Northern Soul - Is It Still A Way Of Life For Us All?

[Mark Bicknell]

Is being part of the Northern scene circa 2007 still a way of life? do we all live, sleep and eat everything connected with this unique scene? without question once hooked I feel you are there for life, it becomes twenty four seven, three hundred and sixty five days a year full on, the whole process is very addictive from attending the venues, collecting if you are into the records becomes an endless journey and can very soon become an addication almost like nothing else matters in your life.

There's not a day goes by without some connection with the scene and it's music, be it a new addition to the collection, presenting the radio show or working on future ones, spending more time than you should on Soul Source, Ebay and other sites connected to the scene, the debates, the politics, the venues, the DJ's, the people involved all play a very important part in our lives.

Other hobbies and interests if any? don't even come close in terms of how much time you commit or dedicate to them, often the working week is a means to an end to help fund what we do at weekends and to fuel the desire for the music i.e. the collecting, playing and appreciation of it.

I'm sure we have mellowed over the years and perhaps for some people it's not quite so full on and I would like to think that I put my family first, pay all the bills etc. but there is still something there that drives me in that the music is never out of my thoughts.

There's not a day goes by if i'm to be totally honest that I don't listen to or talk about the music, it might be a question or topic on here that I contribute to or the postman bangs on the door with a sign for package which is a process that still gives me a buzz and a lump in the throat as the stylus hits the run in.

We all have off days and periods on the scene that trouble us but despite some of the negative stuff that happens and goes on the common ground that over rides this and pulls it all together is the music, the records and this almost endless musical melting pot which we all swim around in..........why? well because nothing else even comes close does it?

Northern/Rare Soul has provided the soundtrack to mine and i'm sure many peoples lives, social gatherings, parties etc. it's there, in the car going to Asda it's there, sitting on the bus going to work with the MP3 at full blast it's there, even if you don't attend venues every weekend as some of us don't it's still there in the background as once it get's inside you it's almost impossible to leave, a way of life almost certainly, a passion for sure and in the nicest possible way a true addication that I don't think anyone connected or involved with will ever wish to seek rehab.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Pete S]

It ceased to be a way of life for me back in 1978 when I met a girl off the scene and we both decided there and then that we had better things to do than to go to Wigan every week. After that it was just something I loved but never with the same intensity as when I was 14 to 18.

[Mark Bicknell]

It ceased to be a way of life for me back in 1978 when I met a girl off the scene and we both decided there and then that we had better things to do than to go to Wigan every week. After that it was just something I loved but never with the same intensity as when I was 14 to 18.

Honest reply there Pete, but you still love it!

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Una Scot-Oz]

I ended up without it for 20 years, as when I was travelling, I lost touch with alot of friends from home. Left my records behind(they are still there) Met the love of my life, still travelled, but I still had that urge to dance to anything that had that certain beat.

When I found it again 2years ago, it changed our life completely. Luckily my husband loves it too. Our social life revolves around Northern Soul. Most of our friends now are soulies, I'm not obsessed but very involved! My family still comes first and there are other things I like doing in this lovely country. I can dance again now to my hearts content. That's what I couldn't do for all these years. And I've made contact with all my old friends again, and so many new ones. Some on here who I knew or know me in a distant way.

So for me it's Passion not Obsession.... or do I sound obssessed?

[Mark Bicknell]

I ended up without it for 20 years, as when I was travelling, I lost touch with alot of friends from home. Left my records behind(they are still there) Met the love of my life, still travelled, but I still had that urge to dance to anything that had that certain beat.

When I found it again 2years ago, it changed our life completely. Luckily my husband loves it too. Our social life revolves around Northern Soul. Most of our friends now are soulies, I'm not obsessed but very involved! My family still comes first and there are other things I like doing in this lovely country. I can dance again now to my hearts content. That's what I couldn't do for all these years. And I've made contact with all my old friends again, and so many new ones. Some on here who I knew or know me in a distant way.

So for me it's Passion not Obsession.... or do I sound obssessed?

Safe to say you have an obsessive passion....lol like us all i think.

