Nolan Porter – If I Could Only Be Sure
Nolan Porter
Listen/Download – Nolan Porter – If I Could Only Be Sure MP3
Greetings all.
The end of the week is here, and so I will remind you once again to dig into the weekly celebration of all things soulful that is the Funky16Corners Radio Show. You ccan subscribe to the show as a podcast in iTunes, follow it in Stitcher and TuneIn, check it out on Mixcloud, or grab yourself an MP3 right here at Funky16Corners.com
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In related news, my new weekly radio show for WFMU’s Give the Drummer Radio, Testify! had it’s inaugural episode last night and is archived over there. If you dig Funky16Corners and/or Iron Leg I think you’ll dig it. I’ll be on the air every Wednesday night from 10-12, live, so tune in when you get a chance!
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The track I bring you today is one of those examples of how if you wait long enough, the record gods will smile on you, even if it’s only for a moment.
‘If I Could Only Be Sure’ by Nolan Porter is a fairly costly 45, thanks to its rarity, as well as its embrace by the Northern Soulies and other collector cadres. It has been known (in its promo form) to pull in several hundred dollars, and in its stock version well over a hundred dollars.
A while back I was on one of my periodic, online vinyl safaris, checking out the usual nooks and crannies/dealers etc, when what should I see in the ‘New Arrivals’ section but the copy of the record you see above, listed in VG condition, for twenty measly dollars.
I gave the matter about ten seconds of consideration before pulling the trigger, always in fear that someone else had spotted the record and was at the same time, attempting to purchase the very same copy.
As luck would have it, I was there first, and in a few short days the record slid through the mail slot and onto my turntable.
I have made a fairly regular practice of picking up harder to find things that are listed in slightly poorer condition (especially is the dealer is trustworthy and a good grader, as he was in this case) because more often than not, the record plays better than grade, and the savings are considerable. I’ve been exceptionally lucky in this regard, only having been burned a few times, and at five or ten dollars, it’s not taking much of a chance, all things considered.
The song itself is exceptionally haunting and unusual record, and in many ways atypical of a Northern Soul favorite, but so then is his other number that rings the bell with the soulies, the heavy ‘Keep On Keeping On’, which is as weird a “Northern” side (in a good way, as opposed to countless inexplicable novelties that have entered the canon) as you’ll find. It’s an interesting example of a transitional period on the UK dance floor and collector scene, moving away from the usual, classic 60s sound and indicating a broadening of the palate.
‘If I Could Only Be Sure’ approaches a mournful vibe, thanks in large part to the repeated guitar line, and several points where Porter flies into a pleading falsetto.
Porter’s albums are also very interesting because of the backing band, which included several members of the Little Feat/Mothers of Invention axis, including Lowell George, Richie Hayward, Jimmy Carl Black and Roy Estrada.
Original copies of the LP on which the track appeared, 1972’s ‘Nolan’ also command high prices, though both of his early 70s albums have been reissued.
It’s a spectacular track, and one that I find myself putting on a loop whenever I call it up.
I hope you dig it too, and I’ll see you all next week.
Also, make sure to follow Funky16Corners on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Keep the faith
Larry
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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived! The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock. They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US). Click here to go to the ordering page.
Themocracy
Thanks Larry for introducing me to “new” music.