Item: 7" 45 RPM record by Val Martinez, The Touch Of Love b/w Take My Heart. This is the only known example (no others for sale in the world) as far as I can tell, at the time of this writing. From the net: “Val Martinez released at least eight singles, on King* (1954), United Artists (1958), and finally four on RCA (1963) that followed one on RCA subsidiary Groove (1962). On his two 1954 King singles Martinez was backed by Bill Doggett's Orchestra.* His RCA single Someone's Gonna Cry (1963) was arranged by Jack Nitzche and produced by Lester Sill who also co-produced You Make Me Happy. In spite of such distinguished connections, details about Martinez are elusive. Billboard's review of his second single At Last (1954) describes him as using some of the techniques of Johnnie Ray, Billy Eckstine and other stylists. He was still around in 1980, when an entertainment column in The Baltimore Afro-American mentions shows at the Playboy Club at Century City (LA) by Val Martinez, who got his start singing with Bill Doggett... in Detroit. Martinez's records (mostly Someone's Gonna Cry) are often listed nowadays under the retrospective genres of Northern Soul and its Belgian counterpart Popcorn. He may also be found in a category called Popcorn Soul, at the bouncier end of soul music.” As a side note, one of the songwriters here was Bill Borelli, who owned BBS Records in Philly (releasing singles from Clara Ward, Bob Crewe, etc.) and he wrote songs recorded by Bill Haley, The Nu Tornados and other acts. Record will be carefully/responsibly packed. Please see my listings for other desirable titles!
Returns: If an item is deemed “not as described” due to such circumstances as shipping damage or seller’s incorrect description of the item’s condition, it falls under the realm of the eBay Money Back Guarantee. The reason why I don’t have a return policy in addition to the eBay Money Back Guarantee is that return policies cover all other reasons for return (such as the buyer simply changing their mind) but they also require the seller to pay for shipping, which is an expense that I cannot afford, especially in the case of an international transaction.
International Shipping: I sympathize with int’l buyers regarding shipping charges and their country’s Customs fees, but because the value must be declared in order to insure the item for that amount, I’m unable to satisfy the expectations of most buyers in certain countries. If you’re an exception, all you need to do is let me know and hopefully we can work together!
Condition: Records may not function as intended per surface noise, defective playback due to manufacturing defect or scratches, etc. and any extant sleeves/covers often have damage such as flawed edges and odors which may require repair or treatment, so I’m selling the item as being in “For parts or not working” condition. Most records are in scratched condition. See Goldmine Record Album Price Guide, 5th Edition, page 17: “It’s estimated that no more than 2 to 4 percent of all records remaining from the 1950’s and 1960s are truly Near Mint” (and the next grade down from Near Mint is VG+, where light scratches are present). It amazes me that the world of record collecting doesn’t have an official grading company such as in the comic book field (they have CGC), the coin collecting realm (they have PCGS), etc. Until an official 3rd party industry expert comes along, record grading remains subjective and opinions vary due to parties’ differences in audio equipment, etc.
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Most of the items I offer here on eBay are from estates in the Philadelphia / NYC area, and are fresh to the market. If you have any questions, need more info, or want to set up a Preview appointment, please feel welcome to message me and I'll respond in a timely manner. Thanks for your interest, ~Chris
