Popular Post Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 25, 2014 They got it Chronologically incorrect with Mecca coming after Wigan and then a massive gap from 1980 approx. till today no mention of Stafford 100 club and other major venues that kept the scene going but overall was enjoyable. Oh Ian D well done ! and the plug for the new film ( Surprise Surprise)! The weird thing is that whenever anything like this comes up, I generally try and spruce myself up a bit and wear some flash gear. But I completely forgot about it, woke up late that day and thus didn't pay any attention to my sartorial elegance. So that was me on a boring Wednesday at the office feeling like shit. I can't believe they found anything usable, seriously. Still, I didn't wince that much thankfully. I thought everyone came across just great! We thankfully have some very articulate and serious, passionate people from the era who can get the story across the way it actually was. I thought it was 1st class prime-time TV and a credit to the BBC and director James Laycock. And, yeah, of course they got the film in! Hottest ticket of the year in many circles! Which I think will be a good thing. Ian D 8
Soulof Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Was mostly poor if I'm honest. To much talking not enough focus on the music. As said no mention Stafford n the 80s scene and def nothing about today's scene in UK and Europe. Culture show was much much better. Enough of these documentaries pls as they can not catch the real feeling you get on the floor. Time to focus more on the artists labels musicians producers from now on me thinks. 3
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 My personal view was he didn't go to far just that the Dinosaurs wouldnt move forward and now the same dinosaurs are dancing to Velvet hammer , Four below zero, Vessie Simmons, Esther Philips ETc ETC Yeah, but they're not dancing to Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Vickie Sue Robinson and Tavares are they Steve? Ian D 3
Popular Post Soul16 Posted July 25, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 25, 2014 I thought it was well paced, well explained and easy to follow - good for those viewers that weren't really sure what Northern Soul was/is. Good to see a few short teasers for the upcoming film. Nice tribute to Fran Franklin at the end too. 7
Guest Byrney Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) Kev Roberts the Northern Soul Dustman. Quite an achievement filtering out all of the crap and taking the best from the Wheel, Wigan and the Torch for the whippersnappers of today. Nicely wiping out two decades of history post Dec 81, but we've come to expect that. Edited July 25, 2014 by Byrney
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 I would just like to point out that in the numerous times I visited the Casino from London between 76 and 81 with my core blimey guv accent at no time did any one let me in before them - the normal process was just push towards the door get in and then drag ur bag in coz it was still outside - those were the days Err, yeah, but were you future M.B.E. material back then ay? Ian D
Ernie Andrews Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) Yeah, but they're not dancing to Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Vickie Sue Robinson and Tavares are they Steve? Ian D Tavares - Too late Brainstrorm - Lovin is really my game Bo & Ruth - Your gonna get next to me - The mother of my child heard it at a northern soul night and asked me what it was as she thought it was brilliant and shes a die hard! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjZkESIL5Hg&feature=player_detailpage They are playing these as just a sample and I was in Ireland a few years ago and they played Vickie Sue Robinson. Nobody plays Joe 90 now Ian Edited July 25, 2014 by Ernie Andrews
Steve S 60 Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 The weird thing is that whenever anything like this comes up, I generally try and spruce myself up a bit and wear some flash gear. Ian D Luckily Marc Almond made an effort. 2
Ernie Andrews Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) Yeah, but they're not dancing to Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Vickie Sue Robinson and Tavares are they Steve? Ian D Ian as the scene is now big in Europe you will hear a lot of the Jazz funk and discofied sounds that Ian Lev played because the Europeans are not blinded by the apartheid views of the uk scene in late 70s.. They don't have the historical prejudices so you will hear those you quoted! Not on a regular basis but definitely in a European Djs set. Ps as people have Wigan nites the Mecca annual night is littered with them! Just have alook on The Mecca Page on facebook! Edited July 25, 2014 by Ernie Andrews 1
