Poll: Bbc Culture Show - Northern Soul - Your Take ?

[Mike]

on tonite @ 2200hrs

 

 

here's  a thread and a poll where you can quickly pass on your view and/or rating of tonights BBC2 Culture Show - Northern Soul - Keeping The Faith ....

 

 

have done the poll on a rating scale of 1-5

5 being along the lines of tip top 

1 being along the lines of ffs

 

feel free to post your views as well as your rating

 

[Peter99]

on tonite @ 2200hrs

 

 

here's  a thread and a poll where you can quickly pass on your view and/or rating of tonights BBC2 Culture Show - Northern Soul - Keeping The Faith ....

 

 

have done the poll on a rating scale of 1-5

5 being along the lines of tip top 

1 being along the lines of ffs

 

feel free to post your views as well as your rating

 

Nice one Mike

 

Cheers

 

Peter

 

[Daisylu]

so much more they could have shown - but I think it captured the feeling we all get from the music

[lds]

Too many circle skirts

[night nurse]

and the point was ?

[phillyDaveG]

Actually I thought it was rather good. I'm sure some people will pick holes in the minutiae, but what came across very well, was that all other aspects of the scene are, and have always been, secondary to the music. It's the music's ability to connect on an emotional level with us soulies that makes the scene(s) special, and nothing else comes close.

 

4/5

[Guest Snapper Dave]

I would love to see a programme made about the artist them selves,it wasnt bad but to be honest what per cent of the people still wear them type of clothes,I know there is a lot in the Midlands but that's about it,most people I know just wear smart decent stuff.

[Steve G]

I thought it was a pretty good summary of the oldies / revival scene. Better than most I've seen. Good comments from Elaine, Ian, Richard, Dave etc....and Paul Mason.

 

Only downside that bird at the end from Notts spinning to reveal a pair of...... Big Daddy's old spotty underpants - Yikes!    :hypo:    

X-Rated!  Someone have a word with her tailor please!

Edited September 25, 2013 by Steve G

[Guest manusf3a]

Three but its by far the best telly documentary etc that I have seen,at least the presenter talks a language I can understand,I dont see his feeling for the scene and the music as being anything other than genuine.A different point in my view is that viewing some of the clips from the Elaine C movie,in the youth club especially as well as other scenes my prediction is a mass influx(footsie mark two) onto the "northern soul scene!,Will this be a good thing,who knows,was it last time?The soulboy flop film didnt have it but I feel the Elaine C film does have,just like quadrophenia did,the ability to spark of a so called revivalist?pop culture trend among the teen generation,such a movement will take the direction imo of a stereotype of dress,baggies etc,and the so called big 500 hated by so many so to me  it appears on here.Oh well,all in all it was refreshing to see someone who had been into it presenting  the documentary,.

[Scal]

It was a waste of time.....pointless!

[Soul16]

For me, it was probably the best documentary about Northern Soul that I've seen.

It was well put together, done with real affection and made no attempt to poke fun at us

 

Nice to see that 'Frank Wilson - Do I love You' was not used on the soundtrack, or the story of how much the original 45 has changed hands for, because that has been done to death.

Elaine Constantine brilliantly described the excitement of being on the dance floor in a big crowd. Her forthcoming film looks promising too.

[Driveller]

Wasn't sure what I was expecting, but was pleasantly surprised. 

 

Pluses: a good sense of the atmosphere and excitement - what the 'pull' of the scene is; good, eloquent comments from lots of the contributors, especially Elaine, who really let her enthusiasm show; lots of focus on the music and a MUCH broader range of tunes than is normally included in this sort of programme; good pick of archive footage, even if a lot of it's been seen before, and it was nicely used; the journalist's own enthusiasm and personal involvement (and he can spin, too!). 

