Interesting News On Facebook - A1 Studios Acetates

[Mark Jones]

"Just discovered a stash of Northern Soul / popcorn / girl group acetates from the legendary A-1 Studios.. Still trying to decipher who some of the artists are. some tracks are guide vocals with piano backing, some are with alternate vocals, some with a different vocalist altogether
Serious stuff.. "

 

 

Edited June 13, 2013 by soulechoes

[Pete S]

Are they Legendary?  Never heard of A-1 studios!

[Kev Cane]

Are they Legendary?  Never heard of A-1 studios!

New Jersey Pete, think a lot of the Stang-All Platinum etc stuff amongst other stuff was done there

 

Kev

[TOAD]

Serious pop corn lol lol

[Mark Jones]

The guy's in the States and figured one acetate is Derek Martin - Daddy Rollin' Stone and t'other is Flirtations - Stronger Than Her Love

[Guest Paul]

Better known as Soul Sound Studios, also known as All Platinum Studios then Sugar Hill of course.

Burned down in 2002.

[Mark Jones]

Oh my!!!

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/DJSpaceySissick/northern-soul-acetates-track-5/

Edited June 13, 2013 by soulechoes

[Guest posstot]

All I'm Saying is oh dear....we'll be hearing about one of them.   For a long time...Imagine the hardest boner you could possibly hold in your hand, and it would be a very close second....He put soundfiles up, and i told him to take them down.  BOOTLEGGER ALERT.  One particular track is NOT what you expect...i only managed to get to  track 13, half ish were simple vocal demos or with piano accompaniment....I Wont say any more than i told him, the best person, imho was Ady...to speak to...It is a find, i havent heard the other 19......He's on Facebooks Hassle free record selling group..speak to him..i'm in shock...

[Pete S]

All I'm Saying is oh dear....we'll be hearing about one of them.   For a long time...Imagine the hardest boner you could possibly hold in your hand, and it would be a very close second....He put soundfiles up, and i told him to take them down.  BOOTLEGGER ALERT.  One particular track is NOT what you expect...i only managed to get to  track 13, half ish were simple vocal demos or with piano accompaniment....I Wont say any more than i told him, the best person, imho was Ady...to speak to...It is a find, i havent heard the other 19......He's on Facebooks Hassle free record selling group..speak to him..i'm in shock...

 

What is it then?

[Guest MrC]

What kind of take is the Flirtations? Is it an alternative version/singer, or one of the piano and guide vocals? 

Always a great bloody tune anyway!

[Andy Rix]

Are they Legendary?  Never heard of A-1 studios!

A-1 was Herb Abramson's studio in New York

Many tunes were recorded there including the Flirtations - Stronger Than Her Love and J.D. Bryant - I Won't Be Coming Back

Andy

[Tfk]

A-1 was Herb Abramson's studio in New York

Many tunes were recorded there including the Flirtations - Stronger Than Her Love and J.D. Bryant - I Won't Be Coming Back

Andy

Some fantastic material came out of these studios , and this one did get issued on A-1 records

.... Group soul music at its finest

Ktf and right on right on with this find of the acetates

Tfk

Edited June 14, 2013 by tfk

[Kev Cane]

Some fantastic material came out of these studios , and this one did get issued on A-1 records

.... Group soul music at its finest

Ktf and right on right on with this find of the acetates

Tfk

The very record that sprung to mind Andy, fantastic

 

Kev

[Tfk]

The very record that sprung to mind Andy, fantastic

Kev

Hi Kev

Hope alls cool bud, it always gets the rhythm buds and adrenaline pumping when ya hear news of possible un issued material being located .... Always thought the out put from this area was great .... Loads of fantasticstuff from lesser known artists .... Just thinking about the All Platinum/Turbo/Stang/Astroscope/Maple material .... Canna wait for the outcome?

Fab start to the weekend hey '

Tfk

Edited June 14, 2013 by tfk

[Guest posstot]

I've corresponded with him last night, during him uploading the tunes....There is, one, like i said that is gonna shake some bones...There could be, regarding the time period they seem to be from, and the studio obviously and most importantly, some more of the same order left to hear....I cant steal his thunder, or be as hard faced as to discuss his business in detail, It WILL be worth the wait, just for the ONe mentioned.  There are more things i havent heard.   SO i'm out of here, he may well come on here yet a just share the love, as he did last night.....However he needs advice on these...I hope he takes it.

