clapping

[KevH]

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Loads of points I agree with in the above. Definitely a decline in numbers, and of course where before 2 into 10 went 5 times, now it's more like 2 into 30 so numbers at most places are going to suffer. Travelling is a pain at times, not many DJs these days are worth travelling for (my opinion) and even if you choose one, say Soul Sam, if you follow him for a few weeks even he's going to start playing the same records. Thing is every DJ plays their latest buys, and why wouldn't they, but it can be annoying to read about DJs playing the same old same old, when if you go somewhere where Sam is on he's almost certain to play King Tut (which I like) and yet nothings said. There does seem a fair amount of hypocracy to me, but thankfully most punters can see through it.

The conversations I had over the weekend reflected some of the things Kev mentioned, we've been back 10 years, longer on the scene than the first time around, maybe complacency has set in, I'm not sure, but there was definitely a feeling of boredom amongst us chatting. Mention of the changing face of the scene, the way it's becoming a giant social club, with some using it as an dating agency.

Simple things like clapping, whatever happened to it? Thunderous clap, as one, everybody united, a sense of belonging, just seems to have slipped off the NS tundra. Before when we had central venues, people became aware of when to put in a clap, nowadays, with a million venues to choose from, its going to depreciate. The problem is politics are taking over, promoter vs promoter, how can one promoter slag off another event and pretend he/she hasn't got a vested interest. It's beyond me

Winnie:-)

if it's any help Winnie ,i still clap,when the mood takes me,regardless of who's around.But you're right,that sense of knowing or belonging is evident when the clappers start,,Kev.

[Winnie :-)]

if it's any help Winnie ,i still clap,when the mood takes me,regardless of who's around.But you're right,that sense of knowing or belonging is evident when the clappers start,,Kev.

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Glad to hear it Would like to know why people don't anymore though. Maybe better in a separate thread?

[Guest Baz]

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Glad to hear it Would like to know why people don't anymore though. Maybe better in a separate thread?

I find the clapping abit dunno how to say it, but its not really for me, i'll clap if i here a good tune once its finished, but its all abit like the dance scene when you used to here whoop whoop

[Winnie :-)]

I find the clapping abit dunno how to say it, but its not really for me, i'll clap if i here a good tune once its finished, but its all abit like the dance scene when you used to here whoop whoop

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We used to be a dance scene maybe that's one of the problems, we're becoming chin strokers instead of dancers, things like clapping set our scene apart from others, if it's seen as dated now by newbies, what I mean by that are recent converts to the scene, very little hope for it to continue in its present format

Winnie:-)

[Guest ShaneH]

i like clapping. not enough of it these days imo

Shane

[Guest]

if it's any help Winnie ,i still clap,when the mood takes me,regardless of who's around.But you're right,that sense of knowing or belonging is evident when the clappers start,,Kev.

I'm a clapper too - and a jumper up and downer if I REALLY like the record

And I sing really loud and out of tune too - but then I have that thing called PASSION, which so many attendees don't seem to have any more

[Guest lagerlout]

clapping is in the law book of northern soul..vernon.chapter 7./ 4:3 it mandatory i thought everyone knew that...we dont want any of these new fangled non clapping events...

[Winnie :-)]

I'm a clapper too - and a jumper up and downer if I REALLY like the record

And I sing really loud and out of tune too - but then I have that thing called PASSION, which so many attendees don't seem to have any more

=============

Yep deffo a requirement. One of the things we were talking about over the weekend, sometimes it seems like a job of work. It was how we got onto the subject of clapping, the way it added to an atmosphere even if the music wasn't top notch. (not talking about any event in particular, especially NOT those I attended over the weekend)

I definitely think our scene is undergoing transition, particularly over the last 3/4 years.

[Guest Baz]

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We used to be a dance scene maybe that's one of the problems, we're becoming chin strokers instead of dancers, things like clapping set our scene apart from others, if it's seen as dated now by newbies, what I mean by that are recent converts to the scene, very little hope for it to continue in its present format

Winnie:-)

IMO we still are a dance scene win albeit not as much as it used to but it still plays a major roll today, most tunes and how we precive them are dance floor driven and in the hunt for new tunes there is always the factor of how will this fair on the floor.

