Northern On Xfm

[Modernsoulsucks]

Just what we f**king need. A load of shandied up knobhead students asking for Nolan Porter. I can't wait!!

ROD

[Paulb]

Just what we f**king need. A load of shandied up knobhead students asking for Nolan Porter. I can't wait!!

ROD

Alright Rod,

You sound like a bit of a tosser, mate.

It was just an example of what I think a non soul fan would like because its a song with links to artists they would have heard of.

Any other constructive points to make?

Edited September 21, 2006 by PaulB

[Paulb]

And I have no intention of starting up a show or trying to get on Xfm, its a hyporthetical example.

[Guest ShaneH]

paul, you are wasting your time on here mate. there are far too many people to contend with. you just go out and enjoy your nighters mate and ignore those who put you down. i bet they would swap their knowledge for your youth mate

all the best chief

Shane

[Paulb]

paul, you are wasting your time on here mate. there are far too many people to contend with. you just go out and enjoy your nighters mate and ignore those who put you down. i bet they would swap their knowledge for your youth mate

all the best chief

Shane

I just cant understand the mentality some people have mate. You'd think they'd want the music they love to live on and for others to love songs that they once loved when they were that age.

I dont know!

Anyway, up the Clarets.

[Guest ShaneH]

I just cant understand the mentality some people have mate. You'd think they'd want the music they love to live on and for others to love songs that they once loved when they were that age.

I dont know!

Anyway, up the Clarets.

some will also need to find buyers for their 45s too

[Modernsoulsucks]

Before we start tossing "tosser" around perhaps you could explain to me how playing one of the worst tracks I've ever heard to a bunch of non-soul fans in one small part of the country is going to attract a discerning crowd, move the scene forward, backwards or bloody sideways.

You mate sound like a jumped-up know-nothing.

You ain't fit to lick Russ's boots and God knows he pressed up enough of them.

ROD

[Paulb]

Rod,

Lets play a game. See how long you can stay away from your computer for and ill time you. Then you can try and beat that time and set a personal best.

With enough practice and dedication you could be the best in the land. I'll even see if Russ will give you a special mention on his show.

[Guest ShaneH]

how i see it is as follows.

paul is 24, loves northern soul and has brought along many of his mates to various venues on many occasions. he is very passionate about protecting the longevity of the scene. i am sure he was very pleased to hear about a northern soul show on a young and cool radio station. he tuned in only to be very disappointed and sad to see an opportunity wasted. he is in touch with how young people think and has a differnt idea of how the show should have been produced.

the guy is p!ssed off and rightly so.

Shane

[Modernsoulsucks]

And you mate can practice your dj skills with your copy of Nolan Porter and then go up to bed and dream of your little utopia where there are no dads or Uncle Terry's in NS clubs but just "cool" guys from15-34 spilling beer all over the floor and shouting their mouths off and you'll be a big wheel behind the decks.

ROD

[Guest ShaneH]

And you mate can practice your dj skills with your copy of Nolan Porter and then go up to bed and dream of your little utopia where there are no dads or Uncle Terry's in NS clubs but just "cool" guys from15-34 spilling beer all over the floor and shouting their mouths off and you'll be a big wheel behind the decks.

ROD

i will buy a ticket for that one can't be any worse than some oldies do in lincolnshire where fat blokes roll about the floor in baggy trousers in a cloud of talc

[chrissie]

I'd prefer Russ's nostalgia trip cos at least he was playing some of those 45s for the first time at Wigan.

ROD

But that was then and this is now, get over it wigan is bl**dy car park and all RW has done for the last god know how many years is trade on that. ITS OVER (and strangely enough some of us even say "phew, thank god for that"), but that is not what this thread is about.

My point was that Paul should not of been disappointed or surprised at the content of the show as it did what it said on the tin. It was RWs memories stories and him playing "classic cuts" to use XFMs own words.

I most definitely am nearer 50 than 30 but I agree with the Paul and Baz that this sort of schmultzy nostalgia makes you just want to cringe when you hear it and young enthusiastic DJs are the way forward for the scene in the future and just because they are young does not mean that they do not appreciate good 60s soul and are going to turn the scene into one great big Disco, many of them are as anti "modern" as some of us wrinklies if not more so.

QoFxx

Edited September 21, 2006 by chrissieo

[Stateside]

I just cant understand the mentality some people have mate. You'd think they'd want the music they love to live on and for others to love songs that they once loved when they were that age.

I dont know!

Anyway, up the Clarets.

I know exactly where you are coming from - funnily enough I had the Nolan Porter record in mind as well for exactly the same reasons, in fact I have used that record to demonstrate to non soul friends the original version.

