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

[Mark Bicknell]

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.

[/quot

The Beauty of the scene is all the different styles of music on offer, each to their own and all that, so much to go at, so much to collect, so much to enjoy...for everyone!

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest]

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.

[/quot

The Beauty of the scene is all the different styles of music on offer, each to their own and all that, so much to go at, so much to collect, so much to enjoy...for everyone!

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

RnB,so last year..................

[Mark Bicknell]

RnB,so last year..................

You love it Ken...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Simsy]

Was asking the question yesterday as to how passionate Coldplay and or Radiohead fans are for example. How passionate and what lengths are they prepared to go to in the furtherence of the love of their music..

I mention this as I know a good many soul fans that are still nothing short of fanatical, especially in terms of collecting.

I've personally never had a break from the scene. Means more to me now than it did 24 years ago when I first got into it.

[Soulsmith]

Means more to me now than it did 24 years ago when I first got into it.

Or maybe you just can't remember how much it actually meant to you

Little bit off topic, but I told my grand-son (who is 7) at the week-end that I couldn't ever remember making a mistake.

After some deliberation he stated, 'thats the problem when you get old pop....you can't remember anything'

[Mark Bicknell]

Was asking the question yesterday as to how passionate Coldplay and or Radiohead fans are for example. How passionate and what lengths are they prepared to go to in the furtherence of the love of their music..

I mention this as I know a good many soul fans that are still nothing short of fanatical, especially in terms of collecting.

I've personally never had a break from the scene. Means more to me now than it did 24 years ago when I first got into it.

I think you can be passionate and fanatical about any form of music, for example some of you may know that my late father Alf Bicknell used to work for The Beatles from 1964 through to 1966 when they stopped touring, for many years from about 1990 my Dad was invited to the many Beatles conventions as a special guest speaker around the world which i was lucky enough to go with him on several occassions, now let me tell you Beatle fans are as commited and passionate as anyone perhaps more so, collecting the records, memrobilia, autographs etc. in Chicago the first time we went there must have been seven thousand people there.

Any band or music style has it's hard core fans some are more serious than others but i suspect it's the music that drives them firstly and then the desire to know everything, collect everything the band/artists/music produces, there are fanatics i would suspect on pretty much every entrtainer, band and music style out there be it Cliff Richard, Queen, Abba, The Rolling Stones etc. etc.

Music is certainly the food of life just that Northern/Rare Soul is our Holy Grail...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest in town Mikey]

Was asking the question yesterday as to how passionate Coldplay and or Radiohead fans are for example. How passionate and what lengths are they prepared to go to in the furtherence of the love of their music..

I mention this as I know a good many soul fans that are still nothing short of fanatical, especially in terms of collecting.

I've personally never had a break from the scene. Means more to me now than it did 24 years ago when I first got into it.

Some music fans I have met are as passionate at least as most Soul fans.

Bands with real stage charisma tend to build up followings that go to insane levels in their support of the bands.

In my experience bands like New Model Army, Levellers, Pop Will Eat Itself, and bands of that time, have guys and girls who beg steal borrow hitch and do all sorts to go to 50 date tours where one night they will be in Glasgow, next in Wolverhampton, next in Newcastle etc etc. Hats off to these guys. Mark and I did it with Eat for a good number of years. You meet great people just as passionate, just about a different style of music.

As for Mark's question.

A way of life? I wouldnt use that phrase, but Northern Soul, and the Northern Soul scene has SHAPED my life. It has given me a set of principles that I cant help but use in my everyday living. Things like the music fans I mentioned above. I have the same respect for them (in the music sense) as I do my soul buddies.

Anything that is considered mainstream I generally shy away from. TV shows even, I tend not to watch if 'everybody' is watching them.

Football is my exception. But would I also be as passionate about the NFL, a sport that the majority of the UK know little or nothing about, if I didnt grow up listening to music the majority of the UK know little or nothing about?

Also when I am out anywhere I expect a certian standard of behaviour. If it looks like there is trouble brewing I will make every effort to go somewhere else. I also expect someone to apologise, as I would, if they knock me etc.

Northern Soul, I believe has shown me the importance of mutual respect, and has shown me how to enjoy the hell out of myself without impacting negatively on somebody else's evening. So what is wrong with me expecting that whle out for a meal, or at the cinema, or even walking along a canal?

