2 x Motown LPs. "Ric-Tic Relics" 1973. "Mod Classics" 1979. + free. Northen soul

	£		22
	$		29

2 x Tamla Motown compilation albums + related single

Ric-Tic Relics;  STML 11232, 1973

20 Mod Classics;  STML 12125, 1979

These two 1970s Motown albums are both packed full of dance-floor classics. All the tracks on both albums were originally released in the early – mid 1960s.

The earlier one, Ric-Tic Relics released in 1973, features, as the name implies, tracks from Ric-Tic, a small Detroit-based urban soul label, that Motown had bought up in 1968. The deal  included the Ric-Tic back catalogue and contracts with many of the label’s performers. Artists who had recorded for Ric Tic included J. J. Barnes, Laura Lee, Edwin Starr, and the San Remo Strings, all of whom are featured on this album. Many Ric-Tic releases had become popular on the Northern Soul  scene and it is at that audience, I think, that this album was aimed.

The later album, 20 Mod Classics, released in 1979, was directed squarely at the Mod Revival that was just getting into its swing in the UK at that time. Mod revival bands like the Jam, the Lambrettas and Purple Hearts were of course influenced by white British bands of the mid-sixties, such as the Who and the Small Faces but also by the Motown groups that had been so popular with the original Mods.

The Ric-Tic album has become pretty collectable since it was released. I guess it was not a particularly big seller at the time. The other album has some absolutely classic Motown tracks, so both albums are worth having. Neither of these examples is in tip-top condition however – hence the low start price. Both records have a quite a sprinkling of marks, with “Relics” perhaps very slightly the less affected. Both records play perfectly happily all the way through though. There is a little light crackling in the gaps between the tracks and one or two little clicks on each record but both are well within tolerable limits I would say.

The labels to both albums are both in nice, clean condition but both sleeves leave a little to be desired. The sleeve to Mod Classics is intact and clean but has a few creases. The sleeve to Ric-Tic Relics has a thin, rather grubby line around three of the edges to the front. I’ve no idea what can have caused this. I would say that it had once had sellotape round those edges but there is no sign that the sleeve has ever come apart and also there is no sign of the tape having been folded over to the back. It’s a mystery. Anyway, you should be able to see these marks on the images above.

Also included as a kind of freebie, is an original single of Day Tripper b/w Don’t Bring Me Bad News by J.J. Barnes on the Ric-Tic label. This track is included in the album, so I thought it was a nice thing to add in. It is in decent playable condition.

UK Postage and packing:  £4.00

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All postage prices quoted (UK and international) are maximum charges.  If postage and packing costs less than these estimates, I will refund the difference after posting (subject to the difference being £1.00 or more. Unless otherwise indicated, the postage prices I give in the listing are for a tracked and signed-for service, as required by eBay. If however, winning buyers would prefer cheaper options, I am always happy to help with that if I can. Please contact me for a quote.

I hope this description has given you enough to go on but should you require any further information, or more images, please do e-mail.  Please also look carefully at the hi-res photos – they are part of the description.  Thanks for your interest in this auction and good luck if you decide to bid.

Please note:  I will not respond to requests to close the auction early regardless of the value of the offer made.  Ending early is contrary to both the principle and spirit of an auction. It is also unfair to other eBayers who may be watching the auction intending to bid at a later time.

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