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Rare Records and Raucous Nights: Investigating Northern Soul -Salford 04 Nov

Rare Records and Raucous Nights: Investigating Northern Soul -Salford 04 Nov magazine cover

Rare Records and Raucous Nights: Investigating Northern Soul

A spirited examination of dance culture, record collecting, and the perpetual British love for American Rhythm & Blues

Lucy Gibson has been in touch with soul source and wished to pass on details of a upcoming event at the University of Salford..

"Professor Dave Sanjek has organised a symposium on November 4th (1-5pm) called 'Rare records and raucous nights: Investigating northern soul'.

The event will involve a number of talks from academics that research/write about northern soul, a screening of 'The Wigan Casino' (Tony Palmer 1977), lots of discussion, and a talk from a special guest - Ady Croasdell - on copyright issues.

I am very keen to invite fans to the event and would like to put the details on this site.

Best wishes, Lucy

Dr. Lucy Gibson

University of Manchester "

Details follow...

School of Music, Media & Performance

Popular Music Research Centre

Symposium

Robert Powell Theatre, 4 November, 2010; 1-5 P.M.

A spirited examination of dance culture, record collecting, and the perpetual British love for American Rhythm & Blues

Programme

1:00 Tim Wall, Birmingham City University

"Northern Soul: There's Nothing Northern About It (And While We're At It, It Isn't Soul and the Dancers Aren't Break Dancers")

1:30 Nicola Smith, University of Wales Institute Cardiff

"Dancing Alone, Together: Pleasure, Competency and Competition On The Northern Soul Dancefloor"

2:00 Screening "The Wigan Casino" (Tony Palmer, 1977)

2:30 Panel Discussion of visual representation of Northern Soul

3:00 Lucy Gibson, University of Manchester

"Nostalgia, Symbolic Knowledge and Generational Conflict: Contentious Issues in Contemporary Northern and Rare Soul Scenes"

3:30 Ady Croasdell, Ace Records

"Acquiring Rights and Righting Wrongs: The Copyright Clearance of Northern Soul"

4:00 David Sanjek, University of Salford

"Over & Over & Over: Repetition, Reanimation and Northern Soul"

4:30 Open Discussion

For more information, please contact d.sanjek@salford.ac.uk

Speakers

Ady Croasdell

Ady Croasdell went to this first "Old Soul" all nighter in 1969 and now bosses the longest running Northern Soul club/all nighter of all time (31 years and counting) at the 100 Club in London's Oxford Street. He has worked for Ace Records since 1982 compiling Northern Soul LPs and CDs for their Kent subsidiary. He oversees the production of these from concept to product and actively seeks and negotiates deals with the US owners.

Lucy Gibson

Dr. Lucy Gibson is a temporary lecturer in Sociology at the University of Manchester. Her doctoral research explored popular music and the life course, which included ethnographies of Northern and rare soul, rock music, and electronic dance music scenes and interviews with over 70 adult fans. She is particularly interested in how ageing shapes participation in music scenes and music taste and is currently working on publications in this area.

David Sanjek

David Sanjek is a Professor of Music and Director of the Popular Music Research Centre at the University of Salford. Previously, he was Archives Director of Broadcast Music Inc., the performance licensing agency. He has advised many organizations, including the R&B Foundation, the Blues Foundation, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Library of Congress and the Experience Music Project. He is currently readying a collection of essays (Always On My Mind: Music, Memory and Money), a special issue of Popular Music & Society on copyright in sound recordings, and a conference collection on music documentaries for publication.

Nicola Smith

Dr. Nicola Smith is Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Popular Culture at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff. Her doctoral research explored the British Northern Soul scene and she writes widely on ageing music cultures, adult-frequented music scenes and the performance of identities within fandom and popular dance. Her current research is aimed at convincing people that popular music is not just for the under-25s.

Tim Wall

Tim Wall is Professor of Radio and Popular Music Studies and Director of the Birmingham City Centre for Media and Cultural Research at Birmingham City University. More importantly, he's been dancing to Northern Soul since the early 1970s, even if it is a little less energetic these days. He's written widely on the relationship between African American and white popular culture, including an analysis of Northern Soul dancing. He may play some Northern records, but he won't be dancing himself today.

