Winnie :-)

============ I think this is a very good point. In days gone by the scene was more centralised, places like the Mecca, Wigan, Stafford all drawing in the main crowds. But then the DJs didn't travel about as much so the only alternative was to go and see them. These days it's reversed with top line DJs being the ones who travel to local venues to play out their sounds. Maybe it's a way of advertising themselves, should think they'll get more bookings if they prove popular, so in turn more money. That's not to say they're doing it for money only, I really don't think that's the case, but it must have a bearing. Most of us would like to earn our living doing something we loved. The other point is that lots of local collectors are coming to the fore and a lot of them have as good a collection as regular nighter DJs, plus they have the knowledge of what the local crowd want to hear. Finally, we're not as young as we were, 3 hour journeys at 8 o'clock Sunday morning don't appeal to many any more, far easier to get a fix for 5/6 hours at a local soul night and still have some weekend left to do other things. Winnie:-)

============= At Prestatyn this year they had a sort of garage/house room, not sure how popular it was, whenever I went in there weren't many in there, not that that's much of a guide as I only ventured in a few times. Didn't notice a particularly younger crowd either, but like most I don't notice much at weekenders. Winnie:-)

================ I could see a market for this, where was the talcum powder pocket?

============ Also thought that under the guidance of Matt, Alan, Greg, Carl and Flynny, the Dome was the absolute dogs bollox. Particularly the first 4 or so years. Great club, great memories Winnie:-)

=============== agree with the sentiment of the above, but also think DJs in the 7Ts had it easier because most of the crowds were young and actually wanted to dance. These days current DJs have to give a little more thought to their sets to get a floor moving. So would give my vote to the current crop of DJs, although a lot of them were around in the 7Ts anyway

============== I don't believe that the 'return of the stomper' would bring youngsters flooding in, their major criteria is drinking and being 'on the pull', which I would consider pretty normal. During the 7Ts would we have been happy to go to a venue where 90% of the people were 25 years older than us? That would have to be the initial scenario, and I just can't see it being attractive to the younger generation. Personally I think the only way to encourage a younger element is to incorporate different styles of music with very similar tempos so that we were all learning from one another, instead of us 'oldies' coming across all teacherly and saying this is what you should be listening and dancing to. Attracting young blood has been discussed so many times, and I haven't seen a massive upturn in the younger generation, perhaps we have to realise it's only ever going to be a trickle these days, as opposed to a deluge. Winnie:-)

I like the Jam but can't really see what they've got to do with the northern scene. Does he have any records played on the scene, does he still go, is he promoting the scene and bringing it to the fore? Don't think so to any of the questions, so can't see how it qualifies to be in 'all about soul'. The fact that he, or his publicity machine called himself the modfather has very little relevance. Would have thought his influences more likely to be the small faces/beatles/kinks etc rather than soul. Wasn't the term coined around the time of Quadrophenia in an attempt to cash in? Winnie:-)

============== If you're a professional dancer presumably you dance to whatever music you've been asked to cos it's your job. Outside of those peramaters, for example at a northern do, you're dancing to music that actually moves you so there should be a lot more passion in evidence. I think technique within 'northern' dancing is about adaptation and expression as opposed to doing constantly repetitive steps whatever the tempo of the music. Winnie:-)

============== The title of the thread gives it away. Those who like oldies will be told they're living in the past, told to go to specific venues, told they're holding back the scene etc. Then there will be posts re: the clothes they wear etc etc. Really can't understand why it isn't live and let live, but it seems to be the nature of the soul scene, and a very sad state of affairs. I really have never seen hordes of oldies fan ganging up and saying 'we are right' they just do the right thing. Go out, dance, and enjoy themselves, one of the main purposes of the soul scene as far as I'm concerned......no agenda.......that refers in particular to the punters, as opposed to promoters. For myself I enjoy oldies, newies, modern and a tiny little bit of R&B, but wouldn't dream of saying which is the right way forward, because they all have merits. Winnie:-)

===================== Kettering Central Hall in '74, can't remember much about it apart from the dancers who were awesome and that the guys from Kettering and the guys from Corby had previously not got on. Winnie:-)

============= Agree with you about threads being repeated, but as has been said before SS is constantly gaining new members, so they may not be aware of previous content. So if something has been done before it doesn't really bother me Not sure where you come up with the 50% would prefer jokes. Probably about 4000 members on SS, how many of them post? Winnie:-)

