Mike

Postcards From The Factory Issue #2 - February 2002 How the kids from Compton were spotted hanging out in Detroit. At the height of the Rare Groove scene, during the 1980s , this track by The Jackson Sisters grew to cult status and saw Polydor Records gain some heavy sales when they obliged the record collecting fraternity with a re-issue on their Urban Records imprint. To receive more postcards from the factory email allan The Soul Factory is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beat Street Records However, the UK author of the definitive guide to The Whos Who Of Soul Music confused this bunch of teenage girls from Compton (California) with a crew from Detroit. Of course, when you believe in miracles, I guess anything is possible. Damn experts, don't believe a word they say! Such was the mega-stardom of The Jackson Five, the ultimate 1970s boy band, I can only imagine that the worlds youth clubs must have been the haunt of many an A&R executive. From that same teenage genre, came this slice of the action. Shrill, frenetic, and oh so groove worthy, this track came to personify the whole lifestyle and attitude of the Rare Groove movement. To really catch the Rare Groove fever, you had to be at the Hammersmith Record Fairs, held monthly, in West London during the mid 80s . The vibe within the main record hall was not unlike that of the Notting Hill carnival, where the many sound systems were vying for the attention of the ever discerning punter."Turn that racket down, I'm trying to ..." This particular track was originally issued in the US on Prophesy Records, but was very quickly released in the UK by this subsidiary of CBS Records. Due to its eternal popularity, even the re-issues fetch a good few pounds or so, but as rarities go, I'd be very surprised to see other copies like this UK Demo knocking around today.

PRESTATYN 8th, 9th, 10th March 2002 Midnight Hour NORTHERN AND MODERN SOUL WEEKENDER Prestatyn Weekender coming up in just over a weeks time, billed as "the soul event of the year" and tell the truth seems like with its venue, live guests and the buzz going round , it may just come close to that! Just a recap Tony Middleton and Ray Pollard being the live guests complete with a professional supporting band, a well smart venue with first class facilities ( someone said "purpose built for a weekender" and after having a quick look at the facilities have got to agree, as dont forget talking about Pontins location here). And along with a top line up of some of the best "independent" Northern and Modern Soul DJs around, it sounds like its going to be a good one. Check out web site for rundown of all details, latest news, events, facilities, radio, venue, competition, biographies of the artists,and more. Price wise starts off at £33 per person Check out site for more details at http://www.soulweekenders.com Read previous report for what saw on quick look, Hit read more for ripped venue details, SUPERB VENUE FOR A SOUL WEEKENDER! Centrally based entertainments complex, totally enclosed and under cover. Easy Access between all venues. 24Hr Restaurant / Cafe open for the duration of the event. Chill out area. Fully staffed licensed bars in main dance arenas open for alcoholic and soft drinks for the full duration of the event. Supermarket, swimming pool, fast-food outlets, fish&chip shop&ATM. Large , well lit&laid out record dealing area adjacent to main Northern Soul venue (spaces available, ring for details - Rob Wigley on 07900 131119) Northern Soul Room The ultimate northern venue, tailor made for dancing, MASSIVE PERMANENT wooden sprung floor, the perfect venue for the serious dancer, and we will see some real dancing competition action here. Large stage area for our live showcase acts, fully supported by LIVE backing band. Fully independent DJ line up playing TOP new sounds, MONSTER oldies and the cream of the unreleased rarities. Professionally built and run sound system (no 2ps on the stylus here chaps!) Modern Soul Room .... Free Your Soul in FREEDOM Providing, in our opinion, the BEST EVER venue for Modern Soul at a weekender in the U.K. Brilliant atmospheric venue. Featuring state of the art sound system, large permanent wooden dance floor and a huge fully licensed bar area open all-night for the duration of the event. Modern room record dealing. COME ALONG AND PARTY! Queen Vic Public House Providing a chillout area during night time for those quiet moments away from the main venues, fully licensed. get to the website for more info http://www.soulweekenders.com