I went to Wigan for about three years from the moment it opened it's doors and I can tell it was the subject of ridicule back then and a lot of people went at least once to try it out and maybe never went again. Interestingly enough, I recently had a young dj (25 yrs old) go through my collection wanting to borrow some of my vinyl to play at a gig to make him cutting edge with all of his mates and guess what he went for - anything with a thumping base line and strong beat - Lou Pride, Tomangoes, Otis Blackwell.

As someone else said on this thread, let them hear the music and let them make up their own minds about the way they want their scene to go.

I personally only went to Wigan for the music, never took drugs and thought the place was a dump, with 12 inches of p*ss and water in the bogs, the sickly smell of sweat and Brut aftershave, people stoned out of their heads with no idea of what record was even being played.

You know what they say "Nostalga ain't what it used to be"

[Paulb]

And you mate can practice your dj skills with your copy of Nolan Porter and then go up to bed and dream of your little utopia where there are no dads or Uncle Terry's in NS clubs but just "cool" guys from15-34 spilling beer all over the floor and shouting their mouths off and you'll be a big wheel behind the decks.

ROD

Blinkin eck Rod that was a poor effort. You aren't trying are you?

[Mark Bicknell]

All i can say is www.solarradio.com Sunday nights from 8pm - 10pm i might be old school 46 years old with 30 years on the scene and all that but i try to keep it real and that's all anyone can do, everyone has an on/off switch and if you don't like it then don't listen.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[chrissie]

And you mate can practice your dj skills with your copy of Nolan Porter and then go up to bed and dream of your little utopia where there are no dads or Uncle Terry's in NS clubs but just "cool" guys from15-34 spilling beer all over the floor and shouting their mouths off and you'll be a big wheel behind the decks.

ROD

One question for you

Why would the youngsters today behave any different than we did at there age in the 70s? Sorry mate can't see your logic . Remember we were young once

QoFxx

[Guest ShaneH]

All i can say is www.solarradio.com Sunday nights from 8pm - 10pm i might be old school 46 years old with 30 years on the scene and all that but i try to keep it real and that's all anyone can do, everyone has an on/off switch and if you don't like it then don't listen.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

its a shame they didnt ask you to do the xfm show rather than mr smashy & nicey

[Guest rachel]

My point was that Paul should not of been disappointed or surprised at the content of the show as it did what it said on the tin. It was RWs memories stories and him playing "classic cuts" to use XFMs own words.

I've lost track a bit with this thread, but I'd agree if Paul had read that description of the show before listening, not sure he's said he did though.. if not then anyone would expect the show to fit in with the general 'image' or 'aim' of the station, that is an alternative, aimed at young people etc, not a nostalgic lookback... it doesn't seem to fit...

[BrianB]

And you mate can practice your dj skills with your copy of Nolan Porter and then go up to bed and dream of your little utopia where there are no dads or Uncle Terry's in NS clubs but just "cool" guys from15-34 spilling beer all over the floor and shouting their mouths off and you'll be a big wheel behind the decks.

ROD

I may be wrong here, but I don't think I have been as embarrassed by such a pedantic, ill-informed and pathetic range of replies in my time on Soul Source.

I can plainly see that our scene will flourish in the future with good guys like yourself around to encourage new blood on to the scene.

Actually, I've just thought about it and I'm not wrong, my first statement is correct. You calling Paul a tosser smacks of Pot, Kettle and Black.

All the best,

Brian

[Mark Bicknell]

its a shame they didnt ask you to do the xfm show rather than mr smashy & nicey

Thanks Shane but to be honest mate if i had to go by a play list or a certain theme then i'd rather not do it, all specialist shows on Solar have a free run and we play what we want which is just how it should be and is not always the case on more mainstream stations trust me on this.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[chrissie]

its a shame they didnt ask you to do the xfm show rather than mr smashy & nicey

Why should Mark bother, he has a perfectly good show of his own on at the same time so we all have a choice RWs "I'm A Legend In My Own Bathtime Show" on XFM or Solar on a Sunday night, ahhhh decisions, decisions .

Everyone who loves the music has the right to choose what they listen to and I am sure there are loads of people who were on the scene back in the 70s who no longer come out to play are quite happy reliving their memories of what were to them "great times" of their youth but I have to agree with Paul on this, XFM is a strange vehicle for this as it is aimed at the younger market, which I think is what the original thread was about.

QoFxx

[Paulb]

Yeah, carry on Rod and I'll get me Dad on ya

[Mark Bicknell]

Why should Mark bother, he has a perfectly good show of his own on at the same time so we all have a choice RWs "I'm A Legend In My Own Bathtime Show" on XFM or Solar on a Sunday night, ahhhh decisions, decisions .

