https://www.dancenorthern.com/dvd.html   -    

 

 

"It's fit, it's fun and very, very soulful."  -  is the catch phrase and marketing. So is it?

 

Is it just me, or is this like a new line-dancing thing?

 

Can anyone explain what it has to do with any scene that was meant to inspire individual spirit, anarchy through individuality and LISTENING to the music yourself and developing accordingly.

 

Shockingly bad and nothing to do with Northern Soul?

 

Or should i just forget that moniker and what it meant and accept it has been hijacked by a bunch off sad, opportunistic, self-appointed, self important, self contained, self - congratulatory, controlling re-emergers?

 

World Northern Soul Dance Championships? Really? What world? Is that because the Blackpool event is so multi-cultural and representative of the World scene? Should it not be The Blackpool Dance Competition? I mean who makes this stuff up?

 

Its all so plastic and weirdly in-bred.

 

For those who say "forget politics and dance" well maybe you were not there in the first place. I got into it as an act of rebellion against the mainstream offerings of the time when i was young and kept that spirit through the 80's and 90's when a lot of Wigan goers had just packed in and a group of dedicated, soulful, anarchistic, caring people kept the scene alive.  Developing it in the spirit of discovery that had inspired it in the first place.

SO, politics gave 'birth' to the scene, it was an act of rebellion that inspired many of us to nurture it and ourselves within it.

Now the phrase "forget politics and dance" seems to cover a multitude of acts such as Dance Dvds and their accompanying guru's, World Championships, Dancing on crap TV and listening to the same 500 records over and over again..........

Politics is a necessary thing, not a dirty word as many proffer  in their simplistic arguments for doing what is basically a load of old tat. 

 

Thank the soul gods for the small clubs and true people that maintain and nurture the original political spirit of rebellion through their love of music. No DVD's to tell people how to dance, no top 500 hammered to death like nails in a coffin, no World domination through competition and a memory of the astronautical spirit of exploration and discovery that inspired many of us in the first place. 

 

So I say "Remember politics and dance"...

 

Just my opinion of course....

Edited April 2, 201411 yr by paul-s

  On 06/04/2014 at 10:33, BAKUNIN said:

There is some unnecessary vernacular masturbation going on now in this thread and I am lost so my interest has waned.....off to play some tunes.

 

Are you calling me a vernacular masturbator then. I've been called some things.....

  On 06/04/2014 at 12:06, jordirip said:

Are you calling me a vernacular masturbator then. I've been called some things.....

Nah not you pal

we have to accept that entrepreneus eventually find a way but with commersialisation comes dilution and this is happening at a frightning speed over the last 10 years, and in my mind it hurts.kfc calling there product soul food while the outlets play ns , it hurts.stepping over pissed up arseholes at a allnighter, some silly cow saying judy streets what wasnt as good as soft cells (yes she said it)greatest ever all nighters.world dancing championships, how to dance dvd.party mix cd what next? northern soul karaoke or richRd searling advertising the latest sex with soul condom while russ winstanly plo i love you on the blackpool tower wurliszer.all im saying is to people who think any of the above is ok you dont know or understand northern soul.my passion for ns is no greater than mrs m or thousands of other soulers despite what era you were doing your nights its to these i say for the last time you dont know kyou wernt there!!

it should read while russ winstanly plays do i love you on the tower wurlitzer.POXY PHONE!!!

  On 03/04/2014 at 08:24, Pete S said:

Jesus.  It's not that hard.  Stand with feet slightly apart, slide one foot towards the other, then back again, start to put a bit of rhythm into it, then start to put the foot in front of the other foot instead of just side to side, well done, now you can dance!

 

That reminds me of....The lady lies waiting... The gentleman with the mellon switches on the batteries...then takes the neck of the stuffed goose between thumb and forefinger..............etc..................  maybe thats the SHAG scene!

 

I would love to learn how to SHAG

. 

 "FIONA"

What a fantastic set of answers dancers, you all know your stuff,

 

Now i

 

The 1st lesson is FREE followed by "Develop Monster Soul Taste" - No listening involved, just complete scientific methodology Developed by a Professor in "enchantedrythm".

