Len

As discussed on other threads, many feel the same as you - In general, "Today's Soul Scene is just a 'pastiche' of the real Soul Scene" (copyright Jem) But hey, stay positive and pick out the good bits - The music and there's still lot's of nice, funny, genuine people about (They're usually the quiet ones) J Right, back 'on topic' - I know John Manship tends to sometimes get a bit of stick for prices etc. I personally like the guy and know he absolutely loves the music; he puts in the hours / hard work etc, and so is there really anything wrong with him making money? I personally don't think there is. Also, ref his prices - Don't forget he has to pay 20% vat on all sales and he has staff (Just a thought) All the best, Len.

Yes, Mr Soft Touch is great, I played that at Coop's 'Nowt Fast, Nowt Furious' nite at Grantham which incidentally comes highly recommended. I'll seek out the Bill Merriweather... ...Later - I'm getting 'Nowt done' here at work - Doh! (Again) lol Cheers, Len.

Doh! He he, oh well, I can't help getting enthusiastic about this thread! ... I have two 70's bootlegs at home... don't tell anyone though...One was a present from Gilly mind so worth a lot more I'm gonna go back over this thread again, there's some great tracks, some of which I am aware of, some not - What fun! All the best, Len.

It's funny, this thread is almost a bit 'dark' as in - 'coming out' and admitting you like ballads / Mid-tempo tunes is almost taboo to some folk on today's scene...Well - "We're here, get used to it" 'Girlfriend' J lol Has this one been posted yet? (I didn't see it) - It's a record that some are very aware of but others I know are not, due to the fact that the main side is such a monster. It's the other side to 'Gwen Owens - Just Say Your Wanted' The unfortunate thing for me is, I really want a copy for this side but it's such an expensive record, so I am waiting for a copy to be for sale where the 'Just Say Your Wanted' side is so kn*ckered it doesn't play, thus the record being virtually worthless! J (P.M me if anyone 'out there' just so happens to have one for sale as described!) lol All the best, Len.

One more before a 'Very Happy Chappy' goes to bed - The C.O.D's Pretty Baby - One of my absolute faves. (Other side to 'I'm A Good Guy') This is a record that my mum rang Mick Smith up for on the 9.00am 'dead line' (As I was at School) and to this day I'm still not over the 'shear devastation' she caused me over the fact that she asked for a record by 'The Cods' (Yes the blo*dy fish!) Apparently it took a while for Mick to work out 'what the devil she was going on about' - A 15 year old Lenny was not amused! J Nite Nite x All the best, Len. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r35QYZ7ayD4

Oh my God!...Oh my God!!...Oh my God!!!... Oh my God!...Oh my God!!...Oh my God!!!... Oh my God!...Oh my God!!...Oh my God!!!... Oh my God!...Oh my God!!...Oh my God!!!... Oh my God!...Oh my God!!...Oh my God!!!...I can't believe I've only just seen this FANTASTIC THREAD!!! I've skipped through it and 'ticked like' so many times so forgive me if you get a notification that confuses you as it will be for a post from ages ago!!! I hope I haven't skipped through too fast and missed that someone else may have put this one up - Other side to Mel Brit She'll Come Running Back - Absolute Midtempo Perfection. All the best you 'Romantic lot!' Len. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2J-NL97NAk

I would imagine a busy weekender would be a good earner, that's maybe why there's now a few of them. Nowadays there's a lot more people on the scene than when it was just Cleethorpes which made a loss for the first few years. The amount of work involved organising a weekender must be tremendous and I wouldn't think many would put themselves through all that stress just for the love of it alone (Maybe a small minority) I think this amount of work warrants some financial reward at least and great if it's not the only reason for someone to be putting one on of course. All the best, Len.

He he, me to - As discussed aye Joan?! Len.

Mmmmm - The 'Plot' thickens...I wonder if Frost would have 'cracked the case' (Not sure if Frost was shown in Aus - Frost was one of the best detectives known to England)... ***If it is something awful - Apologies in advance but this is a public forum and at this time, the 'why's and what for's' are anyone's guess *** All the best, Len.

Anything could have happened in the guy's life (a death or illness to someone close etc) I personally would wait two weeks, after that put the said records back on sale but keep his deposit safe for at least a month. Or if you able, in two weeks time when you put the records back on sale send him his deposit back with a kind 'e' mail. Something must have happened in his life to detract him from a) The money he's already sent and b) Leaving records he is expecting! - Come on anyone on here knows the antisipation waiting for a 'delivery' - Something very important must have happened. All the best, Len. P.s - I nearly asked what the records were but thought that really is a bit sad of me!

