The Right To Reply

[SallieJane]

Really pissing me off.....so much slagging off...that's why I've kept quiet....but at the end of the day it's all down to personal choice.

For me only one way.....underplayed/rare.....but OVO. The rest is history !!!

Edited June 29, 2012 by SallieJane

[Chalky]

First four quotes are from you Chalky, so I don't see how Kev's is very much different? Pretentious nonsense is how I'd describe the thread, I note that once again, there are very few real oldies fans taking part, could be they may feel out of their depth, but most likely they're out enjoying themselves to music they like.

Winnie

The difference being I wasn't saying bury the topic or telling anyone not to have debate or discussion, I also mentioned the off topic. The debate back then was going nowhere, there was no debate. Since then there has been some decent posts and opinions given by members from across the scene.

It does now seem to be going off topic again and people dragging the topic down by saying what they think of the topic rather than contribute, bit like your post. So rather than stir things up and drag it down why not contribute something positive? Failing that as I said leave the topic to those that do wish to debate and contribute.

Other off topic posts have been removed.

[Winnie :-)]

Really pissing me off.....so much slagging off...that's why I've kept quiet....but at the end of the day it's all down to personal choice.

For me only one way.....underplayed/ new.....but OVO. The rest is history !!!

And it answers the other burning question, why the lack of playlists, which DJs in their right mind is going to put one up, only to have it shot to pieces by the Justified and Ancient

[Steve G]

For me only one way.....underplayed/ new.....but OVO. The rest is history !!!

Think I owe Steve G an apology...Sorry Steve, I think I should leave this thread as I'm obviously getting mixed up with who's been saying what ?? Hardly surprising really with so many different views, slaggings & a general mish-mash of unreasonable statements as well as many very good ones too, of course. I think it's done my head in a bit lol...anyway mite see you around sometime, you never know ??

My last comment I think !!!

Kind regards

Rod

Thanks Rod, yes I am sure you will. Hopefully at the next Lifeline?

[Chalky]

And it answers the other burning question, why the lack of playlists, which DJs in their right mind is going to put one up, only to have it shot to pieces by the Justified and Ancient

There you go again Win, who are the justified and ancient? If you put something up for scrutiny, seeking opinions you cannot expect everything to be positive, people have different views and opinions.

If the playlist had been in the playlist forum I doubt it would have generated much response but it wasn't it was put up here for scrutiny and opinion, there is a difference.

Leaving the playlist (a good playlist btw and one I'd be happy to hear at a venue) aside I can only applaud Rod and Sallie for what they are doing and for what they believe in. Unfortunately I don't have the time with work and home to travel so far these days but saying that they should really be getting better support from the South.

[Winnie :-)]

The difference being I wasn't saying bury the topic or telling anyone not to have debate or discussion, I also mentioned the off topic. The debate back then was going nowhere, there was no debate. Since then there has been some decent posts and opinions given by members from across the scene.

It does now seem to be going off topic again and people dragging the topic down by saying what they think of the topic rather than contribute, bit like your post. So rather than stir things up and drag it down why not contribute something positive? Failing that as I said leave the topic to those that do wish to debate and contribute.

Other off topic posts have been removed.

May have escaped your notice, but I did say, as usual no input from oldies fans, as it's them that are coming in for the biggest roasting (as usual) I think that's relevant. Some of us on soul source might think the site gets dragged down by topics like this, with their obvious bias, but clearly that doesn't matter, we're just asked to leave the building. I'd best go now as it's ''big boy's playtime'' again.

[Chalky]

May have escaped your notice, but I did say, as usual no input from oldies fans, as it's them that are coming in for the biggest roasting (as usual) I think that's relevant. Some of us on soul source might think the site gets dragged down by topics like this, with their obvious bias, but clearly that doesn't matter, we're just asked to leave the building. I'd best go now as it's ''big boy's playtime'' again.

Why is there a bias? It is because others choose not to get involved and that isn't the fault of those who are getting involved.

I would think most who have participated love the oldies just as much as newer stuff but choose not to listen to somethg they have heard for 25,30 or 40 years every weekend.