As for the clapping, i've noticed you hardly hear it any more, maybe its seen as old hat i dunno? but there will always be room for the 'bedford clap' that is quite enjoyable

[Rugby Soul Club]

I love to clap, although I feel a lot of the records don't have a bit for clapping - god I hope that make sence or Winnie will pull me up, I'm sure....

I went to a soul nite in Market Harborough where they played loads of records just ripe for clapping. Had a thoroughly good nite and woke up in the morning with bruises on my hands.....

Took me back to the days when I was trying to wash my "dirty" hands after an allniter and realised that it wasn't dirt.

Got to agree with Kirsty, it's a passion thing. You hear a certain record and let yourself go.....

[Winnie :-)]

IMO we still are a dance scene win albeit not as much as it used to but it still plays a major roll today, most tunes and how we precive them are dance floor driven and in the hunt for new tunes there is always the factor of how will this fair on the floor.

As for the clapping, i've noticed you hardly hear it any more, maybe its seen as old hat i dunno? but there will always be room for the 'bedford clap' that is quite enjoyable

===============

We were doing it at Rugby on Saturday, Cha, Kev and myself

[mischief]

I love it when the floors packed the record ends and everyone claps.... then the next record kicks in... also gives you time to get your breath....

[Winnie :-)]

I love to clap, although I feel a lot of the records don't have a bit for clapping - god I hope that make sense or Winnie will pull me up, I'm sure....

I went to a soul nite in Market Harborough where they played loads of records just ripe for clapping. Had a thoroughly good nite and woke up in the morning with bruises on my hands.....

Took me back to the days when I was trying to wash my "dirty" hands after an allniter and realised that it wasn't dirt.

Got to agree with Kirsty, it's a passion thing. You hear a certain record and let yourself go.....

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Why would I pull you up Sian, if there's not a spot for clapping you make one up Also normally end up with bruised and bloody hands, particularly if I've been out 2 nights on the spin. I just think it adds to the atmosphere of a night and helps create the 'all for one' sort of feeling of yesteryear

[Guest nubes]

Got to agree with Kirsty, it's a passion thing. You hear a certain record and let yourself go.....

What use to really move me, was going to the big ( as in size)all nighters,.... and listening to all these soulies from all over the country clapping on one beat,the unwritten rules which governed the Northern scene and makes it unique for most of us....Delxx

[Winnie :-)]

What use to really move me, was going to the big ( as in size)all nighters,.... and listening to all these soulies from all over the country clapping on one beat,the unwritten rules which governed the Northern scene and makes it unique for most of us....Delxx

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I still think it sounds great, but for the life of me can't understand why it's stopped. Surely people can't really think it's dated??

[Guest nubes]

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I still think it sounds great, but for the life of me can't understand why it's stopped. Surely people can't really think it's dated??

It's a bit like when some of the hand moves went out of fashion and at times it was like watching an Irish dance, with people doing fantastic footwork, but just swung their arms slighty backwards and forwards,since the returnees(for want of a better word) came back onto the scene, a lot of old style moves have seen a welcome return and upped the ante on the dancefloor, Caz MCcarthney to me, seems to be the best example IMHO.... Delxx

[soulfulsaint]

Clapping is essential - it also shows respect for records that were denied their moment of respect on release. I always feel i'm clapping the artistic performance rather than the scene or the DJ

[Winnie :-)]

It's a bit like when some of the hand moves went out of fashion and at times it was like watching an Irish dance, with people doing fantastic footwork, but just swung their arms slighty backwards and forwards,since the returnees(for want of a better word) came back onto the scene, a lot of old style moves have seen a welcome return and upped the ante on the dancefloor, Caz MCcarthney to me, seems to be the best example IMHO.... Delxx

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Just visualising a 1000 'Flatleys' in the same room Agree about Carol, great dancer, haven't seen her in ages.

Maybe time to start a campaign........"Bring back the Clap" Over to Brian J for the badge design

[Simsy]

We need to differentiate clapping at the end of a record in appreciation of a well received spin and clapping during a record - breaks etc in sounds listed in the other clapping thread.

