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More tragic news about the passing of another top man from the Scene. I think that I would be right in saying that you couldn't meet a nicer bloke. I first heard some rumours about Jim in the Wigan record bar. He worked as a coal miner, was from Mansfield and had this sensational Northern collection. Rob Marriot was singing this praises, but to us he was a bit of an enigma since he had never been seen outside Mansfield. During the early 80s Northern renaissance, to our surprise and delight, Jim started to turn up to many venues and very soon we got to see and hear his playbox. At this point he teamed up with Dave Raistrick, who was finding some great unknowns on his regular trips to the States. Jim being a miner, was very well paid and had the cash to fund the acquisition of the best unknowns and the rarest Oldies. He also had great taste, so his new discoveries were worth listening to. It wasn't long before the word got around that Jim was the dj to follow. At the Stafford all-nighter, Jim was given a warm-up set in the upstairs room before we all moved to the main room later. Im my view and many others, a complete oversight by the promoters. Later Jim would make further impressions at the Swan hotel Mansfield, Rock City Nottingham, Tonys Empress ballroom Blackburn, 100 club and others that I can't now recollect. His contribution to the Upfront Northern scene is without a doubt formidable. He also told me that he was collecting 70/80s group ballads, nearly 40 yrs before the now burgeoning low rider scene. In 1987 Jim decided to sell his collection and within a few months he was no longer that amazing record collector and dj. Jim allowed myself and Rob Marriot to be the first buyers to purchase from his collection, an honour in itself! I remember being shocked that he was selling his great collection and buying a fairground ride...why would you do that I wondered? I still remember the last time I saw Jim, selling the remnants of the peerless collection. I had the usual convivial chat and then assumed Id see him again sometime, but once he left the Scene he never appeared again. Typically, the enigma Jim, left the Scene in a similar way to how he appeared on it. Jim Wensiora: a Northern Soul legend.26 points
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My post earlier today from Facebook This is the deepest sadness and hardest thing I will ever have to write on here. My Soul Dad, my mentor and my best friend and everyone’s Uncle Ted. Ted Massey has passed away. I have the blessing from Ted’s family to put these upsetting words together as best as I can . The family are very sad and upset with this big hole left and are still in a state of shock with the news. I ask that you all please respect the families privacy during this sensitive time . I will miss you bestie so very dearly and haven’t quite come to terms with your passing. You were the ultimate professional and was held in the most upright regards by everyone I’ve ever meet all over the U.K. A true Legend that will never be forgotten I will continue to push the boundaries with the music on our scene as you believed in me before anyone else did I will never ever forget I will update you all going forward with details as of when is needed. The Guvnor, The Maestro you’re at peace now God bless you Sir Ted and love you always your best friend Taz21 points
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R.i.p. Ted Massey Personally, i met him first early 80's, busy collecting uk releases, bought a few off me. Think he was already djing for a while by then but early days. Ted scaled the heights essentially, on pretty much most of the platforms that count. He bulit himself a wonderfully colourful and intuitive collection of records, that cemented his reputation with the masses...much in the same way that he nurtured and cultivating his beloved garden...his other great past time....even the shirts showed him as an outgoing person...and he coloured our worlds with his dj sets. I can't justify giving the people concerned who performed such an abhorrent act against him, any creedance other than to say...i sincerely hope you search your consciences. It's a black day for us all, but in remembrance in coming days and weeks, we'll celebrate the life and accomplishments of this man and uphold nothing but good memories of him. Gone before your time May your soul now rest in eternal peace God bless, Ted15 points
