Scotters

She sure could, like so many others of her time. I only have two 45's by Barbara Mason ("Make it Last"..nice pic sleeve with The Futures...and the feel good finger clickin' "Ain't got nobody" on Arctic) but will look up some of the ones I don't know above, thanks. Was listening to a Harvey Mason LP (one of THE great drummers / producers in my opinion) earlier this eve and seeing this thread got me wondering if they were related. It seems not, as just looked up and although both born in 1947...Harvey was born in Feb that year and Barbara in August. Sorry to go off topic!

Superb . It looks edible. Is it mostly chocolate?! If so, I'm out, as would worry about it melting under the lights. Steve

Pauline Shivers - Won't you come back home (O-Pex). Nothing special, but was kindly given to me at an event a few months back, as a freebie when I purchased another nice record from same person (it's cracked & tape holding it together on one side but plays through nice & clean!). Passed it on to a mate this Saturday eve on way out to a niter and learnt from him today that it sounds like Silk's - "Falling in love isn't easy", which it does, and which I hadn't heard before and think is also very nice soul. Was the last bit of vinyl in my hand as too tired & busy to play any on Sunday after getting in at 7am from said niter (at same time as my kids were getting up!..."Dad..You're up and dressed early..where are you going?!".Doh!), and working today. Going to play some now mind you, as fed up answering the bl**dy door and handing sweets to strangers. Was other way round in my day I'm sure. Steve

"The Scene" Obviously means lots different things to lots different people. Personally, having pretty quickly "found" what I want from it (thanks to some relatively new mates who know who they are), I'm having the best year ever, musically & socially. Looks like (most) other people are pretty happy too, at events I now go to regularly and new ones I'm still trying. Trick or treat?... ...Treat for me each weekend at the moment, and pretty sure it'll be that way going forwards too. I hope so anyway. Steve

I agree, for what my view is worth. Not sure I qualify as a "collector" when compared to many on SoulSource, but thought I'd keep up this post by saying a local landlord I know did ask me last year if I fancied having a go at putting on a soul night at his soon to be refurbished venue. With established 80's / 90's nights already going on at the venue from time to time (not all soul, but certainly a fair bit played at those "party" themed nights...AND generally from a laptop), I thought the idea of a one-off 60's / 70's soul night playing vinyl only might go down well, based on what the landlord had told me the room was going to look like (low ceiling & wall to wall new sprung wooden floor etc). I'd never played any records or CD's etc outside the house until that point, but having then just just met some very respectable and established local DJ's and collectors at a few different soul nights here in Northants, thought "why not have a look & see who else might be interested". The Landlord / venue had all the kit wired in to the venue including Pioneer CDJs and USB ports etc, but being the techno laggard I am + having only really been to soul nights where records are played, coupled with the DJ's I thought would be great for such a night having all their best sounds on vinyl as far as I knew...decided to go with vinyl format. Was advertised as an "everyone welcome" kind of night and a good few thousand records (and CD's) were there on the night to cover all kinds of tastes. The three well respected local DJ's (who kindly offered their support for the night) had no real idea who'd turn up, as the night was advertised at local soul nights and generally elsewhere, including the venue....Actually ended up being a good few dozen N.Soul fans on the night and everyone who came enjoyed it, me included in terms having a go at an early spot. Anyway, the points I wanted to make from all this rambling are: - I'm not sure the particular night would have been so well received, had anything other than records been played; - The DJ's whom I thought were ideal for such a night (and who were kind enough to DJ) wanted to play records; - It wasn't until I had a first go at few early spots just before and during this night, that I now appreciate and respect just how much thought and effort (and stress!) goes into putting a night on....and most of all, putting a well considered and thought through spot of records together. In summary: Hats off to established and respected DJ's of the world (soul DJ's and otherwise + budding new DJ's too, if it's for the right reason), in WHATEVER format you play your music to an audience! People vote with their feet at the end of the day (out the door or on the floor), so give the people what they want depending on the venue / type of night / style of music etc. ATB. Steve

Thanks Chalky...Interesting and I'd genuinely like to learn more on that. In terms of general downloads for the masses...Do these hold any value / can the files be sold on, like if you purchased the CD rather than just downloaded it? Just curious, even though I don't personally download much myself, other than for my kids now and then. Anyway, sorry...maybe going off topic!

