Ralph's Records (Corporation Street, near Victoria Station)
Ads from Grass Eye, Nov 1969
Although some bands bought sheet music, many chose to just buy the record and learn it from there. Ralph's had a really good selection of soul imports and was the haunt for many of the early dj's.
Ralph's was the place to go - I bought "London Live at the Marque Club" there in 67? - possibly my all time favourite album! Just got a copy again in recent weeks - thanks Malcolm!!!!! Hey I still know all the words and links between tracks.
Phoenix City Smash perfectly reflect the times by having photos taken at many of the in-places of the time. Other pics taken on same day include New Century Hall, Top of the Town, George Best Boutigue and The Wheel - plus Spin Inn (below).
Webmaster with head down, second right. Wouldn't do that now - a hole at the back!
I used to work at Ralphs Records around 1968-69, it was an amazing place, not just a record shop it was a great place to meet and hear new music. Great times. We had to write the weeks new Top Ten on a blackboard. OK till Cliff hit no 1 with 'Congratulations'. Ditsy here renamed him Cliff Richardson ... shamefaced fool ... I never noticed.
Lynn Richardson - 28/12/10
Comments
Failswoth with Col Minet We used to supply most of the record shops in and around manchester. Zan Sneddon and Maureen worked at Ralphs ....martin ellis(skews) and Richard Searling were new in the game and came most weekends to buy sounds.Joan Mcarthy ,Roy Brown,Joey Hooligan Stoker and many more would meet there before scoring and heading off to stomp dancefloors all over the Uk... Ralph asked me to paint the murals in the soul celler under the shop. Big memories ..REAL memories of a top time and place(l don't mean the shit disco gaff round the corner)