Can we drop the "big boys" rubbish, it is getting tiresome. If you don't want to get involved then fine, just leave it at that.

[Steve G]

Winnie, why would the crowd that just go for a fun night out with their mates on a saturday night or to big weekenders listening to the Salvadors, Mel Britt etc bother to get involved in a thread like this? Their scene continues unabated and they have a choice of another 50 venues to go to tomorrow. I don't understand why you would think they would want to get involved, nothing is wrong with the scene for them is it?

Edited June 29, 2012 by Steve G

[Chalky]

I would think most of those who attend oldies nights where they listen to what they have listened to for most of heir social life aren't bothered so much about the music like those who do give an opinion. It is more a social affair for them with music they like as a back drop.

Some wish to progress and hear music they haven't heard before be that 60's, 70's or modern.

[Winnie :-)]

There you go again Win, who are the justified and ancient? If you put something up for scrutiny, seeking opinions you cannot expect everything to be positive, people have different views and opinions.

If the playlist had been in the playlist forum I doubt it would have generated much response but it wasn't it was put up here for scrutiny and opinion, there is a difference.

Leaving the playlist aside I can only applaud Rod and Sallie for what they are doing and for what they believe in. Unfortunately I don't have the time with work and home to travel so far these days but saying that they should really be getting better support from the South.

You've just told me to contribute something positive or leave the thread, now you're telling me it's ok for others to not be positive? Ok, I'll give you an example of what I mean, Rod put up a list of records played at his venue under the banner of underplayed and cutting edge, only for it to get torn apart as exactly not that. My level of knowledge about the music isn't the same as for example yours, or Steve Gs, so you both may have known every record mentioned, but I didn't. So if I read those comments, I could conclude, that venue wouldn't be what I'm looking for, if I was looking for something a bit different. I'm not saying that would be the case, I like to make my own mind up by being there, and judging for myself, but that might not be the same for everybody.

[Winnie :-)]

Winnie, why would the crowd that just go for a fun night out with their mates on a saturday night or to big weekenders listening to the Salvadors, Mel Britt etc bother to get involved in a thread like this? Their scene continues unabated and they have a choice of another 50 venues to go to tomorrow. I don't understand why you would think they would want to get involved, nothing is wrong with the scene for them is it?

Yeah why would they, it's only a discussion forum, I'll leave you to it

[Steve G]

I could conclude, that venue wouldn't be what I'm looking for, if I was looking for something a bit different. I'm not saying that would be the case, I like to make my own mind up by being there, and judging for myself, but that might not be the same for everybody.

Oh come off it Winnie. People make their own minds up whether to go somewhere. If you are looking for underplayed / unknown and you don't know the records on a list, or like the djs appearing it's gonna fit the bill for you. A quick 10 mins on youtube if you are not sure on the tunes....

So your logic is no one is allowed to make comments on anything in case a casual observer gets the wrong end of the stick? Nonsense, we're all adults, you can post better than that m8.

Edited June 29, 2012 by Steve G

[Jumpinjoan]

You've just told me to contribute something positive or leave the thread, now you're telling me it's ok for others to not be positive? Ok, I'll give you an example of what I mean, Rod put up a list of records played at his venue under the banner of underplayed and cutting edge, only for it to get torn apart as exactly not that. My level of knowledge about the music isn't the same as for example yours, or Steve Gs, so you both may have known every record mentioned, but I didn't. So if I read those comments, I could conclude, that venue wouldn't be what I'm looking for, if I was looking for something a bit different. I'm not saying that would be the case, I like to make my own mind up by being there, and judging for myself, but that might not be the same for everybody.

Exactly why one man's upfront is another man's y-front

I didn't know every record on the list either but I knew a fair few and hand on heart there were some on there I didn't care for. That wouldn't stop me going to a venue though, I am but one in a room full so certainly don't expect the music to be tailored to suit my taste. The 'funky edge' is not for me though (generally speaking), on the whole it's just not good enough (for me).

I will keep listening though, a good record is a good record regardless of when it was made or what pigeon hole it comes from.

[Chalky]

By positive I mean a valid contribution, but I tink you know that.