 

Mike   WOW

[Guest]

Oh my!!!

https://www.mixcloud.com/DJSpaceySissick/northern-soul-acetates-track-5/

That's an alternative take of Willie & The Mighty Magnificents', "Check It Baby" on All Platinum...interesting but not different enough to the finished release to cause too many collectors to put their pint down to rush to the dancefloor.

I used to have some mid-60's A-1 acetates of good solid Northern tracks that I could never track down as being issued...I wonder what I did with them now...think maybe Duncan Morris had them in trades.

[Cobbles]

That's an alternative take of Willie & The Mighty Magnificents', "Check It Baby" on All Platinum...interesting but not different enough to the finished release to cause too many collectors to put their pint down to rush to the dancefloor.

I used to have some mid-60's A-1 acetates of good solid Northern tracks that I could never track down as being issued...I wonder what I did with them now...think maybe Duncan Morris had them in trades.

"flynnstone" what ever happen to Duncan not heard his name mentioned in ages ???...he had some good tackle!..(records that is !!!)

franc

Edited June 14, 2013 by cobbles

[Guest]

"flynnstone" what ever happen to Duncan not heard his name mentioned in ages ???...he had some good tackle!..(records that is !!!)

franc

Not sure Franc....was living in Grays, Essex when I first met him...loved acetates..,my random memory can recall trading a Liz Lands and a Doug Banks ( why do I remember such stuff!?) and that he had a copy of the Royal Esquires....which was incredibly rare at that point (many years before the "find").

[SOULCENTRAL]

That's an alternative take of Willie & The Mighty Magnificents', "Check It Baby" on All Platinum...interesting but not different enough to the finished release to cause too many collectors to put their pint down to rush to the dancefloor.

I used to have some mid-60's A-1 acetates of good solid Northern tracks that I could never track down as being issued...I wonder what I did with them now...think maybe Duncan Morris had them in trades.

HI FLYNNY,

 

Think you may have got the above statement wrong!

 

Most collectors would keep pint in hand and resort to the customery chin stroke rather than jump on the dancefloor-lol.

 

Roy

[Mark Jones]

What is it then?

This will be the one! Gotta say growing on me!!...although think it needed a few more takes!!

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/DJSpaceySissick/northern-soul-acetates-track-8/

 

mind you not quite hit the mark here!! I'd reverse the takes!

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/DJSpaceySissick/northern-soul-acetates-track-9/

Edited June 14, 2013 by soulechoes

[Andy Rix]

Posted purely to show an example of an A-1 studio acetate ... nothing to do with this find

 

Andy

 

 

[Pete S]

This will be the one! Gotta say growing on me!!...although think it needed a few more takes!!

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/DJSpaceySissick/northern-soul-acetates-track-8/

 

mind you not quite hit the mark here!! I'd reverse the takes!

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/DJSpaceySissick/northern-soul-acetates-track-9/

 

Thanks for posting! Very interesting. But horrible.

[Simon T]

All I'm Saying is oh dear....we'll be hearing about one of them.   For a long time...Imagine the hardest boner you could possibly hold in your hand, and it would be a very close second....

 

 

This will be the one! Gotta say growing on me!!...although think it needed a few more takes!!

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/DJSpaceySissick/northern-soul-acetates-track-8/

 

mind you not quite hit the mark here!! I'd reverse the takes!

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/DJSpaceySissick/northern-soul-acetates-track-9/

 

I can't see Pfizer sh*ting themselves on Viagra sales tanking on this discovery!

[Guest]

So this guy comes to soulsource for guidance, advice and encouragement
What does he get?

The same old condescending arrogant attitude that seems to prevail on this site which is why I and many others use it for event info and nothing else

[Guest posstot]

No enthusiasm??  If this would have been Ady, or Ginger, Tim or John.This site would have been on fire....Goes to show me that most People into Northern are here to follow people like sheep, rather than a genuine love for music....Unbelievable.   Where's your enthusiasm..This is a great find....3 alternate takes of the flirtations...and numerous other original, unheard recordings....  ARSEHOLES!!