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Many on here may not know Jimmy, many will probably have not heard him DJ but in his day Jimmy had a set to rival anyone. Hailing from Mansfield he amassed one of the best collections of any, most in mint condition, he was meticulous about the condition. In the mid 80s he was a resident at Rock City and he also became part of the line up at Stafford when Gary Rushbrooke retired. He went on to promote his own all-nighter alongside Rob Marriott at the Swan in Mansfield. He was a resident at Tony's in Blackburn under Guy Hennigan's Soultown banner, possibly one of the finest line ups of any all-nighter. He had a great sense of humour, very witty. He was very knowledgeable and extremely likeable and was highly respected by most who kn ew him. He always appeared to be a reluctant Dj in my eyes and never really pushed himself like others. In around 1987 he put his collection up for sale which caused a stampede by many collectors chasing the gems he had. He largely turned his back one the scene to pursue other business interests including his fairground rides to be found on Thorsby Sunday Market. News of his death was passed on by Rob Wigley who said it was confirmed by someone who worked with or near Jimmy, details are very sketchy. R.I.P. Jimmy Rock City A -team, Jimmy on the left. You can listen to one of Jimmy's sets at Blackburn in this mix14 points
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really sad news, the sad news seems relentless at times thanks for sharing Ted aka @Ted Massey was a long time member, over 20 years and an active contributor on here Can view his profile below https://www.soul-source.co.uk/profile/2616-ted-massey/ Will be much missed RIP Ted13 points
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Much of what we know of the group The Admirations is already “out there” but scattered across the internet. I decided to pull together what we know of the group into one article. The groups discography and gaps in their story was discussed at length on Soul Source, instigated in particular by Timmy Leonard (R.I.P.) from Brussels and other members of Soul Source contributing. Robert Pruter was a valuable source as was Secret Stash who had access to One-Derful masters and the associated labels of Mar-V-Lus, Toddlin’ Town. M-Pac, Mida and Halo. In the early 1900s immigrants, mainly Italians settled in an area around Goose Island on the Near North Side of Chicago. It was an industrial area, steel and gas works, low paid and dirty. The area was known as ‘Little Sicily’ due to the large number of Italians but it would also be known as ‘Little Hell’, due to the industry and the crime that blighted its in habitants, not just Italians but Irish and Swedish. It was described as “the most dangerous neighbourhood in the city” by the Chicago Tribune. (1960s Cabrini Green) During the war the Chicago Housing Authority decided to raze ‘Little Hell’ to the ground and pave the way for a new housing development to be named Frances Cabrini Homes after the first American canonized by the Catholic Church, Mother Frances Cabrini. But in the end urban redevelopment provided no cure for the problems. Many of the houses were built with limited budgets leading to poor quality housing and a future lack of investment and maintenance. Overcrowding, dirty streets and dark alleys exacerbated the problems and crime of the projects. The inhabitants, largely a mix of Italians, Irish, African Americans and Puerto Ricans were often the poorest led to a new wave of crime and poverty which the authorities had no answer to, exacerbated by overcrowding, dirty streets and dark alleys. By the 1960s racial segregation overtook and the area. By 1990 the authorities in Chicago, like they did with ‘Little Hell’ decided the answer to the problems would be to raze the area to the ground and start again. Despite the problems of the area, it would produce some highly notable people, in particular musicians. Major Lance, Curtis Mayfield, Jerry Butler & Terry Callier to name a few. (photo courtesy of Robert Pruter) One such group of singers originating from the Cabrini Green Housing Complex in the mid 1960s was The Admirations. Consisting originally of siblings Ralph, Bruce, Kenneth & Yvonne Childs. By 1966 Yvonne would leave the group and Sherman ‘Red’ Myles and Walter Smith would join the three male siblings who remained. The group would be managed by Herbert Butler and Tommie Johnson of The Players vocal group. They were all still in High School. The Admirations debuted on the tiny Paree label with ‘My Admiration for You’, written by Kenneth and Bruce Childs in probably July 1967. The flip however, written and produced by the Otis Hayes and Jimmy Jones, ‘Heaven Is In Your Arms’ is actually the Young Folk. Arthur McThune is on lead ably backed by Miss Madeline. (Strickland), Patrice Suggs and Marlene Lee. All indications would suggest both sides were recorded at the One-Derful’s Tone Recordings studio. Alvin Cash’s Mar-V-Lus release ‘Different