It has also taught me to look beyong the obvious, and find out what lies beyond. In everyting, not just music.

Most of all it has given me confidence that there is always somewhere I feel at home, even in a room of people I cant ever recall seeing before. Something I imagine similar to Geoff's feelings.

It doesnt take up every waking minute for me, but it absolutely has 100% influenced how I am every single minute of the rest of my life.

Edited August 2, 2007 by in town Mikey

[Reg]

Been reading through this thread and my first thought was "i have 3 children, 2 under 2...I haven't got time to be passionate about the NS scene...my life can only revolve around nappies, wiping faces and trying to get more than 5 hours sleep per night...

However, here I am on soul source again, supposed to be working...in the back of my head that I MAY get a babysitter this weekend and I can get out and listen to the music I love when I'm not wearing pyjama bottoms...it's always there but not the priority it used to be!

[Mark Bicknell]

Been reading through this thread and my first thought was "i have 3 children, 2 under 2...I haven't got time to be passionate about the NS scene...my life can only revolve around nappies, wiping faces and trying to get more than 5 hours sleep per night...

However, here I am on soul source again, supposed to be working...in the back of my head that I MAY get a babysitter this weekend and I can get out and listen to the music I love when I'm not wearing pyjama bottoms...it's always there but not the priority it used to be!

I think out of all the replies to this thread this confirms above others despite whatever our circumstances and commitments in our lives is that the music is there always....priceless reply thank you.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Dave Moore]

"The Scene" is what it is. It's a reflection of the people who are 'active" at that particular moment. The Oldies v Newies debate of the mid 70s, the media invasion at the same time, the jazzfunk split in the late 70s, the Mod revival of the early 80s, the return to underground scenario in the Mid 80s, the rise of the Detroit collectors at around the same time, the "returnees" of the 90s, the retro/oldies revival, the current splurge of events/'DJs" etc etc. It's all part of the tapestry. But there is always one constant. When the "DJs" have given up the ghost, when the events are playing to zimmer framed shuffling dancers, when 45s have become monetarily worthless because there's not enough people want 'em anymore, there's still that one constant tangible that will always have it hooks indellibly planted in some of us......that magical thing that started the very first minute the likes of Carl Davis or Popcorn Wylie or Ian Levine or Carl Dixon (It doesn't matter who) first took their pencil to a stave. For me personally it's that explosive drum fill that grabs your attention before handing it over to that Oh so deep bass that rumbles along in perfect 4 x 4 matching time. The swirling, heavenly strings of a Paul Riser, the simple melodic piano tinkle of a Luther Randolph arrangement, the almost non existant sax note of a Mike Terry intonation that you know if it wasn't there would change the whole sound. The complicated and echoing vibes that filter through from Jack Ashfords vibraphone and tambourine, matched by the guitar virtuosity of a Dave Hamilton or a Theodore Coffey. The skillful bringing together and synchcronising of all these assets by a wondrously talented Jerry Ragavoy, Jimmy Wisner or George Kerr.

Then, just when you think musically, you're the "cat that got the cream", it happens....POW! the soulful tones of a Chuck Jackson, a Jackie Wilson, a Patrice Holloway or a Linda Jones smash their way into your chest and almost squeeze the very life out of you.

A Way Of Life? Maybe not.....but it sure helps put real life on the back burner for 2 and a half minutes dunnit? Luuurve it!

"The Scene", it's ups and downs. It's complicated political machinations and sometimes over the top happenings simply pale into insignificance when matched by the sound of Sammy Campbell as he opens up with ................."Darlin'!................cos you know exactly whats coming next!!!! (Insert your own intro here) That's what it's about. For me anyway..no more, no less.