Everyone who loves the music has the right to choose what they listen to and I am sure there are loads of people who were on the scene back in the 70s who no longer come out to play are quite happy reliving their memories of what were to them "great times" of their youth but I have to agree with Paul on this, XFM is a strange vehicle for this as it is aimed at the younger market, which I think is what the original thread was about.

QoFxx

Is it on at the same time......lol i really had no idea not that it makes a blind bit of difference to me so much so a Wigan special from me is already in production or perhaps not....lol as i said each ot his or her own just enjoy whatever you listen to is all thats important.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Baz]

I mean is it so hard to promote good 60's/70's music to a wider audience through the radio??

Yes it seems it is

Was going to quote Rach and Chrissie, about this targeted audience, yes what the hell are they doing producing a nostalgic look to people who couldn't care less? surely any one interested in the nostalgic side wouldn't even be listening to hte station in the first place

Paul get all your mates any one you know write into Xfm and complain, maybe they will listen, wonder if any one involved in Xfm is watching this thread

[chrissie]

I mean is it so hard to promote good 60's/70's music to a wider audience through the radio??

Yes it seems it is

Was going to quote Rach and Chrissie, about this targeted audience, yes what the hell are they doing producing a nostalgic look to people who couldn't care less? surely any one interested in the nostalgic side wouldn't even be listening to hte station in the first place

Paul get all your mates any one you know write into Xfm and complain, maybe they will listen, wonder if any one involved in Xfm is watching this thread

Feeling mischevious tonight, so have posted a link to the thread on the Manchester XFM notice board oh and emailed it to the station

QoFxx

Edited September 21, 2006 by chrissieo

[Winnie :-)]

The simple fact of the matter is this show is not aimed at the younger age group, the blurb tells you that.......take a trip down memory lane with Russ, and that's what its doing. It may not be to everyones tastes, but at least it's an honest description.

Someone mentioned Lou Pride, Otis Blackwell, and the Tomangoes, all of which would fit in nicely with Russ's show because they're not the cutting edge some require. Paul's complaint wasn't about the playlist it was about the presentation, think some of the forward thinking types are jumping on the bandwagon to put their own agenda of what the scene should and shouldn't be. Don't think that was Paul's point at all. He'd like younger DJs because younger people would identify with them, and perhaps join this ailing soul scene where apparently some just roll about on the floor in Lincolnshire and are laughed at by the 'cooler element'.

Perhaps what should be put to XFM is a suggestion for a companion show, where a young DJ highlights current plays for 30 minutes, perhaps said DJ could also put on a club night, but of course he'd have to say you have to be under 34 otherwise he may be embarrassed by the 'Uncle Terrys' of this world.

Winnie:-)

[Guest ShaneH]

The simple fact of the matter is this show is not aimed at the younger age group, the blurb tells you that.......take a trip down memory lane with Russ, and that's what its doing. It may not be to everyones tastes, but at least it's an honest description.

Someone mentioned Lou Pride, Otis Blackwell, and the Tomangoes, all of which would fit in nicely with Russ's show because they're not the cutting edge some require. Paul's complaint wasn't about the playlist it was about the presentation, think some of the forward thinking types are jumping on the bandwagon to put their own agenda of what the scene should and shouldn't be. Don't think that was Paul's point at all. He'd like younger DJs because younger people would identify with them, and perhaps join this ailing soul scene where apparently some just roll about on the floor in Lincolnshire and are laughed at by the 'cooler element'.

Perhaps what should be put to XFM is a suggestion for a companion show, where a young DJ highlights current plays for 30 minutes, perhaps said DJ could also put on a club night, but of course he'd have to say you have to be under 34 otherwise he may be embarrassed by the 'Uncle Terrys' of this world.

Winnie:-)

eh up winnie

do you get it wrong on purpose? ya mischievous so and so

i can't believe people can not see why paul would be disappointed to see russ winstanley presenting northern soul to his peers paul wanted the scene to be portrayed like he sees it. russ winstanley is not relevant anymore.

if i was going to recommend paul mccartney to a young 16 year old i would tell him to avoid that 'frog' song get my drift?

Shane

[Guest ShaneH]

i thought i would listen to xfm tonight and i was really disappointed. i expected better to be honest.

they were discussing one of the great and influential rock bands of yesteryear...

[Guest]

Have to agree with Paul on this. I consider myself a fairly young guy (30) and I fell into Northern music totally by accident...long story and I can't be bothered to type it!

