Ok I thought It was ok but not enough time spent in Detroit.

Ok here is something I would like to put forward why do a few promoter not get together and bring over the Funk Brothers and put them on in venues say starting South Coast, London, Midlands, Yorkshire, North East, North West, and at last Scotland or we could have them first. Then if it goes well it could open up the door to more artists there is a revival on but people won't travel so think it over

Like to see your feed back Soulies.

Edited January 6, 200916 yr by whereismy record

Well I thought it showed a man with the same love of the music as most of us have. Not to deep, non of the bad stuff that went on and no politics. Very interesting and agreed with the above post.........someone please bring the Funk Bros over and maybe even get Snake Davis to back them not that they would need the backing, but just to get two birds with one stone!!!

Rick

Thoroughly enjoyed it but 30 mins far too short for the amount of footage that must exist. Would love to see all of it. Nice to see the Funk Bros remaining true to the original sound.

Ok I thought It was ok but not enough time spent in Detroit.

Ok here is something I would like to put forward why do a few promoter not get together and bring over the Funk Brothers and put them on in venues say starting South Coast, London, Midlands, Yorkshire, North East, North West, and at last Scotland or we could have them first. Then if it goes well it could open up the door to more artists there is a revival on but people won't travel so think it over

Like to see your feed back Soulies.

THe Funk brothers played the Bridgewater hall in Manchester last February I think .

Was ok, but like wimr say's not enough Detroit, 50 year's crammed into 30 min's, 'comon'.

Edited January 6, 200916 yr by Soulgrit

Well I thought it showed a man with the same love of the music as most of us have. Not to deep, non of the bad stuff that went on and no politics. Very interesting and agreed with the above post.........someone please bring the Funk Bros over and maybe even get Snake Davis to back them not that they would need the backing, but just to get two birds with one stone!!!

Rick

Why would you need Snake Davis/backing band even the guy singing was good. This is the way the soul scene needs to go every one getting together (promoters) after it goes this time that is it!. A mate of mine Mark Wilson Edinburgh in an interview on Radio Scotland at an Allnighter I done years ago said one day there will be people who love Rare/Northern Soul and all we will have is it played in a wee back room in bars.

Well done but too short even 2 hours would probably not be enough for a documentary.

Agree with above on the detroit aspect(More time) but also I think waht they should have done was split it into various sections eg Pre motown/ early motown years/ classic years in the 60s/ classics from the 70s/ the disco period and the fall of motown.

Was ok, but like wmr say's not enough Detroit, 50 year's crammed into 30 min's, comon.

Well ok if you ask anyone about Motown what era of sound do they mention as in song tracks ect?. all the Detroit Stuff

Edited January 6, 200916 yr by whereismy record

Well I thought it showed a man with the same love of the music as most of us have. Not to deep, non of the bad stuff that went on and no politics.

Agree with that sentiment re the show....

But did anybody else find themselves label scanning and shelf looking when he was in People's Records.... and then spot the two or three boxes with the word "Northern" on what seemed like different patch style badges.... causing a rewind with the Sky+ .... or was I alone on that one ....

Thoroughly enjoyed it but 30 mins far too short for the amount of footage that must exist. Would love to see all of it. Nice to see the Funk Bros remaining true to the original sound.

totally agree with you far too short,theres an uncut 45mins version on fri dont know what extra footage is tho ....bbc2 11 35.set the tape....

Why would you need Snake Davis/backing band even the guy singing was good. This is the way the soul scene needs to go every one getting together (promoters) after it goes this time that is it!. A mate of mine Mark Wilson Edinburgh in an interview on Radio Scotland at an Allnighter I done years ago said one day there will be people who love Rare/Northern Soul and all we will have is it played in a wee back room in bars.

Sorry i didt really clarify what i meant. I just thought that having FB and SD together would be a hell of a night. I meant no disrespect to the FB.

Rick

Edited January 6, 200916 yr by Scarborosoul

I thought it was great

Only downside was 30 minutes only of which 10 must have covered post move to LA

Detroit was where it was at

Martin Freeman was excellent and seemed to know his stuff. Has he ever been seen out and about?

Agree with that sentiment re the show....

