Chalky

I tend not to believe many prices on ebay these days. So many sellers have their mates bidding the price up, money laundering etc etc....

What evidence do you need? They have posted scans of the origianl tape boxes etc? Everything is above board and they have done a great job. The LP's are superb as are the unreleased tracks that have been issued so far. They are not out to deceive anyone, they are not bootlegging unlike the previous releases of look a like lable ringleader releases. I'm not sure how the Sharpees which is fantastic or the Ringleaders can be classed as dud takes? Secret Stash have IMO done just as good a job as Kent with the Leaner Brothers material.

The book consists of text from the In Crowd up to the closure of Wigan. Post Wigan is what I wrote, about 6000 words from Clifton Hall up to today. Obviously I haven't mentioned every venue as there have been 100's since 1981. Nor have I mentioned soul nights except for a few that for me had an influence on the scene. Again some will disagree and think such and such a venue should have been included but I simply didn't have the space nor the time as I was on a tight deadline.

depends how much gear (has it kicked in) and beer the dancers have had as well

Hazel Martin was lead on Someday, he is to these ears. You only have to listen to Hazel Martin singing Out Of My Life to tell they are the same singer.

What it is all about mate.

City centre are an exception. They have universities and will as a rule attract a younger crowd. However most don't travel and I would imagine most leave the scene once they have settled into adult life. But on the scene generally the more mature amongst us vastly out number the youngsters.

Nothing new would ever get played if DJ's were afraid of clearing the floor. Some of the biggest records about cleared the floor when first aired. Again it is a question of getting the balance right.

Do you just mean old or not doing the business? Age is not or shouldn't be a factor when DJing as long as they are doing the business.

Courtesy of Kev Roberts who sent me the photo a few years ago........I think this proves they are black.

Great read Mark.

They are most definitely black, four of them.

Ae there any proper instruments on it, it doesn't even sound like an old recording. Have they got ears those who post this crap, those who make the motown comments I mean.

I was thinking summat more like a rugby tackle from the stage and an eye gouge on the way down

Hi Steve tha would The Hollingwood Hotel me thinks, great venue with travellers from afar at times and proud to have been part of it at the time. Chesterfield was mainly an oldies hot spot but much of the current crowd then were a bit open minded and were happy to give something a listen and in your case a dance. Unfortunately the same cannot be said today. I believe a Dj is there to both educate and entertain and it is all a question of getting the balance right. Why people want to listen to juke box DJ's is beyond me. What f**** me off thoughs when a particular venue is advertised as anything BUT an oldies night and you gets fools complaining and asking for summat from Wigan.

I've said it before it isn't always the DJ's fault. You/they could be booked to play a particular type of set but it is totally worng for the crowd, or much of the crowd but it is what the promoter wanted.

I would love to see a DJ burst in to tears

If it is anything like the Atlantic Records Story Bbc6 did not so long back it will be good. cheers for the shout.

That was question in response to one of Nev's comments not a suggestion from me. see ya tomorrow

I said imagination. Dunno why people assume it to mean unknowns?

Does anyone play unknowns? The lack of imagination goes right through the scene and extends to the so called rare or upfront side of the scene, its full of hotboxers chasing the what others are playing rather than seek out something for themselves. As I said I am not slagging anyone off. I am bemoaning the fact that imagination is frowned upon, by promoters especially but by DJ's afraid of any negative criticism and the though of losing bookings because of it. It is detrimental to any music scene as it ends up completely retro, forever looking back rather than forward. It really should be the best of times musically nowadays but it really is stale and backwards looking. This is evident in the records that are indemand and the pices they achieve at times. What are people supposed to do, not say anything that would appear critical, are people not allowed to voice their opinion just because one or two don't like to hear it? Far more appear to agree with what I have said than not.

I'm bemoaning the lack of imagination not slagging anyone off and as this is a forum for debate all opinions are valid.

Wonder if the co-writers ever took any action?

What is the topic? I thought it was about the daft prices being paid!