My view is that it's ALL about the records. The fact that you hold a small piece of history that could've passed through many different pairs of hands in at least two or more countries (at least in respect of US 45's). Probably been covered elsewhere in another thread, but are digital files (paid for legit from say from i-tunes, rather than converted from records etc) actually "tradeable", or keep any value, like records? My personal preference in a world of increasingly more "virtual" and less "tangible", is to keep on collecting and playing records until I lose my marbles, or worse. Whether they'll be worth anything to anyone or not at that point...I have no idea, but I hope so, for the benefit of my kids if nothing else. Steve

Blimey...I wonder if the interestin' looking sofa and stereo system comes with them?! I'm half tempted, but only if they all get delivered in correct genre and alphabetical order

Good fun thread this! I went to a "soul" do at the start of this year where the guys had decent turntables wired up to mixer and a Mac with some software (name of which escapes me) and screen showed both turntables, mixer, track listings etc etc....On the decks were what looked like records, but must've been digital discs of some sort, with digital stylus to pick up tracking so that they could use decks to mix and adjust pitch / stop & start tracks etc. All very clever I suppose and I'm not being critical, but but I thought...what's the point?! If you're prepared to lug that lot about and pay a good few quid for the kit, surely just also bring a couple boxes of records or CD's and be done with, after all there was nothing rare / expensive / hard to find being played! Steve

Nice one Len. Being relatively new to this complex, organic, light and dark thing that I'm starting to understand is known as the "Soul Scene", as I posted on your last thread Len, it's been a wholesome 99% positive journey / experience for me so far. For me personally, in no particular order:- - Have met and continue to meet dozens of good interestin' people; - Heard more AMAZING records this year to date than any year I can recall before it; - Love the fact that there's thousands more records I've yet to hear for the first time; - Been to more local (and less local) events this year than any year before and want to try more; - Collecting is more addictive than ever and can't think of too many other monthly "bills" that make me smile as much!; - Playing some records outside the house for first time this year has been scary but great fun and I respect established DJ's more than ever as a result!; - Appreciate more than ever the FULL spectrum of soul music, and not just Northern; - There's so much more to learn! How many days to the weekend / how many days until Soul Sam visits my home town?! All the best, Steve

Hooray! Hope you made a trip to the post box later in the day too?! Steve

The Whispers - Flying High (on Soul Clock) A mate kindly gave me this 45 last night when we went for game of pool, as he had spare copy...First chance I've had to play it just now and can't recall hearing it before. Nice record methinks. Thanks again Jem!

I used to buy lots of CD's (mostly soul comps & modern soul albums) but can't remember the last time I purchased something on CD. Find recordable CD's REALLY useful to record my 45's and LP's onto, then listen to 'em in the car and upload into i-tunes so I can listen to great cracklin' soul on the i-pod now & then . Yet to fathom out the shortcut of getting a record player that lets you put stuff straight into i-tunes, and pretty sure sound quality is lost through compressed MP3 data. Better to record CD into itunes using apple lossless mode to keep as much depth as poss. For me nothing beats getting in from work and sticking a few records on. Got to be able to TOUCH music as well as listen I think. Mind you, i-tunes is useful for downloading the awful pop records my kids like to listen to from time to time, which I just don't get All the best, Steve