 

Minuses - bit too much of the circle skirt stuff, big gap over the 80s/90s/noughties - and right when I thought they were going to say ' but it didn't die when Wigan shut, blah blah blah Stafford/100 Club', instead they said 'no, there are now kids doing it in Wigan again' - not that I'm knocking the kids, good on them, but I'd like to have heard at least a sentence or two acknowledging the continuation and evolution of the scene.

 

Still, a good documentary, done from a position of empathy and understanding with a good handle on what makes it tick. I gave it a 4. 

 

Nick

[Paddy Ferry]

I liked it and I would have liked it to have been on longer than half an hour.

[murgs]

Thirty minutes to explain to the uninitiated what the last 45+ years of our scene is all about was a tall order.

I reckon it was well put together and entertaining, hardly a 'waste of time' & 'pointless' considering what other stuff makes it on to the telly.

[Mark R]

Best of its kind I've seen

4/5

Cheers,

Mark R

[Scal]

They couldn't even be arsed to sort out The Vel Vets from The Velvelettes.

Mind you, there is a film due for release on the horizon.....was that the point?

[Soulfinger]

I thought it was well put together. I though Paul Mason emerged from it with great credit. Nice contributions from DJ's from one end of the age spectrum to the other - Richard Searling to Jordan Wilson. I'm increasingly optimistic about Elaine's film too.

[Guest Pompeylor]

I don't think this show is really for people who are already totally and utterly absorbed into Northern Soul. To be honest, you can't possibly get it all into 30 minutes for a start. However, for someone like me, who has to explain to friends that just go with the tat we hear on the radio, how wonderful this music and dancing is, it's real a godsend. The programme is an honest portrayal of someone who was there (sad that the presenter had to prove his credentials but you can understand why) and, for me at least, the best bit of PR for Northern Soul I've seen in a long time. Had me tapping my feet and feeling lucky that I have a headstart at least on newcomers!

 

I love Northern Soul music but it is definitely one of those scenes were it's impossible not to upset somebody over something. I'd imagine the couple featured in the programme will be lambasted for one item or incorrect fashion or possibly a dodgy step (I've actually met them and they are really nice people!). If Northern Soul is to survive and prosper it needs to welcome the introduction of new blood, build on the legacy of those got it kicking in the first place and ensure it keeps on burning in years to come.

 

Looking forward to the film when it finally makes its way too!

[Guest Byrney]

Started off ok, Paul Mason credible and very good. Elaine's passion and down to earth style was great, clips from the film bang on, Dicky Searling good as always but then it just went off the rails into a baggy nostalgia fest: casino - nothing- 'but now we're back, it's a way of life' etc.

Massive missed opportunity and at times, I'll be honest a bit cringeworthy IMO.

I've already had people contacting me in Facebook taking the pi$$ :)

[Haydn]

Half an hour plonked in front of the box ready to criticise.....

I couldn't, it was well put together and flowed from old footage to new.

It was never going to have all the elements that everybody enjoys or remembers from the scene.

Individually they are all your memoirs, no-one can portray that unless the programme is by you.

On the screen we were watching the fruits of Paul Masons experience and his time in that world, he showed how the scene pulled him in, and how it still has a certain effect on his life.

I, for one remember my personal fixation on finding a world of escape, knowing that others had that same wanting.

Watching tonight, made me remember some early days of how the scene began for me.

Well done, the youngsters are going to have a ball when the film kicks off!

[Iancsloft]

and the point was ?

Beware all the dancers are Kung Fu fighters and take the piss and they will kick ya to Wiggin n back lol

Bruce Lee what a laugh the lass should have researched and she would have known the early northern dance moves where copied from soul artist like the legendary James Brown Jackie Wilson ect ect ect

[Guest Chris J Cooper]

Since when as a person born in 1961 be an original

Would have been 1 when the wheel opened, I think or 2 and 12 when the casino opened

Other than that didn't think it was to bad but how do you tell a story spanning 45 years order in 1/2 an hour

[Guest Chris J Cooper]

' or more '

[Guest Byrney]

Thing is it didn't cover 40 odd years or whatever in 30 minutes, it covered the wheel a bit, Wigan and the recently emerged nostalgia scene. As expected

Edited September 25, 2013 by Byrney

[moddy]

Some friends of mine are into rock n roll, wear full circle skirts and suade shoes, and i laugh at them but i have to say they are no diff from some people i know,  the baggy trouser full circle skirt brigade, been there done that 30+ years ago.

