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

 

 

 

 

 

Lyrically its bad.First time iv'e heard "souffle" in a song.

Whereas tapioca is a lyrical must in any good northern song?   

Lyrically its bad.First time iv'e heard "souffle" in a song.

 

Had to check it out to see what they got to rhyme with soufflé........BUFFET!

Read Aarons posts and listened to his youtube vids and I,m stumped to why he is on here .He seems to not like the northern oldies scene but advocates 50s stuff , can someone tell where on the northern scene he will hear the likes of these records ? . All of the RnB records i  like and seem to get played on the scene tend to be the black ballsy stuff not like the stuff posted 

Had to check it out to see what they got to rhyme with soufflé........BUFFET!

A Northern Soul song about a Vampire Slayer ??

A Northern Soul song about a Vampire Slayer ??

 

Earl Van Helsing.

Had to check it out to see what they got to rhyme with soufflé........BUFFET!

Surely it should be Phoebe Buffay friends stalwart and regular at the Casino....

Earl Van Helsing.

Is that a posh tea?

Surely it should be Phoebe Buffay friends stalwart and regular at the Casino....

 

 

Is that a posh tea?

 

Getting back to the topic,  I think the future of Northern Soul is safe in our hands.

Getting back to the topic,  I think the future of Northern Soul is safe in our hands.

Love Slipped Through My Fingers

Love Slipped Through My Fingers

 

Sam Williams or Ohio Players?  Brought up listening to the former, but I prefer the latter.

Getting back to the topic,  I think the future of Northern Soul is safe in our hands.

My apologies 

Had to check it out to see what they got to rhyme with soufflé........BUFFET!

 

Could have been a word I haven't heard in years - "pouffe", remember those, like squigy leather squares that you put your feet on

Could have been a word I haven't heard in years - "pouffe", remember those, like squigy leather squares that you put your feet on

 

Just bought one from Marrakech.  The mad Moroccan who sold me it called it a pouffe (or was that me), obviously the French influence.  Spent the last couple of weeks shredding old newspapers to stuff it with.

 

Back to the topic, the future of Northern Soul is safe in our hands.

Thanks Len 

 

Bazza  

 

 Brilliant - So glad you have a sense of humour. That's the trouble sometimes, people take it so personally when someone questions their (bad) taste    

 

All the best,

 

Len  

you're obviously not going to have the same opinion as me, you're the same age as my granddad...

 

 .....Only on this Scene!.......I was 'an event' a few weeks ago, and something 'kicked off'.......I then heard someone shout...."Leave my Dad alone!"....again - 'Only on this Scene'  

 

Great stuff  

 

Len  

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

You need to be on the Rockin scene or the mod rnb scene if your into this stuff...........I like this music and collect it myself but id be pissed off if i went to a rare or northern soul night and this stuff was played. Nothing to do with you not liking oldies.Your'e into a whole different genre of music!!

 

Well said mate - I get so p*ssed off when I'm at a SOUL event, and someone puts this (in my book) tripe on (maybe thinking they are 'cutting edge').......except for Dave Rimmer because his Mike work makes up for it - and he always apologises to me (over the mike usually!)  

 

It's a SOUL Scene!

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

P.s - I must say, even Dave's 'awful habit' of R 'n' B is a lot better than has been posted - luv ya Dave  x

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

Thanx for posting them Aaron....never heard any of them....and yup...I like them in the main and all would make my 'general' obscure collection

 

......and that was your only fault Sooty.......      

 

Len  x

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

As a younger member of the scene I am pretty confident the scene will continue, theres a fair few youngsters who love soul on the northern, mod, and scooter scenes. However, will it be as big as the 70s again? I dont think so. My vision it will be a small scene, some what more like the European scene, young vibrant yet small and consolidated.There will always be an attraction and interest in soul music, it's got a magic, a sweetness and obviously soulful feel you cant get from any other genre.