Steve's was one opinion, I can't understand why you would conclude that the venue might not be for you from Steve's comment? Surely your decision would be based upon the fact you didn't know the records and if unknowns are what you want then it is the venue for you. If it was oldies you wanted then the venue wouldn't be for you?

Yes the records are known to some, not so to others, they may or may not be cutting edge but the promotion is a damn sight different to the vast majority of venues, that is plain to see from the records listed. On that basis alone I would choose that venue personally over a venue with classic oldies. As Tim Smithers said it was just a small selection of what was played on the night. Tim said he played several cover ups and unknowns.

But at he end of the day a venue needs support regardless of the policy or the format. There is a large catchment area on the south coast and there should be room and support for a venue like this without having to reply on travellers.

[paultp]

I don't often venture on here anymore but I've just read all 9 pages of this thread and I wonder if anyone can tell me why?

I thought I'd join in with some of my own ramblings which have very little theme or context, at least they can't be considered off topic.

It has always seemed odd to me that sounds must always fit into a category; oldies, newies, modern etc. I never understood the difference between an oldie and a newie anyway. When people tried to explain they would tell me summat like "oldies were played first then newies but everyone likes oldies but some newies are really good and then become oldies" FFS!

Someone said somewhere in the thread that they were only playing northern, not r&B or latin. Dust My Broom anyone? Is that Northern or R&B? Is it an oldie? If so is it an oldie R&B? The only decent explanation of northern I have ever heard is music that has been played and accepted on the Northern scene. So that is anything really.

Is there a Northern Soul scene anymore? This thread would suggest there isn't; it seems that there are loads of people who want the scene to fit within their own definition of the northern scene and everyone else is wrong. It just looks like everyone is wrong.

Punters? I've never liked that term, it suggests that there is a majority of people who don't really matter as they just turn up and pay. Is there anyone on this forum who would describe themselves as a punter?

I think it is the use of terms like "punter" that sum up what has happened to the scene. People put nights on to attract these "punters" whoever they are and it is volume that is required in order to make a night a success. Presumably "success" means getting "punters" to hand over sufficient money for the promoter to at least break even but hopefully make a load of mooola. Music, format, whatever isn't top of the priority list here, it is getting "punters" in. This is why Russ Casino etc keep getting bookings. I don't want to be considered a punter so I haven't been out (to anything remotely northern soulish) in ages.

My last rant is about the reverence that some people seem to have for people who have spent a load of money on a record or records. There seems to be a trend of it being seen as admirable to have spent thousands on a record (often regardless of its quality), so people with plenty of money do just that in order to be admired. What a record costs doesn't matter, it is the quality that counts, unfortunately some quality records are expensive. I'd want to hear an interesting set of records that make me want to dance, I don't care what they cost. I admire people for finding and playing good records not for having the money to buy expensive ones. Does anyone actually go out to hear a set of records just because they know they are expensive?

Finally, thank you for not closing a thread before I've had chance to post.

[Ady Croasdell]

Maybe rename it "Ramblings" or as Paul Phillips has got that one "Pontifications"?

[barney]

I don't often venture on here anymore but I've just read all 9 pages of this thread and I wonder if anyone can tell me why?

I thought I'd join in with some of my own ramblings which have very little theme or context, at least they can't be considered off topic.

It has always seemed odd to me that sounds must always fit into a category; oldies, newies, modern etc. I never understood the difference between an oldie and a newie anyway. When people tried to explain they would tell me summat like "oldies were played first then newies but everyone likes oldies but some newies are really good and then become oldies" FFS!

Someone said somewhere in the thread that they were only playing northern, not r&B or latin. Dust My Broom anyone? Is that Northern or R&B? Is it an oldie? If so is it an oldie R&B? The only decent explanation of northern I have ever heard is music that has been played and accepted on the Northern scene. So that is anything really.

Is there a Northern Soul scene anymore? This thread would suggest there isn't; it seems that there are loads of people who want the scene to fit within their own definition of the northern scene and everyone else is wrong. It just looks like everyone is wrong.

Punters? I've never liked that term, it suggests that there is a majority of people who don't really matter as they just turn up and pay. Is there anyone on this forum who would describe themselves as a punter?

