Unbelieveably Played At Wigan

[Dave]

BTW, as an after thought, I can't see how anyone can have a bad word for "I Love Music". Standout pop record!

While we're on the O'Jays, what about Lipstick Traces?

[Dave]

Also I reckon the dreaded "Flasher" scraped into the charts.

[Steve G]

...and Phyllis Hyman's 'You Know How To Love Me' was simply one of Wigans biggest moments for me.

A genius Searling moment.

Go to your normal Northern nights and see lukewarm/sparse floors.

Then play 'YKHTLM' and see the girls flush the floor with true Soul feeling.

Phyllis Hyman's track is as stitched in a Northern Soul track as any sixties record you could mention.

Yeah interesting I played the 2009 version of this at a 60s night (just being a rebel in charge of the decks ), and quite a lot of people danced to it. Classic tune.

One of the worst Wigan moments for me was hearing The Seeds "Pushing too hard". If I could have got a refund on me train ticket that night I would have. Heart of Soul indeed! But then again I have always hated the pop and always thought it was the lazy DJs that had to resort to it because they didn't have decent records to play.

But people on this thread shouldn't be surprised that chart stuff crossed over or that contemporary stuff was played on the scene. You have to put these things in context. The northern scene always played new releases back in the day, and the very oldest records were only ten - fifteen years old. Many were less than ten years old. So a Motown 66 record played in 77 was 11 years old. Phillip Mitchell and things like that weren't far off being new releases when they were first played. The equivelent today would be a scene where the very oldest record played was from 1998 and the majority of the playlist was from Y2K. In that context it makes perfect sense that the northern scene embraced some of the better new releases. I remember the Flaming Emeralds played as a new release and being massive and also Flame N king, Ronnie Love, Anthony White and Eddie Holman (Salsoul), and of course Carol Anderson a couple of years later. Any one of those could have got into the charts with the right distribution and a bit of luck (such as a feature on a radio station or a bit of a push from the Mob). And this was long before the first officially recognised 'onslaught' of modern in 1979/80 (when Richard got the new releases from Soul Bowl - Wil Collins, Pages, Roy Dawson, Larry Houston etc.).

So why do people seem to be surprised at what got played at Wigan etc? The scene was never just been an endless stomperfest and think that some people might not realise that.

[Barry]

One of the worst Wigan moments for me was hearing The Seeds "Pushing too hard". If I could have got a refund on me train ticket that night I would have. Heart of Soul indeed!

This statement explains a lot to me as I fecking loved it when The Seeds got played...so powerful and such a Wigan moment to me, and the whole of Fucking Wigan as it happens - Massive dancefloor reaction.

No offence, it's all subjective an d all that.

But for me you need to have a good long look at yourself mate, that is if one (one?) record that you deemed unworthy to be played to you could spoil your whole night.

Tetchy!!

If I'm honest, I see that comment of yours as simply a cry from the heart from yourself that would hopefully be backed up by similar dobbers as yourself, for yourself; you know, those of you that still haven't (Awwww!) grasped music as an en[tit ]y to be utilised for yourself alone.

YOURSELF, YOURSELF, YOURSELF.....

Get it?

What else got played on the nights that The Seeds got played?

Feck me, how many have you got to spout from?

But you chose to look for favour by picking out The...whatever!!

[Suinoz]

Wigan did play Dooley Silverspoon, everyone played Dooley Silverspoon, when it was released it stayed played for ages too.

Yep great tune, still got it in my box. How come it does'nt get played today?? I remember Tom Jones, it's not unusual getting a spin at Wigan. Would swear it was a black singer if you did'nt know any different and those horns !! Spun it at our soul night recently and it filled the floor. Oh well we do things a bit different down under. Stay soulful guy's. Tony T BONE. OZ. Spreading The Faith Down Under.

[Barry]

Yep great tune, still got it in my box. How come it does'nt get played today?? I remember Tom Jones, it's not unusual getting a spin at Wigan. Would swear it was a black singer if you did'nt know any different and those horns !! Spun it at our soul night recently and it filled the floor. Oh well we do things a bit different down under. Stay soulful guy's. Tony T BONE. OZ. Spreading The Faith Down Under.