Appreciation clapping at the end of a track is still widely accepted and indeed expected for a an all-rounder by most dancers on the floor. However as Baz has said, clapping during the records is now perhaps a bit naff. Clapping has been in decline it seems for year's, definitely in the south/midlands over the last fifteen/twenty year's anyway. I listened to Pete S's Wigan tainted love clip on the other thread and the clapping seemed to be bordering on OTT. In the eighties we clapped like gooduns'. Now, yes sadly most perhaps consider it a bit pass. Shame as I think there's a silent majority (me included) that consider it an integral part of the ns scene and wish it would return.

Don't be shy, clap!

[Guest Bearsy]

For me the dancing and clapping goes Hand in Hand

ITS one great buzz when your out on a dance floor and a tune like Bernie Williams - ever again, starts to play and not just yourself but everyone else knows its a great clapper and the floor generally tends to fill up a bit more and always at the end the applause come again.

awsome buzz.

Bearsy

[Guest nubes]

We need to differentiate clapping at the end of a record in appreciation of a well received spin and clapping during a record - breaks etc in sounds listed in the other clapping thread.

Appreciation clapping at the end of a track is still widely accepted and indeed expected for a an all-rounder by most dancers on the floor. However as Baz has said, clapping during the records is now perhaps a bit naff. Clapping has been in decline it seems for year's, definitely in the south/midlands over the last fifteen/twenty year's anyway. I listened to Pete S's Wigan tainted love clip on the other thread and the clapping seemed to be bordering on OTT. In the eighties we clapped like gooduns'. Now, yes sadly most perhaps consider it a bit pass. Shame as I think there's a silent majority (me included) that consider it an integral part of the ns scene and wish it would return.

Don't be shy, clap!

Well I think its about time the silent majority start to stand up and be counted and stop behaving like its bad to actually enjoy the scene in all its glory...sweetheart...i tell ya. if Northern soulies think a bit of clapping is OTT and a bit naff...I hate to think what they would make of Caister with the whistles..car horns and general debauchery....reckon they would have to bring their smelling salts and lavender water Delxx

[Guest dundeedavie]

i clap a lot when i'm dancing behind the decks

[Winnie :-)]

We need to differentiate clapping at the end of a record in appreciation of a well received spin and clapping during a record - breaks etc in sounds listed in the other clapping thread.

Appreciation clapping at the end of a track is still widely accepted and indeed expected for a an all-rounder by most dancers on the floor. However as Baz has said, clapping during the records is now perhaps a bit naff. Clapping has been in decline it seems for year's, definitely in the south/midlands over the last fifteen/twenty year's anyway. I listened to Pete S's Wigan tainted love clip on the other thread and the clapping seemed to be bordering on OTT. In the eighties we clapped like gooduns'. Now, yes sadly most perhaps consider it a bit pass. Shame as I think there's a silent majority (me included) that consider it an integral part of the ns scene and wish it would return.

Don't be shy, clap!

==============

They still clap at the 100 club, or at least they did last time I went which was earlier this year. I don' t think people think it's naff, I think firstly they're not dancers, secondly, they just don't know where to clap, thirdly it would mean taking their hands off their chins for a couple of seconds, and God forbid they do that

[Simsy]

==============

They still clap at the 100 club, or at least they did last time I went which was earlier this year. I don' t think people think it's naff, I think firstly they're not dancers, secondly, they just don't know where to clap, thirdly it would mean taking their hands off their chins for a couple of seconds, and God forbid they do that

Yeah they do still clap, a bit. But nothing like the old days.

[Guest Ferrett]

I've always been a clapper and always will be.

Come on! These records are MADE to be clapped along to.

It all adds to the uniqueness of the scene.

I don't care if people think it's uncool. If I wanted to be cool I'd sit in the fridge.

I want to be hot, sweaty and soulful

Just to prove the point, this is what I did to my hand at an Albrighton allnighter a few years back .

You should have seen the blood that came out of it .

Good job I have a nurse as a friend.

[Simsy]

if Northern soulies think a bit of clapping is OTT and a bit naff...I hate to think what they would make of Caister with the whistles..car horns and general debauchery....reckon they would have to bring their smelling salts and lavender water Delxx

[Simsy]

Just to prove the point, this is what I did to my hand at an Albrighton allnighter a few years back .

