Geoff

"Ripping yarn Geoff me old mate .......how about a book?" Don't know about a book Martin, but you had the playlist last Saturday at Bar 12, lol.

I've only just seen this thread so I thought I'd add my tribute. Leaving aside soul connections, Gene was a great pop singer, big voice, dramatic songs, a bit similar to Roy Orbison in the drama stakes. He made a load of great records, Every Breath I Take, truly brilliant, anyone heard the cover by Jess Conrad, lol? Two of his tracks have special meaning to me due to an old girlfriend and the way she packed me up. Also he used some of the great songwriters of the 60s, Bacharach and David, Randy Newman, even Jagger and Richards. He seemed a nice guy with a sense of humour, remember him on Ready Steady Go, when they had a competition to see whose version of 24 Hours To Tulsa was being played speeded up, his or Dusty Springfield's. They both mimed to the speeded up version. Showed they didn't take themselves too seriously. Thanks for the music Gene, RIP.

I was a Mod in the early / mid 60s in my dim and distant youth. I went to the Scene, it was the best club I ever went to, shaped my love for music into what it is now. I did a description of what it was like on KTF a few years ago, nearest I've been to it since was These Old Shoes although it was quite different. Also I did a list of tracks i recall being played. There was no alcohol served, only a horrible cola drink, produced from powder if I recall. Don't want to go into it too deeply as it would probably be boring for most on here. Musically Mods were into soul, or rhythm and blues as it was more generally called then. I think the very first Mods liked modern jazz, hence the name Mods, as opposed to people who liked trad jazz, the European revival of American traditional jazz. When I first went to the Scene most of the stuff played was genuine R&B, Bo Diddley, Jimmy Reed, Chuck Berry (his stuff was being revived by the Mersey and Beat boom of the time), early Motown records like Money, Please Mr Postman, etc. And some Phil Spector hits of the time. Plus organ tracks by the likes of Jimmy McGriff. Also some jazz, but can't remember who it was by, but sort of punchy brassy stuff. And some ska, or Bluebeat, Prince Buster, Derrick & Patsy. It gradually changed into what we now call soul as the music changed. Stuff like the Impressions, Major Lance, Four Tops, Temptations, classic Motown and Atlantic and Stax. As in most of the clubs of the time some pop records were played, but it was mainly R&B/soul. Pop records I recall included GTO by Ronnie & The Daytonas (a sort of surf record, although I don't think it originated in California), You're The One by the Vogues and Hung On You by the Righteous Brothers. I think it was down to the DJ of the time, if I recall correctly, a rather attractive blonde lady. I went to most of the other clubs of the day in central London, La Discotheque, Last Chance, Flamingo, Whisky A Go Go, Marquee, etc. Les used to go to see the Rolling Stones at Eel Pie Island, I never went there. Obviously I can only go by my own memories and experiences. But I do remember at the Tottenham Royal, which was over 50 per cent Mod, male and female, that when the Beatles' 2nd LP came out, tracks like All My Loving were greeted by cheers, and the same with the first Rolling Stones LP. I used to go and see the Who at the Marquee, and they seemed very exciting at the time, as did the Yardbirds when Eric Clapton was a member. I seem to remember reading that the Who took on the Mod image at the suggestion of their manager, can't remember his name, when they became the High Numbers for a short time with I'm The Face. Personally I never really rated the Small Faces, a bit manufactured imo. By the time the psychedelic stuff that swirlies appear to like (or have I got their musical tastes wrong?) Mod was dead. I could go on and on (probably seems like I have done, lol), but it really affected most things about my life, interest or obsession with music of a soulful style, liking for clothes, and many other things. Does make me smile when I see things about that time and they have got it wrong, or at least my memory tells me they are wrong. Les always used to say they had the Mod girls' clothes wrong, and there were several changes of styles for men. But of course as I can hardly remember what I did before lunch I may be totally wrong about everything. Sorry this is such a long post.

