Record Mirror Northern Soul Chart 1975 - Wigan Casino Top 20

If you take out what had come out of the Mecca the Soussan/Spark tailor mades and the pre Wigan reactivations there really isn’t much left from that time at the Mecca of British soul...

A couple of tasty rare tracks here but quite a few poppy-soul sounds too. The Sharonettes were big in September 1974. Tommy Hunt given a big plug as the Casino’s house act. The chart reads like a sales listing of UK tracks and recently pressed bootlegs available. Some really popular tracks are not mentioned yet they peaked mid ‘75 eg Pye Disco Demand series.

I did not know pointer sisters were that early, or Mel Britt for that matter.

Probably 77 / 78 before I heard send him back at Wakefield Unity.

Must have almost been an oldie by then...

Ed

Some real tripe on that list. Indicative of the sort of stuff being played then, and how far the scene had descended into little more than a money making exercise at Wigan. That bloody Sharonettes track still puts my teeth on edge. 

"Hot Tips" down at the bottom. Earl Wright. Really? Lol. Maybe Russ and Richard had forgotten all about 1972 by then. Or were certain people expecting a few quid in their back pocket from pushing the UK reissue of Thumb a Ride to the new audience of newbies who'd arrived post '74? Or am I once again being a tad too cynical? 

1 hour ago, Joey said:

Some real tripe on that list. Indicative of the sort of stuff being played then, and how far the scene had descended into little more than a money making exercise at Wigan. That bloody Sharonettes track still puts my teeth on edge. 

"Hot Tips" down at the bottom. Earl Wright. Really? Lol. Maybe Russ and Richard had forgotten all about 1972 by then. Or were certain people expecting a few quid in their back pocket from pushing the UK reissue of Thumb a Ride to the new audience of newbies who'd arrived post '74? Or am I once again being a tad too cynical? 

Not Really ,  well just a little...... Thumb a Ride was if I recall correct an instrumental played at the Torch along with sliced tomatoes, 6x6 etc circa 1971/72 .

23 minutes ago, PeteSi said:

Not Really ,  well just a little...... Thumb a Ride was if I recall correct an instrumental played at the Torch along with sliced tomatoes, 6x6 etc circa 1971/72 .

Not 100% sure what you mean. Cynical? Moi?

Thumb a Ride was indeed a Torch monster, and had also been played extensively at the Casino from 9/73 onwards. Played just about everywhere in fact, and was probably, at the time, the most recognisable instrumental on the entire scene. Never heard 6x6 played at the Torch, (someone will no doubt correct me on this) but Sliced Tomatoes was, for a while, even bigger than TaR. Can't recall it ever being played in the main room at the Casino, although it did get occasional plays in Ms. My point referrred to why R&R would "recommend" a tune that by mid 75 had been a staple of the scene for nigh on four years? Very odd, unless you're an old cynic such as myself. 

Taking another look at the list of twenty, and I can see why that period is one that I struggle to look back on with even the merest touch of fondness or nostalgia. It's also indicative of the type of tunes being played, and why so many of the older crowd left the scene at that time. Compare it to the top twenty Casino sounds of just a year earlier, or even the top twenty at the Cats, Torch, Pendulum, and there's a world of difference. Easy to see why many of us spent the entire year of 1975 at Wigan up in Ms. Then departed in disgust.

Flower Shoppe. FFS.

1 hour ago, Joey said:

Not 100% sure what you mean. Cynical? Moi?

Thumb a Ride was indeed a Torch monster, and had also been played extensively at the Casino from 9/73 onwards. Played just about everywhere in fact, and was probably, at the time, the most recognisable instrumental on the entire scene. Never heard 6x6 played at the Torch, (someone will no doubt correct me on this) but Sliced Tomatoes was, for a while, even bigger than TaR. Can't recall it ever being played in the main room at the Casino, although it did get occasional plays in Ms. My point referrred to why R&R would "recommend" a tune that by mid 75 had been a staple of the scene for nigh on four years? Very odd, unless you're an old cynic such as myself. 

