For the past 30 odd years since I last attended a Northern Soul event I have been into all types of dance music mainly soulfull House. I always listened to Northern over the years as a result I decided to give the scene a try again. My wife was sceptical she feels that she cant dance to Northern and that at 50 every man and his dog would stare at her. 

 

I showed her a few you tube clips and to be honest some frightened me to death never mind her with some outstanding dancing, however other videos showed bald fat old women who cant really dance so this gave her hope and a new wig was bought for her.

 

The reason for this post came after we visited the Kings Georges Hall in Blackburn on Saturday for the last 3 months whenever Leeds are away we book into a hotel room and try to visit a local Northern event. to cut it short we had a good night but a bit to my surprise were comments posted on the events page in regards to Handbag music, pissed students etc.

 

Which made me think of what is the future of Northern Soul ? In the new year a movie should be coming out and in this movie hopefully will be some classic tracks and there in lies the first question will those tracks suddenly become commercial and not be played on the northern soul scene again ? im hoping not im hoping that the pissed up students actually do buy into it I remember my first dos in late 70's and these were attended by drugged up students not just pissed ones ! Those individuals are now the old balding soulies of today are they not ?

 

I believe at more time than any other that Northern Soul is at its final cross roads, a documentary on the BBC, mentions in the press, backing tracks for commercials and a movie to boot.

 

Young uns are looking for a new fashion a new buzz or music to get into and Northern has a great opportunity in my opinion to get those numbers up. But also old soulies like myself late 40's early 50's just might want to give the scene one last chance and dance.

 

I don't believe this can happen if dancing once again becomes the overall reason for a Northern Soul scene, and importantly the old classics are not played im sorry but I have listened to a lot of cross over Modern Soul and apart form a handful of tracks ( I appreciate I need more time to get into this side of the scene) they do not have the vibe or buzz as the classics, those tracks got us into the scene and can inspire a new generation.

 

Your views and thought's appreciated and respected

 

 

 

 

 

He wants his Sandy Golden back Ian..... 

 

He sold it me! I told him there was something dodgy about it back then, that's why I got it cheap.......

 

Ian D 

Yep. Good memory for 40 odd years ago! Do I know you? 

 

Ian D 

 

I do....we go back a while......  

 

Len  

The answer to the original question is staring you in the face......

 

A 2013 Northern Soul smash from Pharrell Williams (and record of the year for me) with a video of a 17 year old lass from Bristol who loves Northern Soul and can seriously dance.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZLLPaX4SS4

 

If I was 17 now, I know what would be rocking my boat. Northern Soul looks pretty healthy to me.

 

Ian D 

Agreed great song not sure I could listen for 24 hours to it ? great PR stunt.  Young Levanna Mclean through her dance videos is getting more press for Northern Soul and young kids watching just might be attracted to a night out good for the future of the music, I see even Pharrell has mentioned the video Tweeting  “The UK is getting Happy…Northern Soul style!”

 

Interesting responses to your post Ian, reminds me very much of the late 70's early 80's when Northern was going through its split and anything new was frowned on. Ironic really some tracks I have heard since I came back I could only hear when you and Mr Schofield played them at the CentraI on a Friday Night Jazz Funk in my mind but clearly these tracks have morphed onto the Northern scene a fantastic thing, I presume it will be another 20 years before Happy will be accepted, I mean if Bob Sinclair Tribute fills a Northern dance floor surely Happy would maybe its the fear factor as another poster mentioned.

 

One thing is for sure the lessons should be learned from early 80s old can go with the new, maybe a bit of Soulful House Music Jill Scott etc might sneak in doubt it though.. I think Paul Trouble or Joey Negro could shake it up a bit lol

it,s not uptempo for a start ian, more med/well done with a kinda modern beat........it,s all floaty floaty  has no earthiness....not my cup of tea

Bloody Hell Tezza that's a bit poetic for you mate.    

Spot.  