Regards - Mark Bicknell

[Geoff]

With the exception of looking after my dog, soul music and the scene is definitely the most important thing in my life. Since I lost my wife it has kept me going, that includes of course all my friends on the scene who have been so kind to me.

Although I like many other kinds of music, I rarely listen to anything other than soul in its many forms now. I spend a lot of time looking at this forum and others I belong to that are based around soul music.

I try to get out to a do every week, feel frustrated if unable to do so.

Soul music is a refuge from the horrors of modern day life. I listen to the news, read things on the Internet, etc and feel depressed. There are so many horrible things happening but soul music is a beacon of hope for me; always makes me feel better.

I've generally found most people on the scene decent. One of the best things I ever did was to start going out again to clubs. Sometimes the politics, chinstroking, etc can be irritating, but that is so trivial compared to the pleasure I get from the music. Such deep emotion in the songs, such variety.

I've even started buying vinyl again, something I swore I'd never do, but it just gets you doesn't it?

So is it an obsession? Yes I suppose it is, more like a religion maybe.

As Mark said, once it is in you it never leaves. The day I stop loving soul music will be the day I die.

[Steve Plumb]

Is being part of the Northern scene circa 2007 still a way of life? do we all live, sleep and eat everything connected with this unique scene? without question once hooked I feel you are there for life, it becomes twenty four seven, three hundred and sixty five days a year full on, the whole process is very addictive from attending the venues, collecting if you are into the records becomes an endless journey and can very soon become an addication almost like nothing else matters in your life.

There's not a day goes by without some connection with the scene and it's music, be it a new addition to the collection, presenting the radio show or working on future ones, spending more time than you should on Soul Source, Ebay and other sites connected to the scene, the debates, the politics, the venues, the DJ's, the people involved all play a very important part in our lives.

Other hobbies and interests if any? don't even come close in terms of how much time you commit or dedicate to them, often the working week is a means to an end to help fund what we do at weekends and to fuel the desire for the music i.e. the collecting, playing and appreciation of it.

I'm sure we have mellowed over the years and perhaps for some people it's not quite so full on and I would like to think that I put my family first, pay all the bills etc. but there is still something there that drives me in that the music is never out of my thoughts.

There's not a day goes by if i'm to be totally honest that I don't listen to or talk about the music, it might be a question or topic on here that I contribute to or the postman bangs on the door with a sign for package which is a process that still gives me a buzz and a lump in the throat as the stylus hits the run in.

We all have off days and periods on the scene that trouble us but despite some of the negative stuff that happens and goes on the common ground that over rides this and pulls it all together is the music, the records and this almost endless musical melting pot which we all swim around in..........why? well because nothing else even comes close does it?

Northern/Rare Soul has provided the soundtrack to mine and i'm sure many peoples lives, social gatherings, parties etc. it's there, in the car going to Asda it's there, sitting on the bus going to work with the MP3 at full blast it's there, even if you don't attend venues every weekend as some of us don't it's still there in the background as once it get's inside you it's almost impossible to leave, a way of life almost certainly, a passion for sure and in the nicest possible way a true addication that I don't think anyone connected or involved with will ever wish to seek rehab.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I could not have relayed that any better meself Mark - Spot on in every way, as far as I'm concerned!

Cheers

Steve

[Mark Bicknell]

With the exception of looking after my dog, soul music and the scene is definitely the most important thing in my life. Since I lost my wife it has kept me going, that includes of course all my friends on the scene who have been so kind to me.

Although I like many other kinds of music, I rarely listen to anything other than soul in its many forms now. I spend a lot of time looking at this forum and others I belong to that are based around soul music.

I try to get out to a do every week, feel frustrated if unable to do so.

Soul music is a refuge from the horrors of modern day life. I listen to the news, read things on the Internet, etc and feel depressed. There are so many horrible things happening but soul music is a beacon of hope for me; always makes me feel better.

I've generally found most people on the scene decent. One of the best things I ever did was to start going out again to clubs. Sometimes the politics, chinstroking, etc can be irritating, but that is so trivial compared to the pleasure I get from the music. Such deep emotion in the songs, such variety.

