Steve G

There was one earlier c 84 I think. It wasn't just 80s it's just that most of the DJs were playing modern (Keb, Mannion, Sam etc). Think rushbrooke was also on. It was up the hill from Stoke town centre going towards Newcastle UL. About 20 mins from the station....

Yup took the train there 15 months ago when I was in Chicago for New Year - Green line I think from memory. Area not v good - interesting because 50 years ago it was probably quite vibrant. Now large waste spaces, no taxis etc. Fortunately it was pouring with rain when I left the shop and so the streets were quiet as I walked back to the station (about 10-15 mins). It's not really bad compared to some places I've been, but it's not really good either. You kind of keep an eye out for what's going on around you on the street if that makes sense. As to the shop itself, smiling faces inside, and yes loads of 45s but most of them look like they've been used for sanding the concrete walls around Lake Michigan. I trawled through a lot of g- type stuff, sad really but the conditions were awful. The owner has a few things in his office but nothing exciting. I think this shop has been picked through so often.....Amongst the new arrivals was a Shades of Jade on Dore in E+ so I had that for $3. Result. But I spent in total $15! But you never know what's just come into a shop like that - new stock I am sure arrives regularly. Didn't look at the LPs but there are lots of them so if you like your 70s and 80s LPs I am sure you will find things there.

Any advice should we meet one of them in the bar? Say "Excuse me I like this tune" and run onto the dance floor?

We probably need a separate scale for hand baggers/ civilians / tourists / patches etc. - maybe a Frank WIlson Scale.

Ah yes forgot about Soul Snobs, the term has fallen into disuse round these parts - probably a hybrid of 3-4.....or we need a new category for them,/...

Used to hide mine in the front garden until her indoors was out of the way

Russ a quick and regular trawl of Fish's site will give you much of what you need to know. SOundclips too.

Bit of Friday p.m. humour of sorts but saw on another post reference to a member being an 'anal purist'. Got me thinking about the world renowned Divvy-Bileous scale and whether better definitons are needed. In running order from least offensive I believe we have: 1. Anorak - mildly offensive type person who occasionally asks questions about matrix numbers and whether a record was a 2nd issue or not. Tedious, but OK to be seen at the bar with, especially if they are buying a round of drinks. Typical anorak is still after copies of Eddie Parker on Awake and "Job Opening" to replace the ones they sold in 1986 for £25. However they can no longer afford them. 2. Trainspotter - moderately offensive type person- spends their life scanning labels up, asking about missing numbers, double issued B sides and asking for label listings. Often found at the end of railway platforms, or in an armchair, but rarely seen in soul gigs. Unlikely to actually own any records at this point, instead they will have lots of hand written notes dating back some years. 3. Chinstroker - fairly offensive type person, chinstrokers frequent soul venues regularly but never enter into the joyous spirit of the event (Chinstrokers by a freak of nature are actually unable to dance). Instead they are usually found sitting in a dark corner away from the action, listening and noting what is played while they sup on a half pint of shandy all evening (or smuggle their own drink in - so no need to wonder about whether to chat to them at the bar - they don't go there). They may post negative comments on other peoples playlists or question the value of sale prices, because they purchased something for £1.50 in 1923. 4. "Anal purist with head up their own arse" - this is a NEW category - a highly offensive type person - dangerous record collector probably with considerable knowledge of soul music. The tip is not to get drawn into conversation with these people as they will instantly recognise your inferior knowledge and sell you the "duds" from their sales box for a lot of money. They also drink lots of beer, so can be an expensive option if encountered at the bar. Probably have a good record collection, and tend to be very passionate about music and know of mythical records that aren't in the price guides. 5. I've forgotten what 5 is - No definiton currently available.

Yes it'sd a tremendous record and in the box for the show as well. Something funny about the recording though, think they tried to process it in stereo....

No it doesn't at all......Maybe a different label.

Not me Bob. Is it gospel?

Yes of course I am geting confused with "Honey Boy" - early morning, cycled into work, not had a coffee yet.....thanks for the correction.

Nice article, but selling more than 100,000 copies???

Nice one.

Toll Darkness has been played for at least 15 years now.....Fred Mark also an old Tim Brown tip. Same tune, but slightly different backing track as I recall (Lisa Mae sounds the same as Toll Darkness) so they used it three times at least - will need to dig em all out to check. B side of Toll Darkness a cracking stepper too as you know!

Kev, "Morning after" it is.....good track for talkovers

Excellent stuff.

Next show on 1st April is a Ted Jarrett special Steve, so am frantically digging out T Jaye, reforee etc stuff. But the fruit and veg show is one I am planning for the summer....

I cannot remember ever seeing 726....and I am sure if it was good, we'd have heard it by now. Looks like an old Hit Records repackage possibly?.....Steve PS: Roburt - agree a credible version of Marvellettes

Yes

I am talking about the two types Pete S has illustrated. I reckon Larry just got another load done, and that they were fairly contemporaneous time wise.

Just to put this "2nd issue" stuff in perspective, I contacted Larry early in 82 and he sent me 25 copies @ $1 a piece and it included both "first" and "second" issues. Steve

She only had one issued on the label. Two versions with the same number Flynny has told us. The other one people are quoting was unissued at the time - big 90s discovery and subsequently put out by Kent.

The same guy. Steve

JM has had it in the past. Dunno if he still does.