Is The 'Upfront' Soul Scene Disappearing Up It'S Own A*se?

[Chalky]

my partner and have attended many venues over the years including all types of "northern soul", we appreciate and enjoy records. We have attended "upfront" nites and at venues such as lifeline the floor never gets packed and most people are socialising standing round talking etc if this music is so great why are people not packing the floor. Im sad that the scene has got so divided why cant it be more mixed to please all??? perhaps it has gone to far for that and wishful thinking on my part. You may think reading this i must be part of the oldies or nothing scene, but you will be wrong im all for hearing something different but on a niter i would enjoy a mixture of sounds, good atmosphere and a packed floor

we have had a couple of quieter nights this year at Lifeline, mainly due to the large amount of events on the bank holiday weekends but the floor has still been busy. Prior to these we've had by and large a full house every time with a full floor.

Can you post an intro please and let other members know a bit about you, thanks.

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forum/57-members-shouts-and-intros/

[Ady Croasdell]

At the 100 Club we've been trying to promote the more upfront end of the scene ever since Stafford made us aware of the rarer end of it all. We've purposely never gone as extreme as they did with the sounds and always mix in a few oldies where we can. The mainstays of the past 20 years have been Butch and Mick, primarily newies and oldies, in the parlance, but both capable of mixing a bit of the other in if needed or they feel like it. Other residents have been in-between the two probably playing current biggies from around the country and with good enough collections to be able to entertain the crowd which can vary quite a bit in taste from one night to another. The guests usually add a third dimension but I'd try to maintain the balance of primarily rarer stuff with perhaps 20-30% oldies over the night.

I think it works and has certainly lasted us for a bloody long time, however I do think the real hardcore rareties fans don't visit us enough as there's a lot of great largely unknown sounds that get spun but not being totally dedicated to newer stuff seems to prevent some from the occasional visit. I can understand oldies fans not coming as we only play a smallish percentage of those sounds.

In conclusion both oldies and newies scenes could probably do with a little more of t'other, but if people want to go all one way and it works, good luck to them. If it doesn't; reconsider baby. Ady

[paultp]

My personal take is that sticking musical styles in different rooms has contributed to splitting the scene. If you didn't label it nobody would be any the wiser. Mind you, I suppose the pedantic could say this started at W*g*n.

Playing to a floor whilst breaking new or playing lesser known/forgotten sounds used to be an admired skill.

Having a venue with 3 plus rooms just means that the promoter has no idea what event they are putting on and no idea of what audience they want to attract. They probably just want as many people through the turnstiles as possible. Sort of "An oldies night will be packed but if I put in a rare/underplayed/insert label of choice room I might get some faces too" attitude.

Personally I would be happy hearing a wide mix of stuff if I ventured out - oldies, newies, r&b (not rock and roll though!), 70's, modern (but no house, funk or any of that banging sh*te please), rare, unknown (but not home made), even a bit of motown. I would hate to have a night full of just one of these though.

Also a record bar for when somebody is playing sh*te or you're being talked at (spittle flecks in the face stuff) is always good , please price respectably though.

Just IMHO.

[Steve L]

my partner and have attended many venues over the years including all types of "northern soul", we appreciate and enjoy records. We have attended "upfront" nites and at venues such as lifeline the floor never gets packed and most people are socialising standing round talking etc if this music is so great why are people not packing the floor. Im sad that the scene has got so divided why cant it be more mixed to please all??? perhaps it has gone to far for that and wishful thinking on my part. You may think reading this i must be part of the oldies or nothing scene, but you will be wrong im all for hearing something different but on a niter i would enjoy a mixture of sounds, good atmosphere and a packed floor

With all due respect that is a load of tripe and gives a false impression of Lifeline - it also fuels the fire of those who imagine that the rare scene is made up of a few "chinstrokers" standing round looking bored.

I dont know how many times you've been to lifeline but the dance floor gets plenty of action right up till 7am when Rob Smith has to be peeled away from the decks.

