Dayo

Four Tops, Reach Out I'll Be There c/w Until You Love Someone

I'm only judging it on musical merit - actually have no idea of the value. Here's another funny thing - every time I hear it I begin wondering what it would sound like re-made with a reggae beat. Who are Bob and fred anyway? Any info anyone?

I've never been quite sure about this record. Some days I think it's gorgeous beyond words, other days it strikes me as sugary pop. I guess it's something to do with the two guys singing every line in unison. Any thoughts anyone? I've put a link below, I'm sure most people know it well, but just in case..... Bob & Fred

As for the Northern Soul/Beatles comment, I suspect he means that the Mop Tops were partly influenced by early 60's R n B records, which is true of course. But the Beatles stole from everywhere including Little Richard, The Everlys, C & W, and probably Edmondo Ross! Made it their own though didn't they?

I first started hearing things like Dr. Love, Talk Of The Grapevine, Fortune Teller etc in 1970. I distinctly recall that they were known as Disco records - the term Northern Soul didn't really catch on till probably '73 (I'll stand corrected if my memory is playing tricks). The first "proper" disco record that I heard - as I understand the genre - was Gloria Gaynor's Never Can Say Goodbye. There may have been others before, but the energy propelled by those splashy hi hats seemed really fresh and exciting (at least it did for a week or so!)

Darrow Fletcher has a special place in the hearts of soul music lovers here in the UK. What Good Am I = sublime soul music.

Am I missing something here? To me this record is no better than average. In fact the lead singer puts me in mind of Al Jolson. The Torch, Tunstall 1973. Sweat soaked kids actually jump over each other in the mad scramble to hit the dance floor. Why? They've just caught the opening guitar lick of "Love You Baby". I can't imagine the Mello Souls would have pulled the same trick. Just my two Euros.

A monster! especially when the 12 inch remix surfaced

JB pretty much got me into soul music when I was a teen. I heard Live At The Apollo Vol 2 and it turned my world upside down. The Godfather? I dunno. It's just a silly made up marketing name. The guy has soul by the bucket though.

Last Night A DJ Saved My Life - Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton A pal of mine showed me this book last night. There's a fantastic chapter on Northern Soul. The first two pages are not only well researched and written, but also perfectly sum up the genesis and "specialness" of our scene. Made me feel really proud to have been part of it. Would love to quote from it, but waiting for my mate to finish off first. Anyone else read this book? Colin

Landslide will alway remind me of VaVa - my first allnighter and the first record I heard there. Searling was just a young kid with some nice records. Hide nor hair followed soon after, as did Trying to find my woman and Thumb a ride. What a vibe.

The good ones are going. It's so sad.

Thanks for that

Thanks Lars. Interesting stuff that.

I have to say Levine and Curtis in the 70's. Yes, it was easier then, but you asked the question!

It's Frankie Beverley and (some of) the Butlers. Here's another pic

As far as I understand, any smoking ban would affect pubs/restaurants etc - NOT clubs. Anyone heard this?

Found this pic on the net - I have no idea if it's well known, but they recorded one of the most popular Northern records of all time...

Radiants Hold On is one of my faves. Been around since the scene began and certainly got plays at The Wheel. A soul pack perennial in the early seventies ie 10 pence a copy.

Spoken about these before but I'll stick by them: We Live In The Ghetto - Four Voices East West North Or South - Cliffard Curry (To my ears, this has got everything but no-one else ever agrees!)

I found Touch of Venus US orig for 10 pence at a boot. Mind you, much as i try I still can't say I really like the record.

Popcorn Wylie definitely had a "sound" didn't he? And Pete, you're right - too many newies all at once - especially at around that time with lots of unheard Mirwood stuff coming through too. A surplus of riches. But we were spoilt rotten weren't we?

Just curious about the radio jock you mention. An offshore pirate DJ maybe? I was trying to think who was brave enough to champion Soul music on the air in the early 60's. Mike Raven was an obvious one, but not one of the personality jocks. Emporer Rosko certainly did his bit for Stax/Atlantic. And didn't Johnnie Walker have a soft spot for Motown? Tony Blackburn's penchant for soul is well known but it's hard to consider him a music lovin' DJ. Maybe this is one for another thread?

Just want to say thanks to everyone who has taken time to share their knowledge on this thread. You guys rock. Or funk. Whatever! Colin

Why am I not surpised that this turned into a "how soulful is funk thread"!