Soundtrack - Northern Soul The Film

[Soul16]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Soul-The-Film-Bonus/dp/tracks/B00JYDGFXA/ref=dp_tracks_all_1#disc_1

 

The CD package is released on Monday July 7th, so presumably the film will be in cinemas around the same time.

 

Unusual to find  DVD extras in there too - I would have expected that to be saved for the DVD/Blu-Ray release of the film.

Edited August 4, 2014 by mike
title edited

[grouse]

If that's the soundtrack then things are looking good.

[mark and donna]

I would say that soundtrack is pretty much everything I expected.

[Sheldonsoul]

Same old stuff released on countless other CDs yawn

[Pete S]

For a soundtrack cd - that is superb

[Soulfinger]

Hard to pick a fight with the content.....no doubt there's plenty will try!

[Jim Elliott]

Looks fantastic.

Jim.

[Steve S 60]

It's up there with Grease.

[Guest Byrney]

A few nice unexpected surprises: John Harris, Rudy Love, Patrinell Staten, Royal Esquires etc.

Otherwise as expected for a soundtrack of a film set in the Wigan era.

[Zed1]

That Soundtracks Crap!. Why couldn't they have included some Proper Northern like Duffy, Ruby Andrews or even Tribute.

[Jaco]

Same old stuff released on countless other CDs yawn

So what exactly did you expect for a soundtrack which sets out to represent the period of the film?

[Soulhawk1960]

I for one can't wait to see the film.

 

From the trailer, it looks great.

[Sheldonsoul]

So what exactly did you expect for a soundtrack which sets out to represent the period of the film?

I think the point I'm trying to make is to anyone who's a relative newcomer the CDs fantastic, but to anyone who's been listening to these tracks for the last 30 years or more it's a bit same old same old

[Guest Polyvelts]

Great to see Ronnie and Robyn up there ! Such an old school northern track !

 

Did Marco have a part in putting this together ? Great choices either way.

[Russ Vickers]

It represents the era, what else would anyone expect ?...a few suprises on disc 2 & look forward to seeing how they areused in the film.

 

Is there a deffo release date for the film yet ?.

 

Russ

[Frankie Crocker]

An excellent CD by most standards but has included contemporary rare sounds at the expense of other Wigan classics. Why oh why compile Marvin's 'It's Killing Me' when there were so many class acts to choose from namely Saxie Russell, Willie Mitchell, Little Ritchie, Rubin, Anne Sexton, Major Lance etc. The discs could have been sorted into 'then' and 'now', tracks put in some logical order and the 'Enders' put at the end. As the package stands, it has an amateurish feel to it and the tracks are in a muddled sequence for a film portraying a historical context.

[Soul16]

The first CD contains music from the film itself, the second CD is a selection of tracks compiled by Elaine Constantine that are not featured in the soundtrack, or at least not given any prominence. 

[Guest Byrney]

An excellent CD by most standards but has included contemporary rare sounds at the expense of other Wigan classics. Why oh why compile Marvin's 'It's Killing Me' when there were so many class acts to choose from namely Saxie Russell, Willie Mitchell, Little Ritchie, Rubin, Anne Sexton, Major Lance etc. The discs could have been sorted into 'then' and 'now', tracks put in some logical order and the 'Enders' put at the end. As the package stands, it has an amateurish feel to it and the tracks are in a muddled sequence for a film portraying a historical context.

I personally think having a few later plays suggests there's more to Northern Soul than Wigan and the classics played at that venue, a nice touch.

It'll be interesting to see if the newer discoveries are diagetic ( those that the characters in the film can hear) or non diagetic ( the back ground only the audience hear that aids the narrative context). Either way I can see a soundtrack like that working.

[Steve G]

Great to see Ronnie and Robyn up there ! Such an old school northern track !

 

Did Marco have a part in putting this together ? Great choices either way.

 

Hi don't know about the CD but the musical co-ordinator for the film was a chap called "Butch". 

[Soulstu]

I personally think having a few later plays suggests there's more to Northern Soul than Wigan and the classics played at that venue, a nice touch.

It'll be interesting to see if the newer discoveries are diagetic ( those that the characters in the film can hear) or non diagetic ( the back ground only the audience hear that aids the narrative context). Either way I can see a soundtrack like that working.

Excellent! - nearly every topic I Iearn something new. Ta Byrney (good point btw).