I've even started buying vinyl again, something I swore I'd never do, but it just gets you doesn't it?

So is it an obsession? Yes I suppose it is, more like a religion maybe.

As Mark said, once it is in you it never leaves. The day I stop loving soul music will be the day I die.

A very moving reply Geoff, gave me a lump in my throat, any music that evokes the emotion you expressed here has to be good for the soul...thank you.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Mark Bicknell]

I could not have relayed that any better meself Mark - Spot on in every way, as far as I'm concerned!

Cheers

Steve

Tuneage Steve...simple as that really.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Edited August 1, 2007 by Mark Bicknell

[KevH]

if i can find any other music that moves me to tears on a regular basis,that makes me feel emotional,i'd change for good tommorrow.I've dabbled in the past with other types of music,seen nearly all the big punk bands,been thru a hip hop phase etc,,,,but i keep coming back for more.

Now settled to the fact i'm in for good. IV'E HEARD ITS EASIER TO QUIT SMOKING.

34 years behind the bell ( re: life of brian )......... with a few years break ,,KEV.

[Guest Ste Brazil]

Is being part of the Northern scene circa 2007 still a way of life? do we all live, sleep and eat everything connected with this unique scene? without question once hooked I feel you are there for life, it becomes twenty four seven, three hundred and sixty five days a year full on, the whole process is very addictive from attending the venues, collecting if you are into the records becomes an endless journey and can very soon become an addication almost like nothing else matters in your life.

There's not a day goes by without some connection with the scene and it's music, be it a new addition to the collection, presenting the radio show or working on future ones, spending more time than you should on Soul Source, Ebay and other sites connected to the scene, the debates, the politics, the venues, the DJ's, the people involved all play a very important part in our lives.

Other hobbies and interests if any? don't even come close in terms of how much time you commit or dedicate to them, often the working week is a means to an end to help fund what we do at weekends and to fuel the desire for the music i.e. the collecting, playing and appreciation of it.

I'm sure we have mellowed over the years and perhaps for some people it's not quite so full on and I would like to think that I put my family first, pay all the bills etc. but there is still something there that drives me in that the music is never out of my thoughts.

There's not a day goes by if i'm to be totally honest that I don't listen to or talk about the music, it might be a question or topic on here that I contribute to or the postman bangs on the door with a sign for package which is a process that still gives me a buzz and a lump in the throat as the stylus hits the run in.

We all have off days and periods on the scene that trouble us but despite some of the negative stuff that happens and goes on the common ground that over rides this and pulls it all together is the music, the records and this almost endless musical melting pot which we all swim around in..........why? well because nothing else even comes close does it?

Northern/Rare Soul has provided the soundtrack to mine and i'm sure many peoples lives, social gatherings, parties etc. it's there, in the car going to Asda it's there, sitting on the bus going to work with the MP3 at full blast it's there, even if you don't attend venues every weekend as some of us don't it's still there in the background as once it get's inside you it's almost impossible to leave, a way of life almost certainly, a passion for sure and in the nicest possible way a true addication that I don't think anyone connected or involved with will ever wish to seek rehab.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Great stuff!!

[Mark Bicknell]

if i can find any other music that moves me to tears on a regular basis,that makes me feel emotional,i'd change for good tommorrow.I've dabbled in the past with other types of music,seen nearly all the big punk bands,been thru a hip hop phase etc,,,,but i keep coming back for more.

Now settled to the fact i'm in for good. IV'E HEARD ITS EASIER TO QUIT SMOKING.

34 years behind the bell ( re: life of brian )......... with a few years break ,,KEV.