Popular Post Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 25, 2014 Was mostly poor if I'm honest. To much talking not enough focus on the music. As said no mention Stafford n the 80s scene and def nothing about today's scene in UK and Europe. Culture show was much much better. Enough of these documentaries pls as they can not catch the real feeling you get on the floor. Time to focus more on the artists labels musicians producers from now on me thinks. Mmm. I thought it was pretty great. I was enraptured for the full hour and would have been even if I wasn't in it lol. I thought everybody came across pretty well and, for prime-time Friday night TV, I think it's one of the best representations of that era yet. And FANTASTIC to see Colin Curtis finally gracing a mainstream show with his presence, despite his natural reluctance to do stuff like this. They edited this show very well in my view and I think it's a credit to the scene. A huge relief 'cos I really had no idea how it would come out. Plus, happily, most of the soundtrack featured key tracks from the forthcoming film soundtrack, so not a bad night from my point of view. I'd recommend it to anyone. Ian D 7
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Nobody plays Joe 90 now Ian Finally, definitive proof that there is a God out there. Ian D
Guest Andy Kempster Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Not sure why everyone is moaning quite so much. Ffs it was 40 years ago. Maybe it wasn't totally 100% accurate or maybe it was. How would i know. I was there for acid and see/hear the same bullshitters & liers. I was only about 2 when "northern" kicked off!! Point is without stuff like this other than the over 50's not too many will give a flying F. So maybe just chill. Enjoy. Be proud. And let things move on. (if that's possible)
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Luckily Marc Almond made an effort. He's toned himself down a tad since he was a cloakroom boy at Leeds Warehouse in 1982. The early 80's Marc would have been too much for the 2014 audience. Unbelievably people used to accuse him of being camp..... Ian D
Guest east rob Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 It still strikes me that Dave Withers talked a lot of sense all those years ago.
Popular Post Ernie Andrews Posted July 25, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) He's toned himself down a tad since he was a cloakroom boy at Leeds Warehouse in 1982. The early 80's Marc would have been too much for the 2014 audience. Unbelievably people used to accuse him of being camp..... Ian D Slightly off topic but related to Marc Almond - Late 78/79 I was in a heavy metal band called HADES (listed in the Manchester music archive) At our practise Studio I suggested that we play a heavy metal version of Tainted love as part of our set! WE practised it maybe half a dozen times and it sounded bloody brilliant to me but I was outvoted with regards to using it. I even gave Lemmy a copy of our practise tape(He wanted to hear what we played) with it on as we were supposed to be supporting Motorheard at the Free trade hall(That's another story) 6-9 months later Soft cell have number 1 hit with it and the rest of the band were bloody sick! Edited July 25, 2014 by Ernie Andrews 4
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Slightly off topic but related to Marc Almond - Late 78/79 I was in a heavy metal band called HADES (listed in the Manchester music archive) At our practise Studio I suggested that we play a heavy metal version of Tainted love as part of our set! WE practised it maybe half a dozen times and it sounded bloody brilliant to me but I was outvoted with regards to using it. 6-9 months later Soft cell have number 1 hit with it and the rest of the band were bloody sick! Marilyn Manson did it to that game-plan 20 years later and made it a hit all over again. Well, neither of us managed to make any dosh out of it, so it just wasn't meant to be lol... Ian D
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 It still strikes me that Dave Withers talked a lot of sense all those years ago. Seriously, Dave Withers, out of everyone, seems the voice of reason overall. I loved his piece in the Culture Show. Very dry. Ian D
Wiggyflat Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Ian i thought it was you that gave Marc Almond a tape with Tainted Love on it when he was working the cloakroom at The Warehouse.Wasn't David Ball the soul fan?Ernie Andrews is correct about the European scene....the BBC cant squeeze any more out of the northern scene now.
Guest Matt Male Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) I thought it was well paced, well explained and easy to follow - good for those viewers that weren't really sure what Northern Soul was/is. Good to see a few short teasers for the upcoming film. Nice tribute to Fran Franklin at the end too. To be honest I think anyone who isn't into northern soul probably knew everything that was mentioned in the doc already, because it was pretty much the same as all the others that have gone before. Be nice to see a different take on the scene for once. Edited July 25, 2014 by Matt Male
Guest Matt Male Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Ian i thought it was you that gave Marc Almond a tape with Tainted Love on it when he was working the cloakroom at The Warehouse.Wasn't David Ball the soul fan?Ernie Andrews is correct about the European scene....the BBC cant squeeze any more out of the northern scene now. Oh yes they can. I have a fiver that says they'll be flogging the same horse again in six months time.
