Ian Levine, Motorcity, Centre City, Blackpool Mecca, And Swons

[Chris L]

I discovered it in 1969, when I was fifteen years old, and took it to The Wheel in 1970.

Wasn't bad hearing it for the 1st time in 1971 either...................

[Guest]

Those people who think Ian is defending soul music against rock and roll and R&B, you're wrong

Not all THAT wrong.

I noticed Ady Croasdell had a sound clip on Dore next to his name, so I listened to it, expecting some West Coast Mirwood type 100mph zinger that I had somehow never heard before.

Oh dear .................................

[Guest James Trouble]

Oooooh you're so articulate.

Sorry, dude. I'm on an old laptop with dodgy key board, and no spell check, and have been up most of the weekend, you knwo, supporting events, dancing, that kind of thing. Been a while since you've done that isn't it? And I also have some dyslexia so maybe not worth going there...

So, what abotu those questions? I thought this was the Ian Levine thread where we can all ask questions about you?

So let's get this straight, there are only certain types of questions we should ask? Can you clarify this please. Can we have some thread rules as well? And please be sure to clarify whether thread rules take precident over forum rules, or vise versa?

Edited August 25, 2008 by James Trouble

[Guest]

Wasn't bad hearing it for the 1st time in 1971 either...................

I think I played it to you in 1970, before the Mecca ever opened. The reason you first came to The Mecca is because we already knew each other as teenagers and I had even stayed at your house, coming down specially from Blackpool. I remember us going out for a curry. Up till that point the only currys I had ever eaten were out of a Birds Eye box, boil in the bag.

I remember there were four of us, can't remember who the other two were, and remember this was thirty eight years ago. Anyway you asked if I wanted a strong one, and me being clever cloggs and so young said the strongest, so you ordered a chicken vindaloo for me.

I got through two mouthfulls.

Funny the little things you remember after nearly forty years. I also met Tony Rounce around this same time too.

[Soul Shrews]

Sheila Hart and I went with the whole Creative Funk team in the Summer of 1975, on a tour bus, to Upstate New York to watch Diane Jenkins appear live at a big fundraiser for Radio 12B (WLIB). We were treated like celebrities. They called me "Iron Levine" which Sheila thought was hysterical.

I played Deke DeBerry lots of big Blackpool Mecca records including our own Reaching For The Best which he actually wanted to release on the Creative Funk label.

The result of this was "I Need You", made especially for us Blackpoolites.

Must´ve been some day out, thanks for sharing

Cheers Paul

[Guest]

been up most of the weekend, you knwo, supporting events, dancing, that kind of thing. Been a while since you've done that isn't it?

So what. I DJ'd from 1971 to 2003, pretty much non-stop. When I wasn't on the Northern Scene I was at Heaven.

I think I paid my dues. Thirty two years of constant DJing.

I sold all my big records apart from a handful. Happy to have them all on tape and CD now.

What you can't grasp is that making records is far more important in my life that playing someone else's.

[Pete S]

Not all THAT wrong.

I noticed Ady Croasdell had a sound clip on Dore next to his name, so I listened to it, expecting some West Coast Mirwood type 100mph zinger that I had somehow never heard before.

Oh dear .................................

That tells you nothing - I had that horrendous house music clip next to my name for ages yesterday!

[Guest Matt Male]

Not all THAT wrong.

I noticed Ady Croasdell had a sound clip on Dore next to his name, so I listened to it, expecting some West Coast Mirwood type 100mph zinger that I had somehow never heard before.

Oh dear .................................

What do you think about that Frank Lucas track Pete has next to his name Ian?

[Guest]

I remember there were four of us, can't remember who the other two were, and remember this was thirty eight years ago.

For some reason, I think Chris Jenner was there.

[Guest]

Must´ve been some day out, thanks for sharing

Cheers Paul

It was indeed. Other acts were on, including Lily Fields, and The East Coast Connection. It was called the "Picnic In The Park", run by WLIB.

[Guest James Trouble]

For some reason, I think Chris Jenner was there.

Can we keep personal chit chat off this thread please and stick to the topic. PMs are probably best for this sort of thing.

Thanks.

Edited August 25, 2008 by James Trouble

[Guest]

That tells you nothing - I had that horrendous house music clip next to my name for ages yesterday!

Hee hee hee. BRILLIANT !!!!!!!!!!!! I bet you LOVED that.

[Guest]

What do you think about that Frank Lucas track Pete has next to his name Ian?

Right now at least I have a really nice one next to my name. If I listen to something else, it will disappear. I don't want people to think my taste has faltered.