...And that's where you are wrong my friend... All the best, Len.

Great fun listening to these, keep em coming! All the best, Len.

Is there really any 'Naming and Shaming' to be done here? Surely there's not D.J's that actually do turn up just before their spot, then go home soon after, especially on a regular basis? Correct me if I'm wrong but I've always thought this a bit of an 'urban myth' Maybe some big name on the oldiers scene that makes a 'cameo' appereance because of who they are / what their history is? This is a question not a hint at anyone I can think of. Anyway, there's no rule in The Northern Soul Rule Book that states you can't actually do this - I just checked All the best, Len.

I know a Soul Night maybe 'Sunday League' to some but same principle. When I was promoting I always paid each D.J straight after their set, said thank you very much and if they decided to go home early it was up to them. I was kind of making that point to them by paying them as soon as they had 'Done their duty' There should be no presure on anyone or it just pushes them away. All the best, Len.

A lot of people leave nighters around 4 or 5 (Nothing wrong in that - it's their choice and at least they're supporting) I think if a nighter finishes at 6.00am a lot of those people would most probably make the effort to stay till the end which would finish off a night slightly better than just half the attendees left (IMHO) of course! All the best, Len.

Hiya Andyk123

I agree kind of - I say 'kind of' because I don't think this situation should really ever arise. A promoter should know what they are doing and only book D.J's that will fit at their venue. This has been mentioned many times and I suppose its correct for nowadays because stands to reason there being so many promoters, not all will have done their home work - Instead maybe just booking the 'Flavour of the month' and not thinking it through beforehand. What I mean is, years ago I don't think a D.J ever had to consider a booking for the reasons given above and I don't think it should be the D.J's responsibility, although they will be the one who has to suffer a 'non fitting' set and then get blamed because they took the booking albeit in good faith. Correct me if I'm wrong here, examples please if any. ***Looks like this thread is taking its own course and not just hanging in the 'Balance'*** All the best, Len.

An Albrighton Record! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTjBy_mW_98

What a shame, It was a great place. Unfortunatelly all good things come to an end for some reason. All the best, Len.

I think that's now three of us guessing what the original poster meant by 'Balanced'. Maybe it's someone DJing from on top of a high wire! - Careful mind as that really could end up 'Cutting edge'! Can the person who started this thread please explain what you mean by 'Balanced' in this particular case? So far we have interpreted it four different ways, if you let us know we can concentrate on just that (Well most should be able to) In the mean time - Do you think all venues should be original vinyl only? (O.V.O) ?!!! - "Yes, I'm joking! lol" Len.

He He, I was just thinking I look like I'm talking to myself! lol - Yes, it's been a very quiet afternoon here at L.D Fabs....Gawd, I hope the phone rings soon... Right, that's the last I have to say on the matter! (Honest)....I'm off to find another thread... All the best, Len.

Not forgetting D.Jing is no easy task! - Christ that 'balance' is so hard to achieve. The D.J's get knocked if they play the 'same ol', same ol' they get knocked if they play something a bit 'left field' they even get knocked for the sake of being knocked! So hats off to those who put themselves through it week in, week out as I don't think many could do it that often as well as the ones we all view in high regard. Len.

There's a difference between which someone's favourite D.J is and what D.J gets the balance right though isn't there? In saying this, I suppose it goes hand in hand because if they can't get the balance right they're not a great D.J really are they? There are D.J's that are never out of their 'comfort' zone so don't often have to adapt. You could say, some have an easy audience and may possibly fail if faced with a crowd they are not used to. All the best, Len.

Do you mean, a D.J that plays in such a way that the majority of the crowd are entertained but gets the 'balance' right between fresh tunes they want to play and what people are familiar with? If so - For me also, Soul Sam along with many others, most of which have been doing it a few years as it takes lots of experience to master such a skill and even the best D.J's can still have 'off' days. I've seen Sam start with soulful funk, take us on a 'journey' and finish with some great 60's oldies, really playing the floor correctly. He did a fantastic set at the final Pemberton Centre and seemed to please everyone, which at a local Soul Night is one hell of an achievement! All the best, Len.

P.s - What D.J or type of soul music you like is obviously down to personal taste. 'Across the board' works for some as at least this type of night attracts more people which obviously gives a place atmosphere. Great if you get a busy night where it's all to your taste though and everyone in the room is on the same wave length. Len.