Dayo

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

Welcome to the fun - can't argue with your first post!

Pete Really enjoyed that - thank you. I've always been partial to a bit of ska, my fave being "Live Injection" by the Upstetters. Like a lot of us on here, my knowledge is sketchy. I've always been a bit hazy on the exact musical difference between ska/bluebeat/rock steady/reggae. Wondered if you might have time to write a few words on the subject?

Totally agree. And there is a copy on ebay right now... Johnny Dixon E-bay

I'll go for Bob Relf Blowing My Mind To Pieces. If you disregard the "soul" in Northern soul, then I'd have to say the Paul Anka track is just about the epitome of everything a Northern Dancer should be. Ironic ain't it?

They had some other recordings on MGM, had one once but can't remember the title. I know they changed their name in the early 70s to "Silent Majority" and had a few nice releases on Hot Wax, one being the modern soul favorite "Something new about you". Tomo link

Incidentally, back in the sixties the century's most gifted songwriter flew from the States to spend six weeks working with Dusty - and at a time when he was hotter than than fire. If Dusty gets approval in that measure from Burt Bacharach, then I think it's case proven; Mary O'Brien (aka Dusty) the best British female singer ever.

A gorgeous record from the first oh-so-tasteful drum fill to the very last note, and one of the sounds that got me excited about the scene back in 1970. Did I mention the sublime instrumental bridge with the delicious french horn? Never did decipher all the lyrics, but that's partly what makes it a song I'll never tire of. Did they record anything else? What's the Formations story? Knowledge gap needs filling here!

And for my money Dusty's original of "The Look Of Love" is certainly the best. The slightly extended version with the long sax solo is just sublime.

By the way, does anyone agree: Dusty beats Susan Barrett by a long, long way....

Ee by gum, I remember when we'd all huddle round the radiogram on Satdy nights... blueys were 8 fer a quid... an dayglo lime green socks were considered height of cool....