But did anybody else find themselves label scanning and shelf looking when he was in People's Records.... and then spot the two or three boxes with the word "Northern" on what seemed like different patch style badges.... causing a rewind with the Sky+ .... or was I alone on that one ....

LOOK INTO MY EYES NOT AROUND THE EYES INTO THE EYES .... SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHEN YOU WAKE UP YOU DID NOT SEE THE SHOP OR RECORD BOXES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well ok if you ask anyone about Motown what era of sound do they mention as in song tracks ect?.

Was'nt havin a go at you, it was the BBC, i was getting at, poor show.

Edited January 6, 200916 yr by Soulgrit

Ok Chill, lets get back to my first but why don't we get these guys over for a Uk soul venue tour! Come on promoters??????

Was'nt havin a go at you, it was the BBC, i was getting at, poor show.

Ok Chill, lets get back to my first but why don't we get these guys over for a Uk soul venue tour! Come on promoters??????

Edited January 6, 200916 yr by Soulgrit

Ok Chill, lets get back to my first but why don't we get these guys over for a Uk soul venue tour! Come on promoters??????

It's already been done as an earlier post states, seem to remember a few on here seeing them in London if i remember rightly.

Not really that bothered myself, would have liked to have seen them when Earl Van Dyke & James Jamerson etc were in the band though.

Simon

what a disapointment that was , i couldnt believe it when i saw it was only on for half an hour, you would think someone with martin freemans influence could get at least a 2 hour doc out of the BBC . oh well back to the standing in the shadows of motown dvd .

It's already been done as an earlier post states, seem to remember a few on here seeing them in London if i remember rightly.

Not really that bothered myself, would have liked to have seen them when Earl Van Dyke & James Jamerson etc were in the band though.

Simon

Thing is Simon not all of us can travel to London not like the old days, when people would travel anywhere for the love of Northern/Rare Soul Music. Would it not be a good idea to split the costs to bring these guys over give all soulies from all over the UK a chance to see these guys.

I thought they were good!!! and at present there are still 3 of the original artists there why wait till there is one like most acts that come over now.

Edited January 6, 200916 yr by whereismy record

Well I thought it showed a man with the same love of the music as most of us have. Not to deep, non of the bad stuff that went on and no politics. Very interesting and agreed with the above post.........someone please bring the Funk Bros over and maybe even get Snake Davis to back them not that they would need the backing, but just to get two birds with one stone!!!

Rick

Agreed , and I thought Martin Freeman did a commendable and creditable job , which was made so by his love and knowlwdge of the music . The look of appreciation in his eyes and manner , when he was played the Dee Edwards 45 in Brad Hales' store , was genuine ..........

Interesting to hear - and see - Scott Regan's contribution .

As to what the other footage is in the extended programme on Friday , we will wait and see .........

Malc Burton

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by Malc Burton

The depth of their work is incredible----enjoy

Can't post a clip----just play my last played clip.

Get the hang of this one day Seriously though they must have recorded 'hundreds of backing tracks like this

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by jez jones

Being a soul fan and especially digging the sound of motown (mainly pre '67), i must admit i was a littlle wee dissapointed as well . I'm certainly not complaining since we occasionally see good soul related music on tv nowadays.

But on the other hand i do work in the music industry and being a PR i know how tuff it is today to get some decent music on television , from that side i must say well done to the PR who takes care of motown and was able to secure a 30 min show on the BBC and presented by a personality .

This is a perfect promotional tool for all the merchandise that will be available in the coming months to the general public .

It would be nice of course to see the Funk Brothers coming back and do a european tour in order to promote the 50th anniversary of Motowm, same as they did when "Standing in the shadows of motown" was released .

enjoy your day (even if it's freezing cold)

Thierry

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by thierry

what a disapointment that was , i couldnt believe it when i saw it was only on for half an hour, you would think someone with martin freemans influence could get at least a 2 hour doc out of the BBC . oh well back to the standing in the shadows of motown dvd .

I thought it was well put together and it was particularly refreshing to have it presented by Martin who put himself across as a knowlegeable soul fan who didn't have a political agender, unlike a few on here. Must agree it could have been longer especialy the Detroit part. Would be nice to see all the footage that was left on the cutting room floor. ...Well Done Martin.

Nomad

Agree with that sentiment re the show....

