Please Say It Isn't So!?

[Guest]

People didn't get into it because it was cool, people got into it because they liked soul music, that's surely always been the underlying factor, and that goes for you, me, Bakunin and Kev Roberts and everybody else, you don't continue doing something if you don't like it, even if it is perceived to be cool. The main body of the scene has changed, and it has become like a giant club for many, but it's underpinned with a love of soul music, even if it is for tried and trusted oldies/motown and that's where the link is, between that scene and the other one that has emerged, the one that keeps moving forward. Both can and will survive, neither will go away, it just has to be recognised and accepted IMO, or is that just too simple a solution?

I disagree; many have come and gone, attending with their friends, looking for something... that they didn't find

[SallieJane]

luckily there ARE two scenes.....and happily they're miles apart from what we have just seen......the folk at the weekender were probably the same folk who went ta wigin and promptly feel asleep all night......not really real more a case of sureal......never mixed with these folk back in the day...and not today either............much prfer the nutters on the rare soul scene...kinda real people if ya get what l mean tezza

With you on that one Tezza!!! Looking forward to seeing you in the rare room at Gloucester....

[Dave Abbott]

I never realised people got into the soul scene cos it was ''cool'', makes it sound like it was a fad?

I hope you're not saying that's it's not cool??

Oh bother...

[Guest]

You make a living from something you love, you are not manipulating the market for your own financial gain, this is not being detrimental to Kev in any way, like I said, NS is a business to him, there is no particular reason for him to be on the scene other than a financial one.. You also contribute to the scene in many other positive ways Pete. I know you feel you are defending Kev & thats very nice of you, but your personal feelings apart you know I'm right.

Russ

I respect and love you to bits, but for me... you're not right. No more than anyone else is right in their opinions.

[Winnie :-)]

I disagree; many have come and gone, attending with their friends, looking for something... that they didn't find

Karen you're not making sense, at least not to me, are you saying that you didn't have to love soul initially to get into the soul scene?

[Winnie :-)]

I hope you're not saying that's it's not cool??

Oh bother...

Please tell me you don't just like it because it is cool Dave? I'm sure I know you better than that

[Dave Abbott]

Please tell me you don't just like it because it is cool Dave? I'm sure I know you better than that

No. (but is it not cool now?)

[Goldsoul]

For the record, the last song played at the Tower Weekender was Somebody Sonewhere Needs You- Darrell Banks played by my co promoter Richard Searling. Just in case anyone really thinks the 'Hokey Cokey' was spun.

That of course, was all part of the topic starters intention to de-rail.

Looking forward to seeing lots of you at Stoke on Saturday. The Windsor Suite has a pretty good selection of underplayed gems so check it out.

Over and Out x

[Winnie :-)]

No. (but is it not cool now?)

Whether it is or isn't is irrelevant Dave, because if it wasn't, you wouldn't be moving onto something new would you, because first and foremost you love the music

[Guest ritchie]

I feel this has now runs it's course.

Has this not been the way the NS scene has panned out, one way or the other over the years?

What in the normal world appear as meaningless and minor issues evoke real passion from all camps, arguments arise, battle lines are joined and the affray is fought out in the forums of SS and elsewhere.

Now we have the internet we no longer have to wait for B&S or BE's to hear who's pissed off with who for whatever reason .

This I believe is healthy on all fronts. Without passion, argument and counter argument the scene would fade and die.

Big well done to everyone who's contributed to this thread... It should have died days ago, but somehow like the scene I think it's probably got some life in it yet.

[Guest turntableterra]

OMG................ i cant believe it has finally happened. in the 70`s when in portsmouth, my uncle used to go to a social club in portsea. apparently the beer was nice! but each month they had a sixties rock n roll club. not bad i hear you say, and some i like myself. the problem comes when the grans dress up in those frocks , bobby socks, pony tails and pose about and the guys wear the teddy suits..........IN ALL COLOURS. not a problem i hear you say but on one nIght this 19 yr old kid got up and mimed shockingly, to elvis in a white flying suit, and handed out coulured strips of fabric to his fans. after he draped them round his sweaty neck. there was a "manager" following him putting more on his neck. the girls were squealing yippee...i often think i hope northern soul doesnt end up as fancy dress dance club playing oldies music and dean parish look a likes miming etc.................and we dont become a nostalgice old folks club. nice vid of people enjoying them selves. would i have joined in, possibly in the right atmosphere and a few bevvies yes. there is a place for everything and if thats what some want then go for it, and if not piss off somewhere else, OTHER PLACES EXIST. lifes not a trial run..........ENJOY IT. I once played the instrumental to "walking" bobby gentry ( bobby paris) and a whole crowd at the back sang it right thru . it created a great atmosphere and a one off is good. every week..nahhhhhh some need a good injection of newies so all you upfronters keep chucking em in eventually they do drift down. johnny praye, reatha reese, werent wigan choons. and as for wigan, i was always under the impression EVERYONE went LOL.

