Ian Levine, Motorcity, Centre City, Blackpool Mecca, And Swons

[Guest familytree]

god is that the time! .... bet Ians tucked up in bed getting his beauty sleep while we pontificate about his work.... meanwhile we loose sleep... i think not! night guys x

[Prophonics 2029]

god is that the time! .... bet Ians tucked up in bed getting his beauty sleep while we pontificate about his work.... meanwhile we loose sleep... i think not! night guys x

Gu Night FT

[Ian Dewhirst]

Then have a go and fund it, that will give you the right to do it your way but i can imagine the logistical nightmare not to mention cost of getting them all into a studio and paying session musicians.... looks like some got as far and some recorded in their homes? think its a case of needs must and the practicalities of doing it your way would cost the earth with so many artists. its not a replacement for the original record and these artist couldnt ask for more than for a man to hunt them out and show them the love by recording them for prosperity before its too late.. i dont think most would have ever been shown the same curtisy or respect in their musical careers.

Correctomundo again Family Tree!

Couldn't have put it better myself.

Ian D

[Ian Dewhirst]

Hummm

If I had had such big success with Take That and Blue owned a recording studio and had rich parents and give the dead life I would I can assure you but I am too busy leading and running my life and why should I mimic IL I am not a copy cat its his idea not mine, its not something I want to do but if I did I would do it very well.

Do you own any IL CD's I do and don't like them one bit. I bought them by err! familiarity I know the artist I know the song but when I get home, take off the wrapper and play the thing all the tracks have been remixed and re done and I don't like the sound, they all sound the same! sorry

I ain't complaining about the filming, if that's what you (for the time the singer and the camera man together) get then thats it. All this was filmed 10 or 12 years ago for SWON except the 50 new tracks Four Vandals etc etc, The complaint is the music if you have a recording studio and the equipment then it's a job made a bit easier.

I have seen 2 piece and 5 piece bands do a great job how much would that cost for a few musician to listen to a tape or record then record over a track for 200 records, a week 2 weeks and will that cost 80 thousand pounds I somehow doubt it in IMO.

C'mon Prophonics 2029, do you know how daft your statements sound?

I've been collecting soul music for 40 odd years now and like to pride myself on knowing a thing or two about great Soul music when I hear it. I've also released over 1000 commercially successful releases over the years which means my taste appeals to a lot of people, hence anything which I like is pretty valid for a lot of people out there otherwise they wouldn't buy my releases. I learnt that lesson from Northern Soul - to date the best measure of audience response I've ever experienced. It's served me very well indeed ever since.

Just like you I had a tendency to write off the majority of Levine's productions as being mostly pedestrian in concept. In fact I could be quite snitty about it at times if the truth be known and whenever he enthused about a particular production I had a tendency to filter most of his inherent passion out of the equation, ignore any hype and make my own conclusions as to the merits of the recording. However, I also loved a number of his productions, notably, "Reaching For The Best" - The Exciters, "Baby I'm Still The Same Man" - James Wells and "24 Hours A Day" - Barbara Pennington from the mid 1970's.

After that, I had my hands full with other things and kind of ignored the majority of his stuff. It all sounded the same clunky type of SAW productions which I traditionally hate anyway. So not for me.

But I've recently had reason to re-evaluate Levine's catalogue for both commercial and aesthetic reasons. As a result, I've actually LISTENED to tons of his stuff with different ears. And I'm finding hidden gems everywhere because there's loads of stuff. Too much in my opinion LOL. But I'm constantly amazed at the quality of certain tunes.

I'd defy anyone to argue that these aren't GREAT soul records and I don't think any of 'em sound the same................

James Wells "Baby I'm Still The Same Man"

https://www.zshare.net/audio/507285707f8b84c1/

Barbara Pennington "24 Hours A Day"

https://www.zshare.net/audio/50728617fee6c6d4/

Brenda Holloway "Home Is Where The Hatred Is"

https://www.zshare.net/audio/1988564700753962/

Vermeytta Royster "The Comfort Of Your Arms"

https://www.zshare.net/audio/5006842273dfc312/

Gary The Master Blaster "Cafe Regio's"

https://www.zshare.net/audio/183698315b8bc59d/

C.P. Spencer "This Man Needs You"

https://www.zshare.net/audio/50729140aa4672a9/

The proof is in the pudding. Under-rate him at your peril. This stuff is great to my ears. What's NOT to like?????