Just look at the album sleeve and tell me that America didn't make your white ass want to be there when Dooley sang his heart out!?

It did me.

[Suinoz]

Just look at the album sleeve and tell me that America didn't make your white ass want to be there when Dooley sang his heart out!?

It did me.

Nice to see your still putting your twopenneth worth in Barry. I love your posts mate, keep em comin'. Tony T BONE. OZ. K.T.F.

[Stuart Bower]

I think I remember the guy you are on about,

If it's the same one did he looke a bit like a Hippy,Longish hair always wore jeans,and a poncho sometimes, Looked to me like someone who had stayed behind after the Rock night,Always looked like he was smashed of his tit's,He would just stand on the floor and then suddenly run to the side,then stop for a few minutes and then run back again,It must be the same one?

Grant

Yep-good spot Grant-that`s the guy!!

[grantdyche]

Yep-good spot Grant-that`s the guy!!

Thank's for you reply,

I remember him really well,got talking about him a few day's ago with reference to this subject,and a few of my mates,thought it was Richard Searlings Poncho

[Dazdakin]

Thank's for you reply,

I remember him really well,got talking about him a few day's ago with reference to this subject,and a few of my mates,thought it was Richard Searlings Poncho

I can Remember Keb Darge having a guest spot at notts palais in the early eighties and i kid you not he played a " PINKY & PERKY" record and it was not "Do the Pearl girl" or the "Peanut Duck" it was pinky & Feckin Perky...........and yes as it was keb people danced!!!!!

But hay ho your all forgetin one important thing and that is that northern soul is a BEAT within a record not exclusive to black soul artists otherwise it would be just soul music and it aint its northern soul et al paul anka micky moonshine beverly ann jonnie sommers vickie baines the list is endless and they all sound the bollocks at a nighter ........so there.

[grantdyche]

I can Remember Keb Darge having a guest spot at notts palais in the early eighties and i kid you not he played a " PINKY & PERKY" record and it was not "Do the Pearl girl" or the "Peanut Duck" it was pinky & Feckin Perky...........and yes as it was keb people danced!!!!!

But hay ho your all forgetin one important thing and that is that northern soul is a BEAT within a record not exclusive to black soul artists otherwise it would be just soul music and it aint its northern soul et al paul anka micky moonshine beverly ann jonnie sommers vickie baines the list is endless and they all sound the bollocks at a nighter ........so there.

Have you replied to the right person??

[Stuart Bower]

Have you replied to the right person??

Don`t think he has-5 posts-he`ll get the hang of this place eventually. Just the other year I replied to a person on here from a different forum on another website entirely-I felt like the guy in the poncho.....Nah just joking...

Edited May 7, 2009 by The Big Lebowski

[grantdyche]

Don`t think he has-5 posts-he`ll get the hang of this place eventually. Just the other year I replied to a person on here from a different forum on another website entirely-I felt like the guy in the poncho.....Nah just joking...

I knew it was you with the Poncho,you've even turned it into a rug for the avatar

But seriously it is quite difficult to remember were you have been on this site there are so many subjects in loads of different categories,I spend half an hour just trying to find what I've written,Then spend another half an hour trying to apologise for what I wrote the previous night after a shandy or two

[funkyfeet]

I swear I never heard that there, even before it was released here

Pete the flip side "I KNOW" was played. Great northern tune, should be played today, but too many copies around.

Edited May 8, 2009 by funkyfeet

[funkyfeet]

For the young ones on here, who never went to the Casino, you have to remember that SOUL music was a teen scene and an IN THING in the 70's and records that were played in Soul Clubs were also played in your local disco's. The local disco's in RHYL all played 60's and 70's soul music at some point in the night, it wasn't strange to hear Sam & Kitty following Deep Purple at all back then.

[Guest]

hi all, wasnt impressions, first impression played ? cant remember where ? mecca and torch, a man like me jimmy james, step by step joe simon great tunes and all of the others mentioned as well ,just as good as if not better than some of the expensive ones these 2 quid singles

Edited May 8, 2009 by Guest

[Stuart Bower]

........and there l was covered in piss!!!

