Early Mecca Playlists

[Guest chorleybloke]

Goldmine & Kent have both released Mecca tribute albums but (to my knowledge) they all seem to have focused on the "post Carstairs" era for want of a better expression. My first visit was in the mid 70s so I have no first hand knowledge of what typified the early 70s playlists.

So if you were releasing a Highland Room tribute CD (say 1971 to 1974) what would be the stand out tracks? Apologies if this has been done before.

Cheers

Pete

[Guest veep1296]

Goldmine & Kent have both released Mecca tribute albums but (to my knowledge) they all seem to have focused on the "post Carstairs" era for want of a better expression. My first visit was in the mid 70s so I have no first hand knowledge of what typified the early 70s playlists.

So if you were releasing a Highland Room tribute CD (say 1971 to 1974) what would be the stand out tracks? Apologies if this has been done before.

Cheers

Pete

Ey up Pete!

I was there during aforesaid 71-74 period (left home in late 74)

My recollections of the Tony Jebb, Stuart Freeman, Billy The Kid & then Ian Levine early days include: ........ memory not as good as was so please correct me if necessary (I dont need to ask that !?)

L J Taylor Zig Zag Lightning

Bobby Mac Keep On

Lorenzo Manley Swoop Down On You

George Carrow Angel Baby

Wonderettes I Feel Strange

Johnny Copeland Sufferin City

Triumphs Walking The Duck

All the usual UK items R Lumley, L Richard(s), C Checker, Tymes,J Holiday & Clydie King, D Height, Bill Black Bobbi Lyn, Robert Knight, Bob Kuban etc

Mirwood (J Thomas etc)

Will apply mind mind & come back with a few more hopefully

See you in either Sept or Nov or both perhaps?

Regards

DF

Edited August 2, 2011 by veep1296

[Davetay]

Goldmine & Kent have both released Mecca tribute albums but (to my knowledge) they all seem to have focused on the "post Carstairs" era for want of a better expression. My first visit was in the mid 70s so I have no first hand knowledge of what typified the early 70s playlists.

So if you were releasing a Highland Room tribute CD (say 1971 to 1974) what would be the stand out tracks? Apologies if this has been done before.

Cheers

Pete

That's a big big ask, because there are far too many! It would have to be about 20 cds.

In 74 alone before The Carstairs was played, you could use up a few cds, the turnover was that fast!

There was about half a dozen titles each week being pressed by Secectadisc add all the "out of the past" pressings that came out 73/74.

So as soon as a record was pressed it was dropped from the playlist straight away at the Mecca, unlike other clubs.

You only have to think of all the great cover up titles from that time, to understand what the Mecca was like.

Most of the stuff that was played at Wigan, Cats, Torch etc was played at the Mecca and in alot of cases at the Mecca 1st.

Have a look at the old adds in Blues and Soul if you get chance, from the early days, the one with the cover up names are fanfastic.

I lost all mine in a flood we had early 90s or I would have scaned them in.

A few cover ups I can remember off top of my head

Freddie Jones = Coasters

Lebonnen Strings = Doni Burdick

Explosions = Ronnie & Robyn

Jodi Williams = Mickie Champion

Vel-vets = Twans

Johnny Adams Band = Steve Karman Band

Ron Handley = Freddie Williams

Leavers = Devonns

Estella Dennison = Ila Vann

Adam Blackwell = Jimmy Norman

Little Lee Howall = Marc Coppage

Patince Valintine = Edie Walker

Johnny Caswell = Paul Anka

Bob Wilson = Checkerboard Squares

Johnny Jackson Exsprence = Melvin Carter

Think thats all I can remember off top of my head. (sorry about the spelling)

Edited August 2, 2011 by davetay

[Davetay]

Goldmine & Kent have both released Mecca tribute albums but (to my knowledge) they all seem to have focused on the "post Carstairs" era for want of a better expression. My first visit was in the mid 70s so I have no first hand knowledge of what typified the early 70s playlists.

So if you were releasing a Highland Room tribute CD (say 1971 to 1974) what would be the stand out tracks? Apologies if this has been done before.