[SallieJane]

This seems to be getting really off track....but the key thing is northern soul is all about passion...and a love for the music. As someone who went to Wigan at the tender age of 15...it is in my blood. But when you get older you don't want to listen to the same old tunes. After all Wigan was great at "breaking" new tunes....till it turned to the pop charts!!!! I love the scene....but need to hear new tunes...that's the whole ethos of northern. I love the scene with passion but hate to see it diluted and distilled into handbag sized chunks for the masses.

[Guest]

Karen you're not making sense, at least not to me, are you saying that you didn't have to love soul initially to get into the soul scene?

Some get taken along and find they like it and become part of the scene; others get taken along and don't like and don't become part of the scene. It's not rocket science Win

[Chalky]

Some get taken along and find they like it and become part of the scene; others get taken along and don't like and don't become part of the scene. It's not rocket science Win

True, I know reluctant partners dragged along to a soul night who now love the music and everything that goes with it. They don't take it all as serious as some and just have a good night out.

[Guest]

How rude and patronising.

Again, it's not my cup of tea but KUDOS to them ALL! We're a long time dead.

Ahem....If you go back and read things slowly instead of jumping in with glee, you will see quite clearly that it was KEV who used the word 'fools' first in response to what he expected as responses...Therefore I am referring to myself and others who do not like his promotions and style of operation as 'shameless fools'...The 'dance' bit was metaphorical meaning when he questioned my appetite to respond, I was ready to 'dance' with him over it and so are other shameless 'fools' as he calls them....It's called irony KAREN but in your haste to jump on on the shirt tails of anybody who is having a debate with me, you have completely misinterpreted the point and assumed it was aimed at other people...

We are indeed a long time dead so how about kicking the chip off that shoulder now, or are you just going to 'Carry On' playing to the gallery?

[Guest gordon russell]

For the record, the last song played at the Tower Weekender was Somebody Sonewhere Needs You- Darrell Banks played by my co promoter Richard Searling. Just in case anyone really thinks the 'Hokey Cokey' was spun.

That of course, was all part of the topic starters intention to de-rail.

Looking forward to seeing lots of you at Stoke on Saturday. The Windsor Suite has a pretty good selection of underplayed gems so check it out.

Over and Out x

Oh!!......thats alright then, phew!!......the okey cokey to darrell banks...perfectly ok say no more.... ...bet your arms ache pushing that wheel barrow

[Pete S]

Karen you're not making sense, at least not to me, are you saying that you didn't have to love soul initially to get into the soul scene?

That's absolutely right Win, round here practically everyone was suddenly into Northern Soul in 1975...most didn't stay with it, they moved onto whatever came next

[Guest]

I never realised people got into the soul scene cos it was ''cool'', makes it sound like it was a fad?

You're missing the central point mate...

The way KEV constantly re-markets and repackages that same few years is EXACTLY what makes Northern Soul look like it was a 'fad'....

That's what 'revivalism' does, portrays an image of a scene or a music as if it was limited to a short period in time....Something that came and went and now has to be re-packaged with every cliche and the same old records...It's a false picture of the Soul scene as you and everybody else on here knows and as RUSS eloquently pointed out, it is done for money...

As for the 'cool' element, trying to deny that that aspect was not important in the original Mod roots of the Soul scene would be very strange....It does not mean that is what is important to people now after thirty years but even in the 70s, it would again be unrealistic to say people did not feel like part of an 'in-crowd' just by the very underground nature of the scene...The reaction back then to the commercialisation clearly indicated that and it still does now to a degree....It's almost like two different entities mate, the music and then 'the scene' itself with the record collecting, the dancing, the drugs, the travelling to places other people knew nothing about - all those exclusitivity aspects can surely be fairly described as an element of 'cool'...And they, along with the music most certainly helped attract a lot of people into all this in the first place...Not many of us knew the Motown catalogue at the age of 14/15 did we, to be fair?....