Ian D

[Guest James Trouble]

And that has been the crux of Ians argument (defence?) all along.

This is essentially a historical document recorded for posterity.

We can all debate the production values, we can all debate personalities but has anyone else undertook a project of this size?

Ir's not perfect, but its the best there is, unless any one knows better.

If they do then please point me in the Clara Ward.

No one is saying it's a bad idea, as such. It has to be saluted in it's scale and effort. But I'm afraid cuddly fluffy nostalgia just doesn't cut it as an excuse when presenting this music to a wider audience away from the 'wigan forever' crowd on the scene.

And this is the most important part of the argument amongst the detractors, the northern soul scene in this country and in Europe is bigger and more important than this DVD, as without the northern scene there would be no place to celebrate this music in the way it is ment to be celebrated, in a club with hundreds of other like minded individuals all dancing away until the sun comes up.

Does anyone argue that the DVD is more important than the soul scene in the celebration of this forgotten genius?

If this is the case, which I believe it is, then the exposure and attention this DVD gets outside the scene amongst potential new soul fans and dancers who may want to celebrate this music by dancing all night long to it has to be considered. And if like myself and the majority of folk on this scene, you take into account that these offerings are sub standard in their delivery and in some cases they are laughable and cringeworthy you have to wonder what effect it may have on folk who are searching the web researching 'northern soul' after they have got a taste of it through the likes of Duffy, Sharon Jones, the new Tom Jones single and more importantly through the great clubs across the UK and Europe who are doing an amazing job of presenting soul music to a next generation of fan.

I argue that the DVD, if you consider the irrelevance of the production and the exposure and the easy availability of it is potentially harmful to the promotion and celebration of this music in the long run. It's nothing to do with Levine, it's the music, which is quite honestly terrible and no amount of fluffy nostalgia can hide that.

But if you enjoy it, that's great. But this argument is not about you and it's not about Levine, it's about potential new soul fans being put off by cringeworthy and irrelevant production values.

It doesn't matter that it's Levine that's made it, it could have been the queen of England for all I care. Anyone who thinks this is about Levine is a fool. It's about the production of the music and the potential damage it will do to the promotion of northern soul to a new generation.

Edited November 1, 2008 by James Trouble

[Guest]

[

It doesn't matter that it's Levine that's made it, it could have been the queen of England for all I care. Anyone who thinks this is about Levine is a fool. It's about the production of the music and the potential damage it will do to the promotion of northern soul to a new generation.

[Guest James Trouble]

[

It doesn't matter that it's Levine that's made it, it could have been the queen of England for all I care. Anyone who thinks this is about Levine is a fool. It's about the production of the music and the potential damage it will do to the promotion of northern soul to a new generation.

Total Bollocks mate, Sorry,

Andy.

So you think this is all because it's Levine? Oh dear...

[Guest]

It amazes me that you think this "Sub standard"Music is gonna Kill your beloved Soul Scene?

Well compared to what? No pun intended. I'm not saying everything is great, But some of the stuff is equally as good as some tunes you could hear at any Niter.

You brush it all as "Quite honestly terrible" So what's the answer James, Shall we play Jimmy McCracklins "The Walk" The Human Beinz "Nobody but Me "Fathers Angels "Bok to Bach", All floor fillers in the past, Somehow I doubt that you were there in person though? Would that help the potential new soul fans emerging on The Scene? Would that help them to keep on the Right Track?

It's simple, You either like it or you don't. If you don't then fair enough You Don't buy it!

Andy.

[Reg]

Just as an experiment I googled "northern soul" and the first page didn't bring up any pages relating to Ian Levine Productions. I then typed northern soul into youtube and it mainly brought up This England clips and similar and lots of embarrassing videos of old people dancing at soul nights. Now if I was 18 that would put me off more than some synthentic strings on a backing track

Edited November 1, 2008 by Reg

[Guest]

If there was ever gonna be another "Cover up" Instrumental it would have to be "Ain't that Terrible" By the Synthetic Strings on Google.