I think it is the use of terms like "punter" that sum up what has happened to the scene. People put nights on to attract these "punters" whoever they are and it is volume that is required in order to make a night a success. Presumably "success" means getting "punters" to hand over sufficient money for the promoter to at least break even but hopefully make a load of mooola. Music, format, whatever isn't top of the priority list here, it is getting "punters" in. This is why Russ Casino etc keep getting bookings. I don't want to be considered a punter so I haven't been out (to anything remotely northern soulish) in ages.

My last rant is about the reverence that some people seem to have for people who have spent a load of money on a record or records. There seems to be a trend of it being seen as admirable to have spent thousands on a record (often regardless of its quality), so people with plenty of money do just that in order to be admired. What a record costs doesn't matter, it is the quality that counts, unfortunately some quality records are expensive. I'd want to hear an interesting set of records that make me want to dance, I don't care what they cost. I admire people for finding and playing good records not for having the money to buy expensive ones. Does anyone actually go out to hear a set of records just because they know they are expensive?

Finally, thank you for not closing a thread before I've had chance to post.

would deffo describe myself as a punter, dont dj, dont promote ,dont own any vinyl , like to dance (tho not very good) and prefer oldies nights , listen to all types of music off my laptop and especially tracks mentioned on SS.

go out most w/ends usually friday and saturday nites, do the odd w/ender and SITS , done soultrain .like sunday sessions at the horse n groom doncaster,

off to Phoenix chesterfield friday and kingsway mansfield saturday both crackin mainly oldies nights and usually well attended,

dont do niters anymore , better things to do at w/ends than mope about zombie style or. lig in bed during the day .

think the OVO debate is nonsensical and it is about time people really moved on, the zealots will never be appeased.and the flat earth vinyl disc philatelists will liveth forevermore amen

[pikeys dog]

These two are showing what's 'upfront'!!

I've just sicked up a little bit of my breakfast.

Thanks for that.

[Steve G]

I don't often venture on here anymore but I've just read all 9 pages of this thread and I wonder if anyone can tell me why?

I thought I'd join in with some of my own ramblings which have very little theme or context, at least they can't be considered off topic.

It has always seemed odd to me that sounds must always fit into a category; oldies, newies, modern etc. I never understood the difference between an oldie and a newie anyway. When people tried to explain they would tell me summat like "oldies were played first then newies but everyone likes oldies but some newies are really good and then become oldies" FFS!

Someone said somewhere in the thread that they were only playing northern, not r&B or latin. Dust My Broom anyone? Is that Northern or R&B? Is it an oldie? If so is it an oldie R&B? The only decent explanation of northern I have ever heard is music that has been played and accepted on the Northern scene. So that is anything really.

Is there a Northern Soul scene anymore? This thread would suggest there isn't; it seems that there are loads of people who want the scene to fit within their own definition of the northern scene and everyone else is wrong. It just looks like everyone is wrong.

Punters? I've never liked that term, it suggests that there is a majority of people who don't really matter as they just turn up and pay. Is there anyone on this forum who would describe themselves as a punter?

I think it is the use of terms like "punter" that sum up what has happened to the scene. People put nights on to attract these "punters" whoever they are and it is volume that is required in order to make a night a success. Presumably "success" means getting "punters" to hand over sufficient money for the promoter to at least break even but hopefully make a load of mooola. Music, format, whatever isn't top of the priority list here, it is getting "punters" in. This is why Russ Casino etc keep getting bookings. I don't want to be considered a punter so I haven't been out (to anything remotely northern soulish) in ages.

My last rant is about the reverence that some people seem to have for people who have spent a load of money on a record or records. There seems to be a trend of it being seen as admirable to have spent thousands on a record (often regardless of its quality), so people with plenty of money do just that in order to be admired. What a record costs doesn't matter, it is the quality that counts, unfortunately some quality records are expensive. I'd want to hear an interesting set of records that make me want to dance, I don't care what they cost. I admire people for finding and playing good records not for having the money to buy expensive ones. Does anyone actually go out to hear a set of records just because they know they are expensive?