Cheers

Pete

I have just got to say my all time fave!

Linda Jones "I Just Can't Live My Life" Mecca Classic.

[Davetay]

Ey up Pete!

I was there during aforesaid 71-74 period (left home in late 74)

My recollections of the Tony Jebb, Stuart Freeman, Billy The Kid & then Ian Levine early days include: ........ memory not as good as was so please correct me if necessary (I dont need to ask that !?)

L J Taylor Zig Zag Lightning

Bobby Mac Keep On

Lorenzo Manley Swoop Down On You

George Carrow Angel Baby

Wonderettes I Feel Strange

Johnny Copeland Sufferin City

Triumphs Walking The Duck

All the usual UK items R Lumley, L Richard(s), C Checker, Tymes,J Holiday & Clydie King, D Height, Bill Black Bobbi Lyn, Robert Knight, Bob Kuban etc

Mirwood (J Thomas etc)

Will apply mind mind & come back with a few more hopefully

See you in either Sept or Nov or both perhaps?

Regards

DF

Some nice stuff there Dave, a few more from me played just after most of your list.

Bob Relf, Sam & Kitty, Sequins, Glories, Sweet Things, Earl Wright Orch, Funky Sisters, Father's Angels,

Just Brothers, Johnny Moore, Patti Young, Jerry Williams, Duke Browner, Danny White, Roy Hamilton and loads, loads more.

[Citizen P]

That's a big big ask, because there are far too many! It would have to be about 20 cds.

In 74 alone before The Carstairs was played, you could use up a few cds, the turnover was that fast!

There was about half a dozen titles each week being pressed by Secectadisc add all the "out of the past" pressings that came out 73/74.

So as soon as a record was pressed it was dropped from the playlist straight away at the Mecca, unlike other clubs.

You only have to think of all the great cover up titles from that time, to understand what the Mecca was like.

Most of the stuff that was played at Wigan, Cats, Torch etc was played at the Mecca and in alot of cases at the Mecca 1st.

Have a look at the old adds in Blues and Soul if you get chance, from the early days, the one with the cover up names are fanfastic.

I lost all mine in a flood we had early 90s or I would have scaned them in.

A few cover ups I can remember off top of my head

Freddie Jones = Coasters

Lebonnen Strings = Doni Burdick

Explosions = Ronnie & Robyn

Jodi Williams = Mickie Champion

Vel-vets = Twans

Johnny Adams Band = Steve Karman Band

Ron Handley = Freddie Williams

Leavers = Devonns

Estella Dennison = Ila Vann

Adam Blackwell = Jimmy Norman

Little Lee Howall = Marc Coppage

Patince Valintine = Edie Walker

Johnny Caswell = Paul Anka

Bob Wilson = Checkerboard Squares

Johnny Jackson Exsprence = Melvin Carter

Think thats all I can remember off top of my head. (sorry about the spelling)

Thought you'd have a bigger list than that Dave

Never went to The Mecca more than 3 or 4 times, but we had a big advantage in that we had Sale Blue Rooms, where I'm pretty sure a lot of Mr.Levine's newer stuff got tried out before hitting Blackpool.

But, like you say, turnover was FAST, new tunes almost every week.

We was spoiled---

Tony

[Guest chorleybloke]

Great information chaps, a lot of people would descibe those as Wigan classics (me included) but I had a feeling they must have started their life in the Highland Room.

Cheers.....Pete

[Geeselad]

A trusted freind told me he first heard Del larks of a tape Levine sent from the states, before he was back around 71, was it a mecca record? I'd always assumed it was wigan.

[Davetay]

A trusted freind told me he first heard Del larks of a tape Levine sent from the states, before he was back around 71, was it a mecca record? I'd always assumed it was wigan.

Del-larks, deffo Mecca before Casino!!, a bit later than 71.

The 1st time I remember hearing it was in 73.

Ian wasn't DJing at the Mecca in 71, but he did bring records to play.

[Davetay]

Thought you'd have a bigger list than that Dave

Never went to The Mecca more than 3 or 4 times, but we had a big advantage in that we had Sale Blue Rooms, where I'm pretty sure a lot of Mr.Levine's newer stuff got tried out before hitting Blackpool.