 

A new kind Of Scene is being born.  Eat your heart out Dave Godin- superceeding has begun-   PARADIGM SHIFT!  Aquarianism. 

 

Gifted to you By ....."The Whole New Better Scene Guidelines Board and Regulatory Body (popping..sic) Insuring Perfect Attendance Targets.

 

Pricing and structure Dept

  On 05/04/2014 at 21:17, Mrs M said:

I was not criticising your opinion of the newcomers of the past six years, I fully agree mate. I was merely asking why you're only elite if your in your 50's. Valid question. As I said, not asked in arrogance or to offend.

People move on legends continue ................... New

 

  On 06/04/2014 at 08:02, Dave Rimmer said:

I was chatting to Jessica about the commercialiasation of the scene as we know it and she mentioned this book

 

Subculture: The Meaning of Style is a 1979 book by Dick Hebdige.

 

The summary on Wikipedia contains a very telling few lines:

 

The dominant society often sees these groups as radical, leading to fear, skepticism, and anxiety in their response. In some ways, this gives the subculture's resistance more power but only momentarily, because eventually entrepreneurs find a way to commodify the style and music of the subculture. Before long, elements of the subculture are available to the mainstream, i.e. Edwardian jackets of the Teddy boys. In this way, what was once subversive, rebellious, and radical, is now contained. For this reason, it is often the case that the moment when dominant society begins to recognize a subculture is the moment that the resistant power of the subculture begins to die

 

Dick wrote "The meaning of style " !  Brilliant 

  On 06/04/2014 at 10:17, jordirip said:

Dick Hebdige was my sociology lecturer when I was at college in Walsall '80 - '83. Great bloke who was always interested in talking about Northern Soul, Reggae, clothes and fashion etc. He was quite an inspirational character for me at that time in that he always understood the importance of Northern soul as a youth underground phenomenon, as opposed to how any of my mainstream contemporaries viewed it.

 

That post alone should make quite clear why teachers and lecturers should be valued more and paid more. You never forget an inspirational teacher like that.

 

Rob Alias

 

The Beats & Pieces Show

Starpoint Radio

Edited April 6, 201411 yr by Rob Alias

  On 04/04/2014 at 17:40, Pete S said:

Dancing competition or acrobatic competition?  

 

Or excuse to flash your thong...

 

Strange isnt it that the most undignified acts on the scene are commited by those that claim to love it most , keep the faith and all that .

  On 04/04/2014 at 12:40, Steve G said:

What the hell is happening? It all happened years ago.

 

You might say it's all a load of.....

 

 

 

But when you have this little gem of a CD to play maybe not

 

 

 

 

The whole thing is so commercialized it's not surpsing in the slightest that people are offering dance lessons....they are just the tip of an iceberg of what's been going on....let 'em get on with it if thats what ppl want to do. Whenever any civilian friends mention "northern soul" to me, I just tell em "nah that's not what I am into at all". I then mention "Rare soul".... they look puzzled and walk away quickly 

I thought it was a vest as I scrolled down 

  On 06/04/2014 at 17:04, Perdita said:

Or excuse to flash your thong...

 

1blackpool dance comp.jpg

 

...... or Throng.

OMG WTF is the scene coming too,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, no wonder I don't go to do's anymore

The scene isn't that commercialised surely ?  A 'coming of age' film that flopped,. A couple of crap documentaries with 36 years gap between them, A new film that hasn't been released yet. A couple of people who can't dance, trying to make a buck out of teaching people who can't dance, how to dance badly. As for commercial, I've never been to a soul event that didn't cost me to get in, or been given free records by a record collector.

.

Edited April 7, 201411 yr by Dave Ward

  On 06/04/2014 at 21:44, Dave Ward said:

 A couple of people who can't dance, trying to make a buck out of teaching people who can't dance, how to dance badly.

 

  On 06/04/2014 at 21:44, Dave Ward said:

The scene isn't that commercialised surely ?  A 'coming of age' film that flopped,. A couple of crap documentaries with 36 years gap between them, A new film that hasn't been released yet. A couple of people who can't dance, trying to make a buck out of teaching people who can't dance, how to dance badly. As for commercial, I've never been to a soul event that didn't cost me to get in, or been given free records by a record collector.