Taking another look at the list of twenty, and I can see why that period is one that I struggle to look back on with even the merest touch of fondness or nostalgia. It's also indicative of the type of tunes being played, and why so many of the older crowd left the scene at that time. Compare it to the top twenty Casino sounds of just a year earlier, or even the top twenty at the Cats, Torch, Pendulum, and there's a world of difference. Easy to see why many of us spent the entire year of 1975 at Wigan up in Ms. Then departed in disgust.

Flower Shoppe. FFS.

We nicked 6 by 6 from your lot at the Wheel where I think it was first played late 60`s ( Before My time) I Stuck around at Wigan till 78/9  once maybe twice monthly, but really only went to the Friday oldies after 77 ...it was far better imo.

14 minutes ago, PeteSi said:

We nicked 6 by 6 from your lot at the Wheel where I think it was first played late 60`s ( Before My time) I Stuck around at Wigan till 78/9  once maybe twice monthly, but really only went to the Friday oldies after 77 ...it was far better imo.

The first year at Wigan was incomparable. Just fantastic, and the best atmosphere I ever experienced. Anywhere. After that, and the decision to go public, it just died a very rapid death. My last year there was 75, and every minute possible was spent up in Ms. The main room was diabolical. Certain people, some of whom who are now revered as Gods, really shafted everyone, Purely in the name of personal financial gain. What we had could never be reclaimed after that. 

Ok Folks, it's time for the Soulsource Monthly 'Wigan Went Shite in.... (insert year of Choice) thread. 

As usual special brownie points given to all posters who can list as many 'White pop crap' tunes that Russ & co played after it "Went Crap" and real kudos can be gained amongst your fellow Soulsourcers by telling anyone ( who'll listen) that every other Venue before The Casino only ever played Quality Black Rare Soul music and it was in fact Wigan that was responsible for the death of Northern Soul as well as the rise of National Socialism in Nazi Germany in the 1930's, The Bubonic plague, The poll Tax and the End of Free School Milk (Thatcher the milk snatcher was known to be on Russ's pay roll).

Wigan went crap for me in 81 went it was replaced by a Pile of Bricks and a Piano, not to mention having a funny smell of Smoke. 

8 minutes ago, Zed1 said:

Ok Folks, it's time for the Soulsource Monthly 'Wigan Went Shite in.... (insert year of Choice) thread. 

As usual special brownie points given to all posters who can list as many 'White pop crap' tunes that Russ & co played after it "Went Crap" and real kudos can be gained amongst your fellow Soulsourcers by telling anyone ( who'll listen) that every other Venue before The Casino only ever played Quality Black Rare Soul music and it was in fact Wigan that was responsible for the death of Northern Soul as well as the rise of National Socialism in Nazi Germany in the 1930's, The Bubonic plague, The poll Tax and the End of Free School Milk (Thatcher the milk snatcher was known to be on Russ's pay roll).

Wigan went crap for me in 81 went it was replaced by a Pile of Bricks and a Piano, not to mention having a funny smell of Smoke. 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaz. That's so true mate. 

8 hours ago, Tomangoes said:

I did not know pointer sisters were that early, or Mel Britt for that matter.

Probably 77 / 78 before I heard send him back at Wakefield Unity.

Must have almost been an oldie by then...

Ed

Pointer Sisters must have been 75/76 as remember it being 'hammered' at St. Ives which closed in 76

Good grief!!! just had a peak at the list ... well you know you have to ... and apart from Mel Britt / Lou Pride and perhaps Ollie Jackson) I don't think any self-respecting DJ would play anything else  from that list today (or then for that matter

7 hours ago, Joey said:

Not 100% sure what you mean. Cynical? Moi?

Thumb a Ride was indeed a Torch monster, and had also been played extensively at the Casino from 9/73 onwards. Played just about everywhere in fact, and was probably, at the time, the most recognisable instrumental on the entire scene. Never heard 6x6 played at the Torch, (someone will no doubt correct me on this) but Sliced Tomatoes was, for a while, even bigger than TaR. Can't recall it ever being played in the main room at the Casino, although it did get occasional plays in Ms. My point referrred to why R&R would "recommend" a tune that by mid 75 had been a staple of the scene for nigh on four years? Very odd, unless you're an old cynic such as myself. 

