Soulsmith

OK smarty pants - whats the attraction with - ""His Dark Materials" - Philip Pullman?" Hope your wife is not too put out being Mrs G. (apologies on my part) Whilst ur out "Saving the Earth, roaming the earth battling notorious mega-monsters, attacking aliens and invading armies. ... " Can I swop mp3s with her?

"I've been saying for ages that someone should give Gareth X a go on a magazine. His knowledge is top rate, about a wide area of rare soul, and he writes so eloquently. You could do a hell of a lot worse than twist his arm into doing some articles for your mag Kev" I agree. Lean on Gareth. He's the oracle - as in an authoritative or wise statement or prediction. However if ur looking for a short sharp bit of prose that is sure to alienate most right mind thinking folk......drop me a line. Gareth will be factually correct. I'll sell more copy

You the man!

"No argument here, could be improved with a decent whisky! " I must be a Phillistine.......haven't found a whisky that couldn't be inproved by diet coke

What you gonna see ?..........creature from the black lagoon Personally think Mrs G. may have it sorted. Here's my tip for the new year: Get yourself an I-pod + northern soul + gym membership + adrenlin = endorphins Best natural high ever. Anyone care to disagree........

"I've raved here before about the Al Green/Booker T & the MGs version of "A Change Is Gonna Come" from the Will Smith/Michael Mann film "Ali": an incredible live version where AG wrings every last drop of emotion from one of soul's greatest songs; a moment of musical history far, far better than the film in which it was used." Hi Gareth - what chance an mp3?

"But settled nicely in my collection is J Blackfoot" Would that be "Taxi - for Mike In Town?"

Ever noticed nearly all dancers spin in only 1 direction......either clock wise or counter clock wise. Most good dancers can master 1 direction but hardly any body can spin well both ways. Its really difficult. Don't beleive me.........

Good question. Whoever answers that might also be able to supply a bit of background info on those nutters at Wigan (& Torch?) who danced with 1 leather glove on. What was that all about.....black power?

Steve, as you've answered honestly I will put both the records in the post for you. Of course, with the post being what it is, you may have to wait in sometime.

Soultown Andy, yes I did critisce your post. The one that started "Closed shop my arse" I thought your post was unbalanced. However, I didn't make any reference or critiscm whatsover about Sheridans. I don't know where you got that idea from. Just for the record I've never been to your club, lots of my mates have and they have all told me that its one of the best! Forgive me if I didn't know who you were. Now that you've explained a little more I can see the point you were making. For promoting & giving younger people a chance at DJing I take my hat off to you

Just reading back through the post a number of people have nailed their colours to the mast with the statement "I will only play originals" That's all very noble, but... Here's a couple of scenarios for you: 1. Your mate over in the Motown press office sends you an acetate of an unreleased Marvin Gaye track. Its the best thing since sliced Hovis. Do you remain true to your beliefs and refuse to play it out? After all the artist won't be getting any royalties. 2. Mr. Croasdell has secured the rights to a record that's sure go massive on the scene. There is only 1 original copy of it. For commercial reasons it will be released on his label in 6 months time and he has chosen 3 of the top DJs on the scene to promote it. You are one of them & he wants you to play it. Will you? Answer honestly........if you can.

Sorry, my previous comments were aimed in general direction of Ernie. Shane agree with your point entirely. For me its mainly about quality soul. I've heard Brian Rae mis-cue some dreadful toons on cd. But survived to tell the tale.

That out fit you're wearing must be blocking the supply of blood to your head. The bloody point is to go out on a Saturday nite in good company & appreciate some quality soul. If you are having a good time it shouldn't even be crossing your mind whether the DJ is playing an original or legit re-issue.

Hammy "I've a picture of Kate Garroway in my Louvre..." Interesting fact.... on a recent poll of who was the most fanciable GMTV presenter the vast majority of blokes went for Penny Smith. Now that is odd.

Mark - good post, really enjoyed reading it. Soultown Andy - bit of a 'crap' post really. Perhaps if you were to elaborate, we could have a reasonale discussion. Which venue do you promote? What up and coming DJs have you supported?

Dundeedavie2 - you are correct. Well a lot of art historians agree with you anyway. Doesn't stop people appreciating it though, does it?

Mark, I'm not having a pop at the DJs. I neither have issues with DJs nor any individuals on the scene. What I have issues with is a 'closed shop mentatlity' that stops up & coming younger DJs from making it to the top.* Personally I agree with most of the arguments agains't boots & CDs, but cannot see why some people look down their noses at other people playing legit re-issues. Its the snobbery aspect that I'm against. It sucks. *Please don't get the impression that I'm a frustrated DJ! I'm much happier on the dance floor.

Northern Soul was a working class youth culture. Sure the scene has matured. In some ways for the better, in some ways for the worse. But, as it stands at the moment playing legit re-issues is frowned upon by the top Djs, record collectors & promoters. To enter the scene now and try to become a top tier DJ would take a serious amount of money, which most people dont have. That is very handy for those at the top as they already have their ready made cosy little group.

So explain this to me: Its OK for DJs at the top level to play acetates But, its not OK for DJs on the next rung down to play legit re-issues.

Both sides of the argument have valid points. Pete's argument that 'DJ's make up 2% of the people on the scene' is one that I tend to agree with. Although I've mentioned before that I think the people posting on Soul Source are unrepresentative - every other poster is a DJ/serious collector/promoter! Whether its a brilliant nite out for me or just an OK nite is influenced by the atmosphere on the dance floor. Generally I haven't got a clue who's playing originalls & who's playing re-issues. Its how they play that counts. Although Brian Rae mis-cueing CDs is quite frankly dreadful. I know what it is that drives people to own original copies.......but it doesn't make them better DJs.........it also doesn't make them better people.

Fair enough big guy. Though, wouldn't it all be boring if we all got along? Ps aren't you running a bit late....... you're on the air in 20 mins.

I mainly carry sandwiches in mine

Sat morning Kev Roberts 10am till 12 Sun evening Mark Bicknell 8pm till 10 Ha Ha...........the 2 opposing faces of northern soul! Shame somebocy can't get them to double deck - now that would be good

Shocked at some of the comments on here. like....."its enough to make you cringe" It seems the style police are out in force. Shame on you. Who are you to say whats acceptable and whats not on a Saturday nite? Consenting adults & all that. A bunch of guys that I know are well into Morris dancing. Not my cup of T but they love it. What I never do is go along to there events, cringe & then go onto their web site and make jokey comments about them.