[Guest]

This is a great find....3 alternate takes of the flirtations...and numerous other original, unheard recordings.... ARSEHOLES!!

Of course it is a great find...alternate takes and unissued material is always fabulous to hear...regardless of the source.

However, lets keep it real...the male vocal on the Flirtations backing track is flat, out of key and uninspiring, which is s shame, but interesting never the less. If it was played at a nighter of course folk would be curious...but would anyone really, really prefer it to the Flirtations!?!

The alternate take of W & the MMs is good if not better than the released 45 to my ears, but as it isn't s million miles away from the released vinyl (an ex Dave Thorley Stafford spin from many moons ago) should we really get over excited...interesting yes, revolutionary no.

Thanks for highlighting the find...i for one appreciate it, and I hope to hear the rest of the tracks sooner rather than later...are they all available online?

Edited June 15, 2013 by Flynny

[Pete S]

No enthusiasm??  If this would have been Ady, or Ginger, Tim or John.This site would have been on fire....Goes to show me that most People into Northern are here to follow people like sheep, rather than a genuine love for music....Unbelievable.   Where's your enthusiasm..This is a great find....3 alternate takes of the flirtations...and numerous other original, unheard recordings....  ARSEHOLES!!

 

Put your dummy back in.  Great to have alternate versions of anything but the vocals are out of tune and they don't fit the song.  

[Benji]

Great to have alternate versions of anything but the vocals are out of tune and they don't fit the song.  

 

that sums it up IMO.

 

W & MMs is great tho.

[Guest posstot]

Tommy Hunt and Jerry Butler have made carreers out of singing flat...Seems to me, that people prefer to criticise rather than appreciate....When i heard the alt takes they blew me away...So i suppose its subjective, as most things in life....  What i said in the first place stands....there are more recordings that he has too, why dont you go and criricise them too.     If you'd have found them, it would have been different all together.....Nobody claimed they were revolutionary...And these finds are historic in my eyes....GRUMPY JEALOUS AND ENVY...Lets really get things into perspective

[Chalky]

It would be nice if these got a cd release or something like but they will simply disappear which is a shame.

[Guest posstot]

Of course it is a great find...alternate takes and unissued material is always fabulous to hear...regardless of the source.

However, lets keep it real...the male vocal on the Flirtations backing track is flat, out of key and uninspiring, which is s shame, but interesting never the less. If it was played at a nighter of course folk would be curious...but would anyone really, really prefer it to the Flirtations!?!

The alternate take of W & the MMs is good if not better than the released 45 to my ears, but as it isn't s million miles away from the released vinyl (an ex Dave Thorley Stafford spin from many moons ago) should we really get over excited...interesting yes, revolutionary no.

Thanks for highlighting the find...i for one appreciate it, and I hope to hear the rest of the tracks sooner rather than later...are they all available online?

They're on Mixcloud, through Hassle free record selling group.

[pikeys dog]

The male vocals on the alt flirtations tracks are clearly guide vocals for playing down the headphones to a female singer... 

[Chalky]

Well I enjoyed listening and love finds like this, all part of the history of the labels and tracks recorded. Don't understand why some simply have to be so negative all the time.

[Pete S]

Well I enjoyed listening and love finds like this, all part of the history of the labels and tracks recorded. Don't understand why some simply have to be so negative all the time.

 

Listen harder then.

[pikeys dog]

The vocals are shocking, but imagine finding  them sung by the original lead in the next batch?

 

I'm still interested in hearing them, I just don't think they are the earth-shattering pant-wettingly brilliant find that Mike (posstot) thinks they are.

 

More of a curiosity.

[Pete S]

The vocals are shocking, but imagine finding  them sung by the original lead in the next batch?

 

I'm still interested in hearing them, I just don't think they are the earth-shattering pant-wettingly brilliant find that Mike (posstot) thinks they are.

 

More of a curiosity.

 

Same here.

[Chalky]

Listen harder then.