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Quite an achievement filtering out all of the crap and taking the best from the Wheel, Wigan and the Torch for the whippersnappers of today. Nicely wiping out two decades of history post Dec 81, but we've come to expect that. You'll be seeing the 80s retrospectives in a few years I'm sure. We have equally good spokespeople there too. This was the right time to do this show I think. You can only cover so much in an hour. Ian D 2
Popular Post Louise Posted July 25, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) They do Louise! Sorry to disagree Ian As a lot of Levine's records came from many source's other than his now infamous Florida hit, its just that he's unable to give anybody else any credit for anything. Two years worth of new discoveries is a drop in the ocean compared to what has been found and has kept the scene moving forward since the apocalypse of wigan's closure in 1981 to the present day. Dave Edited July 25, 2014 by Louise 9
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Ian i thought it was you that gave Marc Almond a tape with Tainted Love on it when he was working the cloakroom at The Warehouse.Wasn't David Ball the soul fan?Ernie Andrews is correct about the European scene....the BBC cant squeeze any more out of the northern scene now. Yep. Marc bolted up from the cloakroom to the DJ booth from the second I played Gloria Jones at a Q-Tips gig (featuring Paul Young by the way). If my boss at the time - Mike Wiand R.I.P., hadn't suggested that I bring some Northern Soul tunes down specifically for that night then history may have been very different. Did you note that I gave Richard credit for breaking "Tainted Love" by the way? Ian D 1
Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Oh yes they can. I have a fiver that says they'll be flogging the same horse again in six months time. Now there is a realist.......... Ian D
Ernie Andrews Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Sorry to disagree Ian As a lot of Levine's records came from many source's other than his now infamous Florida hit, its just that he's unable to give anybody else any credit for anything. Two years worth of new discoveries is a drop in the ocean compared to what has been found and has kept the scene moving forward since the apocalypse of wigan's closure in 1981 to the present day. Dave Yes he did get records from other sources I know I was the courier who had to drop records off at the Mecca for him from time to time but you are absolutely wrong about that haul! It was the single biggest haul to have the greatest impact on the Northern soul scene at that time. Ian Dewhirst agrees with me on this - look at his reply!
Guest Byrney Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) You'll be seeing the 80s retrospectives in a few years I'm sure. We have equally good spokespeople there too. This was the right time to do this show I think. You can only cover so much in an hour. Ian D I don't think we will, we have had equally good spokespeople who stuck around for over 3 decades post Wigan . The nostalgists who dipped in for a few years in the 70s and the promoters who feed them a limited diet of nostalgia are the ones with the loudest voices. As long as both of these ignore what 500 to 1000 or so of us were getting up to and the fantastic records we were hearing in the 80s that will remain the same. There's only one medium that's covered it and that's Elaine's and Gareth's book. Edited July 25, 2014 by Byrney
Premium Stuff Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Yes he did get records from other sources I know I was the courier who had to drop records off at the Mecca for him from time to time but you are absolutely wrong about that haul! It was the single biggest haul to have the greatest impact on the Northern soul scene at that time. Ian Dewhirst agrees with me on this - look at his reply! Can someone name a few of the records out of that haul please? 1
Soulof Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Mmm. I thought it was pretty great. I was enraptured for the full hour and would have been even if I wasn't in it lol. I thought everybody came across pretty well and, for prime-time Friday night TV, I think it's one of the best representations of that era yet. And FANTASTIC to see Colin Curtis finally gracing a mainstream show with his presence, despite his natural reluctance to do stuff like this. They edited this show very well in my view and I think it's a credit to the scene. A huge relief 'cos I really had no idea how it would come out. Plus, happily, most of the soundtrack featured key tracks from the forthcoming film soundtrack, so not a bad night from my point of view. I'd recommend it to anyone. Ian D Thought you did very well Ian and some other ok bits as well. But at times there is to much talking to little music for me really. The feeling you get on the floor dancing to best music ever or a certain tune that takes you away wasn't captured enough or at all IMO. Just wish Stafford, 100 Club 80s to present, European scene would be mentioned more as well. Im glad you enjoyed it though and if others did as well even better 1