Personally, it was the oldies and classics that first sparked the interest. And in particular the Snake was the first track that did it for me. I know it's not cool to say that, but at the time for all knew it could have been the most respected/rarest/expensive track known to man. However, as you dig deeper you realise that there are is so much more than the classics. Thats what keeps me interested, as you can keep listening and listening and still find amazing tracks. The done to death oldies have become very stale to my ears, but to dismiss them as crap is a bit nonsicle!

However, to throw the cat amongst the pigeons... Mr YoungSoul if you havent been influenced anybody at all, how can you hate the "overplayed" stuff? Because youve got to hear these songs for the very first time at some point, surely thats when you should start to form an opinion on wether you like it or not?

 

Great post - I am proud to say that I danced to 'The Snake' just a few weeks ago - I was at The Nags Head in Wollaston (which has a history of very early soul events going back to the 60's) and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

.....Did I just 'admit' to dancing to 'The Snake'?.........Na, I couldn't have done - That's not cool.........    

 

i would just say aaron watch how you word things on this site..i now re-read posts before i post them and i still seem to piss people off after years of being on here..people still seem to sometimes read negative things which were not intended..and sometimes you can go round and round and will have to agree to disagree..but' thats life i guesss'

 

dean

 

......Or people get exposed for what they really are.........not aimed at you mate.......yet .......      

 

 

Len  

Great post - I am proud to say that I danced to 'The Snake' just a few weeks ago - I was at The Nags Head in Wollaston (which has a history of very early soul events going back to the 60's) and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

.....Did I just 'admit' to dancing to 'The Snake'?.........Na, I couldn't have done - That's not cool.........    

Blimey Len be careful   

 

Bazza   

I quite Like it Kev,but I guess you expected me to   

 

Bazza  

 

......(Sigh).......I did.........

 

 

 

 

 

Len  

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

No,wasn't sure you would.

 

 

(Sigh)......I was.......

 

 

 

 

 

Len  

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

......and that was your only fault Sooty.......      

 

Len  x

...and as it happens Len I will be playing stuff from that very obscure box at me annual local OAPs Xmas party....in between me bingo calling!x Got looooads like the above and from boot sales since last xmas.....and yes...3 of those Aaron posted would get spun there....and I may get a waltz outta a few of em...!x There is a time and a place for every tune! The art is in finding it and doing it right!x However...I would follow with his 4 tunes straight after ure spot at any gig and the room would be relieved mefinks!!!x

Bring it on bro....X

@@

~

LUV

SOOTY

X

 

...u ain;t lived until u've seen 2 pensioners dance to this......fit into any all-nighter.....goes faster and faster.....fit for a rave!!!x

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbD4jmM8APU

GRRRR!! cant see them let alone hear them..what are they ? please !!

 

....Don't worry about it mate - You don't want to (Trust me)..........

 

 

Len  

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

You're right about the media.  I took Sam round to a school friends house last night and I had a conversation with his Dad (aged approx 40) who I'd only briefly said hello to at school, anyway I had a really nice chat with this guy, when I mentioned Northern Soul he immediately said "yeah it's making a come back isn't it", so he's obviously seen the BBC program or heard something on the radio.

 

,....Yeh, I was at the Hair Dressers - damn! I mean Barbers! the other week, and they asked 'question number 14'......."So what are you up to at the weekend Len?"......."Oh, I'm going to a Soul event"....."What's that then?"......"Oh, we play a bit of Motown, it's a actually a Northern Soul night".........."Maureen! did you hear this? Lenny's going to a Northern Soul night this weekend, we like a bit of Northern Soul we do Lenny"........

 

.......I didn't like it.......

 

Len  

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

Maybe that falls into the popcorn genre.?

 

 

...What ever that is....I think they make it up as they go along......  

 

Len  

,....Yeh, I was at the Hair Dressers - damn! I mean Barbers! the other week, and they asked 'question number 14'......."So what are you up to at the weekend Len?"......."Oh, I'm going to a Soul event"....."What's that then?"......"Oh, we play a bit of Motown, it's a actually a Northern Soul night".........."Maureen! did you here this? Lenny's going to a Northern Soul night this weekend, we like a bit of Northern Soul we do Lenny"........