But did anybody else find themselves label scanning and shelf looking when he was in People's Records.... and then spot the two or three boxes with the word "Northern" on what seemed like different patch style badges.... causing a rewind with the Sky+ .... or was I alone on that one ....

Yes me, , and seeing all those lables in one pile - wow - but no record sleeves ouch..!!reminded me of junk shop days when you find something of interest, and carefully bring it to the counter (even tho' others probably leafed thru them without care) You know what I mean?

Not saying that was a junk shop tho'..just brought me back. I wanna go there..

P (and I was not one of the women to switch off!!)

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by paup-ine

loved the show, jealous as fook. Hoever I was dog tied and started to drift off that was until my wife yells out

"theres a bloody Torch Badge on one of them record boxes"

"where...where"

"too late you've missed it"

was there?????

Agree with that sentiment re the show....

But did anybody else find themselves label scanning and shelf looking when he was in People's Records.... and then spot the two or three boxes with the word "Northern" on what seemed like different patch style badges.... causing a rewind with the Sky+ .... or was I alone on that one ....

probably had a john manship guide in there as well . but did you see all those luvly 45s without sleeves

.................shameful

dave

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by dave pinch

Being a soul fan and especially digging the sound of motown (mainly pre '67), i must admit i was a littlle wee dissapointed as well . I'm certainly not complaining since we occasionally see good soul related music on tv nowadays.

But on the other hand i do work in the music industry and being a PR i know how tuff it is today to get some decent music on television , from that side i must say well done to the PR who takes care of motown and was able to secure a 30 min show on the BBC and presented by a personality .

This is a perfect promotional tool for all the merchandise that will be available in the coming months to the general public .

It would be nice of course to see the Funk Brothers coming back and do a european tour in order to promote the 50th anniversary of Motowm, same as they did when "Standing in the shadows of motown" was released .

enjoy your day (even if it's freezing cold)

Thierry

Enjoyed the Programme, not long enough, as for a Tour would be Great!!! But maybe its me but Bob Babbit

did not look very well??? I have`nt had chance to check Sky+ yet...

should have a 1 hour every wed night just for 60s--70s black music

these people wont be around that long

send a person with the knowlage + a celeb whos into it

could have half motown to keep casual punters interested

2nd half lesser label artists

detroit labels / chicago / philly /new york/texas /cleveland etc

talking to people who recorded on the labels,producers etc

would love to see any of the golden world/arctic/way out

would go myself if it wasnt for my football--------COME ON YOU ALEX

should have a 1 hour every wed night just for 60s--70s black music

Would we not then end up with another Soul Brittania debacle and our scene being called racist again? Would we get continous clips of the Black Power movement, the Detroit riots and blacks from Brixton to Bradford being berated simply because the media cannot or will not feature anything but the bad side of the Black Music scene??

The problem with the media is that they like to find problems and as with all things media they would concentrate on anything bad about black music from whatever scene and whatever era. As with the motown show, Martin Freeman shows a real love of the music and of Motown in general. If it had been a media circus documentary we would have also gone into the shit behind the label as well. Berry Gordys love affair with Diana Ross, Flo Ballards suicide, David Ruffins drug and alcohol abuse and not to mention Marvin and his old man.

This isnt the stuff we want to see IMHO what we want is a celebration of the music not the crap that goes on behind it and im afraid to say with mainstream media involvement that is NOT what we would get.

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by Scarborosoul

Thoroughly enjoyed it but 30 mins far too short for the amount of footage that must exist. Would love to see all of it. Nice to see the Funk Bros remaining true to the original sound.

Spooky - that's what we said. Imagine what they must have edited!.

How jammy was Martin Freeman getting to do that!.

Jealous of Bury.x.

Did anyone else then put Radio 2 on and listen to the Berry Gordy doc or the Marvin Gaye thing recorded by Smokey Robinson?.. was good too.

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by Miss BurySoul

Very nicely put together and interesting but the Beeb needs a 10 part series not half an hour to keep the psueds happy.

Can't really agree with his all time fave at the end tho , c'mon Martin you can do better than that!

Very nicely put together and interesting but the Beeb needs a 10 part series not half an hour to keep the psueds happy.

Can't really agree with his all time fave at the end tho , c'mon Martin you can do better than that!

On the contrary I thought "Tears Of A Clown" was an excellent choice - it typifies everything that is good about sixties Motown.

