Steve G

There were all 99p once

Simon I got one some years ago on the Isle of Wight of all places, gold label with his picture on? How do you tell the difference with a second press or is it just a straight identical repress? PS: Steve C - you'll like it I'm sure.

Is this the one Ian Levine says is impossible to find?

Don't mention the Post Office. We ceased having a sensible postal service in the Waltham Cross area some years ago. Since then it's been at best erratic, some days we get deliveries some days we don't. Registereds are delivered after deadline with times put on forms before deadlines etc. The Management responsible for this debacle should be sacked for incompetence.

I don't understand all this "sorry folks but..." stuff - why don't you guys just tell the moaners to get stuffed if they don't like your policy? Hold yer heads up and stick to your principles etc.? So glad I am not on the oldies scene, sounds like a right 'bitchfest' in some areas.

another thread running on this.....

Most record dealers these days are making a 'turn' on something they've probably had to pay quite a bit for - maybe 10-20%. And besides most are also collectors so always reinvesting in the next tune. The days of buying stock cheap and selling high were over years ago. So I don't think most dealers are making a lot - although one or two always tell me how well they are doing I am never sure whether to believe the hype.... No one has mentioned the bootleggers - probably a lucrative trade there as you can still press up a 45 quite cheaply. There is an old maxim I was told by a major London figure in the music business once which I sometimes re-quote "there is no money in soul music" - think that holds true for 99.9% who are just pursuing their passion.

No worries. Checked my shelves. The original issue was yellow, but it was repressed on the cactus design as I guess they sold out of the yellow ones. Then they issued their 2nd release on the label also with the cactus design. So yes both designs are originals, yellow first press run, cactus 2nd press run.

I think they were both done at the same time. Ian Clark has one for sale on his site.

Sorry but I'd rather hear from Elaine on the status in due course, rather than your guesswork and supposition about the film Mr. Tomangoes.

Yes, how often have I heard "Ooh I can't let it go for any less cos that's what I paid for it x years ago"

It does have Champ written on it but in scruffy writing. Looks like felt tip actually....

Yes sounds like a full recording to me.

Well as Freddie was in the Hy Tones it's probably him singing the B side.

Where did you boys hear this about the Dells? First time I have ever heard of it. Who was it then backstage saying this? In fact.....the reality is surely that The Dells had a set stage show that they always do as a set routine - all their big hits and classics. I thought I heard that someone asked that they include some of their northern material in their set which they did do a bit of. But it's down to the group and the promotor to agree what gets performed I would have thought, not this mysterious backstage 'dickhead" that you talk about. Anyway plenty of us went to hear things like "Standing Ovation" etc. I don't know Freddie Gorman or his wife, so cannot comment on them....although they did a pretty good show at Richard Searling's 50th at the Ritz.

What were the attendances like round the country? Would estimate 500 in London.

Yes agreed, always an interesting list.

DA edges it for me. 12" so a bigger groove / richer sound?

Didn't see this when I went - but it wasn't a great area and it was raining which helps clear the streets. BTW I got a stinking cold the next day! The photos look good, but the 45 stock on the ground floor at least is largely f*cked and unplayable. How many General Crook records do you need? You can get em all of of gemm/ebay/discogs for $5. Went there too some years ago. He wouldn't let me in until he'd checked my credentials with - he claimed 'Butch'........I was then told I was a 'good person' and could come in to the store.

Hi Maria, We did discuss that with Ady at the end of the London gig, the problem though is Lee + 7 piece band = expensive. However we all agreed he'd be a knockout addition to a weekender, so let's hope so. He could obviously do Take me Back, Mighty Mighty Love, Tyra's Song etc...as well as his current repertoire. Steve PS: Can you please make sure Lee gets a copy of the photo of his meeting with the Mighty Mighty Mick H for his album please.

.....or they think they can pass it off on a deck as OV....It's such an awful record, I am sure we'll spot if someone new starts playing it in their spots.....:

He's one of those artists where you should just put every new release he does on 'auto-purchase'. I did the same with Sharon Jones and haven't been disappointed there either.

Chalky, think you also played Jean Wells

At the London gig, I only recognised about 8 people. Loads of soul people down here, weren't there.

Definately her - you can tell it in the vocals.