This image is a general representation of the item and the actual product may differ slightly in terms of color shading, logo placement, borders, or other small details. Used items may have various cosmetic differences as well.
This is a grade we rarely use, as we try not to sell records
in very bad condition, though in some rare cases we will list a
record in such bad shape that it does not conform to the standards above.
A "Fair" record will have enough marks or significant flaws that it
does not even qualify as "Good", but is a copy you might consider
for playing, if you're willing to put up with noise and/or flaws.
An example might be a recording with surface noise so heavy that
it is equal to the volume of the music. For records listed as "Fair",
we will describe the extent of the condition in the comments.
Additional Marks & Notes
If something is noteworthy, we try to note it in the comments — especially
if it is an oddity that is the only wrong thing about the record.
This might include, but isn't limited to, warped records, tracks that skip,
cover damage or wear as noted above, or strictly cosmetic flaws.
A definite mother from James Brown – the kind of all-funky album that few of his contemporaries could ever hope to match! If you've ever doubted the sheer raw power of James at the end of the 60s, the first few notes of this one will definitely make you a convert – and the stretched-out ... LP, Vinyl record album
Raw soul, indeed – a term that could have been coined for James Brown's vocal approach, and which probably makes one of its first appearances here on a record! The album's kind of a grab bag of earlier sides that James recorded for King, but it's a perfect showcase for his amazing sound in ... LP, Vinyl record album
A different James Brown album – but a nice one! James doesn't sing soul, so much as jazz – in front of large backings by Louis Bellson, with arrangements by Oliver Nelson that are in his best 60s soul mode – and which give the album a very very groovy feel overall! The record's ... LP, Vinyl record album
Wonderful work from the great Ellen McIllwaine! Ellen's certainly not a soul artist – but she's got a particularly soulful approach to folk rock – one that's made her a favorite of groovers worldwide in the past few decades, thanks to a big push from Gilles Peterson, and the club scene ... LP, Vinyl record album
A homegirl from the Chicago suburbs, on her first solo outing. Includes the massive "Tell Him", plus a bunch of other sweet 60s soul cuts. Classic soul of the sort that was being produced independently, and then being sold to the majors. All of her Capitol LPs are great, but this one's ... LP, Vinyl record album
That's "Doo Wop", not "Do Wap" – a fine little collection of doo wops, despite the misspelling of the title, all rare Atlantic sides from the fifties, by groups whose individual singles trade for crazy money, collected for release as this album in Japan in the 80s. ... LP, Vinyl record album
A well-titled album, as it features some of Gene's big early hits, mixed along with lesser-known gems – all done in that proud, loud style he used before becoming the Headless Hero! Snuff Garrett produced most of the work, and the tunes have a bold approach that certainly draws from the ... LP, Vinyl record album
The second album by Heatwave – and a great effort that's almost as perfectly sublime as the first! Despite their UK origin, these guys really give American late 70s soul a run for its money – hitting in a sweetly compressed sound that fuses the vocals, keyboards, and grooves together ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ben E King joins the Average White Band for this sweet 70s set – a killer record that not only stands as one of King's best efforts of the decade, but one that also gives the group a great new frontman! Ben's not the only singer on the record, but his presence here can definitely be felt ... LP, Vinyl record album
Quite a groovy early album from King Curtis – one that's got a strange little gimmick, but one that works wonderfully! The "dixie twist" theme means that King's taking older standards associated with the south, and playing them in a fast-crackling, highly rhythmic style that has ... LP, Vinyl record album
The Cecil Taylor Unit here is composed of Taylor, Jimmy Lyons on alto, Raphe Malik on trumpet, Ramsey Ameen on violin, Sirone on bass, and Ronald Shannon Jackson on drums. The three songs performed are "Idut", "Serdab", and the nearly 30 minute-long "Holiday En Masque" LP, Vinyl record album