[KevH]

"Somebody,somewhere" ??..would have thought that was too quick for an okeh cokey.

"Open the door.." - DB....now you're talking.

Cool Kev.

Edited November 29, 2011 by KevH

[Harry Crosby]

Give over ffs, fancy dress, okey cokey, conga, 'surfing' on tables to Hawaii 5-0, DJ dancing statue comps, all been done many times at 'respected' events,

Seeing it on the tube makes it cringeworthy, get over it

'surfing' on tables to Hawaii 5-0,.............................Now that brings back some memories

[Guest]

That's absolutely right Win, round here practically everyone was suddenly into Northern Soul in 1975...most didn't stay with it, they moved onto whatever came next

It was not just 'round there' PETE, it was all over the frigging country but all teenagers want to be cool and Northern Soul did very much appear to be cool in 1975...Some people got into it just for that and they tended not to stay long, others got into it and discovered a passion for the music but if we are being honest, what came first? I liked Motown and chart Soul when I first heard about Northern but my knowledge of the rarer music only started growing after I had been to Wigan as was the case for many people who were 14/15 in 1974/75...Of course it was completely different for the older Torch and Wheel generation but it would have been bloody amazing if the teenagers who had arrived at Wigan all already had encyclopedic knowledge of rare soul music wouldn't it?...I remember seeing one of the bloody documentaries in recent years and they had that black geezer on there who was a really great spinner and when they interviewed him, he said it was really cool but when they asked him to remember his favourite Northern records he could not recall a single one....

[KevH]

'surfing' on tables to Hawaii 5-0,.............................Now that brings back some memories

"Mule train" banging a beer tray on ya head.(Thats me.Bob Blackman and the soul scene at the moment).

Edited November 29, 2011 by KevH

[Winnie :-)]

You're missing the central point mate...

The way KEV constantly re-markets and repackages that same few years is EXACTLY what makes Northern Soul look like it was a 'fad'....

That's what 'revivalism' does, portrays an image of a scene or a music as if it was limited to a short period in time....Something that came and went and now has to be re-packaged with every cliche and the same old records...It's a false picture of the Soul scene as you and everybody else on here knows and as RUSS eloquently pointed out, it is done for money...

As for the 'cool' element, trying to deny that that aspect was not important in the original Mod roots of the Soul scene would be very strange....It does not mean that is what is important to people now after thirty years but even in the 70s, it would again be unrealistic to say people did not feel like part of an 'in-crowd' just by the very underground nature of the scene...The reaction back then to the commercialisation clearly indicated that and it still does now to a degree....It's almost like two different entities mate, the music and then 'the scene' itself with the record collecting, the dancing, the drugs, the travelling to places other people knew nothing about - all those exclusitivity aspects can surely be fairly described as an element of 'cool'...And they, along with the music most certainly helped attract a lot of people into all this in the first place...Not many of us knew the Motown catalogue at the age of 14/15 did we, to be fair?....

Rich, I don't think I did miss the central point, the 'coolness' is totally irrelevant, without a love for soul music, it would indeed be just a fad, which as Pete has pointed out happened with a lot of people from 75, they dipped in, had a jig about and then left to become punks or whatever else was fashionable at the time. Kev's promotions do indeed focus on a very specific period of time for the majority, but that's what those people want, personally I can't see anything wrong with that. Kev has also involved some of the progressive DJ's in his promotions, Andy D, Butch, etc there's also a modern room at Stoke, well there was last time I went, so to to me the ethic of the scene is being followed to some extent. I was a regular at most of the weekenders, at some point there's normally a party type night, why just pick on Blackpool, doesn't make sense.

A lot of the posts have been critical because it's being perceived that Kev and Richard (for example) are only involved with the soul scene to make money, personally I don't accept that, because I would have to come to the conclusion that they don't enjoy soul music in some way shape or form, and that's a presumption I'm not prepared to make.

