Jump to content

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


Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

Fair play to Mike for letting Ians threads roll on !

I am totally into collecting and listening to vintage music, and nothing I have seen Ian post up on here has made me want to go out and buy the new DVD - but that said there are a few decent remakes in there IMO ( Mel Britt springs to mind )

My taste in music is firmley back in the 60s ........thats my taste !

My oppinion on the output of the Centre City product is mixed because I love the tunes these artists were making 40 years ago but I dont enjoy the overall modern production of the Levine project ! But at the same time it is nice to see the artists in the flesh if you get me ?

As a younger Soul fan (Mid 30s) and not being around in the early 70s, I was hoping to see Ian get involved with this site as a whole .... getting involved with other threads and mucking in with the banter and discussions on other recordings etc (not just his own).

So if I am really honest, This whole thing looks to me to have been a crazy, contraversial plug for the new product by the producer?

And that is a shame!

Sorry Ian Thats just how it all looks to me at the moment !

Yes you have had some crap from members on here but you have also responded with equally crass and cutting remarks !

Not a positive or worthwile ending to this disscusion on your latest production IMO

M

Edited by mossy
Posted

It strikes me that there's a definate lack of respect going on here.

Anyone can have a pop on the back of their own 'oh so correct' views, knowing they'll be backed up by reliable members - but there seems to be a definate vacuum as regards who has the relevant view, and how that view has been earned.

We've all attended, listened and danced to a lot - but have we formed anything?

I'm not saying that I agree with the whole of Ian's movements but who am I to state that his movements are crap, like some have during the swings and roundabouts of this thread.

Nowt's crap - honest; you may not like it, and you may find solace in others by having a secluded yet open pop on boards like this but I'm telling you now "It's not big and it's not clever!"

Have your views but don't get carried away with it all folks - show a little respect.

Is this a classic 'barry' post?

I hope so.

Posted

It strikes me that there's a definate lack of respect going on here.

Anyone can have a pop on the back of their own 'oh so correct' views, knowing they'll be backed up by reliable members - but there seems to be a definate vacuum as regards who has the relevant view, and how that view has been earned.

We've all attended, listened and danced to a lot - but have we formed anything?

I'm not saying that I agree with the whole of Ian's movements but who am I to state that his movements are crap, like some have during the swings and roundabouts of this thread.

Nowt's crap - honest; you may not like it, and you may find solace in others by having a secluded yet open pop on boards like this but I'm telling you now "It's not big and it's not clever!"

Have your views but don't get carried away with it all folks - show a little respect.

Is this a classic 'barry' post?

I hope so.

I see the Skunk and the E are really strong in Warrington at the moment ! :thumbsup:

Posted

I see the Skunk and the E are really strong in Warrington at the moment ! :thumbsup:

I'm shit at both of those son - but much better at others - that I'll give you.

Anyway, have you a reposte?

Guest James Trouble
Posted (edited)

Im sorry Ian but it still reads to me that because we were working class his sexuality and his religion prevented him from fitting in when in the main people were either unaware or considered it no big thing anyway. The only people I can think of who would make an issue out of that would be your BNP types.

Only Levine can tell us whether that was a problem for him.

By "hostile environment" I mean conditions where he was not likely to thrive and as he made a massive impact on the scene for most of the 70's I'd say he fitted in rather well.

As someone else has pointed out "Levine Must Go" was on a par with "Sam Must Go" or any other disgruntled chatter about dj direction you can hear any day of the week.

I deplore the few homophobic snide remarks I've observed on here but most of the disagreement seems to have centred on the music although both sides have departed at times from any rational debate.

ROD

Totally 100% with you, Rod. I think ID's article's slant is poor. Of course, I wasn't there in the 70s, but it is quite clear to see that Levine's impact on the scene has been huge, and even though he acts like he is the 'only gay in the village' I really doubt very much that it has had any effect on how much influence he has had.

It's a pretty poor piece of journalism with an an obvious bias and contains dangerous, sensationalist assumptions. I personally think ID should take out the comments about the northern soul scene being a hostile environment for him before it goes to print. That's my opinion on how it reads and the picture it paints.

