THE DUBS - COULD THIS BE MAGIC 45rpm - EX RARE - LONDON

	£		82
	$		109

A CHANCE TO BAG YOURSELF A COPY OF THIS EXTREMELY RARE 45 BY

THE DUBS 

COULD THIS BE MAGIC - LONDON HLU 8526- 1957

(B side - SUCH LOVIN')

The Dubs were an American Doo Wop vocal group formed in 1956, best known for their recordings of "Could This Be Magic", "Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely" and "Chapel of Dreams". In 1957 they released perhaps the best, and most popular, of that trio of classics "Could This Be Magic" on both 78 and 45 rpm vinyl. 

"Could This Be Magic",  was a pop hit, rising to #23 in 1957 and became recognised over the years as a doo-wop classic. In USA it was released on the GONE label (GONE 5011) but copies of that release are not as rare as this UK London release.

Trying to find a copy of the UK release is very difficult indeed as the 45 in particular has become something of a collector's dream. The 2008 version of Record Collector lists it at £250 but the very few copies that have sold since then have gone for much more. Imagine my delight to find a copy in my personal collection which, from memory, has been in the family from new.

That's the good news, the bad news is that it is not in the best of conditions, having been played at some time on an old 78 record player causing it to sound like one itself. The vinyl itself is in good condition,  displaying very few surface marks and that silvery glow of having been played on the 78 player. This has caused a continuous crackle on both sides and some distortion (dampening) of the sound but absolutely no skips or jumps. Having said that the words and instruments are easily audible and it really is like listening to an old 78rpm record. More detail below.

This 45rpm single is on the London label (45-HLU 8526). The label indicates the record was "Made in England"  and "Recorded by GONE, New York", and mentions Burlington Music. Many available copies of this rare single come without the original centre, which would have been removed so the record could be played on a juke box, thankfully my copy has the original centre intact, making it even more desirable. The label itself is in a very good condition for a 53 year old record, displaying a few spindle marks and some shining on the raised area between the centre and outer edge of the label, due to it being played on a stacking record player I should think.  There's a term for this but it escapes me. There are no tears or scuffs at all on the label. It comes in a London sleeve, thin blue stripe on a white background and the word "London" in white letters in a blue elipse, as is "45 rpm"  "Made in England" appears in the bottom left and the name "Tony" is written in ink in the small top right hand corner area reserved for the record number to be inserted by the record shop. Please note I am unable to say if this is the original label for this record.

Summary

Vinyl condition:  Side 1 - Fair + - a couple of light scratches, likely from finger nails when handling, otherwise just surface marks and a silvery glow within the grooves indicating it has been played on a 78rpm player at some stage. Side 2 - Good. Very few surface marks, no scratches or other blemishes, silvery glow as above. 

Label Condition: Very good. Spindle and play wear only. No tears or scuffs or unwanted markings.

Sleeve Condition: Good +. 2 tiny tears (1mm each) at top edge and name written in white area reserved for record number. Other than that just the usual bends and folds.

Sound:  Crackles throughout, not overly loud however, similar to listening to an old 78. Some distortion of sound but all words and instruments can be clearly heard.

 A must for all collectors of 50's Doo Wapp music on vinyl.

Postage in UK will be by recorded delivery, other options will be considered if preferred.

Overseas postage will be by International Signed For and charged at cost plus a few pennies for packaging.

Will reduce postage costs for multiple buys.

Happy to answer any questions.

Good Luck.