School of Music, Media & Performance

Popular Music Research Centre

Symposium

Robert Powell Theatre, 4 November, 2010; 1-5 P.M.

Robert Powell Theatre at Salford University

Frederick Road

Salford

Lancashire

M5 4WT

+44 (0)161 295 5000




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Sounds like "Analysing the fun out of it" to me.

Yes Pikey, but don't you wanna know what you've been doing all these years and who better to explain than an American professor now based at Salford Uni?

ROD

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We're suitable candidates for social anthropology. I will be contemplating my own navel.

If you wanna hear how we at Kent go about licensing and the sometimes hilarious consequences, or if you just wanna throw fruit, come along.

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This sounds really interesting actually! I'll have to see if I can get the day off work.

If I can't will you report back Ady?

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It's boring shite like this as to why the younger crowd aren't getting into Northern.....

Wow, someone that can see into the future. You're wasted on here :thumbsup:

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It's boring shite like this as to why the younger crowd aren't getting into Northern.....

At 3pm there's a lecture on 'generational conflict' if that's what you mean? :thumbsup:

I'd have thought everyone on here would enjoy a bit of anthropology... we're indulging in it everytime we post an opinion.

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There will never be a younger crowd attracted to our music. Like it or not it's for an older generation although there will always be a small minority interested in it (nothing like the 'minority' of the 70's though).

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There will never be a younger crowd attracted to our music. Like it or not it's for an older generation although there will always be a small minority interested in it

Someone else who can see in the future ?, never say never.

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I'm in! I'm a second year Pop Music Studies undergraduate at Liverpool University and writing an essay that critiques the film, "Soulboy" . I want to try and repudiate some of the representations of northern soul dancing and culture within the film. Haven't really got a position question yet tho'!

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For the sake of potential embarrassment could it be clear this is not a fancy dress event :( .

Thinking it sounds quite interesting, would like to see any papers resulting. Unable to go but wishing I could.

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Can we just turn up or do we have to register?

Rare Records and Raucous Nights: Investigating Northern Soul

A spirited examination of dance culture, record collecting, and the perpetual British love for American Rhythm & Blues

Lucy Gibson has been in touch with soul source and wished to pass on details of a upcoming event at the University of Salford..

"Professor Dave Sanjek has organised a symposium on November 4th (1-5pm) called 'Rare records and raucous nights: Investigating northern soul'.

The event will involve a number of talks from academics that research/write about northern soul, a screening of 'The Wigan Casino' (Tony Palmer 1977), lots of discussion, and a talk from a special guest - Ady Croasdell - on copyright issues.

I am very keen to invite fans to the event and w...

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We're suitable candidates for social anthropology. I will be contemplating my own navel.

If you wanna hear how we at Kent go about licensing and the sometimes hilarious consequences, or if you just wanna throw fruit, come along.

any chance of setting a fruit & veg stall up? and will you be in stocks ?

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this sounds great.......will they then be having reunions and selling badges..........why not wait til we're all dead before analysing the f**k out of this scene.........then they can get it all wrong without any comeback.............we all know it,s because of our deprived backgrounds and just a release from the daily grind working in the mill or pie factory :(:yes::D

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There will never be a younger crowd attracted to our music. Like it or not it's for an older generation although there will always be a small minority interested in it

Someone else who can see in the future ?, never say never.

oh........... :(

better sell all my records then.

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It's boring shite like this as to why the younger crowd aren't getting into Northern.....

how do you know it's boring and sh*te?

It's being held and discussed in a university, full of students? Who knows it might just turn a few towards the NS scene ph34r.gif

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how do you know it's boring and sh*te?

It's being held and discussed in a university, full of students? Who knows it might just turn a few towards the NS scene ph34r.gif

keele was in a uni building wasn't it ?

did many students end up popping along to see what it was all about ?

