The 80's was the best time for me , so much quality soul to be heard and that still hasn't been heard by all the scene returnees of the 90's etc.
Have to agree with Andy 100% that all these who moan and groan about wanting something different and not doing something about it when it's there for them. The Lifeline is the best and only upfront 60's newies/70's niter. Many new records played there already in it's short history, records that won't be heard any where else cause no one has the balls to let the DJ's loose and let them play what they want.
Where else would you see DJ's like Cliff Steele who is one of the most under-rated DJ's with a superb collection, Butch, Andy Dyson, Mick H, Soul Sam...all given the remit to please themselves as long as it's different!!! and all under the same roof. The DJ's who are regulars look forward to the Lifeline because of the policy and put together some of the finest music to be heard on the soul scene and don't just go through the motions of playing big money indemanders.
I mentioned it about the lack of the faces you would expect to see at such a venue elsewhere, they don't show, it'as the week in week out people who go every week, my comments were said to be harsh!!! :-/
Same at the Wilton, the second best niter for me. Brilliant venue, top DJ's and collectors who are again told to play something different yet folk don't support it.
Same down south at the 100 Club, same people month after month except when there's a free record :-/
These venues need supporting alonside the upfront soul nites like the Union, Orwell (for the other side ;-) ) etc, the scene needs more of these kind of venues playing "new" sounds or it will be just like the rock and roll scene, it is now in some places and venues :-/