Strokes for Different Folks’ would suffer a mis-press and actually play ‘Heaven Is In Your Arms’. (a record initially due to release in July 1967). The fact that this mis-press mix-up happened at the pressing plant is not just your more common template mix-up. This mix-up happened at the lacquer stage as the template used to press that Alvin Cash & the Registers 45 features the correct matrix '3235' (and not the Paree '117 B' one) for their ‘Diff'rent Strokes for Different Folks’. A very first batch of pressings in error indicating a close release date setting the Paree by June 1967 or thereabouts. According to Larry Blasingaine, The Young Folk were supposed to release ‘Heaven Is In Your Arms’ on Mar-V-Lus but as we have already ascertained it ended up on the Alvin Cash mis-press and instead ‘Joey’ was released by the Young Folk with Miss Madeline on lead and the guys singing background. ‘Heaven Is In Your Arms’ would find favour in the 70s on the Northern Soul scene in the UK in the 70s via Deejay ‘Soul Sam’ at Cleethorpes. For their second release the Admirations joined George and Ernie Leaner’s One-Derful label. Launched in 1962 when McKinley Mitchell brought George Leaner the song ‘The Town I Live In’ which became the first release on One-Derful. An A&R and production team was formed with Monk Higgins, Andre Williams & Jimmy Jones at the forefront. The label also had a studio, Tone Recordings and was based in the One-Derful building at 1827 S. Michigan Avenue. Distribution was handled by United Distribution, formed by George & Eddie in 1950 and was located in the same building. The label would do well and sister labels Midas, M-Pac, Mar-V-Lus and Halo were soon added. The Admirations ‘Wait Till I get To Know You’ was released in September 1967 and featured Ralph Childs on lead vocals. It gained a mention in Record World on the 7th October as a Hot New Release. Co-produced by Teddy Bear (real name Theodore McRae) and Eddie Silvers, written by Ralph Childs, Walter Smith and Sherman Myles. Local radio station WVON-AM listed the 45 in its top 20 in December ’67. It received a mention in Record World in the October 7th 1967 edition and in Billboard on the 23rd December of that year. With two presses at least for this release, with differing label designs, again it must have sold reasonably well locally. The groups final outing on One-Derful was in January 1968. ‘All For You’ which was written by Walter Smith, Ralph Childs and Sherman Myles Eddie Silvers no longer involved with the group by this stage, instead it was co-produced by Teddy Bear and Po-Jo. I’m not sure who Po-Jo is? The flip the superb ‘Don’t Leave Me’ was written by written by Bruce and Kenneth Childs and Sherman Myles. This side found huge favour on the UK Northern Soul scene. There was one other release by the group on the tiny Peaches label produced by Eddie Silvers and Gordon Keith (he of Steeltown Records fame). ‘You Left Me’ b/w ‘I Want To Be Free’. Released twice, once as the Aspirations and as the Admirations. The year of release is subject to some debate with the general consensus giving the Aspirations in 1967 and The Admirations release as 1968. There is however a school of thought both were released in 1968 with ‘You Left Me’ with the lead vocals being taken by Kenneth Childs possibly being an answer recording to the One-Derful outing ‘Don’t Leave Me’. Others have the Aspirations and the Admirations releases on Peaches as 1967 before the group signed with One-Derful. Whatever the year, someone had faith in the release. The only outing on the label, it gained two presses as The Aspirations, once with Peaches down the Right of the label and once down the left and then a further press as The Admirations. It did virtually nothing with any of the releases and has remained incredibly rare. The 45 found favour in the UK on the Rare Soul scene in the late ‘70s early ‘80s and now commands a four-figure valuation. Gus Taylor was the bassist for the group and in conversations we had he stated that he wrote ‘I Want To be Free’ but received no credit or any royalties, not that many royalties would have been forthcoming due to lack of sales. All the releases by the Admirations found favour in the UK and now around the world and all are highly collectable. In 1968 the demise of One-Derful also saw the demise of The Admirations. Walter Smith would transfer to Tilden High School on Chicago’s South Side where he would form ‘Walter & The Admerations’ alongside Clifford Frazier (lead), Keith Donaldson (bass), Brad Donaldson (baritone) and David Donaldson (tenor). The group would be managed by Ted Daniels. (Walter & The Admerations) The groups first outing was on Leo Austell and Hillery Johnson’s LA-Cindy label. Entitled ‘Life of Tears b/w Man