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keele was in a uni building wasn't it ?

did many students end up popping along to see what it was all about ?

can't remember but when it first started back in the eighties we were a much younger crowd any way (I was 22 or 23 when it started I think, '88 or '89) until those who left when Wigan closed and missed the eighties returned and bumped up our average age biggrin.gif

If I remember rightly there was a cafe/canteen lounge area at the side of the main hall which was frequented by some students, I would imagine some ventured into the nighter?? Someone with a better memory might be able to add more.

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this sounds great.......will they then be having reunions and selling badges..........why not wait til we're all dead before analysing the f**k out of this scene.........then they can get it all wrong without any comeback.............we all know it,s because of our deprived backgrounds and just a release from the daily grind working in the mill or pie factory :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :lol:

Or Ms Babcock, you could come along and hear my informative talk about how to license US recordings for UK release, the pitfalls, the prat-falls and the way it benefits a lot of the artists, writers and producers who made this wonderful music that you seem to enjoy. It's not all about the past, there's plenty of Northern Soul life being lived.

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keele was in a uni building wasn't it ?

did many students end up popping along to see what it was all about ?

Well I can think of two who were at Keele Uni, and are still on the scene, and SS !

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Or Ms Babcock, you could come along and hear my informative talk about how to license US recordings for UK release, the pitfalls, the prat-falls and the way it benefits a lot of the artists, writers and producers who made this wonderful music that you seem to enjoy. It's not all about the past, there's plenty of Northern Soul life being lived.

Sounds of interest to me... Will look at getting the afternoon of work..... :thumbsup:

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We're suitable candidates for social anthropology. I will be contemplating my own navel.

If you wanna hear how we at Kent go about licensing and the sometimes hilarious consequences, or if you just wanna throw fruit, come along.

What sort of fruit should I bring?

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I might try and get the day off.

If I remember rightly Lucy has asked me questions in the past about the scene, help for a thesis/dissertation, and has read this site for some time.

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my informative talk about how to license US recordings for UK release,

What? License? Why weren't we told?

I probably can't attend, any plans to record (part of) it.

Legitimately of course.

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Social anthropology my backside!

Its a seminar on people who have different views about the subject matter thats all. Some may have research papersto discuss but a seminar on Social anthropology and Northern soul it is not IMO

Question is it going to look at the Ergonomics of records? From the above I think not. Will it discuss Human directional value of postural movement in regards to high and low frequency sound - I think not!

Its a "Get Together" to try and scientifically describe some behavior aspects of the scene and Ady to tell us the difference between it s like now as opposed to 30 years ago when I worked part time at Global as far as licensing etc or has it not changed Ady?

However it should be interesting to hear and I would very much welcome submission papers to be published here prior to the event - It will either make it more of interest or kill it off completely!

One last thing - Anyone from the "Soul Police" running an alternative event entitled - "Dont talk Bollox- as you know nothing about the scene":thumbsup: :lol:

Now thats Social Anthropology in its simplest form!

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Just noticed Dr Gibsons last couple of lines of the invite!

She quote- I am very keen to invite fans to the event and would like to put the details on this site.

Best wishes, Lucys "

She uses the word "Fans" - Are people going to wear Shirts with Northern soul on and have a scarf around their neck with the same on it! Its condescending!

If she had said "All welcome" or used the term "Delegates or Attendees" which is what is usuall the terms used for Participants at a symposium/seminar. Using the term fans equates it to some sporting event and therefore missed the whole point of what "Northern soul" is about IMO

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Just noticed Dr Gibsons last couple of lines of the invite!

She quote- I am very keen to invite fans to the event and would like to put the details on this site.

Best wishes, Lucys "

She uses the word "Fans" - Are people going to wear Shirts with Northern soul on and have a scarf around their neck with the same on it! Its condescending!

If she had said "All welcome" or used the term "Delegates or Attendees" which is what is usuall the terms used for Participants at a symposium/seminar. Using the term fans equates it to some sporting event and therefore missed the whole point of what "Northern soul" is about IMO

take you won't be going then :thumbsup:

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Cant Chalky - I am in Edinburgh preparing for a Latin day - at Fettes College ( I do a presentation on Roman Military life in the late 1st century)

Fettes College is the school that JK Rowling used as the inspiration for Hogwarts - £21000 a year to attend and its where Tony Blair went to. Google it and you.ll see what I mean.

