Sean Hampsey

Thanks Pete, gonna give that a whirl! Cheers, Sean

Me too Pete. I've had around 100 emails telling me people are following my 'Mixcloud' and I've never even done one. I wouldn't know where to start. So how does one create a Mixcloud? Is it just a big 'fook off' mp3 that you stitch together somehow and upload? If its straightforward, I might just have a crack at it! (After I've finished burning the CD's for the last Soul Source CD swap o' course!) Sean

Don't believe that was ever pressed with a middle. Every copy I've seen was pressed without. A couple of release numbers that followed had centres, but not this one. Sean

Marvellous! Sean

I've always deeJayed with my UK collection. Never had anyone object to me. Few things look better than a UK copy of a great record (especially a Red & White or a Pink MGM Demo) on the decks. Besides; UK releases are what the Northern scene started with. Can't get much more 'original' than that! Sean

Thank goodness! Sean

Fook me Denbo, I actually meant "Record Number".... Pete's dead right, e.g. when I collected Direction there was so much crap on there I can't have been doing it for the tune can I? But... you're also right too... when I wanted PP Arnold on British (even though I didn't want the entire label) a Red / White NOC copy would have done nicely (spot the curved ball). And I for one would have much preferred a NOC Stateside of Dean Parrish to a Mint copy on Boom any day... because I primarily collected British! Does that make sense? Sean

Pete - I know you're right. I guess i was referring to 'Number' rather than 'tune'. Back in the 70's I used to collect Action, Direction, Beacon, Stateside, London etc. and many more UK labels and just wanted to complete the label run, regardless of condition. So, yes indeed, it's 'number' rather than 'tune' mate. And just reading back, I actually wrote 'record' and meant 'number' Sean

Yes he did Dave. It was pretty standard practice for 'collectors' to do this. That's what makes the intact copies so desireable. They rarely come from old 'collections' in clean 'untampered' condition, without the centre knocked out, a nasty little sticker or writing on label. Sean

I've always taken the view that its better to have the record than not, regardless of condition. I'd always grab the N.O.C. (or not very pretty) copy and fill a hole in the collection until a better one shows up, then just move on the spare (upgraded and given away scores over the years). Worth remembering that 'centreless' 45's were less of a problem in the early days of Soul Music collecting. Folk used to knock out the centre of a UK copy as a matter of course, mainly because the 'imports' had big holes in them too! (as daft as it seems, that's true.) Most of Dave Godins UK 45's had the centre knocked out, which he did religiously. Everything else about the record perfect... but no middle. Its always sad to see though and a lot nicer when you pick up a lovely british 45 completely intact, with everything looking like the day it was pressed. Sean

That's true Mike. She'd had cancer since 1993. Until her death she sang in church each weekend. I learned of her death at the time via this rare interview, done as a School Project in 2008. She tells the story of how she 'almost' became a 'Supreme'. Watch it until the end. Very interesting stuff. Great singer. Pity that UK trip never came to fruition Ady. Sean

Just want to give a quick heads up for the imminent release of this incredible compilation from Kent. The CD contains 17 tracks from the Crossover / Atco sessions including several mind-blowing unreleased gems. Of particular interest to 'Northern' / 'Crossover' fans will be a couple of tracks I've been privileged to play out for some months and whenever I've had the chance, in 'Secret Weapon' - a really superb uptempo track in a Collins & Collins 'Top Of The Stairs' vein and a fabulously soulful midtempo groove 'What We Gonna Do About This Mess' which is bound to gain a following throughout the scene, home and abroad. As ever, Ace / Kent going the extra mile to deliver the goods and an essential purchase for all lovers of real Soul Music! A splendid warm up to Darrow's upcoming UK appearances. Just buy it! Sean https://acerecords.co...ngeles-sessions

Heard the very sad news this evening. Such a terribly sad loss to his lovely family and all those who knew him. A more genuine person would be very hard to find. A lover of life, his family and his music. We'll miss you Gary. R.I.P.

