Syl Johnson - Is It Because I'm Black (Blk) [Colored Vinyl] (Gry) (Can)
Syl Johnson - Is It Because I'm Black (Blk) [Colored Vinyl] (Gry) (Can)
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After Martin Luther King got killed, I wanted to write a song. Ten years into his role as poster boy for pop soul and peak-hour R&B, Syl Johnson did an unlikely about-face and cut the most inspiring and powerful song he'd ever touch. "I didn't want to write no song about hating this people or hating that people," Johnson said. "I really didn't have no vendetta against people. It's a sympathy song." Issued on 45 in September of 1969, "Is It Because I'm Black" struck an immediate chord within the black community, forcing the song up the charts by sheer volume of call-in requests. It would be Syl's biggest hit for Twinight, climbing as high as #11 on the Billboard R&B chart during it's 14-week stay, marking the defining moment of what had become more than just an occupation. Syl had his hands on a career. The days of shuckin' and jivin' through dance songs were over, replaced by a heavy and sometimes cynical undertone that would dominate Syl's output for the foreseeable future. As the world-at-large was changing, so was Syl's personal life. Fed up with 13 years of her husband's life-on-the-road, Hazel Thompson checked out of their bungalow at 6843 S. Aberdeen. The formerly rock-solid band was beginning to show cracks too, as the pressures of an offstage life took their toll. Willie Henderson was the first to duck out, grabbing his shot at producing Tyrone Davis for Brunswick. "It kind of fell apart," Syl lamented. "Zachary became an entrepreneur. George Moss couldn't travel. Harvey Burton was teaching school. And Cameron couldn't go on the road. His wife wouldn't let him." For the first time in 33 years, Syl Johnson found himself alone. He holed up at Twinight's woodshedding studio at 2131 S. Michigan (the former address of both King and USA Records) and spent the bulk of 1969 tinkering. That storefront space would host the rehearsal of several Johnson productions, before Syl made an 11-door journey north to Chess's Ter-Mar studios, where many of his Twinight records, and those of others, were ultimately set to tape. But first he had to find a new band. Seven blocks north of Ter-Mar, Brunswick's Jalynne Sound house band was feeling awfully underappreciated at the hands of A&R director Carl Davis. Davis had put the group together piecemeal after walking out of OKeh in 1965, installing Bernard Reed on bass, guitarist John Bishop, trumpeter Michael Davis, alto saxist Jerry Wilson, and drummer Hal "Heavy" Nesbitt. Jalynne Productions set up shop at Roosevelt and Wabash, housing Davis' publishing and managing concerns, the latter of which boasted a stable of Gene Chandler, Otis Leavill, the Opals, Major Lance, Billy Butler, and Walter Jackson. When Jackie Wilson showed up at Jalynne, looking for a hit to revive his faltering career, everything changed. Following Wilson's success with the Barbara Acklin/Eugene Record penned "Whispers" for Brunswick in 1966, Davis leveraged his new job at the label to set up a Jalynne writing workshop and studio in the old Vee-Jay offices at 1449 S. Michigan. The group would be used on many Brunswick and Dakar recordings between 1967 and 1969. But they were most egregiously offended at being left off the credits on Young-Holt Unlimited's "Soulful Strut" (when, in fact, neither Eldee Young nor Isaac "Red" Holt had even played on the Top 5 Pop hit). Bassist Bernard Reed recalls Jalynne's acrimonious split with Brunswick: "I was a little disillusioned with how things were going for me down there. So we left Brunswick, and we got downstairs, and Jerry Wilson, the horn player, he said, 'Well, hey, Syl Johnson is right up the street. We can go down there and talk to him. I know he's looking for a band.' And that's what we did. We walked down the street to Syl's place. He was right across the street from Chess Records then. We were on Record Row. Syl had a little rehearsal studio there set up. He wasn't doing any major recording, but he had a machine there where we could make little dubs of what we wrote. Syl let us come in in the mornings, and we'd stay there up until the late hours of the night, practicing and performing new songs and putting together our own act. We dropped the Jalynne Sounds when we left Brunswick, I came up with the name Pieces of Peace. It just came to me as sort of a play on words. It was during that whole era-peace, flower power, during the end of the '60s. It sounded good to me, and I mentioned it to the fellows, and they said, 'Well, that's who we are now! The Pieces of Peace!'" Syl put the Pieces of Peace rhythm