Regards,

Dave

www.theresthatbeat.com

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

[Mark Bicknell]

"The Scene" is what it is. It's a reflection of the people who are 'active" at that particular moment. The Oldies v Newies debate of the mid 70s, the media invasion at the same time, the jazzfunk split in the late 70s, the Mod revival of the early 80s, the return to underground scenario in the Mid 80s, the rise of the Detroit collectors at around the same time, the "returnees" of the 90s, the retro/oldies revival, the current splurge of events/'DJs" etc etc. It's all part of the tapestry. But there is always one constant. When the "DJs" have given up the ghost, when the events are playing to zimmer framed shuffling dancers, when 45s have become monetarily worthless because there's not enough people want 'em anymore, there's still that one constant tangible that will always have it hooks indellibly planted in some of us......that magical thing that started the very first minute the likes of Carl Davis or Popcorn Wylie or Ian Levine or Carl Dixon (It doesn't matter who) first took their pencil to a stave. For me personally it's that explosive drum fill that grabs your attention before handing it over to that Oh so deep bass that rumbles along in perfect 4 x 4 matching time. The swirling, heavenly strings of a Paul Riser, the simple melodic piano tinkle of a Luther Randolph arrangement, the almost non existant sax note of a Mike Terry intonation that you know if it wasn't there would change the whole sound. The complicated and echoing vibes that filter through from Jack Ashfords vibraphone and tambourine, matched by the guitar virtuosity of a Dave Hamilton or a Theodore Coffey. The skillful bringing together and synchcronising of all these assets by a wondrously talented Jerry Ragavoy, Jimmy Wisner or George Kerr.

Then, just when you think musically, you're the "cat that got the cream", it happens....POW! the soulful tones of a Chuck Jackson, a Jackie Wilson, a Patrice Holloway or a Linda Jones smash their way into your chest and almost squeeze the very life out of you.

A Way Of Life? Maybe not.....but it sure helps put real life on the back burner for 2 and a half minutes dunnit? Luuurve it!

"The Scene", it's ups and downs. It's complicated political machinations and sometimes over the top happenings simply pale into insignificance when matched by the sound of Sammy Campbell as he opens up with ................."Darlin'!................cos you know exactly whats coming next!!!! (Insert your own intro here) That's what it's about. For me anyway..no more, no less.

Regards,

Dave

www.theresthatbeat.com

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

Do you write for a magazine by any chance? beautiful Dave just beautiful.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Una Scot-Oz]

Been reading through this thread and my first thought was "i have 3 children, 2 under 2...I haven't got time to be passionate about the NS scene...my life can only revolve around nappies, wiping faces and trying to get more than 5 hours sleep per night...

However, here I am on soul source again, supposed to be working...in the back of my head that I MAY get a babysitter this weekend and I can get out and listen to the music I love when I'm not wearing pyjama bottoms...it's always there but not the priority it used to be!

It comes back again once they are old enough! Our daughter doesn't allow us out on a school night and tells us to "keep it down" at times when the music gets too loud. It's getting to be a bit like "Absolutely Fabulous!" But now after the break it is like going out on dates together, we have a ball.

[Mark Bicknell]

It comes back again once they are old enough! Our daughter doesn't allow us out on a school night and tells us to "keep it down" at times when the music gets too loud. It's getting to be a bit like "Absolutely Fabulous!" But now after the break it is like going out on dates together, we have a ball.

Who said romance was dead.....lol the passion for the scene and the music most certainly ain't if this thread is anything to go by.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Mark Bicknell]

Kenny, get to bed mate it's way past your bedtime, if it was a school night pal you would be in big trouble....lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest]

Kenny, get to bed mate it's way past your bedtime, if it was a school night pal you would be in big trouble....lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Its about a time, a place, a person, a vibe. Its all of those things rolled into one and we're lucky enough to have 'our music' to act as the magic carpet that takes us there time and time again.

God I just LOVE Soul music!!!!

Neil x

[Guest Una Scot-Oz]

While you are all sleeping over there, I am over here dancing around doing my housework! At the moment to Marvin Gaye - This love Starved Heart of Mine, There are four Kookaburras sitting on the verandah laughing!

Sleep well soulies!

[soulfulsaint]

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.

I've always had an obsessive personality and so have always collected. If I was honest some passion has gone and my work has taken me away from the full-blown obsession (of a certifiable kind) the passion I felt at say Wigan, Mecca, Stafford early 100 Club etc. But the music has a lifetime grip and never goes. I have always had a very deep affinity for rare nothern and for modern and refuse to get boxed into either camp. One thing that is really nocticeable and comes through is the very passion of the R&B scene. As Davie suggests its a 'dynamic' scene and if you are young, new or simply restless for more, its an energetic scene that has a lot in common with the spirit of northern 1970-78.