Taking another look at the list of twenty, and I can see why that period is one that I struggle to look back on with even the merest touch of fondness or nostalgia. It's also indicative of the type of tunes being played, and why so many of the older crowd left the scene at that time. Compare it to the top twenty Casino sounds of just a year earlier, or even the top twenty at the Cats, Torch, Pendulum, and there's a world of difference. Easy to see why many of us spent the entire year of 1975 at Wigan up in Ms. Then departed in disgust.

Flower Shoppe. FFS.

JOE HICKS - DON'T IT MAKE YOU FEEL FUNKY

SAXIE RUSSELL - PSYCHEDELIC SOUL

AUDIO ARTS STRINGS - THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO SAY

EDDIE FOSTER - I NEVER KNEW

MIKE POST COALITION - AFTERNOON OF THE RHINO

MORRIS CHESTNUT - TOO DARN SOULFUL CUT

STANLEY MITCHELL - GET IT BABY

TONY & TYRONE - PLEASE OPERATOR

JOHNNY CASWELL - YOU DON'T LOVE ME ANYMORE

UNKNOWN INSTRUMENTAL (sounds a bit like You Want It You Got It)

NANCY AMES - I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT

JR WALKER - I AIN'T GOIN' NOWHERE

TERRIBLE TOM - WE WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER 

LYNNE RANDELL - STRANGER IN MY ARMS

EARL JACKSON - SOUL SELF SATISFACTION

VOLCANOS - THE LAWS OF LOVE

LEE ANDREWS - I'VE HAD IT

THE SAPPHIRES - THE SLOW FIZZ

EDDIE FOSTER - I NEVER KNEW

THE ADVENTURERS - EASY BABY

FRANK BEVERLEY - IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANTED

CISSIE HOUSTON - BRING HIM BACK 

GLORIA JONES - TAINTED LOVE

LOU RAGLAND - I TRAVEL ALONE 

PHIL FLOWERS - DISCONTENTED 

LEON YOUNG STRINGS - GLAD ALL OVER

DETROIT SOUND - JUMPING AT THE GO GO

MIKE POST COALITION - AFTERNOON OF THE RHINO

GOLDEN WORLD STRINGS (TOTAL ECLIPSE) - SUPERTIME

THE JELLY BEANS - YOU DON'T MEAN ME NO GOOD

FREDDIE CHAVEZ - THEY'LL NEVER KNOW WHY

Edited July 27, 2013 by Pete S

Know what you mean....but my first nighter was Cleggy 76 and it was all academic how Wigan had fell from grace.

Ed

8 hours ago, Tomangoes said:

JOE HICKS - DON'T IT MAKE YOU FEEL FUNKY

SAXIE RUSSELL - PSYCHEDELIC SOUL

AUDIO ARTS STRINGS - THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO SAY

EDDIE FOSTER - I NEVER KNEW

MIKE POST COALITION - AFTERNOON OF THE RHINO

MORRIS CHESTNUT - TOO DARN SOULFUL CUT

STANLEY MITCHELL - GET IT BABY

TONY & TYRONE - PLEASE OPERATOR

JOHNNY CASWELL - YOU DON'T LOVE ME ANYMORE

UNKNOWN INSTRUMENTAL (sounds a bit like You Want It You Got It)