On the contrary I thought "Tears Of A Clown" was an excellent choice - it typifies everything that is good about sixties Motown.

Not really my cup of tea I'm afraid, too much in "pop" vein for me but nevertheless a hugely popular Motown track.

I switched it on, went to make a coffee, go to the bathroom and put some clothes in my wardrobe and wham bam it was over! What an anti-climax as I thought it would be longer and not so full of Martinisms!

On the contrary I thought "Tears Of A Clown" was an excellent choice - it typifies everything that is good about sixties Motown.

I've not seen the show, but if that was his choice, then I agree it is a great one.

TOAC was the record that ignited my interest in Soul music, and within a week had discovered Northern Soul.

I heard TOAC, bought Big Wheels Of Motown, then my girlfriends sister and her boyfriend, said if you like that, you'll love this. Put on Capitol Soul Casino Lp. The opening bars of This Is The End blasted out, and the rest as they say....history.

TOAC is still one of my fave records. The lyrics are second to none. Smokey's voice is perfect for the song. As mr Serling said, Rare Soul is about rare in quality as much as value, and this song IMO has as much quality as any tune I've ever heard and much more than most.

Sky Plus and we all could have waited for you to come back, also I have a wife who does all the chores(am ok she does not look on here ).

I switched it on, went to make a coffee, go to the bathroom and put some clothes in my wardrobe and wham bam it was over! What an anti-climax as I thought it would be longer and not so full of Martinisms!

s

I thought it was great

Only downside was 30 minutes only of which 10 must have covered post move to LA

Detroit was where it was at

Martin Freeman was excellent and seemed to know his stuff. Has he ever been seen out and about?

Great little program, too short though as you say. I knew that Martin Freeman was into the Soul and Mod thing but the only appearance i know he has made was at a Small Faces convention so i'm told, never heard of any appearances on the soul scene?

But did anybody else find themselves label scanning and shelf looking when he was in People's Records.... and then spot the two or three boxes with the word "Northern" on what seemed like different patch style badges.... causing a rewind with the Sky+ .... or was I alone on that one ....

loved the show, jealous as fook. Hoever I was dog tied and started to drift off that was until my wife yells out

"theres a bloody Torch Badge on one of them record boxes"

"where...where"

"too late you've missed it"

was there?????

Yes Paul, should have had your wife read the thread to see my first post mate .... but you can watch it again via iPlayer....

>> HERE <<

Shop footage starts after about 1 min....first "spot" of Torch badge about 1.30 mins.... all boxes "appear" at about 2.35mins....

probably had a john manship guide in there as well . but did you see all those luvly 45s without sleeves

.................shameful

dave

Shameful, definately, but obviously the "cheap" stuff .... and probably hid the book from the cameras Dave ....

p.s. having not seen you.... all the best for this New Year to you and your Bri

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by vaultofsouler

wonderful stuff and well presented nby martin who showed he had a real passion for the music

would love to see th efunk brothers again

and agreed docu could hav ebeen longer but were all being selfish there

to have 30 mins was a great bonus and one of the best bits of tv this xmas for me

would be great to see martin play some tunes out!!!!

wonderful stuff and well presented nby martin who showed he had a real passion for the music

would love to see th efunk brothers again

and agreed docu could hav ebeen longer but were all being selfish there

to have 30 mins was a great bonus and one of the best bits of tv this xmas for me

would be great to see martin play some tunes out!!!!

Another "star" for Morecambe eh Sean ?

Another "star" for Morecambe eh Sean ?

we have wayne on board for the saturday night

more on this at the weekend

im on the case

Enjoyed the Programme, not long enough, as for a Tour would be Great!!! But maybe its me but Bob Babbit

did not look very well??? I have`nt had chance to check Sky+ yet...

a tour with Raphael Saadiq backed by the Funk Brothers !

that would be top .

Wonder how much more enthusiastic the interviewees would have been had they been interviewed by the likes of someone as knowledgeable as Andy Rix??

Pretty sure he'd have rattled a few lost memories that they would have been biting at the bit to bring back................but not in 30 mins. I think the BBC did the best they could in the time given with Martin Freeman as host/presenter.

Admire Martin but did I miss something.....at what point did he show his knowledge of motown?

