An Interesting Question About Northern Soul

[Billy Freemantle]

I think one thing this thread has done is to to invite us to question ourselves about why certain things are the way they are in Northern Soul.

One key question has to be why the emphasis on rare "secret: sounds that the man in the street has never heard of. I've always believed that this grew out of the need for natively bright but comparative under achievers in conventional academic terms- the collectors and deejays- to demonsrate their cleverness.

Being to some extent alienated from the conventional academic world, and not doing too well in it, they sought satisafction by knowing things that others didn't. They made the rules and the rest followed.

I'm putting myself out on a limb now because I don't know but I reckon that the likes of Frank Booper were never anoraks. They got their feeling of superiority by excelling in another sphere.

Back in the days of the Wheel there were two best mates. Both best players in their Secondary Modern football teams. One got trials for Man United. The other went to the Wheel and became ..... oh bugger me he could never dance. He became a blocked up verballer who snuffed it years ago. Discuss.

Edited July 6, 2006 by Billy Freemantle

[Guest in town Mikey]

I'm a university student..... do i look as though i'd do or say anything stupid?

You look like you've got a bit of front

[Guest Dan]

One key question has to be why the emphasis on rare "secret: sounds that the man in the street has never heard of. I've always believed that this grew out of the need for natively bright but comparative under achievers in conventional academic terms- the collectors and deejays- to demonsrate their cleverness.

i don't think it's about demonstrating cleverness, i think it's a natural human competitiveness. we all want the best records, like we want to win at eerything (or some of us do, and i'd say most collectors and djs fall into that bracket, though some of them might deny it on the 'bob mills' basis). (should stress, i'm not saying i'm a big collector at all!)

obviously, more intelligent people find ways of getting records that less intelligent people haven't thought of but i think the collections they build up are a function of their intelligence rather than a means to express it.

there are lots of other factors in play when it comes to having great records besides raw intelligence, obviously.

given that most, though not all, of the big collectors and djs must have bought at source i'd think, you have to include:

- the ability to get on with strangers in weird hicksville towns

- the dedication and hard work involved in thumbing through racks of records till your fingers bleed and the dust gives you dermatitis

- the capital to get out to the states in the first place (or to buy significant quantities of records here)

- the dedication to the music to stay in it for the long haul and

most important,

- the timing.

you could be a workaholic genius who everyone loves and you'd never build a decent collection if you started on it now. likewise, you could be a grumpy northern bastard with bad breath and a copy of the sun in your back pocket and you were falling over records 30 years ago.

well, you did say discuss, billy

Edited July 6, 2006 by Dan

[Supercorsa]

you could be a workaholic genius who everyone loves and you'd never build a decent collection if you started on it now. likewise, you could be a grumpy northern bastard with bad breath and a copy of the sun in your back pocket and you were falling over records 30 years ago.

Are you thinking of anybody in particular, Dan?

[Billy Freemantle]

i don't think it's about demonstrating cleverness, i think it's a natural human competitiveness. we all want the best records

But why the need to have knowledege that others do not have? Another Soul Sourcer has spoken about how he used to write the names of Soul singers on the brown paper backing of his school exercise books. I remember this too, and on the buff coloured haversacks that we all used to use. The kids that did really well in school didn't do that. They competed within the confines of the system by doing really well on their homework and in the school exams. Looking back now to people who were into rare soul in the 60s, many of whom still are now ,the vast majority were under achievers in academic terms. And these were the ones that became the collectors and the deejays and the most knowledgable. I'm not say they were consciously saying: "Look at how clever I am",but I'm convinced there was is something of that at work. But maybe it's about the need to be different in some way. But if so, why?

Edited July 6, 2006 by Billy Freemantle

[Guest martyn]

like, really? is that right? i never knew that!

students: eggheads or twats. discuss.