What about on the Dr Who scene? The forums over there seem to mirror this scene's feeling towards him :thumbsup: His religion, sexuality and bank balance have nothing to do with the way he conducts himself.

Edited by James Trouble
Posted

You know what?

That last post has just reminded me that I've read some bizarre insensitive laddy posts on this thread that were beyond belief.

The Beeb didn't stand for insensitivity, why did this board?

Posted

has he really gone.......... :thumbsup: .I bet that Trouble's been winding him up again.

Now i'll never find out who's got the master/acetate to Betty Boo.....................................

Kev(shallow end of the soul gene pool).

Yes ........

Malc Burton

Posted

You should knock some T shirts up with that on it, I'd buy one.

Good cover up name and title - " Shallow End Of The Soul " by Gene Pool ........

How are you this Friday morning , o sage of Warrington ?

Malc Burton

Posted

Good cover up name and title - " Shallow End Of The Soul " by Gene Pool ........

How are you this Friday morning , o sage of Warrington ?

Malc Burton

Tip top thank you Malcolm! :thumbsup:

Posted (edited)

I'll not force the issue Mike, you know I'm generally straight and I did attempt not to put too fine a point on it.

I think people on this thread are confusing disrespect with criticism, yes Ian should indeed be respected for his years and contribution but he should not be beyond criticism when putting commercial stuff out. I think these versions are so far from representing northern soul. They have none of the delivery of the original and the production is stuck in stock Aiken and waterman territory of the lowest caliber. Im not some die hard NS but if i was id be ashamed that was out there misguiding people as to what NS is. Would any of these versions ever get a spin anywhere? please tell me no!

On a positive note i love Ian's James Wells prod from 1978 "my claim to fame" is a great one for my disco soul sets.

I just dont think acting all "emperors new clothes" about the videos is the right things to do if they are being posted publicly.

Edited by fryer

Posted

All this makes me ashamed to be part of the NS Scene and part of this forum,WHERE THE F@CK WHERE THE MODERATORS. I think that this behavior by a few people being allowed to continue makes this site a trapestry. I may not be back and really after this i don't care to be linked to this site,

gogs

I know Mike has already answered this, and I would also urge anyone with moderation queries to the Feedback forum, however as I have said many many times in this thread, if you have a problem with a post, report it. Believe it or not, the moderators actually have lives and jobs, and do not sit here reading the forum 24/7. And sometimes we need to have discussions/ seek advice before taking action. This is not a live football match, and we are not referees.

Posted

Unless I missed it, Mel Britt isn't on the new set, which is odd as it was the very best thing on the original.

Agreed - worth every penny spent on SWONS just to see the awesome Mel Britt.

Guest in town Mikey
Posted

It strikes me that there's a definate lack of respect going on here.

Anyone can have a pop on the back of their own 'oh so correct' views, knowing they'll be backed up by reliable members - but there seems to be a definate vacuum as regards who has the relevant view, and how that view has been earned.

We've all attended, listened and danced to a lot - but have we formed anything?

I'm not saying that I agree with the whole of Ian's movements but who am I to state that his movements are crap, like some have during the swings and roundabouts of this thread.

Nowt's crap - honest; you may not like it, and you may find solace in others by having a secluded yet open pop on boards like this but I'm telling you now "It's not big and it's not clever!"

Have your views but don't get carried away with it all folks - show a little respect.

Is this a classic 'barry' post?

I hope so.

I think there has been a lot of respect from the guys on here. Respect was earned with Ian's amazing success at finding records we have all come to know and love. But when Ian conducts himself as he does, why should anyone respect that?

I accept there are good guys on here fighting Ian's corner with him. But so are the guys who want to state their opinion, even if they hold the complete opposite of Ian, Pete S, Gogs etc views.

Simon, James, Stuart, Steve M, etc are all just taking an opposite view. That doesnt make them, or myself, narrow minded, a nazi, or any of the names we've been called.

If two guys are arguing over who was the best lead singer of Motorhead, you'd just think they both held passionate views, neither right, neither wrong, but both are perfectly allowed to hold their opinion. You wouldnt think one was a homophobe or a fascist, or whatever. So why are we?