I got my first Ben Sherman, pale blue cotton, at the end of 1966, and it was great, the best shirt I'd had till then. It wasn't fitted, sort of square, as most shirts were then. I think the fitted ones came in towards the end of the 60s, I remember the first of those I got was pale green, and wasn't all cotton. I've still got my old Crombie I had when I was a Mod from Austin Reed, and my original sheepskin, and can still wear them, but not with a jacket. Anyway that is simply a trip down memory lane. When I now go out to a soul do I always wear a short sleeved shirt, sometimes button down or maybe a polo shirt. Sometimes wear a shirt outside my trousers, but it can't be one of those with a long tail on it, really don't like that. I prefer shirts to be all cotton, better when you dance and perspire. A spare t shirt would be a good idea. For trousers it is nearly always chinos, preferably Dockers, or jeans. Incidentally does anyone know anywhere in the London region where Dockers are sold cheaper than £55 a pair? I am sure they are much cheaper in the states. I've got to the point in my life where comfy shoes are important, especially as I've had problems with my right foot for over a year. I haven't got any really expensive shoes, but I do like leather soled, but they cost a fortune to repair. I must admit that I often wear a pair of my work shoes, Clarks, and have generally found them okay on the dance floor, especially with a smidgeon of talc on the floor, lol. Nothing wrong with trainers, comfort while dancing is most important. I've got quite a nice Harrington I got from Simons a few years ago, but don't often wear it to soul do's (wish I still had the original American one I got from the Squire Shop in Berwick Street in the 60s, lovely jacket, sort of dark brick red). One thing that would be nice at clubs would be a secure cloakroom, wouldn't mind paying to leave my coat and bag safely. As this doesn't seem to exist I don't usually wear anything that can't be rolled up and put in my bag. Plus whatever you wear seems to smell of other people's smoke at the end of the evening. Nowadays I just can't imagine how I used to wear a suit or jacket and tie to an all nighter, I must have smelt a bit in the morning. As we are all going out for a good time, feeling comfortable in whatever you wear has to be the priority. Although in view of Mikey's post may leave the check button down at home for a while. Where is the Brook Brothers shop in the City?

My faves by Kool and the Gang are Joanna and Cherish. I heard the latter when I was in my car on the A10 about to do a right turn and it came on Smooth FM, the words bought tears to my eyes. I've always liked K and the G, although I only really know their better known tracks, Jones versus Jones and Too Hot are both nice too.

[Geoff: Yes you surely have heard it played out at both the Old Blue Last by me and at SITC by Mac in his early set - too busy gossiping!] You're probably right Paul, too busy chatting to John Stubbs, lol. But I am sure I would have noticed it being played, such a favourite of mine. However please play it at the next SITC. I don't think I've ever heard a bad track by Walter Jackson, really like It's All Over and Not You, beautiful ballads, but maybe too slow for a club. Others may wish to comment on that.

Thanks for putting up the lyrics of this masterpiece. Love dancing to this and singing along, but the words are hard to follow, the backing seems a bit loud in places. Hope Martin Thomson plays this tomorrow at Walls Of Heartache.

I loved Uphill Climb To The Bottom when it came out in the 60s, but stupidly didn't buy it. Truly wonderful record. Never heard it played out, might make me cry if I did, it has that effect on me. Certainly a record I would like played at my funeral, and I know some other people who feel the same way.

Derek Martin had quite a long career beginning in doo wop as far as I know. I always thought his best known record was issued in the UK on Sue in about 64 or 65: Daddy Rolling Stone/Don't Put Me Down Like This, and his name was misprinted on the label as Derak Martin. Later he recorded Sly Girl, not sure of label but played on Northern scene as far as I know. Another one by him that I know is from 1973 on Vibration called Falling Out Of Love. As I write this it occurs to me that there was an article about him in In The Basement some time ago. I will check it out later, after doing the shopping, lol. Just proves to me that we are so lucky in soul music to have so many great singers, of both sexes. Pity so many are underrated.

Is he okay now Janine? Out of hospital I mean. The shop is worth a visit, very good prices for CDs. Oh sorry I shouldn't have mentioned them.

The 3 versions listed are all great imo, but have gone for Dionne's for sentimental reasons. A particular moment in my life when it came out. When I hear it I still get tears in my eyes. Sentimental old fool. How many other versions of this great song are there? I can think of Willie Tee, Nancy Wilson, but I know there are others. Help please.

I'll use some of these on Friday night at Blue Skies, LOL.

Used to love this when it came out in late 65, top record at the time, always seemed to be played with Rescue Me, Ain't That Peculiar, Let's Hang On and Run Baby Run. Original b side Bullseye isn't too bad either I recall. Could I include this in my spot at Blue Skies on Friday, or would I be booed off the stage? I suppose it is too common for a Northern night.

Almeta Latimore - These Memories Masqueraders - How Big Is Big

[g davis/r tyler - hold on help is on the way checkmates - kissing her and crying for you.] Hi Mark, Hold On was played at the Capitol Soul Club at the Dome, and I've heard the Checkmates played at Scenesville (can't remember by whom) and at Soul In The City by Dave Greenhill, I think.

[june probably = junior. pretty common nickname in the southern states] Arthur Alexander made his first record as June Alexander so you are probably right.

I'd like to wish all my friends on the soul scene a great Christmas and New Year, thank you for all your kindness and support, it has helped me get through a difficult period in my life.

[..... whilst looking in that dusty box i found cissy stone "gone but not forgotten" opportunity knocks winning northern!!] Got the Cissy Stone in a CD swap last year, great track imo. Didn't know it was British though, Opportunity Knocks, what happened to her? When you think about it there have been some really good British tracks but they seem to get forgotten in the mass of American records. Off the top of my head I really like Tony Colton's I Stand Accused (played at last CSC), far better than the Merseys cover version, if I remember they do it a lot faster. Also the Chants track that has been played in London by Martin Thomson, the title eludes me at the moment, at work so can't check up. But there are plenty to choose from as this thread has showed, thanks to Pete Smith for uploading his files. Looking forward to hearing them.