Certainly an idea worth serious consideration, accepting admin time / bit of cost / hassle of changing a date that's already booked and advertised / + pride etc. The charity should be the winner (two sets of "proceeds" from two events, rather than one), the punters who enjoy both events get to still go to both, and also an opportunity to build some bridges between established local promoters who, for whatever reason(s), don't get on notwithstanding mutual love of Northern Soul. After all, it will be the season of goodwill at that time. As for 2012 in this little corner of East Northants...I see that "Cream Cracker soul" dates are already booked up, which is great. "Pemberton soul" seemingly has unknown future (but guessing there'll be something else which will fit around Cracker dates). "Simply Soul", "Yum Yum" etc and other established Northants events will no doubt book more dates if there's enough demand, and if I do decide to help the venue owner arrange one or two more nights at "Snooks" in the future, I'll be checking VERY carefully as to what dates look best... to the point that if none look any good &/or demand isn't there, I won't bother. What's the point. Although that would be shame for the venue as I think it's great and could potentially accommodate EVERYONE who regularly attends Northants soul nights, say two or three times a year in terms of a decent sized dual room venue (ground floor / first floor) with great landlord & bar staff. Either way, I will carry on going out enjoying myself at other people's events locally and nationally most weekends, as that's much better than the hassle of helping to put on a night, with all the stress grief that goes with it! ATB Steve

Very good mate!...Or if they're REALLY bad, I'll buy 'em (again)! ATB, Steve.

Ref the original question...it's a good one I think and has certainly generated some passionate / emotional comments, like so many other threads on here. Ref posts above from Jem & Chris...As a fairly new "regular" to the Pembo + most other local(ish) soul nights as well as increasing number of events further away, I too think it a shame in a way that December's could well be the last there. Certainly hope it won't be the end of events in soulful Rushden though! I also sincerely hope it's the last local clash of dates (within say 20 mile radius, just for purpose of this post), as a good few punters would like to go to both events..me included actually. I did make effort to go to two on the same eve a few months back when two local established nights clashed, but I won't personally do that again in December for various reasons. Ref this thread and hundreds of others like it which I've read since I discovered SoulSource (only last year, I'll be honest)....Ref all the dozens of conversations I've had at different nights since I started going out more just over a year or ago as a relative "newbie" to soul nights...Ref all the people I've met and talked to / got to know a bit and the countless hours on the phone talking about soul and soul nights etc etc (you know who you are!)... ....Basically it can't be more than 2 years ago I had absolutely NO IDEA of the size and depth of the cave I was entering when I ventured outside my own little cocoon of a record room!!! Hell, I don't mind admitting, honestly, that I didn't even know I could listen to music on YouTube and other places like it until last year + had never used ebay either. Had never needed to, as just happy buying records from one or two trusted shops / websites when I had the time to look and when I could afford them. Scary to then somehow make a decision to have my first go at putting on a night at a "new" venue this July, after first seeking the agreement and support of some respected and established local promoters / DJs. This was not to make any money or to try to "compete" (far from it!), but to help the venue owner make more people aware of the impressive refurbishment of his premises....which myself and a few others thought was ideal for a soul night. Okay hands up that it did also follow some months of me getting interested and having a go for the first time at playing some original records outside the house, but I'm NOT a DJ and have not really done anything much more than a few very local early doors 45 mins spots in all honesty. Have really enjoyed the experience without stepping on anyone's toes, but hats off to all the established DJs out there as it's only now I have a fuller appreciation and even more respect for what you guys and gals do! Anyway, what I'm trying to get to is that I had no idea how much effort had to go into making a night go well, and I also didn't really have an appreciation until that point about just how many events do actually go on across the UK. Feedback was strong for a second night and after SERIOUS deliberation about whether to go ahead, and even more deliberation about a date which wouldn't clash with anything else locally or otherwise (which I now know is impossible), a second date is booked for this year, but I'm really not sure about 2012 at this moment. Why? I can clearly see there's enough nights on already & I enjoy too much going to the ones I like and collecting / listening / dancing / discovering amazing new sounds to my ears as well appreciating the records I know and love . I don't enjoy the politics and soul mood-hoovering. ATB, Steve.