Oh Man (What Have I Done). The release again did nothing and remined incredibly rare to this day commanding a price well into four figures. ‘Life Of Tears’ would receive turntable action via Pat Brady at the famed Wigan Casino in the UK in the late 70s. The flip would be a huge turntable hit for UK DJ Mark ‘Butch’ Dobson in the mid 1980s. After graduation from High School and with the war in Vietnam still raging the group would have a change of name to the Green Berets with releases on Chicago’s Uni label. Members would later record as Velvet Hammer on the Soozi label with another track finding favour in the UK Soul scene, ‘Happy’. DISCOGRAPHY June 1967 The Admirations - PAREE My Admiration For You b/w Heaven Is In Your Arms (The flip is members of The Young Folk) SEPTEMBER 1967 The Admirations – ONE-DERFUL Wait Till I Get To Know You b/w Instrumental JANUARY 1968 The Admirations - ONE-DERFUL All For You b/w Don’t Leave Me JULY(?) 1967 or 1968 (?) The Aspirations - PEACHES You Left Me b/w I Want To Be Free (PEACHES logo to the RIGHT first then repress with the logo to the LEFT FEBRUARY(?) 1968 The Admirations - PEACHES You Left Me b/w I Want To Be Free Photos courtesy of Robert Pruter. Label scans courtesy of Alan Kitchener, Paul David, Andy Dennison, Keamus Setna and Harry Morgan. Cover photo: The Admirations, taken with Herb Kent, WVON Deejay, wielding the sword on Sherman Myles neck. This was a promotional photo when the group had just released ‘Wait Till I Get to Know You.’12 points
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An interesting news item has just shown up on the feeds Details of an new Ai dj-ing app that has just been released today aimed 100% at Northern Soul Djs The app called 'Ai before 8' is aimed at regular northern djs, apparently the app asks you a series of questions, and also take into account factors such as date, location, time, previous plays etc once got the app then uses Ai to suggest a 60 min playlist that they guarantee will floor fill 100% Not only do they offer the playlist but for a extra subscription fee will actually supply and play the mp3s as well Seems they are offering a free trial for anyone interested, says you can sign up here https://rb.gy/o12yb412 points
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Can’t believe it, just another ordinary Thursday, watching footy, looking at records for sale, catch sight of something that triggers concern, and then its real, one of the immortals gone. Nothing ordinary about Ted, he was extraordinary, he epitomised the birth, ups and downs and future of the scene, sleep tight10 points
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So sorry to hear Ted has passed away. He's been a friend for more years than I can remember, and a true gentleman. A legend to our scene. RIP Ted.9 points
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9 points
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Tony Middleton - 450 Nate Evans - 280 The Notations - 2200 The Milestones and Littler Leroy - 560 Towanda Barnes - 265 Bill Thomas and The Fendells - DNMR Hayes Cotton - 1650 Harry and Vee Vee - 270 Betty Turner and The Chevelles - 550 Ellipsis - 3098 Judy Freeman and Blackrock - 450 Frank Dell - 700 The Appreciations - 1236 Fantasy - 1200 Billy Arnell and The Sparkles - 1800 Traditions - 2500 Tsu Toronados - 275 Moonlighters Band - 4408 points
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If it is previously unreleased then it is fine IMO why deprive anyone of great soul music? If it’s reissued for the scene decades later where original issues exist from the time then a big no no from me.8 points
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I’ve been meaning to get to this venue for some time. A great sounding name that lived up to it. Friendly atmosphere, a top dance floor with great tunes. Just what you need on a Friday night. It was quiet early doors; Alan Massey had the warmup set. The lesser played side of the Commands twofer ‘No Time for You’. Next a backing singers delight with Bobby Patterson’s ‘What a wonderful Life. His selection included lesser played and some tunes unknown to me. Jackie Ross ‘Dynamite Lovin’ I thought it was one of the Holloway sisters at first, excellent. The venue was filling nicely as Tony P introduced a real eclectic mix: The Ballads, A Brothers Guiding Light and Irene & The Scotts. Including The Sheppard’s version of ‘Stubborn Heart’. And the soulful harmonies ‘I Need, I Need Your Love’ by the Philharmonics. Bob Spendlove mixed things up with the Phonetics, Larry Huston and the incredible Maxine Brown ‘Just Give Me One Good Reason’. Bob also gave us some classic oldies, Garnet Mimms, Sam Willams and the dictionary definition of Northern Soul, The