Northern Soul Film

[Joyandpain]

anyone know when its out ?

[macca]

Or the British villain of The Patriot, the Mel Gibson movie.

Apparently it was so distorted that his descendents decided to sue.

Gibson's reply it's just a f*** movie for chrissakes!

[Little-stevie]

"It's only a film", not to me it isn't!

I appreciate that the producer can only go so far as to get authentic props and the like and the clip so far looks mega!

I think every ones fearful of The U-571 episode,

This movie sees the enigma code machine captured by a daring operation where the Americans board a German U boat and take the Enigma coding machine and breaking its code changed the course of World War II.

In reality it was the British!

Most of us can deal with small insignificant errors; let's hope we don't see too much poetic license.

Or did the Polish have a very significant part to play in finding the enigma machine:rolleyes:

Again we have so much hot air and we know next to nothing yet???

Lets hope it comes out soon , very soon..

[ImberBoy]

Let's just say, it ends up another Quadrophenia,Like with the Mod Revival from the 70's through to today. Loads of young Lads and Lasses embrace the Music like we all did, even try and dress "Northern" and become the next Ace of there scene cause he's/she's got such and such on Whatever records, and they're all lovin the Dances, the friends the stories the nighter Buzz for the first time, hunting the vinyl, Dare say it as they do now anyway, the recreational pharmicuticals and the makings of a man/woman this scene can be...

The majority of us, i would speculate, haven't seen more than a handful of fights throughout all the years of attending venues...and witnessed a lot more friendships built on shared passions.....rather than dressing in black and tellin everybody to FUCK OFF, WHAT YOU LOOKIN AT....I'm hard me I'll Knife ya!

Bring it on, may it be absolutely enjoyable, or a bit of plastic nostalgia...I hope it brings our youth back together again and give them a focus....Rather than them have to go and rob one...(A ford focus love....come on tune in)

Then, also my records will still have value in twenty years

Lets not all end up like Victor Meldrew

Mike

If we do get a revival such as the Mod revival then this is what we have to look forward too.........

I have to use my own experience for this and I dare say that there will be a few scootering Soulies who will echo what I am about to say..........

At first there will be a sudden influx of young people who will want to dress and imitate the era along with all of the dance and the music.

This is greeted with open arms and I dare say that there will be some brilliant occasions as result of popular demand; we may see some superb acts coming over to the UK and some reissues of rare records. Dance studios may pop up and for a while we will bask in the heady atmosphere of novelty stardom. Reporters and writers will be ever so eager to shove mikes under every nose that whiffs of Wigan Casino.

The born again expert will realise that there is a mega fast buck to be made and we will have new promoters slinging on ill thought out events that swamp those who are promoting now.

As the rubber band stretches we may see some thing snap, The Isle of Wight and Chris Burton springs to mind? As the interest spirals up wards the quality line thins until the next best thing comes out and the kids drop their latest toy leaving those who remain to look dated and a little embarrassed, this happened with Mod.

Mod had scooters and this entered into the DNA of some, our music may well infect in the same way?

While the majority who I will call Plastic Soulies leave those who stay behind may well need to reinvent themselves and distance them selves from the un loyal, we saw this happen to an extent with the baggy pants and circle skirts, fine they have had their time in the wilderness and it seams ok for some to see a few reappear but like the Mod revival it is ok to see some "Mods" but the word mod now has such a cringe factor.

I don't see anything wrong with the nighter scene as it is, I know I'm a frumpy kill joy, I want the film to be successful but I don't want a "Northernsoul Revival", I can barley deal with the born again's as it is!

[Phild]

Het up? Geez from the first day I heard about the production of this film - whatever they're calling it this week, I NEVER thought of it as entertainment.

Perhaps there are some who care about the portrayal of this so called underground scene and how the young blood we so desperately crave will receive this film- dance off's n'all.

But YOU don't have to think of it as entertainment. It's not aimed at you, or me for that matter. Well no more than that maybe we're part of the British cinema-going or video-buying public.

I don't know why some do desperately crave young blood on the scene. they're never going to come. Not in numbers that will ever make any real impact anyway. And even if they do they won't "keep the flame alive" they'll just adapt and mould it into something different. More in keeping with their own, values, mores, desires and experiences. The odd one or two do "get it" and fit into the scene. Most wouldn't. How could they|? They weren't born in the 50's & 60's like us so they can't share our experiences. To them it will only ever be something other than what it was or is. Just like some kids on our estate were into rock & roll, even wearing beetlecrushers and having their hair done in a D.A.

At the end of the day it is MEANT as entertainment. Pure and simple.

Phil

Edited March 16, 2010 by phild

[Guest Dave Turner]

But YOU don't have to think of it as entertainment. It's not aimed at you, or me for that matter. Well no more than that maybe we're part of the British cinema-going or video-buying public.

I don't know why some do desperately crave young blood on the scene. they're never going to come. Not in numbers that will ever make any real impact anyway. And even if they do they won't "keep the flame alive" they'll just adapt and mould it into something different. More in keeping with their own, values, mores, desires and experiences. The odd one or two do "get it" and fit into the scene. Most wouldn't. How could they|? They weren't born in the 50's & 60's like us so they can't share our experiences. To them it will only ever be something other than what it was or is. Just like some kids on our estate were into rock & roll, even wearing beetlecrushers and having their hair done in a D.A.