Get back in 'The Attic' pal...lol oh you are this Saturday, nice comments Kev, looking like we all pretty much think and feel the same.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Ezzie Brown]

i stopped going , collecting even listening or noticing anything about soul from 75 when i was 21 till 99, i did listen to my favourite sam cooke lp occassionally, then wham ,one local do and that was it!! like i had never been away, built up until im out most week ends, buying selling and swapping records continually, got loads of [i hope] new friends and caught up with some from the old days ITS GREAT AS LONG AS YOU KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE< FAMILY>>YOUR A LONG TIME GONE!!!!! ezzie

[Guest Bearsy]

About 4/5 years ago i got back into the scootering stuff and over the next year or so i started attending the rallies and with that came the first taste of northern soul in dribs and drabs, a couple of mates of mine travelled up to london on the odd occasion to attend some soul nights, well one night i thought i would tag along and so i did, i wasnt bitten on the first time i went but after a few i started to realise how much i liked this music, a few more years on and i would say im very into it and loving every minute of it too but my missus, kids and friends reckon im obsessed, my friends have even gone as far to say im now a soulie with an interest in scooters when before it was the other way around. maybe i am hooked but when i meet soulies that have done it for all or most of thier adult life and its become their life i would say im not obsessed well compared to some im not or am i. I must admit though there is not a day i aint either listening to soul, talking about soul, looking for records or on soul source reading soul etc, when i had a week away the other month i was having withdrawal symptons from me PC , i couldnt wait to get home to switch me PC on or open the records that had arrived in the week, football was my first love and will always be a passion of mine but i am realising now that the 2 go very well together and im hoping to incorperate a few away games with some soul nights, the people on the scene are like nothing ive experienced ever before in my life and that with the music the nights out the venues/places what for me makes this scene so addictive, can i ever see my enthusiasm for all this go, NO chance i think i finally found my niche in life, so thanks to all you soulies out there for keeping this scene alive and letting me be a very small part of it. long may it continue

Bearsy

[Guest GazArcher]

if i can find any other music that moves me to tears on a regular basis,that makes me feel emotional,i'd change for good tommorrow.I've dabbled in the past with other types of music,seen nearly all the big punk bands,been thru a hip hop phase etc,,,,but i keep coming back for more.

Now settled to the fact i'm in for good. IV'E HEARD ITS EASIER TO QUIT SMOKING.

34 years behind the bell ( re: life of brian )......... with a few years break ,,KEV.

THIS STATEMENT SUMS IT ALL UP FOR ME. MANY GENRES OF MUSIC PRODUCE ONE OFF'S THAT CAN MAKE ONE FEEL ALL OVERCOME AND EMOTIONAL. BUT MANY OF THE NORTHERN TUNES PROVOKE FEELINGS.........FROM TEARS OF JOY AND LAUGHTER, (AND GREAT MEMORIES), TO REAL TEAR JERKERS..........THIS IS WHY IMO ITS CALLED SOUL. A WAY OF LIFE????? IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, IT IS LIFE

[Mark Bicknell]

All these comments really cement to me why we are all involved on this scene...keep it coming, refreshing to read.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest TONY ROUNCE]

NS has not really been a way of life for me since 1971, but it will always be a major part of life, however many years I have left on Earth...

[Mark Bicknell]

NS has not really been a way of life for me since 1971, but it will always be a major part of life, however many years I have left on Earth...

Tony, people like you lead the way mate so respect, yet deep down you love it...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest moggy]

Up until around 8 years ago

Soul was a very, major part of my life

Divorce & the forced sale,of the best part of my collection was like nothing else I had experienced, it had such an impact I was quite devestated

But since then have realised, so many other people have so much suffering and pain they have to go through, it gave me a proper kick in the b****ks and made get real with life as a whole

Yes its been a massive part of my life but not the be all and end all

[Mark Bicknell]

Up until around 8 years ago

Soul was a very, major part of my life

Divorce & the forced sale,of the best part of my collection was like nothing else I had experienced, it had such an impact I was quite devestated

But since then have realised, so many other people have so much suffering and pain they have to go through, it gave me a proper kick in the b****ks and made get real with life as a whole

Yes its been a massive part of my life but not the be all and end all

I guess we all have to try and keep things in perspective, don't get me wrong there are of course far more important things in life to deal with and consider but I guess we all get a little carried a way with all things soulful at times and sometimes the real stuff in life passes us by, soul does sometimes help us through the hard times and is the best thing in the world to celebrate the good times.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Edited August 1, 2007 by Mark Bicknell

[Guest Matt Male]

I couldn't say it was the main thing in my life these days what with work, kids, family, wife etc... but it certainly is an important part and a part i'd miss, especially if i never went anywhere ever again. Mind you i've got a few hobbies that also take up my time but collecting vinyl is definately the most expensive (even more expensive than playing poker)... I think i'm enjoying it now it's less full on than when i was a teenager and every friend i had was a soulie and everything i did was connected with the scene in some way and i spent all week just waiting for the Friday niter/Saturday niter/Sunday dayer. I could never get back to that level of immersion, even if i wanted to.