As I said, I think there is respect towards Ian, where it is due. But respect is earned, and when that person is disrespectful, then they are going to be met with disrespect.

*side note. Ady C is one person I respect more than just about anyone on the scene. But we have our differences of opinions on things, like dance comps at Cleethorpes. I was quite outspoken against them, but that didnt stop him buying me a pint when my football team, played his. You can hold differing views, but still respect the other person.

Ian lost a lot of respect from some quarters a few years ago, and appears to want to brush it aside or move on. And thats fine. Its his right to wish that. But when respect has been lost, it takes extra effort to get it back. Calling people names isnt my idea of the right way to go about things.

Posted (edited)

It's a pretty poor piece of journalism with an an obvious bias and contains dangerous, sensationalist assumptions. I personally think ID should take out the comments about the northern soul scene being a hostile environment for him before it goes to print. That's my opinion on how it reads and the picture it paints.

I never once alluded to the "Northern Soul scene being a hostile environment" - those were Rod's words, not mine, as were terms like "neo Nazi skinheads".

I wasn't sensationalist at all, just saying it like it was and I quote verbatim:-

"However it wasn't always an easy ride. Levine has always attracted a large degree of controversy throughout his life. He was almost cursed for being the offspring of rich parents, being Jewish and, eventually, being gay - all three things being the diametric opposite of what was essentially a working class scene in the North of the UK. I think it's fair to say that Ian Levine was never a natural fit.

Add to the above, the fact that he often came across as arrogant, stubborn, outspoken, selfish and totally committed to his own views and you have a perfect recipe for an easy target and an object of derision over the years.

However it's these very attributes that are actually his strength. He's had to develop a thick skin throughout his whole life, so any criticism or bigotry has always tended to roll off his back over time. It's his own defence mechanism because, frankly, most people in his shoes would have given up a long time ago".

As recently as a few weeks ago, I had a well-known figure on the scene state to me that anyone could have found the records that Levine found had they had rich

parents! Plus I've lost count of the amount of times Levine has been slurred for his beliefs, his sexual orientation and his physique - you only have to read this very thread for some examples - the worst ones have quite rightly been removed by the mods.

The 70's were a vastly different landscape to today James. I got death threats from the NF for playing playing black music in the 70's plus I saw first hand the upset that bigotry and racism caused some of my friends of mine at the time and there are people on here who will concurr with that.

Having said that, the Northern scene was much better than most in these aspects, but don't make the mistake of thinking that everything was squeaky clean and politically correct back then because it wasn't.

For a guy who's just spent the best part of a couple of years putting such a huge project together I think Levine's come in for a lot of unwarranted personal abuse as this thread clearly shows. As I stated at the beginning of the review, I was merely trying to put some historical context in there for the benefit of younger readers who can't understand the amount of bile which pours forth whenever Ian Levine's name gets mentioned.

Are you coming to the launch on Monday? :thumbsup:

Ian D :)

Edited by Ian Dewhirst
Guest James Trouble
Posted (edited)

Are you coming to the launch on Monday? :thumbsup:

Ian D :)

I might well be there, I've got my invite :) It depends what time I finish work...

I do think you should rethink the picture you are painting of him being 'cursed because he's a rich gay jew'. It's irrelevant and potentially damaging to the image of the Northern Soul scene. Like that cant Jazzy Jim or whatever his name was on the BBC documentary saying the casino was racist and wouldn't let him in.

Edited by James Trouble
Posted

I think there has been a lot of respect from the guys on here. Respect was earned with Ian's amazing success at finding records we have all come to know and love. But when Ian conducts himself as he does, why should anyone respect that?

I accept there are good guys on here fighting Ian's corner with him. But so are the guys who want to state their opinion, even if they hold the complete opposite of Ian, Pete S, Gogs etc views.

Simon, James, Stuart, Steve M, etc are all just taking an opposite view. That doesnt make them, or myself, narrow minded, a nazi, or any of the names we've been called.

If two guys are arguing over who was the best lead singer of Motorhead, you'd just think they both held passionate views, neither right, neither wrong, but both are perfectly allowed to hold their opinion. You wouldnt think one was a homophobe or a fascist, or whatever. So why are we?

