Top Of The World Stafford Allnighter

Stafford: Top of the World. A truly iconic venue. This latter day All Nighter was a celebration in the best music the scene as to offer. The smaller than expected crowd didn’t dampen the mood. Everyone who was there appeared to enjoy the vibe, dancing, smiling, and soaking in the sounds. It was great to see lots of familiar and friendly faces.

We arrived to catch the last half of Charles Simpson’s set, that included The Embers ‘ First Time’ and the Superb falsetto vocals of the Epsilons.

Gamekeeper Jones followed with a super selection, featuring dance floor favourites, The Invitations ‘Watch Out Little Girl’ and the Blue Jays. The currently underplayed gem Dorothy Berry ‘You Better Watch Out’. And not forgetting the magical Jewel Akens.

Sean Hayden  gave us the irrepressible Volumes ‘Ain’t Gonna Give You Up’ and the man for all seasons: Darrow Fletcher, with his Northern banger ‘What Good Am I Without You’. The classic sound of Cecil Washington, followed by The Skull Snaps’ 70’s dancer ‘ My Hang Up is You’. Sean had a another  spot in the second room,  a few new to me from the funkier side of things; Darker Shades Ltd, ‘Tracking Down Jody’, complete with Jazzy horns and a rock guitar. And a track from the James Brown school,  Gameth ‘Darkness’. I was on more familiar ground with his closing track the outstanding Willie Dale and ‘Let Your Light Shine’

Back in the Main room. Alan Jenkins treated us to a few Holy Grail 45’s, Don Gardner ‘Cheating Kind’ and The Antellects ‘ Love Slave’. A Stafford dance floor favourite Jesse Johnson. Not forgetting the classic sound of The Del Larks. I’d forgotten how good that was to dance to.

Tony Smith continued the theme of box office tunes. Including my all time favourite dancer the inimitable Eddie Parker, ‘I’m Gone’. Martha Star’s truly brilliant  ‘Love Is The Only Solution’. Then mixing things up nicely with crossover magic The Four Tracks and the Sharpees ‘Go On And Laugh’.

Dave Rimmer treated us to some Stafford classics Troy Dodds and Tommy Navarro. A track I never tire of dancing to, The Magnetics ‘ I Have a Girl’.  And slowing things down wonderfully with ‘Bob and. Fred’s  masterpiece ‘I’ll Be On My Way’.  Which for us was a very apt, since we reluctantly had to  depart for home shortly afterwards.

Thanks to Pep and all the DJs for this musical nirvana.

Edited April 7Apr 7 by Mickyfinn

Another excellent night with a very reasonable turnout all things considered. 

Yet again quite a lot of ticket purchasers didn't show? 

Superb music all night in both rooms from a wonderful team of DJs playing strictly original vinyl over two mega sound systems! 

Looking forward to the next one in October and an All-Dayer or two through the summer ☀️😊xx