Mm reading through here, there seems to be a consistent theme, not wishing to be labelled with the Northern soul tag, because it lends to wearing baggy trousers, badges etc, and having to explain oneself. So the term Rare soul is used as an alternative to Northern soul, to avoid embarrassment and awkward explanations. bit of a cop out i think. I'm proud to say i'm into Northern soul, i don't wear baggy trousers or sow on badges, but each to their own. live and let live i say. Northern soul and Rare soul are the same thing as far as i'm concerned, whether i'm at a local oldies night,or lifeline all nighter, its all Northern soul too me. KTF.