[Guest Dan]

But why the need to have knowledege that others do not have? Another Soul Sourcer has spoken about how he used to write the names of Soul singers on the brown paper backing of his school exercise books. I remember this too, and on the buff coloured haversacks that we all used to use. The kids that did really well in school didn't do that. They competed within the confines of the system by doing really well on their homework and in the school exams. Looking back now to people who were into rare soul in the 60s, many of whom still are now ,the vast majority were under achievers in academic terms. And these were the ones that became the collectors and the deejays and the most knowledgable. I'm not say they were consciously saying: "Look at how clever I am",but I'm convinced there was is something of that at work. But maybe it's about the need to be different in some way. But if so, why?

i'm not sure whether you're taking the piss here billiam (ie being deliberately and anally analytical, studently-wise ) but on the basis that you're not:

firstly, by definition you're dealing with a very small and unscientific sample (people you knew at school who you regarded as under achievers or people whose intelligence you know and whose exam results you also know). to extrapolate from that across the soul collecting world is a bit difficult.

secondly, there are, equally, people who did well in school who were obsessed with music. we've got a fair few lawyers, doctors, accountants, teachers and so on on here and i'm sure lots of other people who did academically well. where do they fit in?

people just like writing lists of soul stars on their bags when they're young. some are bright, some aren't, some achieve a lot, some don't. don't think you'll get much of a paper out of this.

i give you a b-

Are you thinking of anybody in particular, Dan?

only about 2,000 people ian

[Billy Freemantle]

firstly, by definition you're dealing with a very small and unscientific sample (people you knew at school who you regarded as under achievers or people whose intelligence you know and whose exam results you also know). to extrapolate from that across the soul collecting world is a bit difficult.

True, it's not a scientific sample, But what I'm describing is the state of play realtively early on in the history of 'the scene'. And I think it's a fairly accurate description that would be worth further study.

secondly, there are, equally, people who did well in school who were obsessed with music. we've got a fair few lawyers, doctors, accountants, teachers and so on on here and i'm sure lots of other people who did academically well. where do they fit in?

How well would they have done ifr they had conventionally channelled their abilities?There is one Northern Soul Ph.D that I have in mind. OK he has a Ph.D but maybe he could have won a Nobel prize. I'm talking about relative under achieving not absolute underachieving.

people just like writing lists of soul stars on their bags when they're young. some are bright, some aren't, some achieve a lot, some don't. don't think you'll get much of a paper out of this.

Do you think Bill Gates wrote the names of stars on his satchel. Or closer to my own neck of the woods, the ex Director General of the Beeb?

i give you a b-

Thought it was worth a B myself

[Winnie :-)]

True, it's not a scientific sample, But what I'm describing is the state of play realtively early on in the history of 'the scene'. And I think it's a fairly accurate description that would be worth further study.

How well would they have done ifr they had conventionally channelled their abilities?There is one Northern Soul Ph.D that I have in mind. OK he has a Ph.D but maybe he could have won a Nobel prize. I'm talking about relative under achieving not absolute underachieving.

Do you think Bill Gates wrote the names of stars on his satchel. Or closer to my own neck of the woods, the ex Director General of the Beeb?

Thought it was worth a B myself

====================

Can't really see how being academically proficient would impinge on an ability to collect vinyl. Surely its about being able to spot a tune, so would therefore become a field 'the collector' becomes comfortable in. His/her knowledge of English/Maths/Physics etc wouldn't really be relevant.......would it?

Winnie:-)

[Stateside]

Just to add my two penneth. I think that academics and anoraks are often one and the same thing. It's much harder though to be outgoing, a socialiser, staying up late and do well in further education because sooner or later it catches up with you.

Collecting or listening to soul music shouldn't IMHO have any effect on the way your life turns out, but getting home at 5.00am and suffering from sleep deprivation is more likely to affect your chances of holding down a good job or getting good exam results. There, I've said it!!

[Guest Dan]

Just to add my two penneth. I think that academics and anoraks are often one and the same thing. It's much harder though to be outgoing, a socialiser, staying up late and do well in further education because sooner or later it catches up with you.

Collecting or listening to soul music shouldn't IMHO have any effect on the way your life turns out, but getting home at 5.00am and suffering from sleep deprivation is more likely to affect your chances of holding down a good job or getting good exam results. There, I've said it!!

i was going to make much the same point myself but thought i'd probably written enough to send people to sleep.

i think billy has his cause and effect muddled.

getting into soul music (or anything else) at 15 is going to involve you taking your eye off the ball at around the time you do your o levels.