Professionals. A few technical issues with the sound system, didn’t detract from Jumpin Joan’s brilliant offering: Bobby Guitar Wood, the magical Dynells and the melody roller coaster that is The Accents ‘Who You Gonna Love’. The smooth sound of the Vee Gees ‘Talkin’, the wistful notes of The Four Voices and finally the bluesy horns of Monique ‘If You Love Me’ Alan’s second offering started with the most familiar of The Falcons tracks, yet rarely played nowadays ‘I’m a Fool I Must love You’. Followed by the classic John Bowie. Then the staccato vocals riding a percussive xylophone wave, the unmistakable The Invitations ‘Watch Out Little Girl’. Concluding with the silky sound of Almeta Lattimore. Tony P took last set with the stellar voices of Ann Peebles and Bobby Womack. And bringing things to a close with some up-beat Philly magic; Harold Melvin and the Blue Note’s gospel and disco classic ‘Prayin’. Thanks to all at 45 revolutions for your hospitality and a great night.7 points
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Joe Matthews - Kool Kat - 3311 Prince George - D.P.G. - 690 Dynamics - Dyna - 2700 Anetta Archibald - Swift - 556 The Royal Esquires - Prix - 230 The Patrick Bradley - Decca - 161 Rita & The Tiaras - Dore - 4800 The El Corols - Rouser - 1060 Daybreak - Pap - 1450 Patty Stokes - Mir-A-Don - 1180 Tommy And The Derby's - Swing - 3670 Mark lll - Quality - 1450 The Tropics - Topic - 590 Jackey Beaver - Jaber - 820 Unique Blend - Eastbound - 5957 points
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Without doubt it's going to be a very emotional night, with loads of records played in memory of Kev Murphy. Hope Phil plays this, always makes me think of Kev x7 points
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7 points
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Just dropped today April 10,2025. Part 2 to follow in a few weeks.7 points
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Interesting reading the comments that the song isn't Northern or even soul in a million years. If that had been Billys only ever cut, never sold a bean, had died the death and left him unheard of and then some enterprising DJ on the scene had come across it and played it out regulary would it then be considered a kosher "must have" top notch find? Exact same song but seen in a completely different light.. I think what I am trying to ask is the old age question... "is it what's in the groves that count"? Or the history of how those groves got there and how many people knew/bought it at the time?6 points
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The Internet is great but hearing the letter box bang and seeing the latest issue of your mag subscription on the floor is a great feeling, it felt like Christmas day when I saw it was the much missed Voices on the floor.6 points
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I am very sad and upset that Ted has passed away,he was a good friend. My condolences and sympathy to his Family. Ted wasn't well at Lea Hall all-nighter recently and then i found out he was in hospital. You will be missed Ted,one of my favourite DJ's,always played Damon Fox and The Ravins for me, a National Northern Soul Maestro, big respect to you mate. A massive loss to the scene in every respect. Rest In Peace dear friend, gone but never forgotten Pal. Ron6 points
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I'll hold my hand up & say. I like it still & the Stones original too. Does that make me a div?6 points
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Love this venue! With a superb dance floor. The lovely Michelle on the door. Tony Poff and Alan Massey have got it just right with the music. Also having proper collectors of Soul music to DJ and delight us with there fabulous collections of vinyl. Friday night yet again was a great night!! All the DJ’s played excellent spots. Good to see my lovely friend Jumping Joan on the decks. Fabulous mix as always. Bob Spendlove who runs the Shirts. Another fabulous mix of music. Every month is getting more busier and better.5 points
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...he made my day!x Wonderful guy to meet...and for once listen too!!x We were next to each other for 8 hours at an antiques fair at the Lincolnshire Showground!!x He kept coming over every 20 minutes with a new story....he loved reminiscing and remembered all crystal clear....amazing!x He said until meeting me he hadn't spoke to anyone about the scene for over 20 years...i made his day too!!x He sold probably 50 of his own paintings!!!!!! Wacky way our there pics...which I liked as did many punters! Great day for us both!x LUV SOOTY X5 points