section to work immediately, employing Reed, Bishop, and Nesbitt on the no-frills "Is It Because I'm Black." Before the single even hit the streets, much less the charts, the full band was marked present on the Dynamic Tints' Reed-composed "Package of Love Pt. 1 & 2" and had backed up Syl up on a handful of regional dates. With no one waiting at home and a band with nowhere else to go, Syl worked tirelessly rehearsing his next opus, an album of songs reflective of the changing times. With "Is It Because I'm Black" still bolding the pages of Billboard, the coming LP's title appeared to Syl plain as day-or, in this case, black as night. Issued in April 1970-a full 13 months before Marvin Gaye's What's Going On-Is It Because I'm Black can rightly be called the first black concept album, a distinction few give it credit for. But that factoid, whatever it's meaning then or now, failed to inspire music buyers: Johnson's record never got a whiff of the two million copies Gaye's did in it's first year of availability. Syl lays the blame squarely on the record's lack of marketability to a white audience: "That was a college record. Black college kids. They're political. But these kind of records tend to hurt you a bit. You've got white people, and then you've got white liberals. But you've got white people who care nothing about you talking about being black. They say 'Why shouldn't I sing "Is It Because I'm White"?' They just don't care for it. Not that they hate it, but they're not going to pay five or six dollars to buy an album of it." The album's cover didn't exactly move units either. Photographer Jerry Griffith dragged Syl to a burned-out building on 43rd Street to shoot the back cover image, and he finger-painted the iconic title over a stock photo of an eroding brick wall. The title track, coupled with the politically charged "I'm Talking About Freedom" and ghetto conscious "Concrete Reservation" sealed the album's cool reception as the work of an "angry black man." Which is unfortunate, as "Together Forever," "Come Together," and "Black Balloons" are positively uplifting, forming their own pot of gold at the end of a grayscale rainbow. The album's closer burns the brightest. "Right On" devolves into a full-on party track, ending with Syl riffing on the line "I'm gonna keep on doing my thing," as if to answer his critics before their needles reached the run-out groove.
UPC: 825764600828
Label: Numero
Release Date: 2.26.13
Format: Vinyl Record
Comic Book Preorder Policy
Comic Book Preorder Policy
Golden Apple Comics Comic Book Preorder Info
What is a preorder?
A preorder is an order placed for an item that has not yet been released. For comic books and collectibles, we offer preorders to allow customers to reserve their copies in advance. This ensures they will receive the item they want and eliminates the worry of it selling out before they have a chance to buy it.
What is the difference between a pull list or subscription and a preorder?
A comic book pull list is similar to preordering books in advance, but with a few key differences. Preorders offer more flexibility, whereas a pull list can be harder to adjust. Since pull lists are typically set months in advance, adding or removing titles can be tricky. On the other hand, preorders can be placed closer to the release date— even the week of release— as long as stock is available. While there are differences, preorders can still function much like a traditional subscription pull, allowing you to secure the books you want ahead of time.
Do I pay up front for my preorder?
This process helps us verify that payment is valid and ensures you are committed to your order. Since we need to place preorders months in advance, we base our orders on the demand from our customers. By securing payment up front, we're able to reserve the books specifically for you, guaranteeing you get what you've requested.
What is “FOC” or Final Order Cut Off?
This is the final deadline for retailers to place book orders before they go to print. We cap our orders at the Final Order Cutoff (FOC). This date usually falls 1–2 months before the release date, though for hardcovers, trade paperbacks, manga, and specialty items, the timeline may be even longer. Certain items require orders to be placed at least six months in advance.
What can I find current preorders?
On the homepage of www.goldenapplecomics.com, we offer a dropdown menu organized by release date for both current and past preorders. A new catalog is uploaded around the 3rd or 4th weekend of each month once it becomes available. Cover sets and CGC offerings are typically added within a few days of the catalog’s release.
Does Golden Apple Comics offer discounts on preorders?