[spot]

With me it was an obsession from 72-82 when vinyl was my life, making lists & constantly dealing here & with US. It ended in 82 a year after we married, the vinyl went to buy a home & bills had to be paid & I worked away for long periods, also the scene then had splintered & became very Jazz Funk.

The beat & sounds were always in the back of my mind & 5 years ago my Brother-in-law Gary asked us to a local Soul venue & the music still made my head tingle & my feet tap, so we came back to it with a vengeance. We've met up with lots of old friends, made some very good new friends & feel alive again, not sat at home vegetating infront of the tv. We've caught up with all the fabulous sounds we missed whilst we were away & now it's a passion with me as I dance now instead of pursuing the obsessive vinyl.

Don't it make you feel funky?

Spot.

[Baz Atkinson]

THIS IS A GOOD THREAD,BALANCE TO LIFE IS IMPORTANT,PUTTING THE MUSIC INTO CONTEXT ALSO.AS IVE GOT OLDER NOW 44 NOT REALLY HAD ANY BREAKS INCLUDING 5 TRIPS TO USA ANOTHER ONE THIS YEAR CANT IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT THE POINTS MENTIONED THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE NOW FOR ME IS MY OBSESSION WITH DEEP SOUL AND SWEET SOUL.

MY VIEW IS THAT SURE I LOVE THE NORTHERN SIDE BUT DEEP SOUL AND SWEET SOUL AND NUMEROUS SUPPLY WHICH IS UNTOUCHED GIVES ME MORE ENJOYMENT.IN MANY RESPECTS IM TIRED OF NORTHERN AND ALOT OF THE EGOS INVOLVED ON THE SCENE BUT I LOVE DEEP AND SWEET.

THE NORTHERN SCENE HAS ALWAYS HAD A STUPID INCESSANT INFATUATION WITH RARITY WHICH TO ME IS COMPLETE AND UTTER BOLLOCKS,SOMETIMES THIS HAS GONE ABOVE QUALITY TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE SCENE IMHO.

MY LIFE NOW WITH A BUSY EXPANDING BUSINESS REVOLVES AROUND WORK,FAMILY AND SOUL MUSIC NOT NORTHERN SOUL MUSIC.IF A DEALER IN OCTOBER OFFERS ME THE NEXT BIG THING FOR 2000US HE WILL BE TOLD TO F--K OFF ,I WILL USE THAT MONEY TO BOLSTER MY XOVER,DEEP AND SWEET COLLECTION.

WHEN I DO DJ I THINK I ENJOY IT MORE BECAUSE IT SIGNIFIES IM AROUND LIKEMINDED PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN THINGS THROUGH BUT CONVERSION TURNS WHEN IM SHOWN A RARE TUNE WHICH IS SHIT AND SOMEONE IS TELLING ME ITS GREAT,THINK IVE SUSSED MY TASTE BY NOW.

IVE GOT GOOD FRIENDS ON THE SCENE , ALL THE LADS IVE WENT TO DOS WITH SINCE BACK IN THE DAY ITS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO SEE THEM AND ALWAYS WILL BE,THAT IS THE SPECIAL THING AT THE END OF THE DAY.

BAZ A

[Dave West]

With me it was an obsession from 72-82 when vinyl was my life, making lists & constantly dealing here & with US. It ended in 82 a year after we married, the vinyl went to buy a home & bills had to be paid & I worked away for long periods, also the scene then had splintered & became very Jazz Funk.