Nice record which I hadn't heard until a couple weeks ago. Watched another one just sold this evening on ebay for $350 (c£225) and was graded M-......2/3rds the price of the one which was original subject of this thread, but still a bit more than I'd be prepared to pay personally. Steve

Today was Jackson Sisters - I Believe in miracles, as my girls generally like to dance like loons after dinner (and I like to join in!)

From what I see this will be well worth watching. Sure looks better than grainy footage I have seen of different nights someone recorded in early to mid 70's, which Len kindly shared with me a few months back!

Blimey Molly...You were up early after a late night! Great music (especially the Major Williams!) Here's what I played to warm the kit up early doors: Impressions - Wherever she leadeth me (Curtom) Leroy Hutson - Love the Feeling (Hutson II LP, Curtom) Marvin Smith - Who will do your running now (Mayfield) Grover Mitchell - What hurts (Vanguard) Enticers - Calling for your love (Cotillion) Pretenders - Just be yourself (Carnival) Stratoliners - What do you want with my love (Federal) Intruders - A nice girl like you (TSOP) Mokie, JJ & ROB - Come together in love (Sun, Moon and Stars) Bobby Thurston - Just ask me (Expansion Special Reserve) Imperial Wonders - You live only once (Solid Foundation) Choice of Colour - Your love (APT) Rhonda Davis - Can you remember (Duke) J.P Robinson - Our day is here (Blue Candle) Albert Jones - Fifteen cent love (Kapp) Marjorie Ingram - Another woman involved (Hit and Run) Alex Brown - I'm not responsible (Sundi) Thanks again John for asking me over. All the best, Steve.

Absolutely Len...That's what I was trying to say earlier today, but I do ramble on a bit as you know! Steve

Blimey Len...Your thread sure now takes some time to read through for anyone opening it for the first time! Some interesting debate and comments for sure. "Oldies" v "upfront" / "oldies" v "newies" / "uptempo" v "midtempo" / "rare" v "not so rare" / "R&B" v "soul" / "modern" v "whatever" etc etc....It all starts to look like a set of football fixtures on a weekend, where the scores change week in week out. My fairly simple take on all this is that we each have a different bandwidth and preferred frequency when it comes to music taste generally, influenced by parents, fiends we grew up with, the pubs and clubs we went to as teens and then as young adults...carrying on to mid-life, retirement age and beyond (hopefully!) It's been said on here enough so I won't repeat the obvious that "we're all individuals" etc (bit like the Life of Brian film..where in one scene Brian says something like "You don't need me....You are ALL individuals", the majority shout "Yes...Yes we are" and then someone pipes up "I'm not"! ) so I guess there will ALWAYS be music / events which cater for all tastes. In the case of a soul night, that might be a specialised night for the minority, or a generalist night for the majority. Having been into all kinds of soul / jazz / funk / hip hop / dance music since I started listening and buying music 28 odd years ago, I realised last year that I was only skimming the surface of 60's / 70's soul, particularly northern soul. Thanks to certain individuals I've met and events I've attended, I think I now need a submarine (and more time / money!) to get to the depths of the soul sea! As Lifeline has been mentioned many times on this thread, I don't mind saying that I only learned of this event about a year ago, and then from reading various posts on SoulSource, I'd somehow got it in my mind that it sounded like a bit of a "members club" where those who attend go all the time and anyone new might stand out (so to speak). Maybe thought it a bit "intimidating" for some reason and actually didn't really know anyone who went or wanted to go, so no way I was going to go on my own! Thanks to Len, having had my first experience of Lifeline a month or two ago (soon after attending Boomerang for the first time....which I guess in the context of this thread can also be classed as a small "upfront" single room event), I won't hesitate to go to both these events and others like them whenever I can, as I thought the music was amazing and most of the people seemed very friendly. Add to this the fact there are well stocked record sales boxes to sift through (dangerous, but so good!), then that's soul heaven to me. The solution to keeping these kind of nights going strong is simple in my eyes...Anyone who regularly attends them, make it their mission to physically take someone along they maybe know is into soul / dance music generally, or someone they've seen around at other events, coz if they're anything like me and have an open mind where music is concerned, they won't be disappointed and they'll go again + maybe tell their mates etc. Will there ever be 1500 people at such events? I very much doubt it, and in some ways I hope not, as the style of music played coupled with the intimacy and atmosphere of a smaller venue where you can actually have some room to express yourself on the dancefloor, or just socialise generally and actually spot people you maybe know or have seen around and can chat to, is what makes these single room nights so good. In terms of DJ's at such events and the class of records played, I'll probably get shot down for saying this but I'll use the football analogy again...it's Premiership from what I've experienced so far. I support Luton most weeks, but I like to watch the odd Premiership game too (if you see what I mean!). All the best, Steve.