[Barry]

WHHHOOOSH!! Now that thread was a ride :0)

[Guest BAKUNIN]

The reason I chose, at 16 not to don a leather jacket with studs in it and listen to Status Quo but rather wore Lee Riders and a Harrington was for the same reason I would not do the Okey Cokey at a soul night........would not do it for me.

I must be a miserable old sod.................perhaps I ought to loosen up...

.F...it! let it all go...

anything goes nowadays every where you look so when in Rome and all that..

But I must say i would "feel" a bit of a div

Then again as one person mentioned quite rightly on here would you rather have a punch up or a knees up?

No brainer that one but does go some way to explaining the problem (if thats what it is) in that back then there was a more obvious demarcation between the different groups ,more of an identity and unfortunately therefore more of a chance of shall we say unrest as each faction sought to identify itself.

I think the years between youth and middle age with all the consequent responsibilities ups and downs etc etc probably have seen people mellow in all aspects and seek out their priorities as they age which are... as much fun as possible for as long as possible and in any way you can get it and stuff the etiquette and unwritten rules of the soul scene.

Thats ok I suppose......?

ATB

ROB

[Guest Matt Male]

It seems to me that like most things in life people take from the scene what they want. If it's a night of rare soul, chat about records, dark room and like-minded company, fair enough. If it's oldies, booze and the okey cockey, that's ok too I suppose. There are different people enjoying it for different reasons. When I was a teenager it was the coolest thing (at least to us) and we were a breed apart, but there were plenty of people even then who were into it for the laugh and the drugs and the social aspects. I think a lot of people who were into it a bit at school or youth clubs and maybe went Wigan a few times are now coming back with no kids, mortgages etc... to worry about; and the scene from their youth is still there and they can go out and have a good time and not just sit in the social club all evening listening to kareoke.

It is two scenes (maybe even three) some parts of which never meet.I didn't go to Blackpool or go to any other weekenders because it's just not my thing. I don't expect we'll see many of the people doing the hokey cokey in the video in the ToD room at Gloucester in a couple of weeks. I doubt any of us will be worrying then, when we are consumed by the best quality rare soul, that somewhere someone might be hokey cokeying to Darrell Banks. I won't.

[Paul-s]

'surfing' on tables to Hawaii 5-0,.............................Now that brings back some memorys

Dancing on banana skins with my drink to 'Manys The Slip Twixt The Cup & The Lip' , a bit of partner work with 'Pick Me Up & Put Me In Your Pocket', wet tshirt comp to 'Its All Over Me', the conga to 'Come On Train' AND you could push it further, in fact, push the envelope (of whats possible) with 'Send Him Back'.

[Harry Crosby]

'surfing' on tables to Hawaii 5-0,.............................Now that brings back some memorys

Dancing on banana skins with my drink to 'Manys The Slip Twixt The Cup & The Lip' , a bit of partner work with 'Pick Me Up & Put Me In Your Pocket', wet tshirt comp to 'Its All Over Me', the conga to 'Come On Train' AND you could push it further, in fact, push the envelope (of whats possible) with 'Send Him Back'.

Just memories of Pete Lawson, flooding back, thats all

[Guest Bearsy]

I know people that are so called in the scene cos they think its cool to be able to say "im into Northern Soul" yeah they enjoy the music but they aint bothered with any part of the scene accept on the night they go out, it can sometime be a great conversation topic for them, i just bore the arse of non soulies on purpose when they say "i like northern" the best moment is when the penny finally drops that they wish they never mentioned it to me i said it before and i will keep saying it, a lot of my non soulie friends have this picture that everyone in the soul scene is a 70s throw back in fancy dress dancing to the same 50 tunes all the time, they either pulling my leg cos they know it winds me up or as i belive they really do think that, nostalgia not a bad thing, having fun not a bad thing but ffs some of the sights i see just leave me gobsmacked and yet i keep saying to myself that we all have a different way of having the craic but then there has to be a cut off point somewhere and for me that is going where i know the music, venue and people suit what im about, it s a love its a passion for some a way of earning living but above all its there to be enjoyed by us all and for me this youtube clip has only cemented even more where i will nail my colours, the non commercial mast of Soul

[Pete Coulson]

Oh!!......thats alright then, phew!!......the okey cokey to darrell banks...perfectly ok say no more.... ...bet your arms ache pushing that wheel barrow

[Daved]

I don't know why some people are so deluded that they still think that the scene is still cool. Yes, it used to be but it hasn't been for quite a long time now (and it's not Kev Robert's fault - he's just catering to those who aren't worried about coolness, just having a nostalgic night out). The music is over 50 years old, a lot of the punters are of the same age, technology has moved on, vinyl is a thing of the past, very few new plays and those that do make it are often derided for not being proper northern. Anyone trying to save the credibility of the scene is wasting their time. Time is passing is us by. Just enjoy whatever way you prefer to enjoy it.