Andy.

[Guest James Trouble]

It amazes me that you think this "Sub standard"Music is gonna Kill your beloved Soul Scene?

Well compared to what? No pun intended. I'm not saying everything is great, But some of the stuff is equally as good as some tunes you could hear at any Niter.

You brush it all as "Quite honestly terrible" So what's the answer James, Shall we play Jimmy McCracklins "The Walk" The Human Beinz "Nobody but Me "Fathers Angels "Bok to Bach", All floor fillers in the past, Somehow I doubt that you were there in person though? Would that help the potential new soul fans emerging on The Scene? Would that help them to keep on the Right Track?

It's simple, You either like it or you don't. If you don't then fair enough You Don't buy it!

Andy.

I've always been an advocate for making people take an IQ test before they are allowed to vote at a general election. What do you think?

[Guest]

It amazes me that you think this "Sub standard"Music is gonna Kill your beloved Soul Scene?

Well compared to what? No pun intended. I'm not saying everything is great, But some of the stuff is equally as good as some tunes you could hear at any Niter.

You brush it all as "Quite honestly terrible" So what's the answer James, Shall we play Jimmy McCracklins "The Walk" The Human Beinz "Nobody but Me "Fathers Angels "Bok to Bach", All floor fillers in the past, Somehow I doubt that you were there in person though? Would that help the potential new soul fans emerging on The Scene? Would that help them to keep on the Right Track?

It's simple, You either like it or you don't. If you don't then fair enough You Don't buy it!

Andy.

Well said Andy ........

Unfortunately , Mr T is now focused on a personal crusade , nay witch hunt in certain cases , which is hell bent on discrediting anything that remotely goes , or are voiced against his pricipals , beliefs and viewpoints , of how the NS scene should be , and because of this , he is alienating himself from people who he needs to be making allies of ..........

He talks about IL being opinionated and self righteous - he should take a very good - and careful - look in the mirror .......

To those of us who have seen it , Ian's latest project is by no means perfect ( as was TSWONS ) but we all - and I mean all of us who genuinely hold the culture of soul music in our hearts - we must give him credit for doing so - irrespective of whether or not you agree with the man and the project - as it will very likely be the only filmed testimony - that is , until someone has the inclination , drive , belief and balls , to come up with something that matches it - to to the talent of the artists and the music they have given to us .......

Malc Burton

Edited November 1, 2008 by Malc Burton

[Guest]

I've always been an advocate for making people take an IQ test before they are allowed to vote at a general election. What do you think?

You will not be voting then ........

It must really urinate you off that people do not let you have the last word .......

Apologies for being opinionated , I assume that , because of that , I will also be removed from your list of associates on Facebook ......

Malc Burton

Edited November 1, 2008 by Malc Burton

[Phild]

It amazes me that you think this "Sub standard"Music is gonna Kill your beloved Soul Scene?

Well compared to what? No pun intended. I'm not saying everything is great, But some of the stuff is equally as good as some tunes you could hear at any Niter.

You brush it all as "Quite honestly terrible" So what's the answer James, Shall we play Jimmy McCracklins "The Walk" The Human Beinz "Nobody but Me "Fathers Angels "Bok to Bach", All floor fillers in the past, Somehow I doubt that you were there in person though? Would that help the potential new soul fans emerging on The Scene? Would that help them to keep on the Right Track?

It's simple, You either like it or you don't. If you don't then fair enough You Don't buy it!

Andy.

Very valid point Andy.

It appears that Mr Trouble's definition of Northern Soul completely ignores the records that were actually the most massive on the scene back in the day. Much as many of us would also like to ignore a lot of them too, we can't if we're being honest. about this scene of ours

There have been many "Northern Soul" floorfillers over the years that had nothing to do with "soul music" whatsoever. Andy has highlighted a couple above.

Northern Soul is and always has been an extremely broad church and punters can take and enjoy whatever bit of the genre they like.