The New Beehive, Westgate,Bradford,West Yorks. The new Beehive at Bradford was on last Saturday and going by the playlists the move to its new location has not affected the quality one bit DJs on the nite were Arthur Fenn, Ian Cunliffe, Mick Brown, Andy Macintyre Dave Guiry and Derek Pearson Date for the diary 27th April - next one Hit that read more for playlists from Mick, Andy and Ian and just feel the quality Playlists: Mick Brown, Andy MacIntyre Fantastics Where theres a will Impressario Internationals Beautiful Philosophy Dar Luis Curry Just plain nice Reel Bernard Smith / Jokers Wild Gotta be a reason Groove Billy Kennedy Sweet thing Thelma Joseph Moore I still cant get you MarVlus Devotions Do do de dop Nation Mamselles Open up your heart ABC Sag War Fare Girl you better change Libra TNJs Shes not ready Newark Joe Valentine I lost the only love I had Val Exits I dont wanna hear it Gemini Combinations I gonna make you love me Kimtone Committee Give in to the power of love NMI Enchanters Theres a look about you TeePee Sammy Lee What goes around Promco Matt Brown....Thank you baby....Jar-Val Turf Tydell&Templars....I got her love....Lebby Exits....I dont want to hear it....Gemini The Four Thoughts....Kisses&Roses....Womar Jimmie Ellis....Happy to be....Century City The Four Andantes....Hipper than me....Mo Do Jessie James....Are you gonna leave me....Shirley Bernie Moore....Im still a lonely soldier....Lark Ian Cuncliifes JESSE JOHNSON--LEFT OUT--OLD TOWN BROOKS BROS----LOOKIN FOR A WOMAN--TAY VONDELLS----------HEY GIRL YOU,VE CHANGED--AIRTOWN LOVERS--------------WITHOUT A DOUBT---FRANTIC MATADORS----------SAY YES BABY--CHAVIS BOBBY GUITAR BENNETT--YOU DID IT AGAIN--JUNIOR ROMONA COLLINS--YOU,VE BEEN CHEATING--CLARKS SOUL SET---------WILL YOU EVER LEARN--BI-ME FREDDIE BUTLER----SAVE YOUR LOVE FOR ME--WHEELSVILLE PERFECTIONS------SO LONELY---BIG B ANTHONY&THE DELSONICS----EVERY TIME--EMERGE MOMENTS--------YOU SAID--DEEP SHERRI TAYLOR--HE,S THE ONE THAT RINGS MY BELL--GLORECO JOYCE TAYLOR--MEAN MIS-TREATER----WAL-LY KNIGHTS-----I,VE GOT THE FEELING----USA CHUCK JACKSON---SOMEBODY NEW--WAND EXITS------------YOU GOT TO HAVE MONEY---GEMINI RINGLEADERS--ALL OF MY LIFE--ACETATE PATTI AUSTIN--I,VE GIVEN ALL MY LOVE--CORAL JOCK MITCHELL---NOT A CHANCE IN A MILLION--IMPACT LITTLE JOHNNY HAMILTON--OH HOW I LOVE YOU--DORE CHARISMA BAND---AINT NOTHING LIKE YOUR LOVE--BUDDAH WILL COLLINS & WILLPOWER----ANYTHING I CAN DO--BAREBACK ANTHONY WHITE--HEY BABY--P.I.R

Well what an opening night! A huge thank you to everybody that turned out on Saturday night to the new Brooklands event. Over 300 people were in attendance, travelling from as far a field as Scotland down to Leicestershire. The music supplied by the 3 DJs on the night; Gary, Terry Finn and the excellent Snowy was greatly enjoyed by all - in fact we had to carry on till 2:30 as they wouldnt go home! Once again big thanks to everyone that attended and also all that helped to promote the event in whatever shape that took. Much appreciated. Next event is March 9th, a bit close we know but then it settles into a steady monthly groove. DJs will be Derek Pearson, Snowy and Ginger Taylor. Tickets are available now at £4:00 and the special room/b&b/ticket deal is on again ,but make sure you book early... where have I heard that before. Dave Needham