[Stuart Bower]

I knew it was you with the Poncho,you've even turned it into a rug for the avatar

But seriously it is quite difficult to remember were you have been on this site there are so many subjects in loads of different categories,I spend half an hour just trying to find what I've written,Then spend another half an hour trying to apologise for what I wrote the previous night after a shandy or two

I know exactly what you mean Grant. By the way, that rug on my avatar ain`t mine. It belongs to "The Dude"...

[ChrisOD1964]

This type of quote baffles me.

I am a northern fan of over 35 years but I also have a large section of US 70s Soul in my collection. The type of records that 'did very well in the charts'. Records like 'Young Hearts run free', 'Walking In Rythym', 'The Love I lost', 'I love Music', 'Harvest For The World' and a host of others.

These records have two things in common with JEFF PERRY, THE VOICES OF EAST HARLEM, PAT LUNDI, THE CARSTAIRS, ACE SPECTRUM etc, etc.

1. They are all GREAT SOUL RECORDS.

2. They were all released in the 70s.

During a 70s oldies session, these type of records compliment each other perfectly. Its just a shame that MOSES SMITH, HOAGY LANDS, SAM WILLIAMS and all the other 60s Northern Iccons that we treasure did not enjoy the sanme type of commercial success achieved by the artists who recorded the tracks above. Their own lives may have been somewhat enriched then. For people in the UK to dismiss great soul records on the grounds that they were commercially successful is the worst type of cultural snobbery and is an attitude which has given critics of our scene, great ammunition over the years.

I understand the comment about 'travelling 400 miles' but that only stands up if a whole raft of DJ'S trot out a four hour selection of well-established oldies at a night designed to break 'new' or fresh records. Slipping in a modern classic like the FOUR TOPS alongside lesser known rarities and obscurities makes perfect sense to most people who like to hear a few proven classics amongst sounds they dont yet know.

I well remember Dave Thorley playing EVELYN CHAMPAGNE KING `shame` at Yate (And well after it had hit the pop charts) amongst rarer tracks and to me and many others who danced to it, it sounded great.

It is the quality of a record that matters and nothing else. And if people cannot hear that the records described above are great soul records, then I question their understanding of what soul music is all about.

great tune IMHO.

chris

[Guest KEN-SOUL]

For the young ones on here, who never went to the Casino, you have to remember that SOUL music was a teen scene and an IN THING in the 70's and records that were played in Soul Clubs were also played in your local disco's. The local disco's in RHYL all played 60's and 70's soul music at some point in the night, it wasn't strange to hear Sam & Kitty following Deep Purple at all back then.

Yes, i remember dancing straight after the "punk rockers" had finished, at local disco's etc... however, the criminals behind those bizarre records were THE D'JS. NOT THE DANCERS!

Fortunately, i can only remember most? of the classics, and the rubbish... well, will remain rubbish.

[Rich B]

Evening all.

Not particularly wanting to get into the middle of anything, but a soul record is a soul record is a soul record. My personal preference is always a US copy - but when things like Jeff Perry and Larry Saunders got UK release I went and bought them again just to contribute to getting them into the charts - cos then they might get to make another tune instead of going back to being postmen (not that there is anything wrong with being a postie) or whatever and therefore furthering the cause - don't tell me I had it wrong after all?

I'll finish with a question if I might - I had a vague feeling that Coffee (of Casanova fame) were some incarnation of the Lovelites - or have I got that wrong?

Best,

RB

ps Wigan did play some crap (as does everywhere at some time) but I just cannot believe they played Rock n roll pt2 - you aren't thinking of Breakaway the Steve Karmen Big Band are you?

[grantdyche]

Evening all.

Not particularly wanting to get into the middle of anything, but a soul record is a soul record is a soul record. My personal preference is always a US copy - but when things like Jeff Perry and Larry Saunders got UK release I went and bought them again just to contribute to getting them into the charts - cos then they might get to make another tune instead of going back to being postmen (not that there is anything wrong with being a postie) or whatever and therefore furthering the cause - don't tell me I had it wrong after all?