Edited July 6, 2006 by Dan

[Guest Dan]

How well would they have done if they had conventionally channelled their abilities? There is one Northern Soul Ph.D that I have in mind. OK he has a Ph.D but maybe he could have won a Nobel prize. I'm talking about relative under achieving not absolute underachieving.

crikey billy, that's a totally elastic argument with no parameters at all. we'll never know, i guess. but it's just a guess, both ways.

Do you think Bill Gates wrote the names of stars on his satchel. Or closer to my own neck of the woods, the ex Director General of the Beeb?

dunno. can't see why not. don't think this one holds water, soz.

[Guest]

i was going to make much the same point myself but thought i'd probably written enough to send people to sleep.

i think billy has his cause and effect muddled.

getting into soul music (or anything else) at 15 is going to involve you taking your eye off the ball at around the time you do your o levels.

Activly encouraged round our way,taking your eye`s of the ball,that is they needed people down the pits then i still gotta` o`level though,art

[Billy Freemantle]

i think billy has his cause and effect muddled.

I don't think so, Dan. I think it's more a matter of you not paying attention to what I said. I was trying to investigate what it was that was behind or linked with the 'rare' factor in Northern Soul. Obviously at this early stage in the research process we just have possibilities which would then need to be properly investigated. The starting point for my research , were I do actually to be doing any, just happens to be a primary source, which is a valid as any other: my own memories in the late 60s of a group of people around what would become Northern Soul

With that I think we'd better call it a day and roll another number. Unless of course you'd prefer otherwise.

[Guest rachel]

i think billy has his cause and effect muddled.

getting into soul music (or anything else) at 15 is going to involve you taking your eye off the ball at around the time you do your o levels.

That's true - though tend to think that the person who's going to go on to be Nobel prize winning in whatever they do, for example, would be the type not to get distracted by other things, such as music/social scenes. If you are the sort of person who would, rather than be totally focussed on work/academic things, then you're not going to be a super-high achiever anyway.

Do agree with Stateside though that there's a similarity between the obsessiveness of the 'anorak' with records and the top 'academics' - getting to know as much as possible about your 'subject' and remembering things in great detail... just depends where you want to channel those tendencies I suppose.

[Sanquine]

I wonder who the person was that provided the Quote for the question?

Same person that produced the video ("The Northern Soul Story" 2001)

Possibly the same person who wanted to interview women at Cleethorpes - for a female view on northern soul

Ok then who is it ?

Whoever they turn out to be - if this is for real they didn't have a true understanding of the scene and certainly didn't know what they were talking about - using the term "we" gives the impression others thought the same way

Btw can't find anything on the video!

Karen

Edited July 6, 2006 by sanquine

[Billy Freemantle]

Do agree with Stateside though that there's a similarity between the obsessiveness of the 'anorak' with records and the top 'academics' - getting to know as much as possible about your 'subject' and remembering things in great detail... just depends where you want to channel those tendencies I suppose.

This is true. And it supports the point I was making about knowledge of rare records being a substitute for conventional knowledge. I suppose at some point though the culturally unconventional becomes the conventional, and the anorak and the academic become one and the same.

[Guest Dan]

I don't think so, Dan. I think it's more a matter of you not paying attention to what I said. I was trying to investigate what it was that was behind or linked with the 'rare' factor in Northern Soul. Obviously at this early stage in the research process we just have possibilities which would then need to be properly investigated. The starting point for my research , were I do actually to be doing any, just happens to be a primary source, which is a valid as any other: my own memories in the late 60s of a group of people around what would become Northern Soul

With that I think we'd better call it a day and roll another number. Unless of course you'd prefer otherwise.

i was paying attention. you were saying northern soul fans were academic underachievers and that they made up for this underachieving by becoming obsessive about music (as a way, conscious or not) of compensating for that underachievement.

i was saying that i thought it was more likely the other way around, that it was the obsession with northern soul that led to the underachievement.

hence, my suggestion that you were muddling cause and effect (insofar as i think the theory holds any water, which i don't)

[Winnie :-)]

This is true. And it supports the point I was making about knowledge of rare records being a substitute for conventional knowledge. I suppose at some point though the culturally unconventional becomes the conventional, and the anorak and the academic become one and the same.

