Dave2

It would make a good reference book reflecting the times thats for sure! If done regular, say bi-annually, you'd be able to see variations. I'm not sure the yardstick of 'rarity over value' set us off on the right track (s'cuse the pun), though, because I don't know what is rare (without a comparison to its value) personnally think value could be a yardstick of rarity. As an alternative, we could think about shifting the yardstick slightly to be our "favorite Northern Soul Tracks", regardless of how rare we think they are. The only way this could work is if (i) we decide and agree a preferred criteria, (i.e. all ss members post a top 20 fave NS within say 6 months?) and (ii) we get someone to vigilate and compile the results. I'm thinking of the someone with experience to lead & collate with the results i.e. soul source mods - but i wouldnt expect them to take it on, as its no small project, this! If someone did take it on (i.e ss mods or key members), then its possible we can actually achieve a top NS 500 as voted for by ss members. Anyone interested? Otherwise we might spend the next few months constructively critising rare NS lists - which makes interesting reading!! But we won't really get a top 500 rare NS list sorted. So what way are we going to go?

him: Blaaah blaah blurgle urgle blurgle uuuhu? me: Sorry mate? Come away from the speaker...what did you say? him: Do you have 'Do I Love You Indeed I Do' by Frank Wilson? Me: Sorry mate! don't have it. him: "YOU'VE GOT NOTHING!!"

Willie B's in the DJ box permanantly. And if requiring a modern to northern shift - ever done the 'One More Hurt' double? (Candi, followed by Marj). And how about Barbara Perry - A Man Is a Mean Thing. (Uptempo RnB tight dancer with rock 'n' roll guitar/ dirty sax middle eight). God bless you Ady C!

the 'Olympics Mirwood Soul Dancer' is one I recommend to people if trying to explain 'Northern soul dancing'. Some of our top dancers / ambassadors are on it!

On the dance floor? heres mine: Chandlers - Your Love Makes Me Lonely Lenny Williams - I Couldn't Find Nobody Jack Montgomery - Baby, Baby, Take a Chance On Me Combinations - Watcha Gonna Do (new entry. well rare! scorcher!) Montclairs - Hey You! Don't Fight It

We might be burning ourselves out too soon Winnie, but like eveything else in life: you love it, you do it! (regardless of health risk). If a link exists, our generation are probably too late to benefit. Where will we be in 10-15 years time? Dancing to slower tempo songs, probably . A decline in physical ability with age forces us to take things easy. Saying that, some of the best dancers 50+ show no signs of growing old gracefully anytime soon, and still have the moves!! In 30-40 years time Northern Soul 'Oldies' afternoons (the punters not the vinyl) could well be the new Bingo. I'll be too busy shuffling me zimmerframe to Billy Sha-Rae's 'I'm Gone' to even care.... or comprehend where I am, or who I am. (That American judge on The Voice -: Will. i. am. smart move that! changing your name in preparation for the onset of Alzheimers...)

If it's vinyl decks, put me down for a Sat eve/Sunday morning slot. (Unless you've had a better offer - no problem!) Regards, Dave

Your fabulous voice dancing with horns on 'Your Love Is Fading' , and the raw grace that is Morn'un will ignite our dance floors for eternity. RIP Lou.

RIP Donna. Disco Goddess. Thank you for 'I feel Love' & 'Love to Love You Baby' -the baseline I'll never forget for the rest of my life... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9gMpxZtKg8

Taking recent threads; in the wise words of Donald Duck Dunn... "If the sh*t fits...wear it!!" (Blues Brothers) RIP.

"...... I love the smell of vinyl in the morning........................smells like......................................victory......!" :-)

I doubt he would have disliked this. Not Marvins best vocals. But the mix literally floats the tune, lifting it gently from the Tamla 60's, and placing it carefully back down amongst the 'modern soul' genre...... as if it's always belonged there. Reminds me of Robbie Vincent playing his last half hour: Sunday night Radio 1, late 1980's.... Chilled soul. And that's good!