The beat & sounds were always in the back of my mind & 5 years ago my Brother-in-law Gary asked us to a local Soul venue & the music still made my head tingle & my feet tap, so we came back to it with a vengeance. We've met up with lots of old friends, made some very good new friends & feel alive again, not sat at home vegetating infront of the tv. We've caught up with all the fabulous sounds we missed whilst we were away & now it's a passion with me as I dance now instead of pursuing the obsessive vinyl.

Don't it make you feel funky?

Spot.

AS YOU KNOW PETE MY STORYS NEARLY THE SAME, LEFT THE SCENE IN THE LATE SEVENTIES, SOLD MOST OF MY ENGLISH COLLECTION AND SPENT IT ON HOLIDAYS ETC. AND RETURNED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER YOU,TO THE SAME CLUB ACTUALLY WHERE WE BUMPED INTO EACH OTHER, FRIENDS FROM LONG LONG AGO, LIKE RENNIE AND JACK, SNOWY, ETC.. AND I GOT THE COLLECTING BUG AGAIN, MOSTLY MOTOWN NOW AND THIS HAS LED TO A NUMBER OF DJ,ING BOOKINGS AND A QUARTERLY SOUL NIGHT IN GOOLE, SO THE SOUL BUG HAS BITTEN US ONCE AGAIN, ( BUT PAT STILL DOSENT KNOW HOW MUCH I PAY FOR RECORDS ) NEARLY AS MUCH AS WHAT I PAY FOR THE OUTRAGIOUS SHOES I TEND TO WEAR.

Dont forget the motorcity

Westy

Edited August 1, 2007 by Daveboogaloo

[Ezzie Brown]

i confess i rarely read all contributions to these discussions but i have this one and feel i would like and get along with all the respondants as we\all seem to share the same attitude to life, as ive said before its in the music, it draws this kind of person to and into it, i am closer to people ive met since returning to the scene than i am to friends ive known 45 years, IT JUST FEELS RIGHT TO BE LIKE THAT WITH THEM...LOVE IT ALL{i wll agree to tolerate modern soul during this discussion] EZZIE i agree baz, great thread!!

Edited August 1, 2007 by ezzie brown

[Mark Bicknell]

When i started this thread today it was my intention to inject a little passion and try to open up how we feel about the scene and it's music, the replys and comments have been wonderful, like Baz my personal taste in music has changed over the years, i still like traditional Northern and have kept plenty of records but i find myself drawn to Sweet and Crossover more now particually on the show, what ever style 'floats your boat' the common ground is we all seem to have passion for the music.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Ezzie Brown]

When i started this thread today it was my intention to inject a little passion and try to open up how we feel about the scene and it's music, the replys and comments have been wonderful, like Baz my personal taste in music has changed over the years, i still like traditional Northern and have kept plenty of records but i find myself drawn to Sweet and Crossover more now particually on the show, what ever style 'floats your boat' the common ground is we all seem to have passion for the music.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

same as i have found i like teen doo wop blues and even 60s beat all mixed up its called POPCORN LOVE IT !!!

[Baz Atkinson]

When i started this thread today it was my intention to inject a little passion and try to open up how we feel about the scene and it's music, the replys and comments have been wonderful, like Baz my personal taste in music has changed over the years, i still like traditional Northern and have kept plenty of records but i find myself drawn to Sweet and Crossover more now particually on the show, what ever style 'floats your boat' the common ground is we all seem to have passion for the music.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

TOTALLY AGREE WITH THAT MARK,TAKE A LOGO LIKE GAMBLE AND THE INTRUDERS FOR INSTANCE EVERY RECORD BLINDING GROUP HARMONY SOUL,SWEET,CROSSOVER ABSOLUTE 100% QUALITY AND EVERY TRACK A FIVER! THEN YOU HAVE THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM THE BLUER SIDE AND SOMEONE LIKE BOBBY BLAND WHO GRIPS ME EVERYTIME AND JAMES CARR WHO CAN REDUCE TO TEARS,WE WOULD SIMPLY BE MINDLESS TO IGNORE THEIR OFFERINGS .THE MELTING POT IS HUGE,TALKING PASSION TALK TO US DEALERS ABOUT VIETNAM TUNES OR DOO WOP [sOMEONE LIKE JOHN MOORE FOR INSTANCE]THEIR MUSICAL INTERPRETATION AND PASSION ALWAYS COMES THROUGH MAINLY BECAUSE ALOT OF THE TUNES SEEM TO BE A BLUE PRINT FOR THEIR LIVES.