Paul,

Some good points here, and also some I don't agree with.

The northern scene always had an ethos of exclusivity. It was built on it and started at The Wheel with records like "Dust my Broom" and grew in the 70s via Torch, Mecca and Casino whether it was Winstanley with his exclusive instrumentals or Richard with his almost totally covered up playlist in the late 70s. This continued with Stafford where Keb & Guy's stuff was all covered up as well. Guy would "release" a few titles to uncovered status every couple of months via his column in Blackbeat.

The scene then shrank, picked up some mods along the way etc. until the late 90s when loads of people came back onto it (referred to as "scene returnees" etc.). That's when I think the original ethos was cast aside by many, who just wanted to relive their memories, and good luck to them.

So please don't carp on about rare / expensive records. Exclusivity and rare records along with dancing were always the backbone of the northern scene (not to say there aren't good cheap records as well). As a soul collector with many many thousands of records in many genres I can see that, and accept it for what it is.

The use of the term punters - you shouldn't get hung up on that Paul, it's just shorter than typing in "paying customers".

Edited June 29, 2012 by Steve G

[Guest rodw]

By positive I mean a valid contribution, but I tink you know that.

Steve's was one opinion, I can't understand why you would conclude that the venue might not be for you from Steve's comment? Surely your decision would be based upon the fact you didn't know the records and if unknowns are what you want then it is the venue for you. If it was oldies you wanted then the venue wouldn't be for you?

Yes the records are known to some, not so to others, they may or may not be cutting edge but the promotion is a damn sight different to the vast majority of venues, that is plain to see from the records listed. On that basis alone I would choose that venue personally over a venue with classic oldies. As Tim Smithers said it was just a small selection of what was played on the night. Tim said he played several cover ups and unknowns.

But at he end of the day a venue needs support regardless of the policy or the format. There is a large catchment area on the south coast and there should be room and support for a venue like this without having to reply on travellers.

After reading all the posts on this page, it would be interesting to hear more from some of those who have actually attended a Soul in the South Allnighter ie: regulars, locals, travellers, dj's etc tho.....even if only to get their take on the subject...only 5 maybe 6 including Russ have commented on this thread so far...as far as I'm aware ??

I did say I'd made my last comment last nite but I'm sure most of you can understand my interest.....

Thanks

Rod

[Mark Bicknell]

I don't often venture on here anymore but I've just read all 9 pages of this thread and I wonder if anyone can tell me why?

I thought I'd join in with some of my own ramblings which have very little theme or context, at least they can't be considered off topic.

It has always seemed odd to me that sounds must always fit into a category; oldies, newies, modern etc. I never understood the difference between an oldie and a newie anyway. When people tried to explain they would tell me summat like "oldies were played first then newies but everyone likes oldies but some newies are really good and then become oldies" FFS!

Someone said somewhere in the thread that they were only playing northern, not r&B or latin. Dust My Broom anyone? Is that Northern or R&B? Is it an oldie? If so is it an oldie R&B? The only decent explanation of northern I have ever heard is music that has been played and accepted on the Northern scene. So that is anything really.

Is there a Northern Soul scene anymore? This thread would suggest there isn't; it seems that there are loads of people who want the scene to fit within their own definition of the northern scene and everyone else is wrong. It just looks like everyone is wrong.

Punters? I've never liked that term, it suggests that there is a majority of people who don't really matter as they just turn up and pay. Is there anyone on this forum who would describe themselves as a punter?

I think it is the use of terms like "punter" that sum up what has happened to the scene. People put nights on to attract these "punters" whoever they are and it is volume that is required in order to make a night a success. Presumably "success" means getting "punters" to hand over sufficient money for the promoter to at least break even but hopefully make a load of mooola. Music, format, whatever isn't top of the priority list here, it is getting "punters" in. This is why Russ Casino etc keep getting bookings. I don't want to be considered a punter so I haven't been out (to anything remotely northern soulish) in ages.