At the end of the day it is MEANT as entertainment. Pure and simple.

Phil

Gotta agree with you there (the red bit)

[Simsy]

But YOU don't have to think of it as entertainment. It's not aimed at you, or me for that matter. Well no more than that maybe we're part of the British cinema-going or video-buying public.

I don't know why some do desperately crave young blood on the scene. they're never going to come. Not in numbers that will ever make any real impact anyway. And even if they do they won't "keep the flame alive" they'll just adapt and mould it into something different. More in keeping with their own, values, mores, desires and experiences. The odd one or two do "get it" and fit into the scene. Most wouldn't. How could they|? They weren't born in the 50's & 60's like us so they can't share our experiences. To them it will only ever be something other than what it was or is. Just like some kids on our estate were into rock & roll, even wearing beetlecrushers and having their hair done in a D.A.

At the end of the day it is MEANT as entertainment. Pure and simple.

Phil

I take your point there Phil, though I don't know that it's down to you or me to say who this film is aimed at.

Quadrophenia came out in 1979 and spawned what became a full on mod revival. Now I'm not saying this crummy film will have the same effect, but again as we have nothing to do with who the film is aimed at, we have an equally non existent guide as to how it will be perceived and by whom.

Regarding the new blood and the craving - some want this to prolong the longevity of the northern soul scene because they care and they don't want it to die on the vine.

[Steve G]

Must admit i'm of this viewpoint & totally with Paul Sadot on his view, maybe it's a personality thing & certain personalities just care about everything too much, maybe if we look at it in the cold light of day it means nothing in the wider world but if you have one of those personalities (like i do also) you want everything to be portrayed correctly.

IMO anything that is done under the name or connected to NS affects it's standing/the way it's viewed by the general public, you can't get away from it, people use lazy reference points to view & describe things, if this film is terrible as it appears it will be lazy people in the general public will assume this is what all NS is about.

Simon

Well I understyand the sentiment Simon, but the reality is it is a film - and with a film it is never going to be a totally factually accurate representation. Just be thankful it's not being produced in Hollywood with Mel Gibson playing the part of the hero Russ Winstanley pitched against Sam Mendes as the villian playing Ricardo Searlingi.

From what I've seen is just about some yoofs in the 70s with a back-cloth of northern soul and chasing "birds" around - nothing wrong with that as a plot - it's not attempting to be a factual reincarnation of the Casino. It's just a film, it'll either be good, watchable, entertaining or it won't. I am not convinced people will see something set in the 70s as being "what NS is all about" today - they don't look at Miss Marple and think that's how people are today do they? There's more risk of them being mistaken about the scene today if they stumble into a Wigan shopping centre......when the annual pantomine is on.

Doubt many new bloods will get into NS off the back of this either - if my kids are anything to go by they'll ask "Is that what it was like back then Dad? Ha Ha Ha". But yes we need to get new people into the scene, how? Well that's a different thread..........

[Guest joeythelips]

It will be of significantly vast importance? What a load of absolute tosh. So ANY film good or bad is a reference for the inspiration of future generations? I can only assume IPSO facto have hired you as some sort of evangalistic press officer or is this a wind up? Nice one if it is mate! Im pmsl

On that basis the crap TV film that came out in the 70s was of significantly vast importance? Even though it was a pile of innacurate crap and ALL on the scene distanced themselves from it for fear of being mis represented and associated with it. Your advocating that the fact that it was done, was an inspiration ? YOU may have had no taste or feel a film has to be tacky (see trailer for reference) to sell, but many films have managed to avoid this and represent accuuurately a period of history. Whilst i know your 'Carry On Up The Casino' approach will probably be popular, it makes me cringe. 'It Wont Get Better Than This'? Very bold statement...SO no one else will make a better film about it?mmmmm? I dont think so...

Paul.. you bang on about authenticity, and yet in your own sleeve notes for the CD for your play you say...

" I have taken a few liberties with the years in which particular tracks were played, and there are a few that are not from that period."

So you have a special dispensation on authenticity?

Why don't you just wait until the film is out before you start pontificating on how bad it is. Otherwise, you just come across as bitter and jelous.

[Simsy]

Paul.. you bang on about authenticity, and yet in your own sleeve notes for the CD for your play you say...

" I have taken a few liberties with the years in which particular tracks were played, and there are a few that are not from that period."

So you have a special dispensation on authenticity?

Why don't you just wait until the film is out before you start pontificating on how bad it is. Otherwise, you just come across as bitter and jelous.

That's a weak analogy imo joeythelips.

If the sounds didn't fit the period at least he was probably there when those sounds were played. Could the same be said of Shimmy Marcus?

I've seen Once upon A Time and it knocks spots off what I've seen and read of Soul Boy in terms of authenticity etc.

Edited March 16, 2010 by Simsy

[Paul-s]

Typical. The only time I have ever wanted to use the wanker smiley and it's no longer there.

Paul, you're obviously passionate about what you believe in. Fair play, I can't knock you for that. Perhaps today wouldn't be like it is if it were not for people like you. Perhaps.

