Rare Motown LP - Signed by Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Edwin Starr & Others

	£		103
	$		137

Motown Chartbusters Vol.5 - UK 1st Pressing in superb condition signed by Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Edwin Starr, Martha Reeves, The Temptations and The Four Tops.

This is a one-off item– you will not find another item that even approaches the rarity of this item, especially given its excellent condition and that a number of the signatories are now dead.

Front cover signatures:

‘Love, Marvin Gaye Jr’: Marvin Gaye

‘Bless You, Dennis Edwards’: Dennis Edwards, The Temptations

‘Otis’: Otis Williams, The Temptations

‘Melvin Franklin,Temptations’: Melvin Franklin, The Temptations

Plus a fifth signature, that is indistinguishable, but given the placing is likely to be a fourth member of The Temptations.

Back cover signatures:

‘Edwin Starr’ [with drawn peace symbol]’: Edwin Starr

‘Smokey xx’: Smokey Robinson

‘Happiness, Obie’: Renaldo‘Obie’ Benson, The Four Tops

‘Larry 4 Tops’: Lawrence Payton, The Four Tops

‘Love You, Levi’: Levi Stubbs, The Four Tops

‘[Indistinguishable], Duke’:  Abdul‘Duke’ Fakir, The Four Tops

‘Martha Reeves’: Martha Reeves

Artist:   Various

Title:     Motown Chartbusters Vol.5

Label:    Tamla Motown

Release Year:    1971

Catalogue Number: STML 11181

Barcode: N/A

Matrix:

Side 1 – STML 11181 A1

Side 2 – STML 11181 B3

Grading:

·        Vinyl (Near Mint)

·        Sleeve (Very Good)

·        Inner Sleeve (Very Good)

Description:

This is an exceptional copy of a rare LP. This is a first pressing of the original 1971 release.

The vinyl has a beautiful sheen to it – bright and clean. No scratches or blemishes. The labels on both sides are in superb condition – no marks or wear around the spindle-holes. In amazing condition considering it’s 43 years old. The audio quality is awesome. No pops, clicks or skips. Absolutely minimal surface noise between tracks.

(Textured) sleeve in very good condition. No scratches, tears, pen marks (apart from the signatures) or other blemishes. Spine has kept its shape beautifully. Absolutely minimal creasing. Some wear to the edges and corners. Discolouration where laminate has come off the front right edge. No ringwear.

The front cover has pictures of Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson Five, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. The four signatures of The Temptations  have been written across The Temptations and the legs of Diana Ross. The signature of Marvin Gaye has been written across the top of his head and the bottom of the picture of the Jackson Five.

The back cover has pictures of Edwin Starr, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Motown Spinners and Jimmy Ruffin. The signature (and drawn peace symbol) of Edwin Starr are written over his picture. The signature of Martha Reeves is written in the space between the picture of Edwin Starr and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. The signature of Smokey Robinson is in the space between the picture of the Motown Spinners and Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. The four signatures of the Four Tops are spread over the lower middle of the sleeve.

Standard EMI/Motown inner sleeve publicising other releases.No scratches, tears, pen marks or other blemishes. Some creasing and discolouration to be expected given its age.

This is from my personal LP collection. Kept in a smoke- and pet-free home.

The vinyl has been stored in poly-lined paper sleeve, therefore reducing the risk of ring-wear to the outer sleeve and reducing hairline storage marks on the vinyl.

The item has been stored in a heavy gauge polypropylene sleeve.

This item will be packaged in a standard LP mailing sleeve with extra cardboard stiffeners to ensure rigidity and safe transit.

Track-listing:

Side 1

1.      The Tears Of A Clown – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

2.      War – Edwin Starr

3.      The Love You Save – Jackson 5

4.      Ball Of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today) – The Temptations

5.      It’s All In The Game – Four Tops

6.      Heaven Help Us All – Stevie Wonder

7.      It’s Wonderful (To Be Loved By You) – Jimmy Ruffin

8.      Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross

Side 2

1.      Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder

2.      Stoned Love – The Supremes

3.      Abraham, Martin & John – Marvin Gaye

4.      Still Water (Love) – Four Tops

5.      Forget-Me-Not – Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

6.      It’s A Shame – The Motown Spinners

7.      I’ll Be There – Jackson 5

8.      I’ll Say Forever My Love – Jimmy Ruffin