Please Say It Isn't So!?

[Guest soul elite]

I'm not being argumentative Mike but surely if you think everything is so tired and done to death then why don't you just turn this site into a music and event information site rather than one that people can put their thoughts on?

[Guest Marky Tee]

I'm not being argumentative Mike but surely if you think everything is so tired and done to death then why don't you just turn this site into a music and event information site rather than one that people can put their thoughts on?

Perhaps then some of the "I dont go out" brigade can actually support events instead of just criticising them. Whats the saying, those who can do, those that cant teach or preach in this case.

[Guest in town Mikey]

That's because it was Ady doing it, if it were KR it would have been described as a farce or whatever. Like the Soulboy movie was utter rubbish before it was even made, yet the new Northern Soul film is great despite no-one having yet seen it. Like it's so wrong for people to put on Northern dance classes, then suddenly when well known 'scenesters' decide to put on dance classes, it's perfectly fine and acceptable. Lots of examples such as this. Holy double standards Batman!

To an extent I'm sure there is a lot of double standards in everything we do. If I make a mistake while driving and end up in the wrong lane at a roundabout. Thats a small error, nothing to worry about. But if someone else cuts me up cos they cant get in the right lane in time, then they should send their licences back to the cornflake manfacturers, they got it from, and take a proper bloody test!

Considering Elaine's film. I was 100% against Soul Boy, because of the origins of the writer and the guys they recruited (in part, not all) to 'advise'. Whereas Elaine is a Northern Soul person. Who understands the scene in a way someone who may have been taken along to an event after seeing a Midlands news item, or a piece in the Guardian, and thought to themselves. "Plenty of nice cleavage here, but the music is a bit dated. Sod it. Where there are tits is where I need to make my new film*."

So without seeing it. I am as certain that Elaine's film will be superb. As I was that Soul Boy would be bad. (And to be fair, I thought it was better than expected.) If thats double standards, so be it. but I also thinkits based on knowing the wider picture of the person, and people behind each movie.

*Obviously a fantasy thought and in no way aimed at anyone from outside the scene who has attempted to do a piece about it.

[Guest soul elite]

This scene has been going for years and we are more cynical these days but some people just sound so miserable all the time, its very sad because we really should be enjoying ourselves out dancing and listening to awesome music, seeing great friends while we still can. we all know how fragile life is so lets just flipping enjoy it!!PS sorry for going off thread Mike

[Mike]

I'm not being argumentative Mike but surely if you think everything is so tired and done to death then why don't you just turn this site into a music and event information site rather than one that people can put their thoughts on?

where have i said that ????????????

way i see thread is there's been some decent thoughtful posts from varying viewpoints posted

[Mike]

Perhaps then some of the "I dont go out" brigade can actually support events instead of just criticising them. Whats the saying, those who can do, those that cant teach or preach in this case.

can't you post without slagging others down

all you seem to do

give it a rest

[Guest Marky Tee]

can't you post without slagging others down

all you seem to do

give it a rest

Not slagging people down just find it hard to be preached to by people who have never been to the events they slag off. I welcome healthy constructive debate but a lot of people on SS simply want to smother you with their opinions and cut you off at the knees when you try to express your opinion, thats all. I was called a sad sh.t on here two days ago and didnt see anyone castigating the poster. Dont want anyone fighting my battles but I dont get personal about the person unlike some Mike. I expressed an opinion to Geese last nite and we have sorted it out between ourselves like adults. If you are going to stop healthy debate then maybe Katrina is right. Edited November 25, 2011 by Marky Tee

[Mike]

Not slagging people down just find it hard to be preached to by people who have never been to the events they slag off.

yeah right

all your posts are doing are creating bad feelings

give it a rest

[Guest Marky Tee]

yeah right

all your posts are doing are creating bad feelings

give it a rest

yeah right Any need for that remark? Am I the only one causing bad feelings, dont think so.

[Pete S]

yeah right

all your posts are doing are creating bad feelings

give it a rest

Commented in members feedback

[Guest Roddy]

where is Jock when you need him ?

[Pete S]

Have just been back to the original post and watched the footage again. Has the night already ended? There's a huge space at the back of the hall where they are doing this, surely if it was not yet ended the floor would have been packed? Oh I don't know, the more you watch it, the worse it gets.