Yes, comic books are discounted for approximately the 1st 1 - 2 months when we list the catalog. As it gets closer to the time we need to order, the discounts will be removed. We encourage you to place your orders sooner so that we can get our ordering locked in and receive the discount.
How does shipping work?
If you place a preorder containing items with multiple release dates, your order will ship after the latest release date in the order. We typically ship new preorders within 5–10 business days of their release. However, delays can occur due to late arrivals, damages, or other unforeseen issues. We make every effort to secure replacements for damaged books, but this process can extend the turnaround time by several weeks.
Can I combine multiple orders into a single shipment?
Yes, Golden Apple Comics offers a combined shipping option for buyers with multiple orders. This allows you to add additional orders at discounted shipping rates. You’ll pay our standard shipping rate on your first order, and for subsequent orders, you can select the combined shipping option to reduce costs.
Please note that when choosing combined shipping, delivery times will vary depending on the number of books, the latest release date in your order, and how frequently you place orders.
HOW TO USE GOLDEN APPLE COMICS COMBINED SHIPPING
What grade is guaranteed on preorder books?
For preorder books, we strive to ship copies that are Near Mint (NM) 9.4 or better. While we understand collectors seek the highest grades, we cannot guarantee 9.8s on every book, as this is not always realistic. Printing imperfections and production variances make it impossible for every book to achieve a 9.8 grade.
What cover is gauranteed on preorder books?
Our listings use stock photos provided by publishers. These images may display unfinished artwork—such as sketches or virgin covers (without trade dress or logos). If a cover is a virgin variant, it will be clearly stated in the title.
If the title does not mention a virgin cover, the final product will include logos and trade dress.
It is industry standard for publishers to provide preview images to retailers before release. These previews often do not include logos, but the final printed product will.
Do you ship preorder books bagged and boarded?
Yes, all standard-sized comic books are shipped bagged and boarded. However, exceptions include items such as hardcovers, trade paperbacks, manga, and large-format or oversized books.
What if my preorder book is damaged?
We take great care in screening all books for damage and packing them securely to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition. However, despite our best efforts, a small number of books may still sustain damage during transit. If you encounter any issues, please email us at gappleorders@gmail.com, and we will be happy to assist you.
Can I cancel or return my preorder?
We do not accept cancellations, returns, or refunds on presale items. Any item sold before its official release date is considered a presale. All sales are final.
Hardcover (HC), Trade Paperback (TP), Softcover, Manga and Book Preorder Policy
Hardcover (HC), Trade Paperback (TP), Softcover, Manga and Book Preorder Policy
Items including but not limited to Hardcovers (HC), Trade Paperbacks (TPB/TP), Softcover (SC), Manga, Graphic Novels (GN), box sets are ordered at the time when a customer places an order. They will be shipped after they arrive from the publisher. We do not guarantee ship dates on HC, TPB, SC, GN, Manga or Box Sets. Typical turnaround time on these books is 1 - 3 weeks after the order is placed on nonpreorder items. On preorder items the release date is stated in the title and items will ship after that stated date.
Orders for these items are not refundable.
Refunds Policy
Refunds Policy
If you have a problem with your item that is damaged or missing please email us. We can offer a refund or exchange if we have stock. Refunds will be issued within 5 business days back to the account you paid with Paypal, Credit Cards, Bank Account etc. Refunds cannot be sent to alternate accounts.
We do not accept returns for any of the following:
No cancellations, returns or refunds on PRESALE items. Any items sold BEFORE the release dates are considered PRESALE. We will not refund ratios (IE 1:10, 1:15, 1:20, 1:25, 1:50, 1:100, 1:200, 1:500 or any other type of ratio) for any reason. We will not refund any other PRESALE books. We place orders based on your orders. If you are ordering presale books we are paying for your books months in advance to secure copies specifically for you and we cannot return them for a refund. If you are ordering signed books, CGC/CBCS graded items that are preorder, please do allow plenty of time for delivery.
No Cancellations or refunds if you select our combined shipping option and do not qualify for a free shipment. Please review our SHIPPING POLICY for more details. Minimum purchase for free shipping is $100. Combined shipping orders must total over $100 to qualify for a free shipment. If your order is less than $100 you will be billed for our flat rate shipping - $6.99.
