Sean Hampsey

Glad you liked it, Simon. Thank you for the kind words. For those who weren't there, Simon is referring to the 'At The Top Of The Stairs' do at the Blah Bar in Barnsley. It was one helluva night and Tats and I enjoyed it immensely. 4-5 hours playing to an incredible crowd of Real Soul music, lovers. My idea of heaven! For more of the same, Simon, you need to make Just Soul on Nov 20th a definite date in the Diary! Cheers Sean

Funny that. I was DeeJaying last night, at what can only be described as an extremely progressive venue, and some Wise Guy came and asked me, most insistently, for the Snake! When I told him I hadn't got it with me, he offered to lend me his own copy Bet you'd have had fun with him, Simon. Sean

Its murky water, for sure! As I've said before, on here, I think 'legitimate' vinyl (or legal format) is a much better approach... for two main reasons. 1) because we should never condone the promotion of illegitimate bootlegs 2) because the oVo approach, where, (to use Mark's earlier example) the owner of a Rouser copy of Frank Beverley would get prior 'play' over someone with only a humble Fairmount copy, is really all about oneupmanship and nothing to do with Music, legitimacy or legality. If I want to play my UK Capitol Alexander Patton, do I first need to check to see if anyone else wants to play their US copy (assuming they've got a 'proper' US copy ) because my copy is not the US 'original'?. I would say, of course not - its nonsense. After all, the scene was built on UK issues of US recordings. Jock makes a better point regarding 'fresh sounds'. We should all leave our Alexander Patton's and Frank Beverley's at home! Sean

mmmmmmmmmm... Am I right in thinking... Green copies read 'LaSawn' not 'LaShawn' Yellow copies read either 'LaSawn' or 'LaShawn' Red copies all read 'LaShawn' Blue copies all read 'LaShawn' La Sean Curious of Rotherham

Agree Pickett was the Master! But seeing as I love this other guy equally, how about a nomination for the late, great, Tyrone Davis, by flipping over "Turn Back the Hands Of Time" to experience the totally fabulous "I Keep Coming Back". Its blood churning, seriously chilling stuff and happens to be one of the finest double siders on this, or any other, planet (IMO)! Sean

For the record, Dave, my wallet was flung open with simple 'abandon'... ...but I can't speak for Arthur's Great release Dave. Took it to Tat's yesterday for a session. Was only the second thing I played him and I thought he was gonna pass out.... "Blooooody hell....... Is it rare?..... How much?..... I want one!" - its that good! Keep 'em coming mate! Sean

I have a beautiful Green & Silver Atlantic (Oz) copy! Wouldn't part with it for a Golden Chopper! Great tune. Sean

Yep - Reckon you were on my coach, a time or two, Ken! Never let you off with half fare though, mate. You were much taller than all the others! Sean

My favourite Station, Darren. Always ahead of the game! So just right for me & thee. Sean

Agreed Tats, that's why (next to you) Ady is the most envied guy in Soul Business! Can't wait for this to come out Ady. Triffic! Sean

Good call, Stevie! I played it out on Saturday @ The Modern Room, Notts. Fabulous release indeed, that deserves our full support! Hope you're well buddy. Poser Man

Yep, I think we were all wonderin' Sean

It was UK Columbia Andy, but a good day nonetheless! Sean

He was right on two counts then! Oh... and he's lurking right now!

Noooooooo he didn't. On our last Record hunting trip I forked out six times what he paid out. How was the night? I'd have bin there... but I had to stay in to wash me hair!

First BIG money purchase was when I paid Paid £15 for a lovely Red/White UK Demo of Garnett Mimms "Looking For You" in 1974. I was on an apprentice wage of £8 a week at the time! I well remember the expression on my mates faces as I handed over the cash. They all thought I was bleedin' mental. Never stopped since, but its been a long time since I paid 2 weeks wages for a record. Sean

Good shout! "Never Alone" is on the "Here To Stay" LP... which is home to the equally brilliant "Forgive Me"... ...Pure Class! Sean

Yep - I have the UK Stax copty too Jim. I first played it out in the early/mid 70's with little success (it didn't really fit the STOMP, STOMP mentality of the time for most people). It was early 80's at Clifton Hall before I started hammering it... and it caught fire! Superb record for sure and an ACE double sider! Sean

PS: Your last played clip (Bobby McClure) is one of mty faves too! Magnificent! Sean

It's been around a good while. Its on a Goldmine CD from some 10 (?) years ago. Various Artists-Groovesville Review Volume 2 - 25 Rare and Unreleased Heartstompers From The Vaults of Detroit GOLDMINE GCSD 87 Melvin actually wrote it. Great tune... and beautiful on a 45 by Darrell Banks. Sean

Mental bargain prices there Steve! Sean

Value of "Thrill" a M- copy on Bradys site at £100 right now. VG+............ probably £50 would be more realistic/about right but then one went on ebay for peanuts recently And no... YHMRWIHM was unreleased. Sean

Love it. In my box always. An incredible double sider! Love the term 'proper soul'. Few of us would understand it... and I applaud the passion you have for it. Also, I share your disdain for this 'so-called' RnB / Pseudo Rock / Garage Twangy White Pop wave that seems to be gaining popularity. Just a great post. Sean

Was it to Simon, Steve? He's always talking about it. Sean

Thorne Classic! Wonderful. Sean