[Guest James Trouble]

Hee hee hee. BRILLIANT !!!!!!!!!!!! I bet you LOVED that.

Seriosuly, Ian. You started this thread. As per forum rules, can you keep personal chit chat to PMs or Freebasing, and stick to the topic title please.

This is about Ian Levine, not Pete Smith's taste in music.

Thanks.

[Guest James Trouble]

Right now at least I have a really nice one next to my name. If I listen to something else, it will disappear. I don't want people to think my taste has faltered.

You sir, with respect, are bonkers. Quite as mad as a hatter.

Edited August 25, 2008 by James Trouble

[Guest]

This is about Ian Levine, not Pete Smith's taste in music.

As it happens, although I disagree with him about Seventies stuff, Pete has absolutely IMPECCABLE taste when it comes to Sixties and anything that sounds like it, and he has a much more open mind than you.

Did you get my private message on facebook ???? I wanted to keep it away from this forum altogether.

[Guest James Trouble]

As it happens, although I disagree with him about Seventies stuff, Pete has absolutely IMPECCABLE taste when it comes to Sixties and anything that sounds like it, and he has a much more open mind than you.

Did you get my private message on facebook ???? I wanted to keep it away from this forum altogether.

Please use the PM feature if you want to discuss none topic matters with me.

Look, dude, seriously. There are forum rules. Please stick to the topic title, that you made up. This is not about Pete's taste in music, or my mind, man.

Tell us about your family. Tell all about the foundations of your life. Where you grew up, you earliest memories, that kind of thing...

Edited August 25, 2008 by James Trouble

[Pete S]

As it happens, although I disagree with him about Seventies stuff, Pete has absolutely IMPECCABLE taste when it comes to Sixties and anything that sounds like it, and he has a much more open mind than you.

Did you get my private message on facebook ???? I wanted to keep it away from this forum altogether.

Well thanks Ian. Though I have to add that I don't dislike all 70's, some of my all time favourite records are 70's: Towaway Zone, tell Me Why, Billy Woods, Skullsnaps, The Nights when you dropped your guard and so on.

[KevH]

Sheila Hart and I went with the whole Creative Funk team in the Summer of 1975, on a tour bus, to Upstate New York to watch Diane Jenkins appear live at a big fundraiser for Radio 12B (WLIB). We were treated like celebrities. They called me "Iron Levine" which Sheila thought was hysterical.

I played Deke DeBerry lots of big Blackpool Mecca records including our own Reaching For The Best which he actually wanted to release on the Creative Funk label.

The result of this was "I Need You", made especially for us Blackpoolites.

WOW,"I need you" -was like nothing played at the time, i always thought of it as funk at the time,but loved it just the same,vocal and instrumental.

When you say made for Blackpoolites,how much input did you have?

Were you there during recording,and how did the "spoken intro version" get on the label?

btw..Towaway zone is still a wonderful record.

[chrissie]

So let's get this straight, there are only certain types of questions we should ask? Can you clarify this please. Can we have some thread rules as well? And please be sure to clarify whether thread rules take precident over forum rules, or vise versa?

There are only two rules on this thread James sweetie, that is that you can only post if you are going to say nice things to massage his Levinesses ego and you must NOT ask him questions that may in any way make it awkward for him to answer openly and honestly

QoFxx

[Guest]

Something nice for today

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[De-to]

Wasn't bad hearing it for the 1st time in 1971 either...................

its not bad hearing it anyday,plus the other side,

[Guest]

some of my all time favourite records are 70's: Towaway Zone, tell Me Why, Billy Woods, Skullsnaps, The Nights when you dropped your guard and so on.

Wow. Five stunning stonkers there. I LOVED Towaway Zone, still do.

[Wiganer1]

Spot on Mark.

I think the confusion over the last few posts is that Ian always talks about 'Northern Soul' as a genre; uptemo, poppy, strings etc... whether it be soul or not. But it's always been a certain sound and a scene, not a musical genre. Those people who think Ian is defending soul music against rock and roll and R&B, you're wrong, he's trying to define what his version of northern soul is (as he always has done to his credit). Great dance music yes but to be honest his version of northern soul has just never been very soulful in my opinion.

As for Shrine recordings, anyone who doesn't like The Prophets - One Gold Piece should have their ears cut off; if they haven't already. It makes me sad that people who criticise what they consider rock and roll or R&B are actually probably not into soul music at all, just uptempo 'northern'. That's how it seems to me anyway.