[Steve L]

This scene has been going for years and we are more cynical these days but some people just sound so miserable all the time, its very sad because we really should be enjoying ourselves out dancing and listening to awesome music, seeing great friends while we still can. we all know how fragile life is so lets just flipping enjoy it!!PS sorry for going off thread Mike

Absolutely spot on, but to great soul records at proper venues with the right ethos

[Guest soulmaguk]

Great fun, it's so good here it is again https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150477196859532

[Winnie :-)]

Absolutely spot on, but to great soul records at proper venues with the right ethos

What do you mean proper venues Steve, what isn't proper about this particular venue. It's surely for the promoter to decide how he/she runs the night, not for people who didn't go. I've said earlier how can an event be judged on a 2 minute clip at the end of a night? Don't you think that's a bit unfair? May not have been to yours or my liking for that matter, but for the people there they've obviously not got a problem, so I really don't get what all the fuss is about.

[KevH]

not really enticing for any younger punters to attend any big weekenders, when i next make it back to the UK I don't think I'll be heading to Blackpool in any great hurry.

Good post Kris.Was thinking myself what the guys in the States think,also our European compadres.

NS scene,created in the UK,exported,and now sounding its own death knell with weekenders like this.

Blooding younger soul people on the scene? A joke.!!! What cool young guy or girl wants that on a weekend?

Thank god there's 2 scene's.Time to go underground? Year 0 ?

[Steve L]

What do you mean proper venues Steve, what isn't proper about this particular venue. It's surely for the promoter to decide how he/she runs the night, not for people who didn't go. I've said earlier how can an event be judged on a 2 minute clip at the end of a night? Don't you think that's a bit unfair? May not have been to yours or my liking for that matter, but for the people there they've obviously not got a problem, so I really don't get what all the fuss is about.

A proper venue for me is one that keeps with the original ethos of the scene ie underground exclusivity, a rare soul scene NOT watering the whole thing down to the lowest common denominator to attract as many outsiders in as possible.

Anything else is just handbags.

Beam me up Scotty

[Steve L]

Good post Kris.Was thinking myself what the guys in the States think,also our European compadres.

NS scene,created in the UK,exported,and now sounding its own death knell with weekenders like this.

Blooding younger soul people on the scene? A joke.!!! What cool young guy or girl wants that on a weekend?

Thank god there's 2 scene's.Time to go underground? Year 0 ?

Yes mate, time to start the movement

Year zero starts on Jan 1st

[Len]

Ain't it funny when you wake up the next morning and think....Ooooo, did I really post that up?! Hee Hee...Then you see something dreadful on the news which 'hurtles' this all back into insignificance!

But anyway, as we're still on this subject lol - In a Nutshell, I feel some that came to the scene or came back to the Scene in the last 10 - 15 years could have joined us rather than taken over I suppose...I'll explain (Kind of!)...

....'Nutshell' - Reminded me of the old 'Squirrel Scene', the same thing happened there you see.....The Scene was healthy, 'Meg' Darge was breaking new nuts every week, there was loads of us Red Squirrels about 'The Red Army' people used to call us.

We had about one All-nighter a month, one Weekender a year, a few' Tail Stroker' nights, Mick H was the top 'Red Squirrel' D.J (Mick Hucknell that is!) We had some 'Cracking' times...Then one day the Grey Squirrels started coming onto the scene, it was 1876 to be precise (Had to Google that! Lol)

Anyway, before we knew it the Grey Squirrels were putting on their own events, more weekenders, etc etc - The 'Fluffy Tail' Brigade had arrived!...

...Now we don't see any Red Squirrels about, they're all at home playing with their nuts in their 'Nut Rooms' (Oooer Mrs!)

Len.

.....Don't worry folks; I'll check myself in lol..."Cuckoo"...

Edited November 25, 2011 by LEN

[KevH]

Perhaps then some of the "I dont go out" brigade can actually support events instead of just criticising them. Whats the saying, those who can do, those that cant teach or preach in this case.

Who are the "dont go out" brigade? Maybe they dont because of the content of clips like this.Maybe the quote was "dont go out to theses sort of venues" ?

[Guest Marky Tee]

Who are the "dont go out" brigade? Maybe they dont because of the content of clips like this.Maybe the quote was "dont go out to theses sort of venues" ?

Maybe so but a fair few posts, not so much on this topic, start with "I dont go out anymore ........but"

[Steve L]

Ain't it funny when you wake up the next morning and think....Ooooo, did I really post that up?! Hee Hee...Then you see something dreadful on the news which 'hurtles' this all back into insignificance!

But anyway, as we're still on this subject lol - In a Nutshell, I feel some that came to the scene or came back to the Scene in the last 10 - 15 years could have joined us rather than taken over I suppose...I'll explain (Kind of!)...