Anyway whats this obsession with a "packed" dance floor? I agree there's nothing better than a busy dance floor in full flow and the atmosphere that it generates but this packing the dance floor business winds me up. The number of times that I've read on lookbacks threads "so and so came on and packed the dance floor" Usually in my experience this is because of lowest common denominator records being played as opposed to the the DJ actually playing quality tunes with any imagination

[Winnie :-)]

With all due respect that is a load of tripe and gives a false impression of Lifeline - it also fuels the fire of those who imagine that the rare scene is made up of a few "chinstrokers" standing round looking bored.

I dont know how many times you've been to lifeline but the dance floor gets plenty of action right up till 7am when Rob Smith has to be peeled away from the decks.

Anyway whats this obsession with a "packed" dance floor? I agree there's nothing better than a busy dance floor in full flow and the atmosphere that it generates but this packing the dance floor business winds me up. The number of times that I've read on lookbacks threads "so and so came on and packed the dance floor" Usually in my experience this is because of lowest common denominator records being played as opposed to the the DJ actually playing quality tunes with any imagination

The same line interested me, in Tammy's post 'the floor never gets packed, people standing around socialising/talking', to me it implies multiple visits, cos you can't use ''never'' without a point of reference, Tammy goes on to say 'if the music is so great why are people not packing the floor' that implies he/she is constantly going back there and being disappointed, or alternatively getting the information second hand, having a suspicious nature I suspect the second Just a thought..........

[Chalky]

The same line interested me, in Tammy's post 'the floor never gets packed, people standing around socialising/talking', to me it implies multiple visits, cos you can't use ''never'' without a point of reference, Tammy goes on to say 'if the music is so great why are people not packing the floor' that implies he/she is constantly going back there and being disappointed, or alternatively getting the information second hand, having a suspicious nature I suspect the second Just a thought..........

Win, from what I can see this is Tammy's first post on the Soul forums of the site, the others (only made 5 in total) seem to have been in freebasing. Call me a cynic if you like but to me it suggests Tammy has another agenda?

Anyway I'm not gonna keep defending Lifeline, we've had a couple of quiet nights in the 3 and half years at Stables, the rest have been near, at or above capacity.

The music policy is quite clear in what Lifeline is trying to promote. I can't think of another all-nighter doing the same as Lifeline? Sure there are others playing something different but they are by and large from the 60's only. We have been doing the same for almost 8 years, proud of what we have achieved as well and will continue to do the same as long as the support is there. Lifeline not in it for a profit, just to make enough to ensure there is another one but if the support not there then the promotion won't be there. Sure that is the same for any promoter.

Everybody has there favourite venue, favourite DJ's, favourite music etc but if some are gonna criticise other venues they should get their facts right.

[Guest Beeks]

Why should the term "upfront" be used? I don't think upfront is a very good term to describe what is being played. I don't consider myself an upfront DJ either. I just play or try and play records that 95% of the other DJ's are not playing, I try and play something different, something forgotten and if I get hold of something unknown then great. I try and use a bit of imagination and not follow the flock.

I love Northern Soul, Rare Soul, Modern Soul or whatever soul you want to call it, but I've no wish to go out and hear the same records today I first heard nearly 30 years ago no matter how good they are, and by and large they are good, better than many that are played under the banner of "rare" "upfront" blah blah blah. Did all those who have returned to the scene in the mid 90's and by and large changed it into a retro scene, hearing the same stuff they heard at Wigan and nothing like the scene before they returned, listen to the same top 40 every week whilst they had forgotten the scene existed? No I doubt they did. So why should this scene remain stuck in a time warp when there is so much good music out there. I personally can't see what pleasure other than social can be got listening to the same records every week, it would bore me to death.

Most of the negative comments I see towards the so called "upfront" seem to come from the oldies crowd, why don't they just stick to the oldies if they don't like what others are playing? There are more than enough venues catering for their needs. Leave those who want to listen to something different to do what they want.

Sums it up very well

[KevH]

With all due respect that is a load of tripe and gives a false impression of Lifeline - it also fuels the fire of those who imagine that the rare scene is made up of a few "chinstrokers" standing round looking bored.

I dont know how many times you've been to lifeline but the dance floor gets plenty of action right up till 7am when Rob Smith has to be peeled away from the decks.