As I said, I think there is respect towards Ian, where it is due. But respect is earned, and when that person is disrespectful, then they are going to be met with disrespect.

*side note. Ady C is one person I respect more than just about anyone on the scene. But we have our differences of opinions on things, like dance comps at Cleethorpes. I was quite outspoken against them, but that didnt stop him buying me a pint when my football team, played his. You can hold differing views, but still respect the other person.

Ian lost a lot of respect from some quarters a few years ago, and appears to want to brush it aside or move on. And thats fine. Its his right to wish that. But when respect has been lost, it takes extra effort to get it back. Calling people names isnt my idea of the right way to go about things.

I think I'd agree with that Mikey. IL doesn't do himself any favours at times - I've had countless fall-outs with him over the years but I do see a lot of criticism from people who don't even know him and haven't achieved 1/100th of what he's done for the scene at various times.

But, hey, healthy debate is what a forum is for isn't it?

Ian D :thumbsup:

Posted

I might well be there, I've got my invite :thumbsup: It depends what time I finish work...

I do think you should rethink the picture you are painting of him being 'cursed because he's a rich gay jew'. It's irrelevant and potentially damaging to the image of the Northern Soul scene. Like that cant Jazzy Jim or whatever his name was on the BBC documentary saying the casino was racist and wouldn't let him in.

I said 'almost cursed' James. I deliberately didn't go the full hog because such a thing would clearly be ridiculous. :)

Ian D :)

Guest Stuart T
Posted

99% of the people who buy it don't care

That is probably correct, I still haven't worked out who the target audience is. I guess that its not me :thumbsup:

Posted

I think I'd agree with that Mikey. IL doesn't do himself any favours at times - I've had countless fall-outs with him over the years but I do see a lot of criticism from people who don't even know him and haven't achieved 1/100th of what he's done for the scene at various times.

But, hey, healthy debate is what a forum is for isn't it?

Ian D :thumbsup:

Not knowing him or having achieved anything like IL has is still no reason to accept his nastiness simply because you have a difference of opinion with him. On this forum, he has no more rights than any other member, irrespective of his huge contribution to the scene.

At the end of the day, he has courted controversy for years, falling out with different people ad nauseum and stiil some come on here criticising members for standing their corner. Do they actually read Ians comments, FOAD for example, and if they do, have they ever tried to reign him in, or would being called a troll upset them too much to constructively criticise Ian Levine.

As for our earlier posts about the Levine Must Go campaign, yes, there must have been some personal element involved, but because he was gay, Jewish or rich, or because his attitude was exactly the same as it is today ?

Anyway, we are all going to go round in circles now. Shouldn't the thread be closed ?

Posted

I do agree Ian (D) that having rich parents did make people envious of Ian Levine and it undoubtedly helped him find a lot more records. Here I could go into a "Luxury, You had it easy" reminiscence about my first trip but luckily for everyone I won't. But I think any Jewish or gay resentment has been largely since that time (I didn't know he was gay and never even thought about Jewish, even with the surname I didn't know he was until he pointed it out) and I've not seen much of that anyway. Perhaps if you agreed you could qualify the different prejudices so the scene doesn't end up looking like bigotry is a major part of it. It's not now and never was.

Posted

Ian has courted controversey all his life on the Northern Scene - I can't help thinking that he quite enjoys & revels in the infamy that surrounds him - he actually advertises the fact he is going to be controversial - so what has happened on this thread should be no surprise to anyone.

If nothing else his latest DVD project has had huge free exposure which Ian should see as a result in his favour - I think it well definitely gain more sales after the discussions on here.

Some of the comments from both Ian & his detractors at times have been unacceptable - so perhaps the closing of this thread would be a good thing in the long run.


Posted

I'm not very impressed with how some members have taken it upon themselves to torment Ian on this thread...so much that he's decided to leave.

How many times does he have to be told that folk don't like his music, there's other bleedin threads on soul source-surely you only have to tell him once if you think it's all rubbish really?

He's kicked off now because he thinks he's backed into a corner and he is defending what is basically his life's major work.