You should have seen the blood that came out of it .

Good job I have a nurse as a friend.

Remember this from previous clap threads ...

Remember seeing that pic too. At first glance I thought it was something you'd put a light to and sprinkle in your Rizla's!

[Guest Bearsy]

Remember this from previous clap threads ...

Remember seeing that pic too. At first glance I thought it was something you'd put a light to and sprinkle in your Rizla's!

i thought it was a slug but if it was i wouldnt put that in a rizla,

on a serious note that looks bloody sore, the whole hand is red,

When did it start to hurt before you realised

[Guest Ferrett]

Strangely enough it didn't hurt at the time.

Must have had some strong pain killers that night.

I'm just glad I haven't got any photos of my feet. Some Sunday mornings they look like someones been at them with a cheese grater!

[Guest nubes]

nice one, babes,Delxxx

[Winnie :-)]

Remember this from previous clap threads ...

Remember seeing that pic too. At first glance I thought it was something you'd put a light to and sprinkle in your Rizla's!

==========

I have a pretty much permanent blood blister between my little finger and ring finger caused by clapping. Hands used to bleed on a pretty regular basis, you don't feel it at the time, but next day.......ouch.

Read something in the other clapping thread from Russ V that pretty much sums it up for me, you instinctively know when to clap, if you're a clapper.

[Guest bionicboogie]

[Guest garv]

It's a bit like when some of the hand moves went out of fashion and at times it was like watching an Irish dance, with people doing fantastic footwork, but just swung their arms slighty backwards and forwards,since the returnees(for want of a better word) came back onto the scene, a lot of old style moves have seen a welcome return and upped the ante on the dancefloor, Caz MCcarthney to me, seems to be the best example IMHO.... Delxx

Just took me right back to one of those moments you never forget [ Casino] , a lad called Libby from Runcorn was amazing with his hand movements. I remember him doing a vogue type routine, criss crossing his hands from his chest & moving them up over his head,then going into a perfect spin, his eyes closed & singing along with the record.

I`ll never forget the emotion on his face, very spiritual. I loved watching dance, he never did any floor work .......... great dancer.

[Guest Una Scot-Oz]

The Perth crowd are the best clappers in Australia. When I went there in March it was like being in Mr M's again. There is also a guy (Andy) who whistles to the music too. It really gets the atmosphere going.

Who cares if people think it's naff? It's part of how some of us express our love of the music, I'll always clap.

We've also just had Phil the Happy Clapper move out here from Blackpool, a welcome addition to our scene.

It's all about fun and being happy in the end!

[Dave Rimmer]

The Perth crowd are the best clappers in Australia. When I went there in March it was like being in Mr M's again. There is also a guy (Andy) who whistles to the music too. It really gets the atmosphere going.

Who cares if people think it's naff? It's part of how some of us express our love of the music, I'll always clap.

We've also just had Phil the Happy Clapper move out here from Blackpool, a welcome addition to our scene.

It's all about fun and being happy in the end!

Just back from Dublin last weekend, and the crowd there are clappers (It couldn't have all been Pip ) and I commented in my blog how much it adds to the atmosphere of the night.

[Guest Pete Griffin]

Im a happy clapper and some girl gave me it as well once just kidding

[Guest barnsey]

I've always been a clapper and always will be.

Come on! These records are MADE to be clapped along to.

It all adds to the uniqueness of the scene.

I don't care if people think it's uncool. If I wanted to be cool I'd sit in the fridge.

I want to be hot, sweaty and soulful

Just to prove the point, this is what I did to my hand at an Albrighton allnighter a few years back .

You should have seen the blood that came out of it .

Good job I have a nurse as a friend.

um clapping eh the plot thickens :lol:try loosening your grip

Edited August 26, 2007 by barnsey

[Guest rosiesouledout]

I've always been a clapper and always will be.

Come on! These records are MADE to be clapped along to.

It all adds to the uniqueness of the scene.

I don't care if people think it's uncool. If I wanted to be cool I'd sit in the fridge.

I want to be hot, sweaty and soulful

Just to prove the point, this is what I did to my hand at an Albrighton allnighter a few years back .

You should have seen the blood that came out of it .

Good job I have a nurse as a friend.