Maybe I feel jealous of you because nothing has yet enveloped me to such an obsessive state that I would quite happily insult people I know fcuk all about because they dare to share a differing view to my own???

I'll go away and think about that, and you can carry on rocking slowly back and forth in a darkened room despising the very thought that someone has had the audacity to make a film with Northern Soul as it's backdop.

The film will come and go, and nothing will have changed.

Maybe then you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

Peace man

You seem to think that this is my preoccupation. I have far to busy a life to really give a toss. BUT i believe in calling a turd a turd and this film is a turd...peace!

[Pete S]

this crummy film

Have you seen it?

[Simsy]

Have you seen it?

Not all of it. You?

[Guest]

Not all of it. You?

Well thats a good thumbs up Simsy,couldnt even watch it to the end.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ken

[Billywhizz]

anyone know when its out ?

they've put it back to autumn u dont realise how passionate these film makers r, there not happy about all the bickering going on here.

Billy

[Little-stevie]

they've put it back to autumn u dont realise how passionate these film makers r, there not happy about all the bickering going on here.

Billy

The film makers are members on here Billy, they are welcome to reply... I am sure that i would if i was them...

There are many questions they could come and answer if they wish, they could also put a few people straight if they think some are in the wrong...

I would welcome some comment from, them, they came on here before filming and pushed the subject, they could come on again now at any point...

[Guest joeythelips]

You seem to think that this is my preoccupation. I have far to busy a life to really give a toss. BUT i believe in calling a turd a turd and this film is a turd...peace!

If someone called your play a turd, and they hadn't actually seen it, you'd be foaming at the mouth, and apoplectic.

Seeing as you don't live by double standards, can you tell us where you saw the film?

You've never mentioned before you'd seen it. Well ?

[Agentsmith]

The film makers are members on here Billy, they are welcome to reply... I am sure that i would if i was them...

There are many questions they could come and answer if they wish, they could also put a few people straight if they think some are in the wrong...

I would welcome some comment from, them, they came on here before filming and pushed the subject, they could come on again now at any point...

here,here stevie,

i admit i wasnt aware of that fact, of course they are not under any obligation to do so but there's some stern critisizm being levelled on both sides of the house...and thats our democratic right as well. however, they could go some way to smoothing the waters by stating why, if its true, they are putting the release date back again and to give a first hand account of how they feel about what they've produced. this thread is akin to the proverbial hornet's nest, its like making a film is a threat to our integrity and the fabric of the scene. the doubters stoically want to hold on to the wrong end of the stick. we found out a lot of things about ourselves in the 70's, and so did the scene. it was like painting by numbers or snakes and ladders, you had to attempt something before you found out the hard way what it was like to make a mistake. if this film had been made then it would, in time have been regarded as a misdemeanour and we would have all blanked it from our minds....just like with some records that, back in the 70's, weren't particularly good...they just rode on a crest of a wave, but we'd shrug now at the thought of hearing or dancing to them now. this film would hope to achieve the innocense and naivety of that era so we could see where we went wrong or suffered from gullibility. but it is a fictional story...just set in that time frame and along the same lines as a stage play...IT CANT BE ANYTHING ELSE CAN IT?.

ive already aired my views about documented material particularly film evidence on the real life story involving wigan casino and that is the greatest subject of discussion of all...it would be even more interesting if this "other film" surfaced so that we didnt have to chew the fat over this england until infinity.....ISNT THAT SOMETHING WORTH GETTING HEATED ABOUT?.....BEING DEPRIVED OF INTERESTING FACTUAL STUFF??. it seems there are many who dont want to give up their secrets and jealously guard them. at least a bit of fiction lifts the gloom!.

rob.h

[Simsy]

they've put it back to autumn u dont realise how passionate these film makers r, there not happy about all the bickering going on here.

Billy

Why have they put it back to the autumn Billy?

[Jumpinjoan]

they've put it back to autumn u dont realise how passionate these film makers r, there not happy about all the bickering going on here.

Billy

You are joking?

[Phild]

I take your point there Phil, though I don't know that it's down to you or me to say who this film is aimed at.

True. But I'm sure it's a commercial venture with nthe intention that, amongst other things, it makes some money. That being the case they would want to either aim it at a specific subgroup who would definitely go and see it. IE Northern Soul fans. Given the vitriol ezpressed on here I can see that ever being a winner. Alternatively they would want to appeal to as many people as possible by making a formulaic (eg boy meets girl etc) film, with an interesting backdrop (no pun intended) that hasn't been overdone. Hence using the Northern scene as that backdrop.

Quadrophenia came out in 1979 and spawned what became a full on mod revival. Now I'm not saying this crummy film will have the same effect, but again as we have nothing to do with who the film is aimed at, we have an equally non existent guide as to how it will be perceived and by whom.

I couldn't comment on that, other than the mod "revival" seemed to me to have little to do with the original mod scene of the 1960's, in that it was different music on the whole and the original mod scene was about having the latest, greatest and up to datest. Wheras the revival was all about the exact opposite.

Regarding the new blood and the craving - some want this to prolong the longevity of the northern soul scene because they care and they don't want it to die on the vine.

As I mentioned earlier I don't see how new blood, in any kind of numbers, would prolong this scene. They would just create a new revival version of it. Maybe with new wave Northern Soul groups and a 21st century northern soul version of Paul Weller. Perish the thought.