Edited November 29, 2011 by daved

[Mark Bicknell]

I don't know why some people are so deluded that they still think that the scene is still cool. Yes, it used to be but it hasn't been for quite a long time now (and it's not Kev Robert's fault - he's just catering to those who aren't worried about cooness just having a nostalgic night out). The music is over 50 years old, a lot of the punters are of the same age, technology has moved on, vinyl is a thing of the past, very few new plays and those that do make it are often derided for not being proper northern. Anyone trying to save the credibility of the scene is wasting their time. Time is passing is us by. Just enjoy whatever way you prefer to enjoy it.

Here, here.

[Pete Coulson]

If Billy Smart did Northern this would be it

[Chalky]

Rich, I don't think I did miss the central point, the 'coolness' is totally irrelevant, without a love for soul music, it would indeed be just a fad, which as Pete has pointed out happened with a lot of people from 75, they dipped in, had a jig about and then left to become punks or whatever else was fashionable at the time. Kev's promotions do indeed focus on a very specific period of time for the majority, but that's what those people want, personally I can't see anything wrong with that. Kev has also involved some of the progressive DJ's in his promotions, Andy D, Butch, etc there's also a modern room at Stoke, well there was last time I went, so to to me the ethic of the scene is being followed to some extent. I was a regular at most of the weekenders, at some point there's normally a party type night, why just pick on Blackpool, doesn't make sense.

A lot of the posts have been critical because it's being perceived that Kev and Richard (for example) are only involved with the soul scene to make money, personally I don't accept that, because I would have to come to the conclusion that they don't enjoy soul music in some way shape or form, and that's a presumption I'm not prepared to make.

The second room at Stoke is now a "progressive" night run by Sam I think. Stoke is a fantastic night out if you want a night full of oldies, pity you can't get that atmosphere everywhere.

[Goldsoul]

Chalky.....Bang on.

I wonder how meladdo will answer? Don't tell me.......with a 5,000 word essay no doubt!

[Haydn]

Well, I certainly didn't expect this backlash when doing Northern Souls "TV Burp".

Like a few members on here, I was just surprised to see it so far removed from the scene as I know it. (my opinion)

The dub was only reflection of how it looked to me, and am sure it wouldn't have been long before somebody else did it.

We got allsorts of videos of non-artists dancing and dubbed onto soul tracks for a laugh, but this hit a nerve, maybe because it showed a bit closer to home and involved soulies(?)

I have never tried to pinpoint anybody to specific blame, in most instances we are all to blame. One minute we want more people on the scene and the next we are complaining because they come in their droves. Any etiquette is forgotten, drinks and whatever else before the music, violence and sliding on the floor like a kid at a wedding.

I find it disgusting that some folks try and look to blame one person, as if that person ripped the heart out of it all, we need to take a good hard look at how we ALL behave.

There is many a time when I have been out in a social gathering, weddings, birthdays etc.

There will be a DJ with his hard drive, somebody mentions "ooooh! put some Northern Soul on for they guys", a token gesture to let us enjoy ourselves too, thank you!

The DJ then plucks a tune that he knows hee-haw about, and relatives and friends expect us to dance like a dog looking for a biscuit. "Show me how you dance to Northern Soul", am sure some have been there, it's not amusing. Cringeworthy at best, and it's this kind of attitude from public that has crept onto the bandwagon also. As if it is some kind of side-show.

There are a lot of folks on the scene that do it their way and it is appreciated by many, horses for courses. This thread has shown that many people still retain a passion for whatever they get out of any side of the scene, long may it continue. There are plenty of places to choose from, it is your money and time, do as you please.

But don't forget to laugh at life, cos it laughs at us all!

