Market Watch for November 2021

By Frank Daniels

These were the top-selling records on eBay during the month of November 2021.

1. The Beatles

Please Please Me

Parlophone (UK) PMC-1202

Tony Barrow’s personal copy, with John Lennon handwriting

Condition: VG+/VG++

Sold for: $9,999.00

When The Beatles began to have hit records throughout Great Britain, John Lennon thought that he might lose a few fans if they knew he was married. However, on this particular copy John broke his own rule by writing the word “married” by his name. Tony Barrow was the Beatles’ press officer and wrote the liner notes that appear on the album’s back cover. As though that weren’t enough, this copy has the original black-and-gold labels, sports a “factory sample” sticker, and has very early stampers.

2. Capoeira Twins

“4 x 3” / “Truth Will Out”

Blowpop BLOWP-001

Cover by Banksy

Condition: VG/VG+

Sold for: $7,868.00

Street artist Bansky designed and hand-stenciled 100 copies of the sleeve for this 1999 single from the Capoeira Twins. The fact that the record came out before he became a household name makes this record a hot property among collectors of his art. The recording artist is a duo – Tim Hancock and Ian Stratford.

3. George Szell & the Cleveland Orchestra

Beethoven: Choral Symphony

Columbia (UK) SAX-2512/3

Turquoise labels

Condition: VG++/NM (both)

Sold for: $8,651.01

As though someone were being challenged to top the highest hammer price for this record, a seller brought out this copy, which has done exactly that. Both records were gorgeous, and the covers were extremely nice.

4. United Sounds

“It’s All Over (Baby)”/ “And When It’s Over”

United U-0334

Condition: VG-

Sold for: $6,766.00

The United Sounds band consisted of Ralph Baxter, Julius Broughton, Norris Singletary, Jeffrey Holt, Oscar Scott, and Duane Lockhart. In mid-1975, they recorded one soul single for a local (West Columbia, SC) label. It was not a hit, but it has attracted a great deal of attention over the past 10 years. Very few copies of the single have surfaced, and fans of their sound appreciate their work on both songs.

5. The Group

“I Don’t Like to Lose” / “The Light of Day”

Prophonics 2029

Original light green label

Condition: NM

Sold for: $6,119.00

Last month offered up a collectible from Michigan, and this month’s column extends that trend. The Group (featuring Cecil Washington) released this slice of Michigan soul in summer 1967 (although several sources erroneously give a ’66 date). The A-side is a delicious song that would have been a hit on a larger label – exactly the sort of thing that the seekers of obscure soul sides often look for.