Paulb

I think that the we do feel defined by our records, that's why they mean so much. I thought that my record box was a reflection of my character. That if someone was to flick through my box they would get a feel of what kind of person I was and likewise I could suss someone out by their tunes. And I think that is true to a certain extent. I used to really enjoy djing because I felt that I could play a set that no one else would, or could. That's why when I heard a tune that I knew would fit I just had to get it. It was a case of joining the dots together and the finished article was a piece of art. I would 100% never play a record that someone else had made popular - absolutely no chance. It meant to much to me to be copying others. But its all a load of b*llocks really. They are plastics discs that play a tune and that is it. And that worst bit of all was I was dedicating all my time and money to it and the reality is that so few people really get it. Mik - build your house. I think it would be chumpish not to.

Amen brother. Where does it end? That's what made me sack it off. The thought of living that way forever. Granted, everyone is different - but for me it was a massive weight off my shoulders.

Exactly the same with me. Got three triathlons on this year and that costs a lot for all the gear you need. I'll buy house and hip hop tunes for literally pence rather than telling myself a £50 funk record is a cheapie. The thing with soul records is nothing ever changes with collecting them. A bit like hammering booze, its always the same outcome. Prob 8 months since I paid more than £10 for a record and I've never missed it once.

Matt, it seems we're in similar camps.

Two little boys has definitely curbed the madness and I'm not going to soul nights at all anymore really. Also lost interest in djing so that's been sacked off. I'm not saying this in a negative way. I'm happy now I'm out of the game. Used to have regular chats with people about packing it all in.

Ha, that's what everyone is telling me, but I know I won't.

Having battled with serious vinyl addiction for a few years now I recently decided to stop buying rare 45s. I've sold pretty much everything I have over £50 and haven't bought a record for months. Record collecting is a funny one for me. Addictive personality and limited funds made it a stressful and sort of un enjoyable hobby. Always chasing the next record I couldn't really afford but somehow raised the dough. Trawling sales lists and ebay for hours and hours and hours. Not being able to afford other things in life as records took priority. Not a brilliant situation when you take a step back and see it for what it is. I've had times that I've not bought records just to have a break, but I've never felt like I was going to throw the towel in with it. This time feels really different and that buzz and desire has gone. Now I'm doing other things in life and having money for a change and it feels good. Anyone else ever felt like record collecting isn't the best thing to have in your life? I've always collected things and always will, but I think rare 45s have had their day with me.

Do you really believe that will happen? Not having a dig, but this attitude always surprises when soul hits the media in some format. It may put a few new faces out there out of curiosity, but a wild west style influx of town centre bell ends arsing around on the dance floor - it just doesn't happen.

Thanks Ivor

With a usb turntable could it go direct to a laptop and play through that or would it need a pre amp? All I am after is something to play in my front room that can be moved out of harms way when the kids are out of their cage.

Thanks guys. Already got 1200 decks and a mixer so reckon I'll look for a bose that can connect up.

Hmmm.....be the man of mystery..... I like the sound of that. This could be the change of direction I've been longing for. My life is depressing and I don't really have any friends. Becoming a man of mystery would change all that. Women would want me and men would want to be me. Yes....man of mystery......

Looking to get a decent record player and compact sound system set up for my front room. Nothing too expensive ideally and would like to keep it neat and tidy. Something that be tucked away in the corner rather than 8 foot speakers and an amp. Can you plug a record player into a bose system? I'm useless on stuff like this so any advice would be great.

Can anyone recommend a decent record bag for around £40 mark. Cheers.

Red Greg is a fantastic choice. A really top forward thinking dj. Bravo.

Very sad news. Clearly a very dedicated and respected chap. Depression is an awful illness.

In some ways the introduction of funk onto the soul scene has been a bad thing. It opened the floodgates for the new breed "funky soul dj" playing poor quality funk records that should never see the light of day. The volume of funk records played has gone through the roof, yet the quality has dropped through the floor, in my humble opnion of course.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xVJERP0kjHc Rare funky modern that is hard to source. Killer tune. Ex £100 Please pm if interested

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AR3K9eMjJKg Ex copy of this killer modern track. £195 Pm if interested Ta

Pm sent

Mint copy of this limited press release. Only 250 pressed and long sold out. Soul Sam spin and surely set for greatness. £25

Futures - betcha come back - warped Ex £120 SOLD Sam Savage - my lady - rrs Ex £65 Tr's Hot Ice - Hot Ice - Avi Ex £60 Pm if interested Ta

I think Maxwell should be banned for this outrageous post in sales.

Never understood someone like Carl Cox switching from vinyl to cds when djing. I'd have presumed that vinyl was important to him and that he would be elitist. I know a few of the old house djs in Manchester and they still play vinyl.

Couldn't agree more.