Most of the friends that I have who are a similar age to me consider the NS scene to be old fashioned, just a bunch of old guys out trying to remember their youth. Thay have this view despite the fact that all of them have a keen in interest in music and generally broad taste, the problem lies in the perceived image the scene has. If we want the music and the nights out to continue then young blood is desperatly needed. Personally I couldn't give a **** about what happened in Wigan or X place back in the 70s......I just love the music.

I've managed to convince about 7 friends who are all of a similar age but non-soulies to come to an all nighter and try it for themselves. As most live in Worcester we're going to the next Marrs Bar all nighter. I don't think any of them will become vinyl collectors but I can almost guarantee that after hearing the music at least 3 will go to other soul nights. The best way to sell this scene to the younger generation is via the music itself......the music will bring them in IF they get to hear it without all the 'old man nostalgia' that goes with it.

Adam.

Edited September 21, 2006 by Guest

[Winnie :-)]

eh up winnie

do you get it wrong on purpose? ya mischievous so and so

i can't believe people can not see why paul would be disappointed to see russ winstanley presenting northern soul to his peers paul wanted the scene to be portrayed like he sees it. russ winstanley is not relevant anymore.

if i was going to recommend paul mccartney to a young 16 year old i would tell him to avoid that 'frog' song get my drift?

Shane

===========

Maybe I have got it wrong Shane, but in Paul's original post he said, he had nothing against RW, and accepted that he'd given the scene a lot over the years. I'm not trying to defend RW, just saying that the music being played by Russ wasn't questioned by Paul. He went on to say, a younger audience would identify with a younger DJ, again no complaints about Russ's playlist. The way I read it....... use a younger DJ, but there's no need to change the playlists. Now I'm not saying everyone would agree with that, obviously they don't, but that IMO was the gist of Paul's post. The point was also made that looking at the blurb, it clearly isn't a show aimed at bringing the music to young people. Furthermore, considering that this station considers itself cutting edge, why did it's news page contain references to well known bands etc. Hardly innovative.

I'm not criticising you or anyone else for wanting to move the scene forward, just saying that this particular programme has not been set up to do that. I'm not trying to be mischevious, I'm making observations about this show in particular. Explain the blurb they've put out and then tell me what you make of it. I'm not asking for what you want it to say, just how you read it as it currently stands.

"Northern Soul with Russ Winstanley

Join Russ every Sunday as the Godfather Of Northern Soul brings stories, memories and spins the best classic cuts."

Winnie :-)

[Winnie :-)]

Have to agree with Paul on this. I consider myself a fairly young guy (30) and I fell into Northern music totally by accident...long story and I can't be bothered to type it!

Most of the friends that I have who are a similar age to me consider the NS scene to be old fashioned, just a bunch of old guys out trying to remember their youth. Thay have this view despite the fact that all of them have a keen in interest in music and generally broad taste, the problem lies in the image the scene has. If we want the music and the nights out to continue then young blood is desperatly needed. Personally I couldn't give a **** about what happened in Wigan or X place back in the 70s......I just love the music.

I've managed to convince about 7 friends who are all of a similar age but non-soulies to come to an all nighter and try it for themselves. As most live in Worcester we're going to the next Marrs Bar all nighter. I don't think any of them will become vinyl collectors but I can almost guarantee that after hearing the music at least 3 will go to other soul nights. The best way to sell this scene to the younger generation is via the music itself......the music will bring them in IF they get to hear it without all the 'old man nostalgia' that goes with it.

Adam.

==========

Adam, for the current scene to be considered anything other than 'old people dancing' by the younger generation, they would have to have their own venues, so that they could set their own particular mark on it. Unless the youth start attending venues in hordes they're always going to come across more 'old people dancing' than young people. Because someone is doing back-drops, or wearing baggies should that person be ridiculed, would that really further the scene? If you read the majority of the younger peoples posts on SS, they've just as much of an attitude as the older ones. Older people (in general) don't want young lads coming to a venue in trainers, getting sloshed and staggering about. The younger people don't want to see old people dancing in funny trousers and being very serious. Where's the happy medium. For the scene to really progress these sort of predjudices have to be eradicated and not promoted by both sides, particularly on a high profile site like SS. It's been said many times this scene is about music and not how old you are, or what clothes you wear, that would be a scene for the 'style gurus' who are unlikely to stay with the scene anyway when the next fad comes along.