 

I had my kids who are in ther 30's watching, they phoned me up and  laughed saying '' no way did u wear that'' did say it was years ago but they pissed then selves laughing '' why do people still wear it then ?'' and to be honest i laughed too but to be honest , how come the ones who dress in normal fashion dont get a look in on the film they were nearly all wearing fashions from back in the casino days

 

I think it has something to do with the amount of time you took out while having familys n such, but as i never did leave mabe thats why my fashion changed not having to relive my past youth ............ JMHO

[Gogger]

paul mason , top man 

[Milly]

Short but sweet, not a sensationalised drug addled dross, but a balanced recollection of a man's youth and on how somehow its still there

[Citizen P]

Gave it a 3,

At least it was presented by somebody who had an association with the music, could have done with it being a bit longer and talking about what happened since, good trailer for the film I guess.

 

Not a bad effort..

[Premium Stuff]

Beware all the dancers are Kung Fu fighters and take the piss and they will kick ya to Wiggin n back lol

Bruce Lee what a laugh the lass should have researched and she would have known the early northern dance moves where copied from soul artist like the legendary James Brown Jackie Wilson ect ect ect

 

I have always thought kung fu and northern was a wicked combination - and both were high fashion at about the same time - so there is some truth in it in wider UK culture at the time

 

[Quinvy]

I quite enjoyed it apart from the clown costumes, and I can't wait to see the film after seeing the clips. Much credit must go to Paul Mason. So much better coming from someone who was there and understands. As others have said, not perfect, but probably the best one yet.

Best thing for me was Elaine's analogy of being in the zone. Brilliantly put.

[Iancsloft]

I have always thought kung fu and northern was a wicked combination - and both were high fashion at about the same time - so there is some truth in it in wider UK culture at the time

 

Ha Ha Richard when Enter the Dragon came out we all became Kung Fu Fighters lol Martial Arts Clubs sprang up all over Leigh & District I joined Dave Hodgsons Atemi Jutsu Academy and got that many injuries in the next few years I could hardly walk never mind dance LOL

[Sooty]

When the assertion was put forward as to why we all dance as we do......I pi^^ed meself and had to stop the proggy whilst I recovered.......and after I had.....took it serious!! Never figured that.....!x

In fact...when I was living in Grimsby and moved to Cambridge in 73/4...my mates reckoned I looked like him....North and South!!x

 

@@
~
LUV
SOOTY
X

 

From a film makers perspective....and thinking 1/25th of a second...or frame at a time....and given the 26 minute window.........I believe the time available was maximised with the most positive comment/imagery and reflection....as could possibly have been given to it. From that perspective.....I think it was great...X

Edited September 26, 2013 by SOOTY

[Godzilla]

Mrs Godzilla liked it and said "it's on BBC 2 though isn't it? It's not meant for your lot".

 

Naturally I resent being considered part of my "lot" - whatever that is....

[Sooty]

That's your lot then Godzilla,,,,,,,hehe!x

@@
~
LUV
SOOTY
X

[Spacehopper]

gave it a 3 and has been said already nothing more than i expected..mentioned the wheel..15 mins of wigan then nothing happened till the oldies revived it and now a couple of kids up north are doing it...well thats how a non soulies would see it!