Phil

[ImberBoy]

Bit confused "The film makers are members on here"

If this is the case then why have they not asked for input and comment prior to making the film?

Surely that would have been the way forward? What we have now is a load of unnecessary speculation and a lot of people fearful that yet again the "scene" is going to suffer yet another bungled media project.

I think if I had a budget for a film and I cared about getting as much right as possible then I'd be at least visiting forums, soul source has to be the electronic soul caf of today, crazy not to have used such an available asset that's free, relevant and chocker full of experienced soul fans.

Of course we will always get a bun fight, don't all forums have that? I dare say that we would be united in things like music content, we may not all agree as to what to play but I'm dam sure we would have a list of "avoid at all costs'?

Time Spent in Reconnaissance is Seldom Wasted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD9oSpPeybY

[Guest JIM BARRY]

think it would be better for all concerned to either watch it or don't. its just an attempt to do something thats not been done. some will like it some won't and some will see it for what it is........entertainment!!!!!!

[Wiggyflat]

True. But I'm sure it's a commercial venture with nthe intention that, amongst other things, it makes some money. That being the case they would want to either aim it at a specific subgroup who would definitely go and see it. IE Northern Soul fans. Given the vitriol ezpressed on here I can see that ever being a winner. Alternatively they would want to appeal to as many people as possible by making a formulaic (eg boy meets girl etc) film, with an interesting backdrop (no pun intended) that hasn't been overdone. Hence using the Northern scene as that backdrop.

I couldn't comment on that, other than the mod "revival" seemed to me to have little to do with the original mod scene of the 1960's, in that it was different music on the whole and the original mod scene was about having the latest, greatest and up to datest. Wheras the revival was all about the exact opposite.

As I mentioned earlier I don't see how new blood, in any kind of numbers, would prolong this scene. They would just create a new revival version of it. Maybe with new wave Northern Soul groups and a 21st century northern soul version of Paul Weller. Perish the thought.

Phil

Don't know about a northern soul Paul Weller but may kick off a northern soul cabaret scene....here's one band that have ditched playing Whojampaulwellersunderpants covers.....Hey baybeeee I get my kicks out on the floor (in a chicken in a basket stylee) https://thesignatures.co.uk/The_Signatures/the_signatures.html

[Little-stevie]

They did have input before filming, asking for extra's/ dancers and other stuff..

They went underground when comments about them were negative....

I am sure you can find the thread , it was quite an epic...

[Wiggyflat]

Don't know about a northern soul Paul Weller but may kick off a northern soul cabaret scene....here's one band that have ditched playing Whojampaulwellersunderpants covers.....Hey baybeeee I get my kicks out on the floor (in a chicken in a basket stylee) https://thesignatures...signatures.html

Bring back zoot .........

[Billywhizz]

The film makers are members on here Billy, they are welcome to reply... I am sure that i would if i was them...

There are many questions they could come and answer if they wish, they could also put a few people straight if they think some are in the wrong...

I would welcome some comment from, them, they came on here before filming and pushed the subject, they could come on again now at any point...

Stevie, there was some very important people at Stoke last Saturday. They even slipped through the net of Kev Roberts. they've got 1 shot of this film thats gotta be right. Read between the lines they have worked so hard at this, and there taking on board whats been said on Soul Source. As some of us take Soul Source for granted, not realising to other people. Soul Source is number 1 worldwide for Northern Modern and Rare music. And the knowledgement of boys and girls on Soul Source is at Epic porportion. I've never said there were members on here, possibly one or two. Anyway i hope it will be before Autumn. Lets just wait and see.

Billy

Ps. Hows married life?

[Little-stevie]

Stevie, there was some very important people at Stoke last Saturday. They even slipped through the net of Kev Roberts. they've got 1 shot of this film thats gotta be right. Read between the lines they have worked so hard at this, and there taking on board whats been said on Soul Source. As some of us take Soul Source for granted, not realising to other people. Soul Source is number 1 worldwide for Northern Modern and Rare music. And the knowledgement of boys and girls on Soul Source is at Epic porportion. I've never said there were members on here, possibly one or two. Anyway i hope it will be before Autumn. Lets just wait and see.

Billy

Ps. Hows married life?

Hi mate

No i said they were members, well some are because they posted before filming..

Lets wait and see for sure, as i have said, there will be plenty chance for comment after release....

Maybe some more input from them on this forum could have helped calm this all down, just a thought..

Married life is ok mate, bout time really, i aint no spring chicken

Take care mate..

[stevemcmahon]

Ha Ha....Absolutely spot on Pete, does make me chuckle peeps who try to reinvent history as though The Who & Quadrophenia were nothing to do with the Mod scene.

I know when i was a nipper the thing that got me into it was The Jam, Quadrophenia, Madness etc....then i went on to Tamla, Small Faces etc....then when i got really serious about it Northern Soul, Beat, Garage & R & B.......i don't believe anyone bypassed everything & got straight into rare R & B, maybe some of the kids today but that's a shame in my book as you need to build up to all that stuff

imo to have a solid grounding.