Pretty sure the Funk Bros were at The Albert Hall some time ago-correct me if I'm wrong.

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by SteveC

Martin Freeman comes across as a really down to earth guy.

What was the title of that Dee Edwards track? Great!!!

If I got in to that basement in that record shop I reckon no one would see me for a year.

Good choice of Track to play out with and as much as I love The Tears of A Clown, a masterpiece, I think Tracks Of My Tears pips it at the post for emotional impact.

Martin Freeman comes across as a really down to earth guy.

What was the title of that Dee Edwards track? Great!!!

If I got in to that basement in that record shop I reckon no one would see me for a year.

Good choice of Track to play out with and as much as I love The Tears of A Clown, a masterpiece, I think Tracks Of My Tears pips it at the post for emotional impact.

I listened to the top selling Motown songs in the UK, on New Years Day on Radio 2. I think this was the best selling Detroit track (tracks of my Tears). Most of the top 10 though were LA tracks, probably due to the number of records being bought in the 70s and 80s compared to the 60s.

Number one was a Stevie Wonder tune. I assume I just called to say I love you, but I was losing the will to live after a few Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie tunes, so turned off when they said Stevie Wonder.

Edited January 7, 200916 yr by in town Mikey

Wonder how much more enthusiastic the interviewees would have been had they been interviewed by the likes of someone as knowledgeable as Andy Rix??

Pretty sure he'd have rattled a few lost memories that they would have been biting at the bit to bring back................but not in 30 mins. I think the BBC did the best they could in the time given with Martin Freeman as host/presenter.

Admire Martin but did I miss something.....at what point did he show his knowledge of motown?

Pretty sure the Funk Bros were at The Albert Hall some time ago-correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes-saw them there and also the year before last at Ronnie Scotts although their numbers diminished further shortly after.

I listened to the top selling Motown songs in the UK, on New Years Day on Radio 2. I think this was the best selling Detroit track (tracks of my Tears). Most of the top 10 though were LA tracks, probably due to the number of records being bought in the 70s and 80s compared to the 60s.

Number one was a Stevie Wonder tune. I assume I just called to say I love you, but I was losing the will to live after a few Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie tunes, so turned off when they said Stevie Wonder.

Yes, you're right that was number one, I correctly guessed it too. We listened on the way up to the Blackpool weekender. Was gutted to hear NO temptations, I knew the four tops had been bigger in the UK than the temps but No temps. (apart from that Bruce Willis track) . As Brits buying motown, we've clearly been rubbish! lol.

Jayne.x

Sorry - off topic!

I thought the program was really good, and Martin Freeman sounded and looked very genuine in his appreciation. Loved hearing 'uptight', first time for so long. Know it's a matter of opinion, but best commercial motown record for me, would have been 'walk in my shoes'.

Winnie :-)

I thought it was very poor gesture......

Motown deserved better was just one of the reviews I read this morning, and I must say I agreed. Martin Freeman, nice guy though he is, did his best bless him.... I thought he was useless at interviewing, he seemed to have his crib-sheet memorised and was waiting for his turn to talk rather than listening and reacting to the answers given. On the other hand I have always loved TEARS OF A CLOWN so I enjoyed that micro-moment...

Final impression... piss poor

All in all I think if your not gonna give it 200% effort (in everything: research, presentation, content, final editing etc.) then you should be have the common decency to leave it alone. Don't bother next time Mr. BBC

"Martin what have you learned from this?".........."Eeeerm, I like this music"... F_cking brilliant, Well done! See ya later.

That's just my humble opinion for what it's worth

I watched and enjoyed it I think MF did very well and showed a true love for the music. The Beeb on the other hand short changed us When compared to Melvin Braggs 50 years of Blue Note, Arena presentation of a decade ago 90 minutes with interviews with artists, producers,club owners, engineers

and even the cover photographers.

Maybe it just goes to show that soul music is still looked down on by the majority of 'media types' as it has been from the 60s

Dunno if already mentioned as I haven't read all posts but I don't know if anyone listens to radio 5 live but about 3.00pm this afternoon Simon Mayo did a 50 years of motown bit, Martha Reeves, Richard Street and others on the show. Missed most as I was getting loaded at the time Heard Simon talk to Dennis Coffey on the phone mind.