Oct. 19, 1970
Words & Music by:  Side A – Peter Ham; Side B – Ham, Tom Evans
Musicians: Peter Ham (guitar, piano and vocals), Tom Evans (bass and vocals), Mike Gibbins (drums), Joey Molland (guitar and vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Mal Evans at EMI Studios (Abbey Road), London, UK, Apr. 1970
Highest chart positions:  US #8, UK #5

Badfinger sounds a lot like some Beatles material or early solo releases of Paul McCartney. Well, there's a reason behind it; just read the Wikipedia article about the band.

They were the first non-Beatle artists to sign with Apple label.

The UK release had "Better Days" as the flip.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20. Without the star on the A-side label this is $6 for a NM.

Record #0409: Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu / Flip Top Box – DICKY DOO AND THE DON'TS

Swan 4006 (original) USA, Apr. 1958
Words & Music by:  Side A – Eddie V. Deane, Al Dredick; Side B – Marian Smith
Musicians: Gerry Granahan (lead vocals), Dave Aldred (drums), Ray Gangi (guitar), Al Ways (sax), Harvey Davis (bass), others unknown
Recording sessions: Bell Studios (?), New York, NY, 1958
Highest chart positions:  US #40

Well, this is a novelty piece if any. Regardless, the title track is a great party tune. :)
Dave Aldred (the former drummer of Buddy Knox) went so far with this Dicky Doo thing that he changed his legal name to Richard A. Doo.

Bad Manners (an English ska band) covered "Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu" in 1980.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

Record #0408: Pat-a-Cake / Fractured – BILL HALEY WITH HIS COMETS

Essex 327 (original) USA, May 1953
Words & Music by:  Side A – Billy Williamson, Bill Haley; Side B – Haley, Marshall Lytle
Musicians: Bill Haley (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Art Ryerson (lead guitar), Marshall Lytle (upright bass), Billy Williamson (steel guitar), Johnny Grande (piano), Billy Gussak (drums)
Recording sessions: Coastal Recording Co., New York, NY, Apr./May 1953
Highest chart positions:  didn't hit Top 100

These songs were recorded in the same session with their preceding release "Crazy Man Crazy" / "Whatcha Gonna Do?", which became their first national hit single (US #12). This single couldn't grab the success and it took over a year before the band hit the charts again with "Shake, Rattle and Roll" (US #7, UK#4) and a bit later with the mega hit "Rock Around the Clock" (US #1, US R&B #3, UK #17).

"Pat-a-Cake" is largely based on a very old nursery rhyme.

List price:  Very Good+ is $20, Near Mint is $40

Record #0407: But It's Alright / Ain't Too Proud To Beg – J.J. JACKSON

Warner Bros 7276 (original, kind of) USA, Mar. 1969
Words & Music by:  Side A – Jerome Jackson, Tubbs; Side B – Holland, Whitfield
Musicians: J.J. Jackson (vocals on side A), Terry Smith (guitar), Dick Morrissey (tenor sax), John Marshall (drums), others unknown (British jazz musicians)
Recording sessions: Produced by Lew Futterman in the UK, 1966
Highest chart positions:  US #45

The first issue of the title song (b/w "Boogaloo Baby", Calla 119, 1966) did even better in the charts, hitting #22 in US and #4 in US R&B.

Jackson was briefly signed with Warner Bros in 1969 and released two singles with them. "But It's Alright" is basically the same recording, but the stereo sound has been "enhanced" a bit.

The flip was originally issued on Jackson's 1967 album "But It's Alright" (Calla C-1101, mono; Calla CS-1101, stereo).

List price:  Very Good+ is $4, Near Mint is $8

Record #0406: I Belong To You / How Bitter, My Sweet – PEGGY LEE

Decca 29429 (original) USA, Feb. 21, 1955
Words & Music by:  Side A – Alex North, Jack Brooks; Side B – Sonny Burke, Don George
Musicians: Peggy Lee (lead vocals) with orchestras conducted by Alfred Newman (Side A) and Victor Young (Side B)
Recording sessions: Hollywood, CA, Side A - Jan. 19, 1955; Side B - Nov. 19, 1954
Highest chart positions:  didn't hit Top 100

The title song is from a 1955 film "The Racers" starring Kirk Douglas and Bella Darvi.

List price:  Very Good+ is $6, Near Mint is $12

Record #0405: Do It Again / Wake the World – THE BEACH BOYS

Capitol 2239 (original) USA, Jul. 8, 1968
Words & Music by:  Side A – Brian Wilson, Mike Love; Side B – Brian Wilson, Al Jardine
Musicians: Mike Love (lead vocals), Brian Wilson (backing vocals, bass, organ), Carl Wilson (backing vocals, guitar), Dennis Wilson (backing vocals, drums on side B?), Bruce Johnston (backing vocals), Al Jardine (backing vocals, rhythm guitar), John Guerin (drums and percussion on side A), Ernie Small (sax on side A), John E. Lowe (woodwind on side A), others (if any) unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Brian and Carl Wilson at Brian Wilson's home studio, Bel Air, CA; May-Jun. 1968 (finished on Jun. 12)
Highest chart positions:  US #20, UK #1, Australia #1, Norway #5

This single gave The Beach Boys their second #1 hit in the UK. Though the group had already drifted away from the surf rock genre, this piece revisited it with a pretty good outcome.

List price:  Very Good+ is $6, Near Mint is $12

Record #0404: Squeeze Box / Success Story – THE WHO

MCA 40475 (original) USA, Nov. 22, 1975
Words & Music by:  Side A – Peter Townshend; Side B – John Entwistle
Musicians: Roger Daltrey (lead vocals, tambourine on side A), Pete Townshend (guitars and backing vocals; banjo and accordion on side A), John Entwistle (bass, backing vocals, 8-string bass on side B), Keith Moon (drums), Nicky Hopkins (piano on side B)
Recording sessions: Produced by Glyn Johns at Shepperton Studios, Shepperton, UK, Side A - May 30; Side B - May 23, 1975
Highest chart positions:  US #16, UK #10

Townshend picked up an accordion one day and learned how to play it. This inspired him to write "Squeeze Box", which was just meant to be a dirty joke and supposedly also to mock the group's manager Kit Lambert, whom they were in the process of suing.

The flip-side is The Who's first recording featuring an 8-string bass.

List price:  Very Good+ is $2.50, Near Mint is $5