Anyway whats this obsession with a "packed" dance floor? I agree there's nothing better than a busy dance floor in full flow and the atmosphere that it generates but this packing the dance floor business winds me up. The number of times that I've read on lookbacks threads "so and so came on and packed the dance floor" Usually in my experience this is because of lowest common denominator records being played as opposed to the the DJ actually playing quality tunes with any imagination

You missed out the sheep mentality as well Steve.At many venues were the dancefloor is "packed" its because if so an so dances to it,we'd better too.!!! Don't want to be left out!!

[Len]

My personal take is that sticking musical styles in different rooms has contributed to splitting the scene. If you didn't label it nobody would be any the wiser. Mind you, I suppose the pedantic could say this started at W*g*n.

Hi Paul,

Yes, labeling doesn't help - One thing I often think is maybe it’s to do with people’s perception of what a night will be like.

For example, I didn’t go to The 100 Club for years because people said to me - “It’s cr*p Len, they play all that rare sh*t down there”...I ended being taken in the mid 90’s by Shifty and Steve Chadwick (There’s a name from the past) as Shifty finally convinced me I’d love it....I was in absolute ‘music heaven’ and was pretty upset that I’d missed so many years.

The pont I’m trying to make is I think some people may not realise that there are plenty of oldies included at the upfront venues and in contrast with everything else that’s played, they actually sound better!  So if you haven’t tried any of the upfront events, don’t rely on someone else’s opinion, find out for yourself - Who knows you may be pleasantly surprised!

All the best,

Len.

Edited September 21, 2011 by LEN

[Guest]

Hi Paul,

Yes, labeling doesn't help - One thing I often think is maybe it’s to do with people’s perception of what a night will be like.

For example, I didn’t go to The 100 Club for years because people said to me - “It’s cr*p Len, they play all that rare sh*t down there”...I ended being taken in the mid 90’s by Shifty and Steve Chadwick (There’s a name from the past) as Shifty finally convinced me I’d love it....I was in absolute ‘music heaven’ and was pretty upset that I’d missed so many years.

The pont I’m trying to make is I think some people may not realise that there are plenty of oldies included at the upfront venues and in contrast with everything else that’s played, they actually sound better! So if you haven’t tried any of the upfront events, don’t rely on someone else’s opinion, find out for yourself - Who knows you may be pleasantly surprised!

All the best,

Len.

[Guest gordon russell]

I didn't mean I don't go out, I do, but when I am at home I am still always looking for records I don't know, there is even a buzz when you are sat on your own and you find something that touches you, (I just wonder what do all these people who go to stale oldies do's listen to at home, those records over and over? - or do they not listen to Soul inbetween their fix's)...so why people only want to hear records they know when they are actually travelling somewhere even if it's only a few miles away has always been strange to me...last year in Madrid BUTCH played some 60s Northern girly thing I'd never heard and it was just like hearing one of the original classics in the 70s for me...Only difference was he told me what it was and my now decrepit memory had forgotten it by the next morning, something by a group beginning with 'S' and on a light blue label, been bugging me all year!...

probably........sandi golden on masterpiece.........lead singer with the sweets on soultown.......old rob marriott play from the mid to late 70's.....oozes quality...........do try and keep up,l know you live down south,but that really is no excuse

[Len]

- That wasn't actually meant as a joke!

Len.

[Simsy]

Yes, seriously. Be good if anyone out there considers themselves in that 'Camp' and can confirm this - as in someone who mainly attends the big oldies all-nighters but would welcome at leat a few more different sounds.

All the best,

Len.

Well you've got Lifeline, upfront, popular and an awesome nighter on a good night. Kings Hall equally awesome with the upfront room also..

Think the thing with big oldies nights like Stoke is they are steeped in NS history and this is why they are 1500+ popular. Familiarity = comfort. Pay a tenner to get in and a pony for petrol and it's a crock - "then you've come all this way for fcuk all" (as they used to sing at Highbury.

I've moaned about the funk in recent times and this smacks of disappearing up it's own arris in some respects. Though in conclusion to the recent funk chin stroke, everything has it's place and new hard edged black music will and should always be interesting to all of us.

Then you've got the 100 Club, one size fits all - and feckin rock on! 32 (count em) years baby..

[Guest Byrney]

probably........sandi golden on masterpiece.........lead singer with the sweets on soultown.......old rob marriott play from the mid to late 70's.....oozes quality...........do try and keep up,l know you live down south,but that really is no excuse

A great record - but thought Rob played it late 80s / early 90s? Can't seem to remember it before the Soul Power / late Trotters nights.