But, like you say, turnover was FAST, new tunes almost every week.

We was spoiled---

Tony

Tony, I thought it was a good go off top of my head, after a heavy weekend as well!! lol.

Like you say Blue Rooms Sale, Peacock Room Blackpool, Scoeys Blackpool and Darwin Tiffs all great midweek venues where Levine would try out his new stuff.

We really had it good in them days, I for one is very happy to be at the right age to be around at the time.

P.S. Just remembered Darwin Tiffs it was the Nocturne Room, where the soul night was.

Edited August 3, 2011 by davetay

[Guest]

That's a big big ask, because there are far too many! It would have to be about 20 cds.

In 74 alone before The Carstairs was played, you could use up a few cds, the turnover was that fast!

There was about half a dozen titles each week being pressed by Secectadisc add all the "out of the past" pressings that came out 73/74.

So as soon as a record was pressed it was dropped from the playlist straight away at the Mecca, unlike other clubs.

You only have to think of all the great cover up titles from that time, to understand what the Mecca was like.

Most of the stuff that was played at Wigan, Cats, Torch etc was played at the Mecca and in alot of cases at the Mecca 1st.

Have a look at the old adds in Blues and Soul if you get chance, from the early days, the one with the cover up names are fanfastic.

I lost all mine in a flood we had early 90s or I would have scaned them in.

A few cover ups I can remember off top of my head

Freddie Jones = Coasters

Lebonnen Strings = Doni Burdick

Explosions = Ronnie & Robyn

Jodi Williams = Mickie Champion

Vel-vets = Twans

Johnny Adams Band = Steve Karman Band

Ron Handley = Freddie Williams

Leavers = Devonns

Estella Dennison = Ila Vann

Adam Blackwell = Jimmy Norman

Little Lee Howall = Marc Coppage

Patince Valintine = Edie Walker

Johnny Caswell = Paul Anka

Bob Wilson = Checkerboard Squares

Johnny Jackson Exsprence = Melvin Carter

Think thats all I can remember off top of my head. (sorry about the spelling)

This posting is quite accurate.

But even the old mags great references they make eye watering reading now-you can imagine the actuel excitement of that time.I can remember always scanning the venue ads for what sounds were being touted,and I could'nt help myself from being completly overtaken by them so much so that I maniacally travelled all over just to hear the monsters.I think Black Music mag did hoardes on northern soul,the Highland Room,and Ian Levine,yet all that reportage was written by some alien from Mars,cos the way they presented northern soul was kinda detached...and incomprehensible as to the effect these sounds had on people.Tony Cummings seemed obsessed with harping on about rivalry between Casino and mecca,and yapped on and on about drugs.No one seemed to care less!

Mecca was number 1 for top sounds in the country,I feel Ian Levine should not be sidetracked/overlooked when talking about this period of NS,he is the only one that can list all the sounds,in which order they came,and when,he should be able to converse on Soul Source despite his contraversies and awful aggressive manners.After which-he could be banned again! Wish the moderators would let that happen...otherwise its left to tapes,sounds,and memory

Rob

[Chris L]

Goldmine & Kent have both released Mecca tribute albums but (to my knowledge) they all seem to have focused on the "post Carstairs" era for want of a better expression. My first visit was in the mid 70s so I have no first hand knowledge of what typified the early 70s playlists.

So if you were releasing a Highland Room tribute CD (say 1971 to 1974) what would be the stand out tracks? Apologies if this has been done before.