I'll finish with a question if I might - I had a vague feeling that Coffee (of Casanova fame) were some incarnation of the Lovelites - or have I got that wrong?

Best,

RB

ps Wigan did play some crap (as does everywhere at some time) but I just cannot believe they played Rock n roll pt2 - you aren't thinking of Breakaway the Steve Karmen Big Band are you?

Breakaway both vocal and instrumental versions were and always will be top Wigan records,Never in any way to be miss-heard as Glitter,What were you or are you on?,

Was it a SOUL tune But that never stopped me or others dancing to it,and to this day, the inst. version is still in my top 10

KTF

Grant

[Dazdakin]

Have you replied to the right person??

Er um' "played at wigan" is the thread so am sure that i have, but if i have not then i apologies.

[grantdyche]

Er um' "played at wigan" is the thread so am sure that i have, but if i have not then i apologies.

No probs mate just when I read the comment it meant nowt to me so I would pressume you sent it to the wrong person

Grant

Ps This thread is "Unbeliveably Played At Wigan"

Edited May 9, 2009 by grantdyche

[Rich B]

Breakaway both vocal and instrumental versions were and always will be top Wigan records,Never in any way to be miss-heard as Glitter,What were you or are you on?,

Was it a SOUL tune But that never stopped me or others dancing to it,and to this day, the inst. version is still in my top 10

KTF

Grant

Well Grant,

It was meant as a joke - especially given its "Black ship to hell" c/u title. I attended the Casino virtually every week in '74 (membership number 1416), and I can't say that I ever heard the vocal played at the time (though given that the vocal was Jimmy Radcliffe I was always surprised at that) I think when the UA special products re issue popped up a few gave it the odd spin.

At one point the issue copy I had was believed to be the only one known - which, of course proved to be nonsense! Though it had originated with Colin Curtis - I had always thought Breakaway was originally a Mecca spin. For the record, as those who know me will verify, in all my years on the scene I was never on anything, never something that I needed.

Got to work on that S.O.H. Grant!

Best,

RBx

[Guest]

Well Grant,

It was meant as a joke - especially given its "Black ship to hell" c/u title. I attended the Casino virtually every week in '74 (membership number 1416), and I can't say that I ever heard the vocal played at the time (though given that the vocal was Jimmy Radcliffe I was always surprised at that) I think when the UA special products re issue popped up a few gave it the odd spin.

At one point the issue copy I had was believed to be the only one known - which, of course proved to be nonsense! Though it had originated with Colin Curtis - I had always thought Breakaway was originally a Mecca spin. For the record, as those who know me will verify, in all my years on the scene I was never on anything, never something that I needed.

Got to work on that S.O.H. Grant!

Best,

RBx

" Breakaway " was taken to the Mecca by Alf Billingham on the behalf of Dave Godin , who gave it the title of

" Black Ship To Hell " , following his reading of the book by Brigid Brophy

It was first played by Colin Curtis

David thought it would be an amusing name to cover the record , due to his findings regarding the writings of the author within the book ........

" Black Ship To Hell " by Brigid Brophy ( 1962 ) , was her nonfiction treatise . which examines human destructive and self - destructive instincts , and owes much to her study of psychoanalysis , and the main influences on her work such as Sigmund Freud and George Bernard Shaw , whom she called the " two mainstays of the 20th century " .

Malc Burton

Edited May 10, 2009 by Malc Burton

[Guest]

What did she think about Carl Jung then?!

Unfortunately , we will never know , as she died in 1995 .

As they say in these parts of God's county , " She were a right 'un " , as the following confirms .........

Brigid Brophy was an English novelist , essayist , critic , biographer , and dramatist . In the Dictionary of " Literary Biography : British Novelists since 1960 " , S J Newman described her as " one of the oddest , most brilliant , and most enduring of the 1960s symptoms " . She was a feminist and pacifist , who expressed controversial opinions on marriage , the Vietnam War , religious education in schools , sex ( she was openly bisexual ) , and pornography . Brophy was a vocal campaigner for animal rights and vegetarianism . A 1965 Sunday Times article by Brophy , is credited by psychologist Richard D. Ryder , with having triggered the formation of the animal rights movement in England .