You cant define commercialisation as any transaction between two parties. Commercialisation is the exploitation of a market for profit, at it's worst, the creation and exploitation of a market as in 'create a product no one apparently requires and then try to sell it' like boy bands, fashion, lady gaga perfume, gold plated dildos etc

I ran a club, it cost to put on, was I supposed to fund it myself? I couldnt afford to or I might well have done.

I took the same or less than the guest djs and put any surplus back into the event. Hardly commercialism.

the opposite or the only alternative to commercialism or capitalism is not giving things away free.

However, I've given plenty if records away free, you want to find better mates ;-)

]

  On 06/04/2014 at 20:31, NickH said:

OMG WTF is the scene coming too,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, no wonder I don't go to do's anymore

 

Well, 'the scene' has got you armchair fans covered too:

 

Something nice to hang on your lounge wall to remind you what Northern Soul is, what a classic 'East Side' by Hank Jacobs is and some classic 45s that you need in your collection, like the Epitome of Sound, on red Sandbag.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171044091244?var=470254592593&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Where's the Wigan Casino comb and pouch?

I know it exists, it got sold alongside the white belt in the 70's.

Did I see it on an album cover?

Why does it f**king matter?

 

People who like the 'retro' look, go to certain places and dress in a certain way.... those that don't like that, go to different places! 

Why are you all wasting your breath going on about a part of the scene that is a commercial spin off? All of you shouting the loudest about all the crap, are the ones who support Burnley, Driving Beat, Go Go Children etc. In fact it's those of you who go to places where its not the top 500, so I repeat

 

Why does it f**king matter?

 

Got nothing better to do than sit and moan about people going out and enjoying themselves? I thought you'd all have something better to do, obviously not.

 

Everything that is seen as 'underground' that gets a cult following always gets reported on at some point, and some form of commercial copying starts. The Rave/Warehouse scene is a classic example. Thing is, the main core of whatever scene it is, remains, the commercial side goes its own way with it's own supporters/hangers on/copyists, call them what you will, but the original scene and ethos remains, in fact, its normally driven even more underground and carries on in smaller numbers. Those who were just going along with the flow, but 'didn't really get it' go off and follow the more commercial side. Sound Familiar.

 

Leave people alone! You're acting like a bunch of bullies. Has the scene that I love turned into a sneering, elitist, snobby thing that looks down on people enjoying themselves because they're not doing it the 'right' way? 

 

I've read an awful lot about it coming from the heart, thats where it hit me, there's tunes that just make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and give you goosebumps the 1st time you hear them, you dont get that with other types of music, well I dont! So think of everything the 'followers of fashion' are missing! They're enjoying themselves, and many will be on to the next fad that reminds them of their youth sometime in the future, leave 'em to it, and just get on with enjoying the thing and the places and people you love, instead of moaning!

  On 06/04/2014 at 20:31, NickH said:

OMG WTF is the scene coming too,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, no wonder I don't go to do's anymore

 

Don't be too negative my friend, some damn good tunes played at damn good venues!

 

KEEP THE FLAG FLYING

  On 07/04/2014 at 10:33, Labeat said:

Don't be too negative my friend, some damn good tunes played at damn good venues!

 

KEEP THE FLAG FLYING

 

It was a tongue in cheek comment Labeat, each to their own my friend, I choose to keep the faith by, collecting,selling and listening to my beloved music,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, from my armchair,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Never ever doubted that good tunes are played at good venues,,,,,,,,,,,,,, as they have been since I sampled them back in 1974,,,,,,,,,,,,,, forget your hardcore northern fans, times move on, people move on, people come and they and go, fads come and they go,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, but the one thing that never changes is the qaulity of of the music we all love.

  On 07/04/2014 at 10:54, NickH said:

It was a tongue in cheek comment Labeat, each to their own my friend, I choose to keep the faith by, collecting,selling and listening to my beloved music,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, from my armchair,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Never ever doubted that good tunes are played at good venues,,,,,,,,,,,,,, as they have been since I sampled them back in 1974,,,,,,,,,,,,,, forget your hardcore northern fans, times move on, people move on, people come and they and go, fads come and they go,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, but the one thing that never changes is the qaulity of of the music we all love.