Cheers

Pete

Rufus Lumley - I'm standing

Denise Lasalle - Love reputation

George Carrow - Angel baby

Little Richard - Little bit something/Don't want to discuss it/Get down with it

Major Lance - Don't want me no more

Johnny Jones - Purple haze

Johnny Sayles - Can't get enough

Los Canerios - Get on your knees

Wiilams/Watson - Too late

Drifters - Baby what I mean

Dells - Run for cover

Cooperettes - Shing a ling

Richard Temple - That beatin' rythmn

Carstairs - He who picks a rose

Christine Cooper - Heartaches away

Chubby Checker - Just don't know

Orlons - Envy

Esther Phillips - Catch me I'm falling

Chris Jackson - I'll never forget you

Rose Batistse - Hit and run

Johnny Moore - Walk like a man

Spellbinders - Help me

Coasters - Crazy baby (for sure)

Triumphs - Coming to your rescue

Magnificents - My heart is calling

Edited August 4, 2011 by Chris L

[Chris L]

Ey up Pete! I was there during aforesaid 71-74 period (left home in late 74)

My recollections of the Tony Jebb, Stuart Freeman, Billy The Kid & then Ian Levine early days include: ........ memory not as good as was so please correct me if necessary (I dont need to ask that !?)

L J Taylor Zig Zag Lightning

Bobby Mac Keep On

Lorenzo Manley Swoop Down On You

George Carrow Angel Baby

Wonderettes I Feel Strange

Johnny Copeland Sufferin City

Triumphs Walking The Duck

All the usual UK items R Lumley, L Richard(s), C Checker, Tymes,J Holiday & Clydie King, D Height, Bill Black Bobbi Lyn, Robert Knight, Bob Kuban etc

Mirwood (J Thomas etc)

Will apply mind mind & come back with a few more hopefully

See you in either Sept or Nov or both perhaps?

Regards

DF

Had forgotten about J Copeland, very popular tune, Tony Jebb told that in about 1972 "Free for all" was about the biggest sound he'd play.

[Tony Smith]

A trusted freind told me he first heard Del larks of a tape Levine sent from the states, before he was back around 71, was it a mecca record? I'd always assumed it was wigan.

Del-Larks came off Brad from Colne.

[Guest Johnny Mack]

Tony is absolutely correct, however, a little known fact is that a goodly number of copies of the Del-Larks came out of Sandy Mountain's Sinfonia Record Shop in Blackpool.

Del-Larks came off Brad from Colne.

[Davetay]

Del-Larks came off Brad from Colne.

Steve (Brad) Bradley turned some great stuff in the early and mid 70s.

[Guest]

Next in line - Hoagy Lands

A Love reputation - Denise LaSalle

[Geeselad]

Del-larks, deffo Mecca before Casino!!, a bit later than 71.

The 1st time I remember hearing it was in 73.

Ian wasn't DJing at the Mecca in 71, but he did bring records to play.

Cheers Dave.

Edited August 4, 2011 by geeselad

[Chris L]

Cheers Dave.

Del-larks, deffo Mecca before Casino!!, a bit later than 71.

The 1st time I remember hearing it was in 73.

Ian wasn't DJing at the Mecca in 71, but he did bring records to play.

Ian "promoted" NS records by getting Mecca resident DJ Les Cokell to play them. It's well documented.

[spike1]

Lots o wheel tunes on these lists!!!!

[Quinvy]

A lot of the new tunes crossed over from one venue to another, as the top Dj's visited them. I agree, Ian Lavine, no matter what we may all think of him now, was the man. Early 70's at the Mecca, was absolutely unbelievable for new tunes. Makes me chuckle sometime when people go on about so called "Wigan tunes" that were played at the Highland room long before the Casino.

Some of the smaller venues around at the time, like Dave mentioned, had their share of new discoveries.

At the end of the day, it was all there waiting to be discovered then. So it doesn't really matter who played what, where, and who discovered what, but it was a magical time to be young and hearing the best music ever made for the very first time.

I can still remember vividly hearing Johnny Sayles and Linda Jones for the first time..........both seminal experiances, both in my all time top 10.

[Quinvy]

Sorry, double post.

Edited August 18, 2011 by Quinvy

[BrianB]

That's a big big ask, because there are far too many! It would have to be about 20 cds.

In 74 alone before The Carstairs was played, you could use up a few cds, the turnover was that fast!

There was about half a dozen titles each week being pressed by Secectadisc add all the "out of the past" pressings that came out 73/74.

So as soon as a record was pressed it was dropped from the playlist straight away at the Mecca, unlike other clubs.

You only have to think of all the great cover up titles from that time, to understand what the Mecca was like.