You're ok though Mark (Freeman) because i know you love Patrice Valentine and Carol Fran. See you Friday for some good rocking R&B in the upstairs room at Stormin' Soul.

======

no matt - illl be in the MAIN room ....er em except when mace is on.... lol

[Guest James Trouble]

There are only two rules on this thread James sweetie, that is that you can only post if you are going to say nice things to massage his Levinesses ego and you must NOT ask him questions that may in any way make it awkward for him to answer openly and honestly

QoFxx

Ok, well I'll try another one anyway:

Ian, can you tell me about any memories or stories you have when you were at school. Around the time you were approaching your teenage years maybe. Tell us about your friends at this time in your life.

[Guest rachel]

Couple of posts deleted as per house rules - https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forum-house-rules - in particular:

We reserve the right to moderate posts which

* Are considered likely to disrupt, provoke, attack or offend others

* Are racist, sexist, homophobic, sexually explicit, abusive or otherwise objectionable

* Contain swear words or other language likely to offend

* Are considered to be off-topic for the particular soul source forum

Respect other members

Do not insult or personally attack another member.

You do not have the right to attack someone for having an opinion other than your own.

If someone disagrees with you, they're entitled to provided they do it respectfully

[Mace]

======

no matt - illl be in the MAIN room ....er em except when mace is on.... lol

After I've packed a box of oldies for ya

[Wiganer1]

After I've packed a box of oldies for ya

===

LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR SPOT MACE....

REALLY ENJOYED THE LAST ONE ..WHAT TIME ARE YOU ON??

[Guest]

Tell us about your family. Tell all about the foundations of your life. Where you grew up, you earliest memories, that kind of thing...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Levine

https://www.djhistory.com/interviews/ian-levine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcity_Records

https://www.myspace.com/ian_levine

https://ianlevine.jetshop.se/default.aspx

[Tony Foster]

Something nice for today

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[Guest]

Spot on Mark.

I think the confusion over the last few posts is that Ian always talks about 'Northern Soul' as a genre; uptemo, poppy, strings etc... whether it be soul or not. But it's always been a certain sound and a scene, not a musical genre. Those people who think Ian is defending soul music against rock and roll and R&B, you're wrong, he's trying to define what his version of northern soul is (as he always has done to his credit). Great dance music yes but to be honest his version of northern soul has just never been very soulful in my opinion.

As for Shrine recordings, anyone who doesn't like The Prophets - One Gold Piece should have their ears cut off; if they haven't already. It makes me sad that people who criticise what they consider rock and roll or R&B are actually probably not into soul music at all, just uptempo 'northern'. That's how it seems to me anyway.

You're ok though Mark (Freeman) because i know you love Patrice Valentine and Carol Fran. See you Friday for some good rocking R&B in the upstairs room at Stormin' Soul.

I agree Matt One gold piece is my favourite record of all time , will see ya friday xxxxxx

[Wiganer1]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Levine

https://www.djhistory.com/interviews/ian-levine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcity_Records

https://www.myspace.com/ian_levine

https://ianlevine.jetshop.se/default.aspx

==========

Ian

which casino djs frequented the mecca ?

[Guest]

WOW,"I need you" -was like nothing played at the time, i always thought of it as funk at the time,but loved it just the same,vocal and instrumental.

When you say made for Blackpoolites,how much input did you have?

Were you there during recording,and how did the "spoken intro version" get on the label?

btw..Towaway zone is still a wonderful record.

No I wasn't involved, other than to show Deke DeBerry the kind of music we were dancing to in England.

The fact he didn't quite 100% grasp it is what made the record sound so oddball but wonderful.

Plus they didn't have a pot to piss in.

[Guest]

Look, dude, seriously. There are forum rules. Please stick to the topic title, that you made up. This is not about Pete's taste in music, or my mind, man.

This thread is to chat with me. That's why I tried to make its title as wide encompassing as possible.

Despite me posting up loads of links that answer all your questions, you still keep coming here to sow seeds of disruption, when all the rest of us are having a perfectly nice time here, thankyou very much.

[Guest]

There are only two rules on this thread James sweetie, that is that you can only post if you are going to say nice things to massage his Levinesses ego and you must NOT ask him questions that may in any way make it awkward for him to answer openly and honestly

QoFxx

Good girl.

Well sussed.

You'll make a psychologist yet.

[Guest]

Ok, well I'll try another one anyway:

Ian, can you tell me about any memories or stories you have when you were at school. Around the time you were approaching your teenage years maybe. Tell us about your friends at this time in your life.