 

Fair enough Nick, i also do the collecting, selling and listening..... out'n'about.... as it's a good social aspect.... still

That is the one thing I do miss, the social side of things, but having to prioritise available free time and the fact that I live in Bedfordshire makes it somewhat more difficult to go. Last one I went to was Kings Hall about 6 years ago, I have tried to do the local soul nites around my area and they do not have the buzz of a niter so choose not to go, maybe one day the car will be trundling up the motorway to Stoke or even better to Keele as it has now started up again, must admit I was tempted when I saw the ad,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

  On 07/04/2014 at 09:21, Haydn said:

Where's the Wigan Casino comb and pouch?

I know it exists, it got sold alongside the white belt in the 70's.

Did I see it on an album cover?

I have a wigan casino diary................  anyone else

  On 07/04/2014 at 09:59, MrC said:

Why does it f**king matter?

 

People who like the 'retro' look, go to certain places and dress in a certain way.... those that don't like that, go to different places! 

Why are you all wasting your breath going on about a part of the scene that is a commercial spin off? All of you shouting the loudest about all the crap, are the ones who support Burnley, Driving Beat, Go Go Children etc. In fact it's those of you who go to places where its not the top 500, so I repeat

 

Why does it f**king matter?

 

Got nothing better to do than sit and moan about people going out and enjoying themselves? I thought you'd all have something better to do, obviously not.

 

Everything that is seen as 'underground' that gets a cult following always gets reported on at some point, and some form of commercial copying starts. The Rave/Warehouse scene is a classic example. Thing is, the main core of whatever scene it is, remains, the commercial side goes its own way with it's own supporters/hangers on/copyists, call them what you will, but the original scene and ethos remains, in fact, its normally driven even more underground and carries on in smaller numbers. Those who were just going along with the flow, but 'didn't really get it' go off and follow the more commercial side. Sound Familiar.

 

Leave people alone! You're acting like a bunch of bullies. Has the scene that I love turned into a sneering, elitist, snobby thing that looks down on people enjoying themselves because they're not doing it the 'right' way? 

 

I've read an awful lot about it coming from the heart, thats where it hit me, there's tunes that just make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and give you goosebumps the 1st time you hear them, you dont get that with other types of music, well I dont! So think of everything the 'followers of fashion' are missing! They're enjoying themselves, and many will be on to the next fad that reminds them of their youth sometime in the future, leave 'em to it, and just get on with enjoying the thing and the places and people you love, instead of moaning!

It's funny, but I always remember it being that way. We've all sneered and been sneered at at one time or another, surely. I'm sure you must have uttered the word "div" at least once on your passage through this "scene" of ours. It's been replaced with words like "numpty", "handbagger" and "non-scene goons" today though. Nice to have alternatives...

Edited April 7, 201411 yr by macca

  On 07/04/2014 at 12:14, NickH said:

That is the one thing I do miss, the social side of things, but having to prioritise available free time and the fact that I live in Bedfordshire makes it somewhat more difficult to go. Last one I went to was Kings Hall about 6 years ago, I have tried to do the local soul nites around my area and they do not have the buzz of a niter so choose not to go, maybe one day the car will be trundling up the motorway to Stoke or even better to Keele as it has now started up again, must admit I was tempted when I saw the ad,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

The Gloucester nighter would be a good starting point for you (not a million miles away).... 2 rooms, rare & traditional, good for buying, selling & socialising

  On 07/04/2014 at 12:52, macca said:

It's funny, but I always remember it being that way. We've all sneered and been sneered at at one time or another, surely. I'm sure you must have uttered the word "div" at least once on your passage through this "scene" of ours. It's been replaced with words like "numpty", "handbagger" and "non-scene goons" today though. Nice to have alternatives...

 

I may well have uttered that word at some point, in passing, when I was a teenager, probably around 1978 at the Casino when it had been in the papers and on the Telly, when people were going to 'spectate' and buying anything of anybody that would sell it to them, and the ambulance was turning uop and carrying people out by the busload every saturday.