Agreed great song not sure I could listen for 24 hours to it ? great PR stunt.  Young Levanna Mclean through her dance videos is getting more press for Northern Soul and young kids watching just might be attracted to a night out good for the future of the music, I see even Pharrell has mentioned the video Tweeting  “The UK is getting Happy…Northern Soul style!”

 

Interesting responses to your post Ian, reminds me very much of the late 70's early 80's when Northern was going through its split and anything new was frowned on. Ironic really some tracks I have heard since I came back I could only hear when you and Mr Schofield played them at the CentraI on a Friday Night Jazz Funk in my mind but clearly these tracks have morphed onto the Northern scene a fantastic thing, I presume it will be another 20 years before Happy will be accepted, I mean if Bob Sinclair Tribute fills a Northern dance floor surely Happy would maybe its the fear factor as another poster mentioned.

 

One thing is for sure the lessons should be learned from early 80s old can go with the new, maybe a bit of Soulful House Music Jill Scott etc might sneak in doubt it though.. I think Paul Trouble or Joey Negro could shake it up a bit lol

 

It beats the shit out of "Tribute" though. 

 

Pharrell Williams - the most popular vocalist in the world in 2013 is acknowledging Northern Soul big time. Brilliant. Plus that string section on his record is really something else. One of the best arrangements I've heard in a long time.

 

Where the hell's he hearing this Northern Soul stuff then I wonder? 

 

If he does a pastiche of Sandy Golden then I'll really start wondering what's going on..........

 

Well, we were asked about the future weren't we.....? 

 

Ian D 

Bloody Hell Tezza that's a bit poetic for you mate.    

Spot.  

hello mate......... a happy xmas to you are the luverly gail x.....we,re pretty much firing on all cylinders  so see you out and about soon  tezza shakespear 

It beats the shit out of "Tribute" though. 

 

.

Where the hell's he hearing this Northern Soul stuff then I wonder? 

 

 

Ian D 

Truly awful record I was genual taken aback when it came on and soulies rushed onto the dance floor I was looking for that John Travolta look alike with his white suit and black shirt to come dashing on, each to their own.

 

I watched the Soul train awards other night on BET got impression Black artists are starting to appreciate their roots, possibly appreciating old soul music what in the UK we call Northern lets be honest even Bruno Mars has knocked out tracks with the Northern/Motown beat.

 

What will be interesting is to see how the record producers look at a Northern type beat re issue of old Northern tracks by modern female soul artists ?

 

Take Jazz Funk its always morphed how many old tracks have been mixed for soulfull house great example would be Antonello Ferrari feat. Jennifer Wallace - Make Room For Me class.

 

I know Ian Levine tried this in the 80's Eric Roberts Next in line being an example but it didn't really hit the spot, interesting times ahead for Soul music. 

Truly awful record I was genual taken aback when it came on and soulies rushed onto the dance floor I was looking for that John Travolta look alike with his white suit and black shirt to come dashing on, each to their own.

 

I watched the Soul train awards other night on BET got impression Black artists are starting to appreciate their roots, possibly appreciating old soul music what in the UK we call Northern lets be honest even Bruno Mars has knocked out tracks with the Northern/Motown beat.

 

What will be interesting is to see how the record producers look at a Northern type beat re issue of old Northern tracks by modern female soul artists ?

 

Take Jazz Funk its always morphed how many old tracks have been mixed for soulfull house great example would be Antonello Ferrari feat. Jennifer Wallace - Make Room For Me class.

 

I know Ian Levine tried this in the 80's Eric Roberts Next in line being an example but it didn't really hit the spot, interesting times ahead for Soul music. 

 

It's seldom that American artists even acknowledge Northern Soul - most of 'em don't have a clue what it is. So that's why it's surprising that the hottest vocalist in the world has made such a record and acknowledged the term. I've no idea how he got there because there weren't any clues in his previous recordings I don't think. His stuff with NERD was bloody awful to my ears.