========= Been out of circulation for a few weeks Simsy, that's all. No access to a computer on a regular basis, but back now On Ken's points, I can see what he means, at times things do seem over-moderated, but I guess we have to remember that it is a public forum, so non stop swearing or outrageous statements re: any given subject could lead to all sorts of problems. Some people do 'over hype' themselves and their events, but for most it's not difficult to see through and the simple answer is don't comment on those particular threads. Thinking about it a typical example of being PC is now contained within this post, instead of saying one in particular 'over hypes' his events, I chose to say some Just the way of the world these days, not neccessarily a bad thing everyone has the right to be treated with respect if they are posting something they deem valid. All in all I should say I don't find SS boring because I keep away from the 'boring' bits and I also think the MODS do a good job Winnie:-)

============ It's a Don Varner cover, first played by Kev at Whitby Cash-in-o Winnie:-)

================= Generally do the same Bri, just more comfortable dancing

On the face of it a sad and disgraceful situation, and all because of a complaint. Sad when you can't air an grievance for fear of legal action. Kev, if you read this thread, and I'm sure you are/will either in person or via someone sending it on, you maybe should reconsider your actions, or at least tell us why you've taken such a drastic decision. I know you feel you're untouchable, but you must know that this will be talked about, and when things go the word of mouth route they can get exaggerated. Much better you make some sort of statement either withdrawing the ban, or explaining it! Winnie:-)

================= Would go along with that sentiment

Location .....Brighton Size........... 3 rooms, one a chill out room. The other 2 should be the size of Prestatyn main rooms Music policy across the board *DJs......Arthur Fenn, Sam, Kenny B, Jo Wallace, Sean Chapman, Dave Flynn, Keith Money, Ady Croasdell, Carl Fortnum, Nige Brown, Terry Jones, Butch + 3 guest spots Timings.......weekenders with no breaks Rooms ........ should have air con if required, balconys overlooking, and there should be a strict, if you're not dancing get off the dancefloor policy *No disrespect to any other DJs intended, these are just guys/gals who get me up and dancing Winnie:-)

================== Have to agree with Simon, the rough trade comments are a disgrace. People may not like Levine, but at least it should be for the right reasons. To bring his sexuality into the equation is pathetic. Whoever he/she is they should be ashamed of themselves. Winnie:-)

=============== You were probably talking about Ars*nal then?

============= Chris, Didn't northern style dancing include imitating performing black artists moves to some degree? It's not about pretending to be black, its about imitation...... I think, and the two are entirely different IMO. At Wigan, someone wore a bowling shirt, others followed, someone wore vests, others followed. It's just imitation.......don't you think?? Winnie:-)

============== Well said Shane

================= Maybe people just aren't as excited by nighters as they were full stop. Certainly true in my case. Would love to do them every week still, but my recovery rate gets slower and slower, and doing a nighter impacts on the rest of the week. Sure they'll be posts saying it's cos of the music policy (oldies v newies......again!) but maybe part of it is to do with getting older? On the original point, whether summer affects them, I would say yes, people on holiday etc, and with so little real sun in England, maybe some like to make the most of it? Winnie:-)

============= Wouldn't these come under a 'modern' heading Pete

==================== 1. London always ready to move onto the next fad, so nothing stays in vogue for very long. 2. The rarity gave a feeling of one-upmanship against those not following the scene, would also give status, which would improve self respect and self esteem 3. West Indians coming to Britain already had a specific music to follow.......Reggae. This was considered far purer than music (motown) etc that was generally mass produced for a white audience. 4. Think we liked the motown sound, that was recognised by many struggling black artists, so in effort to make a living, they tried to reproduce the sound. Basically horses for courses. 5. Think the link is tenuous at best, most into the scene now have been at it for 20/30 years. In the 6Ts it would have been fresh, and as with anything new, you have those who wish to jump on the bandwagon. Don't think that's the case these days as very few are actually experiencing the music for the first time. Haven't tried to give a difinitive answer, cos I'm not sure there is one, this is just my take on the questions asked. Didn't try to answer them in too much depth because I think the post would probably have had to have been far too long and involved. Winnie:-)

================ Can't remember referring to you as a grumpy old man or chastising you Jock, if I've said either I apologise. I thought the question was about black influences, and whether we incorporated them in any way. Personally I think we do, within dancing and singing (phrasing) so the question has some relevance IMO.I used the Al Jolson reference because I don't think its a question of trying to be black per se, more a subtle influence that we may not always be aware of. Winnie:-)