So still passionate, refuse to give up, and scared to go to Davie's R&B nights is Scotland cause I know I'd get sucked into another obsession.

Edited August 3, 2007 by soulfulsaint

[Mark Bicknell]

There is something to be said that this music grips us and never let's go really, it seems to matter very little at what stage you are with it? be it someone who is still full on with it or someone who enjoys it from their armchair it would seem that the same passion and pleasure it gives is there for everyone.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Tomangoes]

As an indicator of 'intensity', I am fairly confident to say that a conservative estimate of 2 hours per day for 365 days per year (lets not argue about leap years) for 31 years is the time I have spent listening to our music, or approx 2.6 years in total.

Another way of looking at it is I have listened to approx 450,000 soul tracks (quite a few more than once it must be said).

Considering I am only a wippa snappa who got into the music at 14 in 1975/6, the guys who were in at the start and have survived to tell the tale would have done at least 25% more than me. I suppose for the real 'soul freaks' its possible they could have racked up a million tunes, so I'm only half way up the ladder in that 'indicator'.

Cant see me changing now, not that I ever wanted to.

Ed

[Guest]

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.

Its inside my inside....? It does not matter what jorney you take in life, where the trendy music and drug scenes take you! Eventually, if it really had you.....if you really felt it...........You will end up listening to the tunes you REALLY LOVED again by yourself...........!!!! (thats my story)

That old magic ! .................NORTHERN SOUL MAGIC !

It never leaves! This MUSIC is the real deal! YOU CAN NEVER ESCAPE IT!

More passion and collecting now than have been for years, but dont get to many events, as I have a young family (Wifes only 26! but Son sings along to Luther Ingram)

On personal terms with all the local Postmen ! And when I can get a baby sitter ALLNIGHT I might pop over to STOKE one day!

So BIG DADDY..................................ITS A YES from me!

[Mark Bicknell]

Its inside my inside....? It does not matter what jorney you take in life, where the trendy music and drug scenes take you! Eventually, if it really had you.....if you really felt it...........You will end up listening to the tunes you REALLY LOVED again by yourself...........!!!! (thats my story)

That old magic ! .................NORTHERN SOUL MAGIC !

It never leaves! This MUSIC is the real deal! YOU CAN NEVER ESCAPE IT!

More passion and collecting now than have been for years, but dont get to many events, as I have a young family (Wifes only 26! but Son sings along to Luther Ingram)

On personal terms with all the local Postmen ! And when I can get a baby sitter ALLNIGHT I might pop over to STOKE one day!

So BIG DADDY..................................ITS A YES from me!

Alway's good to have a good relationship with the person who delivers the goodies, my postman asked me what all the small packages were? when i explained turns out he's a bit of a DJ with Dance music so he's very reliable with my stuff now...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Night Owl]

Should come with a goverment health warning

Danger

Northern Soul Pox

No Known Cure

Can Seriously Damage Your Wealth

[Guest dundeedavie]

I've always had an obsessive personality and so have always collected. If I was honest some passion has gone and my work has taken me away from the full-blown obsession (of a certifiable kind) the passion I felt at say Wigan, Mecca, Stafford early 100 Club etc. But the music has a lifetime grip and never goes. I have always had a very deep affinity for rare nothern and for modern and refuse to get boxed into either camp. One thing that is really nocticeable and comes through is the very passion of the R&B scene. As Davie suggests its a 'dynamic' scene and if you are young, new or simply restless for more, its an energetic scene that has a lot in common with the spirit of northern 1970-78.

So still passionate, refuse to give up, and scared to go to Davie's R&B nights is Scotland cause I know I'd get sucked into another obsession.

you'd be more than welcome stuart .....another obsession isn't a bad thing

[Pete Morgan]

While you are all sleeping over there, I am over here dancing around doing my housework! At the moment to Marvin Gaye - This love Starved Heart of Mine, There are four Kookaburras sitting on the verandah laughing!

Sleep well soulies!