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100% Joan! Kev all the way and everyone will want to pay their own tributes to a really special bloke for sure. I can picture him dancing to this so it'll definitely be coming along for the ride ...5 points
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Brilliant write up! To say George is excited is an understatement (as are us residents). A few requests for the night are already coming in, here's one that will get a spin from me (unless someone beats me to it)5 points
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RIP Mac Gayden. He passed 5 days ago, age 83. That news will mean a lot to different folks—musicians, singers and fans of different musical genres including country, folk, rock and soul who have been touched by his music. For one thing, he was one half of the writing team that gave the world the song Everlasting Love, originally written for Robert Knight and of course immortalised by Love Affair. And for our soul scene, he was the guy behind Herbert Hunter's "I Was Born to Love You", Joe Simon's "When" and whole load of other artist's material including The Valentines, Fabulettes, Clifford Curry—the list really does go on, particularly as far as Sound Stage 7 releases go. I was lucky enough to connect with Mac just before I embarked on the House of Broken Hearts: The Soul of 1960s Nashville project. He was a huge help in supplying backroom stories, filling in gaps in my knowledge, and providing leads to artists who I'd never have been able to track down otherwise. The guy even helped push my book in Nashville (Mac on the right here). Rest up. A job well done.5 points
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There are no words to describe how Devastated we are at the news of Ted sad passing last hope those robbing tosses get what they deserve5 points
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My first time at WOLFIES SOUL CLUB a really nice venue, the layout of the room reminded me of Stubshaw with the raised seating area at the back of the room. Nice to see some of the Ashton Faithful, making the trip down William Mailey Mike Roche Debbie McCracken and Carl Dazzlin DuzDallas. Thanks to Natalie Nicholls for the invite down and Ken Onions for the lift back to the hotel. If you haven't yet tried this venue, you're missing a trick, great sound system and cheap bar, win, win. Here's my contributions to the night 10pm-11pm and thanks for the great feedback, it really is appreciated!! Little Johnny Hamilton "oh how I love you" Ivy Jo "I can feel the pain" The Experts "my love is real" Buddy Connor "when you're alone" James Wayne "I found someone" Rose Brooks "I'm moanin'" The Vontells "ta hula hoop" Archie Bell "A 1000 wonders" The Dynamics "you make me feel good" Patti Drew "stop and listen" The Dramatics "your love was strange" J J Barnes "baby please come back home" The Jackson Brothers "I gotta hear it from you" Barbara Mason "you better stop it" Melvin Davis "I must love you" Billy Hambric "I found true love" Billy Ecsktine "I wonder why" Little Charles + The Sidewinders "talkin' bout you babe" Elbie Parker "please keep away" Syl Johnson "do you know what love is" Jesse Johnson "left out" The Tempests "someday" David Coleman "drown my heart" The Invitations "watch out little girl" C L Blast "what can I do"5 points
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This kind of discussion makes me smile. Everyone one the scene these days is a member of the soul police. Back when we were teenagers, there were no rules. Despite what many think today, it was primarily a dance scene. And for the people who were on the dance floor back then, records like: under my thumb, footsie, the snake etc were loved and danced to with vigour. The derision of such anthems by people on here, smacks of hypocrisy to me. They’re part and parcel of northern soul, and we should embrace them as such.5 points
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Was very sad to hear of the passing of Jim Wensiora. I got to know Jim initially through Dave Raistrick, who had spoken about him and that he had accumulated a very impressive collection, and he had convinced him to DJ at Rock City. I think most had a certain impression of what he might be like as most of it was pure rumour and speculation, so I was impressed when I met him as he was such an easy going and humble guy who just seemed to really be into the music and collecting. He was a reluctant DJ and seemed overwhelmed by it but soon got into his stride. The thing that struck me was that when I DJ’d after him at Rock City, he just wanted to go through your box and ask about the things he didn’t know and compliment you on the things he had, liked or wanted which was a good trait in anyone's mind. We once took each other’s record