This is the kind of quality record that would clear the floor at a nostalgia event - that's where we differ.

Here's the other side:

[tammy]

Win, from what I can see this is Tammy's first post on the Soul forums of the site, the others (only made 5 in total) seem to have been in freebasing. Call me a cynic if you like but to me it suggests Tammy has another agenda?

Anyway I'm not gonna keep defending Lifeline, we've had a couple of quiet nights in the 3 and half years at Stables, the rest have been near, at or above capacity.

The music policy is quite clear in what Lifeline is trying to promote. I can't think of another all-nighter doing the same as Lifeline? Sure there are others playing something different but they are by and large from the 60's only. We have been doing the same for almost 8 years, proud of what we have achieved as well and will continue to do the same as long as the support is there. Lifeline not in it for a profit, just to make enough to ensure there is another one but if the support not there then the promotion won't be there. Sure that is the same for any promoter.

Everybody has there favourite venue, favourite DJ's, favourite music etc but if some are gonna criticise other venues they should get their facts right.

There is no hidden agenda and ive not become involved in forums before due to not really interested in the politics im now regretting adding my opinion. im just an ordinary punter, who likes a variety and i have been more than a couple of times. sorry to pick on lifeline it was just an example. not really keen on the funky stuff played but each to there own

[tammy]

Win, from what I can see this is Tammy's first post on the Soul forums of the site, the others (only made 5 in total) seem to have been in freebasing. Call me a cynic if you like but to me it suggests Tammy has another agenda?

Anyway I'm not gonna keep defending Lifeline, we've had a couple of quiet nights in the 3 and half years at Stables, the rest have been near, at or above capacity.

The music policy is quite clear in what Lifeline is trying to promote. I can't think of another all-nighter doing the same as Lifeline? Sure there are others playing something different but they are by and large from the 60's only. We have been doing the same for almost 8 years, proud of what we have achieved as well and will continue to do the same as long as the support is there. Lifeline not in it for a profit, just to make enough to ensure there is another one but if the support not there then the promotion won't be there. Sure that is the same for any promoter.

Everybody has there favourite venue, favourite DJ's, favourite music etc but if some are gonna criticise other venues they should get their facts right.

There is no hidden agenda and ive not become involved in forums before due to not really interested in the politics im now regretting adding my opinion. im just an ordinary punter, who likes a variety and i have been more than a couple of times. sorry to pick on lifeline it was just an example. not really keen on the funky stuff played but each to there own

[Guest kev such]

I do personally think that using the terms "Upfront" and "Rare" do tend to put people off attending said events.

I do agree with Terry that a good mix of is possibly the better option. I dont understand why a venue has to stipulate "Oldies" in a main room and have lesser rooms playing different genres. Im positive that the more upfront DJs would more than adequatly entertain a main room oldies venue with a good mix and the crowd would be pleasently surprised.

When I started the CC admittedly we just had the same 5 or so DJs each time playing well known and safe sets EVERYTIME!!!!!!! And admittedly some on pressings.

However once Nidge showed me the error of my ways, the resident djs had gone, we went OVO and played 60's northern and RnB. The sets the guests play are entirely their own discretion within the limits of the music advertised. Wether that be rare, obscure, underplayed, overplayed, oldies etc...

This does seem to work well and the crowd we get in are certainly open to listen, dance and have the utmost faith in the guests. I try to book a different line up each time so that the night doesnt get stale, and each guest brings their own take on the CC guidelines. Admittedly there are the guarenteed tunes played, but a good smattering of others are also spun and very well received.

There possibly are too many events on, however its surely down to offering people an event that they want to attend, without being pretentious, arrogant or giving over the impression that "If you aint with us you're against us".

The other thing is that there are a large amount of people who can offer something to the scene but dont get the chance, Colin Brindle, Kyp, Pete Robertson to name a few.

I dont think the Oldies V Upfront arguement will ever be resolved or settled, I dare say thats the fault of us being SO passionate about this music genre that has SO many differing peramiters.

I shall now batton down the hatches as there'll be "Incoming"

Regards

Kev

Edited September 21, 2011 by kev such

[Chalky]

A great record - but thought Rob played it late 80s / early 90s? Can't seem to remember it before the Soul Power / late Trotters nights.