Edited May 17, 2014 by SoulStu

[Chalky]

If someone buys this cd,that isn't into the scene they will at least hear records other than classic wigan stuff. If they find they like it they might just look beyond the usual classics. 

Edited May 17, 2014 by chalky

[Tattoodave]

We've waited long enough for the film, I guess I'll have to wait for the DVD as I won't be flying back until September, however the CD's have a few of my favourites on them so that's a start.

[Carty]

  I never get tired of those classic sounds no matter how often i hear them 

[Ady Croasdell]

The second CD is a selection of tracks the team admire and wanted to put next to the more obvious ones featured in the film 

[Mal C]

  I never get tired of those classic sounds no matter how often i hear them 

totally agree, great double CD, I'd put that on any time and would love every single track..  Its once you want to start collecting the originals you get into trouble..

 

Mal

[Guest Dave Ward]

 

The second CD is a selection of tracks the team admire and wanted to put next to the more obvious ones featured in the film 

I looked through and thought wow, there are 4 sounds on here I wouldn't have expected, all are on the second CD.

 

[Linda4me]

Can't wait  Lighthouse Cinema Wolverhampton here we come 

[Quinvy]

Still no date for the film release though. 

[Jim Elliott]

A bit surprised the soundtrack is getting dissected, I mean come on, we've all got our favourites and opinions on running order blah blah blah.

But we ain't going to please everyone are we?

Just glance thru some of the firey discussions on this forum and you'll see we're a contrary bunch regarding the music, probably due to us all investing too much time trouble and money in it over the years!

Everything's so bloody over analysed these days.

Just put it in the player, roll back the carpet and stomp;)

Regards

Jim.

[Guest in town Mikey]

I hope the cinema I go to has removable chairs. It is going to be very tough sitting all the way through those tracks.

[Winnie :-)]

Most of the do's I go to most of the people sit down most of the time, so they should be ok watching a film for a couple of hours :-)

[Steve S 60]

Most of the do's I go to most of the people sit down most of the time, so they should be ok watching a film for a couple of hours :-)

 

Have a few standing at the front blocking the view for added authenticity.

[Guest Dave Ward]

Should this film ever be shown at my local multiplex, a few thoughts from my tangential brain : Will some people wear baggy pants, badged vests and take a bag with them to the cinema ? Can we soul clap during the movie ? Will some people stay in the foyer for the entire film, rooting through the bins looking for that elusive first issue ticket stub ?

Edited May 19, 2014 by Dave Ward

[Ian Dewhirst]

A couple of things on this. The soundtrack album needed to be loaded onto Amazon early because that's the way that things seem to work these days with the Sales and Marketing guys. We're still waiting for a release date for the film from Universal so the album date will certainly be linked to the release date for the film which means that the present release date is likely to be changed. 

 

I find some of the comments on the track listing a little mystifying. I think it's a great balance of the complete soundtrack on CD1, Elaine's personal choices on CD2 and a bonus DVD of a full interview with Elaine about the making of the film. Neither CD has been sequenced yet but the tracks have all been LEGALLY licensed, many for the very first time unlike some of the previous CD releases! In fact, the tracking down of some of the tracks has taken both the film licencor (Gary Welch) and the Demon licensing teams literally months of trying to locate the proper owners. Many tracks that were on Elaine's preferred list could not be cleared for legal reasons or the owners could not be verified to the lawyers satisfaction. This is becoming more and more difficult now with even the major's now turning down tracks that they've previously licensed for other compilations. Some tracks took literally months of hassle before the legal guys were happy to proceed and other tracks had to be reluctantly turned down because of the ridiculous rules that certain licencors tried to put into place. There are also problems with certain companies and stuff like i-tunes and single downloads etc which are far too tedious to get into here. But I can assure everybody that this is anything but an 'amateur' outing! There's been more professionals involved with this then most other albums I've ever worked on. We're lucky that we managed to even get an album like this together LEGALLY OK? 

 

The CD2 track-listing will also have some others added touch wood. Also there'll be a 14 x 7" disc vinyl edition of the soundtrack too for those who want 7" vinyl. Plus a separate and very tasty artwork book of some of Elaine's incredible photos along the way. It's a prestigious audio release for a prestigious film.

