very interesting article for an outsider who"s very limited knowledge and perception of a scene in decline is totally wrong.No mention of the growing international soul scene and the fact that is gathering real mommentum.I do agree with some of the points raised "I saw the dells and yes it was a dissapointment but how many northern fans have truely looked at their work in depth?
The insular nature of the British scene and egos of djs with an empasis on rarity,well f-k me your causing a sensation there,these very principles particulary the emphasis on turning over quality rare tunes have kept the scene fresh and evigorating ,as for the egos of djs well ofcourse but that has more to do with human failings then the UK soul scene,for every ego maniac dj there is genuine goodness ie take the gesture of lifeline to help Tommy Tate,real action to help out a fellow soul brother.
You main ommission is the friendship and support network buildup over 40 years or so the music overlapping into our lifes and fantastic freinships build,oh and the fun of it all as well,id say welcome to soul source and thanks for reigniting a debate which we have continually discussed on here and at nighters since the late seventies,id say your a little late in your observations perhaps 25 years,since when has the scene been equated to contempory record sales,it is a rare scene,an insular scene and a genre obsessed scene thats the point!
BAZ A