 

But stranger things have happened. Prince once requested a full set of Mastercuts compilations which I duly delivered to him, so who's to say Pharrell hasn't been checking things out on the quiet. 

 

Interesting times indeed.....

 

Ian D 

....Kids....music..past....future...current.....DJ's....Promoters.. and Lady's???......hmmmm.They all impressed me this weekend at both venues I frequented....Kings Hall and the Charity Soul sponsored gig at Kellingley...XX I have much to share about it all relevant to this thread....but I can waffle on...and as many SS folk came up to me over the weekend.....then I know u wanna hear it anyway....so will write me feedback on all kinds of stuff of interest to most i'm sure.....tomorrow....!x  I will also tell how both Young and Old DJ's...dancers...and Promoters...can have it away in 58 minutes....with 24 1/2 tunes....which pack from the outset...pulling them randomly outta ure box..from reaaaaal oldies.....to 4 year old tunes....that were the talk after the doo......!!!x Thanx all of you who expressed an opinion to me over the weekend wherever we were!x.....and out of respect...i'll give mine back on it all....tomorrow!!x Now tho'...a well earned kip.....!x Nite nite...X

++
~

LUV
SOOOTZZZZZ

X

Typically the rest of the continent have already taken to "Happy" as it's already No.1 in France, Holland and Portugal. Unstoppable.....

 

Ian D 

...never forget the first time i DJ'd in 93 at Blackburn...Tony's.....given the 7-8am launch spot to finish.....and played Happy....3rd tune from the end of the night........because I really really was....blew the doors off.............X

@@
~
LUV
SOOTY
X

Surely not Portugal Ian, that hotbed of tasteful inspirational soul we have all grown to love over the years! Good to see Ronaldo nominated for another Grammy for his fancy footwork as well, they'll be wanting to join the EU next and turn up in their 1000's at Dover claiming our benefits and spunking it all on white lightning and cheap mp3s of chart-topping northern soul music whilst dressed as extras from a Jackie fashion shoot.

I'll give it six months tops before our airwaves are irreversibly poisoned by this tripe and the government imposes forced riverdancing for under 12s

Looking back at the original question posed or statement made, whichever way you look at it and then reading the responses it is rather sad.  If the majority of folk out there uphold the feelings and sentiment of a lot of the views expressed in this thread then it is obvious that Northern Soul ( as we know it ) has no future. 

Year on year a screw has been removed from the door until it has finally become unhindged.  The future is before you, you have no Map, Compass and certainly no Moses to lead the way, make of it what you will.  Remember, at the Crossroads go left, or right, whichever way you wish because at the end of that road there is a Crossroads ...

For Sale - I record collection ( mostly Oldies ) ONO !!

this tune is average........if it had been duffy you all would of slated it lol........as for american soul artists recognising "northern "as you put it........as always only when the mighty dollar reigns....not because they like this kinda sound.

it,s not uptempo for a start ian, more med/well done with a kinda modern beat........it,s all floaty floaty  has no earthiness....not my cup of tea

Shes hardly dncing what you would cal"Fast",either.

Shes hardly dncing what you would cal"Fast",either.

But she is in time, which is often a pleasant surprise these days

this tune is average........if it had been duffy you all would of slated it lol........as for american soul artists recognising "northern "as you put it........as always only when the mighty dollar reigns....not because they like this kinda sound.

The only thing I like about the tune is .its instantly forgettable ,I listened to it ,forgot it already ,that's got to be good   

 

Bazza  

lovely girl..out almost every weekend,was at gogo on saturday..we didnt get any requests for this song though..

 

think shes done more for 'bristol soul' in the last 6 months on you tube than three or four of us promoters have in the last 10 years!

that was tongue in cheek by the way ,we havnt got ques of young kids trying to get it since her vids have been getting talked about

I liked 'Happy' when I first heard it on youtube via a facebook link.