No cancellations on in stock books. Any in stock books that cannot be shipped immediately due to them being in orders with PRESALE items will not be refunded. In stock books with no PRESALE items in the order will ship ASAP when the order is ready to fill.
No refunds or returns on accurately described items. Books without a stated grade will be offered as NM 9.4 or better with no guarantee of 9.8s. We use industry standards to grade including Overstreet, CGC and CBCS standards. Not familiar with grading check out the following references:
Overstreet Comic Grading Standards
We will not accept returns or exchanges any book with out a stated grade where they would be NM 9.4 or better books. We cannot promise 9.8s on every book, that's not realistic. Printing is imperfect and does not allow for every book to be 9.8.
If the entire print run has similar defects like minor spine dings, bindery issues etc then you will be shipped what we receive unless there is a reprint announced in a timely manner by the publisher. Then you will be given the option to receive the reprint. In the cases where the entire print run has defects we only promise 9.2 or better.
Please note that the following defects may be allowed in NM 9.4 as long as there is not an accumulation of defects.
bindery defects like minor to moderate corner tears, white along the edge of the spine, covers that are offset from the pages (common on cardstock covers) - bindery defects may not affect the grade much if at all
printing defects like a slight color rubs on the back covers, small wrinkles in the paper that were present on the paper rolls prior to the books being printed, paper that is "wavy" from the printing process
printer lines or grooves, they some times run the entire length of the cover or just part of the length. These are from print rollers. Usually on cardstock or foil covers.
2 - 3 small color breaking spine dings or minor non color breaking spine dings
This specific photo example was also a line wide issue, every copy had the same problem.
Shipping Policy
Shipping Policy
PRESALE ITEMS - All PRESALE items have release dates stated in the title of the listing. These items will only be available to ship AFTER the item has been released and is in hand. Presale release dates are subject to change without notice. We do not guarantee release dates set by publishers or manufacturers. If you purchase multiple presale items your order will not ship until after the last item is in stock. Presale items will ship within 5 - 10 days of us receiving them if your entire order is ready to fill.
IN STOCK ITEMS - All in stock items will ship with in 5 - 10 business days of the order being placed in most cases. If you place an order for a presale item that is going to be released or the release of the presale items has been delayed that will delay your shipment. If your order contains both PRESALE and IN STOCK items, your order will not ship until after the last item is in stock.
PREORDER BOOKS INCLUDING TPB, HC, SC, GN, Manga and Box Sets - Items including but not limited to Hardcovers (HC), Trade Paperbacks (TPB/TP), Softcover (SC), Manga, Graphic Novels (GN), box sets are ordered at the time when a customer places an order. They will be shipped after they arrive from the publisher. We do not guarantee ship dates on HC, TPB, SC, GN, Manga or Box Sets. Preorders for these items are not refundable.
COMBINED SHIPPING - Golden Apple Comics offers buyers a combined shipping cost option across multiple orders. Our combined shipping option allows you to add additional orders with free shipping. There is a 30 book, montly minimum for combined orders. This amounts to approx $120 - 150 minimum to get a free shipping. Please only use this option if you plan to place multiple orders.
You pay our standard shipping on your first order. On orders after that you can select our combined shipping option to combine your orders and get free shipping.
When you select combined shipping, shipping times will vary based on the number of books, the final release date for an order, and frequency of orders.
HOW TO USE GOLDEN APPLE COMICS COMBINED SHIPPING
SPLIT SHIPMENTS - Split shipments are done as a courtesy or as part of our combined shipping system. If you do not qualify for a split shipment you will be subject to shipping charges. Please email us to request a split shipment.
IN STORE PICK UPS - Local pick ups will be filled as the items are available. We will email customers when the pick ups are filled, and let them know the items are being sent to the shop. We will partially fulfill your in-store pick-ups so you do not need to wait for the entire order to be available to receive items from your order. Please allow 48 hrs from the fulfillment email for your order to arrive at the shop for pick up.
INSURANCE - Orders are shipped with insurance for both parties protection.
SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION - Orders may be shipped with signature confirmation at our discretion based on both our insurance and payment processors requirements to be covered and insure delivery to the customer.
Please see our RETURNS AND REFUNDS policy for more details.
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