Simon

Couldn't disagree with you more on this, Simon. How old were you incidentally when Quadrophenia was being made? I know I was 18 & going to Randy & Ady's 6Ts Rhythm & Soul Club do's where there were plenty of original & second wave mods who were only into original R&B as that was only what was played there. So much so, they refused outright to play any Northern - I know cause I asked many times. I know there were many like me who looked down on the likes of the Jam for getting the whole Mod thing totally wrong - I mean, the original Jam shoes were sold years before @ACME Attractions - Don Letts store on the Kings Rd & Johnson & Johnsons - a Punk/New Wave store in Ken Mkt! They were an out & out, New Wave rock band, nothing less.

Having grown up in the 60s myself, I've always been confused with the Who's association to the Mod movement - Mods & Rockers were clearly delineated where I grew up & the Who played Rock, well pop. At the time, a helluva lot of pop/rock bands jumped on the mod style bandwagon. The Mods I knew of were all into Motown & Ska. In the 70s, I did a thesis on the original Whitechapel mods [Mark Feld & gang] & when asked, most would go on about the Ska parties in Notting Hill & nights @the Whiskey A Go Go [WAGG] club in Wardour St and the predominant music played there was reggae & R&B, NOT pop.

Personally, I've always thought of Quadrophenia as an utter dross rock musical which was too heavily influenced by the era it was shot in - I mean just look @Sting's barnet FFS ..can only think it was in his contract not to be touched from his Police days!

IMHO, it should've been called "Carry on Brighton ..the musical" or "Rock Follies II" but then that's the way I saw it @the time.

Each to their own..

Edited March 16, 2010 by deeve

[Simsy]

True. But I'm sure it's a commercial venture with the intention that, amongst other things, it makes some money. That being the case they would want to either aim it at a specific subgroup who would definitely go and see it. IE Northern Soul fans. Given the vitriol ezpressed on here I can see that ever being a winner. Alternatively they would want to appeal to as many people as possible by making a formulaic (eg boy meets girl etc) film, with an interesting backdrop (no pun intended) that hasn't been overdone. Hence using the Northern scene as that backdrop.

Yep agree with all that and money is the key here, it wins out over love or passion. Shame.

I couldn't comment on that, other than the mod "revival" seemed to me to have little to do with the original mod scene of the 1960's, in that it was different music on the whole and the original mod scene was about having the latest, greatest and up to datest. Wheras the revival was all about the exact opposite.

I'd agree with half of that. half a thumbs up giff

As I mentioned earlier I don't see how new blood, in any kind of numbers, would prolong this scene. They would just create a new revival version of it. Maybe with new wave Northern Soul groups and a 21st century northern soul version of Paul Weller. Perish the thought.

One thing is for sure Phil, it'll perish a lot sooner if no fecker bothers. Some have predicted the osmosis you speak of and indeed welcome it!

Ooh er mrs, freddie chavez anyone?

Phil

n

Simsy

[Guest Simon]

Couldn't disagree with you more on this, Simon. How old were you incidentally when Quadrophenia was being made? I know I was 18 & going to Randy & Ady's 6Ts Rhythm & Soul Club do's where there were plenty of original & second wave mods who were only into original R&B as that was only what was played there. So much so, they refused outright to play any Northern - I know cause I asked many times. I know there were many like me who looked down on the likes of the Jam for getting the whole Mod thing totally wrong - I mean, the original Jam shoes were sold years before @ACME Attractions - Don Letts store on the Kings Rd & Johnson & Johnsons - a Punk/New Wave store in Ken Mkt! They were an out & out, New Wave rock band, nothing less.

Having grown up in the 60s myself, I've always been confused with the Who's association to the Mod movement - Mods & Rockers were clearly delineated where I grew up & the Who played Rock, well pop. At the time, a helluva lot of pop/rock bands jumped on the mod style bandwagon. The Mods I knew of were all into Motown & Ska. In the 70s, I did a thesis on the original Whitechapel mods [Mark Feld & gang] & when asked, most would go on about the Ska parties in Notting Hill & nights @the Whiskey A Go Go [WAGG] club in Wardour St and the predominant music played there was reggae & R&B, NOT pop.

Personally, I've always thought of Quadrophenia as an utter dross rock musical which was too heavily influenced by the era it was shot in - I mean just look @Sting's barnet FFS ..can only think it was in his contract not to be touched from his Police days!

IMHO, it should've been called "Carry on Brighton ..the musical" or "Rock Follies II" but then that's the way I saw it @the time.

Each to their own..

I was 11 when it came out, this film, The Jam & Madness were what started me into "Mod" music, i'm not saying these three things were 'proper' Mod but they started me & most of my mates off on our journey, this was really the only point i was trying to make.

The Who's association as Pete pointed out was they were managed by a Mod, followed by Mods, dressed like Mods etc, they also covered classic Tamla tracks....

As you say each to their own...

[Ian Dewhirst]

https://www.youtube.c...h?v=eD9oSpPeybY

I wonder how many 10 year old kids watched "Footsee" on Top Of The Pops in 1975, were mesmerised by the dancing and ended up @ Stafford or the 100 Club 10 years later listening to the real thing?

And would they ever admit it?

