Sean Hampsey

I wish it were true Webby. Most people don't love the music deep down. Less than 5% ever 'really' listen at all - see Jocks post above referring to 'ears'. For most, its 'just a record', a melody, a 'tune' or something to dance to. They don't listen 'deeply' to what's going on in the music, the lyrics, the emotion, the vocal interplay. To many, its just background music to a good night out - which is all well and good, but I don't believe it has anything to do with real love of the art of Soul music. And I KNOW I'm right. Sea

Phillip Mitchell is the writer. His version above was taken from a complete album of his own compositions (writers demos). The demo was not originally released and the Staples is not an 'inferior' cover of that, by any stretch of the imagination. None of the other versions you refer to are worthy of consideration (IMO) when you have a real Soul gem such as the Staples readily available. Its like comparing a diamond with cubit zirconia or glass. No comparison on close examination. To be honest mate, you really couldn't have picked a worse tune to start making comparisons on. The Staples is a hallowed 100% Real Soul record. The 'covers' just don't measure up and never can. Sorry! Sean

Or maybe an average cover of a GREAT Soul record! You were the one who asked the question "Is this version better than Mavis Staples?" and I'm saying I don't think so! Got little tolerance for poor covers, Webby. It's desecration of the art mate. Sean

Shut it Webby. Fookin trouble causer.

That's cool. You don't have to agree with me. Go ahead and talk about it until you're blue in the face. And I didn't say it was shite. I simply said the 'I Love it All' approach leaves one open to any old shite. And, from my perspective, that is true. Sean

Not saying another word. What I've already said will resonate for a generation!

I'm with You and Jock all the way on this, Dave. There's a view sometimes that in order to be 'open minded' or 'enlightened' that somehow means you need to abandon good taste and calibre. Anyone who thinks any of these 'versions' are in the same league as the Staples must have there ears painted on and really needs to get 'enlightened' to what Soul Music really is! Have always felt its important to be receptive but also discerning. This 'I Love It All' approach held by some really means (to me at least) that they have no 'quality control' filter in the tastebuds - leaving you open to any old shite that comes along! The fact is, most dance records (Northern, Modern or whatever) are average or worse when it comes to Soulful content. These dire covers are just average 'Dance' Music and have no place on an authentic or credible Soul Music scene. Burn Baby Burn! Sean

Nice thread! I well remember taping 'The Motown Story' on my old fellas Reel to Reel, back when it was broadcast on the Radio. Must have been around 1970? Can't remember what station? Luxembourg perhaps? Long before Music Format mattered a jot, I absolutely treasured, lived and breathed that recording ... at least until I bought the vinyl boxed set. I recently stumbled across an old box of tapes that I'd built up around that time, so I went and bought a very nice AKAI 1710L to play them on. The sound was amazing, so warm and soulful and clear as a bell. Almost like being in the studio! Lovely format Reel to Reel. Bring it back I say! Sean

Not what he used to be! Sean

Passionate post mate. I have played "Don't Wait Too Long" out over many years. Very nice uptempo 'Philly' style dancer! Certainly would have more appeal to the traditional 'Northern' dancefloor than 'Do This World a Favour'. Sean

No mate. Neither were. Hope you're well Malc. Sean

Very sad news. Lost his battle with Cancer. He was only 58. Tremendous singer. RIP Ali Ollie Woodson. Sean

Hi Tony, Big round my neck of the woods I play it off a delicious Curtom 45. Sean

So very sorry to hear this. A Legendary Soul Music DJ. RIP Max. Sean

Yes Jim, but RBWWSF is on record as a 'tribute to the sound of Holland Dozier Holland' by songwriting team, Pierre Tubbs and J. Vincent Edwards. Also, by the time Billy Ocean recorded "Red Light Spells Danger" in '77 he'd already set the mould 18 months earlier with "Love Really Hurts Without You" so, again, I don't think the NS scene had any direct bearing or influence on that track either. Sean

No. Soul-Chef is spot on. "Goodbye" was not a 'Tailor made for the Northern Scene' tune. Nor were Maxine Nightingale "Right Back" & Billy O's "Red Light Spells Danger". They were 'Motown' inspired Pop records... and there's dozens of those. Sean

Laura Lee was the original recording. I have a 12" for sure (played it at Clifton Hall, as did Pat Brady) but pretty sure I don't have a 7" The Four Tops I have on a 7" with pic cover, bought as a new release. Both are inferior to the Dells (IMO). Sean

I have the Bobby Blands and the Junior Parkers from that series - but not the packaging & strips,. Sean

Hi Brett, Hope you're well mate. Which issue are you referring to? Black or Orange? Orange is later Reissue. Sean

Ian Clark has one for £20. https://www.thecoachhouse-norfolk.co.uk/ianclarkmusic/modernsoul3.html Lovely record! Sean

Hi Tony, It's actually 'Somebody' rather thsan 'Something' if you're looking for one online. A cheap one here that attracted no bids. https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NORTHERN-SOUL-45-WALES-WALLACE-SOMEBODY-KNOW-BRC-/330409847767 Sean

Popcorn worked with Gene Page on his ABC album, and Gene Pello was also at Motown, but both in LA. Gene Moore ex Funk Brother in Detroit? Gene Redd certainly was working with Barbara Mercer / Popcorn at that time. Herrrrrrmmmmm could end up with the whole Gene pool here! And so to bed! Sean

Nice one Andy. Made me smile that one. Anyone any thoughts on who Gene might be? Sean

Thanks Tony. It was buried deep, in the annals of my mind. Or something like that! Sean

Was always thought of as a UK only release I.e. No US copy. Cheers Sean