============================

Still don't get it. If you or I is truly interested in something we learn more about it, whether it be train-spotting or Shakespeare. Isn't that more obsessional than showing possible underachievement in another field? And what if someone is very knowledgable about rare records for instance, does that make them an overachiever?

Winnie:-)

[Guest Andy BB]

The very fact that this question forms part of a thesis for a degree course should ring some alarm bells surely?

What kind of Mickey Mouse degree calls for coursework like that?

I say that... but she'll probably get really into it and end up with a PHD in Media and some regional Directorate at Channel 4 or something and spend a fair chunk of her time chatting to a load of other people with too much time on their hands on online message boards about Soul.

Just like that bloke on here, what's his name, Dominic Diamond.

[Billy Freemantle]

i was paying attention. you were saying northern soul fans were academic underachievers and that they made up for this underachieving by becoming obsessive about music (as a way, conscious or not) of compensating for that underachievement.

i was saying that i thought it was more likely the other way around, that it was the obsession with northern soul that led to the underachievement.

hence, my suggestion that you were muddling cause and effect (insofar as i think the theory holds any water, which i don't)

No, I didn't say they compensated for underachievement my becoming obsessive about music: I suggested that they made up for that by finding an alternative area in which they could excel. The more cognitively minded would graviate toward gathering arcane knowlege about obscure artists (and the more atheletic would become the great dancesd in the mold of Frank Booper.) If you will recall, I began by asking why the rare factor in Northern Soul. It is also possible that their involement with NS and staying up all night, eating badly and taking stimulants further affected their work thus setting up a cycle of underachievement.

Edited July 6, 2006 by Billy Freemantle

[Quinvy]

I wonder who the person was that provided the Quote for the question?

It comes from THE STRANGE WORLD OF NORTHERN SOUL film that Ian Levine made. I can remember the quote, but not the guys name. It was from the late sixties wheel era when there was a sense of support amongst the youth for the black americans who were still fighting for their civil rights. That's where the black gloves and the "right on" expressions come from. I think to most kids it was just a "fashionable" thing at the time. But there was a feeling of empathy for black Americans at that time and the music was more blues orientated.

It might sound naff now, but at the time it was considered very cool. But we were VERY YOUNG.

Phil.

[Guest in town Mikey]

Dominic Diamond.

Didn't he work wonders?

[Guest Stuart T]

What kind of Mickey Mouse degree calls for coursework like that?

Most of them nowadays I'd imagine. I'm more interested in knowing what the hell an overachiever is? Is there such a thing?

Anyhow, at least this settles the originals versus reissues and boots/cds/MP3 debate, clearly the people who don't want to only play originals are all a bit fick or sumfink.

[Guest Baz]

The very fact that this question forms part of a thesis for a degree course should ring some alarm bells surely?

What kind of Mickey Mouse degree calls for coursework like that?

You can apply for a degree in any subject you wish now so if you wanted to study "What Mickey saw in Minnie" you proberly could bit of a joke really

[jocko]

=================

She didn't ask it, she was asked and has relayed it to the list. Visually, unless you go down the 'Al Jolson' route you can't pretend to be another colour. You can however adopt customs etc, which is what we ask immigrants to do if they come to Britain.

Winnie:-)

Not ignoring this, like most days these days so busy just pop my head in for a nose and every so often put my Victor Meldrew hat on to have a moan, I will post something positive soon honest!!

SInce you so eloquently, as always, chastised me for being a grumpy old man thought I should at least answer.

I do think she asked the question here, although agree second hand, and I stick by my original feeling that given benefit of doubt it was maybe just an an insensitively worded question (albeit from someone else originally), however on other side I still think it could be seen as offensive and for largely the reason you state above Winnie, re the AL Jolson thinking, the minstrel shows in early America are generally now percieved as offensive and one of the many moral crimes we (as a race rather than personally) have commited against people of colour over the years . I dont think the question remotely hints at being influenced by other cultures or adopting them because of where you live, which is prevalent in todays society. I just think its the daft sort of thinking that we as a society should be beyond, but we clearly are not.