[Lenny Harkins]

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.

spot on mark, i dont get diown your way much any more, but not a day goes by.....wot am i selling next ..wot am i buying..where can i get to next......northern soul..its not just for christmas

[Guest gordon russell]

i've been on this scene continuously since it's emergance around 69 -70's my fist nighter being BLETSOE in BEDFORDSHIRE then the TORCH and then most all the other clubs on a regular basis and l still go pretty much all the time nowadays,thats got the history out the way yawn. when my friends and l talk of the scene it's a social thing as well as the love of the music....not really a way of life,thats a bit of a daft idea.

the scene certainly in the last few years has definately gone in two differant directions, the scene i like to be on is the one that l believe is truer to it's original underground roots. the people that go have more of an enquiring mind musically, want to hear newer 6t's and 70's tunes as has been the case over the decades,but they also want to hear stuff that never got a lot of playing over the years.There are clubs out there thank god that cater for us and therefore the scene at these venues seems pretty much unchanged,except we're all a tad older.The scene that l will have no truck with is the one that has been highjacked by folk who have nothing to do with it ,but see it as a way of making some money,l call this the NORTHERN scene it's all gone wrong lmo on this scene.the music played is generally the same 300 tunes. because the people on this scene NEVER want to hear anything that was played after 1979 ish, its not that they don't know the tunes,they DON'T WANT TO KNOW THEM a fact l find very sad. this scene tends also to be very comercial and has all the crap that goes along side it....baggy trousers, over night bags, patches,car stickers and all the other divvery. whatever scene one is on l'm sure the people are sincre....one of them though is the SOUL SCENE we all love....the other is simply the NORTHERN SCENE imo to be avoided at all costs

[Dave Moore]

i've been on this scene continuously since it's emergance around 69 -70's my fist nighter being BLETSOE in BEDFORDSHIRE then the TORCH and then most all the other clubs on a regular basis and l still go pretty much all the time nowadays,thats got the history out the way yawn. when my friends and l talk of the scene it's a social thing as well as the love of the music....not really a way of life,thats a bit of a daft idea.

the scene certainly in the last few years has definately gone in two differant directions, the scene i like to be on is the one that l believe is truer to it's original underground roots. the people that go have more of an enquiring mind musically, want to hear newer 6t's and 70's tunes as has been the case over the decades,but they also want to hear stuff that never got a lot of playing over the years.There are clubs out there thank god that cater for us and therefore the scene at these venues seems pretty much unchanged,except we're all a tad older.The scene that l will have no truck with is the one that has been highjacked by folk who have nothing to do with it ,but see it as a way of making some money,l call this the NORTHERN scene it's all gone wrong lmo on this scene.the music played is generally the same 300 tunes. because the people on this scene NEVER want to hear anything that was played after 1979 ish, its not that they don't know the tunes,they DON'T WANT TO KNOW THEM a fact l find very sad. this scene tends also to be very comercial and has all the crap that goes along side it....baggy trousers, over night bags, patches,car stickers and all the other divvery. whatever scene one is on l'm sure the people are sincre....one of them though is the SOUL SCENE we all love....the other is simply the NORTHERN SCENE imo to be avoided at all costs

Hi Mr Darcy,

I'm not sure we've ever met, though we may well have over the years. Have you tried Prozac? It calms the nerves and although can be quite addictive if abused, most good respected GPs recommend it as a temporary solution to anxiety.

You don't half expend some energy on this site on a scene "you have no truck with".

Take a chill pill Mate, live and let live. We don't need any protection, procrastinating or constant edjumacashun about what we need to like soulwise. Life's too short Pal, surely best to concentrate on how you want to live it rather than wasting time on a "scene you have no truck with".

Regards,

Dave

www.theresthatbeat.com

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

PS. Your avatar, although the greatest record ever recorded, is in fact a played out oldie surely?

[Mark Bicknell]

i've been on this scene continuously since it's emergance around 69 -70's my fist nighter being BLETSOE in BEDFORDSHIRE then the TORCH and then most all the other clubs on a regular basis and l still go pretty much all the time nowadays,thats got the history out the way yawn. when my friends and l talk of the scene it's a social thing as well as the love of the music....not really a way of life,thats a bit of a daft idea.