 

Ian D 

[Guest Carl Dixon]

Fantastic news this. Good to see a legally sourced compilation too. As somebody who writes songs, owns masters and has licensed in the past, I respect the notion of this compilation because it tips its hat to the dj's who broke some of the tunes I guess in the first place and those who responded on the dance floor and made the songs classics at the time. But just as importantly to the writers who thought they could write, the singers who thought they could sing, the producers who thought they could produce and the musicians who thought they could play. AND.....to the executive producers who stick there necks out financially, book studio time, musicians, arrangers, singers etc to try and make it work. They never get a mention, but comps like this must make their hearts flutter....because of what happened here in the UK, particularly in the north of England back in the 60/70's. I'll be buying this, no questions asked, no criticism. It makes me want to write.....very inspirational stuff...(and dance of course!)

Edited May 20, 2014 by Carl Dixon

[Ian Dewhirst]

And lest I forget, the good Ady Croasdel was also the main source for contacts and was highly involved in the licensing clearances for the film. I think it's fair to say that for everyone involved in this, that it's been a true labour of love!

 

As of this point it's already looking remarkable!

• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 203 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #3 in Music > R&B and Soul > Soul
  • #8 in Music > Pop > Pop R&B
  • #19 in Music > Box Sets

Ian D

Edited May 20, 2014 by Ian Dewhirst

[Guest Carl Dixon]

Indeed Ian...and all those fans like yourself and Ady working in the business who try to make things above board etc. It must be a labour of love and I can imagine at times extremely stressful dealing with owners of the recorded work and the publishing interests. Would be nice if YouTube had a similar attitude. Just ordered mine....

Edited May 20, 2014 by Carl Dixon

[Frankie Crocker]

A couple of things on this. The soundtrack album needed to be loaded onto Amazon early because that's the way that things seem to work these days with the Sales and Marketing guys. We're still waiting for a release date for the film from Universal so the album date will certainly be linked to the release date for the film which means that the present release date is likely to be changed. 

 

I find some of the comments on the track listing a little mystifying. I think it's a great balance of the complete soundtrack on CD1, Elaine's personal choices on CD2 and a bonus DVD of a full interview with Elaine about the making of the film. Neither CD has been sequenced yet but the tracks have all been LEGALLY licensed, many for the very first time unlike some of the previous CD releases! In fact, the tracking down of some of the tracks has taken both the film licencor (Gary Welch) and the Demon licensing teams literally months of trying to locate the proper owners. Many tracks that were on Elaine's preferred list could not be cleared for legal reasons or the owners could not be verified to the lawyers satisfaction. This is becoming more and more difficult now with even the major's now turning down tracks that they've previously licensed for other compilations. Some tracks took literally months of hassle before the legal guys were happy to proceed and other tracks had to be reluctantly turned down because of the ridiculous rules that certain licencors tried to put into place. There are also problems with certain companies and stuff like i-tunes and single downloads etc which are far too tedious to get into here. But I can assure everybody that this is anything but an 'amateur' outing! There's been more professionals involved with this then most other albums I've ever worked on. We're lucky that we managed to even get an album like this together LEGALLY OK? 

 

The CD2 track-listing will also have some others added touch wood. Also there'll be a 14 x 7" disc vinyl edition of the soundtrack too for those who want 7" vinyl. Plus a separate and very tasty artwork book of some of Elaine's incredible photos along the way. It's a prestigious audio release for a prestigious film.

 

Ian D 

Hi Ian. Thanks for going to the trouble of penning this. It certainly justifies the selection of some tracks and highlights the enormous hard work taking place behind the scenes. You indicate that the CDs have not yet had the tracks sequenced yet - as they are in an unfinished state, perhaps this creates an 'amateurish' impression that will not be apparent in the final product. I was not aware that Disc 2 contained Elaine's choices - now I do know, I would question the inclusion of Epitome of Sound as surely this should be on Disc 1? Why include the messy Don Varner on Disc 1 when Gloria Jones' Tainted Love would enhance the crossover appeal to Joe Public and encapsulate a pivotal Casino moment? I will be buying the CDs and watching the movie having already bought and read the book - the team behind the project deserve high praise for their commitment and ensuring that legalities have been adhered to but the inclusion of some tracks is perhaps open to debate as you no doubt appreciate.

[sir cumference]

Don Varner -Messy?

 

Top quality Northern- surely?

[Frankie Crocker]

Don Varner -Messy?

 

Top quality Northern- surely?

