Anoraks Corner

This was played by Pat Brady at Stafford/other venues around that time. It also came out on Bell, which is a longer take. In fact, it almost sounds like they cut the tape at the wrong place/too short for the Optimum release...odd. Great track and mileage left in it imo. (Flipside is good too, albeit moving away from Soul a tad.)

Have known some them for almost 8 years now...and mighty decent chaps they are too...even if they prefer 80's/70's tunes (hehehe)! (Actually, thanks for the reminder Simon, as I may have a few bits for them )

And the 'R' stands for >>> Look under the RCA section <<<

Don't think so...maybe you have your wires crossed, Tony (a thought that would probably have you reaching for a soldering iron!)...Arin Demain also recorded as Lord Jim (& The VIPs) on Blue Star...plus as Ernie Lucas on Okeh and Karl Evans on Skyway. I reckon he should've gone for Lord Demain or Ernie Evans, though on reflection the latter doesn't actually conjur up a soulful image!

With all due respect that clip is of a Mod night, and we all know that Mods can't dance inna proper Norvern way, can they?! (Dons crash helmet, runs for cover and awaits the flak hehehe!) The real (only) Northern Soul collectors over here (count them on your hands) are down in the Kansai region, have nearly all sampled the UK scene, and know the score (and collect/DJ with originals only)...but they all dress and dance just like Keb (hehehe!).

I went round Froggy's mum's house to meet up with him (for the first time) back around 84/85-ish. It was a record buying trip along with my friend/well-known Gloucester-based record dealer, Adey Pierce. (Come to think of it we later also went round Docker's house on a similar mission!). Froggy's stories turned out to be more interesting than the records he had left, but it was certainly an fascinating session for myself, being a 'second-generation' soul collector in Gloucester (I was almost young enough to be the son of some of these pioneers!). He told some stories about that trip across Europe and touched on the South American experience, which had obviously taken it's toll on his well-being. I also recall the news filtering through of his untimely and tragic passing...a terrible shame. I had to smile at the earlier reference within this thread of Froggy looking like Jimmy Cagney...so true, even though his hair was long and yes he sported the Afghan coat! I still consider myself lucky to have grown up in such a soul-rich area and bow my head in a nod of respect to all the pioneers and mentors that gave this little whipper-snapper the benfit of their knowledge, and indeed some favourable record deals, back in the day. Allow me to give a special mention to both Steve Smiths ('Big' and 'Little') and my adopted 'Soul-Dad' the ever-enthusiastic (and it was great to see you at Christmas!), Hippo.

Soul records were released over here back in the 60's***, as they were elsewhere all over the world. People heard them, some really liked them, and they then wanted to hear more...simple. Yes there are also some US Military bases over here too, but their influence via Forces radio and imported discs was very limited. Some collectors were also frequenting/communicating with the States buying up vinyl back in the early 70's, and are still active today. There is a hard-core nucleus of collectors still, but Sean is actually probably correct with his, 'there are more Soul collectors in Newton Aycliffe, than in Japan' comment. I am writing a more comprehensive piece on the Soul collectors and Northern Soul scene over here, but am still working on it three years down the line! *** - I collect them avidly and will be creating several pages featuring them on AnoraksCorner.com one day.

There is an original 7" Bell acetate of this by, as Pete points out, the Fascinations. I believe it resides with Kenny Burrell nowadays...come to think of it he played it at the Dome once upon a time.

Yes, there is a Big Top LP in existance...only the one copy, mind. It includes one nice mid-tempo track which doesn't appear on a 45 too. Along with Roy Hamilton and Chuck Jackson, this guy is right up there in my estimation.

PM'ed you, Spud.

Good call...looking forward to the CD already. Anyone got a West Coast demo copy...is it a WD?

My one was also label-reversed. It came directly from their manager on release in search of a UK release via a record label I used to work for many moons ago. Still have the business card that was stapled to the sleeve somewhere...had a picture of an alsatian dog on it as I recall.

Not any more...it sold back in early December the day after I liberated from a Tokyo record store shelf. However, y'all may still want to take the link to the sales pages on my site as I updated them but a day or two ago.

A cue for me... Even rarer on a Japanese press 7".

Also came out on the 'Southern Artists' (as did The Hytones) label before SS7. See the SS7 around quite often at a reasonable price for such a great track, but the SA label one is worthy of the term, 'Rare'.

At least one over here too.

Brilliant observation, Paul...spot on. I also still don't like the swine who used to steal into many Pied Piper sessions with his damned 'fuzzy' guitar...maybe it was his mate?!

Careful, it came out twice...1st press is the classic looking large print with bar-lines, whilst the 2nd uses a smaller font and no bar-lines.

Great track...powerful thumping production. One >>> HERE <<< for £15.

I have had several copies (and seen a fair few over the years) of the Groove disc in question, but always had it down as being too fast to dance inna 'side-to-side NS stylee' to it, so couldn't justify a three-figure price tag. However, I've only ever had one copy, and not seen others, of their disc on Groovey, 'I Do' / 'M.T.Y.L.T.T' , of which the flip is a fantastic uptempo Northern dance track. It was also recorded by the Swingin' Medallions, but as good as they are it is lightweight compared to KE & BD's.

Some of the missing numbers for Prophonics are actually on a label called, 'Washington Square'.

Disagree, I think their barber is the star to have produced such perfect creations!

If not sorted, drop me a PM for a Wand demo in fab condition...£30+P&P

LOVE IT! Nice find, Mark. Guess what...I have a Japanese copy of this one!

I've got one of those 9-78028 Jackie Wilson/Barbara Acklin promos within my >>> SALES PAGES LINK <<<. Asking £30 +P&P...mint too, mind!