One of the few down sides of being a Soul Fan is that you have to buy many records blind. 

As a result of this, the Northern Soul scene undoubtedly has the most knowledgeable music fans in the world. Every aspect of the 45 is examined for clues.

First clue is usually the record label, say Ric Tic - usually high quality, and out of Detroit - buy it! 

On lesser known labels check out the artist(s) - if it's The Precisions on Drew - buy it!

Take a look at the song writing credits too - if it's Bridges, Knight and Eaton - buy it!

What about the Arranger? - one of the best in the business was Andrew 'Mike' Terry - buy it!

As for Production, step up Mr Don Davis a genius and a stalwart of the Detroit music scene - buy it!

Even the Music Publisher can get the once over - Myto Music - buy it!

And not forgetting the matrix number in the run out groove...ZTSC and all that.

Quite simple really, biggest problem is usually the price!

Notes thanks to David Meikle.