I think a lot of my personal musical taste would gel with Mr Trouble's, particularly in terms of record collecting. But I also love many of Ian's reworkings of tracks I've loved since my youth, together with many of his new tracks too.

The claims that this DVD will put off new blood entering the scene and getting the wrong idea is, quite frankly, nonsense.

They are much more likely to get the "wrong idea" from many of the CD's that are sold in high street shops that purport to be Northern Soul - CD's featuring some of the worst tracks (IMO) to fill a dancefloor

[Guest James Trouble]

They are much more likely to get the "wrong idea" from many of the CD's that are sold in high street shops that purport to be Northern Soul - CD's featuring some of the worst tracks (IMO) to fill a dancefloor

Fair point, but it doesn't discredit my argument.

I'll leave this thread for today as my diary is a bit full, but one final thought...

Would any of these reworkings on this DVD ever get a spin by a DJ in club? And why wouldn't they?

[Phild]

I've always been an advocate for making people take an IQ test before they are allowed to vote at a general election. What do you think?

What IQ do you think that people should have before being allowed to vote? And who would monitor the results of such tests to check that the criteria are being adhered to?

I presume that, given the above statement, you agree with the philosophy of Eugenics, As what you describe above is nothing less than state sponsored discrimination.

I am sure that were there an IQ test before allowing one to use ones vote then I would fail miserably.

[Phild]

Fair point, but it doesn't discredit my argument.

I'll leave this thread for today as my diary is a bit full, but one final thought...

Would any of these reworkings on this DVD ever get a spin by a DJ in club? And why wouldn't they?

Some already have.

[Guest James Trouble]

What IQ do you think that people should have before being allowed to vote? And who would monitor the results of such tests to check that the criteria are being adhered to?

I presume that, given the above statement, you agree with the philosophy of Eugenics, As what you describe above is nothing less than state sponsored discrimination.

I am sure that were there an IQ test before allowing one to use ones vote then I would fail miserably.

I wouldn't be stupid enough to waste my time!

[Guest James Trouble]

Some already have.

Who, where?

[Phild]

I wouldn't be stupid enough to waste my time!

You didn't answer the question

[Guest]

You didn't answer the question

Phil - it is akin to urinating againt a force 10 gale .......

Malc Burton

[Guest James Trouble]

You didn't answer the question

I don't think eugenics is easily defined and is probably a subject for freebasing and not the Ian Levine thread, but to tag a tongue in cheek comment with it in an attempt to make me out to be a nazi is frankly, a little daft...

[Guest]

I don't think eugenics is easily defined and is probably a subject for freebasing and not the Ian Levine thread, but to tag a tongue in cheek comment with it in an attempt to make me out to be a nazi is frankly, a little daft...

And there I was thinking Your Diary was Full for today James?

You REALLY Love hogging this thread !

Andy.

[Guest]

And there I was thinking Your Diary was Full for today James?

You REALLY Love hogging this thread !

Andy.

Why does the image of Del Trotter brandishing a filofax , come to mind ? ........

Malc Burton

[Reg]

he he

Edited November 1, 2008 by Reg

[Prophonics 2029]

C'mon Prophonics 2029, do you know how daft your statements sound?

And yours to me Ian.

I had some of these records when I was 15 I thought they were great but I have got older and moved on to other sounds, like the casino classics I don't care for them any more.

I am a dancer and I don't like the 1000 mph beat of these uplifting records, the beat has changed and for me it doesn't fit sorry the way I dance and the sound is not for me I like R&B.

And what's my peril

The proof is in the pudding. Under-rate him at your peril. This stuff is great to my ears. What's NOT to like?????

Ian D

Edited November 1, 2008 by Prophonics 2029

[Prophonics 2029]

It amazes me that you think this "Sub standard"Music is gonna Kill your beloved Soul Scene?

Well compared to what? No pun intended. I'm not saying everything is great, But some of the stuff is equally as good as some tunes you could hear at any Niter.