viphitman Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Can someone please upload it as I can't see it in Europe 1
Guest Matt Male Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Can someone please upload it as I can't see it in Europe https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04bf1lf/northern-soul-living-for-the-weekend
Premium Stuff Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Can someone please upload it as I can't see it in Europe Erm someone told me the UK was in Europe 1
Popular Post Premium Stuff Posted July 25, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) Look ... Northern Soul is cool .. we know that ... we always have ... The masses will never understand it ... because they want mainstream things ... sheep mentality YES THE SHEEP EMOTICON - RESULT!! We don't want them to understand it ... otherwise it would not be ours ... still really underground-ish, still with MYSTIQUE! This was one of the best 1 hour TV pieces on the whole Northern Soul scene I have seen - I hardly cringed at all Well done all involved - jobs a goodun Bring on Elaine's movie Cheers Richard Edited July 25, 2014 by Premium Stuff 6
Wiggyflat Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 Would have been nice to see a juxposition of old deejays talking about discovering sounds and the young deejays today that are discovering their own records.It seems that only the young souls ever get mentioned and they are not the ones taking it forward.The BBC will be on to the seventies northern scooter scene next...now that would knock a few southern mod talking heads.
viphitman Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04bf1lf/northern-soul-living-for-the-weekend uk only doesn't work on the mainland ;)
Guest OntheScene Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 'Maybe, just maybe one day they'll spend longer than 4 minutes on the soul scene past 1982, rather than just one sentence.' Yeah what about all the unreleased discoveries that came from record label vaults thanks to Adey and the Kent team amongst others
Popular Post Reforee Posted July 25, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 25, 2014 (edited) If I had a rich family back in the 70s and had regular holidays in The USA I'm pretty sure I would of brought back at least 4001 records back I know my father wouldn't have suggested throwing the records out of the plane, cos I would of left the family back in USA to make way for more records! Too much crowing about what certain people DID for the northern soul scene , but no bloody mention of the singers, songwriters, label owners etc, who without them, they wouldn't possibly be who they are today and we poor mere mortals would have diddly squat! Dave. Edited July 26, 2014 by reforee 8
Premium Stuff Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 If I had a rich family back in the 70s and had regular holidays in The USA I'm pretty sure I would of brought back at least 4001 records back I know my father wouldn't have suggested throwing the records out of the plane, cos I would of left the family back in USA to make way for more the records! Too much crowing about what certain people DID for the northern soul scene , but no bloody mention of the singers, songwriters, label owners etc, who without them, they wouldn't possibly be who they are today and we poor mere mortals would have diddly squat! Dave. Good angle Dave
Popular Post Ian Dewhirst Posted July 25, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 25, 2014 Sorry to disagree Ian As a lot of Levine's records came from many source's other than his now infamous Florida hit, its just that he's unable to give anybody else any credit for anything. Two years worth of new discoveries is a drop in the ocean compared to what has been found and has kept the scene moving forward since the apocalypse of wigan's closure in 1981 to the present day. Dave I've had this discussion with all the key players and collectors from that era many times about Levine's Miami hit. We all basically agree that he was in a very privileged position at the time. Most of us would argue, that, given the same advantage, i.e. rich parents, multiple free USA holidays and unlimited money, then wouldn't we have been able to find the same records en masse? Obviously the ego within us all would argue that, yes, of course we'd have found the same records, but I'm really not so sure. Levine on a mission is always a