 

.......I didn't like it.......

 

Len  

You're on form tonight Len ,got to have a laugh ,some take it little too seriously   

 

Bazza   

I'd better listen to it again, maybe I'm guilty of trying to be in with 'the in crowd'   

 

 

...You'll never be Winston.....and that's why I like you  

 

Len  

Could have been a word I haven't heard in years - "pouffe", remember those, like squigy leather squares that you put your feet on

 

 I have one in my record room!

 

......Record rooms - Not the same now we can afford to have them, compared to ya Dad shouting up the stairs....."Len, your tea's ready"....."Dad, I said I was recording!!!"........  

 

Len  

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

can someone tell where on the northern scene he will hear the likes of these records ? 

 

........Unfortunately at 'some' places.........

 

Len  

Blimey Len be careful   

 

Bazza   

 

He he - You heard it here first - 'The Snake' will be played again at major venues very soon......That'll confuse 'the f*ckers'!  

 

Len  

There is a time and a place for every tune!

@@

~

LUV

SOOTY

X

 

.....No there's not......

 

 

 

Len  

You're on form tonight Len ,got to have a laugh ,some take it little too seriously   

 

Bazza   

 

.....It's a very serious business I tell you  

 

Len  

Never thought I,d come on here and see a Perry Como record uploaded . I hope Sootys packed up djing when I,m in f**king nursing home.  

Jeeze, that was exhausting - Sorry about all of my 'quick fire' reply's folks , I haven't been on Soul-source all day and had to get a 'hit'  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

Far too many "Johnny Come (very) Lately's" knocking around in reality and cyberland.

Far too many "Johnny Come (very) Lately's" knocking around in reality and cyberland.

so is it a bit like the masons this northern soul scene secret handshakes  and all that  , it's not just for anybody 

It is easy to suss someone....especially when they are out of their depth......!!!

And also make it obvious that they haven't got a clue.....posting f***king awful soundfiles and expecting some kind of appreciation......what for......go and tell the Teddy Boys.....more up their street.

so is it a bit like the masons this northern soul scene secret handshakes  and all that  , it's not just for anybody 

 

No it's not - That's why I love (ed) it........It is for absolutely anybody, but not for those that try and be something they're not.

 

All the best,

 

Len  (D.J / Promoter extraordinaire)  

 

P.s - I'm out of 'likes'.....I must have been busy......  

Edited December 5, 201311 yr by LEN

I must admit when those tunes were posted up i just thought WTF      .. even wrote a reply but just deleted them     CBA 

And also make it obvious that they haven't got a clue.....posting f***king awful soundfiles and expecting some kind of appreciation......what for......go and tell the Teddy Boys.....more up their street.

lol

Can we stay on topic, this is not a song debate, but the poster asked for response about the future of Northern Soul. Comments about individual records are about as useful as sugar in a snowstorm. Hate to be bitchy, but I have had a glass of wine (ok 3 glasses).

Never thought I,d come on here and see a Perry Como record uploaded . I hope Sootys packed up djing when I,m in f**king nursing home.  

 

...and after the Disco fades...i'd wheel u too your room....i'd empty ure colostomy bag and give u ure meds and you would smile at me as ure bestest friend Graham.....u would....!!x I would then go back to me decks....and as i'm putting the kit away....i'd leave playing just loud enuff for all of you to drift off to sleep too.......Welcome To My World.....Jim Reeves................a perfect ender.........!x

@@

~

LUV

SOOTY

X

 

...the future is what we make it....X There was a time when accepted tunes today were called Rock N Roll...not Soul..some of which was said 'innocently' by folk who have become 'respected' DJ's today and would consider them 'standard' Northern today.....20 years on.....! Tunes they were referring too??.....Betty O'Brian Shell be gone....Richard Berry Have Love....and yes I was told by 'hard core' Soulies whom I respected that the Diplomats 'Cards On The Table' was sh*te and nowt to do wiv Northern....in 1993!!! I still played it...and other Rock N Roll...................good job init!!x  