A quick word passed on from Luton where the Talk Of The South held a soul nite at the rugby club featuring Andy Rix and David Flynn as the main guests. Well the word was that it was a top night, a great venue having a good sized bar and dance floor, quality sound system, a crowd from all over the UK, and .....believe it or not top quality real rare northern sounds. (Did I need to say that?) Definitely sounds like it was the down south northern place to be that nite. Hit that read more for David Flynns full playlist MAYFIELD SINGERS - DONT STOP NONE - MAYFIELD UNISSUED OXFORD NIGHTS - IM SUCH A LONELY ONE - DELPHI SOUL SHAKERS - IM GETTING WEAKER - LOMA TAN GEERS - LET MY HEART AND SOUL BE FREE - OKEH SEPTEMBER JONES - IM WITH YOU - PIED PIPER UNISSUED TYRONE ASHLEY - I WANT MY BABY BACK - PHIL LA OF SOUL ALT.TAKE PRECIOUS THREE - I NEED A MAN - REFOREE SOUL INC. - MY PROPOSAL - COCONUT GROOVE DAVE CHARLES - AINT GONNA CRY NO MORE - DONNIE RUBY - FEMININE INGENUITY - GOLD TOKEN MARY WHEELER & THE KNIGHTS - I FEEL IN MY HEART - ATOM DEL LARKS - OUT OF THE IN-CROWD - JET THE JOKERS - SOUL SOUND - SKO-FILED BENNY SPELLMAN - THIS ONES FOR YOU MY LOVE - ALON SOUL SET - CMON BABY - C/UP BETTY LOU & BOBBY ADAMS - DR.TRUELOVE - TRAX HELEN TROY - BRING THAT MAN MY WAY - C/UP FRAN OLIVER - SEARCHIN FOR MY MAN - C/UP EDWIN STARR - (S.O.S.) SCOTTS ON SWINGERS - RIC-TIC JOEY DELORENZO - WAKE UP TO THE SUNSHINE GIRL - MI-VAL CANDI STATON - NOW YOUVE GOT THE UPPER HAND - UNITY DONNA LOREN - BLOWING OUT THE CANDLES - CAPITOL BOBBY REED - THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR LOVE - BELL

SWEDEN SOUL UNITY II In March last year 70 of us took a step into for what was, for most - the unknown. A mini cruise to Sweden, the highlight of which was an alnighter with the Swedish Soul fans. Everyone had the time of their lives, including the Swedes and as a result they christened their Alnighter SOUL UNITY. Im pleased to tell you they want to repeat the experience. Getting a cheap fare from DFDS has been very difficult this year and we had almost given up, but even though its late - here are the details:- Sailing from Newcastle-upon-Tyne with DFDS on Friday 10/5/2002 at 3pm. Arriving in Gothenburg Saturday at 5pm . There are plenty facilities on board the cruiser, a restaurant, a cabaret, a cocktail/piano bar, a casino, a cinema, a disco, a Swedish sauna and a swimming pool. Hit Read More (look up) for more Details, FAQs, Prices, Top Tips, Timings, Dates, etc etc for what sounds like a top weekend, and going by reports from last one seems like one not to miss... Last year we half took over the ships disco. The only reason we didnt take over totally was that half the party where in the cabaret and having far too much fun to join the rest of us in the disco. There is no blame there, Im just pointing out there is plenty to choose from. There is Duty Free available both outward and back. The drinks on the ship are more expensive this year, You could bring your own but be careful no one sees you in the clubs or bar. In Sweden drinks are cheaper than on the ship and with the good exchange rate are not much more expensive then here, they are going to search bags for drink on entry to the alnighter. After the nighter we will have to find our own way back to the ship by taxi unless you want to take the last coach around 12am. Everyone must be back at the ship for 10am Sunday and we arrive back in Newcastle at 10am on Monday. UK DJs taking part havent been decided yet but they will be a fine pick. The deal is £90 per person, that includes 3 breakfasts and 3 nights bed, also transfers from boat to city though for convenience we will probably arrange our own coach. The free breakfasts are eat as much as you want Smorgasbord (big buffet), the food is superb. Im sorry its a bit more expensive this year but its DFDS not us, probably because its later in the year and you get an extra two breakfasts. To book phone DFDS on 08705 333222 and quote V6679S. Alternatively speak to Lizz for guidance. The offer is open until April but that isnt guaranteed, so book as soon as possible. I.E. this is direct with DFDS and the offer is open to other people as well as us. After you book phone so we know how many are coming, also any questions phone Lizz 07879 441 214. Frequently asked Questions 04/02/2002 Q - Do I get a cabin? A - yes with on suite shower and toilet, they are small with bunk beds, but clean. Q - Can I return to the ship at any time in the night? A - yes but the terminal will seem closed; start up the covered gang way and you will find a security guard (maybe asleep), he will speak English as most do. He will check your documents then allow you to pass. Q - How many are coming? A - Dont know yet, weve phoned a few and everyone we spoke to are coming Q - Will the sea be rough? A - Probably but not always. Q - What if I am Sea Sick? A - "I am" - I found that if I had something to eat, didnt look outside and rested on my bunk through the initial bout of sickness (couple of hours) - I got over it. However you can get Tablets from the information desk if you want them. Last year the sea was fine and no-one was ill.. NB. I went this February and the Sea was terrible but I took my own advice and I was ok, in May we stand a better chance of calm Seas Last year the Swedes were fantastic hosts and I can promise you a unique experience among some of the friendliest people in the world. We may well be going for a meal before the event but it isnt organised yet, we will let you know if you give you phone number to Lizz The Venue will be open from 8pm until 6am and the bar will be open until about 3am. There is fire regulation in the venue, Smoking is only allowed in the bar area. The bar is quite large so it doesnt cause any real inconvenience - it simply gives you chance to chat with the Swedes . Please dont contact me. I am not the organiser. But I went last year and had a great time. Will be there again this year too. For details, please contact my bezzie mate Lizz. You can email: fizzy_121@yahoo.co.uk or goodie_new_shoes@hotmail.com or telephone Lizz Foster on 07879 441 214(who many of you will know from nighters and soul nites both within the UK and overseas). Best wishes Dione