Ian D

Edited March 16, 2010 by Ian Dewhirst

[Steve G]

Couldn't disagree with you more on this, Simon. How old were you incidentally when Quadrophenia was being made? I know I was 18 & going to Randy & Ady's 6Ts Rhythm & Soul Club do's where there were plenty of original & second wave mods who were only into original R&B as that was only what was played there. So much so, they refused outright to play any Northern - I know cause I asked many times. I know there were many like me who looked down on the likes of the Jam for getting the whole Mod thing totally wrong - I mean, the original Jam shoes were sold years before @ACME Attractions - Don Letts store on the Kings Rd & Johnson & Johnsons - a Punk/New Wave store in Ken Mkt! They were an out & out, New Wave rock band, nothing less.

Having grown up in the 60s myself, I've always been confused with the Who's association to the Mod movement - Mods & Rockers were clearly delineated where I grew up & the Who played Rock, well pop. At the time, a helluva lot of pop/rock bands jumped on the mod style bandwagon. The Mods I knew of were all into Motown & Ska. In the 70s, I did a thesis on the original Whitechapel mods [Mark Feld & gang] & when asked, most would go on about the Ska parties in Notting Hill & nights @the Whiskey A Go Go [WAGG] club in Wardour St and the predominant music played there was reggae & R&B, NOT pop.

Personally, I've always thought of Quadrophenia as an utter dross rock musical which was too heavily influenced by the era it was shot in - I mean just look @Sting's barnet FFS ..can only think it was in his contract not to be touched from his Police days!

IMHO, it should've been called "Carry on Brighton ..the musical" or "Rock Follies II" but then that's the way I saw it @the time.

Each to their own..

An excellent perspective on Quadrophenia. I remember seeing it as a new release and thinking "this ain't right". But it was just a film, entertaining or not entertaining. I could watch it again, knowing that it bears little resemblance to what actually went on.

"Carry on Brighton...the musical" :no:

Edited March 17, 2010 by Steve G

[3 Before 8]

Let see if the kids of to day are still into todays stuff 30 years from now?

[Guest Simon]

"Carry on Brighton...the musical"

I'm a big carry on fan so i'd take that as a compliment re Quadrophenia.

I still personally think the film has a lot of merit, brilliant Who soundtrack, top notch 6ts tunes "Be my baby" (My fave record of all time), "Rythmn of the rain", "Night train" etc...also had a lot of great young actors coming through Phil Daniels, Lesley Ash, Timothy Spall, Daniel Peacock, Toyah (cough) etc.

Great script, humour, good locations, good threads....yes there were plenty of flaws but it worked for me & is still doing so 30 years later.

Simon

[Simsy]

I still personally think the film has a lot of merit, brilliant Who soundtrack, top notch 6ts tunes "Be my baby" (My fave record of all time), "Rythmn of the rain", "Night train" etc...also had a lot of great young actors coming through Phil Daniels, Lesley Ash, Timothy Spall, Daniel Peacock, Toyah (cough) etc.

Great script, humour, good locations, good threads....yes there were plenty of flaws but it worked for me & is still doing so 30 years later.

Simon

Agreed.

[stevemcmahon]

Mods vs Rockers scene

[Guest MBarrett]

knowing that it bears little resemblance to what actually went on.

"Carry on Brighton...the musical" :no:

Steve

Not looking for some big disagreement here but please educate me in what is so wrong with Quadrophenia.

Of course it doesn't portray the tiny purist minority who originated the Mod movement in London but IMHO it was never intended to.

I grew up in Clacton where it is generally accepted that the Mod phenomenon went nationwide at Easter 1964. We lived just off the seafront - so there was a serious cultural event happening virtually outside our front door. I was just 11 years old then but was quoted in the national press. I promise you that is true.

That aside we were a big holiday destination for all manner of Londoners so were heavily influenced by their fashions, music etc. etc.

So I saw a fair bit of this stuff at first hand.

I just think that Quadrophenia did a pretty good job of catching the mood of the time. i.e. for the 99.5% of kids who considered themselves Mods but weren't frequenting the Flamingo, the Scene and the Marquee X nights a week.

Oh well just my opinion. Hey Ho!!

MB

[Guest miss nancy]

Mods vs Rockers scene

I adore Carry On Films - class!!!

[Pete S]

I'm a big carry on fan so i'd take that as a compliment re Quadrophenia.

I still personally think the film has a lot of merit, brilliant Who soundtrack, top notch 6ts tunes "Be my baby" (My fave record of all time), "Rythmn of the rain", "Night train" etc...also had a lot of great young actors coming through Phil Daniels, Lesley Ash, Timothy Spall, Daniel Peacock, Toyah (cough) etc.

Great script, humour, good locations, good threads....yes there were plenty of flaws but it worked for me & is still doing so 30 years later.

Simon

I used to watch Quadrophenia every Friday night, I could still watch it every friday night. I was never a Mod but if I'd been born ten years earlier I would have been. Utterly brilliant film.

[Guest MBarrett]

I used to watch Quadrophenia every Friday night, I could still watch it every friday night. I was never a Mod but if I'd been born ten years earlier I would have been. Utterly brilliant film.

Pete

Back then we used to be glued to Ready Steady Go on a Friday night. "The weekend starts here" as it used to say - and presented by the Mod princess Cathy McGowan (I know, I know, I know people said she was too posh and a bit plastic - but we simply didn't care!)

