Len

Chr*st! Why didn't you tell us this years ago Barry?!!! .......It is that simple isn't it? All the best, Len P.s - I spelt 'Peers' wrong (Now edited)

I think that's about right for nowadays. Len

Yeh the pressure's sh*t, and gets worse when you have had umpteen lectures from people that think, that because they are older than you, and were around 'in the beginning' (usually only for a couple of years) they know better - It's a matter of respect from all sides......I always remind myself of my peers, those that had belief in their records, and stuck to it - Some of which, the tunes that they were playing have only now (years and years later) been welcomed with open arms....If it wasn't for these hero's (in my book) the scene would have died, and these returnees wouldn't have a scene to return to. All the best, Len

To answer the actual question - I'd like to think a bit of both. Cater for the masses (of whom are in the place) so they don't lose interest, because without them such a big event simply wouldn't 'happen'......but make damn sure the event also supports the original ethos of the Scene by including D.J's that put something fresh into their sets - and that doesn't mean completely new discoveries......I keep saying this I know, but I'll say it again - These 'Returnees', have been 'returned' for ten years now and don't need patronising, they will welcome fresh stuff if it is done 'nicely' A few years back I was asked to get involved in a very large oldies venue (The Pemberton Centre) and at first took quite a bit of flack for introducing unfamiliar tunes, I had a few complete dance floor clearers, and at one point I had half a dance floor - No, I mean 'literally' half a dance floor, it was the right hand half of the floor actually, honestly, you could have drawn a straight line down the middle! It just so happened that on that side, was where people that travelled congregated, whereas the other side consisted of mainly locals that didn't. No problem with that, we decided just to put me on for 45 minutes each one around 9.00 - 9.30 ish, and after a few months the 10.00 / 10.30 spot worked a treat. People got to know it was 'Lenny doing his bit' time. I had lots of fun jibes thrown at me like....."Ok, Lenny's on - time for a Pizza".....Or...."Crikey the bars packed, Lenny must be on"..... etc. Anyway, we managed to get the point across that we were simply trying to share more tunes, and they respected that.....Where it all goes wrong is when the punters are not familiar with the tunes, and get the impression that nothings gonna change all night - They then lose interest, stop listening, and go home unhappy, on top of which, they go and tell others how sh*t the night is.....then you're onto a loser. Whatever though - It's never easy, In fact, I'd say it's harder nowadays - Everyone's a f*ckin' expert All the best, Len

Filtering tunes into the big room - and that's not a new thing really. All the best, Len P.s - Good luck with this thread!

Well stay away from this site then! ......What were we talking about? Len

I was there! ...and have heard your booming (enthusiastic) D.J voice many times since.....also playing some lovely Mid-tempo tunz along the way mate.....what was that one we were trying to remember outside Life-line? - It's gone again! Happy days Len

I think we all heard mate - Crikey! .......It worked though All the best, Len P.s - A bit of poetic licence there mate, not really sure where Sean actually first heard it

I would pay £1,000.000.00 for it before I bought 'Patience Valentine - If You Don't Come' .......... All the best, Len

'Dusty Wilson - It's Going To Be A Tragedy' Len https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuzM6wkhaEw

I know, I was just being facetious - damn this two dimensional world! Have to say though, that some 'really' hit the spot with me, whereas others don't - I suppose that's the same for us all, but with different tunes.....and the debate carries on.....that's got to be healthy at least - I've always enjoyed the rival banter, and although sensitive, I don't actually take that personally, it can be real fun. Len

.....Unfortunately, I imagine (and have been told) that's how I do come across to some - they presume I am a snob (and look down my nose at new comers especially), and to get it across that I don't can be a task on a local level at least. I've had....."I used to f*ckin hate you, before I met you, but you're actually alright" (said in a surprised voice) Work that one out!......apparently, I don't do myself any favours.........Nothing wrong in having standards though Ted (Doh! - I've done it again ain't I?) ......If only 'they' knew.....(I'm just a 'Tortured Soul', that loves his soul music) Anyway - back to 'the programme!' - How about this little Gem? All the best, Len 'Bobby Sansom - Don't Leave' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx6QTuzgFVg

No, sorry that did sound bad - Not at all, I just have nice old memories of my own - Shouldn't of said that - Sos folkz (Sometimes what I write, ain't quite what I mean) I meant it in a 'things ain't quite what they used to be' kinda way, that's all Ted - We are all very precious about our own golden memories. One thing I would never have is that 'holier than thou' thing going on - the absolute opposite in fact. Len

Complete with Matt from Wigan (Walthamstow / Matt 'n' Jane) dancing away for hours....... Len

That's the one - TUNE! Len

Average Len

I can only apologise Len

.......This is gonna sound soooooooo snobby......but....if I hear this at a local soul night I f*ckin cringe, whereas if I'm in the company of 'really' like minded folk, I'm in my soul heaven with it - go figure! Len

'Dewey Jeffries - when no one cared' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0ZI1sC3x0

Of course! BEAUTIFUL! BEAUTIFUL! BEAUTIFUL! - always reminds me of Ion this..........I 'did a Moses' at a local Soul Night a few years back with this - I tried to 'skilfully' splice it in, but 'parted the seas'! .....Then lies the question of should I have played it of course - I think so, or some would never get to hear such lovely stuff (I 'pulled it all back' ok) Len

Well said Jocko. No offence / shock intended here mate - but if I were to cut you, I recon you would 'bleed northern soul'.......I wonder who else would?......... We miss you guys, 'and the like' All the best, Len

Indeed, the great days mate - This is how me and Nina (my wife) 'clicked' It took me over 20 years to get Mikki Farrow, and the day I got it, I gave my pressing to Ping (from Cambridge area).....they were so alike, I got mixed up, and thought I'd given him the wrong copy for a second! All the best, Len

Same here - I'd say it would be more acceptable if it was a 'heart wrenching female' vocal......but that could be just me. It's just that some of the mail vocals can be 'down beat' in comparison. Len

'MID' is the word - Not 'SLOW'....I think that's what gets mixed up. All the best, Len P.s - 'Mikki Farrow - Could It Be' - AWESOME!

That is a record that is 'ripe' for reactivation - Great tune .......but what do I know? You really shouldn't refer to me if you have 'dancefloor reviver' in your question - I'm the man that put 'Empty dance floors rule ok' on a flyer - It upset a few people, they thought I meant it literally! All the best, Len