box home by mistake (both the same looking box) and when I realised and called him, we were happy to let each other go through them and tape what we wanted. From then on, we became good friends and travelled together a few times to all-nighters and had a good laugh with him on the way. He was a reluctant, but fantastic DJ and had he continued to collect and DJ I do believe that he could have given anyone a run for their money behind the decks and it’s great testament to him that a lot of his play list went onto be massive records, not just in his hands, but the people that bought them from his collection when he sold up. I hadn’t seen him in along time, but when I wished him Happy Birthday on FB, I did get a “thank you” from him on a few occasions. Here’s a selection of records he championed and one’s he played as well, and I just hope I have done him a little justice. R.I.P. Jimmy xx LISTEN HERE5 points
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It always amazes me how a mix of new faces, die hard regulars and frequent visitors invariably hits the sweet spot for numbers, guaranteeing a great atmosphere. Ashton is like a warm soulful blanket that envelops you for the whole magical evening. I think Phil Dunn was playing The Cavaliers when we arrived. His quality set concluding with Carolyn Crawfords masterpiece ‘ My Smile Is Just a Frown’. Stu Cheetham entertained us with a real mix, that included the funky horns of Dolly Gilmore. The magical feel good sound of Bobby Taylor’s ‘I’ve Been Blessed’. And the banging beat and sweet harmonies that is Al Gardner’s ‘Sweet Baby’. Tony Mac created a dilemma for me, I wanted to dance to every tune, but a man must know his limitations. His set featured a plethora of top tracks, including The Soul Communicators, Troy Dodds and the incredible The Bitter & The Sweet ‘I Won’t Have Any Babies For You’. Ashtons very own Mick Howard gave us the tune that has everything: quality production, horns, strings and flawless harmonies, the deceptively inexpensive track by The Dramatics ‘ Your Love Is Strange’. Top tunes all the way, Rudy Love, Celeste Hardy, Will Collins and Willpower. And a favourite blue eyed track: Bobby Sampson ‘Don’t Leave me’, deservedly getting more plays. BazM gave us a typical stellar set; a real blast from the past with the Determinations ‘ Bing Bong Goes My Heart’, The Masqueraders, T.S.U Toranadoes ‘ A Thousand Wonders’ and the superb Dynells. ‘Call On Me’. Chris took his usual closing slot, his choices included The Natural Four, The Ascots and concluding with some Detroit magic, the peerless Volumes ‘ Ain’t Gonna Give You Up. Thanks to Chris et al for another great and Souful evening.5 points
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Absolutely fantastic night, haven't been for a couple of months due to other commitments, but it's like I've never been away ... Always feel at home. Great friendly crowd, dancefloor was outstanding and the music was just the very best... I am now paying with sore feet and legs. All the djs played brilliant sets with a great selection of across the board soul, how it should be Thankyou again to all you guys for another fabulous evening at Ashton See you all again soon .... Well Friday at Wolfies5 points
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Another sad loss Lucky enough to have seen her twice, The Wilton where she was just fantastic and again 18 months or so ago in Bilbao, again just brilliant despite the advancing years. R.I.P. and thank you for the music.5 points
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For me if a record is released because of demand by the Northern scene, then it shouldn't be played end of. British releases that were released not for the NS but because they had the rights, for example Rufus Lumley "I'm Standing" on Stateside are perfectly acceptable to be played. I know some would even frown upon White label Motown pressings being played when there's a real acetate in someone's collection, like Gladys Knight "Too late"5 points
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Great new overview of Chris Farlowe ,now out on Charly Records .Doesn’t include the chart topping “ Out Of Time “ ( Number 1 when England won the World Cup in ‘66 ) ,but concentrates on his more Soulful album tracks and singles .Love his versions of Garnet Mimms “ Looking For You “ and “ It Was Easier To Hurt Her “ ,” Open The Door To Your Heart “ & “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted “ are super versions .Also love his stomping “ Don’t Just Look At Me “ and a great take on Dee Dee Warwick’s “ We’re Doing Fine “ .Superb sleevenotes by Dean Rudland and lovely label scans complete a fine set .5 points
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