I've no need to listen harder Pete, I said I find them interesting and it is good to hear some of the history surrounding these tracks, early alternate takes, guide vocals etc. i never said they were the best find ever, so what if they are singing flat, out of tune or whatever other fault you can find. I still don't understand the negativity of soul source and can fully understand the comments about why many no longer bother.....a bunch of odd codgers as one says on Facebook.

[Guest]

I've corresponded with him last night, during him uploading the tunes....There is, one, like i said that is gonna shake some bones...There could be, regarding the time period they seem to be from, and the studio obviously and most importantly, some more of the same order left to hear....I cant steal his thunder, or be as hard faced as to discuss his business in detail, It WILL be worth the wait, just for the ONe mentioned.  There are more things i havent heard.   SO i'm out of here, he may well come on here yet a just share the love, as he did last night.....However he needs advice on these...I hope he takes it.

 

Mike   WOW

 

Thanks for the link to the soundfiles, Mike.

 

I've just played through them all...interesting and historically important...I'd be interested in seeing label scans. However, at the end of the day, and after listening to all the clips, apart from the W & MMs alternate mix, and the male vocal (which may be merely a guide as already pointed out) on top of the Flirtations', 'Stronger Than her Love' backing track, I don't think there is much there to interest the average (not wanting to use the term average) Northern Soulie.

 

[Mike]

I've no need to listen harder Pete, I said I find them interesting and it is good to hear some of the history surrounding these tracks, early alternate takes, guide vocals etc. i never said they were the best find ever, so what if they are singing flat, out of tune or whatever other fault you can find. I still don't understand the negativity of soul source and can fully understand the comments about why many no longer bother.....a bunch of odd codgers as one says on Facebook.

 

yet more rubbish from you about this place

 

if people can't handle reading

 

four people saying not very good

one person replying to the "hard on"  comparasion

three people saying thanks, interesting

 

then they are better off on facebook

 

this is a vibrant, active forum  with a wide range of members and views

 

the only negativity i read is you and that other guy calling us all

[Chalky]

You are right mike, probably better off on Facebook, where many already feel they are better off......I wonder why? You should take a look and wonder why so many have left or no longer bother over the years, why so many who aren't English no longer bother or don't even bother to get involved here. Why so many feel other places of social media is the better place to advertise their event. If you think there is no basis in what is being said, not just by me then you really do have a problem. I can handle the reading but it would seem others can't.

[Mike]

You are right mike, probably better off on Facebook, where many already feel they are better off......I wonder why? You should take a look and wonder why so many have left or no longer bother over the years, why so many who aren't English no longer bother or don't even bother to get involved here. Why so many feel other places of social media is the better place to advertise their event. If you think there is no basis in what is being said, not just by me then you really do have a problem. I can handle the reading but it would seem others can't.

 

use the feedback/views forum if you want to comment on site and its members

 

yours and others repeated negative posts on the threads are just getting in the way of good discussion

[Mike]

this thread is about some finds

 

be aware that this is a vibrant busy active forum with a wide varity of members and views

 

so you will get people posting their actual views on sound clips etc which may not agree with yours

 

maybe best look elsewhere if you rather not read this sort of thing

i hear facebook is quite good

 

 

 

ask get back to talking about the actual tracks not the sideshow

[Guest Bearsy]

I have heard popular floor filling tracks with worse vocals lol, great find and very interesting indeedee ;-)

[Mick Holdsworth]

The male vocals on the alt flirtations tracks are clearly guide vocals for playing down the headphones to a female singer... 

 

Was wondering about that - I couldn't understand why these alternative guide vocals would be recorded after the main track and lyrics were already written (and in the case of the backing vocals, already recorded). Can't see how these lyrics would help guide the lead singer. Must be a reason though, enough to record this alternate track (at least) twice.

 

Cheers

Mick

[Steve L]

Slightly off topic but anyone read Sidney Barnes' book regarding the Flirtations recording session for STHL ?