H

[Geeselad]

I certainly didnt want to direct my comments at one specific person, there are any number of culprits. many of the oldies crowd have pointed out this is just some folks having a laugh at ther end of the night, however to many passionate about the scene the debate instantly recalls other such mute points, remember the Prestatyn golly anyone?

Its simply the thin end of the wedge and metaphorical for the commercial debasement of out passion. For the second time I'm sorry if I caused any personal offence, there are certainly more than one person making a living off northern soul. No there's nowt wrong in that but the type of issues and poor judgements on the part of promoters are of concern to us few who take it too bleeding sreiously!

Edited November 29, 2011 by geeselad

[Guest Marky Tee]

As some people have pointed out I have contributed manifold on this topic,liked or disliked posts, but hey ho. Last night I had the misfortune to see a commercial for the new Olly Murs CD. That made me realise that all the posters on SS, those on, or those floating in and out of the scene really have nothing to get upset about. We should all get down on our knees and thank the lord, the great architect (or whoever your faith is placed in) that we don't have to listen to this drivel. Regardless of our soul music tastes we are damn lucky to have had a lifetime of real music and not the manufactured pap we see today. Cant see Olly's fans getting heated in 35 years time.

[Guest]

. Cant see Olly's fans getting heated in 35 years time.

unless they get cremated

atb moldie

[Guest Marky Tee]

unless they get cremated

atb moldie

That just crossed my mind too lol

[Guest]

Rich, I don't think I did miss the central point, the 'coolness' is totally irrelevant, without a love for soul music, it would indeed be just a fad, which as Pete has pointed out happened with a lot of people from 75, they dipped in, had a jig about and then left to become punks or whatever else was fashionable at the time. Kev's promotions do indeed focus on a very specific period of time for the majority, but that's what those people want, personally I can't see anything wrong with that. Kev has also involved some of the progressive DJ's in his promotions, Andy D, Butch, etc there's also a modern room at Stoke, well there was last time I went, so to to me the ethic of the scene is being followed to some extent. I was a regular at most of the weekenders, at some point there's normally a party type night, why just pick on Blackpool, doesn't make sense.

A lot of the posts have been critical because it's being perceived that Kev and Richard (for example) are only involved with the soul scene to make money, personally I don't accept that, because I would have to come to the conclusion that they don't enjoy soul music in some way shape or form, and that's a presumption I'm not prepared to make.

RICH CHORLEY SAID:

'It does not mean that is what is important to people now after thirty years but even in the 70s, it would again be unrealistic to say people did not feel like part of an 'in-crowd' just by the very underground nature of the scene...The reaction back then to the commercialisation clearly indicated that and it still does now to a degree...'

WINNIE, i was 14 when I went to Wigan, I did not really have the foggiest idea what Northern Soul i.e the music was REALLY about, the odd record, watching some older guys dance like a lot of people, an affection for Tamla Motown yes, but don't tell me the pure excitement of the scene was not a big part in dragging a lot of people in because it was...That elicit thrill of being up all night, somewhere hundreds of miles from your parents, going into school half dead on a Monday and nobody else in the entire school knowing what you were on about, reading 'Blues and Soul' avidly in the school library and realising you were the only person out of 1,000 kids who knew what any of it was about felt pretty damned cool for a 14 year old from Southampton, that's for sure, especially when all your mates were waxing lyrical about SLADE and DAVID BOWIE - where was their equally exciting destination to celebrate that musical affiliation? Round the back of the flats with 10 NO.6, that's where...I am not saying everbody's experience was the same, of course it was not but there were a fair few wide eyed teenagers at Wigan who were seduced by the unique atmosphere and culture of the scene long before they could quote lists of rare records mate, surely you accept that? Luckily I did find I had an instinctive love for the music - related directly to that earlier youth club affection for Motown I am sure and that is why I am still here as - we all are - all these years later....

[Guest]

Chalky.....Bang on.

I wonder how meladdo will answer? Don't tell me.......with a 5,000 word essay no doubt!

No SMASHY, i've said all that needed to be said seriously....And you know it's all true too, so hide behind all the one liners you want....

[Goldsoul]

Dear Clueless in Seattle-Next time you want a Soul quiz let me know. I can't give you 45 start to 50 but I'll work with 40.