.....Don't worry folks; I'll check myself in lol..."Cuckoo"...

Spot on mate

[Guest in town Mikey]

A proper venue for me is one that keeps with the original ethos of the scene ie underground exclusivity, a rare soul scene NOT watering the whole thing down to the lowest common denominator to attract as many outsiders in as possible. Anything else is just handbags. Beam me up Scotty

I have to agree. I think there are clear demarkation lines between the Northern Soul scene, and a nostalgia club. It is entirely personal. but the things I hold dear, are the exclusivity, camaraderie and respect for others that I found on the Northern Soul scene that I didnt see elsewhere in life. Along with a sound track you couldnt pick up in a motorway service station for the price of half a gallon of petrol. And if I attend any club that I feel doesnt meet my own personal demands, I dont go again.

In the past tho people might say, 'sorry I'm not going to Blackpool. its rubbish', to a couple of mates. Now people post on internet forum's and tempers fray.

My needs from a Northern Soul night/niter/weekend. Will be different to others tho. Just like some preferred the Mecca to the Casino. or Cleethorpes Pier to Yate, or Morecombe to Stafford.

As Win so rightly says tho. Judging a whole weekend by a 2 minute micro-cosm is pretty unreliabale. So I wouldnt be changing my mind, were I planning on going to Blackpool. But then I've been, didnt like it, and choose not to go again. Same with Stoke. That doesnt mean I think any differently of my mates who go to both and love them.

Good thread tho. Even tho it seems to have been born out of nothing much.

[KevH]

Maybe so but a fair few posts, not so much on this topic, start with "I dont go out anymore ........but"

There's many who dont go anywhere unless its a weekender.Travel 2 hours to a niter or soul night.? Forget it.

Fly to Tenerife ? Booked it,packed it,f**ked off. !!!!!

[Chalky]

off topic posts removed

[NEV]

off topic posts removed

Howdo Chalks ...trying to catch up on this lot ,having been suckered in by Pauls header post ..Dammn and blast (curiosity deffo killed the cat) ...arent most of em off topic ??

Len's is the best so far though

P.s Marky Tee..... try not to bite too much or you'll end up on medication

[Mark Bicknell]

Makes me chuckle this Mr Sadot posts the link lights the blue touch paper steps back and watches the firweworks fly and has not as yet said anything else in reply lol beautiful Paul simply genius.

Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Marky Tee]

Howdo Chalks ...trying to catch up on this lot ,having been suckered in by Pauls header post ..Dammn and blast (curiosity deffo killed the cat) ...arent most of em off topic ??

Len's is the best so far though

P.s Marky Tee..... try not to bite too much or you'll end up on medication

Different medication maybe lol

[NEV]

Different medication maybe lol

Thats the spirit ...welcome to the madhouse fella....wear your heart on your sleeve .......and your beer towel by your side

[Guest Marky Tee]

Thats the spirit ...welcome to the madhouse fella....wear your heart on your sleeve .......and your beer towel by your side

Original beer towels only I assume

[Pete S]

Maybe so but a fair few posts, not so much on this topic, start with "I dont go out anymore ........but"

I don't go out anymore. No buts.

[Guest soul elite]

Dear Len #219,

Please will you tell which squirrel I am?.I was on the scene in 1976 - until kiddies came along. Got back into it a few years ago, love niters, rare R&B,stompers but definitely not modern. Frequent the Midlands and further north, go out as much as possible.

Thankyou

Confused of Oxford

  =^)

[Guest GARV]

Yesterday, when this thread started, it was Thanksgiving. A day of great import to the guys and girls who sang, played on or produced the music we love. I give thanks, that I have the chance to pick and choose where to go. And thanks that this scene gave me the experience to know what I like. And while I cant bear to look at the clip. I cant help but think back to one of my fave memories of the Cleethorpes Weekenders. Possibly in 2001 or 03. Somewhere around then. A weekend where the music policy was to my liking. Butch playing the top sounds. Ady unleashing his RCA stuff on the crowd. Rarity and quality all weekend, in equal measure. Records for sale that had the mouth watering and the bank manager quivvering. 72 hours of soul talk. Then on the Sunday night. Fancy dress comps, Top 500 sounds, all rounded off with a packed ballroom, including people standing on tables, singing along to - Baby I Need You're Lovin. Not cool. Not 'Northern Soul'. But just perfect at the end of a rare soul fest. And maybe even a subconcious doffing of the cap, to where we all began our Northern Soul journeys. If you werent there, and saw it on U tube, then maybe you'd cringe too. But if you were there. it was as much part of the fun, as Butch reactivating a forgotten oldie, or Little Ann belting out a gem that is revered, only within the sweaty walls of a few exclusive venues.