A while back I went through some old copies of TV Times and I found that in the Midlands they moved RSG from Fridays to a different night of the week.

IMHO that was wrong - plain wrong.

MB

[Guest martyn]

I wonder how many 10 year old kids watched "Footsee" on Top Of The Pops in 1975, were mesmerised by the dancing and ended up @ Stafford or the 100 Club 10 years later listening to the real thing?

And would they ever admit it?

Ian D

Ill admit it

I had just turned 15 in February 75 when Footsie was on TOTP , I'd never heard of Northern Soul before , but in no time was buying records (mainly boots) & going to dayers .As soon as I had a proper job I was doing nighters every week .Most of those who were attracted to the scene by Footsie etc found it not at all to their liking & buggered off .Some like me found their spiritual home & stayed .

[stevemcmahon]

The Carry on stuff is just poking a bit of fun & having a laugh

BUT, if you start to think about the bigger picture, the implications of any retrospective will always have the influence & flavour of the era it was shot in. I suppose the reason why Quadrophenia is such a glaring example is that there already was a second wave of Mods, way before the film came out, that actually had taken the time to research the movement's origins & had attempted to stay true to these roots. There were many original Soul & R&B nights running throughout the country in 78/79 - many of which formed the foundations for the clubs & ethics of the scene that exists today. No doubt this new film will contain influences of & for the next generation & may well get it totally wrong. That's kindov the whole point in my comparison.

As far as me & my mates @the time were concerned, the Quadrophenia supporters had opted for the crass, mass, pop version. I know that sounds elitist but then isn't that the same for most underground movements & the main point of contention within this thread? Personally, @the time, I found the whole Two-Tone, Selecter, Madness, The Beat, Specials, Bad Manners, Jam etc lot just another main-stream, record industry package with little or no integrity. Others obviously didn't.

Go figure

Edited March 17, 2010 by deeve

[Guest]

I like this thread very much.

Bye

[Paul-s]

Paul.. you bang on about authenticity, and yet in your own sleeve notes for the CD for your play you say...

" I have taken a few liberties with the years in which particular tracks were played, and there are a few that are not from that period."

So you have a special dispensation on authenticity?

Why don't you just wait until the film is out before you start pontificating on how bad it is. Otherwise, you just come across as bitter and jelous.

Jesus christ its almost as if you desperate weekend soulies are blind! I have read the script and seen the trailer...its crap. Just because you haven't dont put you naieve optimism and lack of integrity on me...best Paul

I put that on the cd (you obviously didnt see the play) and said, If Toni & Showman had been discovered it would have been played at Wigan. So dont quote out of context. As people who know me will tell you, even with the play i wanted to show i have ALWAYS moved on with music and that track WASNT IN THE PLAY, but was on cd to show the scene needs to ALWAYS move and discover exciting tunes. I had and have a special dispensation on authenticity cos i went continually and not cos i saw FOOTSEE on tv. YOU? If you tell me which tracks and which scenes were wrong when you saw it, ill be happy to answer your questions.

Edited March 17, 2010 by paul-s

[Paul-s]

paul'

of course we dont know each from adam and i certainly haven't set out to rock your boat...i didnt go to see the stage play, but the fact you put your neck on the chopping block to restage the events of 3+decades ago when the northern soul scene was in the public eye, could have been, then, misconstrued as foolish bravado and a waste of money but you have witnessed the response just how much a vehicle like this was wanted....A STAGE PLAY?...ABOUT NORTHERN SOUL?....UNIQUE OR WHAT?.

but by the same measure, so is a film....people will want to watch it because....ITS DIFFERENT, yes its british as well and its a phenomenon that even the americans cant do a good job on BECAUSE THEY DIDNT CREATE IT....WE DID!,....so you can forget 3d,cd graphics, blue screen rehashes of 1920's,30's,40's50's60's films 3 or 4 times over and that there's no real imagination in hollywood, so lets all submerge in what we really love .....our music which is reality not science fiction.

quadrophenia was about the mods and it has stood the test of time, no matter what the film critics think, we should be proud that its british and we are!

now its our turn, roll-on a decade and its where we were,....lets not get crabby in our dotage because weve HAD to wait 30+YEARS for someone to put our scene on celluloid.....im not a bloody radio 5 live film reviewer and just for the record, he probably hasnt got a clue what northern soul is anyway, but from an independant view point, i bet even he would give it credit, based on the fact its BRITISH and its about YOUTH CULTURE and, if he could appreciate it has a simple- to- understand thread, its edited well, its relatively fast paced and the music is the constant that reminds him of exactly WHAT the film revolves round, he might just give it the thumbs up because ITS SOMETHING UNIQUE THAT HE HAS NEVER COME ACROSS BEFORE.

it dosnt matter if its excrement in the individual's eyes because for every one there will be ten who approve...WHY?...because its made a statement....weve had 7"singles, lps, cds t-shirts, the attire, the venues, the djs, the drugs, the travelling, the radio shows, the documentaries and.....YOUR STAGE PLAY....THE LAST PIECE OF THE JIGSAW IS THE FILM,....THEN WEVE ALL GOT THE FULL MONTY. OUR SCENE WILL BE UNIQUE BECAUSE IT WILL BE THE ONLY CULT MUSIC PHENOMENON TO HAVE COVERED ALL THE BASES.