And for the record, let's hear your Northern Soul achievements in 50 words or less.

Somehow, a tough call.

In the meantime, your partner is waiting for the usual 5,000 word sermon before bedtime!

[Ernie Andrews]

Well, I certainly didn't expect this backlash when doing Northern Souls "TV Burp".

Like a few members on here, I was just surprised to see it so far removed from the scene as I know it. (my opinion)

The dub was only reflection of how it looked to me, and am sure it wouldn't have been long before somebody else did it.

We got allsorts of videos of non-artists dancing and dubbed onto soul tracks for a laugh, but this hit a nerve, maybe because it showed a bit closer to home and involved soulies(?)

I have never tried to pinpoint anybody to specific blame, in most instances we are all to blame. One minute we want more people on the scene and the next we are complaining because they come in their droves. Any etiquette is forgotten, drinks and whatever else before the music, violence and sliding on the floor like a kid at a wedding.

I find it disgusting that some folks try and look to blame one person, as if that person ripped the heart out of it all, we need to take a good hard look at how we ALL behave.

There is many a time when I have been out in a social gathering, weddings, birthdays etc.

There will be a DJ with his hard drive, somebody mentions "ooooh! put some Northern Soul on for they guys", a token gesture to let us enjoy ourselves too, thank you!

The DJ then plucks a tune that he knows hee-haw about, and relatives and friends expect us to dance like a dog looking for a biscuit. "Show me how you dance to Northern Soul", am sure some have been there, it's not amusing. Cringeworthy at best, and it's this kind of attitude from public that has crept onto the bandwagon also. As if it is some kind of side-show.

There are a lot of folks on the scene that do it their way and it is appreciated by many, horses for courses. This thread has shown that many people still retain a passion for whatever they get out of any side of the scene, long may it continue. There are plenty of places to choose from, it is your money and time, do as you please.

But don't forget to laugh at life, cos it laughs at us all!

H

WEll I thought it was Funny as F**K- the only problem is anyone having a go at Blackpool gets me narked seeing as I grew up there for a period of my early years in life and still have friends there and I tend to spend most weekends there as well at the moment interspersed with jaunts down the 55 to manchester to see family.

If their is any criticism Haydn the music didnt match the dancing ! Hope your well!

[Haydn]

Hokeygate and Blackpool was just a victim of circumstance, I have seen elsewhere and more cringeworthy shennanigans. If you look on Youtube, it is all there for folks to see. Nothing is hidden or sacred nowadays

Every so often folks will let off steam about likes and dislikes, this has just been another chapter in the book.

Everybody will survive and the music in all factors will remain.

I have had emails/pm from both parties concerning likes and dislikes, they are all valid imo but it doesn't justify wanting to give someone a

bleachin' just because they don't agree.

H

[Ernie Andrews]

Hokeygate and Blackpool was just a victim of circumstance, I have seen elsewhere and more cringeworthy shennanigans. If you look on Youtube, it is all there for folks to see. Nothing is hidden or sacred nowadays

Every so often folks will let off steam about likes and dislikes, this has just been another chapter in the book.

Everybody will survive and the music in all factors will remain.

I have had emails/pm from both parties concerning likes and dislikes, they are all valid imo but it doesn't justify wanting to give someone a

bleachin' just because they don't agree.

H

Anyone who resorts to threats has lost the plot IMO

[Dr Good Soul]

I don't know why some people are so deluded that they still think that the scene is still cool. Yes, it used to be but it hasn't been for quite a long time now (and it's not Kev Robert's fault - he's just catering to those who aren't worried about coolness, just having a nostalgic night out). The music is over 50 years old, a lot of the punters are of the same age, technology has moved on, vinyl is a thing of the past, very few new plays and those that do make it are often derided for not being proper northern. Anyone trying to save the credibility of the scene is wasting their time. Time is passing is us by. Just enjoy whatever way you prefer to enjoy it.

Well i still think it's cool,Depends where you choose to go

I suppose

Steve

[Winnie :-)]

RICH CHORLEY SAID:

'It does not mean that is what is important to people now after thirty years but even in the 70s, it would again be unrealistic to say people did not feel like part of an 'in-crowd' just by the very underground nature of the scene...The reaction back then to the commercialisation clearly indicated that and it still does now to a degree...'

