Dave Moore

Or any other subject matter that's flavour of the month, in my experience.

And at least two returned to UK and were adamant that it was real one! I'm not even sure if they'd been to the shop it was at.

Adams Apples are black.

Then we'll have to agree to disagree. But that's OK. And this from a man/DJ who listed 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' (Seb's Mix) on his playlist too! I would venture that if the HDH 'classics' had failed at the commercial hurdle and been produced on Palmer, D Town, Sepia, or the like, then the perception of them as not 'Northern' would be somewhat different. As the great Man said on every Gordy outing "It's What's In The Grooves That Count".

Good Lord! I can't believe you said that Mr Trevski! I always had you down as a well balanced, well listened, type of chappie with decent musical lugs. I now have to reappraise my evaluation and am struggling to avoid the conclusion that you are a deaf Philistine. You have SOME remaining credibilty due to your previous good behaviour, but only just! Much of the output revered in Northern Soul circles was built on the Motown Sound or at least it paid more than a passing nod to it. In fact it was built by the same people! Played by the same musicians, produced by the same producers, arranged by the same arrangers, in some cases in other cities but with the distinct connection to the Snakepit. Admittedly by the time The Jackson Five etc hit Motown the 'Northern' style influence had had it's day, but you could say that about most US labels/companies by that stage. If you had to select a group of people who had influenced the "Northern Style" of sixties soul (from a purely musical perspective), more than anyone, then you'd be hard pushed to find anyone above H-D-H surely? There's been some fantastic contributors to the music like The Harthon Trio, Wylie/Hestor, Groovesville Productions, Pied Piper, Davis/Sanders, Smith/Carmichael etc etc. But surely H-D-H are the benchmark?

The 45 is Jimmy Helms - You're Mine You - Symbol W/Demo. Which was actually MINT- before it's liccle 'accident. First time I've had anything like this happen. I think it's a latent defect. I think it was just waiting to pop and somehow in transit, that happened. Pleased to say that the seller has refunded me 30% and I think that's a fair solution. Was a bit of a bargain anyway at 20 squidleys. It still plays perfect and if handled with care should be OK.

Just had a 45 delivered with the label (and the vinyl underneath it split perfectly in a circle). Record is split about 75% the way round the label just on the edge of the label. Still plays perfectly. The guy says it wasn't like this when he packed it. It was well packed and there's no damage to the package at all. The guy has a good reputation. Thoughts anyone? Strange one.

I'm sure Stev was on here at some point? Wasn't he involved in the Cheltenham gig with Neil? STEVE.....WHERE ARE YOU?? I'll give Guy a ring.

Oh Dear! A legend in your own lunchbox already. I'd be interested in seeing a 'playlist' of undiscovered or underplayed, little known, records that are a result of you striving for the originality that's so important to you. You do realise Beeks old chum that some of us have been listening to this music for over 30 years! And we struggle to find what you're apparently finding with consumate ease. And from the comfort of your own home too....you've obviously got the 'golden touch'.

Have to say Beeks (and this is not meant in a derogatory way), that you don't seem to 'get it'. You've approached the scene from a DJ angle from the git go. You are about the only person I've ever 'met' that ever did that. The fact that you were a DJ in pubs and bars playing soul music means the sum total of zip on the rare soul scene. It's like saying 'I used to open for Status Quo'. Do you know any real collectors? (Not giuys with 300 45s who DJ every week). I'm talking about guys that have collected for many years, that have whole runs of labels, people who have all spectrums of Rare Soul tucked away in ther boxes. Once again, this is not meant in any derrogatory way but maybe the DJ angle is limiting your outlook.

Thing is the 'big name DJs' actually went out and earned their big names. Simple as that. All this talk of 'personality", DJ skills, mic technique, creating a flowing set, etc etc is a red herring. The best DJs on this scene are the ones that play the best records. Sure, there are people who get away with playing average 45s due to their personalities and brash mic technique but the real top people are the ones with the right records. Everything else is a red herring, usually brought into the equation by people who WANT to be a DJ but ain't got the right tackle. Sure, you've got to be able to have the nouse to put the records on the turntable correctly, and be able to put them in some sort of order, but it ain't rocket science is it. It's the records that are the meat of the main course, all the rest is just the vegetables. It is of course easier to break a new record if you've already got an audience that trust your judgement. But that doesn't come overnight does it? It takes time and effort to source the 45s in the first place. Too many 'DJs' and not enough 'sourcers of 45s' . To really be at the top, you need to be both. Otherwise you're simply playing records found by other people. Which is what most do. At least that's how I see it.

Any contact for Pete or Steve? Offlist if needed. Thanks for the info/input, it's appreciated.

Looking for anyone witha spare ticket for The Spinners at Prestatyn? No accomodation needed just the ticket. Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers Sean, I'll check in with them.

I also played 'Brown Sugar' at some stage of the proceedings. 'Tis a great stormer, that's for sure. Happy memories!

Hi Gang, I'm trying to piece together the life of Ollie McLaughlin. Is there anyone here that can help? I have most of the 45s needed but am looking for anyone to help with his history or anecdotes? There must be people who worked with him that would be willing to help tell his story. A lot of his work was done at Tera Shirma in Detroit and various locations in Chicago. Any promo ads or stuff for his Ruth/Carla/Karen/Miora labels anywhere? ANY help would be greatly appreciated. His catalogue of work is up there with the best that D Town ever produced and I'd love to see him recognised in full glossy color. I can be reached at hitsville2648@earthlink.net if anyone is happy to help.

As Otis Leavill calso did a vesion of this could that be where the mix up is? I've never heard of another version of GTHAYL. Be interested to hear it if anyone could track it down.

Guys, Here's mine. It's obviously the 120 issue and I've always believed it to be a promo. (I don't know why apart from it's white). Got me thinkin' now. Has anyone ever seen a coloured #120? Has anyone else got a 120? White or otherwise?

Mine is a White one. No Promo markings but it's the first one I saw like this hence I bought it. From a certain Mr Shard if I remember correctly. I'll dig it out tomorrow and post a scan.

Gutted for you, but it's not an uncommon experience now I'm afraid. Best to put it behind you and keep hunting for the next one. Not all sellers resort to this tactic, I'm sure there'll be other bargains

My Mrs is dikslecksic and got me R5OUL for Xmas! Bless her!

Hey Barry, Keep on smokin' Matey!

Hey Carl, ENJOY! Say hi to Bobby and Vonnie for us willya? A drumming lesson from Mr Young! Who'd have thunk it eh? Lookig forward to a full report on your return, but keep us posted Mate....and Good Luck with it all.

Top one is just a 'bad' pic of the issue I think. I've certainly never seen or heard of a W/D. Would be glad to be proved wrong though.

Yes there is something missing....a W/Demo.