You brush it all as "Quite honestly terrible" So what's the answer James, Shall we play Jimmy McCracklins "The Walk" The Human Beinz "Nobody but Me "Fathers Angels "Bok to Bach", All floor fillers in the past, Somehow I doubt that you were there in person though? Would that help the potential new soul fans emerging on The Scene? Would that help them to keep on the Right Track?

It's simple, You either like it or you don't. If you don't then fair enough You Don't buy it!

Andy.

Hi Andy are you saying that cause James is younger he can not have an opinion??

Great oldies but there is a new flood of old 60ts + 70ts records being discovered and played on the scene, I have been going to soul clubs and gigs for years but in the last 6 of them I have never heard an IL production played out and I go out 3 to 5 times a month.

Edited November 1, 2008 by Prophonics 2029

[Prophonics 2029]

Well said Andy ........

Unfortunately , Mr T is now focused on a personal crusade , nay witch hunt in certain cases , which is hell bent on discrediting anything that remotely goes , or are voiced against his pricipals , beliefs and viewpoints , of how the NS scene should be , and because of this , he is alienating himself from people who he needs to be making allies of ..........

He talks about IL being opinionated and self righteous - he should take a very good - and careful - look in the mirror .......

To those of us who have seen it , Ian's latest project is by no means perfect ( as was TSWONS ) but we all - and I mean all of us who genuinely hold the culture of soul music in our hearts - we must give him credit for doing so - irrespective of whether or not you agree with the man and the project - as it will very likely be the only filmed testimony - that is , until someone has the inclination , drive , belief and balls , to come up with something that matches it - to to the talent of the artists and the music they have given to us .......

Malc Burton

Hi Malc if you read back a bit James says if Ian made convincing record he would support him.

I can find the page for you if you want and now James has his matches ready to burn, don't think so.

[Dave]

Post and following edited by site as per forum rules - https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forum-house-rules

[Phild]

Edited by site

[Phild]

I don't think eugenics is easily defined and is probably a subject for freebasing and not the Ian Levine thread, but to tag a tongue in cheek comment with it in an attempt to make me out to be a nazi is frankly, a little daft...

I didn't realise it was tongue in cheek, and I am not trying to make you out to be a nazi by any stretch of the imagination. I don't know you so would have no basis upon which to make such an assertion.

You made a comment which appeared to be broadly in line with with the philosophy of eugenics, I responded to it. That's all.

I agree it's not related th this thread. If you want to open a eugenics thread on freebasing, I'll gladly debate the subject with you.

[Prophonics 2029]

Ok its on a CD but where do they get played.

[Dave]

Post and following edited by site as per forum rules - https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forum-house-rules

eh?

have you become a fan of popular culture?

Please explain, by PM if necessary.

Not you Rachel, surely?

[Prophonics 2029]

Try this one and tell me if you would play this in a club when you can get a reissue for 10 or the LP for 20.

Or is this the definitive version.

[Pete S]

Hi Andy are you saying that cause James is younger he can not have an opinion??

Great oldies but there is a new flood of old 60ts + 70ts records being discovered and played on the scene, I have been going to soul clubs and gigs for years but in the last 6 of them I have never heard an IL production played out and I go out 3 to 5 times a month.

Try going to a do where there's more than 15 people then. You're not going to hear IL productions and Out On The Floor etc at purist venues. 4 or 5 years ago the biggest record in the country was Standing On Solid Ground, played at big venues like Blackpool and Stoke and absolutely ramming the floor.

n.b. James history goes back about 4 years, compared to an awful lot of people on here he is still learning and trying to wipe out what went before he decided he set the boundaries of what now constitutes Northern Soul.

[Guest rachel]

eh?

have you become a fan of popular culture?

Please explain, by PM if necessary.

Not you Rachel, surely?

Quite simply, off-topic, personal comments. Think we've had more than enough of them on this thread already.

If any of you want to discuss your views on each other's personalities, do it by PM or elsewhere.

[Prophonics 2029]

Try going to a do where there's more than 15 people then I do Pete 15 people means I stayed at home. I am not a idiot Pete so don't treat me like one for living in London

I don't know it 4 or 5 years ago the biggest record in the country was Standing On Solid Ground, played at big venues like Blackpool and Stoke and absolutely ramming the floor.

