Dayo

It was a little worn to say the least. My friend had bought it the day before, but didn't bring it out. Nevertheless, the merest mention of it at an early Wigan nighter was enough to start a feeding frenzy among hopeful buyers. A certain Kev Roberts was on his knees trying to beg a lift to Worcester on our minibus. That's what happens when a junk shop offers a up a Lynne Randell demo at 10p!

If my memory is correct, the 4 Seasons was the only "big" version. It was certainly a monster around 1973 and I'm almost certain I first heard it at Va Va. The Velours when it arrived on a pressing was a bit of a mystery. If it had been played, then it escaped my radar. Incidentally, the 4 Seasons stereo mix is one of those really odd ones with the vocals panned all the way left. The fab harmonies that were so famous sound a little ragged to my ears when exposed without the track.

Just a note to say a warm hello to all soul fans on the Forum. I don't suppose for a minute that anyone will remember me, but on the off chance... It's Colin Andrews originally from Worcester. I was on the Northern Scene in the early to mid 70's. Used to do a little radio in the 80's as Colin Day. My brother-in-law was a DJ at The Bankhouse and the Coppertops in Worcester around 1970/72. Anybody remember those venues? He kicked it all off for me. My introduction was via his Twisted Wheel monsters like The Poets, O'Jays, Spellbinders, Major Lance, Benny Spellman etc. The Bankhouse on a Saturday night was semi legendary in the Midlands and used to be a great warm up for the Sunday afternoon soul sessions at the Chateau Impney. I was maybe 12 or 13 when he used to sneak me in. I would hide in the kitchen just to hear the music. In those days the term Northern Soul had not been coined, they were simply known as "good disco records". I'll never forget the first time my Brother in Law spun Gene Chandler's "There was a time". He'd just bought it from a guy called Froggy - must have been an almost recent release. The place nearly exploded! I also recall some guy being very upset that night because "Baby Reconsider" had just been pressed on Soul Sounds. "Friday Night" was huge and a thirty bob record, even though the cool cats knew you could still order it from WH Smiths for the price of a new single. Lovely memories. Anyway, my poor collection lies dusty and neglected in the garage, and my knowledge does not run as deep as most of you guys. But my love of the music was rekindled with the spate of CD releases and now its burning brightly again. I've been lurking for a week or two, but finally got around to registering. I've learnt so much from this site already. I hope I can contribute something of value from time to time, and I do hope you'll forgive me if my comments are ever dim, or my questions ever chestnuts. Best wishes to you all Colin (Dayo)

Can't agree that it's shite! Ok, it may be one of the more poppy of Edwin's catalogue :-) As for the scarcity, its understandable. I'm not sure how many demo's EMI used to press up (any clues, anyone?)... but there can't have been more than 500 at a guess. Incidentally, it's up to £200 right now and ends later today. Whats the betting it'll top £250?