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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 wonderful 70s live album from Marvin Gaye – a set that was as expansive, ambitious, and sophisticated as his studio work from the time! The album's put together almost like a 3-sided portrait of Marvin – in that it begins with a long section of current work, moves into a "fossil ... LP, Vinyl record album
The Isley Brothers at Motown – a perfect place for the groove they crafted on earlier RCA singles to blossom with some of the more sophisticated soul styles that would make the group huge in the 70s! The set's overflowing with gems – big hits like "This Old Heart Of Mine" and ... LP, Vinyl record album
Classic stuff from the girls who emerged to become one of Motown's best groups of the late 60s years. The set features the group's great version of "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game", still a big cut on the Chi-town steppers scene – plus a number of other covers and lesser ... LP, Vinyl record album
Incredible work – a record that should be in every household! Smokey breaks free of the group sound of the Miracles albums – hitting a whole new mode, and inventing the "Quiet Storm" radio format along the way! The title cut – "Quiet Storm" – is a ... LP, Vinyl record album
Seminal 80s groove from 70s Miami soul star Gwen McCrae – reinventing herself here for the new decade with a totally different sound! The album's best known for the amazing club track "Funky Sensation" – one of those tracks that crossed over big, and had a huge influence in ... LP, Vinyl record album
A bit late in the classic Hi years, but Ann's still going strong – in a smooth southern style that recalls the best 70s work by singers like Millie Jackson or Shirley Brown. In fact, Ann takes a hit at the "Shirley/Barbara" answer song cycle that kept going on after Shirley's " ... LP, Vinyl record album
Classic fusiony jazzy soulful vocals from Al, with the bright kind of LA groove that brought Al into millions of living rooms during the 70s. Tracks include "I'm Home", "Brite & Sunny Babe", "Fly", "I Do", "Thinkin' About It Too", and his ... LP, Vinyl record album
Great stuff from ZZ! Although you always see vinyl of ZZ's later work, it's always pretty hard to find this great stuff from the old days – when ZZ was working in a style that mixed southern soul with some funky blues, and which stands along with some of the best deep soul of the late 60s. ... LP, Vinyl record album
A seminal bit of crossover soul from the mid 80s – and the standout effort from California trio Club Nouveau! The album's best known for its hit remake of "Lean On Me" – one that pushes the tune along with some very heavy beats, and a version that helps us remember why Bill ... LP, Vinyl record album
The Manhattans get back to basics, but they're also working with a sound that's a bit smoother and more contemporary than before – a mix of slightly grooving rhythms and mellower quiet storm moments, the latter of which is especially well-suited to their vocals! There's a bit less ... LP, Vinyl record album
The Chambers Brothers may not actually be playing on Mars for this set, but they've definitely got a spaced-out sound – a freaky electric groove that goes even farther than some of their other studio work of the 70s! The set has some of the earthy soulful moments from the group's earliest ... LP, Vinyl record album
Great waves of sound here from Surface – a set that has the trio sounding even tighter and more fluid than ever – perfectly blending midtempo rhythms with their warm and sweet harmony vocals! The vibe's a bit classier than the usual mellow soul of the time – almost with a jazzy ... LP, Vinyl record album