Only picked these two 45's up myself this last couple of months, after first hearing "Darling I need you now" from a seller here on SoulSource and thinking YES..Exactly what I love in terms of a song that builds and grows and has got bags of SOUL. Even better that I then realised it wasn't on bl**dy you-tube! Then closely followed by CVS 1001 a few weeks back when I spotted that for sale and didn't hesitate to buy, even without hearing it first. The first one is yellow label with green print (I'm assured it is original 1st issue. Hope so anyway!) and the latter is the gold label one in the scan further up this thread. Superb records for the price I think, and interesting to read a bit more about them on this thread. Did the same band / lead singer do anything else under another name perhaps? Cheers, Steve

I don't know what it was like "before" so not sure I can answer the question as well as maybe others can, but for me personally at this stage, I'm just pleased there's lots of great events out there, and like US 45's, SO many more I've to still discover. Had a good chat about this with you the other week Len, when we were on the road for 90 mins or so after attending one great little venue, then to another well known one until the early hours. First venue had best part of 100 like minded soul lovers there and AMAZING music played (mid tempo magic!)...Second event had just over 250 there I'd say, was properly "upfront" and again, I loved every minute despite being sober and knowing my girls would have me up within an hour of getting in! Hardly an "oldie" heard all night and dozens of songs I'd never heard before. Rewind a few months where I experienced Brid and Stoke for the first time (Brid wkender with a good mate who, like me, is fairly new to all this, and Stoke with a seasoned original "Wiganer"..even if like so many others back then he'd have been under age at the time!)...Completely different in terms of HUGE main rooms which blew me away (having never been to a big venue soul night before) and absolutely loved hearing lots of well played classics I knew & dancing with a good 500+ others on massive wooden floor / experiencing the amazing atmos, but then still having choice to nip into a smaller room and hear some great modern soul or more underplayed stuff. It's fair to say that these and dozens of more local nights I've enjoyed this year have each done "what they said on the tin", so to speak (or the flyer / thread). I think most people like to know what they're getting when they choose to go out for a night / nighter, music style and range included. As I think I commented on Lou's ("Mrs Soul's") thread last week, I'm still finding my feet and just feel pleased I have so much choice, both locally and nationally...Although sometimes too much, like last night when I seriously considered 4 different events within a 70 mile odd radius, and in the end just cracked a bottle of wine open with the missus and had a Saturday night in for a change! Also, as I do like to buy records on a fairly limited budget, it's great to hear records out for first time which I then find out I can actually track down and afford to buy and enjoy at home too. Great when amazing (and affordable!) records are played alongside equally amazing records that only a very lucky few people will ever get to own. Rambling now and maybe off topic, but it does still seem strange to me to go out and feel at the "younger" end of the spectrum when I'm far from it, and I think the bigger question remains why so many "younger" soul fans / music lovers generally are missing out...OR is that they know of an amazing soul world and venues which are still "underground" and not on SoulSource etc?! Sorry if anyone reading this thread is frustrated or has maybe "had enough" of the current soul scene...I'm still pretty much at the start of my journey and loving it. All the best, Steve.

...me too please, having passed the opportunity to acquire one earlier this year and regretting it most days since! Thanks, Steve