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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
Dexter Wansel keeps up the space jazz funk groove that was begun on Life On Mars – with those fat, thumping bass lines, elastic lead guitar, atmospheric soul vocals and loads and loads of keys – spatial work on Rhodes, Moogs and ARPs! It's all done in a funky style not always heard on ... LP, Vinyl record album
Hip stuff from Aretha's early years – mostly jazzy, and sung to arrangements by Robert Mersey. Tracks are mostly standards – including "Don't Cry Baby", "Try A Little Tenderness", "Just For A Thrill", "God Bless The Child", "How Deep Is The ... LP, Vinyl record album
Symphonic soul from The Supremes – a set that still has the trio working with the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland team, but with a full set of orchestral backings that help them hit even more class and sophistication than before! The ballads have these really lush arrangements – never ... LP, Vinyl record album
A really nice little album from J Blackfoot – one that's recorded with a few 80s touches, but in a way that mostly preserves the sweetly crackling style that makes his vocals so wonderful! There's plenty of mellower tunes here that echo with the rich contribution that Blackfoot brought to ... LP, Vinyl record album
For too long we dismissed Roberta Flack out of hand because of her currency as a soft rock radio favorite, but her mid 70s output had more than its share of sublime, soulful moments, and this album is no exception. Of course, a generous helping hand from the left reverend Eugene McD and co-producer ... LP, Vinyl record album