Most of the stuff that was played at Wigan, Cats, Torch etc was played at the Mecca and in alot of cases at the Mecca 1st.

Have a look at the old adds in Blues and Soul if you get chance, from the early days, the one with the cover up names are fanfastic.

I lost all mine in a flood we had early 90s or I would have scaned them in.

A few cover ups I can remember off top of my head

Freddie Jones = Coasters

Lebonnen Strings = Doni Burdick

Explosions = Ronnie & Robyn

Jodi Williams = Mickie Champion

Vel-vets = Twans

Johnny Adams Band = Steve Karman Band

Ron Handley = Freddie Williams

Leavers = Devonns

Estella Dennison = Ila Vann

Adam Blackwell = Jimmy Norman

Little Lee Howall = Marc Coppage

Patince Valintine = Edie Walker

Johnny Caswell = Paul Anka

Bob Wilson = Checkerboard Squares

Johnny Jackson Exsprence = Melvin Carter

Think thats all I can remember off top of my head. (sorry about the spelling)

Hi Dave,

I still have all my B&S from I think mid 71 to end 75 and some Black Magic in my loft. No idea what condition they are in, but you are welcome to them if you want. (They are under my Rover and Wizard comics from 66 to 70!).

Cheers,

Brian

[Wrongcrowd]

Tony, I thought it was a good go off top of my head, after a heavy weekend as well!! lol.

Like you say Blue Rooms Sale, Peacock Room Blackpool, Scoeys Blackpool and Darwin Tiffs all great midweek venues where Levine would try out his new stuff.

We really had it good in them days, I for one is very happy to be at the right age to be around at the time.

P.S. Just remembered Darwin Tiffs it was the Nocturne Room, where the soul night was.

I remember when Levine DJ'd at Scoey's on Tuesday nights around '73/'74, and I never missed one. I'm not sure when Freddie Chevez was first played, but I remeber being blown away by it on a Tuesday night at Scoey's... school days on Wednesday's were always a buzz about Levine's plays from the night before.

[Derek Pearson]

Great thread Mister ChorleyBloke.

Of all the superclubs littered throughout the history of this scene I've always thought it was the Blackpool Mecca that was the least documented.

Apart from the well known Cartstairs crowd what about all those fascinating Mecca One Spin wonders and legend inspiring Colin Curtis's last or first (can't remember now) hour plays.

I suspect because of the sheer volume and warp speed turnover of tunes available who'd have the inclination, time and notepads to hand to scribble it all down?

Must admit though I can immediately think of 2 well known suspects who probably did just that at the time........

And if you want another observation to back up my opening statement have a quick trawl through the folders in the Gallery and see just how little evidence there is in there.

derek x

Hey up Misters Ferguson & Taylor.

And finally I vividly recall a woman I used to work with from the Keighley area, telling me once (quite nonchalantly) that she'd been to The Blackpool Mecca on a girls night out/hen night whatever and seen The Chi-lites there.

I was green with envy but being a bloke I didn't show it.

The group would have been touring on the strength of their big UK chart hit "Have You Seen Her" which first hit the money in early 1972 and then later in the summer of 1975. I suspect it was in the later time period she attended.....

[Guest martyn]

Great thread Mister ChorleyBloke.

Of all the superclubs littered throughout the history of this scene I've always thought it was the Blackpool Mecca that was the least documented.

Apart from the well known Cartstairs crowd what about all those fascinating Mecca One Spin wonders and legend inspiring Colin Curtis's last or first (can't remember now) hour plays.

I suspect because of the sheer volume and warp speed turnover of tunes available who'd have the inclination, time and notepads to hand to scribble it all down?

Must admit though I can immediately think of 2 well known suspects who probably did just that at the time........

And if you want another observation to back up my opening statement have a quick trawl through the folders in the Gallery and see just how little evidence there is in there.

derek x

Hey up Misters Ferguson & Taylor.

And finally I vividly recall a woman I used to work with from the Keighley area, telling me once (quite nonchalantly) that she'd been to The Blackpool Mecca on a girls night out/hen night whatever and seen The Chi-lites there.