 

Instantly catchy and uplifting with a good arrangement, it's a new song but very obviously influenced by soul classics from the golden days.

 

It shows that more producers are looking deeper into the past for inspiration rather than covering the same old ground. It was bound to happen because most other retro styles have been so exhausted.

Pharrell is no newcomer and - like everyone these days - he can also easily explore older and more obscure music via youtube etc.  So I'm expecting to hear a lot more classic soul influences in new music, maybe some cover versions too.
 

Check this then Paul. Pharrell doing his best Curtis and the Impressions impression.....

 

Pharrell Williams - Prettiest Girls

 

 

Ian D 

Edited December 10, 201311 yr by Ian Dewhirst

Check this then Paul. Pharrell doing his best Curtis and the Impressions impression.....

 

Pharrell Williams - Prettiest Girls

 

 

Ian D 

 

Thanks Ian, I need to check out his new other tracks now.

And isn't it also a sign that old-fashioned romance is back in fashion ?

It will obviously appeal to a very broad audience, especially the girls of course.

I have no idea who Pharrell is.

Me neither

I have no idea who Pharrell is.

Who ever he is , his Curtis impersonations are not very good.

I have no idea who Pharrell is.

 

Biggest star of this year Pete but he's been around for the last 10 years in one guise or another. He's the voice on Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" and also on Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines". However, if you want his throwback Northern stuff, then take your daughter to see Despicable Me 2..........

 

Ian D 

Yeah it's er ,no it's erm ,dunno ,not really interested any way 

 

Bazza  

Vocalist on loads of decent US Housey bits over the years too.

He's the voice on Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" and also on Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines".

Ian D 

 

 

Wow !

 

Never heard of them !

Biggest star of this year Pete but he's been around for the last 10 years in one guise or another. He's the voice on Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" and also on Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines". However, if you want his throwback Northern stuff, then take your daughter to see Despicable Me 2..........

 

Ian D 

 

That means absolutely nothing to me either   

Is he the future of Northern Soul ?

Biggest star of this year Pete but he's been around for the last 10 years in one guise or another. He's the voice on Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" and also on Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines". However, if you want his throwback Northern stuff, then take your daughter to see Despicable Me 2..........

 

Ian D 

 

My little boy told me it was off Despicable Me 2...I had no idea what he was on about.

I hate that Get Lucky record, every time you put the radio on, whatever channel, it was on, and I never listen to radio 1 either.

Who the f*ck is Robin Thicke?  Is that how it's pronounced - thick?  Is that the one that rips off Marvin Gaye?

My little boy told me it was off Despicable Me 2...I had no idea what he was on about.

I hate that Get Lucky record, every time you put the radio on, whatever channel, it was on, and I never listen to radio 1 either.

Who the f*ck is Robin Thicke?  Is that how it's pronounced - thick?  Is that the one that rips off Marvin Gaye?

 

One of the biggest song-writers in the US Pete, wrote for everybody and has about five US No 1 albums.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Thicke

Don,t know about you lot,but everytime l hear some so called R&B on the telly or radio....l want to scream...."WHY CAN,T YOU TW*TS SING SOMETHING WITH A BIT OF OOMFF!!!"....instead of this sugary sweet insipid sh*te you all constantly turn out,that you all rave over,but none of us ever do....because in the main it,s SH******T!!!!!

Robin Thicke.? Same PR people as Keith Sweat.? "Get Lucky" is a club sound for young guns,Pharrell wotsit has a good voice,prefer Snoop Dogg myself.

None have them will have any effect on the "NS" scene.

 

Robin Thicke.? Same PR people as Keith Sweat.? "Get Lucky" is a club sound for young guns,Pharrell wotsit has a good voice,prefer Snoop Dogg myself.

None have them will have any effect on the "NS" scene.

 ROBIN THICKE..........is he one of the THICKE twins lol

Wasn't he the guy whoshot to fame due to Miley Billie Jean Bob X- Ray Cyrus doing a bit o' twerkin' with?