Thanks to Steve Foran, as have for you his view on last Fridays nite at Great Moor Club in Stockport. Orignally posted on Soul-Talk email list Just thought I would post a listing of our soul night last night. Fri 22 Feb. The evening was not like our usual nights. In Stockport we have lost two soulies recently. Firstly Nick Stamp died tragically on Christmas Day. Nick was a really nice lad, 38 with a family. Married into an extended soul family and a keen scooter fan. It was the first time we had chance to remember Nick as our soul night is every other month. Our extended feelings go to Nicks family and all his friends. The second departee was only last week and the funeral was on the 22nd. A lot of the party called in to our night. Joe Burns was older than me , I think he was 48. Joe was one of the most colourful soul lads around Stockport and every one knew him. In many repects our night was their night. Our thoughts are with Joes family and friends. Gt Moor Con Club started when Alan Pollard and myself Steve Foran managed to obtain the club function room for soul nights. The committee were not very happy at first due to the 70s perception of NS, kids and drugs and staying up all night etc etc.We are now nearly at our 2nd Annivesary and the bar takings are around £1700 per night. They want us to go weekly!!!! We try to mix up the sounds and try to break newer tunes. Last night was a little different, We split the night into 45mins, 30, 30, 45 mins. Hour long guest spot by Les Hare and the last hour was a deck each for Alan and myself. The tunes from Alan and myself over the night, in no particular order... Van Dykes, Tobi Legend for Joe Burns. Alt takes of Just Walk in my shoes G Knight " " Do I love you F Wilson This love is real J Wilson Running the street Brunswicks C/U It happens every time B McNair Need you like a baby A Henry Thats not love Holly St James Our love and Please let me in JJ Barnes Laws of love Volcanoes Shes putting you on United 4 Little misunderstanding Contours Baby dont you weep WEdward Hamilton This gets to me Pookie Hudson On the real side Larry Saunders Getting used to the blues Bobby Bland The Drifter Ray Pollard Too many people Bobby Goldsboro ( Totally filled the floor) Soft Walking Freddie Houston Ill always love you The Spinners Shake me wake me 4 Tops Ill be doggone Marvin Gaye Ill always need you Dean Courtney for Nick Stamp I dont like to lose Cecil Washington 7 day lover James Fountain You didnt say a word Yvonne Baker Cool off Detroit Execs Keep on running away BitnPieces Hear, Speak, See no evil Platters Ill pay the price Moses Dillard Go for youself Larry Laster Candy in the sand Paul Sindab Nothing can help you now Lenny Curtis Your love was so wonderful Sonny Allen Lonely too long Sandpipers Sweetest thing Channel 3 Case of too much love making Gloria Scott Hurt on the other side Sid Barnes Thumb a ride Earl Wright Countdown Tempos Bygones Bull I go to pieces Gerri Grainger 7 day fool Etta James Dont Pretend Belles Thanks for a little lovin Trends and Dave Flynn Pressure Drizabone I gotta find a way to get you back Tammi Terrell Cant you hear the children calling Bobby Womack Closer to the source Camelle Hinds Color him father OC Smith Come get to this Marvin Gaye Just ask me Bobby Thurston. Les played a great spot but I was on the door for most of his spot. Missing it, so I could not do him justice. Thanks to every one on the list who supported us once again. I enjoyed it I hope you did. Regards Steve Foran