I was green with envy but being a bloke I didn't show it.

The group would have been touring on the strength of their big UK chart hit "Have You Seen Her" which first hit the money in early 1972 and then later in the summer of 1975. I suspect it was in the later time period she attended.....

They toured in 1977, I saw them that year at St Ives on a Friday night before the Saturday alnighter the same weekend ........If they were the same at The Mecca you didnt miss much mate

[KevH]

They toured in 1977, I saw them that year at St Ives on a Friday night before the Saturday alnighter the same weekend ........If they were the same at The Mecca you didnt miss much mate

Hi,would that have been downstairs at the Mecca? An all dayer?

[BrianB]

I had a tape from there from early 74 which was some feat as the bouncers took cassettes from you. I think Pete Smith has it now as he kindly put it onto CD for me. The tracks off the top of my head that don't get a mention above include:

• Frankie Beverley
  
• R Dean Taylor both sides
  
• Go for yourself
  
• Afternoon at the Rhino
  
• Larry Atkins ATLE
  
• Branded
  
• Get Out
  
• Dana Valery
  
• The Petals CCTWOYH
  
• Joe Hicks
  
• Can it be Me
  
• The Vel-Vets
  

I have the track listing at work. I'll dig it out and repost the rest.

We had some great nights there. We were the 71 to 76 Burnley crew and we used to hit the bars first and then go to the Mecca around 10pm ish. As mentioned in a thread some time ago, there was always a bit of friction inside and always outside with the non soulies from downstairs who were generally on 21sts and stag dos.

However the music was outstanding and as Dave T and Fergie say, sometimes you heard a record 2 or 3 times and then it was booted and never played again.

In my humble opinion it deteriorated quality wise when the more modern stuff began to be played, but I know it is all about opinions.

KTF

Brian B

[Louis]

My first memory of the Highland room was opening the doors along the corridor and hearing Mitch Ryder-Breakout (1971).

Then it was weekly trips thanks to the free buses they provided.

Watneys red barrel was in the pumps. Doormen wore dicky bows. Young men had to have a jacket, shirt & tie, trousers and shoes just to get in. Escalators. Brut. 18" centre vents. Scottish tartan in a blackpool nightclub.

It was also quite daunting for the first time young male punter, especially visiting the "gents". I remember two young lads coming out of the gents and one saying "I thought you said you knew him, so why did he take all my money off me?" . The other lads reply was "He didn't hit you though, did he.......I told you I knew him!"

Music wise my selected memories are: Mr Creator, Theres a ghost in my house, last minute miracle, I'm standing, do it to it and late seventies just before I decided the casino was much better music wise. Hearing for the first time................ what a difference a day makes............supership..... which for me are mecca records.

I was out with Bernie Golding this weekend and we were discussing some mecca tunes mid seventies. I said they used to play "waldo roderick dehammersmith" by the miracles at the mecca but he said he had never heard it........

Can someone confirm that they heard it played at theBlackpool mecca (75ish) ??

Louis

[BrianB]

I had a tape from there from early 74 which was some feat as the bouncers took cassettes from you. I think Pete Smith has it now as he kindly put it onto CD for me. The tracks off the top of my head that don't get a mention above include:

• Frankie Beverley
  
• R Dean Taylor both sides
  
• Go for yourself
  
• Afternoon at the Rhino
  
• Larry Atkins ATLE
  
• Branded
  
• Get Out
  
• Dana Valery
  
• The Petals CCTWOYH
  
• Joe Hicks
  
• Can it be Me
  
• The Vel-Vets
  

I have the track listing at work. I'll dig it out and repost the rest.

We had some great nights there. We were the 71 to 76 Burnley crew and we used to hit the bars first and then go to the Mecca around 10pm ish. As mentioned in a thread some time ago, there was always a bit of friction inside and always outside with the non soulies from downstairs who were generally on 21sts and stag dos.

However the music was outstanding and as Dave T and Fergie say, sometimes you heard a record 2 or 3 times and then it was booted and never played again.

In my humble opinion it deteriorated quality wise when the more modern stuff began to be played, but I know it is all about opinions.