Am I being obtuse or just thick(e) as f**k!!!

Wasn't he the guy whoshot to fame due to Miley Billie Jean Bob X- Ray Cyrus doing a bit o' twerkin' with?

Am I being obtuse or just thick(e) as f**k!!!

 

I really can't stand Miley Billie Jean Bob X- Ray Cyrus, famous for sticking her tongue out

I had Jimmy Robins as a 100% Northern Soul record long before anyone was associating it with R & B.  That came way later.  Mel Torme must surely be classed as pop though, good record as it is.

But with hindsight, is was a great usa RnB top seller. Good record

 

I cant imagine why they pressed so many, it must have been on the radio

 

perhaps for the soul fans of tomorrow

 

"tomorrows hits today"

 

personally still collecting vintage vinyl

 

not bothered about your taste, only into mine

 

but respect

Edited December 10, 201311 yr by gaz thomas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BYuS-OfAQ8

 

i walked around town and found this on white island in a record shop last week

 

what a tune

 

this happened to me in a shop in a uk city last week

 

the last owner took big care of this special 45, so will i

 

totally mint original 45

such a soulful vocal

 

 

so keep digging

Edited December 10, 201311 yr by gaz thomas

Check this then Paul. Pharrell doing his best Curtis and the Impressions impression.....

 

Pharrell Williams - Prettiest Girls

 

 

Ian D 

 

SNAP !

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLfQUnXdUj8

Edited December 10, 201311 yr by Mace

Are we there yet?

Are we there yet?

 

Are we ever? 

 

Ian D 

No, it will soon be Christmas!

Pharrell Williams has been around for years ! Ya olds

Frontin was a massive hit in 2003 . Good an all

Are we there yet?

 

Not far now, just around the corner...

 

Actually it's a bit unfair 'cos I only posted up the Pharrell Williams/Velvet Hammer basterdised version of "Happy" with the GREAT video of the Northern Soul lass dancing which is now turning into the You Tube hit of the moment and a bit of an internet phenomenon.

 

But, hey, we're on Soul Source, so here's the OVO version OK?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM&feature=share

 

For me, this is EXACTLY everything I look for in a record. Infectious, uptempo, feel-good Soul music. The choir at two minutes, and then three minutes in, just slays me. A great, great record. When I hear new releases as brilliant as this, for me, it's as good as it's ever been. I can't really believe that they're making records like this anymore but I'm sure glad they are.

 

Ian D 

Edited December 12, 201311 yr by Ian Dewhirst

SNAP !

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLfQUnXdUj8

 

OK, let me get this right. You copied the rainbow yeah? 

 

No comparison Mace. I admit "Prettiest Girls" is cheese, but it's encouraging cheese nonetheless. The song is on the soundtrack to a popular kids film, so the fact that Pharrell Williams even bothered to pay a homage to Curtis and the Impressions for a kid's movie is encouraging. Much better than most of the other new releases I'm listening to for sure. I take my hat off to him. He's a serious guy. No slouch by any stretch. He's doing exactly the right thing and it's working for me....

 

Ian D 

I would happily watch a ten minute dancing video of the little lad at 1:30

THE FUTURE

The Europeans have already shown us the way Cool venues, mixed genre of music that attract all ages.

The more progressive U.K. venues have followed this lead trying to find cool venues not big halls or British Legions etc that have never been cool and a playlist to match not all the old classics.

What is not the future is big venues where the DJ's just play the same old beat attracting  punters who think they are back in 1975 etc.

Youngsters lare looking for something different because of the lack of quality in current scenes but they have to feel it is a bit cool like 1960s underground clubs not big halls etc.

Pharell has been a big star for a long time so it can only do good although I would prefer more gritty boll***s to my music.

As for 2013 new releases try this and there's plenty more out at the moment like Al Supersonic and The Teenagers etc.

Edited December 13, 201311 yr by bri phill