NORTHERN SOUL IS THE TIP OF A LARGE ICEBERG,HOWEVER YOU CANT IGNORE IT COS AT THE END OF THE DAY IT SOUNDS SO BLOODY GOOD LOUD ,FAST AND SOULFUL.

BAZ A

[Mark Bicknell]

I'm with you on that Baz....maybe it's taken us thirty years to get where we are now musically?, i love the male vocal groups, sweet through big voiced, street corner to soul, they take me to another place...I reckon we should get together one night with a few cans and lose ourselves...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Phild]

It was a major part of my life for 25+ years - music, collecting, travelling, dancing, DJing , gear, promoting, bootlegging , tax evasion the whole nine yards.

It cost me more money, jobs etc than I can remember and I don't regret it one bit (well passing up the Nomads for £45.00 in 1983 maybe, and then having to pay £600 for it 15 years later).

Now, however, all I have left are the records (which I play daily still), and the occasional foray on here. I don't miss the rest of it at all. Times and perspectives change.

Phil

[Baz Atkinson]

I'm with you on that Baz....maybe it's taken us thirty years to get where we are now musically?, i love the male vocal groups, sweet through big voiced, street corner to soul, they take me to another place...I reckon we should get together one night with a few cans and lose ourselves...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

im up for that, start with sensations wild on ram,then it just gets better and better!

TAKE CARE MATE

BAZ A

[Guest dundeedavie]

Northern soul will always be a part of my life ..... however this current facsimile of northern i can take or leave to be honest .

the R&B scene for me is more like the lifeblood of what northern used to feel like for me

[Mark Bicknell]

Cool Baz...anytime mate bicknellmark@aol.com

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Mark Bicknell]

Northern soul will always be a part of my life ..... however this current facsimile of northern i can take or leave to be honest .

the R&B scene for me is more like the lifeblood of what northern used to feel like for me

Davie, forgive me but do you mean the scene is a facsimile or the music? not too sure what you mean by this? as there is some pretty good music out there if you dig a little deeper, the scene has changed in my time on it some thirty one years almost but i adore the music perhaps more now than i ever have, i think perhaps it's best to do your own thing because at the end of the day we all collect and enjoy whatever 'floats our boat' and music is a very personal thing and it should matter very little what other people think of our own personal taste, however often we hold back our true taste when we play out in public...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Mace]

i stopped going , collecting even listening or noticing anything about soul from 75 when i was 21 till 99, i did listen to my favourite sam cooke lp occassionally, then wham

ezzie

Ezzie, didn't realise you were so old....and why on earth were you listening to Wham L.P.s. you gayboy

Sorry Mark, great thread, just couldn't resist....it's them little voices in my head that shout 'GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY...TAKE THE P*SS NOW!'

Edited August 1, 2007 by Mace

[Guest dundeedavie]

Davie, forgive me but do you mean the scene is a facsimile or the music? not too sure what you mean by this? as there is some pretty good music out there if you dig a little deeper, the scene has changed in my time on it some thirty one years almost but i adore the music perhaps more now than i ever have, i think perhaps it's best to do your own thing because at the end of the day we all collect and enjoy whatever 'floats our boat' and music is a very personal thing and it should matter very little what other people think of our own personal taste, however often we hold back our true taste when we play out in public...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

the music isn't northern for me anymore mark ...it's something else that i don't LOVE anymore .

oooh and neverhold back your true taste when playing out in public lolol you live and die by your own taste ...just opinions though you understand

[Mark Bicknell]

the music isn't northern for me anymore mark ...it's something else that i don't LOVE anymore .

oooh and neverhold back your true taste when playing out in public lolol you live and die by your own taste ...just opinions though you understand

Ok not holding back more the case of not letting go fully lol.......not Northern anymore? now i'm totally confused but i guess we all have to respect each others taste.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest ZTSC]

It's kicked us all to f*** and back again and don't even try to deny it you fuckers !!