WINNIE, i was 14 when I went to Wigan, I did not really have the foggiest idea what Northern Soul i.e the music was REALLY about, the odd record, watching some older guys dance like a lot of people, an affection for Tamla Motown yes, but don't tell me the pure excitement of the scene was not a big part in dragging a lot of people in because it was...That elicit thrill of being up all night, somewhere hundreds of miles from your parents, going into school half dead on a Monday and nobody else in the entire school knowing what you were on about, reading 'Blues and Soul' avidly in the school library and realising you were the only person out of 1,000 kids who knew what any of it was about felt pretty damned cool for a 14 year old from Southampton, that's for sure, especially when all your mates were waxing lyrical about SLADE and DAVID BOWIE - where was their equally exciting destination to celebrate that musical affiliation? Round the back of the flats with 10 NO.6, that's where...I am not saying everbody's experience was the same, of course it was not but there were a fair few wide eyed teenagers at Wigan who were seduced by the unique atmosphere and culture of the scene long before they could quote lists of rare records mate, surely you accept that? Luckily I did find I had an instinctive love for the music - related directly to that earlier youth club affection for Motown I am sure and that is why I am still here as - we all are - all these years later....

Rich I accept that there is was an element of 'coolness' purely because we were doing something else, but that soon went and was replaced with a genuine love of soul music, which I thought then and think now is the far more important factor. I started like most others listening to motown, and enjoying that particular style of music, the vocals, the arrangements, the lyrics all of them moved me. Went to the nags head in Wollaston (northants) in late 73 and was introduced to northern. I didn't know it was going to go massive, I just knew I liked the music and I liked the style of dancing. I don't remember thinking to myself 'wow I'm cool' and I don't remember thinking I should keep it to myself, I'd talk about it to anybody glorying in the music, rather than the fact I'd found an underground scene. I didn't and don't class people as divs if they didn't like the same music as me, just thought of them as ill informed and got on with enjoying what I liked. I don't think that's ever changed mate, and I doubt it ever will

[Guest]

Rich I accept that there is was an element of 'coolness' purely because we were doing something else, but that soon went and was replaced with a genuine love of soul music, which I thought then and think now is the far more important factor. I started like most others listening to motown, and enjoying that particular style of music, the vocals, the arrangements, the lyrics all of them moved me. Went to the nags head in Wollaston (northants) in late 73 and was introduced to northern. I didn't know it was going to go massive, I just knew I liked the music and I liked the style of dancing. I don't remember thinking to myself 'wow I'm cool' and I don't remember thinking I should keep it to myself, I'd talk about it to anybody glorying in the music, rather than the fact I'd found an underground scene. I didn't and don't class people as divs if they didn't like the same music as me, just thought of them as ill informed and got on with enjoying what I liked. I don't think that's ever changed mate, and I doubt it ever will

That's all I was saying mate, of course the love of the music was the important thing as regards longevity but impressionable teenagers are impressionable teenagers and the NS scene was a pretty cool place to be in the 70s...I did not keep it to myself either but everybody I am sure has enjoyed the feeling of elitism at some stage and it was part and parcel of things back then...Maybe you are different but I know we used to feel special when we were going off and our mates were just staying behind for a boozy night of boogie and beer and I am sure lots of other people did too...In the end of course, you can have the music without the scene, my decks are set up at home in the same way as countless other people's are on here...But personally I do not believe that you have to accept shoddiness, bad taste, crass marketing and ultra-commercialism simply because you are in your 50s or 60s...Which is why we are lucky we have a choice and long may that not change either mate...

[Guest]

Dear Clueless in Seattle-Next time you want a Soul quiz let me know. I can't give you 45 start to 50 but I'll work with 40.

And for the record, let's hear your Northern Soul achievements in 50 words or less.

Somehow, a tough call.

In the meantime, your partner is waiting for the usual 5,000 word sermon before bedtime!

I think most people will agree that no matter how much we differ, you commenting on my partner and what she can expect is well out of order but then obviously you are very annoyed behind the cocky comments...I wont descend to that level...A soul quiz and Northern Soul achievements? Do me a favour! Can you not see how juvenile that sounds? What because somebody criticises your product and your marketing you respond to that? Best you go and work on your next eulogy for 'The Snake' if that's all you can offer...