I know he's a big lad and doesn't need me to defend him but I think that some people should be ashamed of themselves. He's done a lot more good than harm to the NS scene and I think he deserves a bit more respect.

Absolutely spot on Reg. You read my mind.

Jayne.x

Posted

The thread shouldn't be closed - even if Ian isn't here, the thread was set up to discuss his music and if you don't like him or his stuff, whats the point of coming on just to be destructive?

Posted (edited)

I do agree Ian (D) that having rich parents did make people envious of Ian Levine and it undoubtedly helped him find a lot more records. Here I could go into a "Luxury, You had it easy" reminiscence about my first trip but luckily for everyone I won't. But I think any Jewish or gay resentment has been largely since that time (I didn't know he was gay and never even thought about Jewish, even with the surname I didn't know he was until he pointed it out) and I've not seen much of that anyway. Perhaps if you agreed you could qualify the different prejudices so the scene doesn't end up looking like bigotry is a major part of it. It's not now and never was.

Well that was never my intention Ady which is why I qualified my statement by saying "I think it's fair to say that Ian Levine was never a natural fit" which he wasn't. Let's not forget we're talking about a time when 'paki-bashing' was in fashion, the NF were running rampant, the black clubs were almost always segregated and confined to their own areas and most gay clubs were tucked away in discreet parts of town. There simply wasn't the same degree of integration that there is today. If anything the Northern scene helped to break down many of these barriers (as anyone who went to 'Taurus' in Huddersfield @ The Reggae Club in 1973 will no doubt testify).

As I said before, the Northern scene was much more tolerant than most which is why we have such a unique blend of people on the scene these days. No offence was meant - I was merely trying to point out that Levine didn't have an easy ride back then and still doesn't here and now by the looks of it. No doubt that's down to a number of different factors!

Ian D :thumbsup:

Edited by Ian Dewhirst
Posted

=======

james i think you be as welcome as much as al johnson at a klu klux clan party!

Well I can guarantee that James won't be burnt on a stake and I'll even buy him a drink. Are you coming Mark? We didn't have a chance to natter at the Ealing do.......

Ian D :thumbsup:

Posted

The thread shouldn't be closed - even if Ian isn't here, the thread was set up to discuss his music and if you don't like him or his stuff, whats the point of coming on just to be destructive?

That's what happens on internet sites, you can hide behind your keyboard and pretty much say what you like. If it's rude and

trendy enough you'll get some laughs. On top of that there's that weird British obsession about knocking a "big name". :thumbsup:

Chris L

Posted

Well I can guarantee that James won't be burnt on a stake and I'll even buy him a drink. Are you coming Mark? We didn't have a chance to natter at the Ealing do.......

Ian D :thumbsup:

======

i cant make sadly ian due to work commitments....would have gone if id have been free.

Posted

That's what happens on internet sites, you can hide behind your keyboard and pretty much say what you like. If it's rude and

trendy enough you'll get some laughs. On top of that there's that weird British obsession about knocking a "big name". :thumbsup:

Chris L

In fairness some of Ian's comments have been inflammatory to say the least.

Guest in town Mikey
Posted

The thread shouldn't be closed - even if Ian isn't here, the thread was set up to discuss his music and if you don't like him or his stuff, whats the point of coming on just to be destructive?

Isnt that the point tho Pete? The thread was set up to discuss his projects.

Thats what, on the whole, has been happening. And as Tarby would say, We have a difference of opinion.

Some of us think, to a certain degree Ians tinkering has been the most destructive element discussed in this thread. OK Stu, may have been over the top with his (very funny) roller disco remark, but again, its a passionate subject. I abhored what he did on SWANS. Not the reasoning behind it. Not his obvious passion. but what I saw as destructive tinkering to records that have become an ingrained part of my life.

Once again, I'm not saying I'm right. It is just my opinion. And on a board like this, opinions are all we have. If a thread is opened up to discuss opinions, then there should be no fascist dictating of what opinions are valid, or willie measuring about the person posting the opinions. I dont know about the removed posts, because I left this thread alone after a nice debate with Ian. (no angst that I could see), but the main protagonists of feelings against messing about with arrangements, or style, are anything but anonymous. We all have at least part of our name, if not all our name as our Handles, or whatever its called.