This is the kind of quality record that would clear the floor at a nostalgia event - that's where we differ.

Ion had/played this mid 80's first.

[Chalky]

There is no hidden agenda and ive not become involved in forums before due to not really interested in the politics im now regretting adding my opinion. im just an ordinary punter, who likes a variety and i have been more than a couple of times. sorry to pick on lifeline it was just an example. not really keen on the funky stuff played but each to there own

Keep your opinions coming, just seemed strange first post against one venue in particular. The funky stuff played all over I'm afraid, I'm not keen on the real funky stuff but each to their own.

[Chalky]

I dont think the Oldies V Upfront arguement will ever be resolved or settled, I dare say thats the fault of us being SO passionate about this music genre that has SO many differing peramiters.

I shall now batton down the hatches as there'll be "Incoming"

Regards

Kev

I don't think the argument will every get resolved, its been going on in one form or other since the late 70's.

[paultp]

A great record - but thought Rob played it late 80s / early 90s? Can't seem to remember it before the Soul Power / late Trotters nights.

This is the kind of quality record that would clear the floor at a nostalgia event - that's where we differ.

Here's the other side:

That's so good that I know I can't afford it without asking.

Is it the same backing as the Sweets on Soultown? Sound like it to my cloth ears.

[Guest Byrney]

That's so good that I know I can't afford it without asking.

Is it the same backing as the Sweets on Soultown? Sound like it to my cloth ears.

No you can't afford it and yes it is

[Guest gordon russell]

tother side me old beauty...........oooooooh yes

[Steve G]

Yup other side is even better.

[Marc Forrest]

...Prior to these we've had by and large a full house every time with a full floor.

sadly only been once (living in Germany..) but it was extremely well attended and the dance floor extremely full. THE upfront (sorry Chalky ;) venue in the UK nowadays IMO. Residents and guests digging way deeper than the average DJ and still deliver high class. Perfect line up for a mixed oldies/upfront nighter ? easy, again just take any Lifeline dj rooster.

[Iancsloft]

Ion had/played this mid 80's first.

I thought Dickie Searling played it first Chalky ?

[Steve G]

I don't think Richard ever played it.

[Marc Forrest]

ops, just realized...been twice. both occasions rampacked by the way

[Len]

sadly only been once (living in Germany..) but it was extremely well attended and the dance floor extremely full. THE upfront (sorry Chalky ;) venue in the UK nowadays IMO.

I think 'Open minded' is a better description than 'Upfront'.

We've heard a lot from the 'Open minded' 'camp' on this thread, it would be good to hear opinions of folk who consider themselves as staunch oldies fans or returnees who as yet haven't tried these events and to maybe state why.

The Sandy Golden track - Absolutely Awesome!

All the best,

Len.

[Modernsoulsucks]

I thought Dickie Searling played it first Chalky ?

Im confused too. Richard played other side at Wigan I'd guess from 77/78 on. Must admit don't recall him playing "Sweets" side but he may have done. As Wigan shut in '81 anything later is after him.

ROD

[Chalky]

I thought Dickie Searling played it first Chalky ?

Dickie bought it (Sandy Golden) off Rob , three records in the deal.

[Anais nin Carms]

There possibly are too many events on, however its surely down to offering people an event that they want to attend, without being pretentious, arrogant or giving over the impression that "If you aint with us you're against us"

Brilliant post KEV !this is the nail on head moment /part of your post .

-------------------------------------

if only many could see this is the problem , there are a few out there that really are very arrogant and they spoil it for the majority , they say they want more to attend , but then they take the piss out of the way the new catchment dress , their lack of knowledge , their attendance record , their history , their lack of worship of the other persons ideals .... I ask you who would in their right mind want to be in the company of people like this ?

Personally I wouldn't go if you paid me !

So in all I think the answer is YES Len , for a few they are right up their own jacksies and beyond licking their proclaimed gods of soul jacksies too !

