Billy Duke And The Dukes 45 Date 1005 E Condition Roland/What You Told Me

$

34

Greetings everybody! Thank YOU very much for stopping by another of my ebay record auctions, as I am very glad that you have taken time out of your busy day (or night!) to have a look at what I have to offer this time! I know that recently my auction listings have been sporadic, but I'm doing what I can to get back to action like I'm used to. I just enjoy being around records, don'tcha know! Hopefully, some of the ones I have up for bids are ones you'd enjoy being around and listening to as well! I suppose theres only one way to find out! Let's see what's up for bids this time!

This time up, I have a 1958 7” 45rpm release on the Date record label, label #1005, by Billy Duke and The Dukes. This is the single of “Roland” b/w “What You Told Me”. As I was going through a recent batch of 45s I acquired, for some reason, this stood out from most of the batch. I mean, I’m familiar with the Date label, and this does have a “ZTSP” number on both sides of the labels as well, but this is not the usual green label that I’m used to seeing on releases from the 1960s, and I didn’t even know this label went back so far. So that was intriguing, as well as the name of the artist/group, another thing I was unfamiliar with. So, before playing it, I did some looking around online, and after reading what I did, I couldn’t wait to give this a spin and get it listed for you folks. Folks, this single is an absolute hoot! “Roland” is a neato rockin’ tune about “Roland” (sounds like it’s pronounced “Ruu-LAND”) and is basically about a late night horror movie host, who was also about rock and roll. Not surprisingly, “Roland” turned out to be (John) Zacherly, who I believe was the same person who would have a hit himself with “Dinner With Drac”. This tune is awesome, as Duke (I think he’s the lead singer) has a wonderful, clear voice, and his singing on this is on par with any of the big name pop singers with his delivery and clarity. The music is fantastic, as the bass, and drums keep the beat going at a good clip, and the horn section, pretty much sounds like trumpet and sax(es?) are dynamite as well. But even if you’re familiar with this (anyone from Philly in the late 50s might be), don’t do yourself a disfavor and pass on the flip side. “What You Told Me” is a honest to gosh ripper! Loud, fast, frantic, again with the horn section leading the way (you WILL want to follow!), and this side has an instrument that’s left out on “Roland”, the guitar. The sound on this is excellent, as it’s not prominent throughout the song, as there aren’t many leads for it, but the way it’s played, it sounds like it’s being stung, rather than strummed. Plus, there’s not much in the way of lyrics, but danged if those aren’t belted, as well as screamed, and it’s just one heckuva movin, shakin’, rock&rollin’ good time! You will NOT be disappointed by this if you’re into heavy duty horn-style rock, and dare I say it…rockabilly! The playing surface shows some storage wear, light scuffs, needle marks and scratches, however both sides played through without a hitch, and if there’s any background noise, I missed it, as I was really digging this tune-a LOT! Just crank the volume, and see/hear if you don’t find it the same. This could stand a good cleaning though, and due to the visible marks, I just cannot give it a higher grading than my average E. No extra symbols, just E. That’s my grading though, and my grading is considered non-standard. If you are considering placing a bid, please read the paragraph that follows this one, as it will show you the gradings and their respective descriptions. It won’t take long to read, please do. The labels show some storage wear and abrasions, however the text (what little there is) can still be read with ease. If you need more pictures or description, I can and will be happy to provide. If you have any comments or questions, please send them to me, and I will reply as soon as possible.

My Grading is as follows: M (Mint)-ONLY for Still Factory Sealed Records ONLY! No 45 nor 78 will ever get this grading. E+, minimal wear, perhaps only needs cleaning. E, a few light marks, maybe some minor background crackle and/or hiss. E-, light marks, crackling (nothing major), scuffs, etc.. Not great, but still quite playable. V+, More marks, scuffs, needle marks, scratches-but nothing that would make the needle skip. Will have background noise that even with a cleaning will still be around. V. Worn. Scuffs, scratches, can be noisy, but still (probably) won’t cause the needle to skip nor get stuck. V-, Noisy? You bet! Worn? Oh yeah. Playable? Sure, but don’t expect it to sound all peachy keen. P. Bleah! Playable perhaps, but do so at your own risk. Don’t trash a new needle on it. Only used on records considered rare enough for “fill in” purposes to a collector-or to those who do digital restoration. 

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IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NON-U.S. BUYERS!!!!
All items I sell will be sent with postage printed up from eBay. This way, the prices are automatically listed for customs purposes and cannot be altered. Yes, this does mean that the customs people will know the value, but since I get a bit of a price break on postage, I can keep the prices low for you-the buyer.  I will not "mark item as a gift", just so you can evade import rules.  The people at my post office know me, and they will check overseas packages for inspection.  I hope you will understand my position about this, my apologies if you are not able to comply.

Also, international bidders, the price listed for postage on my listings are for domestic mailing.  I wish I could send overseas for that price, but reality speaks different.  I place a fair price on all international postage.  Watch for the invoice if you win.

ALSO-I need to let international bidders know of a certain problem that doesn't always happen, but will arise from time to time.  All International mail sent from this region has to go through the U.S. Postal Service sorting center in Sandston Virginia, by our local airport.  This sorting center has been named the least efficient sorting center in the entire U.S. Postal Service.  They prove this from time to time by mis-routing packages.  If this happens-and I will monitor the delivery-usually it will add at least an extra week for it to arrive.  If there are any problems, please contact me first, and I will do what I must to make sure you are satisfied with the order.
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