Winnie:-)

[Guest]

==========

Adam, for the current scene to be considered anything other than 'old people dancing' by the younger generation, they would have to have their own venues, so that they could set their own particular mark on it. Unless the youth start attending venues in hordes they're always going to come across more 'old people dancing' than young people. Because someone is doing back-drops, or wearing baggies should that person be ridiculed, would that really further the scene? If you read the majority of the younger peoples posts on SS, they've just as much of an attitude as the older ones. Older people (in general) don't want young lads coming to a venue in trainers, getting sloshed and staggering about. The younger people don't want to see old people dancing in funny trousers and being very serious. Where's the happy medium. For the scene to really progress these sort of predjudices have to be eradicated and not promoted by both sides, particularly on a high profile site like SS. It's been said many times this scene is about music and not how old you are, or what clothes you wear, that would be a scene for the 'style gurus' who are unlikely to stay with the scene anyway when the next fad comes along.

Winnie:-)

Winnie,

Don't get me wrong..I like the scene as it is and couldn't care less what people wear or what their age is etc etc. What I'm trying to say is the that for people outside of NS the scene has an undeserved image of being very old fashioned. For me it's the music thats important and if we can promote that to the younger generation then they will come to look for themselves. Maybe they'll love it or maybe they'll hate it but unless we can get people to listen in the first place then we're going to struggle to fill soul nights in 10+ years.

Adam.

[Guest]

In my first post this sentence:

Thay have this view despite the fact that all of them have a keen in interest in music and generally broad taste, the problem lies in the image the scene has.

Should have read:

Thay have this view despite the fact that all of them have a keen in interest in music and generally broad taste, the problem lies in the PERCEIVED image the scene has.

[Dave Moore]

==========

Adam, for the current scene to be considered anything other than 'old people dancing' by the younger generation, they would have to have their own venues, so that they could set their own particular mark on it. Unless the youth start attending venues in hordes they're always going to come across more 'old people dancing' than young people. Because someone is doing back-drops, or wearing baggies should that person be ridiculed, would that really further the scene? If you read the majority of the younger peoples posts on SS, they've just as much of an attitude as the older ones. Older people (in general) don't want young lads coming to a venue in trainers, getting sloshed and staggering about. The younger people don't want to see old people dancing in funny trousers and being very serious. Where's the happy medium. For the scene to really progress these sort of predjudices have to be eradicated and not promoted by both sides, particularly on a high profile site like SS. It's been said many times this scene is about music and not how old you are, or what clothes you wear, that would be a scene for the 'style gurus' who are unlikely to stay with the scene anyway when the next fad comes along.

Winnie:-)

And there you have it.

Christ, it's like the "cold war" on here at times.

We've just had a "do" with 4 DJs aged less than 25(1 aged 20), a couple of late 40 somethings plus two Djs over 50! The dancefloor was the same. 20 year olds bumping into 50 year olds! Great stuff!

The "generation gap" just doesn't exist here. Because the glue that holds us all together is THE MUSIC. I've no doubt that us older ones look appalling to your average Joe in the street, but to a soul fan, be they 20 or 50, it makes no difference to us. There is no "us and them". The only place you ever hear these arguments are on the UK "scene". So...how did our 20 year olds get into it? They heard it and were hooked. You can't sell it like a perfume, you can't package it like a box of cornflakes. For a 20 year old to find the same thing I did at his age you need to be moved by the music, everything else is peripheral gubbins.

To the younger element I would say....go find some records. Stamp your youthful enthusiasm on your own venues/scene or slot into the existing one and celebrate the music. Contribute instead of always moaning about what YOU think should be right for YOUR peers, and appreciate the thing for what it is.

To the older brigade - If the youth show any potential, get 'em on at venues, give 'em a long leash with their records, give 'em the same respect you want from them.

The young US DJs from California and Chicago I just had the pleasure of spending the weekend hanging with are exactly the same "real deal" as anyone I've ever come across in 30 years of collecting. Age is just a number to a real soul fan. And real soul fans is exactly what they are.

Bit of a rant I know....but the young collectors we have over here deserve to have their praises sung. They won't do it themselves.....so I'll do it for 'em.

Regards,

Dave

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

www.theresthatbeat.com

[Winnie :-)]

Winnie,

Don't get me wrong..I like the scene as it is and couldn't care less what people wear or what their age is etc etc. What I'm trying to say is the that for people outside of NS the scene has an undeserved image of being very old fashioned. For me it's the music thats important and if we can promote that to the younger generation then they will come to look for themselves. Maybe they'll love it or maybe they'll hate it but unless we can get people to listen in the first place then we're going to struggle to fill soul nights in 10+ years.

Adam.

