Pyramids - Love It Or Hate It?

[Supercorsa]

I can't see what all the fuss is about, I don't think it's all that. I wouldn't pay £50 for it, let alone £350.

[Guest]

Yes its Gary try +44 (0)1924 299461

Hope it goes well.

A couple of people disagreed with my decription of the record as modern beat ballad. The phrase I of course made up a bit like somebody else made up the phrase 'northern soul'

How about this then

link

Ill be first,not all that soulsmith!,could do better

[Soulsmith]

Ill be first,not all that soulsmith!,could do better 

link

Oi! I wasn't trying to find a record that you'd like.........I was just trying to find a phrase that would write myself into the history books

Col

You heard it here first!

[Soulsmith]

I can't see what all the fuss is about, I don't think it's all that.  I wouldn't pay £50 for it, let alone £350.

link

Which of the 2 records are you currently objecting to?

Having said that I know where you live. Staines suffers from noise pollution from the the M25, air pollution from Heathrow and effluent pollution from the Thames, so I am probably not going to listen to your reasoned arguments

See you at Lightwater.....

Col

Edited April 26, 2005 by Soulsmith

[vaultofsouler]

I can't see what all the fuss is about, I don't think it's all that.  I wouldn't pay £50 for it, let alone £350.

link

....

Have I just read what I've read.... maybe overplayed in some places, yes.... maybe reactivated in others, yes.... but no matter what the score you can't escape the fact that it is a "class tune".... or is it the "cost" that gets some people .... the "if I can't afford it then it's crap" point of view .... f*** the "value" that's only between a buyer and seller.... it's what's in the grooves thatt's counts.... £5 or £5000 ....

And this "has it" in the grooves ....

Edited April 26, 2005 by vaultofsouler

[pikeys dog]

bored with it to be honest.....

Overplayed I.M.O, and if it was only a tenner very few people would even be discussing it.

WOOF!

[Guest]

bored with it to be honest.....

Overplayed I.M.O, and if it was only a tenner very few people would even be discussing it.

WOOF!

link

What a real one,tenner i`ll have it

[Simsy]

I wouldn't know, Mr Picky 

Jamie 

link

On the subject of picky. Could we get Col to edit this from'pyramids' to 'Pyramid'

[Soulsmith]

Ian - are you still here

I might not agree with any of your views, but I'm starting to admire your tenacity.

Col.

[Guest]

I'm sorry to say Jazzman is being economical with the actualit. I'm sure this is accidental.

Firstly, Michigan Move has nothing to do with Golden Eye records, since Golden Eye records produced exactly two tracks - Pyramid and the proper b-side, Capricorn XL-5 from memory.

[As an aside, Pyramid was released in 1972 and Michigan Move is clearly a lot earlier than that.]

So that side of the boot didn't come from a Golden Eye master Guy or anyone else picked up Stateside.

The other side of the boot ie Pyramid didn't come from a master tape either, since George Brown (who is basically Golden Eye records) i) couldn't find the master tape and ii) knew nothing of this bootleg (or the two occasions when Pyramid came out on CD).

Ergo, the only way that (second) record was produced was by dubbing straight from as clean a 45 as possible. Not only was the song ripped off, the label name was too, which was cute. In Guy's defence, it obviously was not an attempt to deceive paying punters: anyone with a brain knew immediately that this was a re-issue when it came out in the mid-80s.

No point opening up the debate about bootlegs/artist royalties again, though I would point out that George Brown is not living particularly well and could do with some royalties from all three ripped-off re-issues. I'm happy to pass on any royalties people feel they want to offer (though I won't be holding my breath).

As for whether it's any good, that's very straightforward as far as I'm concerned: it's the best record ever released (and I speak as someone who has about three other 70s records and is basically 60s to the bone). Used to make me cry when it was played at nighters all those years ago and without, I hope, sounding too pompous, having the privilege (with help from Mike Ashley which I have failed, by error, to acknowledge to date...sorry Mike!) of finding George and the honour of breaking the news to him about how revered he was all those miles away and years later was one of the best experiences of my life.

link

Great story Dan and thanks for answering my questions.

I'm all for artists getting royalties but as the master tapes are gone I won't settle for 1st press as master re-issues, there's just too much music lost with those generations.

