Dayo

"Charge" by the Jess and James Band on Shout. Who cares if it's soul or not - still makes me wanna backdrop 30 odd years later. My osteopath however advises that I stick to Beat Ballads!

Yep, you probably are! Carstairs was never a record that "split the scene" - at least not in the way that James Fountain, Johnny C and Snoopy Dean did. As I recall, it was widely and enthusiastically embraced - mostly because of tortured vocals fitted right in next to the likes of The Tomagoes etc. Shame it got caned to death, but still a gorgeous record (IMHO)

Billy, I'm with you on that. There were some great songs being played all throught the 70's, but for me, it's the Wheel stuff every time. Never one to miss a chance to blather on that the old times were better, can I offer you a couple more Wheel spins that stand out simply in terms of the arrangement and production? Can't see your love - The Ballads There's nothing else to say - The Incredibles Workin' on your case - O'Jays

Breakout was far and away THE most popular dance record in Worcester around 1972. Second most popular? Devil With A Blue Dress, of course!

The Chris Farlowe version was, I think, on an Immediate album called "The Art of Chris Farlowe"

Tainted love was a big sound at Va Va and the Mecca just prior to Wigan - and you're right about Footsee - Soussan added the car horns and speeded up the original. When Pye issued it they tried something similar but obviously the sounds were a little different. Would LOVE to hear the Wigan tape. Is it good quality?

Still love to hear from anyone with memories of first spins for the likes of Duke Browner, Sam & Kitty or even Sandi Sheldon (which I gather may have took some time to grow, poss regarded as too fast). Anyone know the truth of it?

Couldn't agree more. Was at Blackpool when "Freddie Jones" got played out first. What a shock we had when it turned out to be The Coasters!

Here's another one: Eddie Foster. Mecca if memory serves(?) Was an instant hit with the girls in particular.

Happy, in one! Fruit bats on the vine rings a bell... lol

Has this thread stalled a little? Try this one (easy, don't wait for a yes) "My baby put some love on me, just the way that lovin' should be...."

Just a note: when I kicked this thread off I never said it had to be the first line, but on reflection, maybe that is a really good idea. If I can humbly offer a word of guidance, it'll be more inclusive if we keep to broadly known songs (I'll shut up now). Shuffles off, apologetically.

Big, big sound. Was that Torch or Wigan?

A clue?

Can I offer another instant monster? LaRue! Went massive from the first play. I know all mine have been on the poppy side, maybe that says something about the scene in '73? Any veterans from the Torch or Wheel with some memories of first spin monsters?

waiting for the next one........

Argh! Sounds like a Motown thing....

Yaaay! Over to you Hippo....

Maybe it wasn't so easy after all. Here's a link to the song Mystery Lyric Keen to get this thread going coz I'm sure it'll be fun; so here's another one that is, as my kids would say, pipsy... "Here I am, standing at the bus station, suitcase in my hand..." Remember, the idea is to find a lyric that's teasing, not to pick obscure album tracks or acetate only songs

Sorry Mikey, close but no cigar

Come on guys; calm down. Music is what it is. We've always had strong opinions about "our" music - that's long been part of the scene. But let's cut out the swearing and insults and focus on the things that unite us, eh?

I'm surprised no-one's got this, but then maybe it's a forgotten oldie these days. Didn't want to give clues, but maybe I should have picked a chestnut to get this thread going. I'd say it was a Chicago record from '66, part of a double A side, popular at the Wheel, sung by a guy with more Northern hits to his name than almost any other singer....

I guess they are all easy when you know them. And I'm guessing you may kick yourself when the right answer gets posted. Not posting clues just yet...

Christian B and StoneIsland; I can see where you're both coming from. This argument will never be resolved because the definition of soul is such a personal thing. Having said that; I do agree; the Paul Anka track is the epitome of Northern (soul, or otherwise). I don't think that can be doubted. Or can it?

Was it the same guy who co-wrote "My Way"?