==========

I agree with you Adam, most of the younger people on the scene today have done just that, but where do you promote it so that more come along. I've read that universities may be a prime target, but if they do like the music, the same problem comes up again, to hear it they have to mix with an older crowd at a traditional northern venue. And that seems to be where the idea always falters. I still think most young people want to go somewhere where they can drink and pull someone, the music being a bit of a side issue. That is of course generalising, and I'd like to make it clear I'm not putting every one of them in the same box. I'd also like to make it clear, that theres nothing wrong with that credo IMO. The northern scene has never had that particular image, just one more reason it may prove unpopular with youngsters.

The best DJs with the best collections (with a couple of exceptions) are probably between the ages of 35 and Sam, what happens to them. I suppose the question is, what's the most important thing to the scene, youngblood or quality of records as IMO one may have to be sacrificed for the other to survive.

Winnie:-)

[Winnie :-)]

And there you have it.

Christ, it's like the "cold war" on here at times.

We've just had a "do" with 4 DJs aged less than 25(1 aged 20), a couple of late 40 somethings plus two Djs over 50! The dancefloor was the same. 20 year olds bumping into 50 year olds! Great stuff!

The "generation gap" just doesn't exist here. Because the glue that holds us all together is THE MUSIC. I've no doubt that us older ones look appalling to your average Joe in the street, but to a soul fan, be they 20 or 50, it makes no difference to us. There is no "us and them". The only place you ever hear these arguments are on the UK "scene". So...how did our 20 year olds get into it? They heard it and were hooked. You can't sell it like a perfume, you can't package it like a box of cornflakes. For a 20 year old to find the same thing I did at his age you need to be moved by the music, everything else is peripheral gubbins.

To the younger element I would say....go find some records. Stamp your youthful enthusiasm on your own venues/scene or slot into the existing one and celebrate the music. Contribute instead of always moaning about what YOU think should be right for YOUR peers, and appreciate the thing for what it is.

To the older brigade - If the youth show any potential, get 'em on at venues, give 'em a long leash with their records, give 'em the same respect you want from them.

The young US DJs from California and Chicago I just had the pleasure of spending the weekend hanging with are exactly the same "real deal" as anyone I've ever come across in 30 years of collecting. Age is just a number to a real soul fan. And real soul fans is exactly what they are.

Bit of a rant I know....but the young collectors we have over here deserve to have their praises sung. They won't do it themselves.....so I'll do it for 'em.

Regards,

Dave

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

www.theresthatbeat.com

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

Good post and exactly what the scene should be about

[stomper45]

good thread and for most part constructive observations, ss at its best. Paul keep feeling pasionate bout this music and ignore the critics. the xfm saying theyre current yet putting on a retro show are flawed. btw the intro chords of nf porter hit me as much as the cure's play for today,sorry cant add anything more upto date young as ya feel.

personally, got into this music a while back and didnt and dont view it just as a retro scene, keep me slippers and pipe on hold

Winnie catch ya soon

Danny

[jazzyjas]

IN REGARD TO THE ORIGINAL THREAD:

Like it or not, Russ Winstanley has always been a vital part of the northern soul legacy. If you want a progressive type of a DJ, he's not your man, but if you want to go the nostalgia route, he's perfect for it! This all boils down to a matter of taste and having a person be in the proper environment to do what they do. Maybe Paul is just trying to convey the point that xFM radio is not the proper venue for RW-and he's probably right about that. Hearing a guy like that reminisce about the good old days, puts a lot of smiles on people's faces, especially if they were there. Can't slag him off for that at all. Just a generational thing and a matter of taste.

OLD VS. YOUNG

I think that what's happening is just simply a matter of the veterans of the northern soul scene not wanting what they hold precious to be destroyed and changed by irreverant types. It's a respect thing. By all means, people should respect it, too. There are lots of traditions that are good and that should stay in place. But on the same token, give the younger folks a chance. Any discerning soul fan should be able to tell the difference between who's really into it and who isn't. Age is nothing but a number, like Dave said. It's all about where you're coming from and how you handle yourself. Just because a few of us are from the states and weren't hitchiking to Wigan every week in nineteen seventy-something, it doesn't mean we aren't the real deal. I am, Mike U. is and some others are, too.

OUR HUMBLE PRESENTATION OF NORTHERN SOUL:

Over the weekend, we had a brilliant batch of sessions from the DJ Villa on Thursday night, all the way through Sunday morning. We had a mix of DJs ranging from younger to older. Not one DJ was a weak link, either. Honestly-not ONE! The Americans held their own. We've got the playlists to prove it, too. Everyone was respectful and got along. We all were ego-free and ready to get down to business with the music just about every waking minute. We recorded a radio show and just presented it as a bunch of guys sitting around, getting wasted and playing good records "still giving a decent amount of info about the records, but above all-ENJOYING OURSELVES! Nobody needed to be impressed, but what was achieved throughout the entire weekend was indeed, impressive.