KTF

Brian B

Found the tape, and apologies to Pete S but he sent the tape back to me.

Other tracks are:

• Sue Barrett WIGB
  
• Devonnes
  
• Stanley Mitchell
  
• Bobby Mandolph
  
• Gems
  
• Tomangoes
  
• Patti Austin TATPS
  
• Mel Williams
  
• Top Shelf No Second Thoughts
  
• Landslide
  
• Detroit Sound
  
• Both David and the Giants
  
• Please Operator
  
• Saxi Russell
  
• Debbie Dean
  
• Invitations SITS
  
• Salvadors
  
• Edie Walker/Patience Valentine
  
• Cissie Houston Bring him back
  
• Laura Greene with big scream from the crowd!
  
• Sandy Nelson SITEJB
  
• Soul Symphony
  
• United 4
  
• Eddie Foster
  
• Terrible Tom
  
• Janie Grant
  
• The Petals CCTWTYH
  
• Johnny Jackson Experience Lets Shingaling
  

Great times and what a CD that would make.

[Chris L]

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• 
  
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• 
  

We had some great nights there. We were the 71 to 76 Burnley crew and we used to hit the bars first and then go to the Mecca around 10pm ish. As mentioned in a thread some time ago, there was always a bit of friction inside and always outside with the non soulies from downstairs who were generally on 21sts and stag dos.

However the music was outstanding and as Dave T and Fergie say, sometimes you heard a record 2 or 3 times and then it was booted and never played again.

In my humble opinion it deteriorated quality wise when the more modern stuff began to be played, but I know it is all about opinions.

KTF

Brian B

I do remember that happening to Free for all - it really was a big, big sound and after it came out on Jay Boy

it died an instant death

[Wiggyflat]

Who was responsible .....Mick Smith or he shall not be mentioned.Sock it To Em.....

[Citizen P]

Lots o wheel tunes on these lists!!!!

Well, there would be.

As has previously been stated IL was feeding Les Cokell tunes for quite a while.

Love him or hate him, he probably had the greatest influence in the direction " Rare Soul " took to become "Northern Soul" in the 70 to 74 period.

ATB

Tony

[Guest sharmo 1]

Del-larks, deffo Mecca before Casino!!, a bit later than 71.

The 1st time I remember hearing it was in 73.

Ian wasn't DJing at the Mecca in 71, but he did bring records to play.

Hi there can anyone please explain the truth behind a story I've been told many times about the del-larks was it true that it originaly came from a pile of job opening's found in a record shop somewhere on the coast like Eastbourn or is this one of those Northern soul tales regards Simon.

[Guest sharmo 1]

Del-larks, deffo Mecca before Casino!!, a bit later than 71.

The 1st time I remember hearing it was in 73.

Ian wasn't DJing at the Mecca in 71, but he did bring records to play.

Hi there can anyone please explain the truth behind a story I've been told many times about the del-larks was it true that it originaly came from a pile of job opening's found in a record shop somewhere on the coast like Eastbourn or is this one of those Northern soul tales regards Simon.

Hi there can anyone please explain the truth behind a story I've been told many times about the del-larks was it true that it originaly came from a pile of job opening's found in a record shop somewhere on the coast like Eastbourn or is this one of those Northern soul tales regards Simon.

Sorry just seen the thing on Blackpool record shop does anyone know how many copies were found there ?

[Davetay]

Well, there would be.

As has previously been stated IL was feeding Les Cokell tunes for quite a while.

Love him or hate him, he probably had the greatest influence in the direction " Rare Soul " took to become "Northern Soul" in the 70 to 74 period.

ATB

Tony

Even in 75 and 76, Levine still found some great records.