My last rant is about the reverence that some people seem to have for people who have spent a load of money on a record or records. There seems to be a trend of it being seen as admirable to have spent thousands on a record (often regardless of its quality), so people with plenty of money do just that in order to be admired. What a record costs doesn't matter, it is the quality that counts, unfortunately some quality records are expensive. I'd want to hear an interesting set of records that make me want to dance, I don't care what they cost. I admire people for finding and playing good records not for having the money to buy expensive ones. Does anyone actually go out to hear a set of records just because they know they are expensive?

Finally, thank you for not closing a thread before I've had chance to post.

Head and shoulders the most constructive post on here pretty much mirrors my thoughts and observations, I also don't really have much involvement with the scene anymore but still dabble in bits and bobs of records and still adore the music when Joy Lovejoy can still send that magical shiver dowm my backbone after 36 years involvement with this music it speaks volumes to me at least and I totally agree with Paul that whatever the style or era of tune it should always be about quality, how you judge quality is another thing and I feel a very personal issue, any record be it an oldie or unknown if it has the power to excite and stimulate emotion and passion from within then in my book it's a good tune as I always thought soul music was a feeling rather than an object, to sing about it you have to have lived it and to listen to it you have to understand it.

Mark Bicknell.

Edited June 29, 2012 by Mark Bicknell

[Frankie M]

It's perfectly fine for people to go out to handbag nights and dance to the Snake and The Love I lost etc.

We're not the "happy police" as well as the "soul police" are we?

Just don't confuse that stuff with what I like - it's very very different.

been to to many nights when the DJS have been playing to each other and not the paying punters ,we all like

to "slip" unknowns or rarer sounds into our "spots " ,but doing it gently and not demanding that "you should like

what i am playing !!! " works in my experience ,have just started DJing again after years in recluse ,i have nothing

but praise for the crowds that attend soul nights and not experienced the "label " police myself or the "handbaggers "

either

[Chalky]

been to to many nights when the DJS have been playing to each other and not the paying punters ,we all like

to "slip" unknowns or rarer sounds into our "spots " ,but doing it gently and not demanding that "you should like

what i am playing !!! " works in my experience ,have just started DJing again after years in recluse ,i have nothing

but praise for the crowds that attend soul nights and not experienced the "label " police myself or the "handbaggers "

either

How do you know he promoter hasn't booked he DJ to play unknowns? I've seen DJs bomb, happened myself, cause he promote had asked us to do a particular set yet it wasn't right for the paying customers. That's the fault of he promoter surely. I've also DJ'ed at venues clearly advertised as rare, lesser known, semi known etc etc only to be asked for classics. I suppose that is the fault of he DJ as well?

Maybe we should just put a juke box in each venue?

[paultp]

Paul,

Some good points here, and also some I don't agree with.

So please don't carp on about rare / expensive records. Exclusivity and rare records along with dancing were always the backbone of the northern scene (not to say there aren't good cheap records as well). As a soul collector with many many thousands of records in many genres I can see that, and accept it for what it is.

The use of the term punters - you shouldn't get hung up on that Paul, it's just shorter than typing in "paying customers".

I wasn't carping on about rare/expensive records - where collecting is concerned rare and expensive tend to go together. I spend more than some but not as much as a lot of others!

What I was carping on about was the admiration of people simply because they had spent a lot of money on a record or records. If somebody spends 2k+ on a record it seems to me that there is a section that thinks that the record must be good because of that and that the person is to be admired, neither of which is necessarily true.

Taken to its extreme this tends towards the playing of expensive records (some of which might not be very good) just for the sake of it. I think this happens and it is what has split the scene. People who want to hear the same stuff all the time (as they are entitled to) have gone one way and people who want to listen to incredibly rare records (as they too are entitled to) have gone the other way.

I think that's left a void in the middle and it is OVO that has suffered. One side of the scene doesn't care what the format is anymore as they just want to hear the tunes, the other side only wants to hear the unobtainable (to most). That leaves people like me who still buy records but don't want a part of either side of the scene.

I've got my fingers crossed that OVO will bite the dust and there will be a stampede to offload records, hopefully I can pick some up cheap. In the meantime I'm indulging my current interest of records from the 60's with a space theme - it could be the next big thing!

Edited June 29, 2012 by paultp

[Chalky]

Lot of good points in there Paul and a lot of truth.

