Dayo

Hippo - I don't recall it was ever what we used to call a "big sound", do you? I certainly never heard it before the Pye compilation came out and I don't think it ever had it's moment in the sun - agree?

This is the version my friend sent me. If my ears are correct, the intro is quite different to the version Ian Levine used on the Disco Demand LP. Does anyone have an mp3 of that one? I think it's a tad sweeter.

Thanks chalky

Am I getting old? A pal of mine sent me an mp3 recently of Maxine Brown's Let me give you my loving. I first heard it on Mr. Levine's disco demand comp LP yonks ago - loved it to death. Trouble is, the mp3 I've got sounds different to how I recall the track on the album - mp3 seems to have a bigger backbeat? Is my memory playing tricks, or were there two versions or mixes? If there was only one then I'm certainly sueing Smith, Kline and French! Thanks all Colin

I'd waste no more time on it and get another CD writer installed. My first set me back over £600. They are giving em away these days.

Might surprise you, but my fave is the incomparable Burt Bacharach. He's also maybe the greatest arranger in the history of pop. Just my two pence.

Thanks Pete - thought you might pop up with an answer on that one :-) Colin

Anyone please help with the current value on a near mint copy of Chartbusters USA LP(UK Columbia Okeh compilation)? Please many thanks ta etc

Not exactly present day or even that soulful, but the Edwin Collins thing, Never Known A Girl Like You Before is a stonker. The backing track is so moody, puts me in mind of something that I can't put my finger on... hints of Ramsey Lewis, but that's not it... Can anyone shine a light?

I think this is a difficult but interesting idea. For myself I've never "discovered" anything of note - although I seemed to have that Paula Parfitt record at least a year before anyone had heard of it - not exactly a solid or soulful claim to fame is it? lol Would love to hear from others who have had the thrill of a genuine first time discovery. Can you imagine being the first Brit to hear and spin Sandi Sheldon? Oh my God!

Interesting - never heard this tune before. Sounds fab and groovy. Incidentally, I was surprised to learn recently that some people in the states regard "Groovin" as the ultimate blue eyed soul record. Always loved it, as I'm sure many of you do, but regarded it as light hippy pop. Now I consider it extremely soulful. Funny things pigeonholes.

You may be right Ric Tic - and thanks for reminding me of the cover up name. I don't think Wigan were too far behind on that particular sound and it had quite a short life before Pye issued it over here. Charming record - sounds all wrong today though - agree?

Sorry for delay all - it was Can't Help Lovin dat Man - Ila Van. Originally from the musical Showboat - written in 1927. Congrats to all who got it! Colin

It dates from 1910! Found this link which might be helpful Put Your Arms Around Me Trivia question: At exactly the same time the Sherrys was a big - 73? - there was another massive Wigan spin that dates from 1927 - at least that's when the song was written. Anyone care to name it? Title and artist....

I have a feeling that Put Your Loving Arms Around Me is something of a standard isn't it? The Sherrys version was a cover of a pop hit? Could be wrong. Incidentally - what a great sax solo!

John Harvey aka Kojak owned a record stall in Worcester run by a guy called Roger who used to work for graduate. They sold the latest pressings and a few second hand things. Think the first night of the ISSC was at the New 67 club in Wolves. I went, it was pretty strange. John Farrell played there. He died a death but so many of his records were ahead of their time. The famous Queens Hall night at Leeds in 74 was an ISSC night wasn't it? Enough said. I think John Harvey also gave a chance to some local DJ's - including a guy called Mac from Malvern (?) who had quite a following around Worcester. I believe that JH's interest in the scene was purely financial. I knew him reasonably well for a while and he had little real interest or love for the scene. Where is he now!? Any sightings since 75?

I once heard a figure of appx 30,000 discs if you wnated to collect them all. Can anyone say if this is based on anything but guesswork?

Billy Try thisNorthern scene in Japan Good luck

Very helpful everyone! lol

Is there anyway of estimating just how many Northern Soul records there are? (in all it's genres) Can anyone take a guess? For myself I've no idea! And is there a consensus on who has the best collection in the world - in terms of numbers or rarities.... Apologies if this topic is old hat. Best Colin

Pete - Huge Thanks for that - I'll pm you. It's funny because "To Sir With Love" is one of my favourite songs; beautiful lyrics and a haunting melody. Lulu's version was absolute class but if memory serves, it wasn't exactly her biggest hit here. Didn't she have a smash in the States with it though?

I listened 3 times this morning and it's fabulous. A real education. Thanks for all the work on it Pete - though I suspect you enjoyed doing it no end. I feel something Jamaican stirring within me! Hope to explore some more ska and rock steady before too long. It's authentic, from the street and from the heart. What's not to like?! Thanks again Colin

Thanks both. I did see a London isssue of it once but very very beat up. A London demo must be worth seeing!

Could anyone please put a price on a mint issue of The Dynamics "Misery" on pink BigTop? PS Lurve this record!

While we're at it, could anyone please value a mint issue of The Dynamics "Misery" on pink Big Top? Many thanks - oh and a great example of early harmony uptempo soul - agree? Colin