Northern, yes. Rare and collectable, yes. But out of the same box as the International GTO's and Enchantments. For sure worth owning, but a tricky dancer and not a tune to promote a movie. Not top drawer in my humble opinion and overshadowed by many other sounds.

[Agentsmith]

sorry, don varner is absolute quality, a proper gritty, raucous r n' b dancer deserving of it's inclusion in ANY capacity, and indicative of variation, keeping people guessing as to what's coming next, whereas a TOTALLY PREDICTABLE compilation would inflame the debate even more...wigan wasn't just a bout what we now determine as standards.....can anyone truthfully speculate as to exactly how many records were played at the casino over 8 years?,..and the styles were right across the board before anyone had even invented the term crossover...dosn't a compilation have the right to be less predictable?...in the confines of the film, we'll all see the soundtrack in a different light, music ALWAYS sounds better set to motion...perhaps then we can get over these petulant trivialities.

[Garethx]

Don Varner is the bomb.

[Zed1]

Some nice stuff on that 2nd CD, sadly it would clear the floor at most 'Local Soul' nites quicker than a shout for Last Orders. But if a few of them buy the CD after seeing the Film then they might realise there IS more to Northern Soul than Moses Smith....

Edited May 20, 2014 by Zed1

[Frankie Crocker]

sorry, don varner is absolute quality, a proper gritty, raucous r n' b 

Don Varner RnB??? Surely Northern, a tad unorthodox, making it unpredictable and hence messy...

Edited May 20, 2014 by FRANKIE CROCKER

[Ian Dewhirst]

Hi Ian. Thanks for going to the trouble of penning this. It certainly justifies the selection of some tracks and highlights the enormous hard work taking place behind the scenes. You indicate that the CDs have not yet had the tracks sequenced yet - as they are in an unfinished state, perhaps this creates an 'amateurish' impression that will not be apparent in the final product. I was not aware that Disc 2 contained Elaine's choices - now I do know, I would question the inclusion of Epitome of Sound as surely this should be on Disc 1? Why include the messy Don Varner on Disc 1 when Gloria Jones' Tainted Love would enhance the crossover appeal to Joe Public and encapsulate a pivotal Casino moment? I will be buying the CDs and watching the movie having already bought and read the book - the team behind the project deserve high praise for their commitment and ensuring that legalities have been adhered to but the inclusion of some tracks is perhaps open to debate as you no doubt appreciate.

 

No probs. Please bear in mind that this is totally Elaine's project and she's very hands-on with the music choices as anyone would expect her to be, so all the tracks are her own choices, which is fine. I'm certainly not gonna argue the toss with her (and woe betide anyone else who dares LOL). She's actually away on a foreign location at the moment but she still took 10 minutes this morning to feed some more tracks into the project. The whole licensing process can be very frustrating for everyone. We're currently waiting to hear if some 4 other tracks which have never been legally comped before can be used so I'll update as soon as we hear.

 

Ian D

[Guest Byrney]

Don Garner RnB??? Surely Northern, a tad unorthodox, making it unpredictable and hence messy...

Personally I'd call Don Varner a slab of 'smash the pub up, throw plastic chairs at the coppers - Agro soul'... Then again I've always had a penchant for the dramatic

[Benji]

 We're currently waiting to hear if some 4 other tracks which have never been legally comped before can be used so I'll update as soon as we hear.

 

Ian D

 

That bit confuses me a bit. 4 more tracks to be used for what? I understand soundtrack is finalized. Are there any possible late changes to the track listings?

[Soul16]

That bit confuses me a bit. 4 more tracks to be used for what? I understand soundtrack is finalized. Are there any possible late changes to the track listings?

I would imagine the tracks are for the second CD, these are not included in the film soundtrack.

[Guest Dave Ward]

Don Varner RnB??? Surely Northern, a tad unorthodox, making it unpredictable and hence messy...

Don Varner is a bog standard stomper, a bit quicker than  most, but very danceable as long as you stay on your feet. The Crow - Autumn of Tomorrow (also on the soundtrack) is unorthodox, unpredictable and messy, I like dancing to them both, but not at the same time because that would be silly.

[Benji]

I would imagine the tracks are for the second CD, these are not included in the film soundtrack.

 

Sorry for the misunderstanding, when I said 'soundtrack' I meant the 3 CD package advertised on Amazon.