the scene certainly in the last few years has definately gone in two differant directions, the scene i like to be on is the one that l believe is truer to it's original underground roots. the people that go have more of an enquiring mind musically, want to hear newer 6t's and 70's tunes as has been the case over the decades,but they also want to hear stuff that never got a lot of playing over the years.There are clubs out there thank god that cater for us and therefore the scene at these venues seems pretty much unchanged,except we're all a tad older.The scene that l will have no truck with is the one that has been highjacked by folk who have nothing to do with it ,but see it as a way of making some money,l call this the NORTHERN scene it's all gone wrong lmo on this scene.the music played is generally the same 300 tunes. because the people on this scene NEVER want to hear anything that was played after 1979 ish, its not that they don't know the tunes,they DON'T WANT TO KNOW THEM a fact l find very sad. this scene tends also to be very comercial and has all the crap that goes along side it....baggy trousers, over night bags, patches,car stickers and all the other divvery. whatever scene one is on l'm sure the people are sincre....one of them though is the SOUL SCENE we all love....the other is simply the NORTHERN SCENE imo to be avoided at all costs

Respect!

Mark Bicknell.

[Dave Moore]

Hi Mark,

I love many of the oldies referred to. (most pre 1979)

I have sold records and made a few quid at it (Made Money).

I sometimes wear a shirt with a record label on it.

I like to attend lots of venues, some of them the ones Mr Darcy sems to be alluding to.

Many of my closest friends for 30 years do/have done all the same.

Must make me part of the 'divvery' referred to.

Ah well....at least I'm happy in my 'divvery'.

Regards,

Dave

www.theresthatbeat.com

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

PS. got your message ref 45, should be with you "any day now". Damn! another mouldie oldie, they get everywhere!

[Mark Bicknell]

Hi Mark,

I love many of the oldies referred to. (most pre 1979)

I have sold records and made a few quid at it (Made Money).

I sometimes wear a shirt with a record label on it.

I like to attend lots of venues, some of them the ones Mr Darcy sems to be alluding to.

Many of my closest friends for 30 years do/have done all the same.

Must make me part of the 'divvery' referred to.

Ah well....at least I'm happy in my 'divvery'.

Regards,

Dave

www.theresthatbeat.com

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

PS. got your message ref 45, should be with you "any day now". Damn! another mouldie oldie, they get everywhere!

Hi Dave, all I can say is each to their own and whatever 'floats your boat' knowing you pretty well and some of our mutual friends I say we are all doing our our thing pretty well after all these years, we all have commitments to the music and scene in different ways, yours at present with the efforts of the magazine is without question faultless, I get off with my Solar gig every Sunday, I'm just glad we all bat for the same team and contribute to the good of the music in some small way.

As for the mouldie oldie I'm waiting on from you it's taken me several years to track a Symbol Demo down, then like buses another one comes along as JM has one listed on his site right now...Oldie or mouldie a good record is a good record.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Dave Moore]

I'm just glad we all bat for the same team and contribute to the good of the music in some small way.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Hi Mark,

Exactly my thoughts.

Hey.....forget JM's Symbol demo...check out the stamped Soild Sound 45 on his auction. I have one....but it took me a long time. I actually got it from Brian Waterhouse who I think you'll probably know. Booted on a lookalike, but the original is a real toughie imo. Don't think I've seen more than a dozen of em.

Regards,

Dave

www.theresthatbeat.com

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

[Guest Una Scot-Oz]

While you are all sleeping over there, I am over here dancing around doing my housework! At the moment to Marvin Gaye - This love Starved Heart of Mine, There are four Kookaburras sitting on the verandah laughing!

Sleep well soulies!

Una you must live in the bush!! All i hear in Sydney city are pissed yuppies leaving the pub whilst listening to tunes on my headphones as not to wake up my 3 year old girl :-(

ps for non aussies a kookaburra is an annoying bird !!

pete m

We're in the nice part of Sydney! There's a reserve nearby, but the Kookaburras sit up on our verandah. They waken me up every morning! They're my favourite birds, they're bloody mental!

[Maark]

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.

If you ent bin, I would highly recommend the Crown at Spondon Matt, for some banging R&B you don't usually hear!.

Edited August 6, 2007 by Maark

[Bazza]

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.

I agree.and feel exactly the same way...Just lately I am getting a bit peed off with hearing the same old tunes even the wife who is a classic oldies fan is getting sick of it..she's getting to the point where she dont want to go out because of it ,R&B is a breath of fresh air..