[Jumpinjoan]

It's kicked us all to f*** and back again and don't even try to deny it you fuckers !!

... but so true!!

[Guest ZTSC]

It's kicked us all to f*** and back again and don't even try to deny it you fuckers !!

Never mind all the shit - get out Mark, stop talkin bout it , get off ya tits , dance n enjoy it man ,(I'll deal with Jackie) ha ha

Kev J

[Mark Bicknell]

It's kicked us all to f*** and back again and don't even try to deny it you fuckers !!

Yeh but what a kicking we have all had....lol priceless reply.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest ZTSC]

... but so true!!

Where the f*** you been ! - MISSED YER TO BITS

[Wiganer1]

Ok not holding back more the case of not letting go fully lol.......not Northern anymore? now i'm totally confused but i guess we all have to respect each others taste.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

=====

love my northern as much i ever did

buying stuff now more than ever and just cant get to play them all out ..need to a soul nite every week!

northern soul til i die - 24/7....

regards

Fluff

[Guest ZTSC]

Yeh but what a kicking we have all had....lol priceless reply.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

SOFT SHITE SOUTHERNER !!! (stop selling beds - and get out more !)

Edited August 1, 2007 by ZTSC

[Mark Bicknell]

Never mind all the shit - get out Mark, stop talkin bout it , get off ya tits , dance n enjoy it man ,(I'll deal with Jackie) ha ha

Kev J

No Kev, Jacqui is the one that gives me a good kicking mate...lol don't worry change of work commitments and circumstances i intend to get out more for sure....see you soon pal.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Mark Bicknell]

SOFT SHITE SOUTHERNER !!! (stop selling beds - and get out more !)

Don't sell beds anymore mate it's sofas, not selling anything at the moment though gone mental so i'm off for the time being so see you soon you mad bugger you!

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest ZTSC]

No Kev, Jacqui is the one that gives me a good kicking mate...lol don't worry change of work commitments and circumstances i intend to get out more for sure....see you soon pal.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Mark . I'm gonna burgle ya house at 2 am, dangle the kids out the upstairs window, shag the fuckin cat, smash ya records to bits, get you both fucked off ya faces , drag you to DDA , shag your lass (again) and get you back to work work on Monday (2025 in a bastard coffin) ARE YOU UP FOR IT ?

SOFTCORE !!!

Edited August 1, 2007 by ZTSC

[Mark Bicknell]

Mark . I/m gonna burgle ya house at 2 am, dangle the kids out the upstairs window, shag the fuckin cat, smash ya records to bits, get you both fucked off ya faces , drag you to DDA , shag your lass (again) and get you back to work work on Monday (2025 in a bastard coffin) ARE YOU UP FOR IT ?

SOFTCORE !!!

Well, firstly we only have one child, secondly we have two cats so they will both need a service...lol can't believe you would even consider smashing my records to bits not very soulful is it? lol, the off your face comment however would be a consideration, shag my arse again! as long as i can have my go before the cats, lets skip the work comment scew em' so yes very much up for it! DDA sounds and looks the dogs so yes you are right better to do than talk about it, can't help thinking it was almost too good to be true for this thread to run without incident...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest]

What a great thread ...Nice one Mark....I have been obsessed with the music but not necessarily the "scene" since first hearing records played to me by my Cousin in 1975/6...Ive heard records that reduce you to tears with their emotion and ones that make you just wanna dance and some that make me cringe and there have been times since i started promoting / djing that i have wanted to just pack the whole thing in due to politics and hassle....but get home put a few sounds on and thats "IT"... thats the hook thats why you keep going back for more.....people can call me, question me or try and hurt me but they cant take away the love i have for THIS MUSIC......think theres a song title in there somwhere

[Guest Matt Male]

the R&B scene for me is more like the lifeblood of what northern used to feel like for me

I must admit i'm being pulled towards R&B more and more. I'm not keen on modern, soulful house, sweet soul or deep soul. R&B is the place where there are still new sounds to hear for me. The R&B room at Middleton is brilliant.