Mark Bicknell

Sums it up really Paul, small venue applied correctly. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Regarding spending £2k on a bootleg and playing it that's more down to not knowing your subject I feel, researching the authenticity of a record by checking and asking questions before you buy it is paramount or just plain common sense, sometimes people don't like to admit lack of knowledge, bugger that if you are prepared to shell out that kind of money every avenue of making sure the record is right should be followed, moaning about it after the mistake is made well you only have yourself to blame basically. As for photocopied labels over bootlegs again cutting corners and is a sad reflection of the whole point of this thread, as there is no easy route or short cuts here as you simply get found out. Regards - Mark Bicknell

As is stated on many topics and threads on this forum it's about personal taste, preference and opinion and as I stated in my original post here we all do what we do in different ways, I simply do it the best and only way I know how which works for me. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Nice reply there Wilxy but how can following if you like an unwritten rule within some DJ circles be an outdated one when the ethics are the same? be it then, now or in the future, do you mean that collecting original records for the purpose of DJ'ing has changed or stopped? perhaps not outdated more the case that some people move the goalposts to justify short cuts maybe? using the excuse that they can't afford certain records, well being totally honest and upfront the saying 'If You Can't Stand The Heat Then Get Out Of The Kitchen' springs to mind or don't enter it in the first place if you can't cook yet? again just my opinion. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Don't forget it also came out on USA Vault. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Sorry can't sleep had a crazy Sunday night and it's buggered my sleep pattern....lol this old chestnut again! firstly I would like to think from my own personal perspective that when I'm kindly asked to DJ the booking is based on merrit, entertainment value, reputation, depth of collection being authentic first generation USA originals whatever the style of tuneage and not because I'm buddies with the promoter although I know most of them, well I would like to think that I'm booked for the above reasons rather than simply knowing them, some venues I will not get asked due to music policy etc. rather than anything personal and I respect that. How other DJ's conduct themselves and how they apply themselves to the job in hand is up to them, personally I do the best I can within my means and always do it by going down the original only route, I think it's a bit of a kop - out to use the excuse of being a local event so it's ok to play non original records as I've said before the very foundation of this scene and it's music is based on rare records, rare by defernition means hard to find and not often seen, I'm not just talking about the super rare big ticket items here I'm talking right across the bat, be it a five pound or five thousand pound original, for many DJ's the original only format is paramount and yes if it brings a solid reputation, status etc. then so be it, Why? is it some how elitist to apply the original record only rule, over the years I've noticed a whole hotch potch of different DJ record boxes up on various stages both at local and national bigger events again it's up to them how they apply their craft but please don't make excuses or try to deflect or pretend to be totally authentic if some record boxes ain't what they seem.There is also the view that the dance floor don't care what format a tune is played off which may well be the case but would it not be fair to sugget that if a DJ goes down the original only route if nothing else he or she is being true to themselves and the authenticity of the records they play? often it seems to me that the pro non original or part original mix type DJ's are the ones that say it's ok to do what they do and somehow have a real problem with anyone who questions their methods? again it's a personal thing and I guess we have to live with and respect all camps on this debate, but think about it and the only argument or plus here is a good spot is a good spot and is based on quality of music supplied, sure you can play a turkey with a full box of originals as you can with a mixed box but again I feel it's about authenticity here. All DJ's have the best intentions at heart I'm sure, they play records because they enjoy it and give pleasure to many, I'm sorry but the old saying 'It's What's In The Groove That Counts' does not wash with me but again I do not have the right to tell someone else who chooses the non original or part original record route that they are wrong and should not be DJ'ing, it's up to them but let me tell you in some circles this is not held in very high regard and that's just the way it is, ok we don't all have all of the records, top tunes or otherwise but there are a large number of current DJ's and collector DJ's that take a great deal of time, effort, pride, commitment and money to put a true and authentic box together which for many is an on going practice so this has to be respected too in the same way as others do it. To suggest because you collect and play authentic records is somehow elitist is a complete nonsense it should be embraced and as I say it is basically the very foundation of the RARE soul scene. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Words fail me with stuff like this, I've had several records go over the years and it hurts still to this day to think someone on the scene could do such a thing, it stinks....I really hope you get this gem of an album back but please if you do really make a fuss and name and shame the scum bag, this is the lowest of the low no question. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