Me I just want to listen to good records whatever the price, preferably something different with some good quality oldies thrown in.

[Steve G]

What I was carping on about was the admiration of people simply because they had spent a lot of money on a record or records. If somebody spends 2k+ on a record it seems to me that there is a section that thinks that the record must be good because of that and that the person is to be admired, neither of which is necessarily true.

OK well I've personally not met anyone who admires people because they have an expensive play-box or buy expensive 2k records. And of course there are good cheap records.

However I have met people who nod in the direction of DJs who can construct a set well or play a varied set.

On the other side of the coin I have also met people who are clearly envious of those with expensive records. Was at a venue recently and a topish name was on playing I'd say rarities (one of the ones I mentioned earlier) and this fella says to me "I don't know what all the fuss is about with this bloke, there are better records on Atlantic" and walked off. And that is rather missing the point I'd say.

Edited June 29, 2012 by Steve G

[Mark Bicknell]

Funny story and true this, a number of years ago when I was pretty much full on with the DJ thing I was on at The Ritz in Manchester think it may have been the Detroit/Chicago Allnighter, I was stood by the DJ booth shortly before I went on and this chap came up to me and asked if I was DJ'ing I replied yes I'm on next he then asked me if I would play some stompers with that I asked him for some examples rather than rattle off a few titles he said stuff like this and went into this stomping dance routine waving his arms and legs around in front of me which was classic, he knew what style he wanted just did not have a clue of a title, never forget that, made me think how many more of him where out there of people who simply have no idea what the hell is going on lol

Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Polyvelts]

I started with moon/moon landing period based sub theme collecting and have expanded to space in general soul records.

Funny story and true this, a number of years ago when I was pretty much full on with the DJ thing I was on at The Ritz in Manchester think it may have been the Detroit/Chicago Allnighter, I was stood by the DJ booth shortly before I went on and this chap came up to me and asked if I was DJ'ing I replied yes I'm on next he then asked me if I would play some stompers with that I asked him for some examples rather than rattle off a few titles he said stuff like this and went into this stomping dance routine waving his arms and legs around in front of me which was classic, he knew what style he wanted just did not have a clue of a title, never forget that, made me think how many more of him where out there of people who simply have no idea what the hell is going on lol

Mark Bicknell.

The thing is - He knew EXACTLY what was going on ! He just wanted to dance to the sort of sounds he liked to dance to and enjoy himself. Good on him !

[Mark Bicknell]

I started with moon/moon landing period based sub theme collecting and have expanded to space in general soul records.

The thing is - He knew EXACTLY what was going on ! He just wanted to dance to the sort of sounds he liked to dance to and enjoy himself. Good on him !

Not a problem with that and the fact he wanted stompers just he was unable to actually give me a few titles or examples of records or chose not to, I would have been happy to play records in the style he requested better still an actual request, I posted this as a light hearted situation that happened to me to add a little humour and to give an example that not all people know that much about the records or was the impression I got that time, now I do not wish to get into a debate or slagging match with you over this but as ever on here often if you have an elephant someone will always have a box to put it in and then things just go round in circles. I don't like records being called sounds but I don't make an issue out of it, again it was a light hearted comment and not really that important.

[Guest Polyvelts]

Not a problem with that and the fact he wanted stompers just he was unable to actually give me a few titles or examples of records or chose not to, I would have been happy to play records in the style he requested better still an actual request, I posted this as a light hearted situation that happened to me to add a little humour and to give an example that not all people know that much about the records or was the impression I got that time, now I do not wish to get into a debate or slagging match with you over this but as ever on here often if you have an elephant someone will always have a box to put it in and then things just go round in circles. I don't like records being called sounds but I don't make an issue out of it, again it was a light hearted comment and not really that important.

But Mark, I was that guy !

[Pete S]

But Mark, I was that guy !

[barney]

But Mark, I was that guy !

Im sparticus

[Guest]

What I was carping on about was the admiration of people simply because they had spent a lot of money on a record or records. If somebody spends 2k+ on a record it seems to me that there is a section that thinks that the record must be good because of that and that the person is to be admired, neither of which is necessarily true.