Roszetta passed away about 18 months ago, to my knowledge. RIP

That was my first Jay Boy 45 Ian. It certainly was a strange one, gaining a US release but with no continuation of the US label. Also came out in Germany with pic sleeve, but apart from the UK copy, those three releases are it, to my knowledge. Sean

These Ads should serve as a reminder as to how JayBoy used to market their Mirwood Catalogue. Both Richard Temple and Donald Height, both early JayBoy titles, rush released to meet demand. Such was the hurry to get the Advertisement out there, the title on the Ad was set incorrectly! Most of the first 24 releases were poor sellers and are therefore quite scarce. It wasn't until the 25th release (Harlem Shuffle) that they started tapping into the 'Northern' opportunity with Mirwood etc. and 'Shotgun & The Duck' 'Would You Believe' 'That Beatin' Rhythm' etc. quickly ensued. Sean

Agree with Jez, "Baby Do The Philly Dog" was a very big 'club' tune in our neck of the woods (on the back of plays at the Wheel, Mojo etc.) several years before we'd even heard of Northern Soul or 'Cigarette Ashes' etc. The Action issue, Joe, was almost certainly catering for existing demand, given that the 3 year old Fontana release was already changing hands for big bucks (about 3 quid) alongside the likes of the Flamingo's "Boogaloo Party" etc. by 1969. It was the first Mirwood track on the label too (Same Old Thing etc. came later) so I'm pretty sure it was demand that kicked off the relationship. Other Action releases from Bobby Marchan and Minnie Epperson were also big in our town in 69 / 70 (pre- N.Soul era) but the Action label was one that never really had the 'smashes' on the scene until several years later (with Carl Carlton, Dee Dee Sharp, Eddie Holman etc.) which were actually oldies of course by then, but seen as 'new discoveries' in '74 / '75. Don't know if any of that makes sense to anyone other than me. It's Monday morning... :0) Sean

When was Ernie Johnson £70 Brett? Fiver, Soul Bowl, Steve Guanori recommendation as a new release matey. That 'Mixed Feelings' is a standard 'United Test Pressing' - got dozens of em! Sean

So, to try to answer Ady's question; would it be fair to say that 'Oh My Darling' was a very well established regional tune (oop north) throughout the early 70's, a well hammered oldie by the mid 70's and a played out Oldie by the 80's - at least as far as the North is concerned? Did it only "go really big in the 80's" in the South? If so, which part of the 80's and at which venue or venues? Sean

Spot on Mike. Bit like a 'Last Of The Summer Wine' outtake. Herrrrrrrrrrrrm.... what do you think then lads? Errrrrr.... well I've picked up better records for 30 pence. Yep, me too. Load o' crap if you ask me. Another pint of mild anyone? Three straws please landlord! Sean

You always did have great taste Peter! Hope you're well mate. Sean

Haha! I have far better memories of Rod Djing in his slippers than that pile of poop! TBH it was a real anti-climax tune for me. Remember all the chatter going around, before it was played, about how awesome it was. Dance floor reaction was amazing first time out - and every Essence thereafter - but it always left me (and the other Rotherham lads) cold. Limp wristed ballad tosh mate. If I had a copy you'd be welcome to it! Honest! Sean

Yes its the same Melvin Brown steve. He (along with James Matthews) were in Hamilton Movement with King Soloman, Wayne Ewing and Johnny Davis. Quite a lineup. I've always thought Melvin was on lead on 'She's Gone' but that's because there's ONE good vocalist on Love's Stormy Weather who I understood was Melvin (the vocalist that comes in second). Can't stand the bloody record, but the guy can sing. Sean

Agreed Ian, when I said everyone had it, I almost mentioned the dozens of copies to be found on Market stalls throughout Yorkshire in the early 70's. Along with Spyder Turner "I Can't Make It Anymore" everybody and their Grandmother had a copy! Sean

Another that was a very popular dancer (though not as big as OMD) around 40 years ago, in and around S. Yorks. Nice to hear it's experiencing a new lease of life! Sean