Jim Demetriou Soulcast Shows (X2) Now Online

[Amsterdam Russ]

Encouraged by a number of recent comments about the late Jim Demetriou's Soulcast radio shows, I've decided to upload two of Jim's shows to Mixcloud.

 

The shows were recorded on the 9th of February 2002 and 15th of September 2002. Both feature me as the special guest, for which I apologise in advance.

 

It was always great fun doing these shows with Jim, sat in front of a couple of turntables and a mic and surrounded by all sorts of sound equipment in his cramped West London bedroom. To hear myself from back then makes me cringe now, but it's worth it to hear Jim's voice again, to get caught up in his contagious enthusiasm and to feel the genuine joy he got out of doing the Soulcast shows. 

 

I'm not sure when Jim first started broadcasting Soulcast. It must have been late '90s or very early 2000s. Anyone know for sure?

 

Although internet radio was not an entirely new thing at that time, Jim was most certainly an early pioneer in broadcasting Northern Soul-related shows online. He eventually garnered a dedicated audience of listeners from all corners of the world; something that he always found amazing.

 

Occasionally a relative of a soul singer or band member would make contact and tell him how excited they were to have heard someone playing their mother or father's long-forgotten music. This left Jim in absolute awe. Of course, the point was that their music hadn't been forgotten at all; it was and is very much alive in the hearts of dedicated Northern Soul fans, and Jim was helping to keep that flame of soul passion burning through his broadcasts.

 

I have another of his shows - again with me as a guest - on a cassette. If there's any interest in these two shows, perhaps I'll see if I can digitise the recording from tape.

 

I also have some tapes of us doing Northern Soul shows together on Central Middlesex hospital radio in 1991. I've not listened to them in years, so I've no idea if they're worth sharing. I suspect that if Jim, who died in September 2007, was still with us, and we were listening to them together now, we'd both be cringing in mutual embarrassment and having a good laugh at ourselves at the same time, so perhaps it's better if they stay in the tape box! 

 

Anyway, if anyone's interested, here are the links to the two Soulcast shows.

 

Show 1: 9th Feb 2002

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/LomaRuss/jim-demetriou-soulcast-9th-feb-2002/

 

Show 2: 15th Sept 2002

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/LomaRuss/jim-demetriou-soulcast-15th-september-2002/

Edited September 28, 2014 by Russell Gilbert

[Guest Polyvelts]

Listened to the first one, as you say the joy shines through. A really broad, open minded playlist, I enjoyed it a lot - thanks for uploading them, not cringe worthy at all !

[Amsterdam Russ]

Listened to the first one, as you say the joy shines through. A really broad, open minded playlist, I enjoyed it a lot - thanks for uploading them, not cringe worthy at all !

Thanks for taking the time to listen. I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. 

[Lee Bates]

Remember Jim from the 100 Club, always a very friendly chap and all round nice guy 

[Guest]

Just listened to the September 15th edition...good fun listening and the music isn't too shabby either! I forgot just had well suited Jims voice was to radio...you sounded pretty professional yourself, Russell!

[Amsterdam Russ]

Just listened to the September 15th edition...good fun listening and the music isn't too shabby either! I forgot just had well suited Jims voice was to radio...you sounded pretty professional yourself, Russell!

Yes, he did have a very good presenter's voice. Jim was much better doing the shows by himself. I think I put him off his stride half the time!   

[Geoff]

Thanks for uploading these. I've just listened to them, great music. Wish I hadn't missed all these first time around. Are there any more available to listen to and hopefully download for future enjoyment?