I've never admired anyone for having expensive records only for having good ones. Unfortunately most of the good ones i've ever wanted have been flippin expensive.

[Steve G]

Im sparticus

"Master, Do you consider the playing of oldies to be moral and the playing of newies to be immoral?" :lol:

[Mark Bicknell]

But Mark, I was that guy !

No lie as I read your first post I had a feeling you were going to say that, I don't doubt it was you but what a small world this Northern Soul thing is, if it was you it was something that has stuck in my mind and again it was an observation as I would have responded to an actual request rather than a request for a style of record, I do remember I was not rude to you and if it was the Detroit/Chicago night my spot blew the windows out of the place lol

[Swifty]

Right ! I've followed this thread and I can't see what the problem is . If it's about playing OVO then

I agree but if it's about playing stuff that is a bit different then don't expect everyone to like it.

I'll give you an example , a lot of you will know 'happy' Rob Thomas , well I've known Rob longer than most on here and

as you well know, him and Andy Rix have found and had some superb records but on the odd occasion I see Rob and go to his house he will always say to me " I've got one here that you'll like Swifty" and it will be a 70's track., then he puts a Uber Rare

early 60's record on and it leave's me cold even though it's maybe a 2 Grand record.

What I think I'm trying to say is that 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder' .

If we all liked the same stuff (which in theory we should) but we don't , that's what makes the scene interesting IMHO.

Sorry for waffling on

Cheers

Swifty

[barney]

"Master, Do you consider the playing of oldies to be moral and the playing of newies to be immoral?" :lol:

Not at all grasshopper , there will always be tracks turning up that will cut the mustard.

[Guest rodw]

Thanks Rod, yes I am sure you will. Hopefully at the next Lifeline?

Probably the best set I've ever heard was at Lifeline, Karl Heard/Mick H double decking on Karl's Birthday...absolutely BRILLIANT !!! Hav'nt danced so much in years.

Be good to meet ya Steve, hopefully next Lifeline......

[Dekka]

Probably the best set I've ever heard was at Lifeline, Karl Heard/Mick H double decking on Karl's Birthday...absolutely BRILLIANT !!! Hav'nt danced so much in years.

Be good to meet ya Steve, hopefully next Lifeline......

I must say I followed Karl around like a fookin stalker

Burnley, Barnsley, 100 club, Lifeline etc, where ever it was he always played to 'fit the bill'

Fresh and exciting, quality.

I reckon the scene is alot worse off without him.

A big mans shoes and no one, has yet quite filled them

[Zed1]

It's interesting that back in the day when the scene was nothing like as fragmented as it is now most DJ's were trusted enough to know what the punters wanted (even if the punters themselves didn't know), you tended to get played 'all in the one room' a bit of what you knew (classics) a bit of what you sort of knew (underplayed) and a bit of what you didn't know (rare/new/different).

The above IMHO worked well because there was always something for everyone no matter at what stage they joined the scene, also it meant everyone was always exposed to something new ( like it or not). Sadly however galloping across the horizon came loads of middle aged wannabe DJ.s armed to the teeth with a laptop and a disposable income, trouble was the expected bookings didn't come rolling in for them to play out their newly gotten' ebay finds so they all started their own venues, but of course this mean't playing the percentages in order to fill the room hence nites of same old tunes for the party goers....

I'd say the answer to most problems aired on this thread can be found in the Events section of this forum....... sadly.

Edited June 30, 2012 by Zed1

[Guest Garry Huxley]

Hello Russ and all other contributers,

In 1978 i left the scene fora few years on joining the army, However about mid 1982 i met Pete myles and Pete crampton from aldershot and they introduced me to the new uplifting 60's newies scene and the importantce of OVO What a breath of fresh air was Stafford,100 club Yate and all the small rare soul clubs across the country was compared to the scene i left behind, however some regular oldies are nice to hear on occasion but not the played to death stuff.

I now only collect original and i only go to a few events a year nowadays prefering the small rooms where i can hear stuff thats new to me or i havent heard in years and the diversity that comes with it,

I agree with your original post thatwas "OVO"

KEEP IT REAL