I went to support Ian when he DJ or was it he played his backing tracks for Sidney or Pat?? at Stoke.

n.b. James history goes back about 4 years,

So James can't have an opinion Many Thanks For Yours he runs a good club in London not my opinion its a bit modern for me but the attendance is higher than 15.

Edited November 1, 2008 by Prophonics 2029

[Guest familytree]

Fair point, but it doesn't discredit my argument.

I'll leave this thread for today as my diary is a bit full, but one final thought...

Would any of these reworkings on this DVD ever get a spin by a DJ in club? And why wouldn't they?

Possibly because that was never the intention? And its not 'nostalgia' to pay homage to Artists in their twilight years after all the joy they have brought us... just respect, plain and simple.

[KevH]

if Levine has gone,why carry this thread on?

Not sure if some just want an argument for the sake of it. .

[Dave]

Quite simply, off-topic, personal comments. Think we've had more than enough of them on this thread already.

If any of you want to discuss your views on each other's personalities, do it by PM or elsewhere.

Hmm!

If that includes views on your personality and proclivities... yeah, I could do that if that's what you want.

[Pete S]

if Levine has gone,why carry this thread on?

Not sure if some just want an argument for the sake of it. .

he wants to come back on but won't while James keeps posting so it's a stalemate

[Chalky]

if Levine has gone,why carry this thread on?

Not sure if some just want an argument for the sake of it. .

think some just want an arguement Kev. At the end of the day if you don't like the DVD's, Ian or whatever he does say so, voice your opinion but then move on. Go and make a positive contribution to the forum elsewhere. As I said in the other Levine topic, to continually go on and on, over and over voicing your opinion in the manner things have been said on this topic goes beyond voicing one's opinion if you ask me.

[KevH]

think some just want an arguement Kev. At the end of the day if you don't like the DVD's, Ian or whatever he does say so, voice your opinion but then move on. Go and make a positive contribution to the forum elsewhere. As I said in the other Levine topic, to continually go on and on, over and over voicing your opinion in the manner things have been said on this topic goes beyond voicing one's opinion if you ask me.

.

[Guest familytree]

if Levine has gone,why carry this thread on?

Not sure if some just want an argument for the sake of it. .

Because its not an arguement, its debate ? ... mmmmm. We all like to have our say. its healthy (in the main?!) and human nature.

[KevH]

Because its not an arguement, its debate ? ... mmmmm. We all like to have our say. its healthy (in the main?!) and human nature.

agree to an extent,maybe "debate" should read "de - bait" .I'm out.

[Prophonics 2029]

Because its not an arguement, its debate ? ... mmmmm. We all like to have our say. its healthy (in the main?!) and human nature.

Helps clear the air. I thought we were all getting some where probably not.

[Rich Buckley]

Spot on Chalky, as was Reg's earlier post. This has turned into a thread about baiting IL, not about the merits of the DVD whatever the protagonists care to dress it up as. If IL hadn't produced it I doubt they'd have even posted on the subject. How anyone on our scene can knock a project which has brought our heroes onto film whatever the arguments about the production techniques is beyond me. It's a no brainer. Seeing Emanuel Laskey on film singing when we've played and danced to his records for years is dynamite and makes you tingle. End of. In a year when we've lost so many IL should be proud of getting so many on film for future generations and us to treasure for years to come. Get off your arses and do it better if you think you can. I don't see anyone on this site having the guts and sheer bloodymindedness to do that in the near future.

Rich

[Chalky]

I posted this in the "other IL topic in site matters.....maybe I should have put it here so here it is.....

Whatever you think about the videos, the quality, the production whatever...at least the artist gets some well deserved credit IMHO and that is what the DVDs are all about at the end of the day, not to blind some would be newcomer to the scene to think that this is what northern soul really is, I mean c'mon Ians productions, especially the DVD's don't get played at the vast majority of NS venues, if any...most play what's been called "real" northern soul with the odd exception picking something from the charts, Duffy etc. C'mon no one more than me champions "real" northern soul and I always will do. At the end of the day it has never been just about the record for me. If in any small way the the artists producers etc get some deserved recognition then why is that such a bad thing, be it going to a gig to see then on the rare chance they appear, buy a a cd or one of Ians dvd?