Theres a reason why its so good

[Bridgesoceity]

yet more rubbish from you about this place

 

if people can't handle reading

 

four people saying not very good

one person replying to the "hard on"  comparasion

three people saying thanks, interesting

 

then they are better off on facebook

 

this is a vibrant, active forum  with a wide range of members and views

 

the only negativity i read is you and that other guy calling us all

 

You are right mike, probably better off on Facebook, where many already feel they are better off......I wonder why? You should take a look and wonder why so many have left or no longer bother over the years, why so many who aren't English no longer bother or don't even bother to get involved here. Why so many feel other places of social media is the better place to advertise their event. If you think there is no basis in what is being said, not just by me then you really do have a problem. I can handle the reading but it would seem others can't.

The Truth

[Mike]

off topic tech posts removed

 

 

The Truth

 

 

as said in my previous post if you do want to say anything about the site then ask that do it in the views forum

 

 

thanks now

[Mike Lofthouse]

 

Tommy Hunt and Jerry Butler have made carreers out of singing flat...Seems to me, that people prefer to criticise rather than appreciate....When i heard the alt takes they blew me away...So i suppose its subjective, as most things in life....  What i said in the first place stands....there are more recordings that he has too, why dont you go and criricise them too.     If you'd have found them, it would have been different all together.....Nobody claimed they were revolutionary...And these finds are historic in my eyes....GRUMPY JEALOUS AND ENVY...Lets really get things into perspective

 

Jerry Butler has made a career out of singing flat......what the f**k have I been listening to for 40 years????

Edited June 15, 2013 by Mike Lofthouse

[Guest penny]

You are right mike, probably better off on Facebook, where many already feel they are better off......I wonder why? You should take a look and wonder why so many have left or no longer bother over the years, why so many who aren't English no longer bother or don't even bother to get involved here. Why so many feel other places of social media is the better place to advertise their event. If you think there is no basis in what is being said, not just by me then you really do have a problem. I can handle the reading but it would seem others can't.

A lot of people are more comfortable on facebook etc because it can easily involve no debate, disagreement or need to say anything of substance.

However average peoples avhievements are, they can ensure some positive feedback in a self-governed environment on those places instead of facing the harsh indifference of the wider world.

The best thing about the internet was that people could communicate freely and honestly. As soon as people do though,all the babies run off to facebook where no one can be nasty to them or disagree or be negative about their mostly dull endevours.

Pathetic really.

This is no reflection on this guys acetates by the way, about them i find myself in tune with the consensus - they're quite interesting. If that lack of enthusiasm upsets you then you probably dont want to ask the other 99.99% of the world how much they care about them.,

[Chalky]

A lot of people are more comfortable on facebook etc because it can easily involve no debate, disagreement or need to say anything of substance.

However average peoples avhievements are, they can ensure some positive feedback in a self-governed environment on those places instead of facing the harsh indifference of the wider world.

The best thing about the internet was that people could communicate freely and honestly. As soon as people do though,all the babies run off to facebook where no one can be nasty to them or disagree or be negative about their mostly dull endevours.

Pathetic really.

This is no reflection on this guys acetates by the way, about them i find myself in tune with the consensus - they're quite interesting. If that lack of enthusiasm upsets you then you probably dont want to ask the other 99.99% of the world how much they care about them.,

 

You can be nasty or negative to me all you like, if you know me you will know I will stand my corner and don't run off anywhere and I've no need to hide behind a made up name like most     If you think FB or any other social media platforms is all nice and cosy then you obviously haven't been on there.  But as Mike said this should be a topic in site support as it gets in the way of the debate so why you feel the need to carry it on I don't know?

 

Back on topic, I've already said I found the acetates very interesting regardless of the faults of which there are.  You would expect to find faults in acetates.  Many are rejected because they weren't good enough when compared to the released take, Flirtations, Derek Martin & Willie & The Mighty Magnificent's for example.  They aren't up there as the "best find ever" far from it, never once said they were but there is a history in them which makes them an interesting find and goes beyond the insular Northern Soul Scene which is why I guess most aren't interested in them.  The find in reality is no different to many finds of other labels that are the subject of interest to this scene and companies like Kent that document them, if it was Ady I would think the reaction would be far different, or at least the interest far greater.

Edited June 16, 2013 by chalky