This is truly a 'historic' article & photos. I love the fact Ed mentions that during his pioneering heyday, only about 10% recorded material was ever released. i.e. 90% went to the vaults which could be hundreds (or even thousands!) of "unreleased" by artist such as Deon Jackson, Parliaments, Rose Batsiste, Capitols etc,. (sigh...) Also, the key to good production is not just solely about arrangement, but the way the sound is improved and captured - which Ed plays an important part of at young age - building analog electronics to enhance & improve sound (way before working to get his academic quals at night school!) You feel the Detroit session musicians of the mid 60's /early 70's period, were undoubtedly top notch and the best in the world. I believe this golden recording age of Soul /RnB will never be bettered. And long may it be celebrated. Really great article Rob. Thanks for this. Regards, Dave

Oh yeah..! I like the way the dancers 'freeze' frame for a few bars! (I do that. When I'm knackered like.) I find it fascinating that 70's clothes were quite flamboyant - almost approaching the absurd - yet socially acceptable at the time & cool. i.e. big flares & shirt collars that almost cover the shoulders. Happy dayz!!

Thanks for that Steve. Regards, Dave

I say!,, Jolly good advice my fine fellow! An' know mate, cheers! Been in a few rough areas of USA cities but never Chicago. One thing that was quite evident were the number of elderly homeless people that congregate together, waiting for the equivelent of meals on wheels to turn up - provided by charity organisations. There's relatively little or no state benefits as such, as we have. Regards, Dave

Regardless, nice film clip. (First time I've seen it). Thanks for posting. I wondered about the store's location i.e. what the neighbourhood actually looks like at street level. (Should one middle-class white city boy - with an English accent - wander into said establishment perusing for 45 bargains.....)

For single soulies, Soul Police also includes the category of 'Girlfriend' - possessing highly skilled questioning & interogation techniques, designed to break & weaken the accused into absurd confession. Stress questioning (after the bag has been found) such as: "Why did you spend so much money on bloody, stupid records!!!" has known to produce feeble answers such as: "But I bought it for you babes! I thought it was your favourite...!" followed by 3 hours of complete & utter silence (the calm before a mega strop of the highest order).... That too is the soul police . Er...

My fave track of the podcast was Al Danner. Some modern soul/ cross-over tracks sound fantastic. Others just don't do it for me. And to quote the man: instead of listening to what dross the radio has to offer, get out and find records that are 30 years old, that no-one has ever heard of before (mainstream) and enjoy 'em... Too right!

Cool. 25 years (good things come to those... etc) It's also a great to find your elusive 'wants' (or craves!) in peoples sales boxes. Rare this happens, but when it does... trying to remain 'calm' and 'carry on' when something inside your heart and mind is compelling you to shout: "F***ing Yes!!! Get In!!!" Now that's madness, driven by passion! in the bag....mine.... the impatient wait for it to arrive.. Absolute worst time for me. I actually get paranoid. There's mega rare ebay stuff this week people mention 'as a once in a lifetime' opportunity. If I had the dosh (I don't) I couldnt' survive the weeks anticipation of waiting for that $5.5k Northern monster 45 to arrive!! I know you have insurance cover, but records this good should be delivered by Jason Statham, not postman Pat. (No disrespect to the postal service!)

Hey man! Cool. Spin it @ next DS mate - see if Leo will notice. Surely, a German DJ would never joke about such a serious topic!

Cheers Dave! The needledoctor link shows the workings of the grado dj200. (The one reviewer mentions you can backspin it without knackering it. As its labelled as a dj stylus, you'd expect it to be durable (but not for scratching!! ) The Hard To Find link shows their uk demo store (in Brum) open til 5pm saturdays. So collection also possible. I'll look forward to trying one. ATB, and regards. Dave

Stylus is very important! I think the Ortofon concords are great. Durable and their stylus tip shapes (elipse or round - designed to cover more surface area in the groove) work well. Depending on the record condition, you sometimes don't want to pick up too much high end!! Also like the concord's thin-ness - clearly see tip of the needle which is great when dj'ing. I'll look into the Grados. Are they pricey?

So you've bridged the positives onto a third speaker. Improved vocal definition is good on any record I reckon. You tried it on harmony type stuff? (i.e Herbs -Put a Hurting on my Heart, Devotions -Do Do De Dop, Commands -Don't Be afarid to Love me etc. Apologies if you hate this kind of sound! ) Grundig re-issued the ball speakers a few years back. Don't think they sold well! but they looked the dog's.

Portable then!