im 52, im bald 2 stone overweight with dodgy knees but i still like to dance, only i cant do what i did even 5 years ago, i wasnt a wiganite or a top dog, i went to the catacombs, not old enough for the wheel or torch and only came back to the scene after divorce 12 years ago and then it was lea manor, the ritz, 100 club, winsford, tony's empress, kings hall, keele and the tower to name a few so you see im ordinary joe, I QUQUE AND I DO PAY!. I SUFFER FROM ROAD RAGE IN MY JOB....TOO BAD!! but when it comes to the scene, ive learned to be impartial as life's too short to start a "for or against" war or get tangled up in it....same with the music, loved richard's soul sauce and cellar, love the crossover rooms and i have to make room for r n b and popcorn.

i dont have an agenda and i dont front for anyone and i havent knocked what you have achieved because i could never have accomplished anything like that, but there are people are out there like you who want to put it up on a pedastal because no matter how much every body rages against it, this is the ultimate act of defiance to say northern soul will never go away, its here to stay and now we have a film to prove it.

rob.h

KNOCK away...all i did was a play on my ACTUAL EXPERIENCE of going, so it cant really be disputed...it happened!

First time on film...maybe YOU need to know your fil history? There was a tv film made in the late 70's!! NORTHERN SOUL is not a term i use anymore as it has been embarrisingly strangled to death by a bunch of old farts who want to see themselves on crap film and by venues battering out the same tunes year after year ...Northern Soul is now a homogenized

You obviously NEED a film to prove you were/are into it. Im too into SOUL to let a piece of innaccurate celluloid, done by a bunch of ill informed media types who dont give a f---k about socio/historical accuarcy, or US, pass by without criticism.

A lot of the 'its only a film ', 'your jealous' arguments on here are so feeble, empty, desperate! Its as if you have given up on NOW and have such a sad existence you need a film to remind you that you once had some zest and passion! As i said before, i COULD make loads if a dvd of the play was released...it wont be! It was a live experience , like a nighter. So KNOCK away my friend. I hope IPSOCRAPTO are paying you well.

Edited March 17, 2010 by paul-s

[Pete S]

Ill admit it

I had just turned 15 in February 75 when Footsie was on TOTP , I'd never heard of Northern Soul before , but in no time was buying records (mainly boots) & going to dayers .As soon as I had a proper job I was doing nighters every week .Most of those who were attracted to the scene by Footsie etc found it not at all to their liking & buggered off .Some like me found their spiritual home & stayed .

I had heard of Northern Soul and had been "into it" properly for about 8 months by then, seeing the dancers and Footsee on TOTP was actually earth-shattering stuff, I can't tell you the amount of people who jumped onto the bandwagon after that, it was one of the most exciting things I;'d ever seen as well.

[Pete S]

KNOCK away...all i did was a play on my ACTUAL EXPERIENCE of going, so it cant really be disputed...it happened!

First time on film...maybe YOU need to know your fil history? There was a tv film made in the late 70's!!

are you referring to "Out on the floor"? The TV play set in an allnighter that resembled a certain Lancashire venue? That was from 1981 or even 1982. And it was terrible, apart from the (Graopevine) soundtrack, but it wasn't meant to be about "The Northern Soul Scene", that was just the backdrop to this pretty pathetic tale about these kids who worked in factories all week then popped pills at this allnighter on a saturday. There was also a rape scene (set in the venue), girls dancing in a line, and someone OD'ing. Total crap.

[Pete S]

Well well well, Soul Source may well have banned Levine but they certainly haven't shut him up, the stuff on his facebook page about this thread is hysterical.

Paul-S's ears must be burning

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?app=forums&module=post&section=post&do=reply_post&f=1&t=113090

[Guest]

trust me im a youth all my mates are youths this film wont attract working class youths just middle class bitches who will treat it like anouther craze and forget about it in two weeks time thus forth ruining the scene i love so sorry for being victor melldruw but you dont understand what id do for this scene give my own life if neccesery ar kid

You know what mate? If I'd been involved in this, I'd have argued for a contemporary setting and a hard hitting drama based around looking at a young guy in Manchester, who says bollocks to Hip Hop and Rave and gets passionately involved in something called Northern Soul in 2010. I'd have avoided all crappy plastic nostalgic re-creation and silly Wigan Casino mock up's and focused in on what Northern Soul really means now as a cultural force - which is ten times more potent territory for drama than looking back at the 70s - a impossible task with this scene....The past could have been dealt with via montage flashes - told through the recollections of older guys who influence the main character, but the real story would be about today and the relevance of Black American Soul music in the life of a young guy growing up in Post Modernist Britain RIGHT NOW...That would have been genuinely exciting and interesting and most certainly could have drawn on more bona-fide elements of the scene for support and portrayal...

As somebody who has worked in the film industry I am totally serious...The guy who pointed out that bag is spot on, this is lazy retro-schmaltz and a great subject like the Northern scene deserved far better dramatic treatment. The spirit of the scene and it's longevity could have been celebrated with far more affect in a contemporary setting and the overall essence of the original 'Underground' aspects would have been better understood by watching a young guy now at odds with all his mates when it came to musical taste....