Bazza

[Steve L]

I agree.and feel exactly the same way...Just lately I am getting a bit peed off with hearing the same old tunes even the wife who is a classic oldies fan is getting sick of it..she's getting to the point where she dont want to go out because of it ,R&B is a breath of fresh air..

Bazza

Bazza you know where you can hear something different mate

Shameless plug

On Marks original point, passion bordering on obsession for me

[Bazza]

Bazza you know where you can hear something different mate

Shameless plug

On Marks original point, passion bordering on obsession for me

Yes Steve I do ..just got to talk her into going..but im getting there

cya soon Steve

Bazza

[Guest Roccia]

[Guest]

If people wish to know if NS is still a way of life , then look no further than my dear friends Roccia and Letizia .....

NS , yes , is a religion , but Letizia's lasagne - that is truly heaven sent .....

Malc Burton

[Guest Mart B]

Northern soul has been a way of life for me "family first" for the past 33 years mostly on.Northern soul for alot of people that i thought was a way of life are now totally off the northern scene.... to many to mention.So there must be life after Northern soul or is it us that are left... Are we trying to hold on to the past wich is slowly slipping away?Already people who have been back on the scene less than 10 years are moaning at hearing same old same old song.The northern scene has always been a progressive scene if your not prepared to adapt to lesser known !"better tunes" you will be another stastistic imo.I hope to see you at the attic again mark with some more progressive tunes.

[Mark Bicknell]

Northern soul has been a way of life for me "family first" for the past 33 years mostly on.Northern soul for alot of people that i thought was a way of life are now totally off the northern scene.... to many to mention.So there must be life after Northern soul or is it us that are left... Are we trying to hold on to the past wich is slowly slipping away?Already people who have been back on the scene less than 10 years are moaning at hearing same old same old song.The northern scene has always been a progressive scene if your not prepared to adapt to lesser known !"better tunes" you will be another stastistic imo.I hope to see you at the attic again mark with some more progressive tunes.

Is that the 'royal you' as in people in general on the scene or are you having a pop at me.....lol better tunes???? another statistic???? more progressive tunes???? am I reading this wrong or is this a general comment or have I totally read this wrong...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Mart B]

Is that the 'royal you' as in people in general on the scene or are you having a pop at me.....lol better tunes???? another statistic???? more progressive tunes???? am I reading this wrong or is this a general comment or have I totally read this wrong...lol

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Youve read it wrong mark! not having a pop far from it.... I respect the tunes you play what im getting at is not all clubs play the tunes you play wish they would... so im looking forward to your next Attic nite.?.

[Mark Bicknell]

Youve read it wrong mark! not having a pop far from it.... I respect the tunes you play what im getting at is not all clubs play the tunes you play wish they would... so im looking forward to your next Attic nite.?.

Sorry pal I thought that was the case but I just read it wrongly, I certainly intend to get out and about a bit more now due to a change of circumstances with work commitments etc. so more weekends free.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Mart B]

Sorry pal I thought that was the case but I just read it wrongly, I certainly intend to get out and about a bit more now due to a change of circumstances with work commitments etc. so more weekends free.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

No problem Mark

Regards Mart Baggaley

[Quinvy]

Looks like she's been to Burnley and seen the bats Neil.

[Guest Pete Griffin]

Coming from the Mod Scene back in the mid 80s, it was the tailored clothes, scooters ect. Then we also wanted the records from 60s such as British bands The Creation, Action, Birds, Time Box, Richard kent Style, then the American rnb soul, latin, funk, and also the Jamaican Ska and Rocksteady. The word Mod was 24 hours a day stuck in my head for over 20 years. I still get tailored made clothes now and again, but its the music that will put me in rehab There is not a single day that i do not play the music that i collect and Love.

Its that Sixties sound for me, i can close my eyes and almost imagine them in the studios singing there little hearts out. Its the same with the rnb and ska, the sound can be that raw, but it sounds like they are in the same room as me giving it all they got.

There are so many 45s out there i want, and i will get them one day.

Artists that do it for me with big production sound.

Roy Hamilton

Doug Banks

Baby Washington

george Freeman

Kurt Harris

Tony middleton

Kenny Sheppard ect

If my Partner knew how much i payed for some of these 45s

I would be guilty of a crime of love, of the best music in the world.

Pete

Tony_Colton___i_stand_accused.mp3