@@

~

Edited December 6, 201311 yr by SOOTY

...and after the Disco fades...i;d wheel u too your room....i'd empty ure colostomy bag and give u ure meds and you would smile at me as ure bestest friend Graham.....u would....!!x I would then go back to me decks....and as i;m putting the kit away....i;d leave playing just loud enuff for all of you to drift off to slep too.......Welcome To My World.....Jim Reeves...........a perfect ender.........!x

@@

~

LUV

SOOTY

X

 

...the future is what we make it....X There was a time when accepted tunes today were called Rock N Roll...not Soul..some of which was said 'innocently' by folk who have become 'respected' DJ's today and would consider them 'stndard' Northern today.....20 years on.....! Tunes they were referring too??.....Betty O'Brian Shell be gone....Richard Berry Have Love....and yes I was told by 'hard core' Soulies whom I respected that the Diplomats 'Cards On The Table' was sh*te and nowt to do wiv Northern....in 1993!!! I still played it...and other Rock N Roll...................good job init!!x  

@@

~

Jim reeves. Cracker mo fo !

...and after the Disco fades...i;d wheel u too your room....i'd empty ure colostomy bag and give u ure meds and you would smile at me as ure bestest friend Graham.....u would....!!x I would then go back to me decks....and as i;m putting the kit away....i;d leave playing just loud enuff for all of you to drift off to slep too.......Welcome To My World.....Jim Reeves...........a perfect ender.........!x

@@

~

LUV

SOOTY

X

 

...the future is what we make it....X There was a time when accepted tunes today were called Rock N Roll...not Soul..some of which was said 'innocently' by folk who have become 'respected' DJ's today and would consider them 'stndard' Northern today.....20 years on.....! Tunes they were referring too??.....Betty O'Brian Shell be gone....Richard Berry Have Love....and yes I was told by 'hard core' Soulies whom I respected that the Diplomats 'Cards On The Table' was sh*te and nowt to do wiv Northern....in 1993!!! I still played it...and other Rock N Roll...................good job init!!x  

@@

~

Jim reeves. Cracker mo fo !

Can we stay on topic, this is not a song debate, but the poster asked for response about the future of Northern Soul. Comments about individual records are about as useful as sugar in a snowstorm. Hate to be bitchy, but I have had a glass of wine (ok 3 glasses).

I have nothing but respect for anything Rory Gallagher says.  We do tend to drift.  Don't let it deteriorate to personal abuse. 

Well said mate - I get so p*ssed off when I'm at a SOUL event, and someone puts this (in my book) tripe on (maybe thinking they are 'cutting edge').......except for Dave Rimmer because his Mike work makes up for it - and he always apologises to me (over the mike usually!)  

 

It's a SOUL Scene!

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

P.s - I must say, even Dave's 'awful habit' of R 'n' B is a lot better than has been posted - luv ya Dave  x

 

 

I'm watching you Dopson !

I'm watching you Dopson !

 

Doh!  

 

........Dave, I often get an 'e' mail from my good friend Dave Clegg - almost the exact same wording!........It simply spurs me on  .........and worries me  .........

 

 

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

P.s - Hi Dave (Clegg) x  

Edited December 6, 201311 yr by LEN

Can we stay on topic, this is not a song debate, but the poster asked for response about the future of Northern Soul. Comments about individual records are about as useful as sugar in a snowstorm. Hate to be bitchy, but I have had a glass of wine (ok 3 glasses).

 

Quite - I can only apologise for 'them lot', I try so hard to keep it all 'on track'  ........Right - 'The Future Of Northern Soul'.......I actually don't really care that much, they can have it when I'm finished with it - which will be a long time yet, because I see a lot of positives rising after a 'testing' last ten years (when a lot of friends have turned their back on it) I'm sure it will carry on in some form......I've said this before - I hope they rip the rule book up and do it their way.

 

By the way, on reading your post this morning, I thought wow - three glasses of wine, and it's only 10.30am!.....Then saw the time that you posted  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited December 6, 201311 yr by LEN