terrifying prospect. That's what you get with compulsive obsessives. Sure, he had some major advantages to be able to get there in the first place, but he really didn't f*ck around once there. He has very very good ears. No one else in the world would have given "Hung Up On Your Love" or "It Really Hurts Me Girl" a spin back then. He found 'em, played 'em first and persevered with 'em, which is why, despite his multiple personality flaws, I can't help but to continue to respect him. He's always put me onto great records including my favorite record of all-time, so he's down with me. Also, I should point out that Levine ALWAYS gives credit to the people who put him onto records first. He's very honorable like that in my view. And don't worry. The 80s will be coming up for review when the demographics for that decade kick-in, which will be shortly. The Richard's, Russ's, Curtis's, Levine's and Dewhirst's will be replaced very adequately by the Ady's, Keb's, Guy's, Dave's, Pat's etc, etc. This is an enduring scene and we'll always have great spokespeople whatever the era. You don't get to do this without a high degree of passion and that always translates beautifully whatever the medium. Ian D 14
Quinvy Posted July 25, 2014 Posted July 25, 2014 For some reason as soon as it finished I felt cheated. Maybe it was the Groundhog Day effect. 2
Derek Pearson Posted July 26, 2014 Posted July 26, 2014 (edited) Let's be honest about this - there's absolutely no way any programme shown on television about northern soul could ever, ever, ever receive universal approval from a forum such as this which is stacked wall to wall full of hardcore, passionate, obsessives. Myself included. I enjoyed it. Besides it was worth it on its own just to see and hear Dave Clegg talking with his best Sunday voice on. Derek Edited July 26, 2014 by Derek Pearson 3
Guest son of stan Posted July 26, 2014 Posted July 26, 2014 Am I only person on the planet that thinks, 'Happy' sounds nothing like a Northern Soul record? It's alright but the idea that's its all about 'on the 4s' misses the point - its always been more about the grit, texture and presence of a particular record for me.
Premium Stuff Posted July 26, 2014 Posted July 26, 2014 Am I only person on the planet that thinks, 'Happy' sounds nothing like a Northern Soul record? It's alright but the idea that's its all about 'on the 4s' misses the point - its always been more about the grit, texture and presence of a particular record for me. Got to agree - plus that on the fours is not correct for 20+ years- your own criteria are great - I especially like "texture" - ooommmpphhh! This baby has TEXTURE Cheers Richard
Steve L Posted July 26, 2014 Posted July 26, 2014 (edited) Norman Jay, he knows what he's talking about! Plus WTF is Bill Brewster? Peter Stingfellow, Pete Waterman, Marc Almond ??? Pass me the sick bucket, load o' b*llocks as usual Edited February 7, 2015 by pikeys dog swearing - workplace filters 2
Guest Johnny One Trout Posted July 26, 2014 Posted July 26, 2014 Am I only person on the planet that thinks, 'Happy' sounds nothing like a Northern Soul record? It's alright but the idea that's its all about 'on the 4s' misses the point - its always been more about the grit, texture and presence of a particular record for me. No probably not but it does sound s little like other records called "Happy" but not a patch on philip mitchell or velvet hammer
Premium Stuff Posted July 26, 2014 Posted July 26, 2014 No probably not but it does sound s little like other records called "Happy" but not a patch on philip mitchell or velvet hammer Yes, they could have mentioned it FFS
Wiggyflat Posted July 26, 2014 Posted July 26, 2014 I think Gregory Porter would have been more representative...Pharrells Happy is divvy pop music...
Popular Post Jaco Posted July 26, 2014 Popular Post Posted July 26, 2014 One thing is for certain, any programme that features the scene, should always include the words of Searling. He always comes across so informed, intelligent, ego less and a perfect antidote to the talking heads that these programmes seem to insist on having. I thought it was pretty good if not predictable. And as been said, you cannot ignore the 30 years plus since Wi**n closed if you really want to portray the scene as it needs to be fairly represented. But an hour simply can't do that adequately so maybe there is another chapter for somebody to pick up on. 5
Guest son of stan Posted July 26, 2014 Posted July 26, 2014 Johnny One Trout, on 26 Jul 2014 - 01:29 AM, said: No probably not but it does sound s little like other records called "Happy" but not a patch on philip mitchell or velvet hammer I don't get that. Only similarity I can see with those two is the word, 'happy' in the title.
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