When I used to listen to Jazzman's clip way before this thread, assumed that warm compression was from raw production and not from master source. Playing it now and gotta admit this is the first time I think it still sounds good ! I'm sure I'd think different if I heard the original record in person but that soundfile at the top o thread doesn't sound much more transparent than Jazzman's and has even more noise ratio? I was about to cancel the order but 40's not bad for it. Would be great if Guy and Jazzman could send a percentage to George but if that's not in the cards then there's no reason I can't pass something back however small.

Tenyu

[Guest]

bored with it to be honest.....

Overplayed I.M.O, and if it was only a tenner very few people would even be discussing it.

WOOF!

link

I agree if it were common it may not get the same attention in the UK but depending on my mood I still really like the song.

Tenyu

[lisa vanner]

Awesome track, always loved this only ever managed to own it on a boot The vocals are fantastic with that lovely deep voice, always made the hairs on my neck stand up!!

[Guest Dan]

bored with it to be honest.....

Overplayed I.M.O, and if it was only a tenner very few people would even be discussing it.

WOOF!

link

value (or actually, price) has got nothing to do with it

this is quality through and through

i'd say most people on here aren't price or rarity snobs really...most are interested in the sound first and everything else second

[Sweeney]

It's just a very beautiful and special record - I never tire of hearing it.

[Simsy]

On the subject of picky. Could we get Col to edit this from'pyramids' to 'Pyramid'

link

Nah, I've gone to bed mate None of my views? One about the one of digging sixties soul? Thought you liked my posts Col

[Guest]

I do - it's brilliant - what an intro as well

link

Is it Northern tho Pete?

[Guest]

Is it Northern tho Pete? 

link

Yep!!!!

[jocko]

bored with it to be honest.....

Overplayed I.M.O, and if it was only a tenner very few people would even be discussing it.

WOOF!

link

I think you will find it was probably played as much and discussed as much when it was only a tenner, my very good friend Colin Law was lucky enough to get a dozen of these in the 80's, a few which resided with me for a few years, sadly no more,

As someone else said just a very special record, one which was definitely around at the right time, however as not out that often I am probably lucky enough not to be suffering from it being overplayed, easy record to fall back on as dj would imagine.

Cheers

Jock

Edited April 27, 2005 by jocko

[Pete S]

Is it Northern tho Pete? 

link

Strange question.

[vaultofsouler]

value (or actually, price) has got nothing to do with it

this is quality through and through

i'd say most people on here aren't price or rarity snobs really...most are interested in the sound first and everything else second

link

Agreed Dan ....

[Guest in town Mikey]

Is this just another example of the inherent British desire to knock things or people when they achieve a certain level or status.

There can be few more soulful records played in Northern Soul rooms than Pyramid. Its a classic.

I hope it doesnt suffer from being overplayed.

[Guest in town Mikey]

Is this just another example of the inherent British desire to knock things or people when they achieve a certain level or status.

There can be few more soulful records played in Northern Soul rooms than Pyramid. Its a classic.

I hope it doesnt suffer from being overplayed.

[pikeys dog]

Its got a novelty vocal.

Its a bit slow.

It's overplayed, to the point of getting boring.

Would still rather hear it than 'She's gone' though..... that is overplayed to the hilt.

Taste, it's a funny old thing ain't it?

WOOF!

[Guest]

Strange question.

link

Suppose its what you would call a modern beat ballad.

If you think 'the only good modern record is a broken one', this record may leave you a little confused

I'd be interested to hear other peoples views on it. Personally I like it.

Col.

Strange, but one which started this thread...

[Simsy]

Suppose its what you would call a modern beat ballad.

If you think 'the only good modern record is a broken one', this record may leave you a little confused 

I'd be interested to hear other peoples views on it. Personally I like it.

Col.

Strange, but one which started this thread... 

link

It doesn't sound at all modern imo, could have been recorded in 1962. Just a wonderful record.

[Supercorsa]

I am making my opinion on hearing this (Pyramid - Soul Bros Inc) over the net, admittedly it may sound better out loud over a quality sound system. I still think it's not that special, but each to their own I suppose.

I admit I may have been wrong in bringing the price into play, for that I apologise.

However, I don't apologise for not liking it that much! Wouldn't it be more interesting if we were all

As for an alternative slow tune, I prefer LV Johnson - Recipe.

[Pete S]

Suppose its what you would call a modern beat ballad.

If you think 'the only good modern record is a broken one', this record may leave you a little confused 

I'd be interested to hear other peoples views on it. Personally I like it.

Col.

Strange, but one which started this thread... 

link

I never thought about categorising it - it's just a great record with little of the elements that make me detest modern so much.

