FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 17, 2010

DEAR JERRY: As a fan of the 1960s British music, I often buy entire collections of those type records on a pot luck basis. In those lots I have come up with some very interesting items about which I knew nothing and wouldn't have bought individually. One such record is “Zoot Suit” backed with “I'm the Face” (Back Door 4) by a rock band called the High Numbers.

About all I know about them is they never had a hit record in the U.S.

What can you tell me about the High Numbers? Who were they?
—Ken Madigan, Madison, Wisc.

DEAR KEN: The short answer requires only a simple transposition within your question: They were Who.

However, I suspect you seek a slightly more illuminating reply.

Formed in the spring of 1964, the High Numbers were the same foursome who one year later became world famous as the Who, and eventually one of rock's greatest bands: Roger Daltrey, John Entwisle, Pete Townshend, and Keith Moon.

Their first record deal came with Fontana, and resulted in a single coupling “Zoot Suit” and “I'm the Face” (Fontana TF-480).

As one would expect, the first record by the Who would be quite collectible, especially a non-hit that didn't sell very well. This coveted single, not issued in America despite so much British music coming our way in 1964, now sells in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.

The Back Door “Zoot Suit” is a $4.00 to $8.00 reissue, made in the 1980s specifically for Who fans whose music budgets didn't allow for $1,000 records.

The High Numbers signed with Decca in 1965, then came their first hit, “I Can't Explain.” By mid-April this tune ranked in the New Musical Express Top 10.

DEAR JERRY: I am a newcomer to vinyl collecting, and I am having a lot of fun with this new hobby.

When it comes to describing condition, I notice most of the dealers use one- or two-letter abbreviations.

Since this is so common, can you put together a list that will help me to break the code?
—Angie Beachwood, York, Pa.

DEAR ANGIE: Gladly. Here is the standard system of record grading used by buyers and sellers worldwide:

M (mint): A mint item must be absolutely perfect. Nothing less can be honestly described as mint. Even brand new purchases can easily be flawed in some manner and not qualify as mint. To allow for tiny blemishes, the highest grade used by most dealers is NM (near-mint).

VG (very good): Records in very good condition should have a minimum of visual or audible imperfections, and they should not detract much from your enjoyment of owning it. This grade is halfway between good and near-mint.

G (good): Good enough to fill a gap until a better copy becomes available. Good condition merchandise will show definite signs of wear and tear, probably because no protective care was given the item. Records in good condition should at least play all the way through without skipping. You will often see a plus (”) or minus (-) sign to indicate the item is slightly better or worse than the primary grade, such as VG” (very good plus) and

VG- (very good minus). M- is synonymous with NM (near-mint).

The condition of most older records is probably something less than near-mint condition, so it is very important to use the near-mint price range only as a starting point in record appraising.

IZ ZAT SO? For the first 30 years of the Rock Era in England, only 14 singles made their debut at No. 1 on the New Musical Express chart: (1958) “Jailhouse Rock” (Elvis Presley); (1960) “My Old Man's a Dustman” (Lonnie Donnegan); (1960) “It's Now Or Never” (Elvis Presley); (1961) “Surrender” (Elvis Presley); (1962) “The Young Ones” (Cliff Richard); (1963) “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (Beatles); (1964) “Can't Buy Me Love” (Beatles); (1964) “A Hard Day's Night” (Beatles); (1964) “Little Red Rooster” (Rolling Stones); (1964) “I Feel Fine” (Beatles); (1965) “Ticket to Ride” (Beatles); (1965) “Help!” (Beatles); (1965) “Day Tripper” (Beatles); and (1967) “All You Need Is Love” (Beatles).

All became huge hits in England, but only the 11 by Elvis and the Beatles were also U.S. hits. The tunes by Lonnie Donnegan, Cliff Richard, and Rolling Stones never charted in the States.