Back in the late 70s we used to go to the Abingdon allnighers, I don't remember any resident big name DJs there, although I think Steve Jeffries was involved, but just like Yate it was a reasonable distance from Dorset so it was a cheaper/easier alternative to Wigan etc and it was always popular with a good atmosphere.
Anyway this was during the height of the 'Pop' Era so it won't surprise anyone that a lot was played but the biggest record one night (played at least 3 times) was covered as Florence Devore and we hadn't heard it anywhere else. Like a lot of people those days we always took a tape recorder so that we could listen at home and on the journey back to Poole we played the tape and all agreed it was a perfect dancer especially the drum breaks which were made for spinnning!
The next day I am playing the tape at home and getting the usual turn that down shouts from my parents so when my Mum appears I am expecting the final turn it down or turn it off speech, but she says I know that last song. I laugh and tell her no way Mum, its Northern Soul, she shakes her head and says, well its not a great recording maybe its similar or a different version, play it again. I rewind and play it again and almost instantly she says it's definately Helen Shapiro,
I bought it when it was in the charts, I've still got it somewhere, she was a real favourite of mine, did you know she was born in the same place as your Nan? I'll ask your Dad where he put my old 45s so you can check, its probably in the loft.
Sure enough when I get home the next day the 45 is on the bed and its Helen Shapiro "Tell Me What He Said" and so even though I know she sings Stop And You Will Bccome Aware I play it hoping its not the same record simply because I can't handle that my Mum not only knows it, she actually bought it!
Of course it is the same record, but it sounds so different at home that I wonder how we could have thought it sounded so good, maybe the loudness and atmosphere?
Now I am really torn, I am gutted that its her, that's it a chart hit and worst of all that my parents are ribbing me on how after telling them how Northern Soul is all about rare Soul records I have been dancing to a Pop hit. But at the same time I was Djing at local Soul nights back then and know if I play it the lads that were at Abingdon would all be amazed I had it and it would likely pack the floor and it could be a game changer for me as a DJ locally.
In the end I couldn't bring myself to play it, knowing its history the magic had gone and although it seemed to disappear from playlists of that time, it's still played these days but I can't hear it without thinking about the day my Mum uncovered a Northern Soul record!
Anyone else got a similar story or maybe a cover up of their own that got busted?