[Guest]

Having been out of the scene for years it is funny to see what isn't really known anymore, this particular track was on everybodys wants in the mid 80's.

I love it - being a Wire lad, it was quite a biggie at The Parr Hall niters back then too and I'm sorry you can't say this isn't a great track - period.

Edited April 27, 2005 by Hottwaxx

[Guest Jamie]

Its got a novelty vocal.

Its a bit slow.

It's overplayed, to the point of getting boring.

Would still rather hear it than 'She's gone' though..... that is overplayed to the hilt.

Taste, it's a funny old thing ain't it?

WOOF!

link

Understand what you mean.

I do try and rest it, but people know I've got it and ask me to play it. I think I'll have to roll out the old chestnut 'I haven't got it with me' next time.

Great tune, but yes, round our way heard a bit too often at the mo'

Jamie

[Pete S]

I love it - being a Wire lad

link

What's a wire lad???

[Guest Jamie]

What's a wire lad???

link

Warrington, you uneducated Midland person

[Guest]

What's a wire lad???

link

From Warrington.

[Guest]

Sorry, no Rugby where you are?

[Guest]

Warrington, you uneducated Midland person 

link

Aah. Beaten to it by a tosser. (Someone from Leeds Pete )

[vaultofsouler]

Its got a novelty vocal.

Its a bit slow.

It's overplayed, to the point of getting boring.

Would still rather hear it than 'She's gone' though..... that is overplayed to the hilt.

Taste, it's a funny old thing ain't it?

WOOF!

link

Taste would be a funny old thing to you Joe as dogs don't have any do they ....

Couldn't resist it ....

[Guest]

Sorry, no Rugby where you are?

link

Only bear baiting

[Godzilla]

Golden Eye records produced exactly two tracks - Pyramid and the proper b-side, Capricorn XL-5

link

Cor!! Capricorn XL5 - what a top title

It sounds like a cross between Capricorn One and Fireball XL5 (younger readers might as well give in now )

Seems like I need it for my Sci-Fi / Theme tune collection

Soundfile of this B side anyone?

Cheers,

Godz

[Rob Wigley]

As before, "Pyramid" first played at Stafford (by Adam ?), then went BIG in the late 80s when the scene was very undergound again. reminds me of the 100 club. The record was booted to supply demand for the record, however with the addition of the previously un-issued "michigan move" it is something of an oddity as that has never been released on vinyl anywhere before !

Pyramid was taken from an original copy, done in London, and the labels cocked up on each of the 500 copies pressed ! As a detroit fan it has to be worth having to get the un-issued track on 45. they sold at £5 each when done around 1988/89.

Also thought this came out on Kent at some point (did it Ady ?)

Pity the masters aren't available for a clean copy to be issued.

As for anthing its worth as much as you want to pay for it, but don't be surprised if this isn't a future "collectable" in its own right.

[Guest Dan]

As before, "Pyramid" first played at Stafford (by Adam ?), then went BIG in the late 80s when the scene was very undergound again. reminds me of the 100 club.  The record was booted to supply demand for the record, however with the addition of the previously un-issued "michigan move" it is something of an oddity as that has never been released on vinyl anywhere before !

Pyramid was taken from an original copy, done in London, and the labels cocked up on each of the 500 copies pressed ! As a detroit fan it has to be worth having to get the un-issued track on 45. they sold at £5 each when done around 1988/89.

Also thought this came out on Kent at some point (did it Ady ?)

Pity the masters aren't available for a clean copy to be issued.

As for anthing its worth as much as you want to pay for it, but don't be surprised if this isn't a future "collectable" in its own right.

link

First played by Dave Thorley, Rob.

Really reminds me of the 100 Club as well, I think Ian Clark used to play it there (among others) and by the way what a fantastic jock Ian Clark was.

Dan

[Rob Wigley]

yep Clarkie is in my all time top 5 Djs, will see dave on saturday looks like a good un

[Guest]

The vocal is brilliant - that's what I love about it. Just a superb soul record...

Hammy

link

Totally agree, George can sing in my ear anyday with that superb voice

[Lindsay]

Awesome

[Dolly13]

Suppose its what you would call a modern beat ballad.

If you think 'the only good modern record is a broken one', this record may leave you a little confused

I'd be interested to hear other peoples views on it. Personally I like it.

Col.

link

I think it's a pucker tune.. great intro.

[vnicepce]

[i give two shits what the record looks like. It's what's in the grooves that counts.-YES

Wonderful, cool track. played at the 100 Club within the last two years....vocal is brilliant...