 

we all know its different..i know it was only 30 mins but a bit less wigan and could have mentioned the nighters that DID carry it on after station rd....and then the massive influx of those too young for wigan who discovered it and carried it on in the mid to late 80s via the mod revival/scooter scene..i can remember seeing edwin starr live in 84 along with 5000 other teenagers!....and then all the new unreleased discoveries kent are still finding...34 years of nighters in the famous london 100 club on oxford street...djs still finding records even today not just in the 70s (kindly shepherds,jt parker) etc etc...all the different genres of 'soul' now being played...the only funky tune they played was 'the bottle' which non funk loving oldies fans dance too?

 

but was a good promotion for the film and book..most of the stills and interviews seemed to be lifted from the book...elaines contacts i suppose

 

some of the dancing and all of the fashion was a bit embarressing though

 

pauls enthusiasm?...more like fond memories i feel if it was enthusiasm surely he would have been out in the last 30 years before making this show?

 

 

 

dean

Edited September 26, 2013 by spacehopper

[Rich B]

Much better than I expected, Paul Mason emerged with a good deal of credit (I thought) and he was a much better dancer than many of the baggy trouser brigade! I'll certainly watch his reports on 'Newsnight' through different eyes in the future

 

I also thought Elaine's description of the youth club and how she became aware of northern soul must have chimed with many. I really did like the obvious passion she showed too - I think 'that' film may well be worth a watch.

 

I gave it a four.

[Steve S 60]

The presenter gave a potted view of the Northern Soul scene from his own perspective, one of someone who had come onto the scene in the mid 70s and, by his own admission, left in the early 80s.  He was obviously comfortable with the material and would have been less so had he attempted to cover what happened between him leaving the scene and the present day.  He stuck to what he knew and did a good job of putting it across.  After all, he only had a 30 minute time slot.  It was also good to see the Wigan Young Souls, and their obvious passion and enthusiasm for the scene.  As for the middle aged baggy trouser brigade, if they're happy enough to parade on national television like that, well, what can I say.  Scores on the doors....        , and I'll be pressing the Keep button on Sky+.

[Steve G]

I quite enjoyed it apart from the clown costumes, and I can't wait to see the film after seeing the clips. Much credit must go to Paul Mason. So much better coming from someone who was there and understands. As others have said, not perfect, but probably the best one yet.

Best thing for me was Elaine's analogy of being in the zone. Brilliantly put.

 

Yeah and it was a programme on national TV too. Programme makers are always going to look for the "unusual" (non mainstream) people angle......So I guess we just have to deal with that element, it'll always be there, and let's be honest those two were hardly unique either - there are a lot of people that follow that life style.  And judging by those flight cases behind them, he's probably a DJ too.....

 

Thought Paul mason also covered some other rarely covered points - like how he stopped going to Wigan at the end of the 70's and moved onto jazz funk etc. Some of the non Wigan attendees in the late 70's might not realise that loads did that - fortunately we had 6T's starting down here in 78/9 with Randy & Ady for 60s soul music.

 

PS: No Frank wilson??? :lol: Thank goodness!

Edited September 27, 2013 by Steve G

[45cellar]

I enjoyed watching it.  I also think a longer time slot should have been allocated.

[Pete S]

They couldn't even be arsed to sort out The Vel Vets from The Velvelettes.

Mind you, there is a film due for release on the horizon.....was that the point?

 

He said Vel Vets and they played Vel vets.

[dean jj]

Is it me or does Dave Withers actually look younger these days?

[Pete S]

Beware all the dancers are Kung Fu fighters and take the piss and they will kick ya to Wiggin n back lol

Bruce Lee what a laugh the lass should have researched and she would have known the early northern dance moves where copied from soul artist like the legendary James Brown Jackie Wilson ect ect ect

 

She got that from Keb, Keb's on camera many times saying that he got most of his moves from watching Kung Fu and taking lessons, maybe that was the thing for their group and she remembered it well.

I thought it was excellent by the way, apart from the fact that we saw so many people dressed in baggy trousers and circle skirts, are there really that many, or did they just concentrate on the few and make a big deal of it?

