Recorded and pressed in May 1957, "I Want You" is a pristine example of mid-century American vocal harmony adapted for international radio broadcasting. Performed by the Wilder Brothers—a vocal trio consisting of siblings George, Walter, and Warner Wilder (who also performed under names like the Weidler Brothers)—this track showcases their signature transition from traditional pop arrangements into a rhythmic, early rock and roll vocal structure. While domestic US releases appeared on Verve Records, this specific artifact is a factory sample single-sided test pressing manufactured in the United Kingdom by His Master's Voice (HMV) under the catalog number POP 365 for promotional use prior to commercial distribution.
By 1957, the British music industry was feeling the heavy, undeniable impact of the American rock and roll explosion. Major labels like HMV were rushing to secure international masters to satiate a rapidly growing teenage consumer class that wielded newly independent post-war disposable income. This single-sided white-label test press is a direct product of that corporate scramble. Manufactured exclusively for distribution to radio presenters and jukebox programmers, it bypasses standard retail printing to ensure fast preview access. Preserved on heavy 10" shellac compound, it stands as a physical artifact from the final golden years of the 78 RPM format in Britain, right before the 7" vinyl single permanently claimed dominance over global youth markets.

The Wilder Brothers were exceptionally versatile musicians; besides their vocal work, they found success writing music and later recording under the name Sounds Of Sunshine.

This specific HMV release features only the A-side track "I Want You", leaving the reverse side completely smooth and ungrooved, standard for strict 1950s factory preview samples.

The recording was highlighted in American print media upon its initial release in late May 1957 as a top recommended track within its genre.

Condition Report

Visual Grade: EX (Excellent). The heavy shellac retains a beautiful gloss and highly reflective black surfaces. Under direct light, only minimal handling faint paper marks are visible, completely isolated from the groove paths.

Labels: Clean, unblemished white HMV factory promotional label. The printed release details and catalog number remain completely crisp, distinct, and free of writing or age spotting.

Audio: Audio performance is excellent, tracking with sharp fidelity, clear vocal presence, and minimal underlying shellac hiss. The playback remains entirely free of distortion, sticks, skips, or structural fractures.

Postage & Packing Information

Shipping fragile 78 RPM shellac records requires absolute precision. This item will be secured between layers of thick card stiffeners, wrapped heavily in premium bubble wrap, and suspended within a heavy-duty, doubleskin box with void-fill materials to prevent any internal movement during transit.

Rest assured, your record will be carefully packed and promptly dispatched.