Heres latest news of next details and dates for Cultured Soul @ Escape South London Cultured Soul @ Escape The Escape Club Above the Crown Inn Morden South London (on the corner of A24 London Road and Crown Road) Massive Car Park 8 - 2am (Bar till 2am) Friday March 15th Shabazz "Live PA" (direct from the USA) Andy Davies and Fish + Mike Ritson&Stuart Russell Friday April 19th Sour Mash Collective + Mike Ritson&Stuart Russell Hit Read More - For rest of dates for year - look up for hit more Friday 17th May Soul Sam, Arthur Fenn&Mark Simpson + Mike Ritson and Stuart Russell SATURDAY 22nd June "Summer Saturday Special" Terry Jones, Ivor Jones&Mark Simpson + Mike Ritson&Stuart Russell Friday 19th July Chris Anderton&Mark Simpson + Mike Ritson&Stuart Russell Also Friday 16th August Friday 20th September Friday 18th October Friday 22nd November (with guest DJs to be concerned)

Dont forget if you have a soul related thing going and want to spread the word, on it feel free to post/submit/email details in and get it featured on this site. Idea of site is to provide a good resource for soul fans to find out what is going on, what has happenend, what is available. Like to think were getting there, picking up about six thousand plus visitors per month, so if got ought want passed on.......get on it now! Few odd clips of news Johnny Vaughan Northern Soul Patrol on TV - Lot of laughs with this and done in a good funny surreal sort of way, classy backing as well from Kent records. Read that the guys are from Wokings scooter club "The Lost Souls". May be a bit late but catch it if you can. Togetherness Weekenders - On Jazz Fm Richard Searling annouced that theres gonna be two Togetherness weekenders next year. New Event- Again also on Jazz FM again word was that details of a Legendary Venue returning will be annouced in the next Togetherness mag. Togetherness Mag - The next issue is out at the begining of next month, after some of the content in the last issue would like to think it can only get better. Togetherness - Seems that Soul-Source no longer gets the togetherness press release emails, nice one! But no need to worry Kev we will still carry on reporting interesting stuff concerning them, it just wont be official!! Radio - Kev Roberts has a new radio show on Solar Radio on Saturdays, can catch it either thru internet or even better thru Sky digital in UK, (can you get solar in europe??) Details : "Starting Saturday 9 February at 10-00am GMT - we welcome Kev Roberts to Solar - and his "Hall of Fame" a new weekly programme featuring Northern Soul Anthems, Vintage all time soul greats, interviews and prize giveaways. " http://www.solarradio.com

Seems like the Top Nite for you down Southers this Saturday has gotta be Lutons Talk Of The Souths Soul Clubs Soul Nite at the rugby club, featuring two guests DJs from two of Londons Top soul nites: Mr Andy Rix, from Scenesville and Mr David Flynn from CSC Dome. what a strikeforce! More details in events

News from CSC that at the next Dome Soul Nite Kenny Burrell will be standing in for resident Carl Fortnum, so along with the main guest from the North West, Dave Holt doing the main guesting bit and Mark White doing the early doors one, it sounds like its yet another get there any way you can, for yet another quality Real Northern nite at one of the UKs finest Soul Nites. Plus also news that there is an couple of new interviews posted up featuring Kenny Burrell and David Flynn at the CSC website, Doing the business or what ....spreading the soul and then some!