We played what we wanted, did what we wanted and had the best time. No politics, no egos, no dramas, young, old...didn't matter. And the quality never suffered.

Whether it be the way we present soul on the radio, our just our attitudes in general, let's all be natural about it, loosen up and have a good time and not take ourselves too seriously.

It sure worked for us!

-Jas

[Modernsoulsucks]

I didn't call Paul a "tosser"[those were his words] I think you'll find ,Brian. I called him a "muppet". In hindsight I started it and I apologise.

However my questions to him still stand. How will targeting largely the Manchester student population attract new blood to the scene, and why does RW get in the way of the music.

I used to listen to Mike Raven on the radio. I don't remember him being the voice of youth at the time and his musical leanings were definitely not towards soul but the blues. I didn't stop listening because he'd still play something I'd like and want to buy.

RW seems to be an easy target on this site. Someone else on this thread said he and his mates thought Wigan was "laughable" when they went and yet it was pretty much a continuation of the Torch and a lot of the people there like me came down after the Mecca. You heard a lot of the same 45s and the record bar was definitely a good place to buy and trade.

That's not to say that a couple of years later we were listening to pop and Sousson instumentals but there were still good records played.

I don't see that it's my responsibility to get new blood on the scene. If the idea that playing NF Porter to a small demographic in Manchester is the way for us to flourish then I have to disagree. I went to Quinvy's night in Burnley. No NF Porter heard there all night. So to put that 45 forward as representative of the current scene whilst denigrating RW is missing the whole ethos of Northern by a mile.

The only way for NS to flourish is for it not to become stale or stagnant by playing different 45s. I think I've turned up enough popular 45s to say that I've done my bit. With internet radio,BBC local and national radio and the odd TV exposure there are plenty of avenues to hear Northern, much more than in my day, and those with a predisposition towards it will find it.

You can't package it as the latest thing cos it's not.

My jaundiced view of the younger element owes a lot to the knobheads at the Black Lion in Skipton who attended each time I did and spilt beer all over the dance floor and took the mick out of the dancers. Maybe Paul's potential converts will be completely different.

ROD

[BrianB]

I didn't call Paul a "tosser"[those were his words] I think you'll find ,Brian. I called him a "muppet". In hindsight I started it and I apologise.

However my questions to him still stand. How will targeting largely the Manchester student population attract new blood to the scene, and why does RW get in the way of the music.

I used to listen to Mike Raven on the radio. I don't remember him being the voice of youth at the time and his musical leanings were definitely not towards soul but the blues. I didn't stop listening because he'd still play something I'd like and want to buy.

RW seems to be an easy target on this site. Someone else on this thread said he and his mates thought Wigan was "laughable" when they went and yet it was pretty much a continuation of the Torch and a lot of the people there like me came down after the Mecca. You heard a lot of the same 45s and the record bar was definitely a good place to buy and trade.

That's not to say that a couple of years later we were listening to pop and Sousson instumentals but there were still good records played.

I don't see that it's my responsibility to get new blood on the scene. If the idea that playing NF Porter to a small demographic in Manchester is the way for us to flourish then I have to disagree. I went to Quinvy's night in Burnley. No NF Porter heard there all night. So to put that 45 forward as representative of the current scene whilst denigrating RW is missing the whole ethos of Northern by a mile.

The only way for NS to flourish is for it not to become stale or stagnant by playing different 45s. I think I've turned up enough popular 45s to say that I've done my bit. With internet radio,BBC local and national radio and the odd TV exposure there are plenty of avenues to hear Northern, much more than in my day, and those with a predisposition towards it will find it.

You can't package it as the latest thing cos it's not.

My jaundiced view of the younger element owes a lot to the knobheads at the Black Lion in Skipton who attended each time I did and spilt beer all over the dance floor and took the mick out of the dancers. Maybe Paul's potential converts will be completely different.

ROD

Point taken Rod, and may I say a far more constructive and readable reply than one or two of your previous ones?

I can verify that Pauls mates aren't like the ones you have seen in Skipton, and we have all seen this type of youth over the years, and yes we all want to fill 'em in. However, I think Paul is saying that someone hearing northern for the first time on Russ's show (and I was there at Wigan and the Mecca at the same time as you) are the ones who won't be converted by hearing Russ's outlook on life. I fully agree that the ones who have a predisposition to the music will seek it out. Paul means the out and out novices. (I think).

ATB

Brian

[Modernsoulsucks]

Well Brian I kinda objected to Paul's complaint that Russ's style turned people off. I didn't listen but wasn't he doing a Wheel special so there's gotta be some historical perspective, which I agree with Paul should maybe stop short of droning on about pre-decimalisation.