You better believe I want to DJ on a more regular basis Keith at as many venues as I can, got a little lazy with the proper stuff mate so yes will be out there once again, so all bookings most welcome bicknellmark@aol.com lol, thank you Keith for being a true friend to the 'Soul Shack' in recent times, your support and friendship has been wonderful. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I thought you would all like to know that Eddy Edmondson will be taking over with a Northern based show on Solar starting on September 8th, just like to wish him well and I trust you will show him all your support. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

There's 'Determination' for you.......lol sorry could not resist that one. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Disc #4 the special edition John is the jewel in the crown here, certainly will help the good times roll....lol, 'The Sweet Three' just came to me when you mentioned their possible involvement on these productions, two good sides on their Decca release. There must be some unissued stuff here or I wold like to think so? Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Major Harris now sold. More titles to follow so keep watching. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I'm so out of step with allnighters these days they are just something I don't do much anymore, if you stay away from them for any length of time it becomes the norm not to go, I enjoy them when I do go every so often and still like to play a few tunes when asked but the less you go it becomes less important, as for not still being able to enjoy the music outside of the allnighter situation I think is nonsense as my desire for the records, collecting etc. is still ever strong and is something I can still do without staying up allnight to enjoy,will still go to the odd one now and again but far less than I once did. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Cheers Pete. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Is that all Phil?....lol almost spent that in Blackpool yesterday mate......the place is a honey trap....oh and if £4k ain't real money on records what is?....lol..buy,sell,swap,trade and around we all go and I bet when you are done with the Motown LP's you will move on to the EP's, never ending but oh so much fun! Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Got a set of these from JM (Thanks John) superb quality, look and feel very good indeed, I have to agree with JM on the Len Barry - 'I'm In Love' proper Northern, the sound quality is simply awesome on these 45's, I also was lucky enough to recieve the extra special release in the batch which I'm not allowed to mention....lol for crying out loud John don't do this to me....lol welcome additions here at 'Bicknell Towers', I would suspect there is more to follow in this series? perhaps a picture bag of 'The Sweet Three' would be a nice follow up to these....top class, miss these at your peril, no hype required as they will sell themselves. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

For my sins this month I am now off to Blackpool for a day out, The Big One, Candy Floss, Fish 'n' Chips, silly hats, family day type of stuff which on reflection will cost me more than my new records fund....lol like I said you have to get things into perspective....lol have fun. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I've been telling Jacqui they all cost a fiver each for years now...I think I can still get away with it....lol Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Just checked my bank statement on line....oh dear, oh dear, oh dear........lol perhaps this is why I'm sat infront of my PC instead of being out soulin' on a Friday night.........still few nice bits upstairs added this past month and so it goes on...lol Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Stunning double header. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Some final reductions - more titles to follow on new list after the weekend. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I know it's and old saying but the world would be a better place if more people were into music, often music is something simply in the background or wallpaper to some peoples lives and has no importance to them, agree with all of the above, stunning reply. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

No Deb bring it on girl no problem, i have sent you a PM on this ok, the paintings are pure class and I wager you will be getting a few PM's as a result of our blatent plug of your talent...lol with a few orders! Regards - Mark Bicknell.

People totally off the original thread and topic but look at that! told you she was a superb artist, reckon my idea Deb to commission a few for people will start rolling in now then you will have more records than you know what to do with....lol These paintings are simply stunning. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Get painting girl.....lol Debs is a real talented artist by the way. Regards - Mark Bicknell.