That would be way too gay for you.

[Guest James Trouble]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Levine

https://www.djhistory.com/interviews/ian-levine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcity_Records

https://www.myspace.com/ian_levine

https://ianlevine.jetshop.se/default.aspx

Oh, right. So what's the point of this thread then?

It's kinda like a radio phone in on Cheggers Plays Pop, but the vetting of questions is done after the caller has got through and asked the question..

Cheggers: And we have a caller from Chelmsford, his name is James Trouble, he's 12 years old, and when he grows up he wants to be a DJ, what's your question James?

James Trouble: Hi Ian! I just want to ask about when you were my age, 12 years old. What sort of music were you into then?

Cheggers: Thanks for that question James, over to you Ian, are you happy to talk about this time in your life, or would you like another caller?

[Guest]

Couple of posts deleted as per house rules

Which ones ???

I thought Mike was going to let this thread go along, as long as we kept it within this thread and not elsewhere.

I'm not sure I wanna be spending time putting up posts that might get deleted.

[Guest]

==========

Ian

which casino djs frequented the mecca ?

Kev Roberts

[Guest James Trouble]

That would be way too gay for you.

Oh. But it's an Ian Levine thread, to ask you abotu yourself and for you to tell us.

Why would anythign be "too gay" for me? I can't figure that one out... But as you've brought it up, and it seems to be a subject you want to talk about:

Was it around this time in your life that you knew you were gay? What age did you come out? Was it aroudn this time? How did your friends react? What did you parents think about it?

Edited August 25, 2008 by James Trouble

[Guest]

Oh, right. So what's the point of this thread then?

It's kinda like a radio phone in on Cheggers Plays Pop, but the vetting of questions is done after the caller has got through and asked the question..

But if you read this....

https://www.djhistory.com/interviews/ian-levine

Everything that you're asking me is all in there in much greater detail. After you have read it, if you want to ask further questions, after already informing yourself by reading this, then I am happy to concur.

[Guest]

Oh. But it's an Ian Levine thread, to ask you abotu yourself and for you to tell us. Was it around this time in your life that you knew you were gay? What age did you come out? Was it aroudn this time? How did your friends react? What did you parents think about it?

No I was suppressing it, but my likes and interests in that area were entwined with my schooldays.

[chrissie]

Cheggers: And we have a caller from Chelmsford, his name is James Trouble, he's 12 years old, and when he grows up he wants to be a DJ, what's your question James?

James Trouble: Hi Ian! I just want to ask about when you were my age, 12 years old. What sort of music were you into then?

Cheggers: Thanks for that question James, over to you Ian, are you happy to talk about this time in your life, or would you like another caller?

My god James hun, at this rate I may even end up liking you

QoFxx

[Guest JJMMWGDuPree]

Tell us about your family. Tell all about the foundations of your life. Where you grew up, you earliest memories, that kind of thing...

Augh!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...........................

.

[Guest KEN-SOUL]

Augh!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...........................

.

JJMMGDuPRee, was that a memory coming to the fore? it would have been quite difficult to shirt lift when thon hawwai shirts tucked right intae yur trewsers!

[Guest posstot]

which is why I can never get it out of my head that NS is more about a "scene" and the records that fit it, than it is about "soul music"!!

Cheers,

Mark R

[Nickg]

Come on guys, can we please please please keep it on topic.

Thanks

Nick

[Guest rachel]

Which ones ???

I thought Mike was going to let this thread go along, as long as we kept it within this thread and not elsewhere.

The ones that aren't there anymore.

I'm not sure I wanna be spending time putting up posts that might get deleted.

Keep to the forum rules then and you'll be fine

[KevH]

The ones that aren't there anymore.

Keep to the forum rules then and you'll be fine

RACHEL,where's me post gone?.it was relevent to the thread ,not offensive,factual in fact . Could you post it back up and let IAN decide?.And SteveM had replied to it.

Edited August 25, 2008 by KevH

[Guest posstot]

Pity that a lot of current so called DJ's do not have 'serious quality control' . Some soul nights are like an endurance test .

Completely over-rated 45's like the Shrine recordings and the extremely embarrassing Dean Barlow type rock 'n' roll rubbish should be left on the collectors shelves .

One of the reasons Berry Gordy was so successful at Motown was the 'Quality control' he demanded for his target audience .

Rock and Roll "type" records? do you mean earthy, beautifully arranged strings and brass, evoking emotion in your"SOUL" type records...Do you mean where it all began? Give me that, rather than where some people would have it end up!!