(In a Federal/King/De Luxe/Bethlehem sleeve, with an old price sticker.)
Near Mint - (minus)
Black vinyl that may show a slight amount of dust or dirt.
Should still be very shiny under a light, even with slight amount of dust on surface.
One or two small marks that would make an otherwise near perfect record slightly less so.
These marks cannot be too deep, and should only be surface marks that won't affect play,
but might detract from the looks.
May have some flaws and discoloration in the vinyl, but only those that would be
intrinsic to the pressing. These should disappear when the record is tilted under
the light, and will only show up when looking straight at the record.
(Buddah and ABC pressings from the 70's are a good example of this.)
May have some slight marks from aging of the paper sleeve on the vinyl.
Possible minor surface noise when played.
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.
Beautiful soul from The Godfather, recorded in the period immediately after he discovered the choppy choppy guitar riff on the downbeat! Both parts swing hard hard hard, and the band is as tight as a pair of trousers after Thanksgiving! 7-inch, Vinyl record
An undisputed groover! The track's a killer uptempo one from James' later years on King – and it's got this amazing beat that snaps along at a full deep stride. Very nice stuff, and the kind of tight grooving that would show up later in his work with the JBs – done here earlier, with ... 7-inch, Vinyl record
This single's floating around in 2 different versions – one with "Fun & Funk part 2", plus another track; and this one, with the rare part 3. Both sides have a very stripped down bubbling funky instrumental groove, with some nice hard drums, and very heavy bass. "Part ... 7-inch, Vinyl record
An excellent harmony soul single by this lost sweet soul group from Chicago! The production and vocals have a real east coast style, with soaring sweet bits, and cool dope soulful arrangements that work beautifully in a Whatnauts/Moments kind of way. 7-inch, Vinyl record
Beautiful! Chuck Bernard was one of the great unsung heroes of the Chicago soul scene, and this single is one of his finest. "Love Can Slip Away" is a haunting ballad track, with Chuck's raw vocals backed by some sweet harmonies and excellent stepping arrangements. "Bessie ... 7-inch, Vinyl record
A northern soul classic if there ever was one! Both sides are incredible – some of the best work ever to come out of Detroit, and two lasting classics by the great Darrell Banks! 7-inch, Vinyl record
A great little harmony soul track – produced and arranged by Van McCoy, with a sad sweet feel that's every bit the best side of his early style! The track bubbles along in that great east coast AM radio feel – with a really catchy hook, and a slow sad style that's very different than ... 7-inch, Vinyl record
2 rare sides by Jo Ann Garrett – recorded after her album on Chess, with production by Andre Williams! "One Woman" is a sweet, sad ballad – pretty nice, but the real treat here is "Now Girl"! That tune's got a snapping little groove – just a touch of funk ... 7-inch, Vinyl record