Hi Mikey

Was this the weekend your kid was skint & we kept him in cider on the train from London, we all chipped in & had an absolute blast then he hit the jackpot on the bandit?. Fabulous weekend , your right if there was video of the Sunday night ........... well, people might jump to the wrong conclusions

[Philt]

As one post commented: if you have to explain it 'they' don't get it.

Following several severe bouts of disillusionment, the odd selling-up episode and general feelings of misery and despair brought on by what felt to me like a distinct lack of passion or any idea in some quarters of 'the scene' over the past decade or so, I have finally realised the error of my ways - following some counselling by a local guru in a process involving scented candles, bean bags and sharing with the group ... ... I've basked in the [sometimes not so] warm glow in some shape or form every day since I was 13. So, the upshot for me is this:

- Like asking for and dancing primarily to 'memories'? Enjoy yourself

- Like dressing up? Knock yourself out

- Frequent venues with lots of other like-minded folk as old as our mam and dad and still feel part of 'a scene'? Good on yer!

- Can you consistently fill large venues and have folk go away feeling like they've had a good time? Fair play, shrewd!

- Will people who know me but who aren't into it but know I am see that clip and p*ss themselves? Possibly but not necessarily, they all think it's a bit tragic and barking anyway so nothing lost (you can't polish a turd)

In other words, what's happening on that clip doesn't resonate with or mean anything at all to me really, made me cringe a bit then chuckle actually. That's because it has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with anything I have ever and still care deeply about. I'm not going to get revved-up or knock anyone for having what they feel is a great time, however they want to have it, none of my business. Neither will I ever tell anyone what badges to wear, what size bags to put on or what records to dance, listen to or play. (I've also given up on the what format to play em on 'argument', having recognised the absolute futility of it and the fact that all it really does is p*ss me off)

All I ask in return is that 'they' leave me alone to get on with what I want to do, with the people I want to be with and the music I want to hear, played by and according to the 'rules' as I was taught and still understand em. As long as people do still give a f*ck you've half a chance. Those that don't never mattered anyway did they?

[Len]

Dear Len #219,

Please will you tell which squirrel I am?.I was on the scene in 1976 - until kiddies came along. Got back into it a few years ago, love niters, rare R&B,stompers but definitely not modern. Frequent the Midlands and further north, go out as much as possible.

Thankyou

Confused of Oxford

=^)

Hi There!

You sound like one of the really nice genuine Grey Squirrels, it was a very long time ago but I do remember there were some that had respect and open ears and we got on really well with these ones - Your no 'Climber'! lol

All the best,

Len.

[Guest soul elite]

Haha Len, You're right I am no climber, have nothing to prove to anyone just want to enjoy life & music as long as poss!

Ps I wanted to be a Red Squirrel though  .... =^(  X

[Guest kid mohair]

Well Len when i saw the invasion i turned into a sewer rat !!

[Guest chrislokeh]

I just hope it was original vinyl being played save that it's a bit funny.

Afraid some of it wasn,t 2 big screens for all to see

[Winnie :-)]

Hi There!

You sound like one of the really nice genuine Grey Squirrels, it was a very long time ago but I do remember there were some that had respect and open ears and we got on really well with these ones - Your no 'Climber'! lol

All the best,

Len.

I can see anniversary badges with Tufty on them, coming to a venue near you soon

[Winnie :-)]

Haha Len, You're right I am no climber, have nothing to prove to anyone just want to enjoy life & music as long as poss!

Ps I wanted to be a Red Squirrel though .... =^( X

We were all red squirrels once, father time has stolen our colour

[Citizen P]

As one post commented: if you have to explain it 'they' don't get it.

Following several severe bouts of disillusionment, the odd selling-up episode and general feelings of misery and despair brought on by what felt to me like a distinct lack of passion or any idea in some quarters of 'the scene' over the past decade or so, I have finally realised the error of my ways - following some counselling by a local guru in a process involving scented candles, bean bags and sharing with the group ... ... I've basked in the [sometimes not so] warm glow in some shape or form every day since I was 13. So, the upshot for me is this:

- Like asking for and dancing primarily to 'memories'? Enjoy yourself

- Like dressing up? Knock yourself out

- Frequent venues with lots of other like-minded folk as old as our mam and dad and still feel part of 'a scene'? Good on yer!