[Tank]

Heard a tape from what would've been late '73/early '74 acquired by the late Rug Bowers which hastened the need to pay a visit. Seem to recall he also had a Emi-Disc LP of stuff too but that was a mixture of general rarities not just Mecca sounds. From memory the tape included:

Willie Hobbs - Til I Get It Right

Rock Candy - Alone With No Love

Spooner & The Spoons - Wish You Didn't Have To Go

Sterling McGhee - Keep On

Casanova Two - We've Got To Keep On

Detroit Executives - Cool Off

Jodi Mathis - Don't You Care Anymore

Beverly Ann - You've Got Your Mind On Other Things

Malibus - Gee Baby (I Love You)

Stanley Mitchell - Get It Baby

Delrays Incorporated - Destination Unknown

Marc Copage - Who Can I Turn To (Little Lee Howell)

There were others but can't remember them all. Needless to say by the time we finally got to go a few months later I don't recall hearing any of those and the trend for the Modern stuff was well under way. 1974/75 were probably the best years for me for the balance between old and new.

Cheers

[Geoff B]

Del-Larks came off Brad from Colne.

Brad was responsible for selling Tony Jebb Bobby Hebb Love,Love,Love.

I lent I.V. Barbara Banks River of tears,he got very excited when i first showed it to him,he said he would make it big but after a load of plays it never did.I still have it.I bought Roy Hamilton Cracking up over you, off Tony Jebb when he got fed up with it for a fiver.

[Guest Nick Harrison]

I know the original posted thread header topic was - "Your Tribute/Tracks Early Mecca 71 - 74 CD" but some great lists of stand out tracks supplied. Sure is for many a very intresting read, with once again special acknowledgements to both Lancashire Dave's (Taylor and Fergie) and not forgetting Brian B.

This forum has touched on the "vast and fast" turn around of records sourced and played at this historical venue before and I am sure it will continue too. If you have read the other thread topic "Instant Monster - Then Forgot About" and compare it to this topic ................it's :lol: and different . Keep um coming - cause some of us on here have more room to be educated - than the failure too listen.

Thanks and cheers .

Nikolas.

[Ian Dewhirst]

Hi there can anyone please explain the truth behind a story I've been told many times about the del-larks was it true that it originaly came from a pile of job opening's found in a record shop somewhere on the coast like Eastbourn or is this one of those Northern soul tales regards Simon.

The shop was Jim Wilson's in Shoreditch, London and the water-damaged copies were in with 1000's of Doo-Wop 45's 'cos that what Jim specialised in.

It wasn't an immediate hit that's for sure. I heard it somewhere or other and managed to get a copy early on but it took a good 3 months or so to really take off, mainly because of some of the early believers who used to pester me to put it on. Believe it or not it was fairly radical because of the intro and it didn't really sit with a lot of the other stuff at the time. But great records often take time to break through.

There was a similar problem with Al Jones' brilliant "Only Love Can Save Me Now" on Amy which had a slow intro with some ridiculous crooning from Al before it broke into world class Northern Soul. That one never broke at all unfortunately......

Ian D

Edited October 15, 2011 by Ian Dewhirst

[Guest Nick Harrison]

Early spinners ?? Anyone....................

The Composers - Let Get To The Point (Complex)

Ninth Street Exit - Sweet Harmony (Solid Foundation)

Deniece Chandler - Mama I Wish I'd Stayed At Home (Lock)

Thanks.

[shelly]

Damita Jo-Save the last dance, Moses Smitth- Girl Across the Street,massively underplayed and Lorraine Chandler -I can't hold on, first heard there; but am sure that some stuff only got played once because a lot of it got pressed within a week of being played.

Strange that.

Shelly

[Guest jkw]

Brad was responsible for selling Tony Jebb Bobby Hebb Love,Love,Love.

I lent I.V. Barbara Banks River of tears,he got very excited when i first showed it to him,he said he would make it big but after a load of plays it never did.I still have it.I bought Roy Hamilton Cracking up over you, off Tony Jebb when he got fed up with it for a fiver.

Freddie Chavez was one of Mr Bradley's as well, and you Geoff The Silhouettes if I'm not mistaken....

[Guest leslie whyatt]

On 04/08/2011 at 11:18, Chris L said:

 

those are tunes I remember, brilliant time dancing all night..

 

[Torch56]

Easter Saturday 1972

Ain't no more room  Kittens

You're gonna make me love you  Sandi Sheldon

Reach out  San Remo Strings

K-Jee  Nite Liters