The far more fascinating question started by Mikey and carried on by Billy Freemantle re the connection with Northern Soul and tough working class Northern laddies (admittedly not as relevant to today as 20 years ago) I think is a question worth debating, not sure there is an answer but as a sociological study I think there is some real interesting bits in there. Its something I have long threatened to try and write about (largely failing because I cant put any lucid theory together!). I however think the original question was a million miles away from this.

Apologies if on a rant but thought I should for once explain reason behind my miserable outbursts!! I think I need to go back to trying to banter with Soul Sources very own chuckle brothers (Dan and Stuart), or maybe not as that got me into trouble last time.

Cheers

Jock

[Guest]

The far more fascinating question started by Mikey and carried on by Billy Freemantle re the connection with Northern Soul and tough working class Northern laddies (admittedly not as relevant to today as 20 years ago) I think is a question worth debating, not sure there is an answer but as a sociological study I think there is some real interesting bits in there. Its something I have long threatened to try and write about (largely failing because I cant put any lucid theory together!). I however think the original question was a million miles away from this.

So it might not have been an immediate (or continuing) love for the music... more a social interaction under peer pressure? An extension to their youth clubs that offered something completely different to that which was on offer in their local towns and cities? Perhaps the beautiful heart felt music and lyrics culminating in publically displayed emotion were an avenue these tough northern lads would otherwise be unable to show in public under normal circumstances?

[Billy Freemantle]

Perhaps the beautiful heart felt music and lyrics culminating in publically displayed emotion were an avenue these tough northern lads would otherwise be unable to show in public under normal circumstances?

I don't think this has much to do with it, Soulgirl. Some people might listen to the lyrics, but I think in the days of 100mph dancers it was more about beat. Just look at how many intrumentals have been played. One side of it was as Dobie Gray said: [They] get [their] kicks out on the floor."

Edited July 7, 2006 by Billy Freemantle

[Guest]

Ahhh... my favourite record! In fact, having had a couple of hours to think about it, you're right Billy - for me it was most definately the sound, beat - the whole package! It just turned me on full stop - and still does. I had no peers to follow as no one else really knew what it was - there was probably only 5 of us that danced at the youth club and I was the only girl. So, the only influence that touched me was the actual music

[Billy Freemantle]

I think if we are going to come to any sensible conclusions about what Northern Soul is all about, we need first of all to decide what questions are are trying to answer. So far we've been discussing without really doing that and as a result we haven't got anywhere.

So here are some questions.

1. Why did it begin in the North of England?

2. Why was rarity a crucial necessity?

3. Why were the followers predominantly white and working class?

4. Why was the music predominantly made by blackamerican artists?

5. Is there really a link between how it began in the late 60s and how it is today?

[Winnie :-)]

Not ignoring this, like most days these days so busy just pop my head in for a nose and every so often put my Victor Meldrew hat on to have a moan, I will post something positive soon honest!!

SInce you so eloquently, as always, chastised me for being a grumpy old man thought I should at least answer.

I do think she asked the question here, although agree second hand, and I stick by my original feeling that given benefit of doubt it was maybe just an an insensitively worded question (albeit from someone else originally), however on other side I still think it could be seen as offensive and for largely the reason you state above Winnie, re the AL Jolson thinking, the minstrel shows in early America are generally now percieved as offensive and one of the many moral crimes we (as a race rather than personally) have commited against people of colour over the years . I dont think the question remotely hints at being influenced by other cultures or adopting them because of where you live, which is prevalent in todays society. I just think its the daft sort of thinking that we as a society should be beyond, but we clearly are not.

The far more fascinating question started by Mikey and carried on by Billy Freemantle re the connection with Northern Soul and tough working class Northern laddies (admittedly not as relevant to today as 20 years ago) I think is a question worth debating, not sure there is an answer but as a sociological study I think there is some real interesting bits in there. Its something I have long threatened to try and write about (largely failing because I cant put any lucid theory together!). I however think the original question was a million miles away from this.