- Can you consistently fill large venues and have folk go away feeling like they've had a good time? Fair play, shrewd!

- Will people who know me but who aren't into it but know I am see that clip and p*ss themselves? Possibly but not necessarily, they all think it's a bit tragic and barking anyway so nothing lost (you can't polish a turd)

In other words, what's happening on that clip doesn't resonate with or mean anything at all to me really, made me cringe a bit then chuckle actually. That's because it has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with anything I have ever and still care deeply about. I'm not going to get revved-up or knock anyone for having what they feel is a great time, however they want to have it, none of my business. Neither will I ever tell anyone what badges to wear, what size bags to put on or what records to dance, listen to or play. (I've also given up on the what format to play em on 'argument', having recognised the absolute futility of it and the fact that all it really does is p*ss me off)

All I ask in return is that 'they' leave me alone to get on with what I want to do, with the people I want to be with and the music I want to hear, played by and according to the 'rules' as I was taught and still understand em. As long as people do still give a f*ck you've half a chance. Those that don't never mattered anyway did they?

Ooooh, I do like that Phil.

In fact I think I understood half of it

See Ya Soon

T

[De-to]

a pre blackpool warm up lol,i just love sitting on my comfortable fence,follow the link at the end,!!!

[Paul-s]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=fYNlnptFKV0

Well i didnt know all this brilliant new stuff was out there. Check out the 4 before 8 and the incredible moves at 5.07minutes.

the scene seems to be really evolving..

[pikeys dog]

https://www.youtube.c...1&v=fYNlnptFKV0

Well i didnt know all this brilliant new stuff was out there. Check out the 4 before 8 and the incredible moves at 5.07minutes.

the scene seems to be really evolving..

Thanks for that, haven't laughed so much since watching it between 3:05 and 3:20 yesterday.

Less Legs & Co, and more Dregs and Co.

FFS, Stop the Northern Scene, I Wanna Get Off...

[Billywhizz]

Went to Blackpool weekender, had a great time! Couldn't dance much, put my back out while I was on the loo (honestly). They played the Carstairs few times over the weekend, I went home happy so up yours.

Cheers Billy

[Winnie :-)]

https://www.youtube.c...1&v=fYNlnptFKV0

Well i didnt know all this brilliant new stuff was out there. Check out the 4 before 8 and the incredible moves at 5.07minutes.

the scene seems to be really evolving..

shexxy

This I really can't see the point of, it's very tacky

[Julie Moore]

Been staying in a bit lately as i was getting a bit pissed at not getting what i want out of the scene but my opinion is for what its worth ...............if you don`t like what you see ( which i certainly don`t ) don`t go but to slag the people who do is a bit unfair .............I once went to Stoke and bigged it up something rotten in my lookback & did a great youtube only for the promoter to try and slate me for saying it wasn`t my cuppa tea cause it was mostly banging oldies .hense why i will never return ......pick your venues very carfully

Regards

Julie

Edited November 25, 2011 by Julie Moore

[Ian Parker]

Went to Blackpool weekender, had a great time! Couldn't dance much, put my back out while I was on the loo (honestly). They played the Carstairs few times over the weekend, I went home happy so up yours.

Cheers Billy

Well said Billy., my one and only comment on this matter

[Paul-s]

https://www.facebook....150477196859532

Ive not been out in a while BUT is this okey kokey thing for real? Im in shock!

This is my comment that started the thread.

Well, it was only a question, i didnt know if it was a composite video that some wicked soul had put together. A few seem to have gone on the defensive about it? Im in shock" is a comment, not an indictment.

I asked it as I truly never thought that the Okey Kokey would become a part of the scene. I guess i have an aversion to it as my aunties made me do this very dance at the working mens club every Christmas!

BUT, if the okey kokey does it for you, go for it. Each to their own. Maybe the conga , birdie dance and other parts of British life can combine to create a future scene that truly celebrates our indiginous dance culture.

Anyway, apologies if i offended anyone, but i was just taken by suprise upon seeing the footage.

Best

P

Edited November 25, 2011 by paul-s

[Iancsloft]

Blimey what's wrong wi the okey cokey the past couple of years I've seen folk doing the mashed spud Harlem shuffle ,shingling walking the dog twist, swim, the duck funky chicken,slip n slide watusti I've even did a display of the Beatle myself at a recent weekender after a dozen bottles o grog but the best dancin display was couple o weeks ago when I was out wi PHIL T n Joan wow some guy was doing the SWAN now that's what I call dancing ! Now back to my wooly bully classes""""""