I would have been interested in attending and hope that a synopsis of the day will be published.

It would have been interesting to see what someones perspective is about the scene today as opposed to what might have been called "The Golden age" as I think people are now involved in it or go to nights for very different reasons than they did when they were young.

As for Ady - I dont see where this fits in to the day- I have a lot of time for him and his crew in what they do but is anyone really interested in the trials and tribulations of licensing etc - I may be wrong and again I hope that Ady will provide a synopsis of his presentation.

If your going Chalky would appreciate feedback!

ATB Steve

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but is anyone really interested in the trials and tribulations of licensing

I am :thumbup:

Cant Chalky - I am in Edinburgh preparing for a Latin day - at Fettes College ( I do a presentation on Roman Military life in the late 1st century)

Fettes College is the school that JK Rowling used as the inspiration for Hogwarts - £21000 a year to attend and its where Tony Blair went to. Google it and you.ll see what I mean.

Are you trying to belittle the university and subject matter of this topic? :thumbup:

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Social anthropology my backside!

However it should be interesting to hear and I would very much welcome submission papers to be published here prior to the event

It's unlikely I'll be able to attend, but if I can get the time off work I'll be there because I think it will be an interesting session (and I'm also interested in the work Ady does with label owners and artists regards licensing tracks.)

But I do think it would be interesting if any of the contributors could submit their papers to SS prior to the event, the bun fight it would stir up would probably be as interesting as the event itself :thumbup:

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Thats my point Dave - & No Soulgirl I am not trying to belittle the University and I dont understand why you have cut and paste the info to Chalky as to why I could not attend - Thought it might be of interest to him seeing as he asked me the question.

Soulgirl -Salford university stands on the Adelphi which in terms of Social Anthropology is the right next to the river Irwell and this area was depicted in the very famous british film called "Hobsons choice" This became a universal saying in terms of what choices human beings had - In other words "Like it or Lump it"

If you are interested in the Licensing aspect then good on you and hopefully Ady will give a good insight into it - but in my view it doesnt have much to do with Social anthropology and Northern soul - I think its in the wrong circle of topics thats all. I think Ady could set up a seminar on that topic on its own and still get a very good response and given his experience it would be good to hear what he thinks the differences are now as opposed to say the 1970s.

And if you think that because I live in Aberdeen I really dont have much knowldge of Salford university - I was Born in Salford and was brought up there in my early years. - I left the aea foir good when I was 21.

LOL Steve

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The Salford Uni thing sounds too much like navel-gazing. Thought the idea of life was to broaden one's horizons.

Steve's presentation sounds fascinating to me. And rather topical as there are a couple of films out or due dealing with the period. Just watched "Centurion". Very enjoyable although the dance-off at the end was a bit disappointing. Them Picts couldn't dance for shit and Im sure Keb is just an aberration.

From a historical point of view it's an exciting period where Rome had a presence in Britain till around 400AD leading into the mythical age of King Arthur.

ROD

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Thanks for clearing that up Ernie; I read it as being a 'mine's bigger than yours' kind of thing :thumbsup: Good luck with your presentation; I really enjoy reading/seeing/hearing about what the Roman's did (I wonder why they didn't continue to be so forward with their inventions and way of life etc?).

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Hi Rod - I do 2 presentations a year at Fettes - Its good fun!

The film Centurion is actually very poor in the sense they did not recreate the weaponary correctly.

I offered advice as I am Centurion of the 9th legion Hispana here in Scotland which is what the film is supposed to be based on its exploits with a Romantic twist in it. They declined. One of our guys (Legionaries) went for an audition as an extra only to be told he was too old and not tall enough.- They wanted 5ft 10inches and under 30- this again is not represntative of what the ninth legion was about as many were veterans and were on average 5ft 6ins tall inRoman times - we know this from Tacitus a well know writer of the day and also tombstones.

The next film "Eagle of the ninth" is based on the Rosemary Sutcliffe book which is mainly fiction.