Malc Burton

Edited May 10, 2009 by Malc Burton

[Rich B]

" Breakaway " was taken to the Mecca by Alf Billingham on the behalf of Dave Godin , who gave it the title of

" Black Ship To Hell " , following his reading of the book by Brigid Brophy

It was first played by Colin Curtis

David thought it would be an amusing name to cover the record , due to his findings regarding the writings of the author within the book ........

" Black Ship To Hell " by Brigid Brophy ( 1962 ) , was her nonfiction treatise . which examines human destructive and self - destructive instincts , and owes much to her study of psychoanalysis , and the main influences on her work such as Sigmund Freud and George Bernard Shaw , whom she called the " two mainstays of the 20th century " .

Malc Burton

Crikey! Thanks for all that Malc, I recall it coming up in relation to another post but couldn't quite bring it all to mind at the time!

If its all the same to everyone I'm going to remember DG for Lyn Varnado rather than Steve Karmen (even if I am still very fond of it!)

As the man himself would say - "Keep the faith!"

Best,

RB

[grantdyche]

Well Grant,

It was meant as a joke - especially given its "Black ship to hell" c/u title. I attended the Casino virtually every week in '74 (membership number 1416), and I can't say that I ever heard the vocal played at the time (though given that the vocal was Jimmy Radcliffe I was always surprised at that) I think when the UA special products re issue popped up a few gave it the odd spin.

At one point the issue copy I had was believed to be the only one known - which, of course proved to be nonsense! Though it had originated with Colin Curtis - I had always thought Breakaway was originally a Mecca spin. For the record, as those who know me will verify, in all my years on the scene I was never on anything, never something that I needed.

Got to work on that S.O.H. Grant!

Best,

RBx

No intention on my part at anytime to cause offence,Or to imply substance use,maybe my sense of humour as you say will have to work on it

Thanks for your reply

Grant

[Rich B]

No intention on my part at anytime to cause offence,Or to imply substance use,maybe my sense of humour as you say will have to work on it

Thanks for your reply

Grant

No worries Grant, I would have to concede that as a non substance user I always (certainly in my earlier years on the scene) seem to have been in a minority! Never stopped the rozzers searching me as well though....

best,

RB

[grantdyche]

No worries Grant, I would have to concede that as a non substance user I always (certainly in my earlier years on the scene) seem to have been in a minority! Never stopped the rozzers searching me as well though....

best,

RB

Many thanks for the reply,

Same for me really concerning substances,

20 Embassy used to get me through the night,and the odd cup of milky tea from the balcony bar

Grant

ktf

[Guest Gogs]

i've probabily got about 75% of the records mentioned on this thread and i still rate them so there

[Guest kebdarge]

I can Remember Keb Darge having a guest spot at notts palais in the early eighties and i kid you not he played a " PINKY & PERKY" record and it was not "Do the Pearl girl" or the "Peanut Duck" it was pinky & Feckin Perky...........and yes as it was keb people danced!!!!!

But hay ho your all forgetin one important thing and that is that northern soul is a BEAT within a record not exclusive to black soul artists otherwise it would be just soul music and it aint its northern soul et al paul anka micky moonshine beverly ann jonnie sommers vickie baines the list is endless and they all sound the bollocks at a nighter ........so there.

It wasn't Pinky and Perky, it was Dick Van Dyke - Chim chimminy chim chim charoo. I pretended I had a new Van Dykes c/u. By the time I put it on there was a buzz, even people pretending they knew it, telling others how good it was... ha ha ha.

If you listen to it the first 30 seconds sound like the build up to a northern tune. I even remember Colin Law bursting into a spin before the chorous came in. he he he. I took it off after that, but had a giggle at how people would pretend they knew things they didn't.............

[Mach]

..funny, loved to have seen that...

[Guest JerryL]

Quite a few songs mentioned were good tunes (except leo sayer)

Ive heard some bloody abysmal tunes like.........Keith - daylight saving time

Present - manys a slip.....to name but two truely shite record that no-one should travel 250mile round trip to hear...They were rare for a bloody good reason

[burt weedon]

Think it was released late 75.

tommy james monie monie. jim gilstrap im on fire. wipe out the ???????

