BrianB

Well done Chalky. I know how much work must have gone into this. We all owe you for keeping the Tops title intact and recognisable.

Thats like saying "I've heard it" when someone tells you a funny joke..

What a record this is. Northern perfection! When was it first played, who played it, and why did it not surface in the late 60ts with Little Darlin I Need You, and Wherever I Lay My Hat? (2 mega tunes also!). Thanks, Brian B

Always been played at nighters from the Wheel to the Torch, through to Mr Ms. Haven't heard it out for a while though.

Wasn't the Sunderland ruck in Charlies Bar before we went to the Mecca on another occasion? I remember that jacket!

I have it on a Blackpool Mecca tape from around March 75. It was played by Ian Levine. The track list on that tape is amazing! I'll dig it out, scan it and post it on here. Brian B

That was the Burnley crew on an 18th birthday party. We were about 30% soulies and the rest were footy fans. We were upstairs when the lads came up for the soulies to help them out. We met on the stairs with the other mob and all hell broke out. It went on for some time before the bouncers threw the other crew out. I think they were from Middlesborough. We saw them outside and it REALLY kicked off then. Happy days....

The comments about the Wheel are bang on. Some of the sounds from there are just right for re-activation. Never went, but my older mates at the time did. I could bloody kick myself!

This type of night is just not for me. I am a northern soul/motown fan, and no other type of music remotely interests me. My wife says I'm shallow. I just know what I like.

I was probably one of the first in the country to pre-order it, and will be the bloody last to receive it! No sign of it yet. Thanks Play.com!

Please don't forget the Elgins was re-released and subsequently charted due to its popularity at the Wheel. Another Northern record made good. Move on up charted (no 1?) first time out, and in my opinion should have/should never be played.

Congrats to everyone. This is a really well debated thread. My thoughts? ANMHE is an all time classic and should be played every night, everywhere. Someone mentioned the Diana Ross/Supremes/Temptations version. I think it is a tremendous version, but I then played M&G immediately afterwards and it paled into insignificance. Brian B

Has antone got a copy yet? If so, what are the goodies? Was expecting mine today but no luck!

Ever thought of a career in sales?

Thanks Jo, Vol 1 was great, but I have to admit to being a little disappointed with Vol 2. It came out more like another Motown Sings Motown Treasures than keeping the spirit to Vol 1. I am hopeful that this will get the series back on track. Thanks, BrianB

Great reply. Dave Godin was the only outlet NS had in the early 70s. I remember all the crap about Canvey Island, Chris Hill, the blowing of whistles at "southern soul" do's in B&S. We had 2 pages of Dave and a page of adverts. (Couldn't wait to see what the Pendelum/Catacombs/Up the Junction was playing according to the ads!) Thats exactly how it was. We had no info on other gigs other than B&S or word of mouth. I can't recall seeing a flyer at any do from 71 to 76? Dave kept the faith alright, but I can honestly say I never heard anyone actually say Right On or Keep the Faith to anyone elso on the scene. Brian B

Just remembered, bought loads of the Tamla Motown picture sleeves EPs when they came out, from the Record Bar in Burnley. I pinned the sleeves on my bedroom wall under the posters I bought when I saw Stevie, 4 Tps, Temps etc in the very early 70ts!

I have just pre-ordered this double CD for £10.99 inc p&p from WWW.Play.com The track listing looks interesting. I have heard or got quite a few of the tracks, but never heard of the Ivy Jo Hunter track. Can anyone shed any light on it?

Interesting thread. I personally feel cheated. The best instrumental EVER, is denied to us on CD. I'm talking about All Turned On. It is a masterpiece and should be played every night at every do. Wasn't it It was released on a Tamla Motown single in 76? I bought Ric Tic Relics on my 21st birthday in September 75 so they must know how popular this stuff is by now!

My Hang Up is You on GSF from Marshalls in Burnley. I also heard Tony Blackburn play Nolan Porter on the radio in 74(?) and thought "I must get that"!!! But Marshalls never got it in. Bloody hell Karen! (John Macarthy's (AKA MAc) wife who worked in Marshalls).

I've seen copies of these. There are 6 CDs and they have all the Ric Tic/GW output on them. Yet another missed opportunity by Universal?

I have a tape from the Pendelum and one from the Mecca in 73/74. Pete and Mark Freeman have put both onto CD for me, but I have never heard a tape from the torch. Anybody got one?

Hi Jayne, Maybe Debbie is the route we could take? Even if all Levi saw was this thread I would be happy. Some fantastic replies, and no dissent! Is this thread a Soul Source record?!

Sean, This is the sort of message I want to get to Levi. The effect he has had on my life, and then my chosen lifestyle has been phenomenal. Great reply!

Not suprised at the response we have had to this. I saw them at the Manchester Odeon in 1070 and 1971. Unbelievable!! The balcony was actually swaying, which as a 15 year old frightened me to death, until the uniformed comissionnaire (bloody hell, remember them?) daid "don't worry son, it did that in the 50s when Bill Halley and the Comets were on! Anyone any ideas for a tribute we can pass on to him. Clearly Tony Rouce is correct in saying Levi knows how popular he is, but what a lift he would get if we could just give him a reminder?