Label: Tamla 54034
Year: 1960
Condition: M
Last Price: $75.00. Not currently available for sale.

Now here's a real rarity, and a mighty strange one at that. When "Shop Around" was first released on Tamla 54034 in 1960, it had a different take of the song, which Motown quickly pulled from the market. Though this take has pretty much the same arrangement, it has a totally different Smokey Robinson vocal and totally different production approach. Unlike the hit version, this one is not awash in echo and the dynamics are richer. In addition, the electric guitar part shines through clearly at various places, especially the end of the second chorus. (Take a listen to the jukebox snippet.)

Copies with this take are identified with the number H55518A-2 on the trailoff wax. What makes this copy strange is that it's a third pressing of "Shop Around," from around 1967. If Motown pulled the take quickly in 1960, why were they doing second and third pressings of it later on? (Yes, there was also a second pressing, with the Globes logo label.) In any case, it's unlikely that you've heard this version before, since it isn't found on reissues or compilation albums of the Miracles catalog. Certainly, I hadn't heard it until today. :-) Note: The label credits the group as "The Miracles Featuring Bill 'Smokey' Robinson." This copy comes in a vintage Tamla Records factory sleeve. It has no notable flaws, grading Mint across the board (Labels, Vinyl, Audio).