I disagree with cyou Chris L. I dont think it is because Ian's name that people are against him, or his project. Ian has my respect for some things. But few other things, he doesnt. I couldnt care about a reputation personally.

Posted

OK Ian I 've read your replies and accept that although the inferrence IMO is still there it wasn't your intention for it to come across as such.

If the scene was based upon being heterosexual,Protestant and poor I think you'd have a point about any perceived difficulty in fitting in.

As it was/is completely irrelevant.....

ROD

Posted

I abhored what he did on SWANS. Not the reasoning behind it. Not his obvious passion. but what I saw as destructive tinkering to records that have become an ingrained part of my life.

Don't know if you remember, but so did I! I was it's biggest critic, for the very reason that you mention above. Except over the years I started to reasses it and eventually came to the position where I am now that it isn't so much about what the music sounds like, but just the fact that there is footage of the artists performing their songs. I would think if they had time, the producers would change a lot of the music - that f*cking awful drum sample that's used on every track for instance should be replaced with a live drummer...but who's going to pay for that, just to make a few people stop complaining about it?

Posted (edited)

Unless I missed it, Mel Britt isn't on the new set, which is odd as it was the very best thing on the original.

Blimey, you're right Pete! I dunno what's happened but Mel isn't on the box set. Mind you, by all accounts it was such a logistical nightmare to put together that nothing surprises me anymore. It's a real pisser because this was done especially for the box set, 4 days of work was spent on it and Levine's almost in tears and getting to the bottom of why it's not there!

For the benefit of anyone who hasn't seen the updated Mel Britt video here it is in it's full stupendous glory.......

Mel Britt "She'll Come Running Back"

Just awesome.

Ian D biggrin.gif

Edited by mike
Posted

Blimey, you're right Pete! I dunno what's happened but Mel isn't on the box set. Mind you, by all accounts it was such a logistical nightmare to put together that nothing surprises me anymore. It's a real pisser because this was done especially for the box set, 4 days of work was spent on it and Levine's almost in tears and getting to the bottom of why it's not there!

For the benefit of anyone who hasn't seen the updated Mel Britt video here it is in it's full stupendous glory.......

Mel Britt "She'll Come Running Back"

Just awesome.

Ian D biggrin.gif

That is the best of the lot in my opinion, it's so close to the original...in fact it sounds just like the original except for the overamplified tambourine

Posted

Blimey, you're right Pete! I dunno what's happened but Mel isn't on the box set. Mind you, by all accounts it was such a logistical nightmare to put together that nothing surprises me anymore. It's a real pisser because this was done especially for the box set, 4 days of work was spent on it and Levine's almost in tears and getting to the bottom of why it's not there!

For the benefit of anyone who hasn't seen the updated Mel Britt video here it is in it's full stupendous glory.......

Mel Britt "She'll Come Running Back"

Just awesome.

Ian D biggrin.gif

Ditto

P smile.gif

Posted

Blimey, you're right Pete! I dunno what's happened but Mel isn't on the box set. Mind you, by all accounts it was such a logistical nightmare to put together that nothing surprises me anymore. It's a real pisser because this was done especially for the box set, 4 days of work was spent on it and Levine's almost in tears and getting to the bottom of why it's not there!

For the benefit of anyone who hasn't seen the updated Mel Britt video here it is in it's full stupendous glory.......

Mel Britt "She'll Come Running Back"

Just awesome.

Ian D biggrin.gif

Absolutely stunning.

And after all the plays, for all those years it's still a fookin tune to be reckoned with.

thumbsup.gif

Posted

That is the best of the lot in my opinion, it's so close to the original...in fact it sounds just like the original except for the overamplified tambourine

I agree Pete - Fantastic !

I am really sorry for Ian that this has been missed off the DVDs by mistake.

He should give this a proper general release now IMO - It deserves one !!

It could be the next Ian Levine hit !!! :thumbsup:

I for one wouldn't mind hearing this played on the Radio and Televiosin !!!

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


×
×
  • Create New...