 

Not as a 50 something year old bloke, every chance I get on a forum on the internet!

 

There's a lot of things happened in my life, mostly through faults of my own, but I've come out the other side and I'm damn sure I'm not going to waste time by spending at least half of any night I go out, then god knows how long over the following week, because I saw someone wearing a vest and spencers! (obviously they were going to a 'local' do down the road from the one I was going to  )

  On 07/04/2014 at 12:14, NickH said:

That is the one thing I do miss, the social side ..... Keele has now started up again, must admit I was tempted when I saw the ad,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Go on Nick you know you want to. Only a couple of hours up the A14/ M6. Steve

  On 07/04/2014 at 13:31, Winsford Soul said:

Go on Nick you know you want to. Only a couple of hours up the A14/ M6. Steve

 

OMG don't tempt me you buggers

  On 07/04/2014 at 13:10, Labeat said:

The Gloucester nighter would be a good starting point for you (not a million miles away).... 2 rooms, rare & traditional, good for buying, selling & socialising

 

mmmmm, maybe, going that way this weekend for a break with the wife,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

you have tempted me, I am going to look out the vests tonight to see if they still fit, mind you will have to get the wife to iron them over a wok to fit my no longer slim physique

  On 07/04/2014 at 12:14, NickH said:

That is the one thing I do miss, the social side of things, but having to prioritise available free time and the fact that I live in Bedfordshire makes it somewhat more difficult to go. Last one I went to was Kings Hall about 6 years ago, I have tried to do the local soul nites around my area and they do not have the buzz of a niter so choose not to go, maybe one day the car will be trundling up the motorway to Stoke or even better to Keele as it has now started up again, must admit I was tempted when I saw the ad,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

You're best bet would be Rugby niter next Saturday then, much closer to you.

this Saturday or next Dave?

  On 07/04/2014 at 14:34, NickH said:

this Saturday or next Dave?

 

This coming Saturday, the 12th.

 

  On 07/04/2014 at 13:15, MrC said:

I may well have uttered that word at some point, in passing, when I was a teenager, probably around 1978 at the Casino when it had been in the papers and on the Telly, when people were going to 'spectate' and buying anything of anybody that would sell it to them, and the ambulance was turning uop and carrying people out by the busload every saturday.

 

 

I used to utter it every time I saw Mick Horton 

  On 07/04/2014 at 09:59, MrC said:

Why does it f**king matter?

 

People who like the 'retro' look, go to certain places and dress in a certain way.... those that don't like that, go to different places! 

Why are you all wasting your breath going on about a part of the scene that is a commercial spin off? All of you shouting the loudest about all the crap, are the ones who support Burnley, Driving Beat, Go Go Children etc. In fact it's those of you who go to places where its not the top 500, so I repeat

 

Why does it f**king matter?

 

Got nothing better to do than sit and moan about people going out and enjoying themselves? I thought you'd all have something better to do, obviously not.

 

Everything that is seen as 'underground' that gets a cult following always gets reported on at some point, and some form of commercial copying starts. The Rave/Warehouse scene is a classic example. Thing is, the main core of whatever scene it is, remains, the commercial side goes its own way with it's own supporters/hangers on/copyists, call them what you will, but the original scene and ethos remains, in fact, its normally driven even more underground and carries on in smaller numbers. Those who were just going along with the flow, but 'didn't really get it' go off and follow the more commercial side. Sound Familiar.

 

Leave people alone! You're acting like a bunch of bullies. Has the scene that I love turned into a sneering, elitist, snobby thing that looks down on people enjoying themselves because they're not doing it the 'right' way? 

 

I've read an awful lot about it coming from the heart, thats where it hit me, there's tunes that just make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and give you goosebumps the 1st time you hear them, you dont get that with other types of music, well I dont! So think of everything the 'followers of fashion' are missing! They're enjoying themselves, and many will be on to the next fad that reminds them of their youth sometime in the future, leave 'em to it, and just get on with enjoying the thing and the places and people you love, instead of moaning!