If you don't like Ian Levine, what he does, say, produces or anything else about him go and read something else and contribute to other areas of Soul Source not continually spout your dislike for something that doesn't agree with you, by all means voice your opinion but to do so continually over and over and over in the way it's been done on the topic in question goes beyond voicing ones opinion IMHO. I stopped reading the topic cause of all the crap that was going on and I've got to admit some of it was cringe worthy and plenty didn't come from Ian. From what I've seen and read the majority of people who contributed to the topic had a genuine interest in Ian and what he's done. Don't get me wrong I'm not sticking up for Ian and like it's been said he is his own worst enemy at times, we've had our differences in the past but he still had and does have my respect for what he's done and achieved whatever those differences have been.

[Guest Simon]

I posted this in the "other IL topic in site matters.....maybe I should have put it here so here it is.....

Whatever you think about the videos, the quality, the production whatever...at least the artist gets some well deserved credit IMHO and that is what the DVDs are all about at the end of the day, not to blind some would be newcomer to the scene to think that this is what northern soul really is, I mean c'mon Ians productions, especially the DVD's don't get played at the vast majority of NS venues, if any...most play what's been called "real" northern soul with the odd exception picking something from the charts, Duffy etc. C'mon no one more than me champions "real" northern soul and I always will do. At the end of the day it has never been just about the record for me. If in any small way the the artists producers etc get some deserved recognition then why is that such a bad thing, be it going to a gig to see then on the rare chance they appear, buy a a cd or one of Ians dvd?

If you don't like Ian Levine, what he does, say, produces or anything else about him go and read something else and contribute to other areas of Soul Source not continually spout your dislike for something that doesn't agree with you, by all means voice your opinion but to do so continually over and over and over in the way it's been done on the topic in question goes beyond voicing ones opinion IMHO. I stopped reading the topic cause of all the crap that was going on and I've got to admit some of it was cringe worthy and plenty didn't come from Ian. From what I've seen and read the majority of people who contributed to the topic had a genuine interest in Ian and what he's done. Don't get me wrong I'm not sticking up for Ian and like it's been said he is his own worst enemy at times, we've had our differences in the past but he still had and does have my respect for what he's done and achieved whatever those differences have been.

Right this is definitely (hopefully!) my last post on this mainly because some half truths are being written, from my point of view these are the facts:

1. Some of the videos/music that have been posted on this thread are dire IMHO.

2. I do not dislike Ian Levine even if some people would appear to be happy if i did.

3. Some of the music that Ian has made in the past & the present is great if not brilliant, Venicia Wilson for example, i also appreciate the vast amount of work that has gone into this project even if it isn't to my taste.

4. I do not have any personal problems with anyone & do not enjoy conflict or falling out with anyone, i DO NOT bait people intentionally.

5. I would gladly chat to & have a beer with anyone on this thread & that includes Ian.

6. I hope this thread can carry on without my input & that i haven't ruined for everyone.

7. Have a nice weekend & enjoy your Soul whatever form it may be in.

Simon

[Guest familytree]

Right this is definitely (hopefully!) my last post on this mainly because some half truths are being written, from my point of view these are the facts:

1. Some of the videos/music that have been posted on this thread are dire IMHO.

2. I do not dislike Ian Levine even if some people would appear to be happy if i did.

3. Some of the music that Ian has made in the past & the present is great if not brilliant, Venicia Wilson for example, i also appreciate the vast amount of work that has gone into this project even if it isn't to my taste.

4. I do not have any personal problems with anyone & do not enjoy conflict or falling out with anyone, i DO NOT bait people intentionally.

5. I would gladly chat to & have a beer with anyone on this thread & that includes Ian.

6. I hope this thread can carry on without my input & that i haven't ruined for everyone.

7. Have a nice weekend & enjoy your Soul whatever form it may be in.

Simon

Well why didnt you say so??? .... tee hee, mines a Vodka Tonic with a cube of ice... cheers!