Is this thread referring to legitimate CDs, if so there are loads of current and recent plays not available? However a lot are available on bootleg CDs or via swapping groups I imagine. Anyone ever heard a decent MP3 of Margaret Littles?

[Lorraine Ellison - Stay with me baby. How emotional is this vocal? Stunningly amazingly gorgeous, and £2!] Still remember how this knocked me out when I first heard it. Great record. My current favourite deep soul track is Benny Latimore's Rain From The Sky. Superb imo.

["Pity Otis Redding is overlooked as he is considered too mainstream - Albums are by far the best source of undiscovered material - forget chasing after elusive 45's discover new stuff yourself - check out Otis Redding" I for one totally agree...see my earlier post. However like the majority of originally unreleased material, these Otis tracks pail by comparison to the more well known recordings. If the soul scene is about music and not just just about the price of records, then it really is about time that these deservedly household name artists were revisited and their material appreciated. I suspect though, the soul scene will continue to chase its tail searching for the same twenty records. "Look At that Girl" is such a great record. One of the first Otis records I ever bought and have loved it ever since.] I've often found it strange that some of the best soul singers (imo of course) are totally ignored by the scene. Or only the odd record, e.g. Cry To Me by Solomon Burke, personally reckon he made far better records than that one. I prefer Look At That Girl to Lovin' By The Pound, but I suppose most of Otis's stuff is too well known. Yet stuff like I'm Still Loving You and other pretty well known Motown stuff is heard regularly. Nothing wrong with that, they are great records, but from the same era and were well played at the time. Is the Atlantic/Stax material too well known, or is it difficult to dance to, not tried myself to be honest? While it isn't conventional Northern sounding (whatever that is, lol) still great soul music. And there must be plenty of lesser known tracks by these artistes that could be played now. Or would they be classed as R&B? Incidentally at a Skegness Northern weekender in 2003, Respect and Sweet Soul Music were played on the Saturday night in the main room upstairs.

I don't actually know the record you refer to, or when it was issued. Bill Doggett was the organist who recorded the original of Honky Tonk in the 50s on the King label I think, one of the big instrumentals of the rock'n'roll era, and led to loads of similar sounding tracks. He originally played with Louis Jordan and the Tympany Five. Any chance of posting up a sound file please?

I went to my first all nighter in 1964 at La Discotheque in Wardour Street, just up from the Flamingo. Actually can't remember too much about it, except they played Jan & Dean's Surf City, biggie at the time I think. Why do I remember that record and not others? Later moved on to all nighters at the Scene. The nighters there did finish at about 3ish, then everyone went on to La Discotheque, but then the Scene started to stay open till 6 or 7, just can't remember now. I used to get up there about midnight, met my mates at Piccadilly tube station. I went to the Flamingo quite often, but never to an all nighter. Weird to read this thread, had a dream about the Scene last night, could see it all clearly, but all the people down there were my age, as they would be now I guess. Horribly scarey. Is there anyone else on here who used to go to those clubs?

Since I lost Lesley my neighbours encourage me to go out to my "music" nights. They are really sweet. I took my oldest mate and his wife to the Blue Skies night for Lesley in September, she loved it, wished her back would permit her to dance. Not so sure he liked it though. His musical taste runs to classical music now, and he really knows his stuff. I've tried to explain Northern to colleagues, but I can tell they think I am a bit weird going out "clubbing" at my age (LOL). I showed them a DVD I've got of the last night of the CSC with me doing my stuff, reduced them to hysterics. I often pass music files to a black guy in my office who likes current R&B and soul, but can tell he finds 60s stuff a bit old fashioned, however he called Out On The Floor good time music. An earlier comment about us being members of a cult is probably correct. Soul music is my religion, hearing the music always lifts my spirits, while often simultaneously reducing me to tears. Work that one out.

Wouldn't radio be a better medium to go into the scene in more depth? TV is a visual medium so film is required, not much film of the 70s scene, just that This England as far as I know. On radio its origins could be discussed, different sounds from the different clubs and possibly a rational discussion of the splits in the scene, or is that just impossible? But would anyone listen, apart from those reading this message? TV will always concentrate on showing dancing, not really interesting for non soulies after a couple of minutes, and very short soundbites, the way Jo was shown is a classic example. To be honest can't remember too much of the Trevor Nelson programme, but these people have a different agenda, not love of the music, but they want a programme that will get viewers (to keep the advertisers happy). Not too worried how they get it, and if they don't understand something it doesn't stop them, not worried about getting things right, after all the truth isn't that important is it? I suppose all minority music is treated in this way, not really sure how much of an audience there is for soul music in general.