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Mr. Stereo Music Auctions

These rare 7 inch singles come from a private collection I have been authorized to auction.

You are bidding on this 45 by The MRQ "Plastic Street" b/w "Games" on RCA 57-1002 from 1968.

The Modern Rock Quartet (MRQ) was a Canadian jazz-rock band put together by former Luke & The Apostles keyboard player Peter Jermyn with several musicians who had played with Bruce Cockburn in the final lineup of The Esquires.

When the original Luke & The Apostles broke up in mid-August 1967, keyboard player Peter Jermyn (born on November 6, 1946 in Kingston, Ontario) moved to Ottawa where he joined the local band Heart, which was fronted by singer John Martin. A short while later, Jermyn met former Esquires members Doug Orr (bass) and Robert Coulthart (drums), with whom Jermyn had become familiar while with the Apostles, and invited them to replace members of Heart.

In August 1968, the band changed its name to The Modern Rock Quartet and quickly attracted record company interest with their unique sound (a guitarless band was something of an oddity at the time). The band was approached by five US labels (including two major players) and in the end, signed with RCA, which invited them to New York to record material (most of which would remain unreleased).

Jermyn first took the band to Toronto in late 1968, where it played the El Patio (December 10-15). Though based in Ottawa, The MRQ returned to Toronto on numerous occasions throughout 1969 and 1970, playing at the Varsity Arena on June 22, 1969 with Edwin Starr, Chuck Berry and others, performing at the Toronto Rock Festival (also at Varsity) on March 25, 1970 with Canned Heat, The Amboy Dukes and others, and appearing at the Festival Express show at the CNE Stadium on June 27-28, 1970 with The Band, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and others.

The group’s lone single (Available here in this Auction), Jermyn’s “Plastic Street”, backed by Bruce Cockburn’s “Games” failed to chart. The B-side, which was co-written with Michael Ferry (Lee Jackson from Jon and Lee & The Checkmates) was released on seperate singles in English and French. The group also recorded a couple of tracks that were never released, such as “Revolution”, "Each & Every Day" and “Lady of Pleasure”.

During 1969, The MRQ supported The Who and Procol Harum. The MRQ’s shows were highly ambitious and Jermyn’s keyboard skills were reportedly a big influence on Keith Emmerson. The bulk of the group’s material consisted of concertos by Jermyn and Bruce Cockburn songs, which the songwriter chose not to record himself. Jermyn’s pieces included “Opening Jam” and the live favourites “Happiness Is Majority” and “Cities Are Tight”.

Martin left after the single to be replaced by Bob Blyth, who was succeeded in turn by former Esquires singer Brian Lewicki. The group also added former 1910 Fruitgum Company guitarist Karwin, who soon left to form TCB.

The remaining trio of Lewicki, Orr and Coulthart spent a few years playing in a bar on the Quebec side of the river, outside Ottawa before breaking up. They reunited in 1974 with Rod Phillips on keyboards, and recorded one 45 for the Aquarius label.
 

I accept Paypal Only. An invoice will be emailed to you with the price of item and shipping costs. Paypal payments must be made within 7 days of invoice.  Item will be shipped within 7 days of payment. Please allow 2 - 3 weeks for delivery.

Shipping Rates:
Within Canada: Canada Post Letter Mail  $4.00 for first 1 or 2 45's  Additional 45's will increase the package to Small packet status, and will vary the cost depending on location. 

To United States: Canada Post Air Mail-post $7.00 for first 2 45's : Additional items $1.50 each

International Orders:  $10.00 for first 2 45's: Additional items $1.50 each 
NOTE:  I do not ship to ITALY, FRANCE or SOUTH AMERICA.  Repeated lost shipments with these locations in the past prevents me from doing so. Sorry.

 This Description stands as a contract between Buyer and Seller.

- Buyer or Seller must contact each other within 3 days after auction ends. And Payment must be received within 7 days after auction end for international buyers, 10 days for Canadian Buyers.

- I try do send packages very quickly after payment received (usually within one week). I'am not a record shop. So i sell records as a free time passion.

- I usually buy New cardboard to do by myself solid LP's Box (that's why shipping costs are 1$ more than reality). But note that sometimes, i use old one, that are in good shape.

- Please Do Not hesitate to contact us before the end of the auction.

- If item is not as described, please contact us, and send it back at your charge!!! We will refund item only, not the shipping cost. Please do not try to exchange the item. There are carefully looked at, pictures are taken, and they are usually listened carefully (when times permit).

- Please note, that I'am in no way responsible for lost of merchandise or broken merchandise. No refund will be given for these reason. Note that an insurance is included on the shipping price up to 100 canadian dollars. If parcel losts, we have to wait 45 days after shipping date to do a claim to canadian post office, and then we will wait for canadian post refund if they do (they usually do). Refund will be given only if Canadian post will give it.

- Finally, i will always declare the real value of the item. In order to protect me from "fraudulent buyer", i will declare the real value of the item. You will probably pay custom fees in your country. But that's It. If you not agree with these conditions, don't bid, or don't buy.

- This is your responsability to give me recommendation for the value declared as this value stands for the included insurance given with shipping cost.

- If You want me to declare a lower value, pay attention that if there is a problem, you will be refund this lower value, always if Canadian post will give it! . If no recommendation from YOU, Full value will be declared.

- Please do not use paypal resolution center!!! It's really not fair for us "honest seller", just be confident & patient with us, we work for you, if there is a problem!!! I have lost money with "fraudulent buyers" or people who don't read my "terms and condition".

These are the terms and conditions of all items bought to Mr. Stereo Music Auctions. If you buy or win an auction, we will consider that you have read and you agreed all these conditions!!!

BID WITH CONFIDENCE!!!!