Soulgirl - Like all empires they stretch themselves too far with too little resources and retreat back to the nucleus - Rome. Many Roman inventions are still used today Example The Police battle shield is an oblong which curls at the ends to protect the body.

Central heating is another - there are absolutely loads of them.

Cheers for the interest -My Optio (2nd in Command) will be joing me there this year. This weekend we are at the Wickerman festival (executing slaves) and giving prayers to Mithras for the end of season campaign. (Google : Archeolink) to see whats happening.

ATB Steve

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Hi Rod - I do 2 presentations a year at Fettes - Its good fun!

The film Centurion is actually very poor in the sense they did not recreate the weaponary correctly.

I offered advice as I am Centurion of the 9th legion Hispana here in Scotland which is what the film is supposed to be based on its exploits with a Romantic twist in it. They declined. One of our guys (Legionaries) went for an audition as an extra only to be told he was too old and not tall enough.- They wanted 5ft 10inches and under 30- this again is not represntative of what the ninth legion was about as many were veterans and were on average 5ft 6ins tall inRoman times - we know this from Tacitus a well know writer of the day and also tombstones.

The next film "Eagle of the ninth" is based on the Rosemary Sutcliffe book which is mainly fiction.

Soulgirl - Like all empires they stretch themselves too far with too little resources and retreat back to the nucleus - Rome. Many Roman inventions are still used today Example The Police battle shield is an oblong which curls at the ends to protect the body.

Central heating is another - there are absolutely loads of them.

Cheers for the interest -My Optio (2nd in Command) will be joing me there this year. This weekend we are at the Wickerman festival (executing slaves) and giving prayers to Mithras for the end of season campaign. (Google : Archeolink) to see whats happening.

ATB Steve

87566_med.png?t=2009-06-22+15%3A10%3A31

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Thanks for clearing that up Ernie; I read it as being a 'mine's bigger than yours' kind of thing :yes: Good luck with your presentation; I really enjoy reading/seeing/hearing about what the Roman's did (I wonder why they didn't continue to be so forward with their inventions and way of life etc?).

I did wonder myself why ball the detail, me I would have just said can't go working biggrin.gif

As it happens I am going, might be interesting, might be a total waste of time but if nothing else I might be able to offer an opinion or two in the Q&A at then end.

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The Salford Uni thing sounds too much like navel-gazing. Thought the idea of life was to broaden one's horizons.

Steve's presentation sounds fascinating to me. And rather topical as there are a couple of films out or due dealing with the period. Just watched "Centurion". Very enjoyable although the dance-off at the end was a bit disappointing. Them Picts couldn't dance for shit and Im sure Keb is just an aberration.

From a historical point of view it's an exciting period where Rome had a presence in Britain till around 400AD leading into the mythical age of King Arthur.

ROD

laugh.gif

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The film Centurion is actually very poor in the sense they did not recreate the weaponary correctly.

That did occur to me when Bruce Willis took out Boudicea's chariot with an RPG.

Soulgirl,

I believe they had very short swords so it would have been a disappointment.

ROD

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Hahahaha... just look at our last played tracks! It's a sign!

Anyway, moving on, I hope that all those attending report back regarding the seminar as I'll be very interested to learn what went forth :yes:

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I thought 9.10pm was past your bedtime Pete - LOL

Are you venturing to Salford from the midlands to participate?

LOL The NERD!

On topic - Yes Id be interested to see a synopsis of the day including an attendance list!

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I actually put the words Social Anthropology as a joke, hopefully it won't be as dry or serious as that.

If anyone thinks I've worked out what I'm going to say in a paper, they've never been to Cleethorpes. Advance planning isn't a strong point of mine. I'll no doubt be refining my opus on the train up.

Licensing hasn't essentially changed since the early 70s but a few of our brethren have seemed a bit grey in the area over the years so maybe I can enlighten them a tad. I'll be looking for bouffant haired, North African originated Leeds lad on the back row: and possibly a Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen lookalike.

Steve, fans an abbreviation of the word fanatic; perhaps Lucy was using it in that sense.

Cheers

Ady

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