However,I ain't heard many shouts going out to the Chingford Massif either on Mr. Bicknell's show. Apologies if that bit of youth culture is now passe.

Whilst Im posting he then comes up with the dreaded sub-Three Dog Night Porter 45 as a suitable bridge to the current scene. Now,unless I've got this completely wrong that record is more to do with the nostalgia type venues even though I've only heard it in past 6 years or so. It's like "Party time man" and the other beach music clones that are easy on the ear and feet.

It may be that a way forward is for Xfm to run their own club night aimed at the younger element and maybe there will be some crossover onto the existing scene as there was with Mod revival in the 80's.

But who entertains and even educates these punters. Soul Sam,Butch, Andy Dyson and with all due respect to these guys, are you not back to Paul's complaint that it's seen as grandad music.

ROD

[Winnie :-)]

Well Brian I kinda objected to Paul's complaint that Russ's style turned people off. I didn't listen but wasn't he doing a Wheel special so there's gotta be some historical perspective, which I agree with Paul should maybe stop short of droning on about pre-decimalisation.

However,I ain't heard many shouts going out to the Chingford Massif either on Mr. Bicknell's show. Apologies if that bit of youth culture is now passe.

Whilst Im posting he then comes up with the dreaded sub-Three Dog Night Porter 45 as a suitable bridge to the current scene. Now,unless I've got this completely wrong that record is more to do with the nostalgia type venues even though I've only heard it in past 6 years or so. It's like "Party time man" and the other beach music clones that are easy on the ear and feet.

It may be that a way forward is for Xfm to run their own club night aimed at the younger element and maybe there will be some crossover onto the existing scene as there was with Mod revival in the 80's.

But who entertains and even educates these punters. Soul Sam,Butch, Andy Dyson and with all due respect to these guys, are you not back to Paul's complaint that it's seen as grandad music.

ROD

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

Made some similar points myself Rod, but to date no answers. Think there's two schools of thought running through this thread, one to do with presentation, one to do with playlists. if XFM opened a club night for youngsters and it didn't do very well, I wonder if they'd advertise it to the established northern crowd?

[Guest ShaneH]

why can't you people just accept that paul was disappointed with the way the show was presented and the tunes played.

it's not rocket science. he didn't want his mates to listen to an bloke talking about shillings and pie 'n' peas. he wanted them to be entertained by more current and relavant dj's with a real passion for today's scene.

i know the show was a twisted wheel special but that didn't stop paul feeling let down.

Shane

[Winnie :-)]

why can't you people just accept that paul was disappointed with the way the show was presented and the tunes played.

it's not rocket science. he didn't want his mates to listen to an bloke talking about shillings and pie 'n' peas. he wanted them to be entertained by more current and relavant dj's with a real passion for today's scene.

i know the show was a twisted wheel special but that didn't stop paul feeling let down.

Shane

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

Shane not sure if you're deliberately getting things wrong Paul didn't say anything about the playlists being outdated, and he didn't talk about current and relevant DJs, he wants a young DJ to present the show, so it has more kudos amongst the youth. I'm sure Paul has said before that he is a big oldies fan, which is why he wouldn't have complained about the musical content of the show. I'm not trying to get at you, just pointing out that there are different arguments being floated within this thread

Winnie:-)

[SteveM]

Spot on Paul!

Write to the radio station and tell them mate!

There should be a trap door beneath the presenters chair which opens into a mineshaft at the mention of any of the following words: Wigan, 1973, old money, Casino, baggies, Torch, whippets, badges, mild, talcum powder, back in the day, pigeons, moustache etc. Add to the list as you see fit.

Hope you are well, btw.

Dave, please add:

Its worth two grand now and I paid sixpence for it off Soul Bowls front page in 1974

[Guest Bogue]

In regards to getting younger people interested in the music/scene, do you not think there would be more chance if we stopped "trying" & left them to find it for themselves ?

Would any of us have took a second look if our fathers,uncles or grandfathers had tried to push a music genre on us ? I don't think so !! we would have deliberatly gone for something else !

So in short, if they find it & enjoy it, great ! If they don't, just got to accept it !

Thier loss !!

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

as i want to be a Radio DJ i wouldn't have minded if possible to broadcast on there and do a Northern soul radio show using CD's (vinyl records aswell if a player is avaliable) but sadly i know a lot of you would say what a joke i can't wait to hear what he will play so i wouldn't dare go for it.

But even if you allowed me i would talk about some of the songs and just play them and mix both well known and obscure together i could send a 2 hour song list for a sample if you wish to see