That's a great post and you're totally right of course

however... i can't speak for anyone else but I love a lot of stuff and what a love I really love. I'm interested in a lot of stuff too. But you cant just focus on those good things all the time, you'd be a hippy or something and it'd be irresponsible - there's a good chance that while you're lost in your own music paradise, doing that happy whistler thing, living and let living, some fools have taken over and are telling you you're not allowed this or that any more...

so you've got to keep an eye on the shite and maintain a war-like mentality.

Today it's northern soul thongs, tomorrow it could be gulags and bar codes in your necks. A lot of people...well if you dont hate em you're just letting em off the hook

;-]

  On 07/04/2014 at 14:56, penny said:

That's a great post and you're totally right of course

however... i can't speak for anyone else but I love a lot of stuff and what a love I really love. I'm interested in a lot of stuff too. But you cant just focus on those good things all the time, you'd be a hippy or something and it'd be irresponsible - there's a good chance that while you're lost in your own music paradise, doing that happy whistler thing, living and let living, some fools have taken over and are telling you you're not allowed this or that any more...

so you've got to keep an eye on the shite and maintain a war-like mentality.

Today it's northern soul thongs, tomorrow it could be gulags and bar codes in your necks. A lot of people...well if you dont hate em you're just letting em off the hook

;-]

 

Just cos you're not paranoid... it doesn't mean they're not after you! Are you sure they're not sneaking into your house while you're at work or the shops, rearranging all your furniture, then putting it back EXACTLY as it was, before quietly sneaking back out?

 

Edited April 7, 201411 yr by MrC

  On 07/04/2014 at 15:02, MrC said:

Just cos you're not paranoid... it doesn't mean they're not after you! Are you sure they're not sneaking into your house while you're out, rearranging all your furniture, then putting it back EXACTLY as it was, before quietly sneaking out?

 

I will have some of what you are on MrC, that is some good sh*t man

  On 07/04/2014 at 08:49, penny said:

You cant define commercialisation as any transaction between two parties. Commercialisation is the exploitation of a market for profit, at it's worst, the creation and exploitation of a market as in 'create a product

However, I've given plenty if records away free, you want to find better mates ;-)

]

I checked the OED for a definition as well, as for free records, my 'Friend' request is on it's way. Penny !

 

 

 

  On 07/04/2014 at 09:59, MrC said:

Leave people alone! You're acting like a bunch of bullies.

 

Due respect old chap, not really your call to make and it's just a discussion that's all, nothing more.

  On 07/04/2014 at 15:58, Simsy said:

Due respect old chap, not really your call to make and it's just a discussion that's all, nothing more.

 

Sorry Simsy, but did you want me to change it to "you're acting like bullies - IMO"?

  On 07/04/2014 at 14:10, NickH said:

you have tempted me, I am going to look out the vests tonight to see if they still fit, mind you will have to get the wife to iron them over a wok to fit my no longer slim physique

 

Nick, don't worry, all shapes and sizes go..... anyone between 7st & 27st.... it don't matter, we are all individuals who love the music

Ive just been censored on a well known uk shirt company for saying politely that most soul people do not dress like the few who are in there advert's one had a denim jacket with badges every where then another had badge's all down his baggy trousers. I did notice they happened to be in the you tube video of the one show's dressing room.

  On 07/04/2014 at 16:08, MrC said:

Sorry Simsy, but did you want me to change it to "you're acting like bullies - IMO"?

 

Nah mate, everyone is entitled to have their say, your good self included. 

  On 07/04/2014 at 09:59, MrC said:

Why does it f**king matter?

 

People who like the 'retro' look, go to certain places and dress in a certain way.... those that don't like that, go to different places! 

Why are you all wasting your breath going on about a part of the scene that is a commercial spin off? All of you shouting the loudest about all the crap, are the ones who support Burnley, Driving Beat, Go Go Children etc. In fact it's those of you who go to places where its not the top 500, so I repeat

 

Why does it f**king matter?

 

Got nothing better to do than sit and moan about people going out and enjoying themselves? I thought you'd all have something better to do, obviously not.