NANCY AMES - I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT

JR WALKER - I AIN'T GOIN' NOWHERE

TERRIBLE TOM - WE WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER 

LYNNE RANDELL - STRANGER IN MY ARMS

EARL JACKSON - SOUL SELF SATISFACTION

VOLCANOS - THE LAWS OF LOVE

LEE ANDREWS - I'VE HAD IT

THE SAPPHIRES - THE SLOW FIZZ

EDDIE FOSTER - I NEVER KNEW

THE ADVENTURERS - EASY BABY

FRANK BEVERLEY - IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANTED

CISSIE HOUSTON - BRING HIM BACK 

GLORIA JONES - TAINTED LOVE

LOU RAGLAND - I TRAVEL ALONE 

PHIL FLOWERS - DISCONTENTED 

LEON YOUNG STRINGS - GLAD ALL OVER

DETROIT SOUND - JUMPING AT THE GO GO

MIKE POST COALITION - AFTERNOON OF THE RHINO

GOLDEN WORLD STRINGS (TOTAL ECLIPSE) - SUPERTIME

THE JELLY BEANS - YOU DON'T MEAN ME NO GOOD

FREDDIE CHAVEZ - THEY'LL NEVER KNOW WHY

Edited July 27, 2013 by Pete S

 

Know what you mean....but my first nighter was Cleggy 76 and it was all academic how Wigan had fell from grace.

Ed

If you weren't on the scene in 75, then yes Wigans decline was indeed academic, as you'd have had absolutely no idea of what happened, why it happened, who was responsible, and how it affected almost everyone, etc. etc. And it wouldn't have made a 'happorth of difference to your enjoyment of the scene either, which is all to the good. It was a very turbulent year or so, which in addition to the shenanigans at the Casino, also saw the rise of competition out at Cleethorpes beginning, the closure of long established venues such as the Catacombs and Pendulum, and also Mr. Levine trying to turn the Mecca into the Fylde coasts answer to Studio 54. 

The list that you've just provided is almost certainly from the summer of 74, just one year or so prior to the list published in the article. (Eddie Foster and Mike Post weren't discovered and played before this time). Two others which immediately spring to mind are The Drifters You gotta pay your dues, and Lee Andrews Nevertheless. Anyway, anyone can see the sheer difference in tune quality, and it shows how far, and just how quickly, Wigan had slipped. That was the point that I was initially trying to make. The overall drop in quality had to have a reason behind it, and to me, the events of late 74 early 75, plus the individuals involved and their probable reasons, were a major factor in all of this. 

Another interesting thing about the list you've provided, is that roughly a dozen or so of those top sounds were actually almost played out well before anyone had the idea of running a Niter at Wigan. Most of this dozen being Torch/Cats/Mecca sounds from 72/73, with the occasional VaVas biggie. An interesting list, which will be closer in quality to one from mid 73, than to the one at the top of the page.

I was there on the first night, my last visit was late 1974, opted for Levine/Curtis and their more refreshing approach going forward. This thread has reminded my why!!

Ha.

Tim.

On 14/01/2020 at 21:06, Soulstrutter said:

Pointer Sisters must have been 75/76 as remember it being 'hammered' at St. Ives which closed in 76

i believe the final niter at ST Ives was sept 77

8 hours ago, Ian Parker said:

i believe the final niter at ST Ives was sept 77

You are probably right - didn't it close down (usual reason) and then re-open?  I moved to Aberdeen in July 1976 so the last one I attended would have been 76 where I heard Pointer Sisters being played.

When are the earliest Soul scene specific Top 20 published lists in the relevant music magazines of the time?  That will be intriguing.  I'd guess '68/'69 if more specific than just a club plays one that would be wider than Soul.

Thanks for posting the "chart". Nice reminder of why I stopped going to Wigan in 75.

Yes there was some shite played at Wigan and if memory serves me well some shite was played at every venue I ever went to from 1972 onwards.

Please stop looking through rose tinted glasses at those other venues because shite is shite whatever year or wherever it was played.

PS. What some people call shite others call Choooooooooooooooons.

On 15/01/2020 at 09:21, Joey said:

If you weren't on the scene in 75, then yes Wigans decline was indeed academic, as you'd have had absolutely no idea of what happened, why it happened, who was responsible, and how it affected almost everyone, etc. etc. And it wouldn't have made a 'happorth of difference to your enjoyment of the scene either, which is all to the good. It was a very turbulent year or so, which in addition to the shenanigans at the Casino, also saw the rise of competition out at Cleethorpes beginning, the closure of long established venues such as the Catacombs and Pendulum, and also Mr. Levine trying to turn the Mecca into the Fylde coasts answer to Studio 54. 