I had a call from my Mom after it ended and she said she really enjoyed it but I got the third degree about drugs, I said you know I took them and she said "yes but I thought that was just the once, no wonder you only weighed 7 stone taking those daft slimming pills" 

[Steve G]

I had a call from my Mom after it ended and she said she really enjoyed it but I got the third degree about drugs, I said you know I took them and she said "yes but I thought that was just the once, no wonder you only weighed 7 stone taking those daft slimming pills" 

 

You know I wonder about this drugs thing, it's being over played. Yep know a lot of people did, but equally a lot of people didn't.....

[Spacehopper]

regardin big skirts..depends where you go...oldies event at kings hall,blackpool etc there are dozens..rare rooms etc hardly any,packed 100 club last weekend and i dont think i saw one..lots of slim modette looking types which is a lot better look  and even though its an older look its not so dated and so 'cooler' to the young

[John Reed]

I watched last night with my wife, who has no interest in Soul/Northern at all.  She thought it was quite interesting and got an insight into that world, which I think overall is a good thing.  She did ask "why are people wearing novelty clothing" which I thought was a bit embarrassing and made me wonder how many other “outsiders” thought that way.

[Winnie :-)]

I thought it was pretty good, Elaine came across well and Paul Mason seemed very enthusiastic. Biggest problem for me was the assertion that 'the dance styles' emanated from Kung Fu. Just seen Pete's comment, and I know Keb used to incorporate some moves into the drops but please. 

 

Right best get myself down to the Dojo to perfect my spinning round house kick in preparation for my next visit to a soul night.

 

''Enter the drag queen'' here I come

[Mark S]

Gave it a three it was ok just

 

Paul and Elaine came across really well

[Guest Richard Bancroft]

Not bad but 30mins to explain 40 plus years not enough time. Now waiting to see the film

[Guest BAKUNIN]

Naff in parts embarrassing in others ,provided a fleeting euphoria with a few tunes

but as with all these sort of programmes left me with a permanent nostalgia.

[Guest Pompeylor]

Yeah and it was a programme on national TV too. Programme makers are always going to look for the "unusual" (non mainstream) people angle. "Odd bods" are always a guaranteed ratings "win" on any TV show looking at minority pursuits. Finding a couple that spend their weekends travelling the country wearing clown clothes, covered in dodgy tatts and dancing like marrionettes is always going to be much more appealing to a programme maker than listening to some dullard talking about rare records from a city most viewers would never have visited.....So I guess we just have to deal with that element, it'll always be there, and let's be honest those two were hardly unique either - there are a lot of people that follow that life style.  And judging by those flight cases behind them, he's probably a DJ too.....

 

Thought Paul mason also covered some other rarely covered points - like how he stopped going to Wigan at the end of the 70's and moved onto jazz funk etc. Some of the non Wigan attendees in the late 70's might not realise that loads did that - fortunately we had 6T's starting down here in 78/9 with Randy & Ady for 60s soul music.

 

PS: No Frank wilson??? :lol: Thank goodness!

 

I think it's sad that some here are focusing on the clothes and taking the piff. Surely one of the reasons why NS evolved in the first place was to get away from the mainstream and do your own thing amongst people with the same spirit. I couldn't give a monkeys toff about what people look like when they go to a club - it's the music that's drawn me there. If I like something I see I make a mental note about it and do some searching. I don't wear that sort of "clown" gear but if they want to and enjoy it then so be it. Personally, I think people like them who go up and down the country taking in the venues are helping to keep it all going. Certainly, if a few people watching that programme take a look at their clothes and think "NS isn't for me" then that's no loss. However, if they go "Hmm, NS allows you to be yourself and have a fantastic time, free from prejudice" then I think that's great.

 

To be honest, I'm one of the few that can actually say they haven't been to Wigan Casino! I know, it's a scandal. It's mainly due to being born in 1972!!

 

Best part of the programme was Mason being interviewed straight after coming off the dance floor - all sweaty and boosted by the memories. Summed up the feeling when you miss a few weeks of it for me.