Thing to get into proportion is they are very FEW thank god and easily spotted they have DICKHEAD stamped over their forheads lol

Edited September 22, 2011 by Carms

[Steve G]

if only many could see this is the problem , there are a few out there that really are very arrogant and they spoil it for the majority , they say they want more to attend , but then they take the piss out of the way the new catchment dress , their lack of knowledge , their attendance record , their history , their lack of worship of the other persons ideals .... I ask you who would in their right mind want to be in the company of people like this ?

I think this is a bit harsh Carms. I've not seen this type of behaviour at the venues I go to. Last one there was a newby there, we were friendly to him, made him feel welcome. One of me mates even gave him a lift home so he could stay later, seeing as he was vaguely 'en route'. Putting him in touch with some dealers, the promise of CDRs to follow etc. Those are the attributes of the soul scenes I typically see. Where are these places where people take the p*ss out of newcomers?

That said, I don't really go to many oldies nights so can't comment on what happens there - to be candid a totally different scene to the one I am part of.

Steve

Edited September 22, 2011 by Steve G

[Anais nin Carms]

Thats commendable thats the attitude required , but not all have it I am afraid . Good and bad apples in every culture , I have got a thing about apples this week ?

I go to many do's and they are do's that cover all genres be they old new upfront , whatever label you care to put on it and I have come across individuals that do have this preach rather than embrace culture on a few occasions.

I only need to digest some of the posts from certain members on here and my DICKHEAD radar is raised , I have found this usually very reliable ... Glad to read you are not one of them . No doubt this will make me very unpopular in certain areas , but its true .

And as for naming names ... thats not my style Steve , they know who they are .

And if I am being totally honest I have probably done it myself at some point in my growing up.

Sorry about my waspyness , can't be helped I seem to be under seige with them at the moment.

Edited September 22, 2011 by Carms

[Winnie :-)]

Thats commendable thats the attitude required , but not all have it I am afraid . Good and bad apples in every culture , got thing apples this week ?

I go to many do's and I have come across individuals that have this preach rather than embrace culture , I only need to digest some of the posts from certain members on here and my DICKHEAD radar is raised , I have found this usually very relieble ... Glad to read you are not one of them .

Sorry about my waspyness , can'tt be helped I seem to be under seige with them

You're not the only one to notice Carms

[Len]

Hi Carms,

Everyone should feel they can say what they like and you’ve given your personal view , nothing wrong in that. I think comments about the way people dress are done tongue in cheek but I agree there’s no need for it.

My original post was to find out why the difference in attendance and as I said, I have heard - ref to stuff like ’No compromise’ folk say - “It puts us off going”

Silly things can put people off or give the wrong impression of a venue. A bit of modern was always played at The Embankment Club so some went away calling it a disco just because they didn’t like it. This put a few people off from going there which I was told about years later.

Len.

Edited September 22, 2011 by LEN

[Val (Chunky)]

this is all very interesting I'm sure to some Len, talking about the subtle nuances between music styles....but where are my trolley's

[Geeselad]

Last lifeline floor was full for most of the night Tammy. Time before was quieter but hopefully it's onwards and upwards

Yep twas busy, but the floor was never packed, maybe something to do with a larger proportion of the rare crowd being collectors, rather than dancers, oops I maybe accidently hit on one of the problems...........

[Guest MrC]

something to do with a larger proportion of the rare crowd being collectors, rather than dancers, oops I maybe accidently hit on one of the problems...........

:thumbup:

Careful Geese! You be be struck down and cursed by the chinstrokers.......

:g:

[Pete S]

After all their scene is more based around a dancable beat & includes quite a lot of pop songs that 'sound like Soul'.

That's what a lot of great Northern Soul is and that's why we love it.

[Len]

this is all very interesting I'm sure to some Len, talking about the subtle nuances between music styles....but where are my trolley's

Doh! - Forgot I had a customer on Soul-source - Just been telling Val how busy I am, so need to delay the delivery of his Metal Trolley's - Caught red handed! lol

Tomorrow Val, honest!

Len.