The list that you've just provided is almost certainly from the summer of 74, just one year or so prior to the list published in the article. (Eddie Foster and Mike Post weren't discovered and played before this time). Two others which immediately spring to mind are The Drifters You gotta pay your dues, and Lee Andrews Nevertheless. Anyway, anyone can see the sheer difference in tune quality, and it shows how far, and just how quickly, Wigan had slipped. That was the point that I was initially trying to make. The overall drop in quality had to have a reason behind it, and to me, the events of late 74 early 75, plus the individuals involved and their probable reasons, were a major factor in all of this. 

Another interesting thing about the list you've provided, is that roughly a dozen or so of those top sounds were actually almost played out well before anyone had the idea of running a Niter at Wigan. Most of this dozen being Torch/Cats/Mecca sounds from 72/73, with the occasional VaVas biggie. An interesting list, which will be closer in quality to one from mid 73, than to the one at the top of the page.

Mike Post and Lee Andrews were both spun during the month of March 1974. Both sounds were taped by yours truly and posted by Pete Smith on here.

On 15/01/2020 at 09:44, Tim Richmond said:

I was there on the first night, my last visit was late 1974, opted for Levine/Curtis and their more refreshing approach going forward. This thread has reminded my why!!

Ha.

Tim.

 

Hi Tim. You were indeed a lucky lad. Please tell us more about the first Allnighter.

By the way, I’m in the market for the yellow badge given out that night - I’d be happy to take it off you in return for a stack of Mecca sounds...

1 hour ago, Frankie Crocker said:

Mike Post and Lee Andrews were both spun during the month of March 1974. Both sounds were taped by yours truly and posted by Pete Smith on here.

As early as March eh? Christ but it was a long time ago now. I could have sworn that AOTR was a couple of months later. Memory ain't what it used to be!  

If Tim doesn't get back to you, the first night was, for most, so-so. Nowhere near full, just the usual few hundred you'd expect. Mainly Torch crowd with a few younger ones thrown in. Tunes also mainly what you'd have expected to hear at the Torch/Mecca/Cats etc. To be honest, I cant recall that much about it, owing to my "diet" back then, but I was just glad to have somewhere with a good dance floor, and a better vibe than that godawful place VaVas. 

I don’t recall the first night being much different to any other nighter. Russ’s box seemed a little ‘limited’ compared to what I was used to. Torch/Cats/Mecca tunes, I remember “Ski-ing In The Snow being absolutely ‘battered’, maybe twice per set-honest!

Bobby Treetop, The Gems, Little Johnny Blair, Wally Cox all spring to mind, all great ‘pre Casino’ tunes that I never seem to hear today, it seems to be the case for the majority of ‘pre Casino’ tunes as far as I am concerned.

The attendance was defo not the ‘rumoured 600’, but it certainly wasn’t quiet, well attended, but nothing like later years.

I still have my membership card,  a pink one, number 937,  I understand that later on the girls were issued with pink, the chaps blue, but mine is defo pink. Still have the first night badge-hmmm.... not for sale. I took some pictures, we were sat with Andy Simpson and the Bradford crew, the pics have been lost, but I have the negatives, in a box, mixed in with pics from  The Mecca, Cats, later Wigan and that horrendous all  nighter at The Queens Hall in Leeds with The Major, Exciters, Mel & Tim etc.

I got a few ‘random’ negatives developed, colour quality very poor, nothing from the first night, but a belter with Les Cockell at Wigan, Les in his satin bomber jacket, with sleeves rolled up!

Remember bomber jackets??? Ha.

I kinda remember the night  pretty well although it was 46 years ago, because my 17th birthday was the previous day!!

Who would have thought that the Casino would go on to attain ‘legendary status’, on a scene that still refuses to die!!

Tim.

I think you guys have short memories. This list is just merchandise that Winstanley was trying to push through his business dealings. Since when was Tommy Hunt big anywhere?