Mike Lofthouse

Hi Rob -when did you realise you didn't like 70's was it a gradual thing or was there some notable releases or events ? and how do you feel about so many of the artists that straddle both decades ? I always liked new releases so the 70's was my era as 60's were oldies to me. Now with the benefit of hindsight I would say my preference is slightly towards 60's but I often can't decide!. Interested to get a view from the US and from someone buying at that time. Mike

Amazing it is over 3 years since it was first played - and you are right Tony R was the source of the pre-release copies that Plumby and Sean were playing out.

Wow - at long last!!! Why she was never worthy of an album on Atlantic at the time I'll never know! I have had three playlists on my itunes for some time now called 'The Complete Atlantic Recordings of'- Bettye, Sam Dees and the Soul Brothers Six. Only need the SB6 now. Glad to see the the two duets with Dees included - sadly missing from his recent CD offering. Mike

Seems to be getting a good showing - its even on our local Arts centre in Stockton - looking forward to catching it on a big screen.

It did move downstairs if I'm not mistaken - went in last in 78 ish, bought ZZ Hill's Columbia album and a Dee Dee Bridgewater album.

Ann Perry - That's The Way He Is

I would think a boycott will not be much of a sacrifice for most people!

As I intimated earlier it is Rick Hall's son Rodney Hall. I had hoped the comment that he was 'disputable' would of been removed or at least retracted. It's a disgrace that it remains in a topic titled 'Dodgy Dealings?' Mike

or he might even be the son of the record company owner!!

Sorry enchantedrythm (I wish people would use their real name - its easier when composing a reply), but I don't understand a word of what you have written! Mike

I don't think it is, in its formative years the records played on the scene were more obscure but not rare in the sense they are now. Don't forget Godin coined the phrase 'Northern Soul' to describe the type of record 'Northerners' were buying in his shop as opposed to the emerging 'Funk' sound. It was never of an exclusively rare scene. Mike

I can see that but I make a point of only going to venues that play music I would be happy to listen to at home. Sunday I was at the 'Horse & Groom' - last weekend Bilbao, next Saturday 'Just Soul' plus Soul Essence once a year. I don't think it needs a name, I just know - because of the people who run it and attend - that I will enjoy it and they will play music I love. The venues I have listed cannot be pigeon holed as 'Northern', 'Rare' (heaven forbid!), 'Crossover', 70's or whatever - they are simply 'Quality Soul'.

For me, there are either Soul records I like or Soul records I don't. Some are rare most are not. 'Northern Soul' and 'Rare Soul' mean nothing to me as neither are factors in the creative process of producing this wonderful music.

Yes fantastic playlists - stayed from 12 until 19:30 - that says it all. Special mention to guest Mark Houghton who played a first class set. It's a great way to spend a Sunday although I tend to drink a little too much when in the company of the Aycliffe lot - which I will be doing again next Saturday at Just Soul !!!!

Wonderful album - three brilliant tracks on it - like you, still play it to this day - give it a spin tomorrow Dave When most of these tracks were contemporaneous releases far more were played on the Northern scene than people care to admit now. There was far less naval gazing and more partying back then ! Tavares, Originals, Esther Phillips, George Benson - loads of them! Mike

These are pretty good Harry..... https://www.ebay.com/itm/25-LP-12-PVC-RECORD-SLEEVES-COVERS-GLASS-CLEAR-/200369319016?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:1123 Mike

Love the the bit about the only other known copy belongs to him too!!

Bettye Swann at Cleethorpes, the great Phillip Mitchell in Bilbao (what a wonderful show -fantastic venue, band and performance!) and now Debbie Taylor ! So in 2013 I will have heard performed live - 'Make Me Yours', 'There's Another In My Life' and 'I Don't Wanna Leave You' - three of my all-time favourites!

Indeed it is Steve - I love Bettye but 3 mins is just about right plus the 45 has the wonderful 'Time To Say goodbye' on the flip!

Has had spins at the likes of Soul Essence over the years - great record

Maybe because there are people you do use it to send friends or relatives gifts - whereas now it is abused by dealers and others demanding the buyer pay the premium and as such Paypal are not making as much money as they could/should. So like everything else it will be spoilt for everyone. I have never thought the charges excessive for making secure payments quickly and safely - it ain't a charity!

point them out to me in April will you Steve!

I only go to two weekenders - one of them is Soul Essence in Great Yarmouth, it has none of the above and I've been to last 20 or so and continue to go Sorry , I'm being a bit harsh - the sound system is very good

Very well said Dave!

Kev is dead right - he generally is. You should only have and play records you like and love - who cares if other people like them or not? My love has always been for black American Soul Music - the pleasure I get from them always transcends any so called scene for me. Mike