 

Everything that is seen as 'underground' that gets a cult following always gets reported on at some point, and some form of commercial copying starts. The Rave/Warehouse scene is a classic example. Thing is, the main core of whatever scene it is, remains, the commercial side goes its own way with it's own supporters/hangers on/copyists, call them what you will, but the original scene and ethos remains, in fact, its normally driven even more underground and carries on in smaller numbers. Those who were just going along with the flow, but 'didn't really get it' go off and follow the more commercial side. Sound Familiar.

 

Leave people alone! You're acting like a bunch of bullies. Has the scene that I love turned into a sneering, elitist, snobby thing that looks down on people enjoying themselves because they're not doing it the 'right' way? 

 

I've read an awful lot about it coming from the heart, thats where it hit me, there's tunes that just make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and give you goosebumps the 1st time you hear them, you dont get that with other types of music, well I dont! So think of everything the 'followers of fashion' are missing! They're enjoying themselves, and many will be on to the next fad that reminds them of their youth sometime in the future, leave 'em to it, and just get on with enjoying the thing and the places and people you love, instead of moaning!

Good post ...but try telling all my non soul mates at work and down the pub ..the deadly silence and the sn*****s when i walk in the room is kinda unnerving ,followed by the barrage of quick quips .. " where's your baggy pants and vests tonight Nev ,don't be nicking the towels off the bar please " and finally as im off home .." Nev ,don't forget  ....Keep the faith" swiftly followed by the fist gesture ! ffs  

I had 2 items left on my bucket list, No. 99 is to be barred from my local pub, (this would require GBH on a scale unimaginable to sane members of the human race). No. 100 is to become a respected contributor to Soul Source, with 4 warnings. Now, after following this post/thread I have added No. 101 Attend a Northern Soul dancing class, but this must result in the award of a crappy computer printed certificate stating " Dave Ward has successfully completed this module in Classic Northern Soul Dancing " plus a limited edition woven badge. I'd like to see my trolls take the piss out of me then !

Edited April 7, 201411 yr by Dave Ward

  On 07/04/2014 at 17:40, Dave Ward said:

No. 100 is to become a respected contributor to Soul Source, with 4 warnings. 

 

This is also an aim of mine, so far I have one ban and one warning but I do have about 40,000 posts.

  On 07/04/2014 at 16:57, NEV said:

Good post ...but try telling all my non soul mates at work and down the pub ..the deadly silence and the sn*****s when i walk in the room is kinda unnerving ,followed by the barrage of quick quips .. " where's your baggy pants and vests tonight Nev ,don't be nicking the towels off the bar please " and finally as im off home .." Nev ,don't forget  ....Keep the faith" swiftly followed by the fist gesture ! ffs  

 

Give them a fist gesture Nev.... in the Gob, how dare they ridicule the finest music on earth

  On 03/04/2014 at 18:08, spot said:

Actually Paul I think he'd just sha* himself btw didn't you do some dance classes for an upcoming media hyped film? Us old farts warned of this before Soul Boy & no one listened, it's great for media coverage just like the mid 70's but as Private Frazer would say, "we're doomed, we're all doomed". And thank you for a very good set at SoulFunktion, excellent.

Spot.

 

 

NO, in a word mate. Elaines Company ran a dance club for 3 years (in preparation for the film) and I basically organised it and invited people in. No steps were taught as we were trying to create a method that mirrored how we did it originally. Which was dance, observe, share, copy, invent. Of course we were making an historical film so it had to have some references to that period in terms of dancing and we would discuss these and point them out. It was 3 years to allow an organic process and one that had some real soul to it. The last year these sessions were some of the best i had been to in a long time....full of energy, a social group who travelled and looked forward to seeing each other and  a discovery and re-discovery of music. For many of them they were hearing what we call oldies for the first time and their joy and energy at hearing them, made me re-listen to stuff i was sick to death of hearing  hammered to death at mainstream events. They gave it a sort of new life (hard to explain, but it was real). I never taught one step in those sessions and often i would say just look and if you want to learn something ask the dancer to show you or try to mimic them. 

I really enjoyed Soul-Funktion, a breath of fresh air and the people there had great heart and soul, left me with a smile on my face.