Md Records

"Soul Police", "Chin Strokers", and now "A Listers" do they actually exist, have you got names for people who are in these "catagories" or is it all a bit of a myth? Des Parker

Books for £30 in the Manship Bible, Justin, though you should be able to pick this up reasonably. Des Parker

A record I bought a fair few Years ago and played out a couple of times, but I felt that after an excellent intro/start it meanders on a bit, so I lost faith with it. Value, who knows - the copy I had, I sold to Kev Drage (via Johnny Beggs), who I believe is the man responsible for bringing it to most people in the U.K.'s attention, that have heard/liked it.........of course. Odd label Sims, but if I had another (and I've been looking) I'd have to price it at £100. Des Parker P.S. Someone quite knowledgeable on this label in the U.S. believes this to be Kenny Smith, anyone confirm this??

Excellent stuff, great compilation!!! I've heard that a "Delites/Walter Wilson" C.D. is in the pipeline next, is that true, could be interesting! Des Parker

Solomon King

Lots of different arguments etc etc,and here's my take. If I travelled 100 miles plus up the Motorway to a "top" niter and every other "top" D.J. is playing it then that's B*ll*cks, it shows lack of imagination, let James play it & get credit for it as he's championing it. however, if I'm getting a cab to my local soul knees up, then I think it's brilliant to hear this played out, instead of the usual stuff & freshens up the playlists of some of the D.J.'s that time forgot. Different scenes, different folk, different rules. Des Parker P.S. I quite like it, not in my top 5 of all time, but I'd like one if someone can sell me one at it's "realistic" price!

A friend of mine in Gloucester bought a record off Soul Bowl in the early Eighties thinking it to be Keb's "Vernon Garrett - This Is It I'm Leaving You Now" cover up which in fact was "Ron Baxter - This Is It" he was so disgusted that this wasn't the same disc, it eventually found it's way (before I realised and could stop him) to the local charity shop ...the record in question was "Detroit Sounds Of Friction - I'm Leaving You" Des Parker P.S. sorry about the "I'm Still Yours" Dave.

It wasn't £50 unfortunately, but it was to a mate, and the disc wasn't pristine.....but you're right Tim, I would have thought £50 is about right, if not more!! Anyone who says it's a £10 record etc etc, and doesn't have one for sale, could they please cut to the chase and tell me where I can get some copies. Des Parker

A bit like the "Natural Four" debate - "ABC v Boola Boola" I'd go for the ABC version anytime, but many go for the other! Probably have to side with you on this one, the released version has the edge (probably why it was the "released version") Des Parker

The version I've played out a couple of times is different to the Acetate version (longer intro, different mix) and came off a tape from a different source. Appreciate what you say Pete, but some have told me they prefer the version I've played - no accounting for taste, eye of the beholder & all that. Des Parker

The version I've played out a couple of times is different to the Acetate version (longer intro, different mix) and came off a tape from a different source. Appreciate what you say Pete, but some have told me they prefer the version I've played - no accounting for taste, eye of the beholder & all that. Des Parker

Fantastic thread, really eclectic and superb mix of stuff!!! Des Parker

Just to reclarify, and with all due respect Nev, the first question i.e. "Calling All Promoters" specifically asked if promoters had had a good night on a specific, busy Saturday, with some interesting replies, and also after some off site feedback I'm pretty convinced that some very worthy events did lose numbers due to a bit of "congestion". This is a follow on question, asking whether there is an obsession with "D.J.'ing" on the scene that in cases can be detrimental to the scene itself . However, although i may agree to disagree with you that this is not the same question as before, I did agree with your further points!! Des Parker

That's my ego shattered then. Des Parker

No offence taken Paul, it's a forum where people are expected to have an input and feel free to say what they like! Des Parker

I don't really understasnd why my life story has anything to do with a theoretical question. The question I originally asked is not aimed at those who want to D.J. but haven't "made it" but EVERYBODY who has that urge to D.J. and at what degree is that urge detrimental to the scene? If I'd have said it was a Mate that gave me a "spot" how does that relate to the question. If you want further clarification of why I've been asked to D.J. wait until you see my name on a flyer and ask the promoter, coz I'm F***ed if I know! Des Parker P.S. Good web site, worth checking out.

Good point, well put Lou. Des Parker

I threw this question up to instill a bit of debate, about what has caused/is causing some of the percieved problems on the "scene" and I say percieved, because the Jury still seems to be out as to whether there ARE any problems with TOO MANY VENUES etc. I haven't found the definitive answer I thought I may find, but am grateful for the input of those that have posted, and to the person who asked "How did you start D.J.'ing" simple...............................I was asked!! Des Parker

Some good stuff so far, Rob's point about the kit is excellent, as is Chalky's about more emphasis on Allnighters. I'm not sure about the mild, personal attack from Bill (I wonder if a warm welcome awaits me when I attend his new Soul night) but the thread isn't about "Wanna Be" D.J.'s but a general question about a possible causes of some of the percieved problems of the scene, at all levels (including established D.J.'s). Just for your information, Bill, I have no problem with anyone having a go at "D.J.'ing" (you obviously don't know me well enough), my definition of a "wannabe" (A term I NEVER used in my original question) is someone who's "D.J.'ing" aspirations are above everything else (the music, the scene etc), I'm sure that's not how you see yourself. Des Parker

I'm only playing Devil's advocate here, maybe it's no worst now than back then? What was the ratio of D.J.'s/Wanna be D.J.'s to "paying punters" back in the "old days" Des Parker

Since my last post "Calling all promoters" I think the majority of us have reached the conclusion that there are TOO MANY VENUES!!To help me next make sense of the current "scene" can you help by answering the next fundamental question. Is the pursuit of "D.J.'ing" on the "Northern Soul" scene the root of all our problems - clashing, soaring prices of "in demand" records, venue overload,local feuds. Des Parker

Have Louis Dyer in stock for £12 (Includes P & P) Des Parker

Adey Pierce had one for sale a few Years ago on the net and she bought it, giving him a potted history of her life etc. As we said at the time, it was a shame that he wasn't contacted by someone who could F***ing SING!! Des Parker P.S. If you think "Walk Softly" is bad you should hear her other release on the label!!!!

I've one in stock @ £12 (Inc P & P) Des Parker

Don't do "gear", it's a personal preference, and if driving to a venue (except for a recent period of being banned) don't drink either, again my choice! My own view is that I don't give a F**k what anyone else chucks down there necks, it's their CHOICE. What I don't get, is when people come to bizzare conclusions i.e. that you're somehow a more committed soul fan if you do or don't do "gear" - like a lot of bollocks that gets bandied around on here, it's often a diversion from the real core of the "scene" i.e. the MUSIC!!!!!! Des Parker