Totally agree but the photo's not the best advert ... ... Maybe try putting your cigarette out beforehand...

[Pete S]

=================

I still think it sounds great, but for the life of me can't understand why it's stopped. Surely people can't really think it's dated??

These newer arrivals to the scene simply can't do it!

[Guest rosiesouledout]

These newer arrivals to the scene simply can't do it!

I seriously wonder whether booze plays a role in it, too, being able to drink all night, and whether it renders it too much like hard work, and the effort's all in managing to stay on your feet rather than timing claps. I stop drinking once i'm in a nighter, and often feel like i'm the odd one out in doing so. And whenever - in the cafe the following morning - i tell anyone my hands are really sore, meaning i had a good one, i get the strangest feeling i'm being patronised - "As long as you enjoyed yourself ..."... Anyone for a booze ban and a return to the good old days?

[Steve W]

best live act of recent years for me was Bobby Hutton singing "Lend a hand" at Prestatyn, the vocal was good, but approx 1500 people actually clapped in the right places which to me elevated the performance tenfold

I still Listen to Pete Smiths mp3 of Gloria Jones tainted Love what he taped at wigan about 74-75 which he put on site last year to really appreciate what a atmospheric soul night should sound like, I know we are getting old and another post mentions Beer which adds to the malaise, but queing up at the entrance and hearing soul claps to a great record you just knew you were attending a proper soul night

[Guest SteveC]

Another Soul Sourcer mentioned this thread to me yesterday at B Stortford dayer as he knew how strongly I feel about clapping during records.

Why oh why does progression have to get in the way of the essential pre-requisites of our scene, one of the things that used to so thrill me when a big crowd clapped in unison, so loudly that the music was almost drowned and "clappers" (just about everyone) looked at each other with that grimace (joy or pain) which stated that we were one.

I'm a clapper (even got billed as Thunderclap Steve on a flyer for a Fareham do in the early 80's ) but unfortunately get that sense of paranoia nowadays when slapping away on my own. Doubt I'll ever stop though - almost sub consciously done after all these years.

Great thread - and yes we do have to lift our hands as far stretched as possible before bringing them down together - its a soul thing

[Steve G]

Clapping at the right points in the record - essential. Still love the clapping.

[Guest]

Maybe the beer-guzzling monsters don't know WHEN to clap.......hence the silence

I'll stick with niters that take the roof off!

And certain early sessions that enjoy the roots of our scene (without playing the same records for decades!)

This is not supposed to be a posing scene, or a record fair. Or am I too old?

Dave

[Guest rosiesouledout]

One of the younger ladies on the scene recently said to me - as Ady was ending a Shootin' High niter with Dean Parish's I'm On My way, penultimate, i think - "I don't like this much, or any of the three before eight for that matter, they're boring"... She may be right with the overkill and all. But i couldn't help thinking: "But you've never really heard them, felt them, what they once meant to so many, for obvious reasons..."

Later, i downloaded one of Pete S' Wigan tape postings, at the end of which are played the three before eight... Or what you can hear of them for the claps... Different world

[Guest]

If anyone was reading this thread, they would think that everyone had stopped clapping?................NOT

[Guest rosiesouledout]

If anyone was reading this thread, they would think that everyone had stopped clapping?................NOT

True, but it should be a goverment directive

[Willow]

Clappers should be heard!

It all adds to the atmosphere and the enjoyment of the music .....

Keep on clapping

[sister dawn]

Right Then for all the not so happy clappers out there, Shirley is going to teach you all how to do it. Just follow her instuctions and if you get lost don't worry just play it again

Shirley_Ellis___The_Clapping_Song.mp3

right once you have mastered that we'll have a bash at some proper clapping,

casino_last_nite_time_will_pass_you_by.mp3

ok how did you do???

ready to try the biggie??? Here ya go

casino_last_nite_Im_on_my_way.mp3

[mrs soul]

I have the clap I love clapping, its a way of expressing your feeling for a tune, I cant help my self, I even clap at home by my self, more power to the clap I say, and when a DJ, gets unanimous round of clapping it dont half help them feel bloody good!years ago, every single person clapped, not so much these days, perhaps people think they look daft, personally I always look daft, and have been known to be the only person in a room clapping