Apologies if on a rant but thought I should for once explain reason behind my miserable outbursts!! I think I need to go back to trying to banter with Soul Sources very own chuckle brothers (Dan and Stuart), or maybe not as that got me into trouble last time.

Cheers

Jock

================

Can't remember referring to you as a grumpy old man or chastising you Jock, if I've said either I apologise. I thought the question was about black influences, and whether we incorporated them in any way. Personally I think we do, within dancing and singing (phrasing) so the question has some relevance IMO.I used the Al Jolson reference because I don't think its a question of trying to be black per se, more a subtle influence that we may not always be aware of.

Winnie:-)

[Winnie :-)]

I think if we are going to come to any sensible conclusions about what Northern Soul is all about, we need first of all to decide what questions are are trying to answer. So far we've been discussing without really doing that and as a result we haven't got anywhere.

So here are some questions.

1. Why did it begin in the North of England?

2. Why was rarity a crucial necessity?

3. Why were the followers predominantly white and working class?

4. Why was the music predominantly made by blackamerican artists?

5. Is there really a link between how it began in the late 60s and how it is today?

====================

1. London always ready to move onto the next fad, so nothing stays in vogue for very long.

2. The rarity gave a feeling of one-upmanship against those not following the scene, would also give status, which would improve self respect and self esteem

3. West Indians coming to Britain already had a specific music to follow.......Reggae. This was considered far purer than music (motown) etc that was generally mass produced for a white audience.

4. Think we liked the motown sound, that was recognised by many struggling black artists, so in effort to make a living, they tried to reproduce the sound. Basically horses for courses.

5. Think the link is tenuous at best, most into the scene now have been at it for 20/30 years. In the 6Ts it would have been fresh, and as with anything new, you have those who wish to jump on the bandwagon. Don't think that's the case these days as very few are actually experiencing the music for the first time.

Haven't tried to give a difinitive answer, cos I'm not sure there is one, this is just my take on the questions asked. Didn't try to answer them in too much depth because I think the post would probably have had to have been far too long and involved.

Winnie:-)

[Supercorsa]

I know things have moved on, but in answer to the first post by Soulgirl, I think the question is complete and utter bollocks!

As for what northern soul is all about read what Mikey wrote a little while back (I would put up a link but can't find it).

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

as said yeah a load of crap but what i am happy for is if students do music and not know what Northern soul is instead of sounding dumb they ask us what is it and we tell them songs etc so they say ok great.

[Guest nubes]

Can i give my view as a female Black soulie here, i first got into Northern at a time in Northampton when the majority of black young people were turning rasta, to say i got a lot of stick was an understatement, i was accused of wanting to be "white" purely because they saw the Northern soul scene as being a "white" scene, they really coudn't and wouldn't understand that for me, it really was about the music and the atmosphere, nothing more than that,my way of thinking has always been, live and let live, so long as one enjoys themselves in any way they want, why should that bother others?? Delxx

[Guest Matt Male]

The far more fascinating question started by Mikey and carried on by Billy Freemantle re the connection with Northern Soul and tough working class Northern laddies (admittedly not as relevant to today as 20 years ago) I think is a question worth debating, not sure there is an answer but as a sociological study I think there is some real interesting bits in there. Its something I have long threatened to try and write about (largely failing because I cant put any lucid theory together!). I however think the original question was a million miles away from this.

I always wondered this too. Why are the hardest lads into Northern? It was true when i was at school and the scene in Nuneaton is made up od either the toughest blokes in the town or their mates who have at least an association with the scene. I think Karen was right when she says it allows tough guys to dance without fear of ridicule a bit like the dance offs between street gangs in the states maybe.

So if we have the toughest scene who would win in a death match between the following...

Northern vs. Heavy Metal

Northern vs. Punk

Northern vs. Country and Western

Northern vs. Rock and Roll (i think this would be close)

Northern vs. Disco (watch out for the nails and hair pulling)

[Guest rachel]

So if we have the toughest scene who would win in a death match between the following...