[burt weedon]

mornin m8, av a great version i play,; THE WIND;GROOVIN WITH Mr BLOE,Found about 3 copies,,wicked

wana me favs woz.Spencer Davis TRAMPOLINE,or Gimme sum luvin..awesome,luved Mr mS Danced down the bottom on the left...

HOW ABOUT THIS EVEN MADE ME OWN RECORDS.Ha ha ha ;

[burt weedon]

and theres more;THE BOXTOPS;THE LETTER.

Van MORRISON;DOMINO..(still play this record)

Ace;HOW LONG.

whooooosh! do you wanna buy any glasses,limited edition. have loads ov different typesNew)?

[Daved]

Did Edwin Starr's "Contact" or "Happy Radio" get played at Wigan? Also, I don't think anyone comfirmed if Billy Ocean "RLSD" or "LRHWY" got played there or not.

[burt weedon]

Don`t ask..Someone played it though in 1974 i think and people danced to it..That place was well strange at times..Anyone remember that guy-who used to walk to the centre of the dancefloor and just stood there motionless-except for clapping his hands to the music. Wonder if he`s still around?

THAT BLOKE IS STILL ABOUT" TRUST ME,But e,s on MDNA NOW,instead ov PHILON" an still does the serm ting ,watch out 4 STOKE,this sat..it ay me.webby.

[burt weedon]

Did Edwin Starr's "Contact" or "Happy Radio" get played at Wigan? Also, I don't think anyone comfirmed if Billy Ocean "RLSD" or "LRHWY" got played there or not.

Dave it woz,i remember dancin to em,KEITH MINSHALL used to play em on a sat aswell in d big room,(just read dat blog wot arpo wrote, i da cum on 4 a lecture or polotics,i thurt it woz 4 fun ? EYE 2 EYE ; CONTACT, ill be singin dat all day now..phew..x

[burt weedon]

gotta goo b bck afta..tataa.ktf..blood tests hate em,,,,,,,,,,,,,this bloody lab tops gud...haaa.......

[Guest sharbar]

I heard "I love music" at the casino, a fine record in my opinion. also remember hearing keep on running (spencer davis group) in M's .

Yep I love Music was definitely played at WIgan - remember dancing to it - cos I loved it!!

[Guest martyn]

California Strut - Walter Murphy .

The B side of Fifth of Beethoven , huge everywhere including Wigan

[Dave Rimmer]

Was unsuccessful in my attempt...But waiting for somebody to remember this from the windmills of their mind that charted in 75..Feel The Need-Graham Central Station.....Got battered in M's...Northern Soul getting funky....MAGIC!!

OMG Haven't heard that in years. Is it in refosoul ?

[Davetay]

Was unsuccessful in my attempt...But waiting for somebody to remember this from the windmills of their mind that charted in 75..Feel The Need-Graham Central Station.....Got battered in M's...Northern Soul getting funky....MAGIC!!

Also played at the same time Bill Harris "Uptown Saturday Night"

[grantdyche]

Was unsuccessful in my attempt...But waiting for somebody to remember this from the windmills of their mind that charted in 75..Feel The Need-Graham Central Station.....Got battered in M's...Northern Soul getting funky....MAGIC!!

Graham Central Station "Feel The Need",Was at one time the record of the week on Tony Blackburns breakfast show on radio 1,about 74-75 ish,released on Warners I think.

Grant

Edited June 21, 2009 by grantdyche

[grantdyche]

Twas the one with the tree's and stuff methinks,Same label as Mike Post "AOTR".

Grant

[ianr]

Did Edwin Starr's "Contact" or "Happy Radio" get played at Wigan? Also, I don't think anyone comfirmed if Billy Ocean "RLSD" or "LRHWY" got played there or not.

Contact & Happy Radio both got played. So did you make me feel mighty real by Sylvester.

[Guest]

I heard "I love music" at the casino, a fine record in my opinion. also remember hearing keep on running (spencer davis group) in M's .

And "gimme some loving' " used to get played everywhere,and a good cover of it as i remember.