[tim smithers]

I think the Rare and underplayed scene, is so refreshing at the mo, lots of dj's digging deep and playing well thought out sets, such a mix of differing styles, i consider it a totally different scene and im glad it is, its like having a ball and chain removed, for me

[Guest Bearsy]

I think the Rare and underplayed scene, is so refreshing at the mo, lots of dj's digging deep and playing well thought out sets, such a mix of differing styles, i consider it a totally different scene and im glad it is, its like having a ball and chain removed, for me

you wont look the same without your big thick belcher round your neck but not sure how losing a ball will affect you in later life Tim but i agree some great tunes being heard that are fresh and exciting and some not so good stuff too but hey thats what its all about aint it

[Guest Andy Kempster]

I think the Rare and underplayed scene, is so refreshing at the mo, lots of dj's digging deep and playing well thought out sets, such a mix of differing styles, i consider it a totally different scene and im glad it is, its like having a ball and chain removed, for me

and thats exactly how you should feel tim

i am fortunate in that i havent been knocking around on this scene since the seventies so never an hour let alone a night goes by without me hearing something for the first time but to think it could be any different to that would fill me with dread, djs should, in my opinion be constantly seeking out new music to play...........its what they are payed for, otherwise might as well just listen to my ipod!

Edited September 22, 2011 by Andy Kempster

[tim smithers]

you wont look the same without your big thick belcher round your neck but not sure how losing a ball will affect you in later life Tim but i agree some great tunes being heard that are fresh and exciting and some not so good stuff too but hey thats what its all about aint it

To true Bearsy, your probably hear some you like and some you dont on afro-disiac internet radio this sat at 6 from the face for radio lol

[Guest Bearsy]

To true Bearsy, your probably hear some you like and some you dont on afro-disiac internet radio this sat at 6 from the face for radio lol

now that is a blatant plug for your debut radio appearence if ive ever seen one and hopefully some on here might listen in and hear something they might not of heard before and hopefully they might like what they hear and i can vouch for Tim in that his tunes ARE dancable, Tim post the link up on here somewhere so peeps know your going to playing some tunes on the interent radio

[KevH]

Yep twas busy, but the floor was never packed, maybe something to do with a larger proportion of the rare crowd being collectors, rather than dancers, oops I maybe accidently hit on one of the problems...........

So being a collector is now a negative? Unclean,unclean...Lots do both - dance and collect.I always get the impression those who dance the most dont collect....a problem for who?

[Dean]

.

could it be said that "upfront" is used more as an sort of actual "attitude" nowadays rather than a descriptive term of certain types of 45s ?

If I look back at myself with honesty, the first several times I went to Top Of The World Stafford, I didn't rate it. I was stuck in an oldies / wigan classics mentality then, only went as I considered myself "on the scene". A few more visits and some familiarity creeping in . . . . . "Ok they're playing some good sounds". Time passes, and now the records played at Stafford are amongst my personal favourites. I think it is a bit of an attitude shift. You can say "each to their own", but I can't help to see my own point, that some (not all) of the oldies crowd are like me in my first visits to Stafford, not listening because you're listening for something else. My experience is that most of the up-front crowd (more often scattered few) do appreciate oldies, but not the same play lists week-in, week-out, without imagination or respect for original reference. There a a few good oldies nights that do play with imagination, but then you're caught playing to the floor-fillers that do want the same set week-in, week-out.

Somewhere along the way I think some have given up on listening and rely on reminiscing. I had an attitude change and have listened since Stafford.

[Guest Dr Pickles]

If I look back at myself with honesty, the first several times I went to Top Of The World Stafford, I didn't rate it. I was stuck in an oldies / wigan classics mentality then, only went as I considered myself "on the scene". A few more visits and some familiarity creeping in . . . . . "Ok they're playing some good sounds". Time passes, and now the records played at Stafford are amongst my personal favourites. I think it is a bit of an attitude shift. You can say "each to their own", but I can't help to see my own point, that some (not all) of the oldies crowd are like me in my first visits to Stafford, not listening because you're listening for something else. My experience is that most of the up-front crowd (more often scattered few) do appreciate oldies, but not the same play lists week-in, week-out, without imagination or respect for original reference. There a a few good oldies nights that do play with imagination, but then you're caught playing to the floor-fillers that do want the same set week-in, week-out.

Somewhere along the way I think some have given up on listening and rely on reminiscing. I had an attitude change and have listened since Stafford.

That post makes a lot of sense to me.

Doc

Edited September 22, 2011 by Dr Pickles

[Len]

That post makes a lot of sense to me.

Doc

AB'SOUL'UTELY!!!

All the best,

Len.