Northern vs. Heavy Metal

Northern vs. Punk

Northern vs. Country and Western

Northern vs. Rock and Roll (i think this would be close)

Northern vs. Disco (watch out for the nails and hair pulling)

https://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=...amp;word2=disco

[Guest ShaneH]

I always wondered this too. Why are the hardest lads into Northern? It was true when i was at school and the scene in Nuneaton is made up od either the toughest blokes in the town or their mates who have at least an association with the scene. I think Karen was right when she says it allows tough guys to dance without fear of ridicule a bit like the dance offs between street gangs in the states maybe.

i imagine a lot of the guys realised that if they want to pull the best girls they need to be able to dance and show a liking for northern soul?

any truth in that you wigan smoothies?

Shane

[Guest Baz]

https://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=...amp;word2=disco

Northern Kicks disco's ass i like it

try this one

https://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=...ishy+wasy+disco

Edited July 12, 2006 by Baz

[Guest rachel]

Northern Kicks disco's ass i like it

try this one

https://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=...ishy+wasy+disco

Yep.. but... https://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=...mp;word2=modern

[Guest]

Northern Kicks disco's ass i like it

try this one

https://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=...ishy+wasy+disco

Thats northern,put in northern soul,we soon get a kikcin`

[Guest Baz]

Northern Kicks disco's ass i like it

try this one

https://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=...ishy+wasy+disco

Soul Sam just kicked my ass

[Guest]

Northern Kicks disco's ass i like it

try this one

https://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=...ishy+wasy+disco

What is wasy?,put the correct spelling in,disco get 39 votes

[Guest]

I know things have moved on, but in answer to the first post by Soulgirl, I think the question is complete and utter bollocks!

How can a question be utter bollocks... it was just that, a question prompting answers. It was a quote made by someone presumably on the Soul Scene - not by the question asker themselves.

[Guest ShaneH]

if you read the first post you will see that the students question followed a statement made by someone else.

the statement outlined the 'pretending to be black' subject. the question by the student asked if there was any truth in this.

it is the statement that may be considered crazy not the question.

Shane

[Chris L]

I was sent a rather large questionnaire about Northern Soul today, by a University student. The question was:

I thought that was a fantastic question! What's your answer? I'll tell you mine later as I obviously don't want to incite answers pertinent to my own answer

Frankly it's an outrageous question. Verging on racist. Not all soul singers are

black skinned and not all black skinned people soul singers. Bin it for the

garbage it is.

Chris L

[Guest ShaneH]

Frankly it's an outrageous question. Verging on racist. Not all soul singers are

black skinned and not all black skinned people soul singers. Bin it for the

garbage it is.

Chris L

it is not outrageous. the statment maybe.

the question was in response to a statement from someone else. maybe the person asking the question believes the statement to be outrageous hence the question.

read the first post again

Shane

[Winnie :-)]

it is not outrageous. the statment maybe.

the question was in response to a statement from someone else. maybe the person asking the question believes the statement to be outrageous hence the question.

read the first post again

Shane

==============

Well said Shane

[Chris L]

it is not outrageous. the statment maybe.

the question was in response to a statement from someone else. maybe the person asking the question believes the statement to be outrageous hence the question.

read the first post again

Shane

"We were pretending to be black. We danced as though we were black. We even sang as though we were black". This is the quote

Do you think northern soul involves pretending to be black? This is the question

The quote is ridiculous, the question being asked is by someone who has read

something, given it very little thought then asked "well, what do you think" who

cares what 1 NS fan says ? They don't speak for the entire NS fraternity, if an

intern of mine asked such a question I'd run over him/her in my car, set him/her

on fire and then urinate on them to put it out..................and that's on a good day. What's next ? "Do you think wearing bowling shirts is a message statement that all NS

fans are secret 10 pin bowling addicts" "Are NS dancers drunks and/or alcoholics because lots of them seem to have beer towels in their waistbands" "Are NS dancers drug addicts because they dance all night, can't stop talking and seem to be very bad tempered next morning" I rest my suitcase. Chris L

[Guest ShaneH]

strange reply chris.

the person asking the question is obviously researching northern soul as a subject. that person has found a statement from someone on the scene. that person finds the statement interesting and decides to dig deeper - in other words clarify the statement.

what on earth is wrong about that?

Shane