When we think of “essential” soul and R&B records, we tend to think of classic 60’s songs that every fan should have in their collection. But at Parker’s Records and Comics we know that essential means much more than just must have—we’re talking about records that are quintessentially soul and R&B. Once you listen to one of these records, you’ll understand. All it takes is a strong, rhythmic sound and smooth, harmonizing vocals and you’ll find yourself saying, “Now that’s soul music.”
I Paid For The Party by the Enchanters – Loma 2012 (Released 1965)
Label owner: Mike Maitland & Bob Krasner, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbaznk, CA (1964-1968)
Side A: I Paid For The Party
Side B: I Want To Be Loved
Originally led by influential soul and R&B singer Garnet Mimms, The Enchanters set out to make a name for themselves after Mimms left the group in 1964. Sam Bell led the group which also included Zola Pearnell, Charles Boyers, and William Gilmore.
“I Want To Be Loved”, a classic mid-60’s love song, was the first single that the group recorded with Loma, a California-based R&B label. Prior to Loma 2012, the group had recorded “I Wanna Thank You” with Loma’s parent label, Warner Bros. Records, in 1964 and eventually went on to record two more singles—“We Got Love” and “You Were Meant To Be My Baby”—for Loma 2054 and Loma 2035, respectively. Of the four singles that the Enchanters recorded, however, Loma 2012 stands apart as the group’s definitive example of northern soul.
I Need Your Love by the Egyptian Kings – Nanc 1120 (Released 1963)
Label owner: Howard Ransom & James L. Turner 124 East, 101st St., Los Angeles, CA & 138 1/2 S. Florence, CA (1957-1963)
Side A: I Need Your Love
Side B: Give Me Your Love
The Egyptian Kings, along with the Egyptians & King Pharaoh, were a splintering of the Four Pharaohs, a top R&B vocal group in Columbus. While both incarnations of the group were led by Morris Wade, the Egyptian Kings featured Paul Moore, Pete Oden, and Leo Blakely.
While “I Need Your Love” is the song that lends its name to this 7” vinyl record, it’s “Give Me Your Love” that truly defines Nanc 1120. “Give Me Your Love” is a smooth, soulful love song that features tenor Morris Wade at his best. Nanc 1120 marks the third recording of the song. Previously, the group released versions of the song for both Ransom and Paradise in 1958. With Wade’s natural talent and a harmony that has been absolutely perfected, it’s difficult not to give Nanc 1120 your love.
Write Your Ticket by Element Experience – Green Eagle 314 (Released 1970)
Side A: Write Your Ticket
Side B: Make Yourself At Home Honey
“Write Your Ticket” would be both the only single released by Element Experience as well as the only single released by the Green Eagle label. But neither the artist nor the label needs a backstory—GE 314 can speak for itself! All it needs is your undivided attention.
“Write Your Ticket” features all of the elements you would expect from the turn of the 60’s funk and soul: the intense groove of strong guitar riffs and bass lines and a driving rhythmic feel. We’ll never know what could have been of Element Experience or the Green Eagle label, but we do know one thing—GE 314 is a truly elemental experience.
Add Essential Soul and R&B to Your Music Collection
Pricing, details (grade, side A/B, quantity) and sound clips for each of the above records can be found via the following links:
I Paid For The Party– Enchanters
I Need Your Love – Egyptian Kings
Write Your Ticket – Element Experience
We provide a simple online ordering form for any of our records. Enter your billing and shipping information, provide details about the record you’re requesting, hit submit, and relax knowing that good times are on their way.